Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"Good Mobile Messaging 5.0, is a best-of-both-worlds tool that "gives IT everything they could ever want" in terms of centrally controlling any policy over remote devices, while "not impairing users' ability to get stuff done on the smartphone." To a large degree that means managing applications. The new software allows IT departments to require all devices to use mandatory applications, such as virus-protection software, and to ban the launch of blacklisted applications not meeting company guidelines. Good 5 also allows advanced password and encryption management and the temporary lockdown of possibly compromised devices -- rather than a complete shutdown and erase requiring the full reinstalling of software if the device is recovered."



Good has stepped things up a notch with their latest release, providing IT departments with more tools to manage the ever increasing mobile work force. I've never used Good Messaging - I did use the Good MP3 player for the Handspring Visor, but that was a long time ago, before Good found their true calling. ;) Anyone here use Good? How do you like it compared to Microsoft's Direct Push?

At this moment in London, England, HTC is officially unveiling the HTC Touch: a new device that represents a step forward in the way users interact with a Windows Mobile device. The full press release is below, but here are the highlights: the secret sauce is TouchFLO, a touch screen technology that allows easier finger-based navigation. The touch screens we have today can be used with fingers, so I'm slightly confused as to how this is different, but it can apparently differentiate between a finger and a stylus and respond differently. Sounds great on paper, but I have to see this for myself - and, thankfully, I will. HTC is delivering an HTC Touch to me on Wednesday, so stay tuned for my first impressions (I might even bust out the video for this one).[click image above for high-resolution version]The specifications for the device are as follows: it's based on the HTC Elf design, uses a 201 Mhz OMAP CPU, is 13.9mm thick, weighs 112 grams, and has an 1100 mAh battery for up to 200 hours of standby and 5 hours of talk time. It features 64 MB RAM/128 MB ROM, includes a free 1 GB microSD card, runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional (so it's a Pocket PC), and has a 2 megapixel CMOS camera. It will come in black and "Wasabi Green" - have you seen wasabi? It's a funky green, so I can't wait to see what the green version looks like! The black version is described as "elegant soft black" and I was told it will feature the same soft black rubber as the T-Mobile Dash."LONDON � June 5, 2007 � HTC Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; �HTC�), the world�s leading provider of Microsoft� Windows Mobile�-based smart devices, today announced the global launch of the HTC Touch�, a deceptively small and stylish mobile phone that ushers in an innovative new concept in intuitive touch screen navigation. The HTC Touch� brings a new level of simplicity to the powerful and function-rich device experience that today�s mobile consumers demand. Building on its rich ten year history of mobile phone innovations, the HTC Touch� represents extensive research and development and the conviction that fingertip control will enable more efficient, natural and intuitive touch screen navigation. The groundbreaking HTC Touch� offers a new and unique way of controlling touch screen-based devices by recognising and responding to the sweep of a finger across the screen. It is even intelligent enough to distinguish between finger and stylus input and then respond accordingly. �With the HTC Touch�, access to your most commonly used content, contacts and features is only a simple finger flick away,� said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. �Mobile phone makers have done a great job of cramming ever-more exciting features into ever-smaller phones. But the way in which one accesses these increasingly sophisticated features has not kept pace. That ends today with the HTC Touch.�Smart, stylish and versatile, the HTC Touch� brings together a wide variety of communication, entertainment and professional capabilities that enable mobile consumers to balance work and play. The new HTC-designed homescreen provides one-touch access to emails, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts, as well as current weather conditions and forecasts for hundreds of cities around the world. The HTC Touch is the first device to feature TouchFLO�, the new underlying touch screen technology developed by HTC. Consumers simply sweep their finger up the display to launch an animated, three-dimensional interface comprising three screens: Contacts, Media and Applications. The interface can be spun by swiping a finger right or left across the display, providing efficient access to the features consumers use most. TouchFLO� also enhances finger touch scrolling and browsing of Web pages, documents, messages and contact lists.Leveraging the broad functionality of Windows Mobile 6 Professional, the HTC Touch� includes Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, Windows Live and the capabilities to run thousands of third-party applications. Users can surf the web with Internet Explorer�, send and receive emails, chat on Messenger and send files to their own web space through Windows Live�. Other HTC Touch� details include:� Dimensions: 99.9mm (L) x 58mm (W) x 13.9mm (T)� Weight: 112g with battery� 1GB microSD storage card included / 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM� 2.8�� LCD touch screen with backlight, 240 x 320 dots resolution with 65,536 colours� Battery Life: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1100 mAh� Standby time: Up to 200 / Talk time: Up to 5 hours� Camera: 2.0 mega-pixel CMOS colour camera� Windows Mobile 6 Professional with Direct Push Email and HTML email support� Wireless Connectivity: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Tri-band: 900, 1800,1900, Wi-Fi�: IEEE 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth� 2.0� Choice of two colors at launch - elegant soft black or alluring wasabi greenAvailabilityThe HTC Touch� is now available in the United Kingdom and will be released later this month in Asia and throughout Europe. The North and Latin American version of the HTC Touch� will be available in the second half of 2007. "

"Windows Mobile 6 is finding a new home in some of the new PDA Phones sold by SoftBank, for example the X02HT (Smartphone) coming with a 2.4 inches screen, 2MPix, Wifi b/g, Bluetooth, GSM, W-CDMA and 120g in your pocket but also the X01T made by Toshiba featuring: HSDPA, W-CDMA, GSM, Bluetooth, 3 inches VGA screen, Wifi B/G, 2Mpix and 198g."



The specs on these devices are pretty nice, but it's the colors that have me orange with envy. I want to see more colorful devices like this. Sure, i-mate has the SPL line, but the different colors have yet to make it over this side of the ocean. Even if they do, it's only a TriBand phone. I don't expect the SoftBank devices to be any different when it comes to availability in North America. :( I think it's time to buy a can of spray paint and a replacement shell for my BlackJack. Then it could be called a RedJack or GreenJack. 8)

"Motorola, Inc. today introduced two new MOTO Q products: the MOTO Q 8, the GSM version of the original award-winning CDMA-based MOTO Q, as well as the flagship, lightening-fast global quad-band 3G QWERTY, MOTO Q 9, which is available in Italy this week. The MOTO Q 9, based on the Windows Mobile 6� operating system, couples a new sleek form factor with a dual-processor HSDPA/UMTS engine, enabling broadband-like over-the-air downloads at up to 3.6Mbps1. Consumers will be able to download their favorite music tracks directly onto the Q 9 in approximately six seconds without having to touch a computer."



Moto sure managed to keep the Q 8 all hush-hush. I wonder why? It's not like it's the star here. The Q 9 is clearly the focus of the press release and everyone's attention. So why leak the 9 early and keep the 8 quiet? :? Anyway, the Q 9 will be available in Italy this week and launching in other locations over the coming months. No word on the Q 8 and when it will be available.

Update: I've added a picture of the two new Moto Q devices. I got it from the Moto Launch site. There are plenty of high res pictures there - if you can navigate past the slowness of the site. ;)

"Also today, Dopod announces the launch of the C500 Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone, also known as HTC Vox and already on sale in Europe as Orange SPV E650. The Smartphone's breathtaking design includes its 12-numeric keypad and a semi-auto sliding QWERTY keyboard, which not only allows you to key in messages with minimal effort but also fits your style and preferences. In addition, the C500 features quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.0. Also featured is a 2 megapixel camera for photos and videos; UMTS or even HSDPA is left."



I wish this Windows Mobile 6 device would launch here in the US. Dopod is launching the C500 also known as the HTC Vox. I think this device is going to sell like hotcakes. From what I've seen the screen looks gorgeous. I am perfectly happy with my Dash and the C500 (Vox) doesn't add enough new features to make me want to switch but I do like the style of this phone. So where do you fit in? Are you going to buy one? Are you content with what you already have? Or, are you waiting for something else down the road? Let us know!

"As expected, today Dopod has announced it's C730 Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone - also known as longtime delayed HTC Cavalier. This sleek Smartphone is built to empower users who crave power and connectivity. Operated by a powerful 400 MHz processor, the C730 keeps you connected easily with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and 3.5G HSDPA. Measuring only 13.5 mm, this slim device has a built-in high speed 802.11 b/g WiFi connection, while supporting quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA UMTS/HSDPA. The C730 is also equipped with a 5-way navigational button, 3-way smart jog bar and full QWERTY keypad, guaranteeing you seamless navigation, convenient scrolling and easy input for messaging, sending and receiving E-Mails as well as chatting on MSN/Live Messenger. ... Available from early June, the C730 will retail in Singapore at a suggested price of S$ 898/US$ 590/435 Euro. Further APAC availability wasn't announced so far."



Dopod has officially announced the much awaited update to the HTC Excalibur. The HTC Cavalier features 3.5G HSDPA which is the biggest shortcoming of the Excalibur, marketed as the T-Mobile Dash and HTC S620. Dopod seems to the first and the only vendor to have announced the availability of the Cavalier. No carrier has announced its plans to pick up this Windows Mobile Standard edition device. Folks who will buy this device will also receive the BlackBerry Connect software. I believe this is the first HTC device to carry this software. So are you waiting for this smartphone to become available in the stores online?

"Apple has the iPhone, Microsoft has the ... oFone? No, not really, but the company clearly put a lot of effort into a spoof video depicting such a phone -- a fold-out device with circular text display and variable number placement, depending on user preference. It also doubles as a boomerang. Microsoft showed the video during a keynote address by Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, at the company's Mobile and Embedded Developer Conference this morning. Some current and former Windows Mobile team members make appearances in the spoof."



The O-Phone puts the HTC Vox design to shame. This was not mentioned in the article but according to our sources the O-Phone not only entertains the mobile user as a boomerang, but the boomerang action charges the handset's battery as well. :lol: Robbie Bach introduced this fictional multi-talented smart phone during the MEDC 2007 keynote speech, during which he talked about "connected experiences" and gave various real/practical demonstrations. You can catch the MEDC 2007 highlights and action over here. If you are currently at the MEDC then we would like to hear from you; drop us a note with your views and comments.

"Not sure why someone want to run any other BlackBerry applications than BlackBerry connect on Windows Mobile but in any case, Research In Motion (RIM) today announced plans to expand its support for Windows Mobile-based devices with a new software application suite that will enable devices from third-party manufacturers to benefit from the popular BlackBerry software applications and services. RIM plans to begin offering the new software application suite later this year for select devices based on Windows Mobile 6 (only). Once installed, the software will provide users with a virtual BlackBerry application experience, including support for BlackBerry E-Mail, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform."

Well now, this is an interesting move by RIM. Could they be concerned about losing market share to Windows Mobile? Or maybe they feel that giving people the ability to run BlackBerry application on a Windows Mobile device will help sell more BlackBerry's? As Arne said, I can see using BlackBerry connect but why would I want to run the other application when I already have those in my Windows Mobile device? Anyone BlackBerry users here that would like to explain that to me? Is there something special that we're missing?

You can read the full press release over on RIM's web site

"The Nokia E61w is designed in the familiar style of today's most popular mobile email devices. Yet it is incredibly slim and packed with powerful new functionality. A cinch to use with either hand, the device has a four-way joystick and full keyboard combined with a wide 16 million color screen making mobile email easier than ever before. The E61w will support Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, Mobile Internet Explorer, along with seamless and encrypted mobile connectivity using Windows Mobile 6 Standard."



Wow, I don't know how we missed this news in all the other announcements that came out of CTIA last week. It appears Nokia has taken the popular E61 and are turning out a Windows Mobile version of it. Sounds very similiar to what Palm did with the Treo line of phones. It will be interesting to see what traction a device like this would have in the enterprise. Can Nokia actually offer a better Smartphone than the BlackJack, Q, or Dash?

"At GDC today, AMD announced a suite of tools for developing handheld gaming content for the company's next-generation mobile graphics parts. The suite includes Rendermonkey 1.7, a shader tool that will let game developers write graphics code for a range of devices that support the OpenVG 1.0, OpenGL 2.0, and Unified Shader Architecture technologies. ATI's Unified Shader Architecture in particular is one of the main selling points of the Xbox 360, and AMD will offer support for unified shaders on its next generation of mobile parts...The Imageon processor line, announced by AMD last month, is essentially a "GPU" for mobile devices. Imageon is more flexible than a desktop GPU, of course, since with a mobile device you want to save on cost and battery life by cramming as much of the phone onto one piece of silicon as you possibly can. So Imageon has support for 3D and 2D graphics, audio processing, digital still and video cameras, TV out, video recording with image stabilization, video transcoding, and various other multimedia features. All of this stuff is on a single chip that's separate from the phone's radio chip, so that the handset maker can upgrade to a new version of Imageon without having to go through the process of FCC qualification each time they add features."



We haven't seen a Windows Mobile device with an Imageon processor yet, but we can always hope. If the power requirements could be kept under control, a GPU could really help boost media processing on the device that's now currently done by the CPU - and we all know that once we start playing a game that uses up 100% of our CPU, battery life goes into the toilet along with overall device performance (your device will check email and the game will sputter). Before we see the software though, we need the hardware - developers need a platform with which to sell their wares. I wonder if we'll see any Windows Mobile devices with an Imageon processor out this year? i-Mate's Ultimate line would have seemed to be a good fit for something like this.

"Windows Live for Windows Mobile will provide customers with a rich set of Windows Live services, including Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Live Search and Windows Live Spaces, uniquely designed to work with Windows Mobile software. Windows Mobile powered devices, with their advanced software, processing power and memory, make ideal platforms for the delivery of Windows Live services. Windows Live for Windows Mobile offers one of the first industry examples of a single integrated and presence-enabled contact list on a mobile device. One consolidated list provides customers with easy access to all their Windows Live, Microsoft Office Outlook� and other contacts, as well as relevant presence information."



I'm starting to get confused by all the Live names floating around. :? However, I really like what Microsoft has done with Windows Live on Windows Mobile. When this ships, you'll get Live Messenger, Live Mail (Hotmail), Live Search, and Live Spaces all in one application. Messenger is by far the best part of this tool, in my opinion. You can display your contacts by groups and it even supports sending Voice Clips. It's taken a tool that I almost never used on my phone and made it something that I leave on all the time. :mrgreen: It's my understanding that this will be included on Windows Mobile 6 devices and it will be updated directly by Mircosoft. So there's no worry about the operator leaving you in the dust.

"Web Information Solutions, Inc., is announcing its full support for Windows Mobile 6 today. Web Information Solutions� products include the award-winning and top-tier Pocket Informant 2007 Rev 3, FlexMail 2007 Rev 2, FlexWallet 2006, and VoiceMinder 1.6 all have been adapted to work especially well on Windows Mobile 6 devices - as well as current Windows Mobile 2003 and 5 devices. Furthermore, WebIS is announcing that its upcoming FlexMail 2007 Rev 2 release will not only bring some of Windows Mobile 6 Messaging features to Windows Mobile 2003 and 5 users such as full HTML email support and keyboard shortcuts, but will massively improve upon the Windows Mobile 6 messaging with full folder search, a refreshed interface, full two way IMAP IDLE support, a new Account template feature for common email ISPs and much more. In addition its upcoming Pocket Informant 2007 Rev 3 release will also include a new Today plugin, Contacts Search improvements that go beyond Windows Mobile 6, Timed Category Filters, and many redesigned user interface features to match and work with Windows Mobile 6."



WebIS, the makers of fine software applications like Pocket Informant and Flex Wallet, are announcing full support for Windows Mobile 6. Wish there were more details about the Smartphone related updates in this press release.

"Microsoft Corp. today unveiled Windows Mobile� 6, the newest version of its mobile software platform. By improving usability and adding support for Microsoft� Office features previously available only on PCs, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 delivers to the small screen a familiar and rich experience that meets the needs of work and life while on the go, all with a single device. �A work force that is both mobile and connected is becoming essential for business success,� said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. �That�s why we�re integrating innovative mobile technologies into all our key products, with Windows Mobile as the centerpiece.� Windows Mobile 6 delivers the ability to view e-mails in their original rich HTML format with live links to Web and SharePoint� sites, which means text and images are displayed as they would be on a PC, and are available from a corporate e-mail server such as Exchange Server 2007, from Web-based accounts such as Windows Live� Hotmail or from a myriad of other popular service providers. Windows Mobile 6 also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides customers with a rich set of Windows Live services. For example, now through Windows Live Messenger, people can chat with more than one person at one time, express themselves through animated figures, quickly send a file or image, or record and send voice notes."



Even though Windows Mobile 6 was sort of announced officially last week, it is now really official. Microsoft has released the mandatory press release to make things official and here is the best part - "And in the United States, the popular T-Mobile Dash will be updated with Windows Mobile 6 and be available in the coming months. Current T-Mobile Dash owners will also be able to upgrade existing devices with Windows Mobile 5.0 to Windows Mobile 6." It's party time for the Dash users. :mrgreen: Read about the press release over here and check out the new Windows Mobile 6 Web site over here.

"Study results show that customers who interact with a customer service representative on the phone report better experiences than those contacting the carrier through an automated system. Contacting the carrier via the Internet or email was rated least favorable by customers."

No surprise here. Who enjoys talking with those automated systems and email support can be painfully slow. Once again, T-Mobile ranked highest when it came to customer care - I can't tell you how many T-Mo customers tell me how much they like their carrier. And to underscore just how important customer care is, J.D. Power found that half of all wireless users have needed to contact customer care within the last year. So it just makes sense to treat the customer nicely. :)

"The maker of Slingbox, a device that lets people watch their home television on laptops away from home, now plans to reverse that flow and bring Web video to television sets. Sling Media Inc. will unveil its upcoming SlingCatcher product at the International Consumer Electronics Show, joining a growing group of companies that aim to bring Web content into the living room. The SlingCatcher will be available in the middle of the year. The price has not been set but will be under $200, said Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of the San Mateo, Calif.-based company. The new set-top box, which will echo the trapezoidal shapes of its Slingbox cousins, will send multimedia content of any format from the Web to a TV, whether it's a slideshow from a photo-sharing site, clips from a video sharing site, or films downloaded from an online movie service."

I don't know how many people are looking to take content from their computer and stream it to their TV. With DVD players coming way down in price, I can't see people spending a $100 to use their laptops DVD player to feed to the TV. On the plus side, later this year Sling will be releasing an update to the software that would allow you to catch streams from a SlingBox. Which is pretty cool. Although, I still can't come up with many situations where you would need such a setup. Either way, it's pretty cool technology. :)

"Today Cingular announced that it has 3G data coverage in more than 160 markets in the US. We personally ran into this bit of good news the other day while testing a Cingular 8525 in our location outside of Philadelphia. We had expected to be making a trip to New York City to test out the 8525's 3G data capabilities, but were pleasantly surprised when the 'U' (as in UMTS) marker showed up on the phone's status line."

I remember when Cingular only had 3G coverage in 17 markets! It is amazing how quickly companies such as Cingular can implement technology such as this all across the country in such record times. Now if only T-Mobile would stop screwing around and hop on the 3G bandwagon. ;)

"The Proporta i-mate Smartflip Series Alu-Leather Case is beautifully hand crafted to meet the exact specifications of your i-mate Smartflip handheld. It features our trademark �Screen Saver System� which uses a sheet of rigid, lightweight aircraft grade aluminium to line the case, protecting your delicate device screen from crushing and impact shocks."



I couldn't see any other pictures of this case but it looks pretty decent from this angle. I'm not very big on cases myself, especially on a flip phone.

"Say hello to YouTube for mobiles. Movidity announced movy.tv, the world's first mobile video sharing site. Streaming of on-demand media will be made available to compatible mobile devices across the globe through the website."



Now we can all watch the blind folded pianist on the go! :lol:

We just got our hands on the press release from Cingular for the hot new Samsung i607 Smartphone. This is the BlackJack that we've heard and seen so much about over the last couple months. As expected, it will be a 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. You should be able to pick one up on November 16th (yes, just a couple days from now) for $199 with a contract. For those of you that are interested, the full press release can be found below. It looks like a winner to me! So, who else is going to buy one? "CINGULAR, SAMSUNG HAVE ACE IN HANDWITH LAUNCH OF NEW BLACKJACK� SMART DEVICE New Cingular Exclusive Offers Ultra-Thin Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart Device With Fully Integrated QWERTY Keyboard in Sleek 3G-powered Form FactorAnd for those Entertainment Enthusiasts, BlackJack also offers Access to Cingular Music � the Ultimate Mobile Music ExperienceAtlanta, Dallas and Redmond, Wash. � November 13, 2006 � Cingular Wireless, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the BlackJack�*, a robust, slim smart device packed with the power and functionality desired by business customers and consumers alike. With the BlackJack� customers can get rich entertainment features, powerful business applications and the familiar look and feel of Windows Mobile� 5.0, turbo-charged by Cingular�s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service in an ultra sleek design.The stylish and compact BlackJack� will be available exclusively from Cingular in the U.S. in mid-November for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan). This ultra-thin 3G device features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard with a large high-resolution QVGA color screen.Built to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user, BlackJackTM includes a bevy of cutting edge features:� MP3 player and access to Cingular MusicTM, the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier, including access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!� Cingular Video - Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service featuring exclusive content such as HBO� High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer� Mobile optimized for Cingular�s 3G and EDGE networks� 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities� Stereo Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support� QWERTY keyboard for fast email and textingIn addition, the BlackJack� provides users easy wireless access to business and personal email accounts through such solutions as Good Mobile Messaging, Microsoft� direct push technology with Outlook� Mobile and Cingular Xpress Mail. The BlackJack� also offers over-the-air synchronization of calendar, contact and to-do lists and access to enterprise applications.�The BlackJack is a winner,� said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. �The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers.�"Blackjack is a true converged product that serves voice and data needs with strengths in multimedia and organization satisfying today's on-the-go consumer," said Kitae Lee, president, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business. "Samsung is excited to be working with Cingular and Microsoft to bring the Blackjack to the US market.FAMILIARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DESKTOP, MINUS THE DESKTOP With Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Cingular BlackJack users have access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such as Windows Media� Player 10 Mobile, Internet Explorer� Mobile and Outlook� Mobile.�Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with BlackJack,� said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. �It shows how far we have come in our efforts to make Windows Mobile truly easy to use. For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will be the bridge between work and play.�The BlackJack� also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which provides support for Microsoft direct push technology to keep e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts always up-to-date, as well as security features such as remote device wipe and rich-security encryption features.ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThe BlackJack� offers users a host of entertainment options from listening to music to viewing video clips to browsing the Internet or shopping at Cingular�s MEdia Mall for ringtones, games and graphics. The BlackJack also includes access to Cingular�s latest, exciting entertainment? offering, Cingular Music � an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers �your music, your way� by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Satellite Radio, which comes pre-loaded on the device. BlackJack users can easily access and enjoy 25 commercial-free music channels from XM Satellite Radio through the XM Radio Mobile service.With Cingular Music, the new BlackJack? connects users to a one-stop shop for everything music on the handset, such as full-track songs, music videos, ringtones, music news, MusicID, music chat rooms, streaming music and more. Cingular is the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from leading online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.For the visually oriented, the BlackJack� will feature Cingular VideoTM, Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service. With Cingular VideoTM, users can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including such hit HBO programs as �The Sopranos,� �Entourage,� �Sex and The City,� and �Curb Your Enthusiasm.�With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities, 1.3 mega pixel digital camera that can record video and a full media experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, customers can stay entertained with the BlackJack� while on the go. It also includes a speakerphone and features Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support to enjoy music wirelessly.Cingular customers who use the BlackJack� can take the 3G-powered Cingular BroadbandConnect experience with them using the largest national wireless data network and get 3G performance in more than 130 markets in the U.S. surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. They also can use the BlackJackTM seamlessly outside of BroadbandConnect coverage areas via Cingular�s nationwide* EDGE wireless data network as well as overseas in more than 115 countries.AVAILABILITY AND PRICINGThe BlackJack� will be available November 16, 2006 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan and an unlimited data plan. Customers can purchase the device in select Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, from select dealers and national retailers, on http://www.cingular.com and through Cingular�s B2B direct sales team.*Model Number: SGH-i607"

We just got our hands on the press release from Cingular for the hot new Samsung i607 Smartphone. This is the BlackJack that we've heard and seen so much about over the last couple months. As expected, it will be a 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. You should be able to pick one up on November 16th (yes, just a couple days from now) for $199 with a contract. For those of you that are interested, the full press release can be found below. It looks like a winner to me! So, who else is going to buy one? "CINGULAR, SAMSUNG HAVE ACE IN HANDWITH LAUNCH OF NEW BLACKJACK� SMART DEVICE New Cingular Exclusive Offers Ultra-Thin Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart Device With Fully Integrated QWERTY Keyboard in Sleek 3G-powered Form FactorAnd for those Entertainment Enthusiasts, BlackJack also offers Access to Cingular Music � the Ultimate Mobile Music ExperienceAtlanta, Dallas and Redmond, Wash. � November 13, 2006 � Cingular Wireless, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the BlackJack�*, a robust, slim smart device packed with the power and functionality desired by business customers and consumers alike. With the BlackJack� customers can get rich entertainment features, powerful business applications and the familiar look and feel of Windows Mobile� 5.0, turbo-charged by Cingular�s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service in an ultra sleek design.The stylish and compact BlackJack� will be available exclusively from Cingular in the U.S. in mid-November for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan). This ultra-thin 3G device features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard with a large high-resolution QVGA color screen.Built to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user, BlackJackTM includes a bevy of cutting edge features:� MP3 player and access to Cingular MusicTM, the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier, including access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!� Cingular Video - Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service featuring exclusive content such as HBO� High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer� Mobile optimized for Cingular�s 3G and EDGE networks� 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities� Stereo Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support� QWERTY keyboard for fast email and textingIn addition, the BlackJack� provides users easy wireless access to business and personal email accounts through such solutions as Good Mobile Messaging, Microsoft� direct push technology with Outlook� Mobile and Cingular Xpress Mail. The BlackJack� also offers over-the-air synchronization of calendar, contact and to-do lists and access to enterprise applications.�The BlackJack is a winner,� said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. �The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers.�"Blackjack is a true converged product that serves voice and data needs with strengths in multimedia and organization satisfying today's on-the-go consumer," said Kitae Lee, president, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business. "Samsung is excited to be working with Cingular and Microsoft to bring the Blackjack to the US market.FAMILIARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DESKTOP, MINUS THE DESKTOP With Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Cingular BlackJack users have access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such as Windows Media� Player 10 Mobile, Internet Explorer� Mobile and Outlook� Mobile.�Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with BlackJack,� said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. �It shows how far we have come in our efforts to make Windows Mobile truly easy to use. For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will be the bridge between work and play.�The BlackJack� also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which provides support for Microsoft direct push technology to keep e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts always up-to-date, as well as security features such as remote device wipe and rich-security encryption features.ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThe BlackJack� offers users a host of entertainment options from listening to music to viewing video clips to browsing the Internet or shopping at Cingular�s MEdia Mall for ringtones, games and graphics. The BlackJack also includes access to Cingular�s latest, exciting entertainment? offering, Cingular Music � an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers �your music, your way� by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Satellite Radio, which comes pre-loaded on the device. BlackJack users can easily access and enjoy 25 commercial-free music channels from XM Satellite Radio through the XM Radio Mobile service.With Cingular Music, the new BlackJack? connects users to a one-stop shop for everything music on the handset, such as full-track songs, music videos, ringtones, music news, MusicID, music chat rooms, streaming music and more. Cingular is the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from leading online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.For the visually oriented, the BlackJack� will feature Cingular VideoTM, Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service. With Cingular VideoTM, users can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including such hit HBO programs as �The Sopranos,� �Entourage,� �Sex and The City,� and �Curb Your Enthusiasm.�With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities, 1.3 mega pixel digital camera that can record video and a full media experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, customers can stay entertained with the BlackJack� while on the go. It also includes a speakerphone and features Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support to enjoy music wirelessly.Cingular customers who use the BlackJack� can take the 3G-powered Cingular BroadbandConnect experience with them using the largest national wireless data network and get 3G performance in more than 130 markets in the U.S. surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. They also can use the BlackJackTM seamlessly outside of BroadbandConnect coverage areas via Cingular�s nationwide* EDGE wireless data network as well as overseas in more than 115 countries.AVAILABILITY AND PRICINGThe BlackJack� will be available November 16, 2006 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan and an unlimited data plan. Customers can purchase the device in select Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, from select dealers and national retailers, on http://www.cingular.com and through Cingular�s B2B direct sales team.*Model Number: SGH-i607"