Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"Put simply, our hats go off to Novatel and Verizon on this one. The MiFi is drop-dead awesome in basically every meaningful way, and we'd be shocked if every top-tier carrier in the world wasn't actively looking into adding it -- or a device very similar to it -- into their lineup. Unless you have a very specific, compelling reason that you require an ExpressCard or a USB stick style modem, the MiFi's simplicity, flexibility, tethering capability, and no-compromise performance make it the way to go for your mobile data needs."

Engadget has reviewed the new MiFi 2200 wireless router for use on the Verizon network. This little credit card sized device may be the perfect companion for some of you when you need WiFi access and there isn't a Starbucks to be found.

"In-house development delays are putting a stealth Microsoft-Verizon smartphone project in danger of collapse, Channelweb.com has learned. Microsoft and Verizon Wireless have reportedly been working on a Microsoft-branded touch-screen smartphone that Verizon could launch on its network as early as next year. The smartphone, code-named Pink, would consist of Microsoft software running on a third-party device, according to sources familiar with the project. However, Microsoft has encountered major setbacks that have affected its schedule for bringing Pink to market, sources said."

I lost count of the number of rumours and points of speculation in this article, but it would seem there's something to this given the sheer number of rumours strung together. The question is, though, is whether this is a Windows Mobile device. What if it's a Danger Sidekick running a bunch of Windows Live software? It's hard to say given how much rampant speculation there is in this article. What's not speculation though is that Windows Mobile 6.5 devices are still not here yet, and Windows Mobile 7 is even further out. Has anyone else noticed that Windows Mobile isn't even mentioned in many of the articles talking about the major players in the mobile space? Microsoft sold north of 15 million licenses world-wide last year, yet somehow they're not considered a serious player in the market.

This is an instant classic - looks like Verizon reps need to go back to school. It's staggering how little math the average person knows; many of us do very little math day to day, so even the most basic understanding of mathematics atrophies over the years. I know I fall into that category, and my math skills weren't that good to begin with. ;-) Have a great weekend everyone!

"This has been rumored to be coming but VZW E dropped the bomb on us all by leaking a Verizon Wireless document detailing some drastic changes to Verizon’s data plans. Starting November 14th, 2008, all new PDA / Smartphones will require a $29.99/month or greater data plan. Gone are the pay as you go data plans, 1X data block plans and the 10 MB $24.99/month plans."

The good news is though, if you are on any of those plans now, you can keep them until you switch out your phone, at which point you'll be required to move to the one of the more expensive plans. That is one of the advantages of the GSM phone with a SIM chip. You can swap out phones without the carrier being able to do this to you. If you are on Verizon, are you on one of the more inexpensive plans?

"Man, Motorola just can’t keep a lid on anything anymore can they? We’ve got a hold of a phone codenamed the “Napolean” and it’s a CDMA EV-DO Rev. A Q9 with full GSM world roaming capabilities. This even includes the U.S. 850MHz/1900MHz bands! Even though it’s Verizon branded and will launch on Verizon, we loaded in our AT&T SIM and away we went. We’ve found the following specs on the phone so far: fingerprint scanner (seriously, on the back), Windows Mobile 6.1, EV-DO Rev. A, quad-band EDGE, 2 megapixel camera with flash, stereo speakers, 320×240 resolution screen, Wi-Fi, and a 1500mAh battery. The keyboard isn’t as good as the first Q9 or Q9m, and the d-pad is incredibly stiff and difficult to use. Sound sounded good though, and the screen seems to be the same as the original Q9s. We’ll keep diggin’, but in the meantime, take a look at a gallery, ok?"

Motorola is set to release an interesting new Q9h variant on Verizon's CDMA network. As you read above this new handset will come equipped with a finger print scanner, which is cool no matter which gadget it is placed in! While it is always great to see a new Windows Mobile Standard device on the market I am severally disappointed to see yet another Q9h clone from Motorola! I mean seriously, how many different models of the same device do we need?!

Would it really be that much more difficult or expensive to just place the insides in a brand spanking new shell to at least give us the impression that they put some effort into this new handset? Maybe I'm just over reacting but it is a bit frustrating to see Motorola pulling the same yawn worthy stunt with their model Q handsets as they did the RAZR. Someone should seriously sit the board of directors of Motorola down and force them to watch Multiplicity so they can finally understand that popping out sub-par clones of the same product, while amusing, isn't always a good thing.

"MetroPCS may not have the largest wireless footprint in the States, but they did take a jab at the larger two CDMA carriers by announcing their intention to take on any Verizon and Sprint customers ready to jump ship -- as well as any "compatible" devices they may want to bring along with them. Sprint already supposedly does this (although we've still yet to hear of it actually really happening), but the specifics of MetroPCS's MetroFlash seem equally unclear. It doesn't sound like they'll reprogram just any CDMA device that walks through their doors, though, just the ones they've had a chance to test on their network. Definitely kills the buzz (and the number of devices that can be ported), but a little open is still kind of better than totally closed, right?"

One of the things that have always annoyed be of CDMA devices and carriers is the almost non-existence of openness between them. With my GSM/HSDPA handset I can pop in a SIM card from almost any other GSM network and be up and running with a snap of my fingers. This is something that is almost impossible to do on CDMA networks… heck even switching your current device on the same CDMA network is a hassle. While I give MetroPCS a pat on the back by trying to stand apart from the crowd is it really enough? What benefit is there to being open when the whole process of enabling the handset on the network is so ridiculously cumbersome?

"Basking Ridge, NJ -- Verizon Wireless announced the MOTO Q(TM) 9c will be available in the company's online store and in Verizon Wireless business sales channels on May 9. Customers will be able to purchase the newest member of Verizon Wireless' MOTO Q family at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, in the coming weeks. The MOTO Q 9c is the perfect smartphone for business professionals and offers powerful capabilities, including access to more than 14 million points of interest with Verizon Wireless' popular VZ NavigatorSM service."



The Motorola MOTO Q9c has officially launched on Verizons network. This QVGA landscape device comes equipped with Windows Mobile 6 Standard, 1.3MP camera with flash, 128MB of on-board memory, A2DP Stereo Bluetooth profile, QWERTY keyboard, and Documents To Go in place of Office Mobile. The MOTO Q 9c will be available for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement.

"Verizon Wireless today revealed its spring lineup of smartphones and messaging phones...

• XV6900: Verizon's version of the HTC Touch. Available in April.
• Motorola Q9c: Similar to the Q9m, but with more business-friendly styling, plus support for location-based services. Available in April."

There's also a new Blackberry and a LG device. These two aren't exactly new or revolutionary, but it's good to see Verizon is finally carrying them, only a few months after everyone else. ;) If you're curious as to what the Touch will look like on Verizon, Engadget's got pics of both it and the Touch Dual. As they put it, the front is "bleached". What do you think of the look?

"Win or lose, all the bidders wrapped up in the so-called Auction 73 for precious spectrum in the 700MHz band are still under tight FCC-imposed gag orders in an effort to stem any funny business, but it looks like they're at least ready to come out and dip their toes into the PR waters. Verizon, the biggest winner having claimed the big, wide Block C prize, says that it's "pleased with [its] auction results"... and that they're now better positioned to lead the way with new services and devices. Meanwhile, AT&T seems happy with its purchase, too -- but then again, it's not like any of these companies would be issuing immediate statements expressing buyer's remorse, we guess."



Verizon and AT&T both made out like bandits in the recent FCC spectrum auction. As noted above, Verizon came out on top with the coveted C Block and following behind with nothing but smiles was AT&T, which completed successful bids for the B Block. Along with AT&T's recent purchase of Aloha Partners, the largest owner of the 700MHz spectrum, AT&T can now boast that it covers over 95% of the U.S. population! The real winner of this auction though is Google. Even though Google did not come out of this auction with a pocket full of spectrum, it is safe to assume they accomplished exactly what they set out to do - force the bids high enough to ensure that the 700Mhz spectrum will be open to all devices, as well as keep over $4.6 billion dollars in the bank, and in their shareholders’ pockets.

"Motorola has issued a new firmware update for the Motorola Q9m. The update is not detected by the standard version of Motorola Software Update. Users must go to the MSU web site (Motorola Software Update), and select the Verizon Q9m from the list of available phones. A special version of MSU for the Q9m will download and install. The Q9m update upgrades the Windows Mobile 6 version from AKU 0.2 (which shipped initially) to AKU 0.6. The updated radio firmware version stands at 03.20.29P."


[Photo courtesy of PhoneNews.com]

There really wasn't much said on this upgrade besides the Motorola Q9m being upgraded from Windows Mobile 6 AKU 0.2 to AKU 0.6. If any of our users do own this handset and happened to apply the firmware update, let us know. I would love to hear if this software update is anything worth taking the time to reinstall of your handsets software and reconfigure all of your email accounts.

"QoreFunctions, makers of the popular PushEffect application for Windows Mobile SmartPhones is pleased to announce the immediate availability of LEDAlerts - Custom LED notifications for your Windows Mobile 6 SmartPhone!"



QoreFunctions LEDAlerts is a pretty cool application that allows you to put those lazy LED lights to good use. With LEDAlerts you can activate your device's LEDs for missed calls and missed reminders as well as new voice mail messages, email messages, SMS messages, and MMS messages. As I said, pretty cool application... unfortunately the only device that is on the market that would make this a useful application is the Samsung Blackjack II which has a ridiculous 7 different color LED lights! Who knew?!

Don't be discouraged though, LEDAlerts is also compatible with the HTC S730, Verizon SMT5800, T-Mobile Dash/S620 though these handsets only have one LED light available for use. You can purchase LEDAlerts from QoreFunctions' website for $12.95USD

"This past Tuesday, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent on "a mobile entertainment and communication device." Reading the patent, you realize it describes the quite common smartphone. It's a patent for a mobile phone with removable storage, an internet connection, a camera and the ability to download audio or video files. The patent holding firm who has the rights to this patent wasted no time at all. At 12:01am Tuesday morning, it filed three separate lawsuits against just about everyone you can think of, including Apple, Nokia, RIM, Sprint, AT&T, HP, Motorola, Helio, HTC, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcomm, Samsung and a bunch of others. Amusingly, the company actually first filed the lawsuits on Monday, but realized it was jumping the gun and pulled them, only to refile just past the stroke of midnight."



I am so angry right now I can barely type. Do they just award patents to anyone nowadays?! You would think that after the whole three ring circus that occurred with Research In Motion, that the guys and gals over in the patent office might have sat down and had a meeting and realized that it just isn't a good idea to start handing out patents like they were pennies at old lady Miller's house on Halloween. I sure as heck didn't appreciate that when I was kid and I definitely do not appreciate this now. Come on, for crying out loud, this is why all the kids on the block toilet papered her trees every year! I mean sure, maybe it is a little unrealistic to think that we could be like Switzerland and hire geniuses like Albert Einstein to work in our patent offices, but is it really so farfetched to hope and dream that we could hire someone that has used a damn cellphone or computer before?! Heck, I would settle for someone that has used a toaster before or didn't beat on their chests when they saw fire! Even my four year old daughter wouldn't approve a piece of garbage like this and she’s still young enough to not realize that if an ACME anvil fell on your head you wouldn't be able to blow on your thumb and inflate yourself! This is almost as painful as reading through the Darwin Awards... actually, I take that back, this is a hundred times more painful because I know deep down inside someone at the patent office is still around to procreate.

"Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) today unveiled legislation aimed at empowering the 200 million cell phone customers nationwide to make informed choices about a wireless service that best fits their needs and their budget. The Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 will require wireless service providers to share simple, clear information on their services and charges with customers before they enter into long-term contracts; a thirty-day window in which to exit a contract without early termination fees; and greater flexibility to exit contracts with services that don’t meet their needs."

It is about time someone stepped in to ensure carriers offered a thirty-day window for terminating services. One of my biggest annoyances when I was working for a Verizon Wireles premiere agent was that a customer could only terminate their contract if they were within the first fourteen days of their contract, with the day you purchased the handset counting as day one, and used less than thirty minutes of talk time on the phone. Things are finally stating to look up for us consumers. Now if only you didn't have to give up your first born to get out of you two year contract!

"Smart phones have come a long way in design. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes--from the sleek to the small--and not just the bricklike variety. Yet there's one form factor that the phone manufacturers have yet to conquer--flip phones. The Cingular 3125 was a good effort, but its Trekkie look isn't for everyone. Enter the Verizon Wireless PN-820. It's certainly not sexy--some might call it dull even--but the design is practical and more important, functional. Plus, the Windows Mobile 5 smart phone packs in Bluetooth, EV-DO support, and good performance. Of course, we have our share of complaints."



The Verizon Wireless PN-820 clam shell smart phone was launched quietly. We didn't see any fuzzy spy shots, there were no pre-production reviews and no launch buzz. The CNET review is probably the first one, and it took over a month for the first review to hit the Web. :( Regardless, the clam shell design is pretty popular. There aren't many smart phones in the Verizon Wireless stores right now that can match PN-820's skills. I agree that it is not as cool looking as the Cingular 3125, but it looks like a very practical gadget. What I like the most is that it has a miniSD, yes miniSD, slot that is externally accessible. If you are on the lookout for a flip smart phone on the Verizon's network then check out this Windows Mobile 5 device. In case you own one, we would like to hear about it.

"The PN-820 gives you smartphone functionality with the elegance and convenience of a flip-style design. You can send email, view attachments, browse the Internet and play tunes/videos with Microsoft� Windows Media� Player all on the Windows Mobile� 5.0 OS for Smartphone. In addition, you can sync up to your PC with Wireless Sync or Activesync. Add to all this a miniSD card slot, Advanced Voice Command and BroadbandAccess Connect capabilities, Bluetooth� technology and take pictures and videos with the 1.3 megapixel camera. You will be sure to have attained complete mobile freedom with this small, yet powerful smartphone."



It was a long time in the making - a very long time. But it's here and it's available now. You can even get a $50 mail in rebate. Which means, if you order the phone online and you take a 2 year contract and the mail in rebate, you can have this Windows Mobile Smartphone for just $100. That's a pretty good price! I found the phone listed under the Personal / Phones / PDA & Smartphone section on the Verizon website. If anyone has picked one up, please post some pictures and thoughts on the device. :D

"We knew the UTStarcom SMT5800 was headed for the States, no doubt, but we didn't know Verizon was going to be picking it up in... nasty ass green. Seriously, what's the deal? Plus they took that hawt Hermes-style keyboard and gave it the MDA-style oval keys, not our idea of a nice changeup."



Pink Star Treks aside, if there was ever a time for fashion police in the Smartphone world this might be it. If Verizon requested this look they should be in jail for it. How could they (or whoever is responsible) make something that started out looking so good and turn it into a mess? I can't think of another word, mess, is pretty much it. Let us hope this is either a joke or a big mistake that will be fixed before we wake up.

Folks, if you didn't like the silver Q or if you are simply bored with your silver Q, then it is time for you to log in to the Verizon Web site. I don't think Verizon or Motorola have provided the details on the updates to the Q. The word on the street is that this new Q carries an updated software that not only fixes some problems but also improves battery life. :) Also, the new unit ships with a carrying case instead of a holster. So who has ordered one?

"Release dates have played with our emotions in the past and we are sure they will be played with again, but this time we have some faith in our tipster. Looks like Verizon Wireless has decided to internally announce their newest Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone to the lineup, the Black Motorola Q. Now, we know that it looks similar to its silver brother externally, but it comes with a software update named MOL2. This update corrects such issues as the Goodlink data stall issue, adds jog dial control via Bluetooth headset and improves battery life. Expect this black bad boy to cost an extra $50 across the board and to be out on the web December 12th and in retail January 12th. So how far behind will Sprint be? Guesses, anyone??"



I love how Motorola charges an extra $50 to get the same phone in a different color. Is the black Motorola Q that much sleeker that it actually justifies the extra cash? I think I'll pass on this handset and wait for the Pink or Blue Motorola Q :roll:

"It looks like our favorite mobile tipster Roc A Fella is at it again. This time he shows us the soon to be released Pantech PN-820 for Verizon Wireless, latest addition to their growing PDA lineup. This clamshell bad boy runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone with an EV-DO dual band radio, 1.3 megapixel camera, expandable memory via miniSD, Bluetooth, and a QVGA display. Pantech has updated the color scheme from what we previously have seen, and we like it way more seeing how the all-black scheme might be a fingerprint magnet. Look for the device as an exclusive on the web and B2B on 12/18 and in retail on 12/29."



While it is not the nicest looking Smartphone on the planet, it does have some pretty decent specs. I'm curious though, who would buy this when they could buy the Motorola Q? :lol:

"First, we heard rumors that Verizon Wireless would be getting an updated Motorola Q, then came the upgraded specs of this black beauty. Then the supposed MVNO version for Amp'd Mobile showed up in our life. Finally we had a sneak peak of what would be the HSDPA version. And now the flurry of pictures continue. However, this time it's for Verizon Wireless and unfortunately the keypad doesn't look as snazzy as its GSM counterpart. A Howard Forums member decided to give us all a little treat and show us this new rubberized black beauty. No word on what the exact specs that Verizon will be giving us, but we are sure they won't neglect us this time around. Now try not to drool and check out some more pics after the break!"



According to these photos Motorola is working on an updated version of the Q for the Verizon Wireless network. The specs are not known at this time; all we know is that it will have the MOTOPRO Mobility Suite, which is a software package aimed at enterprise users. It also looks like it has the same rubberized body style that the T-Mobile Dash (a.k.a. HTC S620) has now popularized. I wish Motorola had changed the keyboard button style from the current rounded ones to the flatter Norman style.