Phone Planet

BudsGoBlue Earphones For iPhone 3GS

2009-10-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

It seems that BudsGoBlue will launch an iPhone-friendly set of Bluetooth earbuds that should act as headphones and a Bluetooth headset. Unfortunately, there is no further info about the specs. Watch the video after the jump to get more details.

First Push-to-Talk Slider Phone, Motorola Debut i856, Boasts Best-in-Class Push-to-Talk Services of Nextel Direct Connect to Provide Flexibility at Wo

2009-10-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

Available for $99.99 from Sprint, stylish Motorola Debut features easy-access keyboard, instantly expandable push-to-talk conversations and dynamic multimedia features

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2009-- The first slider phone offering push-to-talk service, Motorola Debut™ i856, is now available from Sprint (NYSE: S), combining Nextel Direct Connect^®, best-in-class push-to-talk services, with a stylish multimedia device for both business and consumer applications.

Motorola Debut’s compact slider form factor offers a smooth gliding action for easy one-handed operation, keeps the keypad secure when not in use and offers easy access when needed for instant communication between two people or a group of people, next door or in the next state. It is also the first device to offer the upgraded ability to switch from an active push-to-talk call to an interconnect voice call at the touch of a button.

Motorola Debut can be purchased with Nextel Direct Connect^® calling plans in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint retail stores, Business Direct Sales, Telesales (1-800-Nextel-9) and Web sales for just $99.99 with a two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate (excluding taxes).

Nextel Direct Connect is the only national push-to-talk product in the industry that offers industry-leading performance with sub-one second call set-up, connection to the world’s largest push-to-talk community and integrated business solutions, including one of the largest selections of GPS-solutions.

“Motorola Debut introduces an attractive and convenient form factor unlike any Nextel Direct Connect users have seen before,” said Danny Bowman, president of Sprint’s Integrated Solutions Group. “Debut is even more interesting when you combine Sprint’s industry-leading push-to-talk capabilities of the Nextel National Network and our affordable rate plans, with a rich array of multimedia and texting capabilities that help users communicate faster and more flexibly both at work and at play.”

When connected to the Nextel National Network – the fastest national push-to-talk network – Motorola Debut lets users manage their conversations, musical tastes and visual creativity with ease. Nextel Direct Connect users can also bring friends and business associates into a conversation on the fly with Group Connect^® – a powerful productivity tool on the job and a convenient way to coordinate family and social activities.

Nextel Direct Connect enables our customers to get things done faster, at the push of a button. When instant communication is needed between two people or a group of people, next door or in the next state, Sprint provides a solution to get the job done - in less than a second. The Nextel National Network reaches more than 274 million people and more than 17,500 cities, and nationally, the Nextel National Network continues to operate at best-ever performance levels for dropped calls and near best-ever for block calls, based on internal metrics as of June 2009.

Motorola Debut allows busy people to work at a fast and uninterrupted pace:

send and receive messages, calendar events, pictures, location information and more, all without interrupting a Direct Connect call
Play music while you text or talk
threaded texting messaging to view entire conversations all on one screen

High-Quality Multimedia Experience

With its built-in MP3 player and external music controls, Motorola Debut offers a high-quality stereo music experience through wired headphones or Bluetooth^® wireless technology. The sound takes on additional dimensions for users who use the built-in 3D Audio equalizer to create special musical effects.

For users with a photographic bent, Motorola Debut’s 1.3 megapixel camera features up to 4X digital zoom and video capture. Pictures can also be enhanced with advanced imaging features to create a variety of image styles – from full color on the vivid 176X220 color display to sepia tones to black & white. Users can also use GPS Tag Images to document exactly where a picture was taken and a variety of other applications to edit photos and manage video content.

In support of these capabilities Motorola Debut features include:

Nationwide Walkie Talkie capability¹
Music player with 3.5 mm standard audio jack
1.3 MP Camera with Video
GPS & Wireless Web Enabled²
Stereo Bluetooth® capabilities³
Text Messaging¹
Expandable memory, supporting up to 8 GB MicroSD card⁴
Speakerphone with Voice-Activated Dialing
Large Direct Connect button that backlights when a push-to-talk call is received
Multimedia Messaging Service for sending audio, images, text, or all three in the same message to or from email addresses and other capable users with the ability to wirelessly store multimedia on the Sprint Web site
Pre-loaded applications, including Sprint Mobile Email & SME-W, TeleNav Navigation, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile and NFL Mobile Live
Downloadable Games, Wallpapers and Real Music Ringtones¹

Affordable Push-to-Talk Calling Plans

Nextel Direct Connect Custom Plans focus on the services used most by workgroups, which are bundled with unlimited usage, at a low flat monthly rate. Specifically, businesses can choose from the following Nextel Direct Connect Custom Plans:

Unlimited Workgroup Communications – with unlimited Direct Connect and Group Connect^® plus unlimited text messaging, mobile-to-mobile minutes and night and weekend minutes starting at 9 p.m.
- $29.99 per month per line (excluding taxes and Sprint surcharges)
Web & Navigation – includes the above features, plus unlimited data, Web browsing and GPS navigation
- $39.99 per month per line for Nextel phones (excluding taxes and Sprint surcharges)
- $49.99 per month per line for PowerSource and Nextel Direct Connect capable Sprint phones (excluding taxes and Sprint surcharges)
Pooled voice minutes can be added to either plan for the group to share
- 500 minutes for $30 per month per line (excluding taxes and Sprint surcharges)
- Or 2,000 minutes for $100 per month per line (excluding taxes and Sprint surcharges)

For more details on Nextel Direct Connect Custom plans, visit www.sprint.com/nexteldirectconnect.

Sprint’s Everything Data plans, with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM, which gives customers unlimited mobile calling on the Sprint network to and from any U.S. wireless carrier, unlimited nationwide texting, email, Web browsing and much more, starting at just $69.99. For customers that want Sprint’s Simply Everything^SM Plan that offers a truly unlimited experience for only $99.99 per month, and they can save $1,200 over two years vs. a comparable AT&T iPhone^® plan³. (All price plans exclude surcharges and taxes. Other exclusions apply.)

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Motorola Debut, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at www.sprint.com/storelocator.

About Nextel Direct Connect

With more than 16 years of expertise, Sprint is the undisputed leader in push-to-talk with the largest community of users in the world. Nextel Direct Connect has set the industry standard for push-to-talk and serves millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national push-to-talk network.

Nextel Direct Connect is the only push-to-talk product in the industry that offers:

Industry-leading performance with the advantage of instant connection (call set-up times of less than one second)
Connection to the world's largest community of users, with millions of existing Nextel Direct Connect subscribers
Nationwide and international push-to-talk services
The largest portfolio of push-to-talk phones, including the largest selection of rugged phones
Integrated business solutions, including the largest selection of GPS-solutions

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving almost 49 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2009; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

¹ Coverage not available everywhere. Network reaches over 274 million people. Additional restrictions apply.

²Network and/or SIM card dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges and/or additional charges may apply. Wireless email functionality requires an email account with wireless server capabilities.

³ This device supports Bluetooth A2DP, HSP, BT FTP and HFP profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.

⁴ MicroSD card with up to 8 GB of memory purchased separately.

Nokia N97 RAOUL Limited Edition

2009-10-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Nokia has worked together with fashion house RAOUL to launch a very limited (1000 units) edition of its N97 mini. The package will come with a special Fashion Asia widget and a calf-skin leather case. The Nokia N97 RAOUL limited edition is now available for pre-order in Singapore for $589 each.

Sprint Launches HTC Hero

2009-09-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sprint today has officially launched the much awaited HTC Hero on their network. This Android smartphone is sold for $179 with a new 2-year contract agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.

iBike Rider iPhone Case

2009-09-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

The iBike Rider Case is a useful accessory for iPhone owner who are always on the go using their motorcycle. It is a wrist-mounted iPhone case that comes equipped with an optional headset microphone for your helmet, so that you can make phone calls while riding. Sadly, the optional headset microphone is not wireless. You can purchase the case for $42, while the optional helmet-mounted headset retails for $85.

Super Chargers For iPhone 3G And 3GS

2009-09-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

If you are unsatisfied with the battery life of your iPhone 3G/ 3GS, then you can use the Super Chargers iPhone 3G/ 3GS battery extender (3000mAh), which will give you up to 500-hours of standby time, up to 8.5-hours of talk time and up to 8.5-hours of Internet use. This battery also provides up to 40-hours of audio playback, up to 11-hours of video playback, and up to 10-hours of WiFi usage. Available in black or white, the Super Charger iPhone 3G/3GS battery extender is priced at $59.99.

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition

2009-09-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile is ready to release a series of new handsets for the holiday season. One of these phones is the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition, which will run on the Google Android OS. T-Mobile hopes that this cell phone will appeal to myTouch fans and music fans. As the handset runs on Google Android, you have access to more than 10,000 applications. The specs of this limited edition myTouch 3G are the same as the standard version. But, the limited edition handset comes pre-loaded with audio and video clips from music legends.

Samsung Moment Coming To Sprint

2009-09-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sprint is set to release another smartphone from Samsung namely the Samsung Moment, Samsung’s first Android-powered phone. The handset will go on sale starting on November 1st for $179.99 with a 2-year contract agreement and after a $50 instant saving and a $100 mail-in-rebate. So here’s what you get, an 800MHz processor, a 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, a 3.2MP camera, a full QWERTY keyboard, an accelerometer sensor, a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), GPS, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, EV-DO Rev A connectivity, a 3.5mm headphone jack and provides access to social networking sites including Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Kempler & Strauss Billionar 6 Smartphone

2009-08-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Kempler & Strauss has once again proved its existence by bringing you its latest smartphone called the Billionar 6. The handset sports a 624MHz ARM processor, a 3MP camera, a microSD card slot, GPS, WiFi and runs on Windows Mobile 6.5 OS. The Billionar 6 is already available for purchase and it costs $260.

AT&T Pure Now On Sale

2009-08-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Good news for those of you who are eagerly waiting to get their hands on the new HTC Pure (aka Touch Diamond2), because AT&T has decided to start selling this first Windows Mobile 6.5 phone ahead of its official release date which is this coming Tuesday. The phone is sold for $149.99 with a 2-year contract agreement and after a $100 mail in rebate.

Palm WebOS 1.2.1 Enables iTunes Sync

2009-08-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Palm has finally launched the latest version of WebOS 1.2.1 for the Palm Pre that allows Palm Pre users to sync their Palm Pre with the iTunes 9.0.1. The new Palm WebOS also provides faster display of high-quality full-screen images and enables users to store more photos on the phone.

First Pictures Of Motorola Tao

2009-07-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some leaked pictures of the upcoming Motorola Tao cell phone, which is more famous by its codename, “Sholes”. It looks like the handset will come with a 1390 mAh battery. Unfortunately, there is no further info about the specs. Stay tuned for more updates

AT&T To Release TerreStar Genus Cellular / Satellite Smartphone

2009-07-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

AT&T in collaboration with TerreStar are set to release their first hybrid smartphone called the TerreStar Genus. This particular smartphone provides access to both AT&T’s network and TerreStar’s satellite network providing users with a wider coverage area. Apart from that, the handset also features a 2.6-inch touchscreen display, a full QWERTY keyboard, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, Windows Mobile OS and supports both GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as UMTS/HSDPA connectivities. The TerreStar Genus will hit AT&T in Q1 2010 for unannounced price yet.

Philips Introduces X806 And C702 Touchscreen Phones

2009-07-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Philips has introduced two new touchscreen to its range in the form of the X806 (pictured above) and C702. The X806 offers a 3.5-inch 240 x 400 TFT display, a 5MP camera, a 47MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot, an FM radio, Bluetooth and supports quad-band GSM/GPRS connectivity. Meanwhile, the C720 is a CDMA 1X phone that features a 3.4-inch QVGA display, a 1.3MP camera, GPS, a 70MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot and Bluetooth connectivity. Both handsets are likely to be released in China pretty soon for unannounced price yet.

Samsung SCH-W880 12MP Camera Phone

2009-07-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Samsung SCH-W880 is claimed as “the world’s first 12MP camera phone with a 3x optical zoom.” The handset also features a 6x digital zoom with auto focus, an image stabilization, a face detection, a Xenon flash and 720p video recording at 30fps. Additional specs include a 3.3-inch AMOLED WVGA touchscreen display and a 4GB of internal memory. The Samsung SCH-W880 will be available in South Korea next month.

Palm Pre Retails For $99 At Amazon

2009-06-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Here is good news for those who are looking to pick up the Palm Pre. Amazon is now offering the phone for only $99,99 after a new 2-years subscriber agreement. You can order the handset right now via online, so you can avoid the hassle of visiting a retail store. FYI, Sprint is currently offering the Palm Pre for $150.

Amosu Releases World’s Most Expensive Diamond Encrusted BlackBerry

2009-06-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

Alexander Amosu comes back with his latest creation in the form of the Amosu BlackBerry that is crafted in solid 18 carat yellow gold and encrusted with 4,459 brilliant cut diamonds for a total of 28.43 carats. There will only be three of these diamond-encrusted BlackBerrys in the world. Each of them will retail for a hefty $200,366.

Firmware Update For Nokia E63, E66, E71, N96 Smartphones

2009-06-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

Nokia has released firmware updates for Nokia E63, E66, E71, N96 smartphones. The updated firmware for E63 (v200.21.012), E66 (v300.21.012) and E71 (v300.21.012) handsets includes a new version of Nokia messaging and Hotmail application, and improved HTML support. The Nokia N96 update (version 30.033) will add a Facebook app and improved ringtone audio levels. You can update your handset via Nokia Software Updater (available via Nokia PC Suite). Just remember that you should backup your device before hitting the “Update” button.

Dexim P-Flip Foldable Power Dock For iPhones

2009-06-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

Dexim has introduced the new P-Flip Foldable Power Dock product line. It is actually the world’s first foldable, portable, multi-functional and rechargeable power dock that is compatible with the latest iPod and iPhone models. This iPhone accessory provides a 2000mA Lithium Polymer Battery that is capable of extending talk time up to eight hours, video playing time up to 15 hours, or audio playing time up to 80 hours. The Dexim P-Flip Foldable Power Dock is now available for $54.95 a pop.

Pantech Crystal IM-S500K Women Phone

2009-06-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

Pantech comes back with their latest mobile phone designed for women. Available in pink, black, and silver models, the Crystal IM-S500K features a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD screen, a 2MP shooter, a music player, and a dictionary. What makes this handset interesting is that it comes equipped with a biorhythm calculator that will display user’s actual mood on its unique crystal lid. Pricing info is still unknown.

Pong iPhone Case

2009-05-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

Pong Research Company’s new cell phone case claims to reduce mobile phone radiation from the antenna thanks to the use of its tight silicone skin. The skin contains a proprietary technology module that is aligned with the phone’s antenna and attracts the radiative energy up and away from the user’s head. The user will still maintain a full-strength signal without compromising the cell phone’s battery life or functionality. According to tests conducted by the Federal Communications Commission, radiation levels have been reduced by up to 60%, while the hotspot cell phone radiation is down by 85%. The case is currently available only for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS for $59.95 a pop. The Blackberry and other models will be available later this year.

Kyocera Neo E1100: ‘Breathing Lightpipe,’ ‘Recession-Proof’ Pricing

2009-01-20T01:08:00.000-08:00

The Kyocera Neo E1100 for U.S. Cellular has taken a page from Apple, which long ago realized that electronics can be sold in pretty colors and compelling designs even if their hardware and software guts aren’t innovative.

Instead of standing out in an inundated sea of cell phones on what’s inside the device, the Neo relies on three primary selling points: design, pricing and marketing.

The Neo’s blue “breathing lightpipe” is reminiscent of the breathing red stripe on the KITT car in the TV show “Knight Rider”.

An integral part of the Neo’s external housing, the lightpipe comes to life as calls or messages are received

The name “Neo” draws a movie reference from the Keanu Reeves character in “The Matrix”.

U.S. Cellular is marketing the Kyocera Neo E1100 at the “recession-proof” pricing of $29.95 with a two-year service contract.

Price

U.S. Cellular isn’t joking with its “recession-proof” pricing claim on the Kyocera Neo E1100.

While the price starts at the unimpressive cost of $159.95, agreeing to a two-year service contract brings the price down $130 all the way to a very budget-friendly $29.95.

Kyocera Neo E1100

Image © Kyocera Wireless

Feature List

Memorable illuminated design with “breathing lightpipe”

Glowing 2.2-inch QVGA internal display

Internal display: 240x320 pixels with 262,000 colors

Hidden OLED external caller-ID display

External display: 16x104 pixels with one color

1.3-megapixel camera with dedicated side key

GPS for turn-by-turn directions

One-touch speakerphone

Voice recorder

Hearing aid compatibility: M3/T4 rating

TTY/TDD support for the hearing impaired

Picture caller ID

Speaker-independent voice recognition

Text messaging and instant messaging

Voice memos

Built-in user guide

Predictive text-input software for rapid text entry

Vibrating alerts

USB connection

2.5-millimeter mono headset jack

Mobile Web

Supports multiple languages

Comes with battery, travel charger and headset

Ringtones, games, screensavers and wallpapers

Stereo Bluetooth short-range wireless (i.e. for a wireless headset)

Scheduler, alarm clock, calculator (tip and basic), timer, stopwatch, memo pad and world clock

Battery

You’ll neither jump for joy nor experience extreme disappointment when learning that the Kyocera Neo E1100’s rated talk time is an average of 4.17 hours.

Its rated standby time, though, is below industry average at up to 8.3 days if you’re not using the cell phone at all.

Size, Weight

The Kyocera Neo E1100 measures in at 3.52 inches by 2.05 inches by 0.66 of an inch (or 89.5 millimeters by 52 millimeters by 16.7 millimeters). The Neo weighs in at a very light 3.17 ounces (or 90 grams).

Differentiation in the Marketplace

The Kyocera Neo E1100 differentiates itself with its external “breathing lightpipe” design, GPS for turn-by-turn directions and an extremely low cost.

Palm Pre First impressions

2009-01-20T00:57:00.000-08:00

Phew! Thursday was a long, action-packed day thanks to Palm. I'm just now getting to sit down and gather my thoughts on the Palm Pre and Palm Web OS announcements, and I have to confess that I went into the press conference with some skepticism. It's no secret that Palm's been struggling to keep up with the competition and has come under heavy criticism for its lack of innovation and delays in releasing its new operating system. So can you blame me for thinking that Palm might disappoint again?

Well, I'm happy to say that I was wrong. But I still wanted to put my two cents in on what I think of the Pre and Palm Web OS and what kind of impact it will have on the market.

User interface and OS
To me, the real highlight of the Pre is the user interface and OS. The UI reminded me a little of HTC's TouchFlo interface, with the various swiping gestures and cool animated motions, but Palm certainly put a fresh take on it. It's beautiful and smooth, and just plain cool. It's pretty evident that Palm put a lot of thought into the UI, as everything seamlessly works together to give you the best user experience and making the smartphone a really useful tool in your daily life.

Synergy on the Palm Pre

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

The smartphone makes multitasking easy with the Deck of Cards feature that lets you scroll through various applications and toggle between them without having to open and close windows. It's slick, but most importantly, it's easy. I also think Synergy is a huge player, since it brings all your e-mail accounts and contact and calendar information from various sources into one place. Again, it's about simplicity and whether you're a consumer or business user, you have to love that.

Design
To facilitate all this is a best-of-breed design. First, you've got a multitouch screen that's absolutely sharp and brilliant in color with its half-VGA (320x480) resolution. Not only can you use the screen to navigate, there's a gesture area right below the display where you can use finger swipes and touches to launch menus, toolbars, applications, go back, or advance. Of course, my favorite part might be the slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. I've made it no secret that I'm a huge texter and need physical buttons, so I was more than delighted when I saw that the smartphone had a keyboard. The Pre's keyboard is similar to that of the Palm Treo Pro; the buttons are a little on the smaller side, but there is a good amount of space between them to reduce any problems.

Again, looking at the design of the phone, I could tell time and thought was spent on the device. The hardware feels solid and not as plasticky as the Palm Centro. When you slide open the Pre, it has a slight curve that makes it comfortable to hold against your cheek when talking on the phone or even when typing out messages. Also, going back to the touch screen, it felt responsive and--hooray!--on Web pages, you can pinch the screen like the iPhone to easily zoom in and out of pages.

Web

Pre's Web browser

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

Speaking of the Web, the Pre's browser is pretty outstanding. It renders sites onscreen as you would see on your desktop, and quickly at that. When asked about Flash, Palm said they were not commenting on that at this point. We do know that there will be an app store, and Palm will release an SDK to developers. The company reiterated throughout the press conference that the Palm Web OS was built with developers in mind and based on HTML, CSS, and Javascript, so that's all one really needs to know to develop apps for the Pre and other Web OS devices.

Multimedia
As far as multimedia, the Palm Pre offers a 3-megapixel camera. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to snap any photos, but early reports say that the quality is pretty good. Disappointingly, the camera won't have video recording capabilities at this time, but those could be added in the future. In terms of music, like the T-Mobile G1, Palm has partnered with the Amazon Music Store, so you will be able to purchase songs over the air from your Pre.

The rest
The Palm Pre offers so much that I could write on it forever, but I'll save some for when we actually get the unit in review. (By the way, I'm not sure when that will be, but I don't expect it to be anytime soon. I know. I'm sad, too.) Just to cover some quick specs: the Pre offers integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 (with support for stereo Bluetooth), EV-DO Rev. A, and GPS. There's 8GB of storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and high-speed USB 2.0.

Outlook
The Palm Pre and Palm Web OS isn't necessarily going to revolutionize the smartphone market, in that it doesn't offer any crazy, new features, but it definitely brings a fresh look into the way you interact with a device and how it organizes information. It also brings innovation and life back to the struggling company and has certainly set the tech world abuzz. Palm's undeniably taken a beating from the media and general public, so it's good to see the company respond and take action.

As much as the Pre is important to Palm, the smartphone will also be a key player for Sprint. It needs an iconic phone to compete with the likes o AT&T and the iPhone and Verizon Wireless and the BlackBerry Storm, and Pre could certainly be the one to do this for Sprint. Pricing will be key of course, but I suspect the Pre will be priced competitively with the iPhone and Storm. I also think its chances of overtaking the Storm are pretty high. It offers a better user experience and has more consumer appeal. There are still some unanswered questions about everything that will be offered with the Pre; in my opinion, and I know these words are thrown around a lot, but I think the Palm Pre could truly be the stiffest competition for the iPhone.

Palm took a bit of a gamble announcing the product early at CES 2009 and not closer to its release date, which is expected some time during the first half of 2009. Both Palm and Sprint will have to be careful to deliver on their promise and not delay the phone.

Mobile Phone Buying Guide

2008-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Cell phones are now on the threshold of triggering several technological revolutions in just one go!

The early cell phone was a simple but heavy and large hand-held telephonic device that came with an antenna that could be pulled out to for a better reception. However, today cell phones are light weight, slim, small, and pretty looking and have built in antennas that offer clear reception and enhanced voice quality.

Because cell phones are so easy to use and portable they have become the choice of most callers, and more so for those who are on the move frequently. Cell phones can be defined as low-power, two-ways radios having a single channel that facilitates communication.

If you are interested in buying a mobile phone, you need to know some of the most important features of the gadget. Letâ€™s take a look at how you can buy and save on mobile phones.

While the starting price for mobile phones is as low as under $20.00, there are many others that boast of unique technologies and remarkable and revolutionary designs and cost over $400-$500. With such variation in price, it becomes extremely difficult to find a mobile phone that offers you everything you need (including features you donâ€™t need) and more. However, if you donâ€™t require some features that are part of the service you have opted for, you can simply request your mobile service provider or MSP to cancel the additional features and make substantial savings.

Here are the three most important things you need to ask yourself before buying a mobile phone:

1. Why do you need a mobile phone?
2. What are the key features that you require?
3. What kind of accessories do you need?

Why do you need a mobile phone?
For many people a mobile phone is a status symbol. Some people even change mobile phones as often as they change their clothes, while a few others prefer to have a mobile handset that is simple to operate and easy to pocket. Depending on the type of user you think you are, you need to sit down and make a list of things you want to do using your mobile phone. Armed with this list you can now surf the internet and pick some handsets that match your list of requirements.

Essentially, there are three types of users and they are:

Only want to make and take calls. For these users cheap mobile phones with basic features are the most suitable. A basic handset will allow you to make and take calls, access your voicemail, send and receive text messages, besides offer you features such as calculator, alarm, ringtones, address book, calendar, games etc. These phones will help you contain your bill but may limit the choice of mobile phones. You also may not be able to access internet on your mobile phone. Some such models are: Sony Ericsson W850i, Motorola KRZR K1, and Nokia 3110.

Exploiting technologies to their benefit, these users are the second type and usually prefer mid-range cell phones. Now, more than ever before there are many technologies that can be found in mobile handsets. These help a savvy user communicate in more ways than just mere speech. Also, features such as digital cameras are now standard for most mobile phones and allow people the convenience that greatly outweighs the low image quality belted out by these mobile cams. Further on, a color screen makes the experience of playing games more exciting and interesting. Mobile phones belonging to this range include other important features such as WAP, Video shooting, Multimedia Messaging or MMS, Radios, MP3 Players, and voice recording etc. Some mobile phones belonging to this category include: Sony Ericsson W880i, Nokia 6300, and Sony Ericsson K810i.

Portable Office users always prefer mobile phones that are top-of-the-range and feature-packed. If you are an executive on the go who need to be connect to his/her office while away from it, these hi-end mobile phones are made with you in mind. Also known as Smartphone these mobile phones allow you to do so many things that it can be a bit overwhelming initially. From taking images and sending them to your friends instantly, you can even print your images from your mobile phone! Take video phone calls, access TV channels, watch the news on the go, and enjoy a host of other facilities at the tips of your fingers. Moreover, you can connect your Smartphone with your PDA or laptop or desktop and access data, or co-ordinate activities whenever required.

Finally, don't let the look of the mobile phone fool you; always consider all factors before you buy a mobile phone!

iPhone 3G Review

2008-07-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

To begin, I honestly have to say that the iPhone 3G is by far, one of the best devices I have ever had the pleasure of using. Working with IT applications for a living, the use, functionality, ease of navigation and stability are items I deal with every day in the corporate world.

Before getting the iPhone 3G, I used an At&T Tilt pda, which I absolutely loved. The advetising for the tilt was that you did not need your laptop while traveling on business. I do usually bring my laptop when traveling, but I have to admit, with the tilt I did not use the laptop as much as I could e-mail easily which is a large precentage of my job.

That being said, the iPhone 3G goes way beyound the tilt device and lets me work, organize my life, and entertain me with video, podcasts and music. The new applicatons for the iPhone make the phone even more useful.

Now I can keep track of what I am watching on Ebay, bid on them, and pay for the items I won. The Facebook application keeps me in touch with my friends. I did not use Facebook much before, as I did not have time when at a computer to go to Facebook, and now, when I find myself out and about waiting on something (like getting the oil changed for the car), I use this time to items like Facebook.

One item of the tilt and Microsoft Office Mobile operating system it had, was the mobile internet explorer was pretty much useless to surf the internet. The iPhone on the other hand lets me surf the internet just like I was in front of a computer. So far the only item I have found that does not work is flash slideshow and virtual reality 360 panoramas on the web (that is a hobby of mine, I love taking 360 panoramas for the web). I'm sure soon they will come with an update so I can view those items as well.

So my review of the iPhone 3G is one of praise for Apple (and believe me, I am no Apple/Mac fan, but that is another story for another time). The iPhone may not do everything that any phone can do, but all in all, it can do more than any mobile device I have ever used.

SMS Message Tones - Whats the Deal?

2007-06-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

It must be a symptom of the modern world, but as time goes by, our ears are being assailed by a multitude of new sounds every day. All sorts of beeps and buzzes and tones, not to mention the music sounds blaring out everywhere. Not that l am complaining. I just mention this because a new sound is about to be heard everywhere, and thats sms message tones. These are message tones that sound like dogs barking, horns hooting, people screaming etc and will soon be all the rage, as people text each other more and more, using these new sounding tones You have been warned.

Unlike Ringtones, which are for when your phone rings, SMs Message Tones are text message alerts. You can record sounds with some phones, and use them as sms message tones, or other alerts. Its also possible for some phones to generate different sms message tones. This has been the way anybody wanting a special message tone, could only do it, as few suppliers existed. However that has now changed, and there are many companies that offer a good collection of sounds which you can download to your phone to use in place of the default sms message tones. You can also use these sounds to replace your alarm and reminder tones, too.

You should be aware though, that for certain cell/mobile phones (e.g. Samsung, Sony, Ericsson, Motorola and LG), its not possible to set sound effects as message alerts. Make sure, before downloading any sound effects, to check your phone to see if it allows jingles/ringtones as sms message tones or alerts, before ordering.

No doubt the Telco's will rake in a fortune, as people will download these new tones more and more. But hey, they don't cost much, and they usually bring a smile to your face, which is worth something. Personally, i'm a text maniac, so anything that enhances the experience, such as different sms message tones, is okay by me. What would be fun, would be to be able to send a funny sounding sms message tone with your text message. Think of all the possible funny scenarios! Well, maybe thats just round the corner too!