Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

Among the many ducks that Sprint (and Verizon?) will need to get in a row in order to launch their own version of HTC’s Touch Pro, FCC certification ranks pretty freakin’ high on the list. No worries, though — it’s all good, because that just happened. An HTC device with model number “RAPH800″ has now popped up in the filing system, featuring CDMA with EV-DO on the 850 and 1900MHz bands. Of course, certification is certainly no indication of when a product’s actually going to launch, but if (heaven forbid) the glossy QWERTY WinMo slider gets delayed, at least we can call out anyone trying to slide the “we’re waiting on FCC clearance” excuse past us.

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Filed under: Handsets, Motorola, GSM, EDGE, UMTS

This new Motorola in the FCC’s filings looks like no model we’re familiar with, and from what we can see, that’s a very good thing. The candybar was only tested for GSM / EDGE 1900 and Bluetooth, an indication that it’s destined for some non-US market — though the manual makes mention of 3G capability and we see a front-facing cam here as well, so whatever market does get it will have access to some speedy data and video calling. We only hope this little gem is nothing more than a low-end model designed to bring WCDMA to the masses (or possibly a one-off custom designed to a carrier’s exact specifications), because if it’s even remotely indicative of the design direction Moto’s looking to go in the post-breakup era, we can get that fork ready. You know, the one we’ll use to stick in Motorola… when it’s done. Ah, never mind.

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Filed under: Handsets, Features, LG, ATT, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Announcements

After weeks of hand-wringing, we’ve finally settled on a winner of our contest for LG’s uber-limited $1,500 Iron Man edition Shine! We asked you to send in pictures of the busted-up pieces of garbage you call “phones,” and holy cow, did we get some doozies.

Without further adieu, our winner, Mark H., comes to us from Novato, California. Here’s his story:

“I need a new phone as you can see. I have had this Nokia phone since 2001. I’m in the military service and my friends make fun of my old phone and now they’re really on me since my phone was run over by a car and I use electrical tape to keep the faceplate together. I don’t get paid enough by the service to buy a nice new phone.”

Congratulations, Mark! Even if this relic were in perfect condition, it’d still be time for an upgrade. Let’s try to keep this one a little less scuffed, because that solid gold battery cover definitely does not live up to the “Iron Man” name. Follow the break for some honorable mentions — you guys made it really hard to choose!

Continue reading Iron Man contest winner announced!

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Filed under: GPS

That first traffic update was only the beginning — Dash is announcing today its first proper software update to the Dash Express. Dubbed June08 (or v2.1), users now get three new trademarked names (among other things):

• FasterFind - uses SiRFInstantFix for acquiring GPS during startup, so your Dash Express is aware of its location much faster than before.
• MyRoute - your Dash Express learns your routes to common destinations and offers them up in comparison to its recommended routes (so you can see if your usual way really is faster).
• Search Along Route - pretty much what it says. Allows you to find points of interest en route without gumming up your destinations. This seems like the most useful new feature, behind the faster acquisition time.
• Road closure support - another self explanatory addition. If the Dash finds out a road is closed through Inrix or another means, it will completely black it out of your routes.
• Performance and UI enhancements - We gave it a short test, and things really did seem a bit snappier and cleaner looking. Icons are better polished, arranged, and rendered, and simple stuff like navigating menus or switching between 2D and 3D views is quicker.

Still no way to quickly bypass the route selection screen (which is one of our bigger pet peeves), but as it’s populating you can now make your choice, which will save you a bit of extra time. It’s available for download via your Dash’s WiFi this morning, and is free for all users. Videos of MyRoute and Search Along Route after the break.

Continue reading Dash Express gets big v2.1 June08 software update

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Filed under: Handsets, Rogers Wireless, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Apple, OS X

For the smattering of Canadians wealthy enough to pick up an iPhone 3G from Rogers Wireless without worrying over the lack of an unlimited data plan, we’ve stumbled across what appears to be internal verbiage detailing the in-store activation process. Quite frankly, there doesn’t seem to be any real surprises here, but it is somewhat interesting that retail locations will be required to download and use a special version of iTunes with an “Activation Only Mode,” which will enable employees to unbrick the mobiles before customers leave. In any case, feel free to hit the read link if you’re anxious to know exactly what the sure-to-be-hair-raising experience will be like come July 11th.

[Via GearDiary, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

Hate to break it to you, but there’s little more to tell about the E66 that we didn’t already cover with the E71. It’s basically the exact same hardware and screen in a portrait, sliding form factor, which loses the QWERTY for a numeric keypad. That said, we wanted to go over the specific quality of those differences, and touch on a few things we missed with the E71 review. Oh, and in case you missed our video hands-on with both devices, you can find it right here.

Continue reading Nokia E66 mini-review

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Filed under: Gaming, GPS

An enterprising nerd by the name of Ryan VanMiddlesworth is clearly a bigger Portal fan than you, since he’s cobbled together a GLaDOS-simulating voice pack for Garmin N

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Filed under: Handsets, CDMA

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?

[Via Seattle P-I and Mobility Site]

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Filed under: Handsets, Motorola, Verizon Wireless, EV-DO, CDMA

Remember that touchscreen Motorola Blaze we’d mentioned a while back that was on the hook to get Verizon’s visual voicemail service? It may not be in Verizon stores yet, but it’s all up in Boy Genius Report’s labs with a dark red body, MING attitude, and almost limitless mediocrity on board. The touchscreen apparently requires ridiculous amounts of effort to actuate, and that problem is compounded by a lame on-screen keyboard that makes texting tricky at best. EV-DO Rev. A is cool and all — and the visual voicemail support should be a pretty popular add-on feature — but that giant Motorola logo up front with the red ring and three pounds of chrome leaves the Blaze with a face only a mother could love. Let’s hope Verizon’s positioning this one as its low-end touchscreen offering, because we’re not seeing it cha-chinging many registers otherwise.

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Filed under: Handsets, Palm, Sprint

We’re not sure where our tipster got these pictures (nor are we going to ask), but they appear to be screens from the Treo 800w’s specification and knowledge training documentation. New tidbits include a 333 Mhz processor, 4.4.1 x 2.28 x 0.73-inch dimensions, and a weight of 4.94 ounces. Windows Mobile 6.1 looks to be in full-force, the camera shoots at 2 MP, and the USB port is 2.0. As for other revealed features, you’re looking at threaded SMS chat, but MMS is mysteriously missing in lieu of Sprint Picture Mail, a trend that continues to confuse us. If all this pans out, look for the 800w to be available on July 13th for $249.99. Hit the continue link to see the rest of the juicy shots and details.

[Thanks, brian]

Continue reading Treo 800w spec sheets and training materials reveal details, lack of MMS

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