Sprint CEO Announces Wi-fi Nextel Blackberry
Added on 2008-04-06 12:17:00
by Tanya Palta
 Sprint CEO Dan Hesse at the CTIA 2008 admitted that a Wi-Fi, iDen Blackberry is on its way and will debut on the Nextel network "later this year."
"One capability that makes Sprint unique is the push to talk network that sets the gold standard," Hesse said. "If it's not sub-second [connectivity], it's second rate."
[ Via Gear Log]
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All AT&T Smartphones to Be 3G-Enabled
Added on 2008-04-04 04:30:00
by Tanya Palta
 AT&T's 3G network will be launched in a few months and all its phones will run on the 3G network, including the much coveted iPhone, This was also confirmed by AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega at the CTIA.
[ Via Phone Scoop]
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CTIA 2008 Roundup
Added on 2008-04-03 18:59:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 With the last day of CTIA 2008 upon us it's time to take a look back at what happened. The biggest announcement of the show was Sprint picking up the Samsung Instinct, a touch screen phone obviously meant to compete with the iPhone (review). Nokia also announced an update to their N810 internet tablet to support upcoming Wimax networks. Microsoft announced an update to their Windows Mobile software that brings some significant new features, albeit ones that we've seen on other devices already. Overall CTIA 2008 didn't impress too much. There was nothing announced here that will shake the wireless industry. We still covered the heck out of it, though, click through to see a summary of all our coverage.
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Samsung Alias Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-03 17:55:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Not much to say here, the Alias is just an updated version of the U740, and the updates are minor, to say the least. They changed the color of the phone and changed the coloring on the keypad slightly. We have two things to say here: first, couldn't you have at least put a nicer camera on the thing and two, why not throw Windows Mobile or some other smart phone interface in while you're at it, it's got a freaking QWERTY? Video after the break.
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Windows Mobile 6.1 Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-03 16:58:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 We took some time today to look at some of the new features of Windows Mobile 6.1, which was announced this week at CTIA 2008. The features we looked at include the new plugin systems for the home screen of Windows Mobile Standard devices, which is basically the same as the one we saw on the HTC Shadow (review). Microsoft has also moved to try and close the gap between Internet Explorer Mobile and other advanced browsers by adding an overview mode, similar to what we see in Series 60 Web on devices like the N82 (review). Last up is threaded SMS messaging, a feature much loved by users. Previously we've only seen threaded SMS on Windows Mobile devices from Palm like the Treo 750 (review), although the new implementation is slightly different. Video after the jump.
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Nokia N810 with Wimax Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-03 15:33:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 The Nokia N810 is nothing new, but the added Wimax is, and we decided to spend a little time with it to see how it performed. One of the features that Nokia mentioned was the ability to detect and connect to Wimax networks automatically. You can see in the video that this takes a little while, so don't expect instant access. We loaded Wikipedia in 13 seconds, which although not bad also isn't overly impressive. We also got to see the N810 streaming live TV via the third party Hava, think Slingbox, albeit not over Wimax. Overall we still have to wonder why Wimax? Especially when you consider that Sprint has pushed back the launch and every other major U.S. carrier seems to be moving towards LTE. Video after the break.
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Sprint delays Xohm
Added on 2008-04-03 10:21:00
by Mark Brezinski
 Engadget has apparently kidnapped a Sprint PR person and beat some priviliged information out of them. Among the tidbits was the news that Xohm, Sprint's commercial WiMAX, will not be available this month, as was planned. Instead, it will launch "later on in the year," which means any time from summer to seconds before '09. Of course, this delay probably won't mean additional coverage will be offered. Therefore, unless you're around Chicago or the Baltimore-D.C. area, you'll still be out of luck.
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Sony-Ericsson at CTIA 2008: oldies but goodies
Added on 2008-04-02 21:33:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Since there's not a lot of new stuff going down at CTIA 2008 this year we thought we'd run out and grab some photos of phones that have been announced but we haven't got a chance to play with hands on yet. In the Sony-Ericsson booth we grabbled the C902 cybershot candybar with a five megapixel camera. Next up is the W980, a flip that reproduces Sony-Ericsson's excellent Walkman software on the exterior of the phone. Last, but not least, is the K850, a 3.2 megapixel Cybershot phone that's been rumored to be coming to AT&T forever. We have to admit that we're getting a little impatient to get some of these devices to U.S. shores. We haven't had a chance to do a full review on many Sony-Ericsson phones but those we have, or, one, the W580i (review), have impressed us. Photos after the jump.
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Nokia 6210 Navigator at CTIA 2008
Added on 2008-04-02 18:41:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 The successor to Nokia's GPS focused 6110 navigator the 6210 has new stylings and replaces the Garmin GPS software with Nokia's Maps 2.0. Nokia's mapping solution is interesting in that it allows you to both pre-load maps on the device and download them on the fly from the internet. The device also sports a built in compass and has a pedestrian navigation mode. Under the hood is Symbian Series 60 and the camera has also been updated to 3.2 megapixels with auto-focus and the ability to geo-tag your photos. The device was announced a couple of months ago a Mobile World Congress but this is our first chance to get a close look at it and we took a bunch of photos for your viewing pleasure, available after the break.
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Nokia N78 at CTIA 2008
Added on 2008-04-02 18:20:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 We spent some time with the Nokia N78 today, which was originally announced at Mobile World Congress a couple of months ago. The update to the venerable and very successful Nokia N73 (review), the N78 runs the latest version of Symbian Series 60. The phone has a few updates compared to its predecessor but has also taken a step back and stood still in some areas.
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Nokia N96 Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-02 17:13:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 We got a chance to spend some time with the Nokia N96, the successor to the wildy popular Nokia N95 (review). The N96 sports Nokia's new styling that we've seen on devices like the N82 (review) and N81 (review). As we mentioned in those reviews we're not particular fans, Nokia seems to have sacrificed a lot of ergonomic usability in the name of, dubious, style. We're also concerned about the 950 mAh battery. This is the same size battery that the original N95 had and caused so many people problems. We wonder why they didn't go with the larger 1200 mAh battery found on the latest versions of the N95.
The N96 is certainly packed with features, however. In addition to the same five megapixel camera and VGA video recording we've seen on the N95 it add DVB-H support for mobile TV and 16GB of internal storage. How well it will do is going to depend in large part on how annoyed people get by the uncomfortable keypad and controls. Video after the break.
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Nokia 6220 Classic Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-02 16:01:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Catching up on devices that were launched at Mobile World Congress, since there's really not much else to do here, we took a look today at the Nokia 6220 Classic. Even though this device runs the Symbian Series 60 interface and is a full fledged smart phone it's not in Nokia's N-Series lineup of high end devices. That doesn't mean there are no high end features, however. First off is GPS functionality, which seems to be creeping down Nokia's product line like some slow growing fungus. The big features, however, is the five megapixel auto-focus camera with Xenon flash. This is similar to the spec that we see in Nokia's flagship N96 and to see it in what should be a mid-level device is pretty impressive. Video after the break.
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Dial 0 for Opinion: CTIA day one fails to impress
Added on 2008-04-02 02:30:00
by Alfredo Padilla
The largest cell phone expo in the United States is being held in Las Vegas this week and with the opening day of the show the industry has generally failed to impress. The biggest announcements coming out of the Las Vegas Convention Center today were Sprint launching an iPhone competitor, the Samsung Instinct (video) and Nokia announcing a Wimax enabled internet tablet (article). Wimax is one of the contestants for the next generation of mobile networks and Nokia N810 with Wimax represents their first attempt with the technology. Ironically this announcement was also related to Sprint as they are scheduled to launch the only Wimax network in the United States later this year.
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Motorola Z9 Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-02 02:20:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Motorola's latest handset for AT&T does not, alas, stop their long streak of failed innovation. The Z9 resembles a slider version of the Razr2 (review) with some extras like GPS thrown in. Given all the problems Motorola has had lately we're not surprised to see that they haven't set CTIA on fire, perhaps next year. Video after the jump.
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LG Vu Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-02 01:54:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 We got a chance to put our hands on the LG Vu, the newest touch screen device for AT&T. Despite some new features like support for AT&T's upcoming tv service and a slightly updated interface, we have to admit the device reminded us strongly of the LG Prada (review). We should mention, however, that we were admonished by the LG staffers at the event when we asked them about that comparison. We'll let you make the call. Video after the jump.
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Garmin Nuvifone at CTIA 2008
Added on 2008-04-02 01:51:00
by Mark Brezinski
 Today, at the Mobile Focus event, we had the honor of staring at Garmin's Nuvifone through a glass bubble. We're not 100% sure why the phone needed to be kept so safe, but we default to Garmin's judgment.
The Nuvifone is basically a typical Garmin GPS device with a phone dropped on top. We asked why they decided to make their own handset, when they're already so aggressively trying to elbow their way into GPS solutions for other manufacturers. They said they wanted to provide solutions for all-in-one consumers who wanted a GPS/phone device. This argument isn't really convincing considering many phones already have GPS, but then again, the phone was top secret enough to merit the glass shield, so perhaps they know something they're just not telling us.
The Garmin Nuvifone will be available Q3 of 2008.
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HTC Touch Dual at CTIA 2008
Added on 2008-04-02 01:28:00
by Mark Brezinski
 Though the HTC Touch Dual has already been heavily covered, we still took a few moments to play around with it at the Mobile Focus event. As we previously mentioned, the Dual will be offered through Best Buy, unlocked. An HTC rep said that the company is aggressively moving towards unlocked US devices in an effort to give consumers more choice.
Bigger pics after jump.
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Sony-Ericsson Xperia X1 Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-02 01:08:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Even though the Xperia X1 was announced almost two months ago at Mobile World Congress we, alas, were not in attendance so we were duly enthused to take our first look at the device at the Mobile Focus event tonight at CTIA 2008. The hardware felt solid and although the Panel interface overlay was interesting we couldn't make any final judgement as the device we looked at was pre-production. It should be available sometime in the second half of 2008 for an undisclosed sum, we recommend you start saving now. Video after the break.
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Samsung Instinct Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-01 22:46:00
by Mark Brezinski
 As mentioned before, the Samsung Instinct is what we'd expect the child of an iPhone and the HTC Touch to look like. With more time to fool around with the phone, we noticed that the touch screen does seem to be a bit better than the Touch, and is about the same as the LG Prada. The haptic feedback is definitely a nice feature, though it's nowhere near as good as the localized vibrations seen on the Motorola ROKR E8. In any case, the touch screen is worse than the iPhone's, but better than a Windows Mobile phone.
Find out more on this phone amongst phones after the jump.
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Exclusive CTIA 2008 video (you won't see this anywhere else)
Added on 2008-04-01 16:34:00
by Mark Brezinski
As promised, we're providing 110% coverage of CTIA 2008. To help fill that bonus 10%, we've managed to secure exclusive coverage from the show floor. We assure you: no other cell phone site is covering the show to the degree we are. Keep checking back for our ongoing coverage, and possibly more exclusive video previews.
Catch our coverage after the jump.
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Sprint shows off the Instinct
Added on 2008-04-01 12:12:00
by Alfredo Padilla
As expected Sprint's main event today featured the Samsung Instinct (article). The Instinct is a new touch screen device, meant to compete with the iPhone. We picked up a couple of screen shots and some video for you, which you can see after the break.
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Samsung Instinct touch screen phone coming to Sprint
Added on 2008-04-01 10:27:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Sprint will be releasing a new touch screen device from Samsung dubbed the Instinct. The Phone will feature EVDO Rev A for fast download speeds, GPS and what is dubbed a "real Internet Experience". Also on board is a two megapixel camera and threaded SMS. The device will be available in June with no information about pricing available. Interestingly the Instinct will ship with two 1000 mAh batteries, which is either a very nice extra or portends a very poor battery life. We'll be back with more info on the phone and some photos when we got a hold of them.
Update: we were able to grab a photo of the Instinct for you courtesy of Gizmodo. Go Mr T! We also picked up some pics from Sprint that you can see after the jump, but we still love Mr T!
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Samsung Soul Video Preview
Added on 2008-04-01 09:40:00
by Mark Brezinski
 We didn't have much time with the Samsung Soul at Showstoppers, but based on our short experience, we believe we can describe it in four words: slightly better LG Venus.
After the jump are more words and a link to our video.
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Nokia to launch Windows Mobile handset?
Added on 2008-03-31 13:17:00
by Alfredo Padilla
 Take this one with a huge grain of salt but over at MSMobiles.com they're claiming that Nokia will be announcing a Windows Mobile Standard smart phone during CTIA. There's no source but the story claims that they handset will be revealed during the Microsoft keynote tomorrow morning. If this turns out to be true it will be a major shift for Nokia which has traditionally only used the Symbian Series 60 platform for their smart phones like the N95 (review).
One thing that may lend credence to the story is that Nokia's enterprise focused E-Series devices like the E90 (review) have not been as successful as the company might have liked. Windows Mobile devices with their native Exchange Server integration may be an opportunity for Nokia to better compete in the enterprise space. This is a rumor that's reared its head several times in the past and I guess we'll know tomorrow morning if this time it's true.
Update: it looks like we've fallen for what is likely an April Fool's joke, god I love that unconfirmed rumor tag, it's the only thing that's saving our dignity right now :)
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CTIA 2008: 110% coverage
Added on 2008-03-31 12:59:00
by Mark Brezinski
 As you may or may not be aware, all of us at WirelessInfo are currently in Las Vegas for CTIA 2008. Since chances are that you, our readership, is not here, we are prepared to cover 110% of this year's show, in an effort to provide the most comprehensive coverage possible. Now, you might have simply written off that 110% as a clichéd hyperbole, but we meant what we said. Where, you may ask, will we dredge up that additional 10% of coverage? Pizza.
Confused? Read on -- if you dare.
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