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I've put up the weekly poll. I am interested to know how useful the mobile internet is. I personally find it very useful on my Blackberry because of the ability to use RSS readers and am able to visit other random websites I frequent every day. But please, let me know how it works for you!
Read more on this article...This is the first post in a series I'm putting together that will show all of the anticipated phones that have been announced. In this post I will cover some of the flagship Nokia phones. Some may come to the US with a major carrier, and some may not even get to the US at all. But as more information comes out I will keep you updated.
Each phone has a link provided.
N96
Thanks for your participation in this week's poll! It looks like touchscreen phones are the style of choice (I really wasn't too surprised; nor was I surprised that candybars came in dead last). Was anybody surprised by the findings?
Keep an eye out for the next poll coming out soon.
The wireless industry is beginning to change for the better! As of Sunday, May 25, AT&T will be offering pro-rated cancellation fees. This means that the further you are through your contract, the less you have to pay to get out of it.
Here's how it works: for each month of the contract you have gone through, $5 is subtracted from the Cancellation Fee. So if you are one year through your two year contract, you only pay $115 per line to get out. With 6 months left, it costs $85 to get out.
This is great news for wireless customers, since most people do not like being bound in contracts at all; this is certainly a step in the right direction!
Cell phones are no longer just phones. A large majority of cell phone users only use their devices for calling and sending texts, but the latest cell phones are capable of doing so much more! The wireless industry has sought out to combine phones with other electronic devices for your benefit. This way you won't need a backpack full of all your gadgets anytime you leave your house.
In this article I am going to touch upon several features currently available in phones but either underrated or unknown. These features may help make your life incredibly more efficient and convenient.
1. Bluetooth
Bluetooth is best known for the increasing popularity of wireless earpieces. The use of earpieces is becoming more popular as states begin enforcing laws prohibiting use of phones in cars without them. The state I live in doesn't have a law for this (yet), but I personally couldn't drive my car and talk on the phone without a bluetooth (my car's a manual). It's just too difficult and unsafe.
However, this is not the only thing Bluetooth technology is capable of. Quite the contrary, in fact. Bluetooth utilizes several "profiles" that each serve a unique purpose. I will touch upon each profile in another article, but I will highlight a few.
Most bluetooth phones are capable of file transfer; in other words, sending pictures or music from one phone to another without using a MMS. The transfer is free and downloads much faster than MMS. Also, you can purchase stereo headphones to listen to music on your phone (see #2).
2. MP3 Player
Don't have an iPhone but wish you could use your phone to play music? You certainly can!
Any phone with some sort of memory card capability can be used as a MP3 player. The number of songs you can play all depends on the size of your card and the file size of each MP3. One of the most recent SD formats to come out, SD High Compression (SDHC), packs a lot more disk space in a MicroSD card and enables you to use cards containing 4 or 8 GB of space. This will net you 600-1200 songs at least.
Not all phones will accept the SDHC format; be sure to check the specs of the phone before you make the purchase. Phones that do not accept SDHC should still hold up to 2 GB cards, however.
3. Google Text
Disclaimer: to take advantage of this feature you will be charged for texts, so I highly recommend adding a text package first.
Google has set up their own texting service with which you can send queries and receive a response within seconds. You can use it for directory assistance; translate words to other languages; check stock quotes, sports scores, and weather; convert measurements; and you can even check the status of a current flight. To check out all the other things you can do with google text, visit www.google.com/sms.
4. Video Messaging
Multimedia messages aren't just for sending pictures back and forth; they are for sending videos and audio clips as well. If you have a camera phone capable of video capture this is highly beneficial! Whatever important event is going on, capture it on your phone and send it to friends and family without any problems.
5. WiFi
WiFi gives you the ability to connect to wireless networks. Whether it be hotspots or your wireless router at home and work, WiFi gives you faster internet access than you can get through the cell phone towers.
This also is a free alternative to accessing the internet on your phone, unless the particular hotspot you are using charges a fee. However, make absolutely certain you are using the internet through WiFi and not your phone's internet, otherwise you may be charged per kilobyte.
6. Memory Card Slot
Similar to #2, memory cards actually do more than just allow you to listen to music. You can store most types of files on these cards; my personal memory card holds 3 different movies that I can play on any multimedia PDA phone, and plenty of pictures.
Even if you don't use a memory card for much, it's a good idea to supplement your phone with at least a 1 GB card if your phone has limited space. This keeps your phone's performance optimized.
7. Voice Dial
Some phones have voice command, which asks you to "say a command". At this point you can tell the phone who you want to call, or which application you'd like to view. This can be a nice time-saving shortcut for you if the application you need is buried in menus or if you need to call someone not on your speed dial list.
8. Organizer
Phones have a few organizer functions installed to make your life easier. Tools typically included are to-do lists, calculators, memo pads, alarm clocks, and calendars that will remind you when appointments are approaching. PDAs will allow you to download extra organizational tools as well.
9. GPS
GPS can be found on phones in different forms. Some cell phone services offer a service in which you can keep track of your children by their phone, while others offer navigation services when you pay a monthly subscription. Yet others will only utilize GPS through 911 services, so if you call for an emergency you can be found more easily.
Here is the most up-to-date list of upcoming Verizon phones. I will continue to update the list as phones are officially released or new phones become rumored.
Updated July 31, 2008:
Flip/Clamshell
Motorola Blaze ZN4 - September 2008
Motorola VU30 - (not pictured) - Unknown - Touted as high end PEBL-like phone.
Nokia 7205 - (not pictured) Early Q3 2008 - 3G, 2 MP camera, stereo bluetooth
Nokia 2605 - (not pictured) Early Q3 2008 - Smaller flip, entry level
Verizon Boulder (Casio G'Zone) - (not pictured) Q3 2008 - Rugged, next-gen PTT, shock/dust resistant
Samsung SCH-U430 - Q3 2008 - Basic clamshell with VGA camera and bluetooth.
PDA/Touchscreen
-Blackberry Thunder (above) - September - The new touchscreen BB is coming exclusively to Verizon and Vodafone. Not much else is known about the device yet.
-Samsung SCH-i770 Touchscreen - Q3 2008 - New WinMo 6.1 CDMA/GSM hybrid phone to replace current i830.
-Motorola Napolean Q9 - No release date set
- VZW Blitz (prepaid only) - August 8 - slider
Related Posts:
Upcoming Sprint Phones
Upcoming AT&T Phones
I am happy to report that Aliph has come out with a new Jawbone headset. This is something I'm rather happy about because while its Noise Shield technology made the Jawbone the best performing Bluetooth earpiece on the market, it was one of the bulkiest and least comfortable on the market.
Finally, Aliph has solved this little problem WHILE improving the Noise Cancellation technology at the same time! The new technology is called "Noise Assassin", which according to reviews works even better than the Noise Shield. Aliph has also reduced the size of the Jawbone by 50% so now it doesn't make you look like a Borg when you wear it; and lastly they have changed the earhook so it's not as difficult to form to your ear.
Here are what some reviews are saying about the new Jawbone:
PC World
It blocks background distractions well enough that I should be able to use my phone at an airport gate without putting it on mute every time an airline agent starts shouting over a loudspeaker.Wall Street Journal
In my tests of the new, much smaller Jawbone, I stood a few feet from a roaring vacuum cleaner, while on a phone call. The person I was calling could barely hear me with Noise Assassin turned off, but could clearly make me out when I turned it on.
The Verdict: The new Jawbone beats its predecessor from top to bottom in comfort and sound. While the original earpiece set the standard for Bluetooth sound quality, wearing it for an hour felt like exercise to my ear. The gen 2 is much lighter, sits in my ear comfortably and barely touches my face. The clip is slimmed down and covered in leather, a much better feeling than the rubber and metal monstrosity of yore.
Despite these improvements, the Jawbone still has flaws. Incoming sound isn't much better than before; it's loud enough, but the digital crunch found in all Bluetooth headsets is still there. Considering how long Bluetooth has been around, it's a wonder why no one has been able to really improve on this. Also, the new Jawbone only has four hours of talk time compared to the old one's six; the weird part is, it almost has twice the standby time, over 8 days.
The New Jawbone's noise canceling performance was simply spectacular. In one notable test, a caller was unable to tell that I was driving 40mph with the driver's side window down, and in a low gear so as to let the car's engine rev. Indoor fan noise was also completely inaudible.I could keep going, but I don't think I need to. While the Jawbone didn't receive perfect reviews from everyone, there is one thing that's agreed upon for sure; that the Noise Assassin technology works better than any other noise cancellation Bluetooth on the market. Read more on this article...
On average, most people replace their phones every 18 months to 2 years. Considering how many cell phone users there are in the world, that's quite a few phones! Whether they are broken or not, the old phones wind up in a box somewhere in the basement, completely forgotten and never to be used again. Not only is this a waste of space, but in many cases old phones and old batteries can be hazardous to the environment.
Fortunately, there are several programs available to help you get rid of your old phones. The types of programs typically involve donating your phones for soldiers, recycling your phone to protect the environment, or selling old phones for cash (Or, if your phone still functions well, you can hang on to it as a backup).
1. Donate your phone.
Several programs exist to use your donated phone for a worthy cause. Some programs will sell the copper or gold in each phone and use the proceeds to aid their cause. Others will give away the phones to be used for emergency calls (every phone is required to be able to call 911, whether it is active or not). One unique program is Cell Phones for Soldiers, which sends donated phones to soldiers along with prepaid cards so the soldiers can call home.
2. Sell your phone.
It almost seems too good to be true, but there are websites that offer you cash for your used cell phone. The amount you receive all depends on what kind of phone you have, but if your phone is in good working condition most places will be willing to buy your phone from you for a decent price.
3. Recycle your phone.
If your phone is completely done for and there's nothing left to do other than toss it, the best idea is to ship it off to a certified cell phone recycling center. One popular local place to go is Best Buy; however, there are plenty of sites online that offer to take your old phone and dispose of it properly to help save the environment.
4. Keep your phone as a backup.
If your phone is still in good working condition, a great idea is to keep it as a backup. Simply put, you never know when something may happen to your current phone. And if your current phone is out of commission, there is no worse feeling than realizing how dependent you were on that phone. Even though your old phone isn't as cool or hip anymore, it's still fully functional and doesn't cost any extra precious money.
Overall, the best thing to do is find your old phones and determine what condition they are in. You could be sitting on a gold mine and not even know it! Or, at the very least, you know there's a way to free up some much-needed space in your basement.
Phones for Cash:
Cell for Cash
Second Rotation
RIP Mobile
Phones for Donation:
Apple Donations - I'm not really sure where the phones go. I bet Apple puts them to good use.
March of Dimes - Uses the money made from selling your phone to March of Dimes.
NCADV - Donate your phone to victims of domestic violence, for emergency use.
Phones for Recycling:
EPA - This is a great resource list of different programs available.
Best Buy - Drop off your phone locally.
Recycle my Cell Phone
There are many more programs available on the internet if none of these work out for you, but this is a great list to start with.
Updated May 22, 2008:
The world of Telecom sees no shortage of lawsuits. Each cellular provider in the
2. Telecom Rivalry - Whether it is Verizon suing Sprint, Sprint suing AT&T, or whatever the case,
3. Class Action - Individuals get fed up with hidden charges, contracts, and other injustices that telecom has been getting away with. These individuals find it easy to get others to team up with and sue these companies. Some do it for money, some do it out of principle.
AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc. - Class Action Suit against unauthorized texting. Customers upset at carriers for not “offering its customers the opportunity to avoid such charges by opting out of text messaging and refusing to disable its customers’ text messaging service.”
T-Mobile - May 2008 - Sued over charging pay-per-use for incoming SMS and not blocking SMS if customer requests it
AT&T loves to have the rumor mills going for new phones down the pipeline. And their pipeline is ALWAYS full; there always seems to be some new groundbreaking device to look forward to. Thus, my goal is to keep you informed of all of the current groundbreaking devices that are rumored to be in AT&T's pipeline. I will continually update this as new information comes out.
1. 3G iPhone (sometime between June 15 and July 12)
2. Blackberry Bold (after August?)
3. Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
4. Garmin Nuviphone
5. Nokia E71
6. Nokia N95-3
7. Pantech Duo 2 (C820)
No image available at this time.
Related Posts:
Upcoming AT&T Phones
I'm a big fan of the Blackberry Curve so I was happy to see the Blackberry 8330 finally make it to Verizon. And if you're reading this, you're probably just as anxious as I am! So I am pleased to announce that the 8330 is now being offered by Verizon. Alltel has begun offering it, now Verizon, and sometime this month Sprint should be rolling out with it.
The Curve is being offered for $219.99 after $50 Mail-in Rebate.
Allow me to offer some linkage.
BB Curve Specs (PhoneArena)
More Curve Specs (PhoneScoop)
Purchase the Curve here (www.vzw.com)
Related Posts:
Upcoming Verizon Phones
Presenting the Env2 by Verizon
When your phone is in a different room, you may get frustrated that by the time you get to it the call has already gone to voicemail. This is because most cell phone providers set a default time of 20 seconds' worth of ringing before automatically going to voicemail.
However, if you need more time to get to your phone, the maximum time allowed is 30 seconds for most providers. Some may only allow 25 seconds, but at least this means you can squeeze a little more time out of your ring. Policy is that a maximum of 30 seconds be set because after that point the person calling you will be charged a minute for the call they make.
The easiest way to make the change is to call your provider's customer service department and ask them to extend the length of your ringtone to the maximum time.
The most anticipated device coming to AT&T (besides the 3G iPhone) is the LG Vu. This is considered by many to be a serious competitor to the iPhone with its touchscreen and AT&T Mobile TV service.
I have been given the opportunity to play around with the Vu now that they have officially arrived in stores, and for the most part I am impressed. I didn't get to play with it for too long, nor did I get to make calls. But I was able to watch the Mobile TV and play with other aspects.
Mobile TV - Smooth video/audio sync, fast loading when you choose a channel. Is it really live though? I ask because at 1 PM today I was viewing Tonight Show on NBC and Letterman on CBS. Also, the 3 PM show on ESPN was not Around the Horn as the normal daily schedule goes.
Touchscreen - haptic feedback (when you touch the screen you feel a vibration) is rather cool, but all-around is harder to press than iPhone. The edges of the screen were more difficult to press than the rest of the screen. This made maneuvering around Mobile TV hard, since the up/down channel buttons were near the edge. The glossy screen leaves fingerprints more easily than most typical touchscreens.
Keyboard - defaults to regular keypad but has option to use full QWERTY. This link to Gizmodo features pictures of the keyboard as well as the rest of the phone.
In general, I liked the feel and the look of the Vu. I loved the Mobile TV aspect. I wasn't entirely impressed with the touchscreen. The haptic feedback is a cool feature but it is more difficult to press the buttons than the iPhone. However, for $299 after 100 mail in rebate is not the best price point for me; if i'm going to spend $400 out the door for a new phone, I will buy an iPhone.
Related Posts:
Upcoming AT&T Phones
Update May 22: The Breeze has been spotted in stores!
According to sources, AT&T is planning to release the Pantech Breeze, aka C520, on May 23. The Breeze is a low-end phone geared toward the elderly, with low cost (I'm hearing free after rebate?), very few bells and whistles, and large buttons. It will also feature a set of 3 shortcut buttons near the top of the phone. Be on the lookout for pics shortly!
Expected features include:
VGA Camera
Bluetooth
MP3 ringtones
Interchangeable faceplates
Speakerphone
EDGE/GPRS
Related Posts:
Upcoming AT&T Phones
