Mobile Caller ID

2012: The Year of Mobile Commerce

2012-01-26T09:09:00.005-06:00

Forget the dragon; 2012 is the year of mobile commerce!

You may be asking how we know this. For one, mobile applications are quickly growing to become a life force for almost every independent country in the world. This change is enhancing consumers’ capabilities to shop remotely.

In fact, application developers witnessed the rapid growth of shopping apps in 2011. Industry analysts are estimating that the U.S. market could experience more than $200 billion in mobile commerce purchases this year alone.

So, what do this means for you?

Increased mobile security. The security of online stores, and especially mobile security, will likely become more of a focal point in 2012 – both for mobile stores and payment firms that will have to address issues with exposed personal information and financial records. Unfortunately, in exchange for instant access to products, discounts and express service, consumers give up information to stores, and sometimes thieves.

Integration between applications. As smartphone users continue to make purchases from the palm of their hand, application developers are increasing the avenues of monetization already in place. For example, Facebook launched its app so users could access their profiles while on-the-go; however, as the market evolved, developers created Facebook “gifts.” This simple, digital product led to Facebook’s development of an online currency that could be used for an even wider line of digital features and products. Smartphone owners will continue to see more types of non-traditional commerce.

More mainstream sites going mobile. Two mobile applications that caught consumers’ eyes in 2011 include Amazon and eBay. When compared to similar applications, Amazon’s price-check app received one of the highest user satisfaction ratings. eBay’s PayPal also saw a record number of purchases made from its mobile application. More retail sites are developing mobile applications and launching mobile versions of their online stores.

These apps’ growth is not surprising for a world that is online and connected 24/7 by mobile technology. Smartphone owners have proven their willingness to make purchases from their phones and developers will continue creating apps that capitalize on this. These factors combine and create a mobile market that has potential to earn billions of additional dollars in 2012.

New Recommendations for Hands-Free Mobile Devices Suggest Major Change

2011-12-14T12:00:00.006-06:00

Earlier this is year we blogged about the expansion of hands-free texting laws across the U.S. Since then, the topic has pervaded local, state and federal agencies, bringing to light the often-overlooked safety concerns surrounding not just texting while driving, but also calling. As the percentage of automobile accidents related to mobile phone usage increases, more regulators and law enforcement officials are questioning whether the devices should even be allowed on the road.

In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (N.T.S.B.) made headlines in The New York Times recently because of its latest recommendation suggesting something similar.

“No call, no text, no update is worth a human life,” said Deborah A. P. Hersman, chairman of the N.T.S.B., an independent federal agency that investigates driving accidents. The board recommended a ban that includes all hands-free devices. Hersman said she recognized it was a challenging recommendation, as most individuals depend on a mobile phone for communication, but it was the right one.

The agency supported its suggestion with evidence from its investigation of numerous accidents in which mobile phone distraction was a major contributing factor.
Despite the federal recommendation, states have the final say as to whether they want to follow the new safety suggestions or not.

More than 30 states already have hands-free device laws in place including, Calif., Pa., Nev., Maine and Ind.

Four Must-Have Holiday-Survival Applications

2011-11-21T16:39:00.004-06:00

Say hello to delicious food and family gatherings; the holiday season is here! But, before you rush off to grab your wrapping paper and winter sweaters, check your applications.

This season, your smartphone can be your best friend. Besides sharing pics on Facebook or checking email, think outside the box. What else can your smartphone do? Try step by step instructions for cooking Thanksgiving dinner or finding the least expensive gas station closest to you. Here are our top four must-have holiday applications!

Chow: Thanksgiving Dinner Coach will guide even the most amateur chef through the process of cooking the big bird (say goodbye to your mother-in-law’s endless turkey tips). The application, which is available for iPhone and Android, provides step-by-step directions with tutorials and pictures for roasting the turkey. No need to scour cookbooks, the application even supplies a shopping list and cooking times based on the size of the bird. It can’t get much better than that!

TGIBlack Friday will come in handy post-Thanksgiving feast (let someone else do the dishes, you prepared the turkey!). The application, also available on iPhone and Android, displays Black Friday shopping deals from all the top retailers. You can even build a specific list for each person in your family.

If you plan on traveling in the car over the holidays, GasBuddy will provide you a list of the least expensive gas stations nearest you. Crossing state lines can sometimes mean more than an accent change—don’t get stuck paying astronomical gas prices.

Who can forget ESPNScore Center? With so many BIG football games taking place over the holidays you don’t want to miss a beat. ESPNScore Center will send updates to your phone each time your favorite team scores a touchdown, just make sure the Missus doesn’t catch you checking it during her family’s holiday party.

Happy Holidays! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more holiday application updates.

Android tops iPhone with 45 percent of US smartphone sales

2011-11-09T16:28:00.008-06:00

The iPhone 4S and its new personal assistant, Siri, have dominated headlines since its premiere in September. The public’s on going love affair with the phone would suggest that it holds the top spot in smartphone sales. But surprising, new research from ComScore shows that Google’s Android mobile operating system is the queen bee of smartphones. With 45 percent of the smartphone market, Android tops the iPhone by almost 28 percent (the iPhone sits at a comfortable 17 percent). These statistics might be unexpected but there are several things to consider when analyzing these numbers.

For one, Apple’s iOS operating system only functions on the iPhone. It cannot be legally transferred to another handset. Since the iPhone is the only device to host iOS, it naturally decreases the percentage of its market share.

On the other hand, Android is available on multiple smartphones. From the ever-popular Samsung Galaxy to the new Motorola Razr, the Android operating system is offered by many mobile phone makers and carriers.

Along with restrictions on operating systems, each phone premiered with different terms. Since its birth, Android was available on every top mobile phone carrier. This gave consumers more than one option. The iPhone debuted on AT&T and remained exclusively with the carrier until early this year, when Verizon started selling the device.

Things that could change this trend include:

The iPhone 3GS is free with a two-year contract. This could increase sales on the iPhone. While it may not be the iPhone 4S, it contributes to the total percentage of market share the operating system possesses.
Apple also added a new carrier. The iPhone is now available on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.
Android’s ability to keep consumers happy. The new software, Ice Cream Sandwich, is slowly making its way into the market and it will have to compete with iOS5.

The iPhone has a long way to go in order to catch up to Android, but who knows-- maybe Siri will surprise us!

Angry Birds Ham’O'Ween

2011-10-25T08:28:00.006-05:00

Just when we thought Halloween could not get any better, Rovio surprises use with a new Halloween-themed Angry Birds.

The mobile game, which has been downloaded over 400 million times, has released seasonal games in the past, but never with a new bird. Rovio introduced the newest angry bird- a yellow bird- to the pack with a short film; and it looks like the new angry bird is just as protective of his candy as we are!

In this short video, the new bird fights against the the pigs to capture a piece of candy. While he’s at it, he premiers his new destroying abilities, blows up several times his original size and ultimately destroys the pigs’ castle. The birds safely return to trick-or-treating without ruffling a feather.

We’re not sure if the yellow bird is here to stay or not, but players can use the new bird on 30 different Halloween-themed levels. The good news is the game is only 99 cents, and once downloaded it to your phone it is saved until you delete it.

This game will get you in the holiday spirit and add some spice to your mobile gaming life. Too bad you can’t give it away to trick-or-treaters.

The iPhone 4S is HERE!

2011-10-12T14:52:00.007-05:00

Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, gave the keynote at Apple's unveiling of the iPhone 4S.

2007 was a BIG year for the smartphone industry; it was the year that Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone. Response to Jobs’ announcement was unprecedented! Within weeks, thousands of people from around the world were lined up outside of Apple stores waiting to buy the phone.

And just like that, the unveiling of the new iPhone became a tradition; so much so that tech bloggers, industry leaders and consumers anxiously await the premiere of a new model every summer.

This year, Apple introduced its iPhone 4S later than usual, which sparked rumors about a “better than ever” iPhone 5, and left us surprised when Apple showed a new-and-improved iPhone 4.

Where was the sleek new design? What about the new features? There seemed to be a cloud of disappointment floating above everyone’s head. While the iPhone 4S isn’t a total re-design, it’s worth taking a look at. It’s been re-built with an 8-megapixel camera, video recording in HD (1080p) and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.

It revolutionizes the smartphone experience with its new Siri software. What’s Siri? Siri is everything you’d ever want in a personal assistant, except she’s in your phone. Siri can give directions, provide real-time traffic updates, interpret your verbal commands into a text message (for safe, hands-free texting while driving), schedule meetings, set reminders; it will even operate as a kitchen timer so you don’t burn your muffins (again)…

We could go on and on, but you should watch Apple’s video about Siri.

And what about the battery life?

Talk time: Up to 8 hours on 3G, up to 14 hours on 2G (GSM)
Standby time: Up to 200 hours
Internet use: Up to 6 hours on 3G, up to 9 hours on WiFi
Video playback: Up to 10 hours
Audio playback: Up to 40 hours

The iPhone 4S hits stores Oct. 14. Consumers can select either Verizon, AT&T or Sprint as their carrier. The cost starts at $199 for a 16GB and goes up from there depending upon carrier options. If you need a new phone and can’t wait for the iPhone 5 the software on the 4S is worth it. Plus, it’s the same price that the iPhone 4 was just a week ago.

Deal? We think so.

Signing Off

2011-10-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

Saying goodbye is never easy. Over the past week, hundreds of Apple fans, technology bloggers and industry leaders have said their final goodbyes to Steve Jobs.

As an innovator and creative thinker, Steve Jobs gave the world a line of products that dared to defy the rules of design, software and communication. Today, millions of people use Jobs’ inventions to listen to music, communicate with business partners, video chat with family members and add custom apps to their smartphones.

Jobs challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of mobile and visual communication. With sleek and cutting-edge designs, he took ordinary objects and turned them into visually appealing and multi-functional products. Industry leaders were left to compete with Apple’s products, and they did! As a result, mobile phone users have the most expansive selection of smartphones and smartphone software, ever. Constantly pushing the bar higher and higher, Jobs changed the mobile phone industry forever.

He wouldn’t deny his ability to build the best products or employees either. He is famous for saying, “my job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.” Even though Jobs challenged his workers to produce the best products, he also pushed engineers, thinkers and developers at other companies. Including ours.

Jobs’ iPhone challenged us to build the best application on the market. We met the challenge and we’ve seen downloads on the iPhone and Android continue to grow ever since then. Even in his absence, we plan to continue encouraging our engineers and developers to push the boundaries of mobile technology and create the tools users will one day grow to love.

With that said, we leave you with a quote Jobs gave to Fortune magazine in a recent interview:

In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains of the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.

Hands-free calling law expanding across U.S.

2011-10-05T14:35:00.002-05:00

Back in 2009, California passed a law prohibiting the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. Now, nine other states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have joined California in adopting hands-free calling laws.

Beginning Oct. 1, Nevada citizens will join their California neighbors by prohibiting driving while using handheld mobile devices. Motorists will only be issued warnings for now, but with the beginning of the New Year, tickets will be written. Law enforcement officers want to give motorists time to adjust to new law.

Don’t worry drivers! It’s not all bad news. Drivers can still talk on the phone just as long as they have a Bluetooth or hands-free calling device.

But states aren’t the only ones picking up the safe-driving cause. Oprah has been working on the “No Phone Zone”campaign for more than a year, encouraging fans to put down their phones while driving. Glee star, Jane Lynch partnered with LG to stop teens from texting while driving. Even Beyoncé made headlines for texting while driving, but quickly joined the no texting while driving campaign.

So, there you have it. Avoid a $100 ticket and higher insurance rates by using a hands-free calling device, and join the ranks of Beyonce, Oprah and Jane Lynch.

Just Text Me

2011-09-20T17:09:00.002-05:00

“Just text me” has joined the ranks of common household tech terminology. In fact, it’s right alongside “Google it” or “Facebook me.” But, it’s not just kids saying it anymore. A new study by Pew Research Center found that 31 percent of adults would rather be sent a text message than receive a phone call.

Part of the shift from traditional phone calls to text messages is a result of increased digital communication. As younger generations continue to rely on social media sites and instant communication, telephone calls are becoming obsolete. Parents have learned to text in order to keep up with their kids’ whereabouts. In addition, texting can be an easy way to relay a simple message.

While the study showed that 55 percent of adults are heavy texters, young adults are even more active texters. Mobile phone owners between the ages of 18 and 24 send an average of 109.5 messages a day. Pew Research did the math and found that it equals over 3,200 texts per month.

Here at Privus Mobile that’s why we added text ID to our caller ID application. So, to the 83 percent of Americans who own mobile phones, if you aren’t texting, you should be!

Next month’s post, “Texters Acquire Arthritis.”

RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger carries the message during earthquake

2011-08-30T13:20:00.005-05:00

You’re typing away on a memo for a client when suddenly your office building starts to shake. Not sure what to do, you grab your phone and keys and run out of the office. Standing with your co-workers outside of the building, you frantically try to send a text and make a call, but the only one getting service is your co-worker who has a BlackBerry. Unfortunately, this scenario occurred last week when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the east coast. Residents in some of the nation’s largest cities including Washington D.C. and New York City were unable to connect with their worried loved ones across the country-- that is, citizens using iPhones and Androids-- BlackBerry owners had no problem getting the word out.

Throughout the dramatic event, RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) remained steady and true to its users. While Android and iPhone users were fidgeting with their phones, BBM was sending and receiving texts and calls. Unlike other phones, BBM can run on either the phone’s data connection or a local Wi-Fi network, which gives it the ability to connect no matter the time, day or event. This software set-up has earned the phone an impeccable reputation. Mashable recently pointed out that BlackBerry was the only functioning phone during both the Chilean earthquake of 2010 and the events of Sept. 11 in New York City.

So what?

Well, smartphone users looking to change devices should give the BlackBerry strong consideration, especially if security is one of the top priorities.

We like the brand new 9900 because the processor is two times faster than previous models. In fact, one reviewer said he got three days of use out of the phone before its battery died. What businessman or woman would say no to that?

However, the BlackBerry gets low ratings when it comes to third-party applications and user interfaces. The phone’s stale growth rate could be attributed to its inability to evolve. For the most part, the BlackBerry functions as a corporate phone. It ranks among the best email devices and its information management apps like contacts, calendar, tasks and others make it a great business tool.

At the end of the day would you rather have fancy games or working cell service?

ICE, ICE Baby: Why THIS application could save your life

2011-08-15T11:41:00.002-05:00

No one wants to think about the possibility of being knocked unconscious or seriously hurt, but it never hurts to be prepared. One of our very favorite applications is the I-C-E (In Case of Emergency) app. This application holds your medical history and emergency contact information. If you are hurt, emergency personnel and police officers are trained to look for the ICE application. In addition to holding emergency contact information, the ICE application has specific sections for you to save your medications, allergies, family doctors and preferred insurance.

Prior to the launch of the ICE application in May 2005, emergency personnel would often trace accident victims’ driver’s license numbers to home telephone numbers. However, as more families move to all wireless households, landline telephone numbers are becoming less and less useful.

At Privus, we’re all about safety. And it shows. Whether it’s Caller ID or Family Guard, we keep family and safety at the forefront of our mind. We suggest this application because a mobile phone is a life line we can’t live without. After all, who doesn’t always have their cell phone with them? Whether you’re five or 95, the ICE application can save your life.

Mobile users can keep an eye on who is calling loved ones with Family Guard application

2011-08-01T11:11:00.002-05:00

Over the years, we have had an overwhelmingly positive response to our Caller ID application because of the extra security it offers. However, as the smartphone market continues to expand, we noticed a change in the security needs of smartphone users, primarily among parents, guardians and their children.

It’s no secret that kids are social media savvy, technology-inclined, computer whizzes. In fact, more often than not, they know what’s going on before we do! But, as more children acquire smartphones it’s becoming even more important for parents and guardians to install an extra layer of security in order to protect them. With our new application, Family Guard, parents and guardians can monitor the incoming calls their child or loved one receives.

The technology behind our other applications was adapted to create Family Guard. For example, when a phone call or text message is received, information regarding the incoming call is displayed on the handset (applications even have the option of audible alerts which announce the name of the sender for truly hands-free caller ID). With Family Guard, not only does the application identify the caller to the phone’s user, but it will also send a copy of the caller’s information to the designated parent or guardian’s monitoring the phone. Parents and guardians register their handset, along with their loved ones.

With our new Family Guard application, your loved one’s security is safe. The Family Guard application is available for download on devices supported by Android, Windows Mobile 6 and BlackBerry operating systems. The application only needs to be installed on the monitored device, while the guardian’s phone just needs to receive text messages or email. The app requires a monthly subscription fee comparable to landline caller ID services and can be downloaded by visiting www.privus.mobile on a compatible smartphone.

Lord of the Birds: Angry Birds invades the mobile gaming world

2011-07-15T14:47:00.004-05:00

Who thought that a game with angry birds flying into walls and killing green pigs would provide hours of entertainment for millions of people. “Rovio’s Angry Birds” has become an overnight hit sensation with smartphone owners. Since its debut in December 2009, the game has been downloaded more than 250 million times, which is surprising considering the total number of combined iPhone and Android users is approximately 255 million.

Clearly, the game is addicting! In fact, I can personally attest to it.

The game is challenging. Each level introduces you to more challenges and different types of birds. The birds are angry because the green pigs have taken their eggs. At each level the goal is the same: kill as many pigs as possible and get to the new level. Let’s not forget, players can also accrue points.

What earns points? Hitting parts of their barricades earns points, defeating a pig is also worth points and for each bird you don’t use, you get 10,000 points (the currency is a bit high in this game). But, you can only destroy a pig by projecting angry birds at their barricades, which are set up to “protect” the pigs.

Exact calculations, concentrated strategy and extreme dedication are required if you intend on winning the game. Each level becomes increasingly harder as new birds are added along with various “slinging” methods. At the higher levels birds begin to explode and multiply.

Think you can play one time just to “test it out?” Wrong. This isn’t just another mobile phone game. Yes, Bejeweled was challenging, but Angry Birds will test your patience and reflexes. If you have an iPhone or Android, I strongly recommend this game. Whether you are riding home on the metro, sitting at a doctor’s office or waiting to pick up your kids from school, this game will provide you hours of fun.

The price of the game differs from platform to platform. For example, on the iOS and Android platforms, Angry Birds costs 99 cents. However, if you own a Nokia phone, it is $1.99. If you want to download Angry Birds as a computer game it is $4.95. The 3-D version of the game is rumored to be premiering soon. But, it doesn’t end there. Angry Birds is now available as a computer game, board game and tablet application.

Angry Birds has proved to be much more than a mobile gaming app. It shows that a game created strictly for a mobile device can present additional competition in the entire gaming world, including computer and board games.

Securing Your Company's Wireless Phone Network

2011-06-30T15:57:00.003-05:00

According to the new FCC report on the wireless industry, 89% of Americans own a mobile phone. As more Americans join the mobile phone market, security is an ever-growing concern.

Whether used for personal or business purposes, mobile phones are exposed to hackers, viruses and viral attacks. Hackers can download personal or corporate information from a mobile phone in a matter of minutes.

Security needs to be the primary focus of a corporation before distributing phones to its employees. More often than not, companies place large amounts of trust into the hands of their employees, hoping that they will conduct business in a secure manner. To overcome this, companies should centralize device security management by constructing a clear and understandable security plan. Having a step-by-step plan that outlines the expectations and procedures for employee-use ensures business information will remain confidential and protected.

Having a certified team you can count on makes a difference. Once a corporate mobile policy has been established, have IT go through a certification process. When planning, IT should keep three central ideas in mind.

Usability: Employees need to conduct business smoothly. If cyber walls are too thick, business can slow.
Accuracy: Mobile devices need to be current, especially if the company is not centrally located. Employees should be able to send and receive emails, files and presentations without jumping through a ton of fences.
Risk: Plan for the worst, which will ensure your company’s mobile network is prepared to handle any security threat. Remember, it only takes one virus on one phone to infiltrate the entire company’s system.

Finally, mobile security is a resource all corporations should offer to their employees who use a corporate cell phone. It is an ongoing effort that every IT team and company should be committed to. If your employees know how to identify a virus or security threat properly, the security risk greatly diminishes.

RIP Unlimited Data

2011-06-27T14:05:00.009-05:00

Rest in Peace, Unlimited Data

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the end of the unlimited data era. Last week, Verizon Wireless joined AT&T by announcing its new “tiered” data plan packages.*

News of Verizon’s change comes as no surprise. Earlier this year, tech bloggers and wireless industry experts predicted the carrier would “re-evaluate” its unlimited data plan in the wake of AT&T’s 2010 re-structured data plan.

The new data plans are a result of unprecedented growth in the smartphone business. Currently, 142.8 million (or one out of in every two) Americans own a smartphone. Studies estimate that consumer use outweighs business use, but for many of us at Privus, smartphones serve a double duty. Access to the Internet anytime and anywhere is a valuable tool, one that many might have not considered because of unlimited data plans. Verizon agrees. South Area Vice President of Marketing and Sales Lee Williams sent the following to Verizon Wireless employees:

“Our legacy data pricing structure was designed to address a somewhat different customer need profile than what we are seeing and can expect in the future. Consider this. Data usage has more than doubled over the last three years. Consumers and business users alike are doing more and more with their mobile devices. The notion of “send and end” has migrated to “managing multiple aspects of one’s lifestyle through mobility.” Whether it’s social media (85%+ of Smartphone users), mobile internet (88%+ of Smartphone users), or email/applications (71%+ of Smartphone users), this usage has one thing in common—dramatically increased demand for data and media consumption. As a result, we are evolving our approach around how we package our data solutions and pricing to our customers.”

Carriers want to capitalize on the demand for additional data. With three major smartphones (iOS, BlackBerry and Android) dominating the market, change was inevitable. The new data plans look like they will be based on usage level, which seems to be a response to the money-losing proposition of “giving away” bandwidth for free.

Current subscribers to Verizon Wireless need not worry. The carrier has un-officially said it will allow current smartphone users to keep their unlimited packages, as to whether or not that will last until the end of your contract or the end of the year, nobody knows.

In the meantime, Verizon’s changes are set to take place on July 7. If you want unlimited, go now!

*Read the rest of Verizon’s internal memo here.

**This is the second post in the two-part series

2011-06-23T11:03:00.013-05:00

Mergers, Data Plans and the FCC: How the wireless world could turn upside down*

It could be the beginning of World War III for the wireless world. From reconfigured data plans (Verizon) to the ongoing AT&T/ T-Mobile merger, the telecommunications industry is dominating the news cycle.

Both events greatly influence consumers. But the merger, which was announced in March, will have the most lasting impact.

Here is what you need to know: AT&T announced a bid to acquire T-Mobile for $39 billion. Because of anti-trust laws the offer must be reviewed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If the FCC approves the acquisition it would merge the second and fourth largest wireless service providers leaving cell phone users with limited options. Past similar situations have been unsuccessful.

As a consumer, there are some things you should consider. One, the merger could affect up to 55 million Americans who currently have T-Mobile or AT&T. You’re probably thinking, “so what’s the big deal, I don’t have either provider?” Don’t jump the gun too quickly. While, consumers may receive better cell coverage and 3G connection, it means we will all pay higher prices, regardless of the service we use. Gigom reported earlier this year that because T-Mobile has been fairly aggressive in offering cheaper voice and data plans their competition has been forced to keep their prices down too. “This has worked well for U.S. consumers. With the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile, the market is now reduced to three national players: AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.”

Unfortunately, it looks like the consumer will get the short end of the stick, or should I say higher a phone bill. Let’s hope the FCC gives the merger some thought.

*This is a two part series.

Introducing Vietnam's NEW National Mobile Caller ID

2011-06-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

We are pleased to announce the world’s first national roll out of mobile caller ID! Thanks to our work with Media Hub and Smart Media we will be making our caller ID application available to more than 25 million people with smartphones in Vietnam. Vietnam has recently emerged as one of the global leaders in wireless infrastructure and we are very pleased to be a part of this innovation.

In addition to being the first country to offer nationwide mobile caller ID, Vietnam boasts complete 3G coverage and was listed by AdMob as one of the ten largest consumers of mobile Internet advertising data in the world. Nearly 80 percent of the country’s population uses a mobile phone, while only one-third uses landline phone services. Vietnam is known for its biodiversity and there are more bikes and mopeds than cars in this country. What other interesting facts do you know about Vietnam?

Inside the all-new Apple iOS 5

2011-06-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

Exciting news for Apple users! Scott Forstall took the stage at WWDC 2011 to announce some new upgrades and improvements in the Apple iPhone’s operating system. The new Apple iOS 5 is compatible with iPhone 4, 3Gs, iPad 1 and 2, and the iPod touch and will be available for download this fall. Check out a few of the cool new features that can be expected on the new operating system so far.

1. PC Free
With iOS 5, users can activate and set up their device wirelessly without a computer, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Users can get free iOS software updates directly on their device, and back-up and restore their devices automatically using iCloud.

2. Notification Center
Just like on Android devices, there’s a new Notification Center where users can get all of their alerts, all in one place: new email, texts, friend requests and more. Just swipe down from the top of the screen to enter the Notification Center.

3. Twitter Integration
For Twitter users, there’s an integration of Twitter to iOS 5. Sign in once in Settings, and tweet directly from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps. (*crowd cheers*)

4. Safari Reader
iOS 5 brings even more web-browsing features to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Safari Reader displays web articles sans ads or clutter, and Reading List saves interesting articles to peruse later, while iCloud keeps your list updated across all your Apple devices.

5. Reminders
“A better way to do to-dos.” Next time you need to remember something important, use your iPhone, iPad or iPod to make a note of it. Even better, the reminders are location based – so you’ll get an alert the next time you’re in the supermarket to pick up that milk you probably forgot about. Pretty sweet, huh?

6. iMessage
Finally! Apple users can BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) like BlackBerry users. iMessage is a new, exclusive service for iOS users, that has options like an indicator showing when the other party is typing.

7. Camera features
There’s now a camera button right on your screen lock! Since your phone is always with you, it’s the best way to capture unexpected moments. Use grid lines, pinch-to-zoom gestures and single-tap focus to compose pictures on the fly. Then, press the volume-up button to snap a photo right in time.

8. Photos
Turn your snapshots into frame-worthy photos in just a few taps right from your Apple device. Crop, rotate, enhance and remove red-eye without leaving the Photos app.

9. iCloud
There’s also amazing innovation in iOS 5 using cloud-syncing solutions. With iOS 5 and iCloud, enter your Apple ID and password, and – voila! It integrates your apps to wirelessly keep all your contacts, mails, photos, apps, books, music and updates across all your devices without connecting to a computer.

10. Newsstand
Extra extra, read all about it! iOS 5 organizes magazine and newspaper app subscriptions into one folder that lets users access their favorite publications quickly and easily.

We’re sure this is the first of many updates that can be expected before the fall release of iOS 5, but we still can’t wait! What new features are you most excited about?

Got Your Head in the iClouds?

2011-06-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

Apple recently unveiled a new system for automatic wireless syncing of all Apple devices. The iCloud will now allow for the sharing of photos, videos, music, apps, books, calendar events, mail and contacts. This unveiling also represents the end to the dreaded MobileMe, replacing its $99 annual charge with free services of the iCloud.

While all iCloud capabilities will not be released until the fall, some new aspects are available now. Music, apps and books can all be shared now by downloading iTunes 10.3 and changing the purchase settings in iPhones, iPods, iPads and Macs.

Find out more here.

Raising The Bar - AT&T’s LTE Comes to Five Cities This Summer

2011-05-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Just in time to cure our blues from thoughts of being without a new iPhone 5 this summer, AT&T announced today its new 4G network, with the addition of LTE, will be released in five markets this summer – Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio.

AT&T hopes to add another 10 markets and cover more than 70 million Americans with this new network by the end of year. To sweeten the deal, AT&T plans to add 20 4G devices to its offerings as well.

Just last fall, Verizon Wireless launched its LTE networks in dozens of cities. The company said the service offers download speeds of up to 12Mbps and uploads of up to 5Mbps. Lab tests show AT&T’s LTE rates offer double the speed of Verizon’s advertised rates with 28.87 Mbps download speeds. A little healthy competition, perhaps?

AT&T’s Chief Technology Officer, John Donovan, posted a blog on AT&T’s Innovation Space about the LTE launch.

AT&T's 4G Evolution
Dallas, Texas, May 25, 2011

AT&T has delivered five mobile broadband speed upgrades in recent years, including our HSPA+ deployment last year. And average nationwide speeds on the AT&T network have increased – more than 40 percent over the past two years alone.

The next network evolution will arrive this summer with the addition of LTE in five markets – Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio. We plan to add another 10 or more markets in the second half of the year, and cover 70 million Americans with LTE by year-end. We also have plans to add 20 4G devices to our robust device portfolio this year, with some of those being LTE capable.

We're positioning to deliver a great mobile broadband experience in the near term with HSPA+ and a growing LTE footprint.

We've invested $75 billion in our wireless and wired networks over the last four years – more capital invested in the U.S. than any company in any industry. And we plan to invest $19 billion in our wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects this year. The investments we've made to evolve our mobile broadband network in recent years, plus what we have planned for the future, put our customers in position to benefit fully from a host of coming mobile broadband innovations.

Does this “real 4G” network mean less dropped calls and faster tweeting, AT&T? If so, this summer may be a great one! Hold on to your seats, boys and girls.

Thanks from Privus Mobile

2011-05-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

We tallied up the numbers, and we just hit 131,000 total Privus Mobile downloads!! We wanted to take the time to thank all of our AWESOME users! You guys rock. Thanks for your continued support, and stay tuned for announcements we have coming soon!

Love Privus Mobile and want to share it with your friends? Send them this link to get started.

While you’re at it, send it on over to Billy Reid, too! Somehow we get the feeling he would totally dig Privus Mobile Caller ID.

Sprint makes it easier, quicker for Android customers to purchase apps

2011-04-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

Looks like Sprint has jumped on the carrier billing band wagon with AT&T and T-Mobile and rolled out support for their Android devices. Customers using phones powered by Android OS now have the option to purchase applications from the Android Market and charge it to their monthly Sprint bill. The carrier billing option supplements Google’s Checkout, which has seen limited success compared to other mobile payment methods. While the service is still currently rolling out, Sprint customers shouldn’t expect the services to be fully implemented for a few days.

The addition of this service support to Sprint Android devices is welcomed, as it becomes much easier for Android owners to purchase apps on their phones. Instead of setting up a Google Checkout account or entering credit card information on the device, the ability to add purchases to a monthly phone bill makes downloading applications a one-click transaction. In turn, this will help application developers to create and sell more software in the Android market, as a recent survey from Strategy Analytics shows that 38 percent of customers prefer carrier billing, and are therefore more apt to make purchases.

With the three major US carriers now on board with Direct Carrier Billing, this is a smart move for Sprint to keep up with its competitors in the mobile market. At AndroidCentral, a tipster provided the blog with an early screenshot of what the new payment option will look like. Users will have a choice to use their credit card or use an option that reads "bill my Sprint account."

This service provided from Sprint and Google has been one of the many recent partnerships between the two companies, as the carrier recently announced that all Sprint devices will support Google Voice. It only leaves us to wonder what they have in store for the future.

Will direct carrier billing make you want to purchase more apps from the Android Market?

Amazon’s Cloud Player, Sounds Like Music to Our Ears

2011-03-27T08:59:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, Amazon rolled out its very own music-streaming service conveniently dubbed the Amazon Cloud Player which has since hit a high note with services like Google who’s also rumored to have a cloud-based music application in the works. Amazon customers in the U.S. can upload their MP3 purchases to a 5GB cloud space, which is upgradable to a one-year 20GB plan for free upon purchasing an MP3 album, with additional plans starting at $20 a year. This free-of-charge service makes for seamless, on-the-go access to music files anywhere a user has an Internet connection, including personal computers, Macs and any Android-powered smart phone. Users can listen to music downloaded from Amazon on Cloud Player for Web, upload music from their personal libraries or enjoy music on the Amazon MP3 with Cloud Player application for Android smart phones.

Whether downloading from Amazon or uploading from personal files, playing it from an Android device or streaming from the cloud, Amazon’s Cloud Player is simple to use, easy to manage and releases music from device space constraints. Start listening right away--music is automatically available in the Android music player. We like the sound of that!

Technical Details

Amazon Cloud Player and Amazon Cloud Drive are available for U.S. customers only.
App upgrade is only available for Android OS 1.6+
PDF and video content is currently not available for purchase on the Amazon MP3 Android app

Check out the video on Amazon’s Cloud Player for more information on how to get streaming:

Sprint’s Android Devices Get Privus Mobile Caller ID Features

2011-03-18T08:58:00.000-05:00

It’s been a busy year already for the mobile industry, as the iPhone made its expansion to Verizon, and Android surpassed BlackBerry for the leading spot in the United States’ smart phone market.

While this progress has left many smaller telecom companies in the dust, Privus Mobile is making big splashes with another exciting introduction for its fans. The Caller ID application developer is releasing a free, ad-supported version of its application for Sprint-powered Android smart phones.

Beginning in April, Sprint customers can enjoy the full features of Privus Mobile on their Android devices without the monthly subscription fee.

Privus Mobile for Android Features

Caller ID* – Enables the user to see the name associated with any incoming call on their Android smart phone – not just those already in their contacts
Text ID – Displays the name of a text message’s sender even if the sender is not saved in a contact list
Voice Cue* – Audibly announces the sender’s name for incoming calls and text messages either from the user’s contact list or from Privus Mobile’s database for senders who are not saved in a contact list
Caller Name Look-up – Allows the user to look up the name associated with any telephone number through one of the world’s most comprehensive caller information databases from Accudata Technologies.

For users without Sprint, full versions of Privus Mobile’s applications can be downloaded on any Android-powered device by visiting www.privus.mobi on your smart phone. In addition to Android, Privus Mobile has apps available for BlackBerry, Apple’s iOS and Symbian smart phones. To check your handset’s compatibility with Privus Mobile, visit http://www.privusmobile.info/phonefilter/.

Privus Mobile's Favorite Business-Friendly Apps for Androids

2011-03-09T18:25:00.001-06:00

It’s finally happened. Android has surpassed Research in Motion’s BlackBerry to become the most popular smart phone in the United States. With more users migrating toward Android smart phones, it’s safe to assume users expect not only the technologically-savvy and cool aspects of an Android, but also that the device be able to accommodate their on-the-go business functions as well. With scores of apps in the Android Market and countless other features that can be customized on the handset, there are a few apps that can help to optimize Android devices to accommodate business needs in and out of the office.

5 Business-Friendly Apps for Androids

5. Astrid- Simple, but sweet, Astrid is a task-recording dashboard that prioritizes to-do lists into easy-to-manage categories. The simple features of adding tasks, viewing lists and marking completions are great features for helping business users maximize their efficiency and productivity by staying on top of looming tasks.

4. Swype- E-mailing and texting are two very important functions for those who use their handsets for business. Swype takes the difficult act of typing on a small touchscreen and simplifies text entry into a fluid, swipe motion. Users glide over characters on the keyboard, pausing over each letter to spell out words. This application allows for faster, more efficient typing on devices.

3. Dropbox- Although there are several apps available on the Android Market to transfer content between your computer and devices, Dropbox is one of the easiest to use. When on-the-go, having important business documents on hand for immediate access saves time, space and effort.

2. Juice Defender- For those who use their phone for business and have to remain readily available to customers, one of the biggest nightmares is a dead cell phone battery. Juice Defender preserves battery life when the phone is idle. Other power-saving features include: switching from 3G to 2G networks when the phone is not in use and turning off Wi-Fi when the phone battery drops below 20 percent.

1. Privus Mobile- While the previously mentioned apps provide Android users with extra capabilities on their handsets, Privus Mobile adds a feature to smart phones that even most standard landlines already include – true Caller ID. When using an Android device as a central means of business communication, being properly prepared for every call, even from unsaved contacts, ensures customer service levels remain high- even while on the go!

The ability to integrate true Caller ID features into the Android OS allows for seamless mobile communication as it provides the opportunity to increase productivity and sales by removing the hassle from cell phone contact list management. When missing an important phone call could have costly consequences, it pays for professionals to be prepared by knowing who’s calling each and every time.

Now that you have a few cool apps to get your job done while on the move, what are you waiting on? Get out there, and conquer!

The BlackBerry and Android Mix: A Match Made in Mobile Heaven?

2011-02-23T16:51:00.000-06:00

There is a rumor buzzing around that the upcoming tablet PC from Research in Motion, the BlackBerry PlayBook, will have the ability to run apps designed for Google’s Android operating system. For a company that has fallen far behind its competitors in terms of app development, the technological savvy and coolness of Android paired with the enterprise and functionality of the BlackBerry could make for a winning combination.

Although the BlackBerry once led the smartphone race, in recent years the innovative advances of Android and iPhone handsets have made it difficult for the mobile platform to keep pace. The BlackBerry App World, for example, was a necessary step for BlackBerry functionality, but it came about completely as a reactionary move to the Apple App Store and the Android Market which was only in the works. When Android launched its market in 2008, BlackBerry did not release its app store until almost a year later in April 2009. In recent reports, the Android Market has reported over 130,000 apps, while BlackBerry App World has around 20,000.

Couple BlackBerry’s developmental delay with its lackluster browser and slow adoption of trendy interfaces, it’s easy to see how Research in Motion has lost market share when compared to application-heavy and hip Apple and Android software. The answer to Research in Motion’s market share woes will be the PlayBook tablet. The PlayBook has a new, sophisticated operating system, competitive hardware specs and has been getting solid reviews from press members who’ve had demonstrations. Most importantly, Bloomberg is reporting that RIM is looking for ways to incorporate Android applications into the PlayBook operating system.

The details of how RIM plans to pull this off are still unknown, but if they can successfully provide users the ability to run Android apps on the PlayBook, it has the potential to be a game-changer for the platform. The effect it could have on RIM’s operating system could make a significant impact on where it currently stands in the mobile market. As RIM continues to rebuild its place in the industry, it only leads to questions about whether the platform will consider expanding such functionality to its handset operating systems as well. If the Android/PlayBook mix is a success, it’s something that, hopefully, BlackBerry users can look forward to somewhere in the near future.

Privus Mobile introduces free caller lookup app for iPhone in time for major switch

2011-02-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

Just in time for the Apple iPhone’s big debut on a network other than AT&T, Privus Mobile has introduced a free, advertising-supported version of its iOS application, iPrivus Caller Lookup. Like Apple, this is Privus’ first substantial expansion in availability of iPrivus since it first became available in 2009.

The app, available for download through Apple’s App Store, allows users to input a phone number and see its associated name. The new, ad-supported version allows users to enjoy the great benefits of the app without paying a monthly fee.

As thousands of people are set to make the big switch over to a new iPhone handset with Verizon, the process of transferring data to a new handset may be time consuming and many contacts may not transfer between devices. Because Verizon doesn’t have the convenience of a SIM card, iPrivus Caller Lookup proves beneficial for those people who depend on their iPhones for work, family and other important parts of their lives where it’s crucial to have access to reliable Caller ID features.

Visit www.privusmobile.com for more information regarding Privus Mobile for iPhone or other handsets. For more up-to-date news, check out Privus Mobile on Facebook and Twitter.

4G is Good 4Go

2010-08-31T08:04:00.002-05:00

Sprint has released its second 4G phone, the Samsung Epic, legitimately establishing that 4G is really starting to catch on. The network is far ahead of other carriers on this front, having released the first 4G handset, another handset to back it up and bringing its 4G network to 36 cities already. With all this time and money Sprint’s putting into WiMAX, and with AT&T and Verizon pouring even more money into LTE networks, it’s safe to say that a predominantly 4G mobile industry is not far away.

The Samsung Epic, part of the Samsung Galaxy line, features a 4” OLED screen, 1 GHz processor and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It also has a front-facing camera for video chat or pictures. This combination provides for a higher-quality experience when it comes to handling multimedia files and processing. It seems Samsung left no stone unturned on this one, setting the bar pretty high for other handset manufacturers currently working on other 4G projects.

Apart from higher quality of service and increased reliability of connection, a 4G network means that Privus Mobile’s Caller ID for smartphones will experience some enhancements as well. While this service currently provides information regarding callers to smartphones on GSM networks while the call is coming in, all smartphones with 4G service will be able to use this feature whether the phone is on a CDMA or GSM network.

Interested in the Samsung Epic 4G? Check out some reviews below.
CNET

Digital Trends

InfoSync

Caller ID goes hands-free with Privus Mobile for BlackBerry v4.0

2010-08-17T08:22:00.000-05:00

Privus Mobile, the first company to offer true Caller ID for mobile phones, is about to release their newest update for BlackBerry, Privus Mobile version 4.0. The update, which will be available through BlackBerry App World, Handango or www.privusmobile.mobi, maintains the features available on previous versions such as the reverse caller name look-up application, and adds text identification as well as the audible announcement of names as a call or text message is being received.

The upgrade is a big step for BlackBerry users as the previous versions displayed the name of a caller after the call ended and version 4.0 provides real-time identification as the call is coming in through the new voice announce feature. In addition, the ID is audible, rather than just words on a screen, providing the user with hands-free knowledge of callers without having to look at the phone. This means no digging through purses for phones, safer mobile use while driving and the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly who is on the other end of a line when you’re receiving a call.

The Privus Pack, which includes all features of the application—Caller ID, Text ID, Voice Cue and Reverse Caller Name Look-up—can be downloaded directly onto your BlackBerry as a 10-day free trial.

Google Launches New Voice Services

2010-08-12T13:47:00.001-05:00

At a special event for Android in San Francisco today, Google announced its newest suite of services for Android tailored around voice actions. With it we’ve got your typical voice actions such as “call Megan Fox” and “send message to Megan Fox;” however, after that it starts to get interesting.

With the new action items, you can elaborate on that call or text by dictating the actual message – and if the demo is anything to go by, it actually works. So while this has actually been around for a little while from other app developers, the compatibility and accuracy has always been a little touchy. Here’s to hoping Google’s years of collecting voice recognition samples has come in handy.

Not content with just a typical implementation, Google expanded on the voice functionality quite a bit. In addition to allowing for location-specific phone look-up via voice so you could say “call Megan Fox Los Angeles” to make sure you’re getting the right number (She’s listed, right?), you can also go straight to a website, set alarms and speak locations for directions. Even bigger, Google has implemented online music searching with support for Pandora and Last.fm via voice. Simply say “Find music [Artist Name]” and Google will scour the Internet to find what you’re looking for. When we used it for Lady GaGa, it instantly gave us the option to create a Pandora station.

If it thinks it might have missed a word, it will highlight it in blue and you can go in a fix it through the onscreen or physical keyboard pretty quickly. The suite is available now in the Android Market if you’re running Android 2.2 so feel free to jump on it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the expanded language support we saw for Google Voice Search (Spanish, French, Italian and Japanese) have made it to the voice actions but here’s to hoping for a quick update soon for our Android brethren across the sea.

It seems like voice services are becoming pretty popular lately. And why shouldn’t they? They are a lot safer for hands-free driving and make using a phone far more quick and convenient. If you haven’t heard, even Privus Mobile is getting in on the action with its latest demo for BlackBerry devices that features voice announce for incoming calls regardless of whether they are in your contacts list or not. If you weren’t in the demo group, keep your eyes open. It should be hitting an app store near you soon!

BlackBerry has even more new features than you thought

2010-08-05T14:59:00.001-05:00

The new BlackBerry 6 operating system has been long-awaited. A steady stream of previews, leaks and reviews have kept mobile junkies intrigued and wondering what new functionality will be introduced. Now that the OS has been officially released and built into a handset for AT&T, what’s going to change for BlackBerry?

For a brand that has always been set apart from other mainstream phones, and is what many consider the original creator of the smartphone, the new UI design seems to have several aspects in common with the iPhone and Android interfaces. The home screen maintains the same abbreviated grid layout that we’ve seen in OS 4 and 5. The WebKit-based browser, which is a new and much-pleaded-for addition to this version, takes a big stride in closing the gap between BlackBerry and other smartphones as well, and incorporates the multitouch functionality we’ve all grown accustomed to. Applications such as the integrated social media feed add some differentiation from existing platforms and make it a little more consumer-friendly; however, the redesigned media player is still a little i-esque in its design.

The UI improvements show promise, but we’re still looking for some stand-apart features to truly make this OS a must-have. With Windows Phone 7 and Android both supporting QWERTY keyboards and manufacturers getting better and better at matching the supremacy BlackBerry’s keyboard, RIM really needs something to separate it from the pack.

That being said, maybe we can expect app developers to expand the phone’s must-have products like we saw with the iPhone. One example of a developer bringing change to BlackBerry functionality is Privus Mobile’s coming 4.0 update. Not to give all the juicy details away or anything, but we hear it’s going to speak volumes about Caller ID and open up real-time delivery of caller information. Keep in mind that Privus is still the only method of receiving real Caller ID names for phone numbers that aren’t stored in your contact list, and the application has always worked wonders on BlackBerry operating systems.

If you’re a BlackBerry owner, keep an eye out for the new Privus Mobile for BlackBerry application coming to an app store near you. If you don’t have a BlackBerry but you still want to try out true Caller ID on your phone, you can check out the Privus Mobile website to download a free trial.

Where my BlackBerry at?

2010-07-23T14:35:00.005-05:00

Good news for all you CrackBerry addicts who can never figure out where you are! RIM has introduced a brand new feature to its BlackBerry operating system called “Locate Service,” and (you guessed it) it tells you where you are when you don’t have coverage for the traditional GPS application. Beyond directions and the usual location finder, the feature has been made freely available to app developers, allowing for a smooth integration into more widespread location-based applications such as Foursquare.

The new Geolocation format uses cell phone frequency towers to triangulate your position. Although it is not as accurate as a true GPS application, the Locate Service function is able to produce an address along with nearby points of interest from virtually anywhere with cell phone service regardless of a clear line of sight to GPS satellites. Also, since the program was designed by RIM, Locate Service should easily integrate with standard OS applications such as BlackBerry Maps and Contacts.

While the application is still relatively new, it shouldn’t be long before it is integrated into quite a few existing applications.

Nokia is dying

2010-07-22T15:33:00.006-05:00

Nokia’s Q2 2010 earnings, as reported this month, have taken a sharp fall (40% less than Q2 2009), and it may be because people aren’t buying Nokia products anymore. Well, that’s actually exactly why they’re not making as much money as they used to. Don’t get me wrong. The majority of the world still uses Nokia handsets right now, but most of the world will also be switching pretty soon if Nokia doesn’t get with the program. While Symbian has remained the world leader in operating systems for several years, it has not led the world in innovation, despite its open-source operation. So why is it that, when Symbian users have the freedom to shape the operating system and create exactly what they want, consumers are choosing other smartphones?

Maybe it’s because Nokia hasn’t exactly stuck with the mainstream when it comes to user interfaces. Looking at the rising stars of the OS world, application and homescreen layout has evolved into a pretty standard grid layout of icons. Busy people don’t want to have to read names of applications and navigate through menus. They want to look at a picture, touch it and get work done. It’s sort of similar to the ongoing battle between Mac loyalists and PC users. The difference in look and layout between operating systems with the same basic capabilities has created a technology war for the ages, and it doesn’t look like it will end anytime soon.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to watch how Symbian grows with new images of Symbian^3 and ^4 starting to pop up as well as MeeGo, Nokia’s newest operating system formed in a joint venture with Intel’s Moblin.

Windows Phone 7 is preparing for takeoff

2010-07-19T13:36:00.004-05:00

Microsoft has officially released a preview of the new Windows Phone 7 operating system to developers and other partners in order to generate feedback and put the final touches on its user interface. The OS, which has reportedly been issued on Asus, LG and Samsung handsets, has already generated reviews from several mobile bloggers, and opinions seem to be pretty positive so far.

All in all, it seems that Microsoft has succeeded in creating an operating system with every bit as much functionality as the other mainstream OS’s while maintaining its own personal spin on features and producing an original UI, coined “Metro,” with little borrowed from its iOS and Android counterparts. Check it out for yourself in this clip from Engadget.

Developers still have a few months to mull over the updates as the OS is not scheduled for release until the holiday season. Still, it is rumored that Microsoft is already offering financial incentives for app developers to get to work on beefing up its app storefront. Microsoft is going to have a tough time catching up to Apple and Google in the app department, but it’s possible that its interface will attract business from consumers who are loyal to other Microsoft products such as Office or Exchange, are looking for a change from the now-standard grid application list started by Apple or are migrating away from OS’s that are losing market share such as Symbian.

Let us know what you think!

RIM Unveils Latest OS 6 Teaser

2010-07-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

Well Storm users, it only took a few years for BlackBerry to realize OS 5 isn’t really suited for a touchscreen interface and start rebuilding. We’ll most likely see a few more touchscreen-enabled Berries hit shelves alongside OS 6, but RIM’s keeping pretty quiet on the hardware front for now. Instead, we’ve got another look at the new interface, browser and universal search bar.

The video mostly concentrates on the social applications of the phone. Evidently, RIM thinks its plethora of corporate users mainly Tweet and text about how “kick-tastic” the latest action flick was. However, it does offer some unique insight into some new functionality for the operating system including a new universal search feature and the new Web-kit based browser that we’ve all been clamoring for.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think! How many of you are looking forward to the operating system refresh or have you already jumped ship?

AT&T Looks to Android to Help with Network Problems

2010-06-22T16:00:00.003-05:00

AT&T just launched an Android version of its Mark the Spot app, which lets customers report the precise location where they dropped a call, had no coverage or had a failed call. The idea behind this app is that AT&T can track and improve their services.

Everyone in the tech community has known about the problem AT&T has had with dropped calls but it is good to see that they are trying to do something about it. Mark the Spot records the data where customers received poor cell phone service and sends it to the provider. With the data AT&T might just be able to do something about their constant drop calls.

iPhone users have had their own version of Mark the Spot for several months now, and that information has actually helped improve coverage in places. AT&T Android users may want to familiarize with the app because they may end up spending quite a bit of time with it until things improve further.

iPhone OS 4 Unleashed to the Masses

2010-06-21T14:57:00.001-05:00

If you haven’t already tried downloading it, you can grab iOS4 for your iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod Touch via iTunes. After you get done searching around on Bing (we all know that’s what you’re really looking forward to), you can check out some of the interesting apps taking advantage of all of the other must-have new features like multitasking and quick switching.

Unfortunately, Apple’s idea of “multitasking” doesn’t involve apps refreshing in the background so we still can’t get real caller ID on the iPhone like we can on Android, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, but there are a few apps that can take advantage of Apple’s newest API features. Engadget’s got a list going over at http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/ios-4-apps-the-best-of-whats-new-and-updated/ including their impressions of updated apps like Dropbox, Evernote and Pandora. Make sure to check them out and let us know what you think.

EVO helps HTC increase its hype

2010-05-27T08:51:00.002-05:00

In a recent blog, we mentioned that the HTC Droid Incredible was number one on the PCWorld Top 10 Android Cell Phones list. It seems that HTC wants all the glory, now that it has released the highly acclaimed HTC EVO 4G. Those who have had the pleasure of testing out this fine piece of work believe it to be the best smartphone available on Sprint, and second overall to the HTC Droid Incredible on the Verizon network. What makes this phone so impressive is its accoutrement of powerful specs and numerous features packed into a slick, stylish design. The only downfall is that EVO users will have to fork over the money for its 4G connectivity, even if they’re not in the right location to enjoy this feature. What’s it matter? If you want this phone bad enough and you’re in a 4G area, you’ll pay.

There is one thing almost every review is pointing out about the HTC EVO; the packaging of the smartphone. Some have compared it to a tofu container, while others have compared it to a microwavable meal. With that said, let’s not judge a smartphone by its casing because that would be an unfair judgment, especially for this phone. Included with the EVO 4G is a Micro-USB cable, a USB wall charger, a 1500mAh battery and an 8GB MicroSD card. I would say this equipment makes up for the ugly packaging.

The first thing you may notice while removing the EVO 4G from the box is the device’s 4.3 inch WVGA (800X480 pixel) touchscreen. Physically, with its glossy black bezel and extravagant red detailing, this phone will be sure to draw attention from onlookers once you take it out in public. HTC made the EVO 4G a little larger than other smartphones, but nobody has had any complaints on whether its size makes for an uncomfortable grip. To compliment its sleek look, the EVO 4G features four navigation buttons (Home, Menu, Back, Search) as part of the display instead of they keypad.

The EVO 4G has all of the essential features, including a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and power button on the top, and an HDMI port and Micro-USB connector for both data transfer and charging on the bottom. The HTC EVO 4G shows off its 8-megapixel camera and dual LED flash on the backside. Most smartphones have a 5 megapixel camera, but the EVO 4G isn’t about standard.

This camera has touch-focus feature and offers several advanced controls, including exposure, color, white balance and various photo effects. Indoor and outdoor photo quality on the EVO 4G are impressive with vivid colors and sharp detail. You can also shoot HD video with this camera. Even better, you can purchase an HDMI cable separately and upload your photos and video in HD quality. Just when you thought the EVO 4G’s multi-media feature couldn’t get any better, I take pleasure in telling you about Qik, an application that comes preloaded on the EVO 4G. With Qik, you can stream live videos from your phone and share them via social media networks like Facebook. The cherry on top is EVO 4G’s front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities. I would think the people at Skype are excited about the possibility of this feature becoming standard on smartphones to allow for video chat. I almost forgot to mention that the EVO 4G has a kickstand to make your multimedia experience even more enjoyable.

Other features on the HTV EVO 4G include Leap, the latest adaptation of HTC Sense, which allows you to effortlessly view your friends’ status updates, shared links, and pictures from Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other social sites. Gmail, Google Talk, YouTube HQ (better-quality videos) and HTC’s Twitter app, Peep, are all standard Android applications included on the EVO 4G.

As far as performance goes, the 4G network delivers peak download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds. But again, you will not notice that unless you’re in an area with 4G coverage. If you find yourself in a 4G-connected area, you’ll be able to use voice and data simultaneously, a useful function when you’re surfing the web and get an incoming phone call. One thing that should impress, the built-in mobile hotspot feature gives you the ability to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices, including a laptop, camera, music player and video player. You can connect to the hotspot by simply inputting your SSID name, the encryption type and your password. The hotspot on the HTC EVO 4G will cost you $30 per month.

Like the Droid Incredible, Nexus One and HD2, the EVO 4G runs on Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The battery life is decent with a little over five hours of power with continuous use. The HTC EVO 4G is a significant advancement for the Android platforms and Sprint’s 4G network. With all that it has to offer, the EVO 4G has definitely earned its number two ranking among Android smartphones. However, what’s to say it’s not number one over the Droid Incredible. It’s all a matter of opinion. As long as I can still enjoy the luxury of Privus Mobile, I’m good to go!

HTC Introduces Budget-Friendly Alternative for Smartphone Enthusiasts

2010-05-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

It won’t be available until Q3, but soon enough, there will be another decent Android device available at a reasonable price. HTC has unveiled a new budget smartphone to add to its existing line, the HTC Wildfire. The new device will feature the latest 2.1 Android operating system as well as an updated version of HTC’s patented user interface, HTC Sense. Other features on the Wildfire will include a five megapixel camera with flash and a MicroUSB charging port.

Sounds great, right? Let’s just say, you get what you pay for with the HTC Wildfire. The Wildfire will not perform as well as its fellow devices due in part to a painfully slow 528 MHz processor and lower resolution 3.2 in screen (but, hey you can always root and overclock). However, you’re main goal in buying this phone should be to save money. Look at it this way, you can download the only mobile Caller ID application, Privus Mobile, with the money you’ll save buying the HTC Wildfire.

HTC hasn’t scheduled a release date or finalized any carrier details just yet. Nonetheless, this looks like it could be a fine, budget-friendly addition to the enormous HTC portfolio. The smartphone developer has seen increasing success in the UK with the launch of the HTC Desire and HTC Legend – two devices that are similar in several ways. The only exception, the Desire has a more powerful processor and a larger screen, making it potentially more appropriate for business users who use the smartphone for e-mail viewing purposes more often than not. And of course, you can’t forget about the absolutely glowing reviews the HTC Droid Incredible and Nexus One have been getting.

It’s good to see HTC continuing to come out with new phones despite its ongoing patent dispute with Apple. HTC has called for the US International Trade Commision to ban the sales of iPhones, iPads and iPods over patent infringement. It’ll be interesting to see how this situation plays out for HTC, but in the meantime, it looks like it’ll continue to make some significant noise in the smartphone market.

There’s Much to Compare When it Comes to Smartphone Shopping

2010-05-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

Basically, if you don’t have a smartphone, consider yourself far removed from the inner loop. The wireless market is being dominated by the latest and greatest devices that have brought the convenience of a laptop to the palm of your hand. If you haven’t dug deep down in your pockets to get one, perhaps it’s time you conform to what is becoming the norm for today’s fast-pace, on-the-go society and buy a smartphone.

You’re first instinct tells you to observe which smartphone seems to the most popular among your friends and coworkers. However, you should know that AT&T’s iPhone isn’t the only option just because it’s the only one you see in the palm of everyone’s hand. I’m not trying to suggest that the iPhone would be a poor choice. It’s just that you have some great options to choose from if you happen to belong to another network like Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint. To give you a simple summary of the top smartphones on the market today, I will break this down by carrier so that you are able to gain some insight on a smartphone with your network.

No carrier has a better selection than another. It all depends on what kind of applications you’re looking for, if performance is an important attribute to you or if you just need a smartphone that will help improve your organization. Right now, the No. 1 phone on the PCWorld Top 10 Android Cell Phones chart is the HTC Droid Incredible on the Verizon network. The Incredible has one of the most impressive displays among any smartphone, has a slick user interface and a blazing-fast processor. And if you’re in the market right now, you can get the Incredible for $50 less than Verizon’s in-store price if you’re willing to wait on shipping and go through Amazon. Verizon also lays claim to the third-ranked Motorola Droid, the first Android 2.0 phone. It has a strong suite of Web features and a striking 3.7-inch display. Some users of this device have an issue with the shallow keyboard; however, it does a physical keyboard if that’s a selling point for you, which all other Android smartphones on Verizon are lacking.

Additionally, Verizon also offers the Palm Pre Plus. This device is a definite improvement over the original Palm Pre, with its expanded memory and new software capabilities. And with HP’s recent acquisition of Palm, you can purchase with it full confidence that the operating system will continue to be supported into the future. Research in Motion (RIM) is represented at Verizon by the BlackBerry Tour 9630, which boasts an attractive ergonomic keyboard and display similar to the original BlackBerry Bold 9000 on AT&T. The only hesitation we have with the 9630 is that Verizon is reportedly getting an updated version of the popular smartphone (the 9650) which will bring the phone up to the standards of the current Bold 9700 on AT&T. Verizon also has the carrier-exclusive BlackBerry Storm 2, which received substantially improved marks over its last generation family member when it launched. Lastly on Verizon’s slate is the Samsung Omnia II. This device has a variety of multimedia features and is a solid Windows phone, but its lethargic performance is a negative. Verizon has a great lineup of smartphones, and it’s great to see Privus Mobile working on all these devices, with the exception of the Palm Pre Plus.

Next up is T-Mobile. This may surprise you considering T-Mobile hasn’t had much to show for in the past. Remember, though, I’m not ranking carriers. The gem in this network’s lineup is Google’s Nexus One. This device is ranked No. 2 on PCWorld’s Top 10 Cell Phones chart with its AMOLED display, fast performance and fresh tweaks to the Android OS. The only bad side here: Even Google is saying to buy an Incredible over the Nexus One so if you’re not stuck with T-Mobile, you’re probably better off with the better phone and better carrier. If you’re a social butterfly and so happen to be under contract with T-Mobile, you might want to check out the Motorola Cliq. This phone hosts a number of easy-to-navigate social media applications through Motorola’s customized Blur user interface on top of the Android OS. RIM also teamed up with T-Mobile with its BlackBerry Bold 9700. Some unbiased users deem this to be the best BlackBerry available because of its multitude of features, including its sophisticated, slimmed-down design.

Not on a budget? T-Mobile offers the Samsung Behold II. Like Google’s Nexus One, the Behold II has an AMOLED display as well as an excellent camera on top of the Android operating system. If you’re big on multimedia and have deep pockets, this is the phone for you, although you might check out first-hand what Samsung has done to the OS with its TouchWiz refinements as they seem to be a pretty big hit or miss with people. Last, and you might say least for T-Mobile, is the HTC HD2. This device has notable hardware and superb specs, but isn’t a great choice because of its soon-to-be-obsolete operating system Windows Mobile 6.5.

Then there’s AT&T, and no, the ‘A’ does not stand for Apple. The pride and joy of this network is, of course, Apple’s 32GB iPhone 3GS. When you think of smartphones, you may always think of this device as the must have among all smartphones. If you’re looking for a collection of thousands upon thousands of applications, here’s your dream phone. Aside from that, the iPhone 3GS’ performance enhancements distinguish this otherwise evolutionary step-up from its previous iteration, the Apple 16GB iPhone 3G. With a lower price, 3G radio and GPS, the iPhone 3G is an ideal device for anyone on the AT&T network. If you prefer a physical keyboard or a little more robust business functionality, RIM also has two devices with AT&T, including the BlackBerry Bold 9700, which I already mentioned with T-Mobile. AT&T also still carriers the Bold 9000, but it’s the previous generation of the phone so it suffers from mediocre call quality and a lackluster camera when compared. Lastly for AT&T is the HTC Pure. This device is touch friendly and inexpensive. Surprisingly, the HTC Pure does not have a headphone jack and is made even more of an outcast because of its dull multimedia features. The one great thing about all of T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s devices is they all support the only true Mobile Caller ID application, Privus Mobile.

Finally, we come to Sprint. Sprint’s current offerings aren’t as notable as those of the other carriers I’ve mentioned. Hopefully the arrival of the HTC EVO 4G will help Sprint catch-up to the rest of the pack. Sprint has two Palm devices – Palm Pre and Palm Pixi. The Pre webOS software is touch-friendly and fun, but the cramped QWERTY keyboard detracts from the phones functionality. That being said, the device offers a truly new experience smartphone experience in terms of functionality and user interface that users clamor for. However, if you’re really in the market for a Pre, it’s best to go with the Pre Plus from Verizon. The Pixi, the newest addition to the webOS family, has a nice design, but it too could benefit from improvements on performance and the keyboard. And again, if you’re in the market for the Pixi, you can pick up the improved version of it for free with a two year contract over on Verizon. Sprint, like Verizon, also offers the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630, a device that has a great keyboard and display, but lacks in the Wi-Fi department.

The two phones that are exclusive to Sprint include the Samsung Moment and HTC Hero. While the Hero marks a significant leap in innovation of the Android platform, not to mention serves as Sprints only Privus Mobile-friendly device, and the Moment impresses with a vivid AMOLED display and roomy QWERTY keyboard, both devices are nothing special when it comes to performance. Sprint seems to be the caboose of smartphone providers, for now.

There you have it – a rundown of your network’s, whichever one that maybe, top smartphones. No device is perfect, but each one has enough of the right features to make it the right smartphone for you. It’s all a matter of getting out there and determining which one meets your expectations and needs the most.

One-Two Punch Gives Microsoft ‘Cool’ Factor

2010-05-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

Microsoft has been in hot pursuit to develop a phone with more appeal to a younger demographic. Microsoft’s new devices are not meant to compete with smartphones, but, instead, highlight social media attributes, a feature many users of the iPhone admired when it was first released. With the release of the KIN 1 and KIN 2, Microsoft may attract a significant segment of the market looking for more social media convenience, rather than business and professional functionality.

The KINs, which will be sold through Verizon Wireless, are extremely social media friendly. The software of KIN 1 and KIN 2 allow the devices to give their full attention to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and blogging. Once you’ve connected to all of your accounts on the KIN, your friends’ status updates and tweets will appear on the home screen, as will news updates from RSS feeds you subscribe to. Microsoft refers to this impressive social media concept as the KIN Loop. With either of these new devices, you will constantly be in the loop via popular social media websites.

The KIN 1 and KIN 2 boast easy navigation as you can scroll to the right on the touch screen and create a photo-tiled wall of your favorite contacts for easy access to their e-mail addresses, social media accounts and phone numbers. By scrolling to the left, you gain access to icons for Web access, camera, text messages, e-mail accounts and more. The unique operating system on the KIN 1 and KIN 2 is very similar to that of Microsoft’s Zune HD digital music player. The styles of the tiles are alike and both KINs feature a Zune application.

The most significant difference between the KIN 1 and KIN 2 is the size. The KIN 1 is no bigger than the palm of your hand and has a portrait QWERTY keyboard hidden behind a slide-up touch screen. The KIN 2 is closer to the size of Apple’s iPhone and also features a slide-out landscape QWERTY keyboard. Both phones will target teenagers and college students because of their social media attributes. Unfortunately, users of the KINs will not have access to an app store for downloadable applications right out of the gate but Microsoft has stated we may see something a little closer to the Windows Phone 7 launch. Don’t let that stop you from experiencing the simplicity and originality of the KIN 1 and KIN 2 if you’re social media savvy.

What the KINs lack in smartphone features, they make up for with cool elements like the KIN Spot. The “Spot” is a colored dot at the bottom of the touch screen where you can drag anything you see and send it via e-mail or text message. It’s a remarkable way to utilize the old copy and paste trick. In addition, you can listen to the radio or play unlimited music through the Zune Pass subscription service.

Probably the most notable feature is the KIN Studio. The KIN Studio will automatically back up everything you do on the web, including photo and video uploads, texts and contacts when you log into your phone with a Windows Live or Hotmail account on the KIN 1 or KIN 2. Think of it like a free, more intuitive and in-depth version of the iPhone’s Mobile Me service.

The KIN phones are a preview of what’s to come with Windows Phone 7, Microsoft’s revamped operating system that is due out later this year. It’ll make Windows Mobile 6.5 a thing of the past and will feature similar tiles for finger-friendly navigation, although it will have an expanded feature set and capabilities to better support business users. The KIN 1 and KIN 2 should give Microsoft’s wireless phone line some appeal.

Dell Shows Promise in Its Smartphone Forecast

2010-04-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

The company hasn’t shown the same zeal and gusto that other smartphone developers have displayed, but Dell is finally in the game with some new, impressive devices. Details about a Windows Phone 7 smartphone and four Google Android smartphones are spreading like wildfire in the media. Many people thought Dell would never compete in the smartphone industry after receiving scrutiny over the years for not developing a smartphone in the U.S. Now the company has the devices to claim some significant market share.

Probably the most impressive of all the new devices is the Dell Lightning. This Windows Phone 7 device is expected to rock a 4.1 inch WVGA OLED display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, both AT&T and T-Mobile 3G compatibility, 1GB of flash, 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of storage on an internal microSD card, GPS and FM radio. The massive display screen slides up to reveal a sleek QWERTY keyboard, much like the Palm Pre Plus. This device is also rumored to be upgradeable to LTE in 2011.

Much like nature intended, Dell‘s Lightning is followed by its Thunder. The Dell Thunder resembles the Lightning, only without the QWERTY keyboard. This Google Android phone also boasts a 4.1 inch WVGA OLED display, Android 2.1, an integrated Hulu app, 8 megapixel camera and AT&T 3G support. Dell should make it available in late 2010. Also of note, there’s a good chance we’ll see Flash capabilities in the browser!

The Dell Smoke, another Google Android phone, may remind you of the Palm Pixi in the way it features a front facing QWERTY keyboard. Not to be confused with any of Palm’s devices, the Dell Smoke is expected to run on a later version of Android, Froyo. It has a 2.8 inch QVGA display, 800MHz processor, 5 megapixel camera, 14.4Mbps HSPA, microSD slot, WiFi and Bluetooth capability. Unfortunately, anyone anxious for this phone’s debut will have to wait until 2011.

Dell will also introduce Dell Flash, another Froyo-based Google Android device in 2011. This model has a smaller 3.5 inch WVGA display, 5 megapixel camera, WiFi, TV-out, Bluetooth 3.0 and 800MHz Qualcomm processor. It too will have AT&T 3G compatibility. The last of Dell’s Google Android phones is the Dell Aero, which should also be coming to AT&T. This is definitely the lower end of Dell’s new smartphone line. It’ll be running Android 1.X with a 624MHz Marvell processor, 3.5 inch display and a 3 megapixel camera.

It will be interesting to see what kind of impact these new devices from Dell make on the market. One thing is for certain, Dell has stepped up to the plate big time with its new smartphone line and we can’t wait to see Privus Mobile up and running on them.

High Ranking for Privus Mobile on Softpedia Top 100 List

2010-04-07T17:39:00.005-05:00

Privus Mobile has continued to astonish smartphone users in North America and Europe with its accurate and reliable mobile Caller ID application. More and more customers are controlling who they talk to and when on their smartphones with better call management through Privus Mobile. Many of those customers shared their impressions of Privus Mobile with Softpedia.com and, as a result, two Privus Mobile applications, Privus Mobile for Android and Privus Mobile for Symbian S60, earned high rankings on Softpedia’s “Top 100 Most Popular Handheld Programs” listing.

Softpedia measures an application’s popularity by using a unique formula that combines four characteristics: total number of downloads, the users’ rating, number of comments and the Softpedia pick. The overall score determines the application’s position on the frequently updated list. As evident by this ranking that directly reflects customer feedback, Privus Mobile’s mobile Caller ID application has helped a lot of people gain back control of their smartphones,.

Privus Mobile’s ranking on Softpedia’s list is the second honor it has received in the past month. You may remember Privus Mobile recently being named by smartphone enthusiasts as Biz-News.com’s 2009 “Product of the Year” in the smartphone category. Both of these honors, along with the other recognitions Privus Mobile has received for its mobile Caller ID application, are testaments of the benefits it brings to all its customers.

Smartphone users can download the complete application with a 10-day free trial on their devices through Privus Mobile’s mobile site at www.privusmobile.mobi, the BlackBerry App Store or any of the numerous mobile application dealers. iPhone users can download Privus Mobile’s iPhone application, iPrivus, at Apple’s App Store.

Privus Mobile Impresses Judges at CTIA Wireless

2010-03-30T17:10:00.002-05:00

It should come as no surprise that Privus Mobile, our beloved mobile Caller ID application for smartphones, impressed judges at the recent CTIA wireless convention in Las Vegas. The company entered AT&T’s fifth annual “Open Call – Apps For All!” contest and was chosen as a semifinalist to present their Caller ID application to a panel of judges at CTIA Wireless 2010. The contest, designed to identify the country’s most innovative wireless applications, was divided into four categories: Brew Mobile Platform (BMP), Android, Java & RIM, and an “Open” category reviewing applications and content of all platforms. Privus Mobile finished in the Top 20 at the Open Call contest and placed in the Top 5 in the Java & RIM category. You can view the full press release from Privus Mobile here.

As a first time entry, Privus Mobile earned a top ranking among hundreds of talented developers with its simplistic, accurate and useful design. As part of its demonstration, Privus Mobile showcased how the application works to identify all calls from unknown numbers on smartphones and how easy it is to lookup caller information and save it in the contacts list. The judges and conference attendees at CTIA wireless were able to see firsthand the true luxury of having better call management with Privus Mobile, an application that many of us have been enjoying since its 2008 launch.

The “Open Call - Apps For All!” contest was open to any developer who wished to present new and exciting applications that may ultimately find their way into the handsets of AT&T’s wireless customers. As you may already know, Privus Mobile works on more than 30 devices on AT&T's network as well as major operating systems such as Apple, RIM, Symbian S60, Android and Windows Mobile. Smartphone users can download the complete application with a 10-day free trial on their devices through Privus Mobile’s mobile site at www.privusmobile.mobi, the BlackBerry App Store or any of the numerous mobile application dealers. Additionally, Privus Mobile’s iPhone application, iPrivus, can be found at Apple’s App Store.

Customers Vote Privus Mobile as 2009 ‘Product of the Year’

2010-03-17T07:42:00.007-05:00

Our favorite mobile caller ID provider and sponsor, Privus Mobile was duly awarded for its service and performance across all major operating systems with Biz-News.com’s 2009 “Product of the Year” in the smartphone category.

Biz-News, a technology blog that covers consumer electronic business news, took a vote amongst its readers in January for their favorite smartphone, HDTV, VoIP and storage products, and Privus Mobile, powered by Accudata Technologies, emerged victorious in the smartphone category. This award is a well-deserved honor for Privus Mobile, in addition to receiving “Best Blackberry Evolution” in the 2008 Handango Champion Awards and its nomination for the 2009 Champion Award for “Best Android Phone Tool.”

Privus Mobile launched their Caller ID service when the company identified a need for better call management capabilities. North American landline users and nearly the entire European market had never seen a caller ID service capable of identifying up to 95 percent of caller’s that aren’t already in a phone’s contact list. So, it should come as no surprise that a service which enables customers to take advantage of a wide range of benefits, including increased privacy, call screening, ID protection and a quick-save feature, should be voted as product of the year by the very people for who the application was created.

As I’m sure your intrigue has peaked at this point about Privus Mobile and its caller ID service, users can download the complete application with a 10-day free trial on their devices through Privus Mobile’s mobile site at www.privusmobile.mobi, the Blackberry App store or any other mobile application vendors.

WebOS 1.4 Update Helps Palm Catch-up in Smartphone Arena

2010-03-16T16:40:00.005-05:00

Since launching its new line of smartphones a few months ago, Palm has taken considerable steps to remain competitive in this ever-advancing market. Little advantage has come from Palm’s strategy in partnering up with Sprint and Verizon, two wireless providers who either lack in smartphone customers (Sprint) or already have quite a few options available (Verizon).

The WebOS 1.4 update was much needed after initial impressions of Palm Pre’s features were nothing to cheer about. Many users loved the idea of such a revolutionary OS, but experienced hardware issues, such as wobbly screen display and random shutdowns that quickly led to frustration. Not to mention the absence of many user friendly features that smartphone users have come to expect, like application launch status and better hyper-linking to phone numbers embedded in e-mails or text messages.

With the WebOS 1.4 update, Palm Pre and Palm Pixi Plus users are benefiting from tons of improvements, including video recording, editing and uploading capabilities, customization of calendar notifications, full hyperlink support for phone numbers and email addresses in Calendar, Memos, Web browser and Email applications, grouping of multiple calls from the same person in call history and custom ringtones. Additionally, WebOS 1.4 has improved Bluetooth headset support for conference calls, email sorting features, more user friendly web browsing and SMS messaging.

With that said, Palm still has a long way to go if it plans to surpass the competition. Though its improvements through WebOS 1.4 were much needed, Palm is still battling the timing issue. If a smartphone developer attempts to position its device as the latest and greatest, it is essential to not only introduce something new and unseen, but it also has to work. Palm didn’t necessarily do that with WebOS. And it’s merely playing catch-up to the competition for the time being.

Privus Mobile Launches New Enterprise Service for Businesses

2010-03-09T17:28:00.002-06:00

Privus Mobile, the premiere mobile Caller ID application that business professionals, sales representatives and real estate agents can’t function without, is launching a new corporate enterprise service. Privus Mobile has set the standard for mobile Caller ID and now is making it easier for business professionals and entire sales teams to benefit from Caller ID screening and caller name lookup services on company smartphones.

Companies and sales teams of all sizes who take advantage of Privus Mobile’s special volume licensing rates and support for IT deployment will be able to easily push the service out without having to purchase it for each individual phone. Corporate enterprise customers will be able to dramatically improve customer service, strengthen sales leads and better manage daily tasks with the ability to see the full caller details of incoming calls from unknown numbers. They also can input any complete phone number and quickly receive the name and company name of the person registered to the number with Privus Mobile.

To top off the launch of its new corporate enterprise service, Privus Mobile also received the AT&T Enterprise Solution Certification and can now be found in the AT&T Certified Solutions Catalog. AT&T tested, certified and approved Privus Mobile’s placement alongside its other trusted enterprise applications.

We’ve all enjoyed increased privacy and control with mobile Caller ID, and now Privus Mobile is sharing the wealth and making it simple for all professionals to experience the luxury of better call management. If you’ve been missing out on mobile Caller ID, you can download the complete application with a 10-day free trial on your smartphone through Privus Mobile’s mobile site at www.privusmobile.mobi, the BlackBerry App Store or any of the numerous mobile application dealers, including Handango, Handmark and Mobile2Day.

Privus Mobile Launches Enterprise Service and Volume Licensing

2010-03-09T13:59:00.001-06:00

Pretty interesting development from our favorite mobile Caller ID provider (and sponsor): The app developer has just opened up it’s a new service offering specifically for enterprise customers and got AT&T’s blessing to coincide with the launch! Now, entire companies can deploy Caller ID to all of its users smartphones with special volume licensing rates. Privus also opened up new support options for IT deployments as part of their new enterprise services.

Overall, it’s a pretty interesting development for the application and something that I think a lot of businesses could benefit from. With so many professionals switching to their mobile being their primary lifeline, Privus becomes necessary rather than just convenient. Throw in AT&T’s recent Enterprise Solutions Certification for the app and you’ve got a pretty nice, trustworthy package to provide to sales staff.

You can check out additional info on the new services at http://www.privusmobile.com/caller-id-business.html . How many of you are in the same boat as this guy?

Is Dell's Mini 5 a Mini PC or a Large Smartphone?

2010-02-26T15:51:00.014-06:00

Anticipation is growing for Dell’s Mini 5. The device is expected to rival the recently revealed iPad, which is more or less an oversized iPhone. The Mini 5 will be smaller than the iPad, but will have an impressive 800 x 480 capacitive screen. It will boast 3G features and will include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS capabilities, not to mention a forward facing camera, although most interesting is the fact that it comes with voice support as well.

Fans of Android should be excited for most of the Mini 5’s features. With its 3G connectivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon 1-GHz processor and camera features, gives way to notable video conferencing abilities.

Dell is taking note of what the iPad lacks and exploiting those weaknesses. To curtail some concerns about the small stature of the Mini 5, Dell is going full steam and already talking big about the family of tablets it will introduce following the launch of the Mini 5.

You can almost bet that Dell will continue to try to incorporate all the critical things that Apple left off of the iPad into their tablets. Users are going to want to place video calls to their relatives, watch Flash videos and be able to use multiple applications simultaneously – and Dell and Google know it. With the iPhone app market losing ground to other emerging rivals, the Android Market will continue to make considerable gains in market share and ooffer services, applications and features that Apple refuses to support. With over 30,000 apps already and growing faster than any other app market, Android might offer the potential and capabilities Dell needs to have an impact.

Now, the only question that remains: Do you plan on using it as a phone or as a tablet?

So What's the Big Deal About the AT&T MicroCell's Expanded Availability

2010-02-23T15:33:00.005-06:00

We’ve all seen the AT&T and Verizon commercials taking direct hits at one another, each claiming to have more wide-spread 3G coverage than the other. Unfortunately for all the major players in wireless service, AT&T took a big step in proving their superiority in 3G coverage with the introduction of the Cisco-built MicroCell.

You may remember the introduction of Sprint’s version of the same device nearly a year ago. As impressive as it was, AT&T’s MicroCell raises the bar for fast, reliable 3G coverage within the home. Simply put the MicroCell works - and now it works for a lot more people. With amazingly clear reception and strong 3G coverage, you could crotch down in the most notorious spot for poor coverage and still experience the superior performance of this device.

The most significant advantage the MicroCell has over Sprint’s device is data support. Meaning customer’s who use handsets that are not capable of handling WiFi will still deal with sluggish email and web surfing. The MicroCell provides strong 3G coverage anywhere in the home. So, if you’ve been longing to buy an iPhone or any other AT&T 3G smartphone but haven’t done so because of the poor signal reception in your home, the wait is over. Not to mention you'll be getting your Privus Mobile Caller ID display in every room of your house thanks to the increase in 3G reception.

The suspense of knowing the downside of AT&T’s MicroCell is probably killing you at this point. Good news to the downside, it has nothing to do with the performance. However, you may want to consider what room you plan on placing this device in. First of all, the size can be a bit surprising. The MicroCell is nearly double the size of an average WLAN router. Aside from its sheer bulkiness, this thing could rival Clorox bleach for the “whitest of whites” title. To make it even more obvious, the MicroCell has to be near a window and only a few feet away from your wireless router. Be proud to own a MicroCell, because there’s no hiding this device from house guests.

Nonetheless, the AT&T MicroCell is a must have for those looking to alleviate the frustration of spotty 3G service in the home. And in case you doubt the simplicity of the MicroCell in terms of setup, you should know that setup is complete in three easy steps.

Windows Phone 7 Series Round-up

2010-02-16T17:32:00.001-06:00

In case you missed it yesterday, Microsoft blew the lid open on Mobile World Congress with its unveiling of Windows Phone 7 Series (WP7S). While its name may be complicated, Microsoft took great strides to make sure its operating system doesn’t fall into that category. Completely overhauling their entire approach to the operating system, there isn’t one bit of this new mobile Windows experience that is reminiscent of its predecessors.

Taking on the Zune HD approach of bold white lines and text with heavy emphasis on custom groupings and customized content, Microsoft has done what many thought was impossible and started anew. What’s even better (at least for me and the other 20 people out there with a Zune) is full integration with Zune and Zune Marketplace! What does this really mean? Well, in theory, it means our friends across the pond will be able to finally take advantage of Zune and all WP7S users will be able to take advantage of the subscription-based music Zune offers. Basically, for $15 a month you can download any and all Zune Marketplace songs at your leisure and keep 10 of those tracks DRM-free for permanent use regardless of whether or not you keep the subscription. Of course, that’s assuming WP7S users can use the Zune Pass, but we’ll hope for the best.

A lot of the other new features — like Hubs, contact synergy and social media integration — are all much better seen than read about so feel free to check out some of the links and videos from the announcement and hands-on impressions below. The social media integration in particular is very intriguing and we’ll see if someone has finally tackled all the hurdles or just a few of them like we saw in Android 2.0.

We’ve gone through the work to include a wide variety of impressions and thoughts so you don’t have to spend hours sorting through the info. All in all, we’re really excited about the new OS and to finally see Microsoft integrating all of its products and services into one system! Keep an eye here for all the latest news and updates regarding WP7S.

Engadget's LiveBlog of the Announcement

Engadget's Editorial on Windows Phone 7 Series

Gizmodo's Impressions/Thoughts

CNET's Q&A with Microsoft

Top 5 Themes to Refresh Your BlackBerry

2009-12-17T17:24:00.002-06:00

With all the news about the new 9700 or 8530, some BlackBerry users out there might feel a little discouraged because you’ve still got another year or two left on your contract before you can take advantage of the full subsidized pricing. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. You can easily freshen up any older BlackBerry with a new paintjob courtesy of the theme settings on your phone!

If you need some help downloading and installing themes, I recommend you check out the tutorial on SimpleHelp.net as it’s pretty simple and comprehensive or you can check out the video below and learn from an eight-year-old. Once you’ve got the theme on the device, just go to" Options" on the Applications page and choose “Themes.” One thing to note: Any applications you may have moved to different folders or hidden in the Applications page will automatically move out of the folders when you choose a new theme and default back to the Applications page. While it can be a pain to have to redo everything, you can make it work to your benefit by creating custom button layouts or separate themes for business and personal use.

1.    HTC Crossbar – EThemes is one my favorite theme makers! Not only do their themes look great, but everything they make seems to introduce new features and functions to your BlackBerry! Their take on HTC is no different. Available for 9000+ series devices and 89XX series, this theme is a great mixture of the uncompromising performance and functionality of a BlackBerry with the beauty and simplicity that HTC has brought to Windows Mobile with its TouchFlo UI. Make sure to pay attention to the instructions to get the theme up and running at full speed.

2.    iBerry – If you’re constantly being tempted by the iPhone’s colorful icons and simplistic layout but can’t live without your precious BlackBerry keyboard (or multitasking), then this might be just the theme for you. iBerry combines Apple’s iconic layout without causing your BlackBerry to suffer from the same battery fatigue of the iPhone. You’re getting the best of both worlds with this one, which might be why it’s still the best selling theme on CrackBerry.

3.    In the Know (Hidden Today) – Not all themes are meant to make your device more aesthetically pleasing. In the Know doesn’t use any fancy icons or intriguing button arrangements; it’s main purpose is to provide you with more information. If you’re willing to sacrifice some of your control over where certain icons go, it can completely change how you use your homescreen and maybe even your phone.

By arranging icons a certain way on your homescreen, you enable Hidden Today to display a wealth of additional information when you highlight over them. For example, when you highlight over your e-mail account inbox, it will display the last few messages you’ve received in the center of the screen rather than forcing you to click through to read the new messages. It does the same thing for SMS, MMS, call logs and your calendar.

4.    AppleBerry – While In the Know sacrifices aesthetic enhancement for functionality, AppleBerry takes a cue from its principle innovation and is all about aesthetics. While it won’t offer you any real enhancements to the already tried-and-true BlackBerry operating system (unless you have a Storm or 8900 to use the Stacks! feature), it will bring the always-beautiful OS X feel to your BlackBerry.

5.    MINI Coop "B" Series – This theme is just cool. Another one from EThemes, this will completely redesign your homescreen to incorporate the Mini Cooper’s famous in-car aesthetic into your BlackBerry. Incorporating a unique design, function as well as support for QuickLauncher, this theme is the perfect combination of function and form for any Mini Cooper driver, enthusiast or admirer. Sadly, it only works for the Bold, but it’s the perfect way to get over the fact that you still can’t upgrade to the 9700.

If you’re using an 8000-series BlackBerry and still want to show off your love for Mini Cooper, you can always download this slightly less impressive, but still unique Mini Cooper theme.

HTC Dash 3G and Touch Pro 2 to get Windows Mobile 6.5

2009-12-15T08:12:00.004-06:00

Good news for all of you T-Mobile customers totin’ an HTC Dash 3G or Touch Pro 2. Phone Arena got a tip from a reliable source that T-Mobile will release a Windows Mobile 6.5 update for the two devices on Jan. 6. The reliable source was pretty skimpy with the details, so we aren’t clear on how the carrier will go about getting the update to its customers - but we say it’s better late than never! Everyone can appreciate an upgrade.

Sprint Android devices to get Android 2.0 in first half of 2010

2009-12-14T08:23:00.003-06:00

We all know HTC has stated that it is preparing its Sense UI for Android 2.0, and naturally we’re all crossing our fingers for a January update. Well, Sprint let us know via Twitter that Android 2.0 will come to its HTC Hero and Samsung Moment devices in the first half of 2010. Geez, you really narrowed it down for us there guys! Samsung hasn’t laid any user interface over its Android platforms, so we’re not quite sure what the hold up is. Although Android 2.0 is a relatively minor update, it offers a handful of aesthetic and performance changes. Let’s hope the update comes out before June before we die of DROID envy.

T-Mobile's Android Market Billing Support Rollling Out

2009-12-10T16:59:00.002-06:00

Back in November T-Mobile confirmed that Android market carrier billing support would be available “soon.” Today T-Mobile announced that its Android users should notice their Android Market application update itself with the new “Bill My T-Mobile Account” payment option. Word has it T-Mobile will take until Dec. 30 to roll out the update to all of its Android users, so some of you might have to wait a couple weeks to charge your T-Mobile account. Another great aspect of this update is that if a user decides they don’t like an application, there is a 24-hour window from the time purchased in which they may uninstall the application without being charged. Let’s all lift our egg-nog’s for a great big cheers! Don’t forget, Privus Mobile’s wonderful Mobile Caller ID application is also available in the Android Market. If you’re not familiar with Privus Mobile then take a gander!

Nokia will close Flagship U.S. stores in early 2010

2009-12-09T17:27:00.005-06:00

Today, Nokia confirmed reports stating it will close its New York and Chicago stores, in addition to the manufacturer’s UK store in London. This may come as upsetting news to some Nokia fans, especially those who frequent or even had a chance to see either U.S. stores. Nokia opened its U.S. flagship locations in 2006 to in an effort to expose U.S. consumers to the Nokia brand with an innovative concept store. The manufacturer went on to say, “The decision to close the two Nokia Flagship Stores in the U.S. was made to create clear alignment with our local market strategy and in addition, as part of a global realignment of Nokia’s retail strategy.”

I hope this realignment of its retail strategy includes aggressively targeting U.S. carriers. Since Nokia lacks carrier support for the majority of its smartphone handsets, U.S. customers are left to pay an arm-and-a-leg to get the devices. With the relative stateside success of the manufacturer’s E71, and recent claims of a revamped Symbian S60 OS and movement towards Maemo, it sounds like Nokia has a lot of potential to gain some ground in the U.S. market in 2010. Let’s hope the closing of these stores is a step towards that, instead of a sign of Nokia’s dwindling market share. Check out the full statement below:

The Flagship stores, opened in 2006 in the U.S., were conceived to inspire and educate consumers to the benefits of mobility through an innovative retail experience, and broaden the appeal of the Nokia brand.

The decision to close the two Nokia Flagship Stores in the U.S., located in New York City and Chicago, was made to create clear alignment with our local market strategy and in addition, as part of a global realignment of Nokia’s retail strategy.

Nokia remains committed to providing the best consumer and retail experience around the world – the Flagship Stores are only part of Nokia’s retail experience and marketplace strategy. Nokia’s retail strategy includes retail and operator partners and their more than 600,000 retail outlets globally. All of these customer outlets will remain essential to Nokia’s ongoing success and continue to be a primary sales channels in the future.

[Source: Engadget, Nokia Experts]

HTC Bravo and HTC Passion/Dragon news

2009-12-08T17:25:00.003-06:00

Every time a new roadmap leaks we know it’s time to play the “name game” by cross referencing already rumored devices with those listed on the manufacturer’s roadmap – a feat that can prove quite confusing. The 2010 HTC product map leaked yesterday, and today some pretty crisp images of the Android-running, Snapdragon-powered HTC Bravo spread through the blogosphere like wild fire. Many have speculated the HTC Bravo is the European GSM version of the already-leaked HTC Dragon/Passion which was expected to hit Verizon sometime this month. According to Boy Genius, the HTC Passion is now slated to hit the Verizon in Jan. 2010, while Europeans will enjoy a GSM version in the form of Bravo in April on T-Mobile Europe.

In addition to the lust-worthy 1GHz Snapdragon processor, the Bravo is speculated to have 720p recording capabilities with a 5 megapixel autoflash camera, DivX support and a oh-so-beautiful 3.7 inch AMOLED (my favorite six letters for any screen) capacitive touchscreen. You can check out scans of the roadmap details including performance and designs on Engadget.

Of course, this T-Mobile speculation is based on the wording on the original 2010 leak made famous by Engadget a couple days ago so whether or not we’ll actually see the carrier getting the Bravo is still a little questionable. What will happen next in the tale that is the HTC roadmap? Only time will tell! Stay tuned to find out!

HP iPAQ Glisten available online at AT&T

2009-12-04T16:34:00.002-06:00

If you’re a business professional looking for a new smartphone device that will make on-the-go emailing and messaging a breeze, the new HP iPAQ Glisten should make your ears perk up. This Windows Mobile 6.5 device is now available via AT&T’s online store, and comes equipped with a 2.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen as well as a solid QWERTY keyboard. The Glisten is a pretty bare bones device -- nothing fancy or flashy but solid nonetheless. Plus, if you install Privus Mobile you can screen any unsolicited phone calls, which is always a plus! The device can be yours for $179.99 with standard 2-year contract and mail-in-rebate. Check out the unboxing video below for more details.

Verizon Android devices going BOGO

2009-12-03T16:50:00.004-06:00

The rocky economic climate has caused retailers to launch some pretty sweet holiday specials, and it looks as if mobile retailers are not different. Starting tomorrow, Verizon will launch one of its famous BOGO sales - but this time the offer will involve the carrier's latest Android offering, the HTC's Droid Eris. If you buy one Motorola DROID or HTC Droid Eris, you'll get an HTC Droid Eris free. This offer will run until Monday, Dec. 8. What couple wouldn't want complimenting Androids for Christmas?

[source: Boy Genius Report]

Samsung Omnia II now available at Verizon Wireless

2009-12-02T15:44:00.003-06:00

Calling all Windows Mobile lovers! As previously reported, the Samsung Omnia II and its purdy, view-me-from-all-sides AMOLED touchscreen hit Verizon Wireless stores today. The Windows Mobile 6.5 device is pretty solid, running with 8GB of internal memory, a 5-megapixel camera, TouchWiz UI, WiFi and widgets galore. The Omnia II also sports the new text entry method dubbed Swype – you can watch a video of Swype in action here. No more tippy-tapping away on that resistive touchscreen! With Swype you can essentially play connect the dots (or letters in this case) to enter words into a text box. You’ve also got access to Samsung’s all new Widget store just in case the included widgets aren’t doing it for you. Has anyone had the chance to play around with this yet? Let us know your thoughts!

Rumor Mill: Verizon to snag yet another Android device, the Samsung Behold II

2009-12-01T16:36:00.002-06:00

The Bold II was made available Nov. 15 on the nation’s fourth largest network, T-Mobile. If you’ve had your eye on this device but aren’t crazy about the idea of switching over to T-Mobile, you might just be in luck. It looks as if Samsung accidentally announced the device’s arrival on the “nation’s largest 3G network”, Verizon Wireless, via its own product Web site. Take a look for yourself below! The TouchWiz UI running device it pretty standard as far as Android devices go, but solid none-the-less. Since Samsung let the cat out of the bag it’s only a matter of time before Verizon comes forward with an official statement. T-Mobile is currently offering the device for $229, but hopefully Verizon would price the device at $199 if not lower.

Nokia aiming for one Maemo device in 2010

2009-11-30T17:28:00.001-06:00

In light of successful Nokia N900 sales and positive feedback over its Maemo platform, it appeared as if all hope for future Symbian S60 smartphones was abandoned. Not so fast Maemo lovers! A source came forth to Reuters claiming “direct knowledge of Nokia’s 2010 product roadmap” and stated that Nokia would only be manufacturing one Maemo device in the coming year. A Nokia spokesperson declined to comment but did say, “We remain firmly committed to Symbian as our smartphone platform of choice.” So, what do you think? On one hand we have Maemo, a new platform in need of development in order to improve touchscreen capabilities, and on the other hand we have the tried-and-true Symbian S60.

Black Friday Smart Phone Deals

2009-11-25T13:37:00.006-06:00

Well, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you some of Black Friday’s best smartphone offerings. If lacing up those sneakers and strapping on those elbow pads for some day-after-Thanksgiving deals is your bag, then there are some pretty nice options out there for you. However, for those of you looking to find big savings on popular smartphones, you need go no further than your computer desk – take a look at Wirefly’s deals below to find out what I mean. In any case, there’s a lot of money to be saved. Which device tickles your fancy? Check out all the steals-and-deals below:

Amazon:

AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8900: $0.01 with new AT&T service plan
AT&T HTC Pure: $0.01 with new AT&T service plan
Sprint BlackBerry 9630 Tour: $49.99 with new Sprint service plan
Sprint Samsung Moment: $79.99 with new Sprint service plan
T-Mobile BlackBerry 9700 Bold2: $149.99 with new T-Mobile service plan
Verizon BlackBerry 9550 Storm2: $149.99 with new Verizon service plan

AT&T:

Friday: Starting on Black Friday (no given time) you can check out www.att.com/holiday09 for “vaule packed” holiday savings through “Cyber Monday.” From store opening to noon ALL devices will be $50 off. AT&T is also said to be pushing out some hot deals via its Twitter and Facebook pages – so you might want to check them out periodically on Friday. For the thousands of current AT&T customers, sadly it doesn’t look like there's too much in store for you this Holiday season. That is unless you are due for an upgrade, in which case you might want to give HTC's trade-in program below a little gander.

Saturday: Saturday is the 24-hour BlackBerry Sale

Pearl 8110 or Curve 8310: $0.00 with 2-year agreement and minimum plan of $69.99 a month.
Curve 8320 or Curve 8900: $99 with 2-year agreement and minimum plan of $69.99 a month.

Sunday: Free Solstice, Neon, Magnet, Karma or Propel quick messaging device. Unlimited messaging or data required, plus 2-year service agreement.

Cyber Monday: 1 Cent Sale, device offers rotate every three hours.

Nokia E71x: $0.01 with 2-year service agreement- Sony Cybershot: $0.01 with 2-year service agreement
BlackBerry Curve 8900: $0.01 with 2-year service agreement
Pantech Reveal: $0.01 with 2-year service agreementSamsung Jack: $0.01 with 2-year service agreement

Follow this link for more AT&T information.

Best Buy (stores open at 5 a.m.):

Sprint Palm Pre in Black: $79.99 with 2-year contract
Verizon LG Chocolate: Free with 2-year contract
BONUS: Best Buy’s wonderful Black Friday Shopping Tips

Radio Shack:

BlackBerry 8520 Curve: $0.00 with 2-year agreement
LG Xenon: $0.00 with 2-year agreement

Verizon Wireless:

Gateway LT Netbook: $299.99 after $100 mail-in-rebate
BlackBerry Pearl Flip: $9.99 after $100 mail-in-rebate (also buy-on-get-one free)
HTC Ozone: $9.99 after $100 mail-in-rebate (also buy-on-get-one free)
LG Glance: $0
LG Versa: $29.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate (also buy-on-get-one free)
Mifi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot: $49.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate (Black Friday only)
Motorola Entice: $19.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate (also buy-one-get-one free)
Motorola VU204: $0
Nokia 7705 Twist: $29.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate
Samsung Smooth: $0 after $50 mail-in-rebate
Free LG HBM-210 Bluetooth headset with purchase of LG enV3 or enV Touch.

Wirefly:

Verizon BlackBerry Storm2: $0.99 for new subscribers and $29.99 for existing Verizon customers (Black Friday only)
Verizon BlackBerry Storm2: $9.99 for new subscribers and 429.99 for existing Verizon customers (Sat. Nov. 28 – Mon. Nov. 30)
AT&T BlackBerry Bold 9700: $0 for new subscribers and $29.99 for existing AT&T customers (Fri. Nov. 27 – Mon. Nov. 30)
Sprint Samsung Moment: $79.99 for new subscribers and $99.99 for existing Sprint customers (Fri. Nov. 27 – Mon. Nov. 30)

Walmart:

Verizon HTC Droid Eris: $30 after a $149.99 instant discount and signed 2-year contract

HOLIDAY DEALS

T-Mobile:

Motorola CLIQ: $149 with 2-year service plan
BlackBerry Bold 9700: $149.99 with 2-year service plan
Samsung Highlight: $49 with 2-year service plan

HTC:

HTC is enacting a trade-in program this Holiday season. When you purchase an HTC Tilt 2, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Imagio, Pure or HTC Ozone you can send back an eligible trade-in to receive a $100 rebate from HTC.

Privus Mobile's Greg Smith talks about the Apple App Store approval process

2009-11-24T15:20:00.006-06:00

The Apple App store practically created the mobile application market, but has been scrutinized for it's unpredictable approval process. Privus Mobile president, Greg Smith, sat down with TechVi to talk about what Apple could do to make that process easier for mobile application developers.

Samsung Omnia II to hit Verizon Wireless Dec. 2

2009-11-23T16:40:00.004-06:00

Tis’ the season…to launch your smartphone! Verizon Wireless adds yet another device to its ever-growing lineup with the announcement of Samsung’s Windows Mobile 6.5 device, the Omnia II. The Omnia II will be stocked and ready to go at your neighborhood Verizon Wireless store on Dec. 2 for $200 with standard 2-year contract and $100 mail-in-rebate. Let’s review some specs:

3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display
Virtual QWERTY (no physical keyboard)
Samsung TouchWiz 2.0 interface
5-megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus
3G, WiFi and GPS capabilities
8GB internal storage
800MHz processor

From reviews, it seems you will either love or hate the TouchWiz UI. So, who’s planning on putting an Omnia II in their own stocking this year?

T-Mobile offers more contract-free options with T-Mobile Complete

2009-11-19T14:49:00.003-06:00

T-Mobile is slowly revealing new contract-free options just in time for the Holiday season and I have to say, I really like what T-Mobile is doing and I hope other carriers follow suit. It seems T-Mobile Complete will offer four handsets, two of which are said to be the BlackBerry Curve 8520 and the BlackBerry Pearl. These BlackBerry devices will be sold for $299.99 and $149.99 respectively, and you can pick them up at your neighborhood Best Buy or Walmart. The device comes with the one month service – making it perfect for Holiday gift giving. The recipient, or yourself, will then have the option to use a T-Mobile Even More Plus plan. These contract-free plans start at a mere $50, although for the BlackBerrys you’ll probably need the $80 plan. Remember, it’s still a prepaid phone plan so you will need to make sure it’s paid for at the beginning of each month to continue service. We’ll let you know when we hear more - but you might want to add the BlackBerry Curve to your Holiday shopping list for Uncle Phil, because you know he won’t upgrade that free-with-contract clamshell and its 1998 monophonic ringtone all by himself.

Acer officially announces Liquid A1, rumored for a late November

2009-11-18T14:22:00.004-06:00

We wrote a post about Acer’s first Android device back in October, and Acer officially announced the Liquid A1 today. Does the name make anyone else think of the famous steak sauce, or am I just hungry? Although the device will come loaded with Android 1.6, it seems to be on par with its competition when it comes to screen size and processor speed. The Liquid A1 is powered by the increasingly-popular 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 800 x 480 WVGA capacitive touchscreen and a 5-megapixel camera. It appears the manufacturer is going after the social networking crowd with “smart integration” of popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. Acer’s Liquid steak sauce looks pretty impressive on paper and I’m definitely interested to see a hands-on. Still no official word on pricing, but you know how manufacturers and carriers like to let you speculate right up until the release.

BlackBerry 9700 available at T-Mobile, set to launch on AT&T Nov. 22

2009-11-17T15:49:00.002-06:00

The BlackBerry 9700 (aka Bold 2) made its way into the hands of lucky Berry lovers on T-Mobile yesterday. If you like to live your mobile life without strings attached, you should read about the fancy contract-free options T-Mobile is offering with the 9700 here. AT&T is still holding strong to a Nov. 22 release of the 9700 for its non-business customers, but don’t worry! We hear stores are fully stocked and ready to go. If you have an upgrade available on either T-Mobile or AT&T, I highly recommend getting one of these bad boys. The cumbersome trackball has been replaced with a trackpad, the beveled edges and sweet faux-leather battery cover give the device a much sleeker look and overall the device runs faster and smoother than any BlackBerry yet.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 to launch Feb.10

2009-11-16T16:05:00.003-06:00

We announced Sony Ericsson’s fancy new Android touchscreen, the XPERIA X10, here on the blog a couple weeks ago. The device was slated for a Q1 launch, and the manufacturer’s UK Web site confirmed a Feb. 10 release. Engadget Mobile had a hands-on with a very early model of the X10 and said it was “plagued by lag and unresponsiveness,” even though the device comes powered by the increasingly popular 1GHz Snapdragon processor. It looks as if Sony Ericsson has been working extra hard to get those kinks out as you can see in this video. With a little less than three months to get the device running in perfect order it will be interesting to see how the X10 fares in the market with the multitude of Android devices coming in 2010. Pricing and carrier support will play a large role in its success and we’ll let you know as soon as that information is made available.

Samsung Behold II Coming to T-Mobile Nov. 18

2009-11-13T16:15:00.003-06:00

The Samsung Behold II is definitely coming to T-Mobile on Nov. 18 and Engadget gives us a little preview before this Android device gets a serious hands-on. Samsung has definitely laid its own brand of pizzazz over the Android 1.5 OS via its signature TouchWiz UI. In its current state, TouchWiz seems to slow down the operating system a bit – which is something that could pose a problem for users who fill up their smartphones rather easily. However, the build seems to be solid with quality materials and nice tactile front-facing buttons. Another noted feature was the camera button on the side of the device that focuses when pressed halfway down – just like a real camera! Samsung brings us a nice but standard Android option, and if T-Mobile has any sense, it wouldn’t even think about pricing this little baby over $199. More details to come.

Storm2 Gets a Hands-On Review

2009-11-12T16:52:00.003-06:00

Chris Ziegler from Engadget Mobile got his hands on a BlackBerry Storm2 and threw a no-holds-barred post up on the popular mobile blog this afternoon. The biggest addition that comes to the Storm2 is Wi-Fi, which could be reason enough to cause current Storm owners to upgrade. From what I gather, if you’re not an avid BlackBerry user or haven’t been bothered by the wobbly screen or user-interface lags you might not be able to tell much of a difference. However, it seems as if “the devil is in the details,” so let’s get to them.

One of the major complaints about the original Storm was its SurePress technology which consisted of a single mechanical switch mounted below the center of the screen. This mechanical switch would allow the keyboard to move up and down giving the user a feeling similar to clicking a physical key on a QWERTY keyboard. However, the location of the single switch lead to wobbly and inconsistent clicks the further away from the center the user pressed down. But was that inconsistency enough to keep RIM from bringing the SurePress technology to Storm2? Not exactly. SurePress technology for the Storm2 now consists of four piezoelectric mechanical switches mounted in all four corners of the screen. This modification helps the touchscreen clicks to feel more sturdy and accurate than the original; however, it leads to a harder click and a louder “thunk” when pressing the screen. According to Ziegler, you’ll need some pretty beefy thumb-muscles to avoid getting finger-fatigue while writing an email on the Storm2.

The appearance of the Storm2 is almost identical to the original Storm. The Storm2 has black chrome bezel, a tastefully rubberized back and overall sleeker appearance from the front. Also, the LED-flashin’ 3.2-megapixel camera of the Storm2 is surprisingly far better than the 5.0-megapixel camera of the original Storm – not something you’d generally expect with a loss in megapixels. When diving further into the software of the Storm2 the first thing to mention is that it will run BlackBerry OS 5.0. This software upgrade allows for internal scrolling throughout the platform, and an overall smoother experience from the device. Ziegler states with the 5.0 OS update, the Web browser is slightly improved but he’d take a “good Webkit browser over this any day, but the platform just isn’t there yet.”

Rewind to about this time last year and the mobile world was clamoring over pictures, rumored specs and release dates of BlackBerry’s first touchscreen device. Some guy actually got a tattoo of the Storm on his leg for crying out loud! The addition of Wi-Fi capability might win over some new users and lead current Storm owners to upgrade, but beyond that the Storm2 is merely a slightly-improved version of the original.

Click here to read the entire hands-on review

[photo credit: CrackBerry]

Walmart is giving you $100 to buy a BlackBerry

2009-11-11T11:23:00.004-06:00

Black Friday is almost upon us, and Walmart has grown a little wiser, and perhaps a little “smarter,” about holiday shopping. For phone enthusiasts in the market for a new smartphone, Walmart’s giving you a holiday savings head start on some of your favorite BlackBerry devices offered by various carriers. From Nov. 14 through Nov. 20, Walmart will give customers who purchase any BlackBerry device listed below a $100 Walmart gift card. You won’t even need to mail in a proof-of-purchase. These little berries aren’t contract-free though. You must sign a two-year carrier contract as well.

· AT&T Curve 8310
· AT&T Bold 9000
· Sprint Curve 8330 (Red & Titanium colors)
· T-Mobile 8520 (Black, White, and Frost)
· T-Mobile Pearl 8120 (Emerald)
· Verizon Storm
· Verizon Storm II

You can check out the full press release here.

"HTC Passion" image spurs a flurry of speculation

2009-11-10T16:50:00.006-06:00

Smartphone blog posts are beginning to look like a daytime soap opera. New rumors. New names. One ongoing saga. Let’s rejoin the HTC storyline. There is an image of an HTC device circulating the blogs today, and this image is speculated to be Verizon’s HTC Passion aka Dragon (aka Android version of the HD2). The HD2 also has a U.S. Windows Mobile 6.5 version (codenamed Leo) heading to T-Mobile in Q1 of 2010. Confused yet? Needless to say this image could be a shot of any of these HTC devices.

I don’t know about you, but the only thing the above image tells me is the device runs HTC’s Sense UI and was taken underneath a fluorescent office light. I can’t make out the device, nor can I tell if it is an Android device. For all we know this could be a shot of the HTC Hero, which HTC made an announcement at the end of October that it was currently working hard to make its Sense UI compatible with the Android 2.0 (éclair) update. Perhaps the anonymous tipster (whom lives in Baltimore and currently enjoys the mostly cloudy, 61-degree weather) told BGR the image provided was in fact a shot of the HTC Passion. For now we’ll just take the image as pure speculation. If it is indeed an image of HTC’s Sense UI running in conjunction with Android 2.0, well then we will cross our fingers for the update to make its way to the HTC Droid Eris soon.

T-Mobile's BlackBerry 9700 Pricing

2009-11-09T17:50:00.004-06:00

T-Mobile is expected to get the BlackBerry 9700 Bold2 on Nov. 16, and Phone Arena recieved a tip about pricing. You can pick up the new device for $199.99 with a standard 2-year contract. If you're affraid of commitment you can snag the Berry for a whopping $499.99 or 20 monthly payments of $22.50 on top of an Even More Plus plan. The Even More Plus plans allow you to customize a contract free plan that best suits you. The unlimited talk, text and web plan plus the monthly BlackBerry Bold2 payment of $22.50 comes in at around $100 - enough to make any iPhone user weep. If you're looking for a solid contract-free BlackBerry device I would say this is a pretty good option!

Verizon Gets a Phone That Isn't a DROID, Curve2 On Its Way

2009-11-05T17:33:00.000-06:00

Verizon, Verizon, Verizon. It seems you've been dominating the news lately with all of your fancy releases. No, it isn't all of the looming Android releases we'll be talking about today.

The network wants to give it's BlackBerry lovers a gift with the Nov. 20 release of the Curve2. We knew Verizon would get the device, we just didn't know when. The Curve2 is a pretty solid device and the loved, yet hated trackball has been replaced with an optical trackpad. Good news is the device can be yours for $99 after the standard 2-year contract and $100 mail-in-rebate and comes in either Black or Smokey Violet for the ladies.

Motorola Droid Eris gets unboxed

2009-11-04T16:58:00.008-06:00

I know we’re all counting down, so I don’t have to remind you Verizon Wireless is releasing two highly anticipated Android devices from Motorola Friday. The DROID may have overshadowed the Motorola Droid Eris, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve some drool-worthy attention. Photos of the new Android device being unboxed have surfaced over on BGR. Like we said before, this device may look like Sprint’s HTC Hero but this device is thinner and lighter. Oh, and it's $80 cheaper! Said to be the best Android device on the market aside from cousin DROID, I’d say this little baby is a steal.

Sony Ericsson announces XPERIA X10 Android device

2009-11-03T22:44:00.003-06:00

Sony Ericsson announced its flagship Android device, XPERIA X10, today with a press release and a flurry of images and videos. Sony Ericsson's first Android device will run Android 1.6 (cupcake) with its own branded "Rachael" user interface. The XPERIA X10 features an "infinite button" which allows you to aggregate all interactions with one person into one view. Yet another device that aims to integrate your social media experiences on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter with your everyday phone use.

The XPERIA X10 has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8.1-megapixel camera with autofocus, GPS with Google Maps, 3.5mm audio jack, WiFi and a 4-inch 480 x 854 WVGA scratch-resistant screen. There's only 1GB of built-in memory, but the device comes boxed with an 8GB microSD card for memory expansion. The XPERIA will come in Sensuous Black and Lustre White, and we're guessing will make its way to either T-Mobile or AT&T - although release date, pricing and carrier support were left out of the release. It looks like this is the year of the Android, everyone. We're just glad our Privus Mobile Caller ID application will work on all of the new upcoming Android devices!

Sprint Android Talk

2009-11-02T23:27:00.001-06:00

Sprint executive David Owens conducted a live chat with Sprint customers last Thursday and laid down somewhat of a roadmap for the remainder of this year and on into 2010. Owens stated the carrier would be selling multiple HTC Android devices in the coming year and also confirmed that both the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment will receive Android updates. HTC also confirmed yesterday that the manufacturer is working on a 2.0 update for the Hero, although both Sprint and HTC won’t give specifics as to when this update will be ready. Owens told customers that Windows Mobile 6.5 is currently being tested for the TouchPro2, but again did not confirm a date for the update.

Sprint is set to release Wi-Fi enabled Blackberries, including a Wi-Fi-capable version of the Tour. According to Owens, Android phones on Sprint’s network will become less expensive “as we see volume across the industry.” Well, all I’ll say is Sprint better hope Verizon isn’t really planning on introducing the HTC Droid Eris next week for $99! The carrier already lost a little over 800,000 customers to competing networks during the quarter, which is actually down from over a million in the second quarter of this year. Sprint CEO Dan Hess says he expects customer retention to be prettier in the final quarter of 2009. It seems the carrier is putting a lot of eggs in its Android basket, and with stiff competition coming its way via Verizon, I’m a little skeptical of that.

Verizon Wireless

2009-11-02T12:17:00.003-06:00

Verizon Wireless made it clear they plan to become the leading network for Android users, but according to the Boy Genius Report’s sources, it sounds like the carrier plans to become the leading network for smartphones period. Apparently if Verizon can’t have the iPhone, the carrier plans to dethrone AT&T by carrying everything but Apple’s wonder device.

Curious as to which devices will join the big red in this “Best network, best smartphone” campaign? Either the BlackBerry Curve2 or the HTC Passion (aka Dragon) will launch on Black Friday, with the second launching in mid-December. The Motorola Calgary is also said to be a device joining the ranks along with a “couple BlackBerrys” and some unannounced devices. Counting the BlackBerry Storm, Verizon aims to release 15 new phones by year’s end. When you take into account the highly anticipated Motorola DROID and Droid Eris (which is now confirmed to be a mere $99) launching this Friday, I’d say the carrier has a fair shot. What I’d like to know is how many of you are planning to jump ship in order to pick up one of Verizon’s new Android devices?

In HTC News

2009-10-30T08:23:00.002-05:00

If I were HTC I’d be none-too-thrilled that the little ol’ Motorola DROID is getting all the Verizon love. The carrier has yet to officially confirm the Droid Eris’ existence to be exact. Images and specs of the Droid Eris, which is said to launch on Verizon the same day as the DROID, have been sprouting all over the blogsphere today. The Eris will come loaded with a 5-megapixel camera and Wi-Fi capabilities.

HTC has also confirmed it’s currently working on the Sense UI’s compatibility with the Android 2.0 (éclair) update for the Sprint’s Hero, but gave no indication as to when the update would be made available. The HTC Eris is the same device as the Hero (aside from reviews stating the Eris is “lighter, slimmer and faster” than the Hero). It only stands to reason that Verizon’s Eris would get the update along with Sprint’s Hero. That would make the Droid Eris a pretty sweet deal for a mere $99!

The Verizon Droid Saga

2009-10-28T17:08:00.001-05:00

We all know that Verizon Wireless is sinking some major Benjamin’s into the launch of the highly anticipated Motorola DROID, including an interactive Times Square experience among other things. Formerly known as the Sholes, the Motorola DROID is quite drool-worthy – especially for an Android device. I learned today that Droid isn’t just a device from Verizon Wireless, but the name of Verizon’s entire Android line. In laymen’s terms, DROID = phone; Droid = brand. Still confusing? Stick with me as I try to explain.

We first saw the HTC ‘Desire’ or ‘Hero’ in the hands of Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the Verizon/Android announcement. This HTC Sense UI running device, which is now being referred to as the HTC Droid Eris, will launch alongside the Motorola DROID on Nov. 6. You might be asking yourself, “Why didn’t Verizon officially announce the Eris with the DROID?” Obviously this device is far inferior to the DROID as it runs the outdated Android 1.5, but Verizon is making up for that with a $99 ticket price. This is an aggressive move for Verizon as Sprint is offering the HTC Hero for $179.99. It’s nice to see Verizon is making a range of Android devices available for customers with varied budgets.

Looking into the future I’d say it is smart for Verizon to build an Android brand under the Droid name, as it easily identifies a device no matter the manufacturer as both an Android and a Verizon device. Speaking from the present with all the hub-bub over the Motorola DROID and confusion concerning code-names for specific devices that are individual to each carrier, I’d say it’s downright confusing.

Today Belongs to BlackBerry

2009-10-26T17:14:00.002-05:00

Storm2
It’s not like this news comes as a surprise, but it’s nice to hear Verizon Wireless made the new BlackBerry Storm2’s arrival official. This Wednesday, Oct. 28 you can stop by your neighborhood Verizon store to pick up the device for $179.99 with the standard 2-year contract

inPulse to ship February 2010
This Bluetooth driven "smartwatch" will bring your incoming calls, emails, text messages, etc. to your wrist via a 1.3-inch OLED display. Bad news this watch is incapable of outgoing communication, but the 007 device has a microUSB port and rechargeable battery (last about 3 days) and a vibrating motor to indicate BlackBerry phone action! I think my favorite perk of the watch would be intercepting incoming caller information and deciding whether or not I would like to get up and walk to the other room to answer my phone. Some call it lazy but I call it technology. The inPulse can be pre-ordered now for $149 and slated for a February ship date.

Nokia N900 release pushed back to November

2009-10-23T09:54:00.003-05:00

Nokia’s N900 was expected to debut this month, but according to Peter Schneider, head of Maemo marketing, the N900 will “start shipping during November 2009.” Although this means you will have to wait a little longer to get your hot-little-hands on Nokia’s latest superphone, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. It seems that a lot of manufacturers took note of the 2008 Verizon Blackberry Storm catastrophe and now err on the side of caution in an effort to not rush the release of a new device. According to Schneider, Nokia lent out 300 pre-production units to the community – and being a company that claims to value the importance of feedback, I think it is safe to assume there was some cleaning up to be done before the N900 makes its way to the masses. For more Nokia N900 information, hop on over to Engadget.

More Dell Android Information Surfaces

2009-10-21T17:49:00.001-05:00

Images of a prototype and basic specs for Dell’s Android device codenamed “Streak” have leaked onto the blogsphere, and this handset looks to be mammoth…in size, that is. Of course nothing is official as of yet, but the Streak has a whopping 5-inch WVGA 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen – not exactly pocketable but attractive nonetheless. A front-facing camera on the bottom edge and the abnormally large screen points towards video conferencing capabilities. The Streak also comes equipped with a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, a 1,300mAh battery, and will run Android 2.0 (a.k.a Éclair). Dell is said to be testing prototypes on U.S. 3G networks. The phone looks sleek and could have a lot of potential, but will the size hold it back?

Motorola 'Calgary' Android device

2009-10-20T15:41:00.004-05:00

Two Motorola Android devices will launch this quarter on the Verizon Wireless open network. It seems a device codenamed Calgary slipped out to Boy Genius Report complete with images. This will be a low-end device when it comes to smartphones. As you can see this device is not nearly as sleek or impressive as the Droid but is said to be a solid device running MOTOBLUR. The Calgary comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, 3-megapixel camera, GPS, WiFi and a 3.5mm headphone jack. In short, if you want an Android device but aren’t keen on all those fancy bells and whistles of the sleeker smartphones making their way onto Sprint and Verizon then the Motorola Calgary just might be for you.

Uncovering the DROID

2009-10-19T17:38:00.002-05:00

This must be a sign of good things to come for the smartphone (especially the Android) industry – but is it knock-the-iPhone-off-its-pedestal good? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Boy Genius Report and Tech Crunch are both posting mini previews of the “DROID” formerly known as the Motorola Sholes. Motorola, Google and Verizon are all three said to have had a hand in the design of the latest Android device set to hit Verizon on Oct. 30. BGR reportedly had a hands-on moment with the DROID and said in a recent blog post that the device is “the Android device to beat, easily the most impressive…even in its non-final form [it’s] the most impressive phone we’ve used since the iPhone. It’s positively amazing.” Those are some pretty strong words of acclimation. While this phone might very well be impressive, it should be interesting to see how the device will fare on Verizon’s open network. In any case, it looks a lot better than the Motorola CLIQ.

So far we’ve been told that the device is running Android 2.0 and a killer Texas Instruments OMAP3430 processor (same chip as Palm Pre), has a super-slim slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and a huge, impressive capacitive touchscreen. Hopefully we’ll get some solid specs soon, but as of right now we’ll have to settle for the colorful commercials Verizon is pumping out.

T-Mobile's Motorola CLIQ gets reviewed

2009-10-16T11:30:00.001-05:00

There are so many reviews over T-Mobile’s latest Android offering, the Motorola CLIQ, we thought it only fitting to do a little summary as well. Before we talk reviews, let’s talk specs:

- Android 1.5 Operating System
- Slide out QWERTY & virtual keyboard
- 320 x 480 HVGA Capacitive touchscreen
- Standalone GPS w/ internal antenna
- 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and geo-tagging
- 3.5mm headset jack
- MOTOBLUR syncs contacts, posts, messages, photos and much more – from sources such as Facebook, Twitter, Gmail and email.
- Removable 2GB MicroSD card, supports up to 32GB.

Build & Design:
Although the CLIQ is rather bulky in size, Boy Genius Report and ZDNet believe the high-quality materials and substantial build more than made up for it. Oddly enough Gizmodo says “the phone feels cheap,” so this seems to be a pretty subjective topic. The CLIQ’s keyboard is made of large round dome-like plastic keys which some might find a little off-putting. When it comes to the camera, the 5-megapixel camera performs pretty well – that is unless you’re trying to take a close-up. The CLIQ’s battery had trouble making it through the day – not unlikely for an Android device, especially one with cloud connectivity. The boys over at Engadget expressed the touchscreen was rather resistive, causing multiple mistakes and suggested it might be easier to just use the QWERTY. Another downside is the CLIQ isn’t running the latest Android platform yet.

Software:
This device seems to be all about the custom MOTOBLUR skin built over the Android platform. This software attempts to let you communicate seamlessly across all desired social media platforms. When you first turn on your device you’re prompted to set up your MOTOBLUR account. The next thing that happens is MOTOBLUR sinks ALL of your contact, and there is no way to stop this from happening. That’s right, every time you follow a stranger on twitter (that you would never need to contact via phone, or any other communication tool outside of twitter) they are synced into your contacts. The good news is there is a contact bar that allows you to sort through your contacts via source (i.e.; Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Also, the contacts application displays things like birthdays, recent status update, profile picture, email address, and phone number. Said to be a little overwhelming at times, the vast amount of BLUR branded widgets allow you to sustain connectivity 24/7. The interface is said to be very easy to customize. For more on the CLIQ’s widgets and UI check out the video below.

So there’s been a mix of reviews, and it really comes down to each individual. If you use your smartphone mainly for social media and texting, this device would be perfect for you. Chris Ziegler from Boy Genius Report said he would recommend the CLIQ over the G1, but overall it felt like a test-bed for another Motorola Android with great potential. In either case, I think the Motorola CLIQ is a step in the right direction, both for Android devices and Motorola.

Click here to get full reviews:
Boy Genius Review
PC World
Gizmodo
ZDNet

Acer announces its first Android device

2009-10-14T16:24:00.003-05:00

Acer announced its first non-Windows Mobile smartphone today and it looks like it will be a monster. The new Acer Liquid will run on the Android 1.6 platform (aka Donut) powered by Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor. This sleek device has a large HD capacitive touchscreen as well as a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and geo-tagging. Acer says the Liquid will come equipped with an enhanced user interface, and it seems as though Acer might market the Liquid as a social networker’s go-to gadget with automatic Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Picasa and Flickr integration. There weren’t any details about a release date, price or carrier support, but it looks like we have a race between HTC and Acer for the first Android device sporting the snappy Snapdragon.

[photo credit: Engadget]

Want a free iPhone 3G S with a year subscription of Privus Mobile?

2009-10-13T15:30:00.004-05:00

Privus Mobile is giving away an iPhone 3G S with a year subscription of its iPrivus Caller Name Lookup service. The winner will be drawn at random and is open to U.S. and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec). All you have to do is go to the Privus Mobile Web site and fill out the form with your correct contact information – the winner will be notified via email so if you use a fake one and Privus Mobile can’t contact you, obviously you can’t win. You must be 18 years or older and the limit is one entry per person. You have until Nov. 27 to enter, but why dilly-dally? Here are the Top 10 reasons to enter this season’s contest:

10.) You’re tired of getting prank-called on your dumbphone.

9.) You bought the iPhone 3G right before the 3G S came to AT&T, and you’re still a
little bitter that you don’t have video capability.

8.) You’re dying to be able to make a ringtone out of your favorite iTunes songs.

7.) While Little Timmy is sitting by the Christmas tree thanking his grandmother for the socks and underwear with a fake smile plastered across his face, you’re on the receiving end of a genuinely excited “thank you” after your grandson opens his new iPhone 3G S that you won from Privus Mobile.

6.) You get a tinge of jealousy every time you see Apple’s “We’ve got an app for that,” commercial.

5.) You want to impress your co-workers by looking up unknown numbers for them with your iPrivus-loaded iPhone.

4.) You’re ready to catch that pesky Harry Sasquatch in action!

3.) You’re still tapping away at a first-generation iPhone on the AT&T’s Edge network.

2.) You’re anxious to see if your old iPhone really blends.

1.) You really want the fastest selling smartphone of all time as well as a year subscription of Mobile Caller ID…for FREE!

Most people think they have Caller ID on their mobile phone, but the caller’s name is never displayed unless it is already saved into your contacts. Privus Mobile provides true Caller ID to the world’s most popular smartphone operating systems including Windows Mobile, Symbian S60, BlackBerry and Android OS as well as Apple’s iPhone. Want to give Privus Mobile a try? While you’re on the site entering the contest, check and see if your phone is on the site! Happy call-screening!

Privus Mobile for Windows Mobile gets free upgrade

2009-10-12T17:22:00.003-05:00

Good news cometh for all of my Windows Mobile compadres. Privus Mobile released a free upgrade to its Windows Mobile Caller ID application enabling caller name lookup in addition to its enhanced Caller ID services. How many times has a friend or co-worker received a call from an unknown number and asked you, “Do you know who this is?” I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t even be able to call my own mother if her number wasn’t programmed into my phone. Now you can be the hero with Privus Mobile’s update! Once you’ve installed the update simply open the Privus Mobile application and input the unknown number as your friend reads it off…and presto! You’ve saved the day by identifying the unknown caller.

The update is free for all those who are currently subscribed to Privus Mobile, and if you haven’t experienced Privus Mobile yet you can download the updated version through Privus Mobile’s mobile site at http://www.privusmobile.mobi/ or any of the numerous app dealers. Privus Mobile is available on BlackBerry, Symbian and Android devices as well as iPrivus for iPhones. You can also follow this link to set up your phone for a free 10-day trial. Don’t forget to tell us what you think!

HTC HD headed the the U.S. Q1 2010

2009-10-09T16:39:00.003-05:00

I have to admit, I’ve had a little Europe envy creep up every time I read another rave review of the HTC Leo (a.k.a. HD 2), and with plenty of reason. Just take a look at these specs:

4.3-inch 480x800 WVGA resolution touchscreen
Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
HTC’s Sense UI
Standalone GPS
5-megapixel auto focus camera with 2x LED flash
3.5 mm headphone jack
microSD card slot with SDHC support
[click here for full specs via Slash Gear]

According to Phone Area, HTC CEO Peter Chou reportedly put out a January stateside launch. When prodded, an HTC spokesperson said, “I should be fired it I can’t sell this device in the U.S..” Well there we have it folks, the HTC HD 2 should be arriving here Q1 2010. Which lucky carrier do you think we get the device?

AT&T and T-Mobile set to get the BlackBerry Bold 2?

2009-10-08T14:39:00.002-05:00

According to reports from Engadget and Phone Arena, it’s possible AT&T’s exclusivity with the BlackBerry Bold is coming to an end. Word is T-Mobile and AT&T will both announce the BlackBerry 9700 Bold 2 on Oct. 21 – making the Bold 2 T-Mobile’s first 3G BlackBerry device. There isn’t much change on the second go ‘round for this device. The 9700 has a trackpad in place of the staple BlackBerry trackball, an upgraded 3.2-megapixel camera, improved screen resolution and, potentially, gets early dibs on the 5.0 OS that should be coming out for the original Bold later this year. Maybe AT&T decided to let go of the Bold exclusivity to free up some more money to keep the iPhone? Either way, how many of you AT&T and T-Mobile users out there have got your eye on the Bold 2?

Sprint and Samsung announce the Samsung Moment Android device

2009-10-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

Today Sprint added Android device numero dos to its lineup with the announcement of the Samsung Moment. This Android device should please touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard fans alike as it has a 3.2-inch AMOLEAD touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The Moment is powered by a monster 800MHz processor which should help the device smoothly run your Android applications of choice as well as the various Sprint services offered such as SprintTV, Sprint Navigation and NFL Mobile Live. The Moment allows you to use a 3.5mm headphone jack to enjoy all of your multimedia, and while you’re at it you can take a MySpace-style picture of yourself with its 3.2-megapixel camera. Samsung included Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS with the Moment and it can all be yours for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate and standard 2-year contract. If you’re excited about the Samsung Moment you can preorder it now on Sprint’s Web site or you can wait until Nov. 1 to pick it up in stores.

Verizon and Google make Android relationship official

2009-10-06T13:45:00.005-05:00

It should come as no surprise Thanks to numerous rumors that have been flying around the blogsphere for quite some time now) that Verizon and Google sat down this morning at a joint press conference to announce its partnership. Verizon representatives said the new agreement with Google will “come to fruition within the next few weeks as Verizon Wireless introduces Android-based handsets.” Really? According to Engadget Mobile, Verizon and Google representatives where seen holding the HTC Hero and Motorola Sholes at the press-conference. Why not just announce it? In either case, Android devices will be on Verizon before you know it.

[image source: Engadget Mobile]

Another notable moment in today's press conference was when a question arose about Google Voice. Verizon CEO Lowell McAdams answered, "Yes, I suppose we do. Yes, we will bring that app to market when we do the first device." [Read more] This comes as big news after Apple and AT&T blocked the Google Talk application from the Apple App Store because of AT&T "the application violates both federal call-blocking regulations and net neutrality principles."

The best news is soon Verizon Android users will be able to enjoy true mobile Caller ID on their shiny new devices, thanks to Privus Mobile. As soon as you pick your new Hero or Sholes up from Verizon you’ll probably want to head on over to Handango to get the Caller ID smartphone app. In case you didn’t know, Handango nominated Privus Mobile for the “Best Phone Tool for Android” award. Wanna help us out? Then vote here!

Windows Marketplace for Mobile now live

2009-10-05T16:10:00.004-05:00

Windows Marketplace for Mobile is now open and available to all those who a) have purchased the AT&T HTC Pure, which was early out of the gates, or b) have somehow managed to get Windows Mobile 6.5 onto their existing Windows Mobile device. In either case, the marketplace is open and ready for business with a whopping 34 applications, many of which are fetching a pretty high price tag compared to the mobile app store staple 99 cents.

For all of those who have Windows Mobile 6.0 or 6.1 and have no plans to update your devices anytime soon, Windows Marketplace should be available for your personal enjoyment sometime next month. Microsoft will officially unveil Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Marketplace and MyPhone tomorrow at the first annual consumer products open house.

In other mobile marketplace news, MobiHand's on-device Windows Mobile application store now makes it possible to browse, purchase and downloads apps straight to your device. Privus Mobile can be found on MobiHand so be sure to check that out while you're browsing MobiHand. Not familiar with Privus Mobile? Try a free, 10-day trial here.

AT&T receives HTC Pure shipments

2009-10-02T16:43:00.003-05:00

We just read over at Engadget Mobile that shipments of the HTC Pure (AT&T’s branded version of the Touch Diamond2) have made their way to AT&T stores. There has been no official word on pricing, but several reports speculate about a $149.99 price point after a $50 mail-in rebate and 2-year contract. Microsoft initially mentioned the carrier would be a global launch partner for Windows Mobile 6.5 so we’re assuming this business-friendly device will be AT&T’s first Windows Mobile 6.5 device. Anyone interested in the Pure or would you rather have the Imagio or Touch Pro2?

Verizon announces Windows Mobile 6.5 equipped HTC Imagio

2009-10-01T16:22:00.005-05:00

If you’re on the Verizon network and would like to get a Windows Mobile 6.5 device but aren’t so keen on the Touch Pro2, you’re in luck. Today the network announced the HTC Imagio which will arrive equipped and ready with Windows Mobile 6.5. The Imagio is a pretty solid smartphone by all standards with 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities, a 3.6-inch high resolution touch display, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera and MediaFLO live TV. This device even has a kickstand for optimal hands-free media viewing pleasure! The Imagio will be available Oct. 6 (the same day Windows Mobile 6.5 debuts) for $199 after mail-in rebate and a 2-year contract. If you're in the middle of a Privus Mobile contract but would like to switch over to a Windows Mobile 6.5 device, never fear. You can simply download the application onto your new phone using your previous registration code and you're good to go! Not familiar with Privus Mobile? Click here to download a free trial now!

October 6 also happens to be the start of Microsoft’s first consumer products open house event for invited members of the press and analysts in New York City. The event will showcase Microsoft’s new My Phone or “Skybox” service for storing and accessing mobile-phone information (much like Apple’s Mobile Me) as well as the new Windows Marketplace for Mobile. After losing around 9 percent of its mobile operating system market share in the second quarter of 2009, I’m sure the folks over at Microsoft are hoping this will breathe some new life into Microsoft’s mobile devices.

Android 1.6 Update

2009-09-30T16:31:00.003-05:00

The Android 1.6 “Donut” update was released yesterday to developers and the details are flowing out. In this update, Google isn’t focusing on the user-interface as much as security and performance. A few features have been added with the Donut update such as a quick search box for easy application access, a new multimedia gallery which allows for seamless camera and camcorder integration with performance tweaks here and there. All that plus an updated battery usage indicator which lets you know which applications are using the most power and how much. For a detailed report of all Android 1.6 updates click here.

Overall this update will make your phone harder, better, faster, stronger (cue the daft punk music). We love Android performance updates because that means our Privus Mobile Caller ID application will only perform better. While we’re on the subject, Handango loves Privus Mobile so much they’ve nominated the application for another award but we need your help to win. Follow this link to cast your vote (ehem, you can vote as many times as you like so get clicking).

iPhone competition heats up in Europe

2009-09-29T17:18:00.001-05:00

Looks like the iPhone’s exclusivity contract with European carrier O2 has ended after two years. Yesterday Orange UK announced the iPhone 3G and 3GS will be available to its customers and today Vodafone UK and Vodafone Ireland followed suit. Rumor has it the device will arrive on the Orange network sometime during the fourth quarter of this year and on Vodafone’s networks in early 2010. No word yet on pricing, however it should be interesting to watch the iPhone’s Euro-presence change as competitors are introduced. Price drops? More incentives? Stay tuned my fellow Americans, as of now we can only watch with the hope that someday Apple’s golden child will be released from its lucrative, iron-clad contract with AT&T.

[photo credit: iPhone Freak]

Handango Award Nominations Open

2009-09-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

Around this time of the year some people start getting excited about Halloween while others start prepping for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but here at Mobile Caller we get excited because that means end-of-year gadget awards!

Handango just put up their 2009 candidates and there are quite a few good contenders on the list! Privus Mobile got another nod, this time for Best Phone Tool for Android! You might remember last year when the application was named Best BlackBerry Evolution by the online app retailer. Well, this year they're up for Privus Mobile on Android.

The awards are being handled a little differently this year. Rather than Handango using a panel of experts to decide the winner, they are leaving it up to the global experts aka the consumers. All you have to do is go to www.handango.com and start voting away! To make it easy on you, we'll go ahead and give you the link to where you can vote for Privus http://mobilecallerid.blogspot.com/2008/10/privus-mobile-named-best-blackberry.html. The voting is open until Sunday, October 4 and you can vote as many times as you like so vote quickly and vote often!