What we can expect from T-Mobile this year

Vice president of engineering and operations (and newly elected chairperson of 3G Americas’ Board of Governors), Neville Ray, recently sat down for an interview with Fierce Wireless during which he shared some juicy morsels of information as to what we can expect from T-Mobile this year. T-Mobile is looking to double its 3G reach in 2009. Ray divulged his company will keep its primary focus on the consumer market by introducing a “significant number” of smartphones, particularly G-series devices. We should be seeing the first of the 2009 series within the coming weeks and months, I’m assuming at MWC.

Dell's new smartphone

Dell has been said to have a smartphone or two in the works for quite some time now, so it came as no surprise when the Wall Street Journal ran an article over Dell's leap into the industry. The WSJ reports that “people familiar with the matter” are claiming Dell has been working on a full touchscreen as well as a slider. The two prototypes have been tested on the Google Android and Windows Mobile operating systems. The Silicon Alley Insider also chimed in on the matter speculating the new device will be known as the “MePhone” which is hopefully its codename. The Dell phone is expected to be released on Sept. 9, but we are still unsure whether the company with be unveiling the device next month at the Mobile World Congress or later at CTIA.

Apple 3G lawsuit filed

My friends and colleagues are constantly complaining about their 3G iPhones switching over to the EDGE network. But who do we blame: Apple’s software or AT&T’s network? Well, Jason Medway took it upon himself to file a 14-page complaint on behalf of thousands of customers in a Northern California courtroom. This lawsuit claims Apple was aware of a defect that prevents them from maintaining a signal on AT&T’s 3G network and ignored requests to fix the problem. This “broken promise” over the device’s transmission might end up costing Apple over $5 billion. Apple has created updates to allow better reception for the 3G device, although some updated users are still experience network flip-flop. So who is going to come out on top here: Mr. Medway’s attorneys or Apple?

Sprint Treo Pro to support simultaneous voice and data?

Sprint has semi-officially pushed back the launch date for its Treo Pro until late February, but that’s actually good news for Sprint customers. The company has decided to issue a $25 account credit to anyone that pre-ordered the device, but what’s even better is the little rumor that the Treo Pro could be the first device on the Sprint network to allow for simultaneous voice and data usage. So what does this mean for you?

Well, this capability brings you two amazing options (that most of you on a 3G network are currently enjoying.) For instance, I have this friend who always calls and I never answer because there is simply no polite way to stop her from talking. I mean she will just go on and on and on. After about five missed calls I bite the bullet and give her some excuse that generally pertains to how incredibly busy I am. Simultaneous voice and data usage allows me to put her on speaker phone and surf the Web while throwing out an occasional “uh-huh.” An option that I find quite attractive, might I add.

My favorite option however, is now all of my Sprint Treo totin’ friends will be able to enjoy real time mobile Caller ID with Privus Mobile. You see, Privus Mobile must be able to access its database on the Internet while the call is coming in. My favorite thing about Privus Mobile is after I choose not to answer the hairy Sasquatch (see commercial below), I can immediately save their number into my contact list for future call-screening pleasure.

I can just hear all of you Sprint readers rejoicing right now!

Apple v. Palm

The onslaught of reality television has proved the general public’s obsession with juicy real-life drama, and it appears the smartphone industry’s latest storyline is getting fiery hot! If you’ve been following the Apple/Palm drama you know that Apple’s patent was approved, which could prove the demise of the Pre before we even get our hands on it! Don’t just take my word for it though, check out this post from Engadget that gives us the nitty-gritty from an actual patent attorney. While we see this kind of thing happen all the time and it is generally just chalked up to the forward movement of technology, it appears Apple doesn’t want to be the big-kid on the playground; it wants to be the only kid on the playground.