Vodafone getting Nokia N97 in July

How do you spell jealous? U.S.

European mobile carrier Vodafone confirmed it will be launching the Nokia N97 in July! Nokia already announced that the S60-powered smartphone would be available directly in June, which means Vodafone is only taking a month to put their unique stamp on the device. In case you forgot, here are the sexy specs for the Nokia N97:

• 5.0 megapixel camera
• 3.5-inch touchscreen
• Sliding QWERTY keyboard
• Quadband
• MP3 Player
• HSDPA
• 3G/Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS/GPRS
• 48GB memory (32GB built in, additional 16GB optional)

Samsung Instinct S60 now available

The Samsung Instinct S60 is available on the Sprint network now. The bugs and glitches on the original Instinct are said to have been ironed out with improved software. The hardware on the new Instinct still isn’t anything to write home about; however, the dudes over at Best Buy are said to be selling the new Samsung device for $49.99 as opposed to the $129.99 price tag from Sprint (after two-year contract and mail-in rebate). Check out the Phone Scoop hands-on video below for more Instinct S60.

3G Sidekick LX

This should come as no surprise, but T-Mobile and Sharp made their first 3G Sidekick official today! What did come as a surprise, however, is the Exchange Active Sync support that will come to the new device by way of Sidekick Download Catalogue. Are we trying to reach out to the young professionals, Sharp? The media intensive device will have a Twitter, MySpace and Facebook client all wrapped up in a nice purple package (if you choose). The device will also come with instant messaging from AOL, Yahoo and Windows Live. T-Mobile customers can pre-order the Sidekick LX for two Benjamin’s – while the rest of us will just have to wait.

Windows Mobile 6.5 launch May 11

The highly anticipated Windows Mobile update will be shown to the world to see on May 11 at Tech Ed 2009. Microsoft Windows Mobile blog announced that the company’s GM of Business Experiences will be delivering the in-depth presentation of what people are calling the “interim” OS at Day One of the conference. We can’t wait for all the details! In the mean time, check out some of our previous coverage to see what you can expect:

Read - Windows Mobile News

Read - Changes to Windows Mobile 6.5 debuted at MIX09

HTC Touch Diamond 2

HTC’s sleek new touchscreen gets unboxed and handled for our viewing pleasure. Looks like the early devices are running Windows Mobile 6.1, but maybe by the time the phones make it to the states they’ll get a 6.5 upgrade?

Android 1.5

Wow, I can hear happy G1 users rejoicing all around me right now! The “Cupcake” or Android 1.5 update has been made available to developers via SDK, and apparently an individual referred to as “haykuro” has managed to get the software from the HTC Magic over to the G1. If you don’t want to wait for Google and HTC to get the update to you, hit up haykuro’s blog where you can find helpful tutorials that will help you install this sweet little update.

LG's new 8.0 megapixel camera phone

Bits of information are trickling out about LG’s new 8.0 megapixel camera phone, referred to as the Viewty II or Viewty Smart. According to BGR, LG’s German blog posted images of the new device but kept pretty tight-lipped about the specs (though the blog now states more info will be available in the coming days). Supposedly, a trade show attendee got a good look at the specs sheet and passed the info along:

• 3-inch WVGA touchscreen display
• 8.0 megapixel Schneider-Kreuzenach camera
• 32GB storage
• S-Class 3D UI

BlackBerry 8350i now on Sprint's iDen network

The camera-free BlackBerry 8350i is now available on Sprint’s iDen network. The device will run you $149.99 after the standard two-year contract/mail-in-rebate song and dance. So you’ve been wanting a ‘Berry without a camera for one reason or another, have you? Well, it looks like today is your day.

2009-2010 Leaked Toshiba Roadmap

I don’t know about you, but I just love a good roadmap leak. I came across this Toshiba 2009-2010 roadmap on BGR. We can put this into our “yet to be confirmed” file – but it’s worth a good post anyhow. The roadmap features a slew of devices, mainly running Windows Mobile 6.5 and 1 GHz Snapdragon processors. Also, Toshiba will look to release its K series of mobile Internet devices and an Internet tablet with detachable keyboard in 2010.
The TG01 is the first device out of the gate with a mid-Q2 release. The TG01 and TG02 appear to be the same phone, except the TG01 is lacking the Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade. The TG02 is scheduled for a Q4 release. Of course you want specs so here they are:

• 4.1-inch WVGA touchscreen
• 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
• Windows Mobile 6.5
• HDSPA
• Integrated GPS
• IPX4 Water-resistant (I could use that)
• Thickness of 9.9 mm
  
  

TG03

• 4.1-inch WVGA touchscreen
• 1GHz Snapdragob processor
• Windows Mobile 6.5
• 5 megapixel camera
• 5.1 channel speaker
• HDSPA

K01

• QWERTY slider
• 4.1-inch display
• 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Windows Mobile 6.5

K02

• 3.5-inch display
• I GHz Snapdragon processor
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Windows Mobile 6.5

L01

• 7-inch screen
• 1GHz Snapdragon processor
• Windows Mobile 6.5
• Separate wireless keyboard
  

Privus Mobile Customer Testimonial

If you're not sure how Privus Mobile could work for you, watch Nathan's story.

All signs point to Palm Pre release

What’s been going on lately, you ask? A flurry of Palm Pre activity, that’s what! It seems as though Pre training is scheduled to commence shortly for Sprint retail workers along with instruction not to take vacation in May. If you’ll remember, AT&T employees had the same vacation embargo before the iPhone launch. The super-sleuths over at Engadget have seemingly come across a tasty “Sprint planning document” that slates the Pre for a May 16 launch, which leads them to believe we are now looking at a launch sometime between May 17 and June 30.

Let’s stay on the rumor train for a minute and talk about the Pre sighting at this weekends “Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race” in San Francisco. Engadget and BGR both posted photos of two unidentified people whom stated they “weren’t all that blown away by the device at first, but recent updates to the handsets have converted them into satisfied users.” Hmm, I wonder just how long they have been using the magical tiny-keyed device? When asked about a public release, the pair responded, “[we] probably won’t have to wait too much longer.”

Privus Mobile Caller ID

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Idou Photos

Recently we caught wind of an October release for the 8 megapixel Sony-Ericsson Idou, and we just now came across some hands-on photos of this ultra-cool, high-end camera phone. The camera looks pretty solid, which makes me happy because there is nothing I dislike more than a phone made of cheap plastic.

3G Sidekick Coming to T-Mobile

The FCC certified the Sharp PV300 for AW 3G and subsequently set the blogs on fire. Engadget posted the FCC label with the model number (PV300), GSM, Bluetooth and Danger logo. Although neither T-Mobile or Sharp have made any announcements concerning a new Sidekick, we can assume some kind of official word should be coming soon even though we’ heard rumblings concerning a new Sidekick a few months ago…

[photo credit: Engadget]

Cox Communications reaffirms cellular network by the end of 2009

We reported back in October that Cox Communications, the third largest cable provider in the U.S. behind Comcast and Time Warner, has plans to launch its own cellular network. Today, the company reaffirmed their commitment to launch the network by the end of 2009. When you include the fact that the highly competitive market is dominated by four major carriers and two of those carriers (AT&T and Verizon) also happen to have their own cable/television solutions – it doesn’t seem like a good idea. However, Cox plans to offer cellular as part of their bundling services a la Verizon which could work nicely for some people. What do you think about it? All we can say is, good luck!

Rumor Mill: Idou set for October release?

The only official word about the camera phone-to-trump-all-camera phones came from Gustad Brusewitz of Sony-Ericsson Sweden. Brusweitz went on the record to reconfirm Sony-Ericsson’s commitment ship the Idou “sometime in the second half of the year,” even though the folks over at mobile.se are claiming Brusweitz gave them an October/November ship date. In any case we can only assume the struggling company has its sights set on an early December release, just in time for a Christmas sales boost.

BlackBerry Storm Getting an Upgrade?

With confirmation from both SlashGear and Boy Genius, I’d say this rumor is pretty concrete. The BlackBerry Storm is coming to Verizon updated with Wi-Fi and, thankfully, an improved touchscreen. While RIM is said to have turned typing on a Storm into a pleasurable experience, the manufacturer is reportedly ditching the screen’s name, SurePress, in favor of TruePress. So tell me, what additional changes do you think RIM needs to make to the Storm’s successor?

Three new BlackBerry devices confirmed

BGR has posted information about three new BlackBerry devices said to be coming soon, and while the codename and specs are confirmed a time frame was not. I know everyone likes specs, so here you go:

BlackBerry Onyx:

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS device
• GPS
• Camera
• Wi-Fi (no UMA support)
• QWERTY keyboard
• 480×360 resolution screen
• Confirmed carriers: AT&T

BlackBerry Driftwood:

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS device
• GPS
• Camera
• Wi-Fi with UMA
• QWERTY keyboard
  

BlackBerry Magnum:

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS device
• GPS
• Camera
• Wi-Fi (no UMA support)
• QWERTY keyboard
• 480×360 resolution screen
• Confirmed carriers: AT&T
  

Everyone is speculating the Magnum and Driftwood are the same phone headed to separate carriers with QWERTY and touchscreen.

[via Boy Genius Report]

BlackBerry App World Glich Fixed

Alright folks, after a collaborative effort between the technical support staffs at Privus Mobile and BlackBerry App World, we were able to fix an error within App World’s Privus Mobile application. Apparently, there was a glitch on App World that caused Privus Mobile’s Caller Information service to have trouble running on some BlackBerry devices, despite being downloaded and installed properly. To all you first-time Privus Mobile downloaders, the good news is that the application is now working correctly. However, due to App World’s setup, if you have already downloaded the application you will not receive the update for about seven days. If you would like to get the application installed before the update is available you can go to http://trials.privusmobile.com/PrivusMobile.jad from your BlackBerry. Take advantage of the free 10-day trial by leaving the registration code blank. Hope this helps!

UPDATE: Also if you purchased and received a registration code, please contact support for an updated code ASAP.

Privus Mobile in BlackBerry App World

Good news – Privus Mobile is now available for download via BlackBerry App World! You can get a free 10-day trial if you are unfamiliar with the service, or you can go ahead and purchase the app for $59.99. With this purchase you are getting a one-year subscription to mobile caller ID service and access to Accudata Technologies’ extensive database for what averages out to be around $5 per month. Because of BlackBerry’s lack of support for simultaneous data and voice capabilities, the caller information will come in after the ringing. I don’t know about you, but I hate when I get a call from a number I don’t know and they don’t leave a message – so this is perfect for me. Click here for more information on Privus Mobile.

HTC Magic Gets Delayed

UK Vodafone customers will have to wait for their newest HTC Android offering. Apparently a hardware change has been made late in the game that will delay the device’s release until May, even though the company’s site still has the Magic listed for delivery this month. HTC issued a statement on the matter: “We are delighted with the interest that the HTC Magic has received since its launch with Vodafone at Mobile World Congress 2009. We are confident that Vodafone’s customers will be delighted with the HTC Magic in spite of a short delay due to a last minute hardware change.” Like I always say, better to have a delay and fix the problems before a release than to have to deal with an onslaught of updates afterwards.

More From CTIA 2009

Windows Mobile Internet Explorer

IE Mobile is getting a sleek makeover to become more touch-friendly. Microsoft is promising quicker rendering speeds and hightened overall performance in general. This new version will come equipped with Flash Lite for video support, and copy and paste. What it won’t come with? There will be no text search, image downloading, tabbed browsing or support for browser add-ons.



Nokia

Nokia came to CTIA with a line-up of phones to preview including the AT&T E71x, an N86 (originally unveiled in Singapore during MWC in Barcelona), the low end Intrigue and the elusive N97. The N97 was introduced what feels like eons ago, but Nokia says it will be available “sometime in June.” We’re not holding our breath.

[hands-on photos from BGR]

Palm Pre

Palm’s Senior VP of Application and Software Services, Michael Abbott, announced during his keynote at the Web 2.0 Expo in good ole’ San Fran that Palm is going to open the Web OS software development kit to all developers instead of a small select group. The registration page went live Wednesday, and the good news for developers is that there’s no charge to download the SDK nor will they be required to join any kind of developers association. Palm also came out with a new Pre video called “This Weekend,” and it’s quite soothing if I do say so myself. My co-workers and I just sat there and watched it all dreamy-eyed. Still no confirmation on price and release date. If this is Palm’s attempt at creating hype, I’d say they’ve succeeded.

CTIA 2009 Day 1

Here are a couple hands on videos from day one of CTIA 2009



[via phone scoop]

BlackBerry App World Goes Live

BlackBerry App World is now available for download! That means all of you Berryheads now can officially geek out your BlackBerry of choice by turning it into an interactive light saber. There are plenty of premium and free apps for your downloading pleasure. Currently, the only method of payment accepted is via PayPal, so if you already have a PayPal account, you’re one step ahead of the rest of us. RIM is said to be working on other forms of payment and hopes to get those finalized soon. Also, Privus Mobile is available in the new BlackBerry App world so be sure to check that out - you can get your free 10 day trial here.