Wireless News

Sprint has shown their commitment to the Nextel National Network by offering better choices with more flexibility. Sprint plans to hold on to Nextel and do everything they can to rejuvenate this company because they are a huge asset to Sprint. In order to better achieve this, Sprint and Motorola have extended their partnership to be able to provide the best products, service and support to their customers.

In an attempt to help make Nextel stronger Sprint has created a more powerful handset lineup, including the Motorola i576 that will be launched on November 2nd, and also debut their BlackBerry Curve 8350i. In all Sprint plans to launch a total of 8 handsets in 2009. All of these handsets are able to use Sprints leading push-to-talk service as well as Bluetooth and GPS. With Nextel Direct Connect on Sprint handsets people can send large files with amazing speed.

“Motorola has had a long and successful strategic relationship with Sprint, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer and CEO of Mobile Devices, Motorola. “With its unique experience and functionality, iDEN has a loyal customer base and will continue to be an important part of Motorola’s portfolio. We actively support Sprint’s initiative and share its commitment and enthusiasm for the iDEN network.”

Sprint is also focusing on Boost Mobile, they plan to help people who are more directly impacted by our current economic situation with lower rates and “attractive pricing options”. In early 2009 Boost Mobile will introduce the Boost Unlimited plan that offers unlimited calling for a very low monthly fee.

In Italy, TIM as scored another exclusive release, this time they received the LG Tribe messenger phone. This phone is very stylish with fantastic colors and a beautifully laid out full QWERTY keyboard. Threaded messaging makes this phone perfect for those who message a lot.

This Lg has a 2.4-inch screen with multiple buttons on the face that require less need to slide out the keyboard for basic functions. The camera however is just your basic 2 megapixel phone camera, noting to big. This phone is geared towards “generation Web 2.0”.

For 149 Euros you will get the LG Tribe with a Windows Live Messenger service that is free for two months, after which will be 3 to 6 Euros a month for continued access. People who love to send text messages, send email and instant message from their phone a lot will love to get their hands on this beast.

The Pantech Slate was announced on wendsday for availability on AT&T and it boasts the thinnest QWERTY keyboard in all the land. We reported on this phone to you earlier this month but now you can actually go pick up this thing for yourself.

The target market here are those that like to text and the Slate offers great texting ability with a super thin, full QWERTY keyboard. Other specs include Mobile Email, a 1.3 megapixel camera, instant messaging and Bluetooth 2.0. You will also be able to get the device in either black or royal blue.

You can get the Pantech Slate for $49.99 now with a two-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate.

You can check out the full press release below:

PANTECH AND AT&T DEBUT “WORLD’S THINNEST QWERTY KEYBOARD” HANDSET

New Pantech Slate Makes Texting and Emailing Effortless;
Part of AT&T’s New Line of Quick Messaging Phones

ATLANTA – Oct. 29, 2008 – Pantech Wireless, Inc., – the U.S.-based subsidiary of Pantech Group, one of Korea’s largest mobile phone manufacturers – today announced the availability of the “World’s Thinnest QWERTY Keyboard” handset, the Pantech Slate. Supporting AT&T’s new line of quick messaging devices, Slate, measuring less than one centimeter deep and sporting a premium build, is custom-made for sending texts and pictures, and easily accessing instant messaging and email services at an attractive price.

Targeting text fanatics and trend conscious consumers, Slate offers one of the simplest messaging experiences on the market. Now customers of any level can enjoy the convenience of a full QWERTY keyboard without having to sacrifice cost or size. By incorporating raised and tactile buttons, a colorful and easy-to-read screen, and a rubberized back panel for comfort gripping, sending pictures and messages on-the-go has never been easier. A contemporary style phone, Slate is designed to disappear easily into a pocket or purse, yet impress friends when it’s out.

Featured in black and royal blue to compliment its sophisticated form-factor,
Slate offers:
Immediate and simple access to a range of messaging services, including text messaging, multimedia messaging, instant messaging, and email
Multimedia functionality including support of AT&T’s MEdia Net™ and custom content
Bluetooth®
Video recording and picture taking with a 1.3 megapixel camera

“We are proud to bring yet another design first to Pantech customers,” said Patrick Beattie, vice president of sales and marketing for Pantech Wireless, Inc. “Experience shows that users want increasingly unique devices that are easy to use. The Slate, debuting as the world’s thinnest phone with a full QWERTY keypad, ushers in a new level of style and convenience for customers who need to text and email.”

Slate joins a long line of Pantech handsets which showcase the company’s dedication to creating leading-edge products. This new messaging master follows numerousbenchmark devices, including the C3b, “the world’s smallest camera flip phone;” the Pantech duo and Matrix, both unique dual-sliding, double-keyboard handsets; and thePantech Breeze, a mobile phone specifically designed for users needing an uncomplicated way to stay in touch with the important people in their lives.

The Pantech Slate is currently available at AT&T company-owned stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. Slate is $49.99 after a two-year service agreement and a $50 mail-in rebate.

Samsung has just released a smartphone called the Samsung C6620, that is very similar to their BlackJack model.  Currently the smartphone is only available in Italy via Italian service provider TIM. TIM is currently offering the C6620 for €199 in 3 different colors, Wine Red, Apple Green and Navy Blue.

While the smartphone seems to be exclusively for TIM, that is most likely only the case in Italy. Chances are we will be seeing this phone in other countries. The C6620 runs Windows Mobile 6.1, with a full QWERTY keyboard, but lack is a touch screen. The Samsung C6620 was approved by the FCC, however if Samsung does not get a version that will work on North America’s frequency bands we will never see it here in the US.

Here is a list of the Samsung C6620 specifications:

• Tri-band GSM connectivity, 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz

• UMTS/HSDPA connectivity

• Bluetooth

• Music player

• 2MP camera with video recording

• 20MB of internal memory plus a 1GB card

• Integrated modem

• 108.8 grams

• 113.3 x 63 x 11.9 mm

• Talk time: up to 420 minutes

• Stand by time: up to 300 h

Casio has just announced their EXIFILM-series W63CA flip phone that is sure to catch attention. Made along with KDDI AU, this flip phone features a 8.1-megapixel camera and has a wide-angle mode and a nine-point autofocus.

Other features include a 3.1-inch OLED screen with a 480 x 800 resolution that can rotate, just like a tablet PC screen. This means you can rotate the screen outward for video watching and such. Other features include face detection, anti-shake, VGA video recording, a microSD card, stereo Bluetooth and more.

This phone is set to launch in Japan in early November. It will be available in white gold, pink and green color options and will feature Japan’s 1Seg support.