Specs and features of the G1 include:
The G1 will retail for $179 with a 2-year contract when it starts shipping on October 22nd. Current customers can order online and the G1 will be delivered when it's launched. Like the iPhone, the G1's service agreement requires a data plan. Unlimited data with 400 messages runs $25 monthly while unlimited data and unlimited messaging will cost $35 monthly. Since it's a 3G device the phone will only be made available in T-Mobile's current 3G markets. You can use T-Mobile USA's coverage search tool to find out if your area is 3G or not, though the number of markets should be expanding rapidly. The G1 will not be available without a contract or via pre-paid service.
]]>AT&T came out in support of its EDGE network today amid heavy criticism from the first round of iPhone reviews. The combination of a "2.5G" data technology and a HTML/CSS compatible browser can mean some heavy wait times (expect about a minute to render a complex page like nytimes.com). Most phones, even many inexpensive models, from competitors Verizon Wireless and Sprint ship with 3G data support.
Apple has not announced how many units it has on hand, but analysts believe it's around 3 million. Steve Jobs noted that Apple has "built factories to build these things" so supply may not be an issue despite the lines outside stores. Apple employees are set to get free iPhones starting in July.
Get it tonight starting at 6PM. If you're an early adopter and would like to share your iPhone impression with us, get in touch.
Update: After getting a chance to sit down with the iPhone, our first take is that it's a big step forward in the industry and should help force all the major players in the space to focus on software and user experience. There are a number of serious limitations with the iPhone, but it's a solid first try and we're excited to see future revisions.
]]>Features of the LG VX9400 include:
Because of the TV technology, Verizon Wireless will keep an exclusive on this handset. It's available now for $199.99 with a 2-year contract. Note: V Cast TV is only available in select markets, but the list is expanding.
]]>Sprint should begin selling the UbiCell in the Summer. Pricing is unknown but will be geared towards consumers.
]]>The same keynote presentation included the only appearance of the iPhone at CTIA. It was only for a few seconds, but attracted more photos and attention than any other part of the presentation. Apple's secretive approach to marketing is at least successful in terms of producing buzz.
]]>Verizon Wireless will launch the new 4GB card exclusively on May 1st. The retail price is just $129.99. It's not known when the card will hit other channels.
]]>There is widespread speculation that Google itself is working on a mobile phone, but the search engine giant is only experienced with software and many analysts believe would be better off providing software for existing handsets.
Prior to todays LG news, Google had inked deals with other major mobile players like Motorola, Nokia and Samsung.
]]>Features of the Sony Ericsson Z750 include:
The Z750 should begin shipping in the third quarter. It's available in two color schemes, rose pink (shown right) and phantom grey (shown below).
]]>Features of the W580i include:
The Sony Ericsson W580i will ship in two color combinations, white (shown right) and grey (shown below). It will begin shipping in Q3. Carrier partners have not been announced, but AT&T or T-Mobile would be likely candidates.
]]>AT&T will begin this deal on April 1st. It's also available to existing AT&T customers if they sign up for one of the bundled service packages (covering home phone and broadband). The SYNC is currently priced at $49.99 after rebate while the BlackJack rings in for a more hefty $199.99 after rebate.
In a related move that also occurred this afternoon, Sprint Nextel announced lower pricing for its wireless music store.
]]>To date Sprint customers have downloaded over 15 million songs.
]]>Features of the Samsung UpStage include:
Sprint expects to begin selling the Upstage in the first week of April. It will be priced at $149.99 with a new 2-year contract. Sprint looks to be betting big on the Upstage and will be aggressively marketing it.
]]>CTIA 2007 -- Jon Gales -- - The Helio Ocean by Pantech is the first major handset announcement out of the annual CTIA conference. Highlighted by a unique dual-slide form factor, the Ocean is the most unique Helio handset by far. Executives at the startup carrier have been buzzing about the device and noted that this device has actually been in development since before Helio was officially a company.
The Ocean has both a numerical keypad and QWERTY keyboard. With the numerical keypad slid out the device looks like a conventional slide-style handset and behaves as a phone. With the QWERTY slid out the Ocean transforms into what's best described as a Sidekick competitor.
“Finally, you don’t have to choose between a device that’s good for talking but a nightmare for messaging, or one that’s good at messaging but feels like you’re holding a brick up to your face when you try to make a call,” said Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio
Features of the Helio Ocean include:
The Helio Ocean will go on sale later this Spring for an estimated $295. It's an exclusive to Helio. MobileTracker will have more on the Ocean as soon as we get a hands-on look.
]]>Features of the N95 are high-end to say the least:
All this can now be yours, Nokia has started shipments of the N95 in select European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Wider distribution is expected in a matter of weeks.
]]>Features of the Nokia 5300 Xpress Music include:
T-Mobile USA is selling the 5300 Xpress for $99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and 2-year service agreement. It's available in both Lilac and Black.
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