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The leaks continue about Microsoft’s Pink phones hitting the marketplace, with the latest suggesting that two models will land at Verizon Wireless (with an exlusivity agreement) on April 20th.  The Pure and the Turtle – the two models shown in the pictures here – will be the first two devices in the lineup, and will indeed be targeted toward the 13-17 and 18-29 demographics.  The device is said to be a featurephone instead of a full smartphone, and the ad campaign will center around “truly, madly, deeply” campaign found in recent Twitter updates (wonder if they’ll use the Savage Garden song to go along with it?).

The question remains – in a smartphone world (one where you can get an iPhone 3G for $99), will the Pink devices really take off?

Via Engadget
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All kinds of strange is surrounding this rumor, so we’ll try our best to thumb through the mounds of information on the internet.

TopTongueBarry, a PreCentral forums user and an AT&T IT employee, claims that while the nation’s second largest wireless carrier has completed testing for the Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus, a third device codenamed “Elan” is slated for testing in the coming weeks.  As you can see in the picture above, several accessory manufacturers had listed things compatible with “Elan,” but after the codename was unearthed, quickly removed the name from their respective pages.  Some are speculating that this device is nothing more than a GSM version of the Pre Plus or Pixi Plus, while others are thinking that this could be an entirely new device in the Palm lineup.  A tablet, perhaps?

So, who knows?  It could be the rumored C40 that was rumored for Sprint, or it could be the US GSM version of the Palm Pre Plus or Pixi Plus.  Personally, I’d love to see the mockup shown in Palm’s forums hit retail shelves.  Either way, we’ll be digging for more information, and will post as soon as we know anything.

Via PreCentral
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Jon Quach rounds up all of the big cellular news PhoneDog highlighted last week in an exciting fast paced video format.

Remember the Opus One, the rumored iDEN Android device?  It looks like the name of the device will be the i1.  In all actuality, it makes sense, given Motorola’s use of the “i” branding (especially with the i9).  Features look to be about the same – Android 1.5 (because who needs 2.1 when you can have an antiquated version), MOTOBLUR, a 3.0-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

From what Engadget is hearing, an announcement can be expected in a few weeks.  That lines up well with CTIA at the end of March, now doesn’t it?  Nextel users, does the i1 interest you?

Via Engadget
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I don’t know about you, but ever since I laid my hands on a QWERTY device, there was no looking back.  Others, however, prefer a smaller form factor and will therefore sacrifice QWERTY for something lighter that consumes less pocket space.  But what if you could have your cake and eat it too?

According to BGR, you can.  Truesupplier, a reputable company that sells OEM parts and accessories for BlackBerry and other devices, is advertising a full QWERTY keyboard for the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 – the device that is expected to replace the 8100 series, and isn’t available as of yet.  Additionally, there’s a rumor via CrackBerry suggesting that consumers will have an option between a full QWERTY keyboard and SureType on the new 9100.

Keep in mind that it’s not entirely common to have a phone with two different keyboard options (though it has been done before), and that one possibility could be the SureType version going to one carrier and the QWERTY version going to another.  So what’s it going to be Pearl fans – SureType or QWERTY? Leave your comments below!

Via BGR, Engadget, BBerryDog

If you’ve been following the tech scene for the last three years, you’ve more than likely heard rumors of the elusive Sony PSP phone.  What you may not have heard is proof that such a project has made any strides beyond conception.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony may be in the process of developing a lineup of devices geared towards combating the iPhone and iPad.  The PSP phone is reported to (surprise, surprise) “download and play PlayStation games.”  However, the real way in which Sony plans to attack Apple is through an online service which is said to contain content similar to that of iTunes in addition to an “extensive (and exclusive) catalog of PlayStation games.”

There’s no specs or pricing, or anything concrete at this point, other then what the WSJ is reporting.  However, according to Gizmodo, “we can expect to see both the PSP phone and the PSPad sometime this year.”  I’m probably not going to be holding my breath.

So, do you think the PSP Phone and PSPad will make it to your arsenal in 2010?  Leave your comments below.

Via BGR, Engadget, Gizmodo

Does the Apple iPad leave you wanting more? Instead, some people are holding out for the long-awaited, much-anticipated Courier tablet to finally hit the scene. The dual screen Microsoft device has had the industry holding its breath since early last fall, and now there are new images and details to pant over. And it looks like it could give the Apple tablet a real run for its money. (Scroll below to see the pics, courtesy of Engadget.)

The Courier is less than an inch thick and just over a pound, with a clamshell design featuring two screens sized similar to 5 x 7 photos. (I’m actually surprised by this. Previous pics made it seem a lot bigger.) Word has it, there will be a built-in camera and an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor running a version of the same OS that powers the gorgeous Zune HD and Windows Mobile 7 series — Windows CE 6. 

The two touch-sensitive displays take pen-based input, which is a match made for handwriting recognition. Looks like writing and designing will be the intended primary use, but Microsoft’s also reportedly emphasizing eReader-like functionality for the Courier. Well, that makes sense, considering its form factor is similar to a book.

So far, there’s no info on whether the Courier will be offered as Wifi only or piggyback on some sort of cellular data network, but if so, it would definitely pit the device against the Apple iPad. Given both tablets’ focus on ebooks, though, there’s one question that keeps coming up for me: The Nook and Kindle both offer e-ink display technology that makes reading less of a strain on the eyes. What will reading be like on either the Courier or iPad? Gluing eyes to a glossy, glassy display for hours on end is enough to cross even the hardiest eyeballs.

I guess we’ll find out when the iPad launches (3/12 for pre-orders, 4/3 for delivery), or when the Courier finally drops (expected between Q3 and Q4 2010).

The price for the Courier isn’t known yet, but for those of you thinking about it, how much would you be willing to pay for it?

Via: Engadget

ADDENDUM: In addition to the new images, Engadget posted two full-length HD videos of the interface in action. If you’ve been following Courier news, then some of this might seem familiar, but there’s also some new stuff here, so click here to go there.

PhoneDog just can’t cram every bit of analysis, in-depth coverage, and tip/trick/how-to goodness onto our home page. So we’ve built a few more home pages to hold it all.  Whether it’s Android, BlackBerry, or iPhone that makes you tick, we’ve got the goods.

Here’s what’s going on right now on PhoneDog Media’s network sites: Today’s iPhone, BBerryDog and DroidDog.

Rival to the iPad announced; will the ePad take off?

App Review: Bookworm

Have you seen “Mr. Wrong?” (I have, and he’s on my iPhone)

BlackBerry Curve 8530 in red on Sprint?

Photos of BlackBerry slider released

SHAPE Services releases IM+ Lite for BlackBerry

HootSuite hits the Android Market

Cyanogen 4.2.15 180 degree orientation

DroidDog OS X dashboard widget

We had this great woman who’s a great writer lined up to write our great new weekly column about life as a first-time user of a Palm webOS smartphone. And then life got in the way and someone made offer that was too good to refuse, but also meant she couldn’t be our new columnist.

So her first column about entering the world of smartphones with a Palm Pixi Plus in hand sits sadly in my virtual recycling bin. And now we need you.

Want to write for PhoneDog? Now’s your chance. Here’s the deal:

– We have a spot for one person to write a weekly column about life with a Palm webOS phone.

– You must be a good writer capable of turning in grammatically sound, self-edited, entertaining copy on a regular deadline.

– You must write about using a webOS device.

– You don’t have to be a complete smartphone novice, but we do specifically want someone to write from the perspective of “a regular person with a smartphone” and not a hardcore tech junkie obsessed with specs and mods. Some specs and mods are fine – great, even – but we’re looking for more of an Everyman/Everywoman vibe with this particular column.

– You don’t have to have a track record as a writer, tech blogger, or even obsessive mobile junkie. You do have to be entertaining, readable, and willing to commit to a regular schedule and promote yourself to your friends, family, and random Facebook buddies.

To apply:

– Read Kristi’s iPhone column and Nate’s Android column. They’ll give you a general idea of what we’re looking for in terms of length and overall vibe. You’re not trying to BE them, but rather get a sense of the slice of life tone we’re after.

– Write your first entry for the webOS column. Proofread it, get a friend to help you edit it, spellcheck it … make it as close to publication-ready as possible.

– Email it AS THE TEXT OF AN EMAIL to pdogwebos at gmail dot com. Please, no attachments. Attachments will be deleted without opening. Period.

– Do NOT email, IM, tweet, or show up at any of our doorsteps asking if you got the job. If we want you, we’ll contact you. That’s not meant to sound mean, it’s just to say that we can’t reply to every submission. So when we find someone we’re interested in, we’ll get back to you posthaste. Promise.

Thanks. If you know someone who’d be a good fit, please tell them.  Thanks.

Alright, here we go … Good luck!

If double thumbing the keyboard on your touchscreen Android phone is becoming to tedious a way to do a search, don’t worry – Google Labs has cooked up a special treat just for you.  Google Gesture Search is a new way to search for your stuff, by using your finger to draw out the letters you would otherwise be typing.  Here’s how Google exlains it:

“Gesture Search lets you quickly find a contact, a bookmark, an application, or a music track from hundreds or thousands of items by drawing alphabet gestures on the touchscreen. Gesture Search continuously updates search results as you add each letter and improves search quality by learning from your search history.”

Google Gesture Search is available for download on the Android Market, however, it is only compatible with Android 2.0 and above (read: DROID and Nexus One, for now).  If you’re still not following exactly how it works, the Official Google Mobile Blog can help.  Here’s a scenario in which Gesture Search might be helpful to you:

“Say you want to call your friend Anne. Just open Gesture Search and draw letter “A”, and Gesture Search returns a list of items that have words starting with “A”. If your handwriting isn’t all that neat, that’s okay. If the “A” you draw looks a bit like an “H”, as seen in the bottom left corner of the screenshot, “H” results will be brought up as well. If needed, you can also erase a query by crossing it horizontally: left to right erases the entire query, and right to left removes the last letter or space in the query. Now you can either scroll down the list to find Anne or write more letters to refine the search.”

I’ll say it’s an interesting concept, and pretty cool when you see it in action.  However, I’m not 100% sure it’s the easiest way to do a search, especially considering how few of us know how to do anything other than type these days.  Hit the link below to see a video of Gesture search in action, and don’t forget to leave your comments!

Via TechCrunch, Google Mobile Blog
Video: Google Gesture Search on Android

For all things BlackBerry, check out BBerryDog.com!!

If you’re thinking about going with Sprint and the carrier’s black and lavender Curve 8530 options aren’t appealing to you, then you might want to wait.  According to a tipster, Sprint will be releasing a red BlackBerry Curve 8530 in the future.  Though there’s no official release date (hey, the new color option isn’t even official yet), GizmoFusion is pegging it for March 14th.

I was always a huge fan of the dark red Curve 8330, so I hope the shade of the red Curve 8530 is similar.  What do you say?  Dig the new color, or want a different option (like bright yellow, or orange)?  Let me know!

Via BBerryDog

Since AT&T has the best 3G network (according to the advertisements), the carrier’s announcement of two new mobile broadband devices is an exciting one.  AT&T yesterday launched the AT&T USBConnect Turbo from LG and AT&T USBConnect Velocity from Option, two new devices to add to the mobile broadband lineup.  The Velocity will offer Option’s free software application, the Option GPS Control Panel.  Through the service, users can utilize location-enabled sites like Yahoo! Maps and Bing for directions and local points of interest.

Beginning March 7, both the Turbo and Velocity will be available online and in AT&T stores nationwide. AT&T USBConnect Turbo will be available for free after a $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement, while the AT&T USBConnect Velocity will be available for $29.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement.  Both devices will allow you to access AT&T’s Wi-Fi hotspots across the United States.

The full press release can be found here.

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If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting all week to hear more about what’s going on with the HTC Incredible (or any HTC Android device, for that matter).  Last week we reported that signs of the Incredible had surfaced by way of Verizon’s inventory system, suggesting that the device wasn’t far from launch.  We also mentioned that the specs should be similar to the Nexus One and consist of a 3.5″-3.7″ WVGA capacitive display (believed to be AMOLED), 5 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, optical trackpad (bye bye trackball), Snapdragon processor, 256MB RAM, Android 2.1, and HTCs Sense UI.
 
This week we’re hearing that at some point there was a rumored March 23rd release, however, now the launch could be pushed back until May.  The delay is said to come from the recent problems Nexus One has been having with it’s touchscreen, which might be the same display used on the Incredible.

On a more positive note, some new pictures of the highly anticipated device have been leaked out onto the Android Forums.  The phone is mostly black but has some red highlights in certain areas such as the side rocker button and what appears to be a micro usb port.  Personally, I’m not a fan of the red, but overall it’s still a slick device, and very worthy of ownership.

Hit the link for more pics and leave your comments below!

Via Phandroid

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up to see the worlds first magical and revolutionary device crafted completely from 100% unadulterated unicorn tears!  That’s right folks, it’s official, the Apple iPad is coming to an apple retail store near you, and it’s coming soon.  Starting at just $499, you too can be the proud owner of an iPad and take delivery as early as April 3rd.  Pre-orders begin next Friday, March 12 for WiFi and WiFi + 3G devices, however only the WiFi devices will be available by April 3rd; WiFi + 3G won’t be available until later in April (this means be patient and wait, don’t go out and buy the WiFi only version and come back complaining about buyers remorse!).

You know how magical and revolutionary this device is going to be by the sheer fact that “magical and revolutionary” is mentioned twice within the first three paragraphs of the press release (see below).

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

As a recap, pricing and availability:

“iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB.”

Pre-Order iPad on March 12
iPad Available in US on April 3

Apple Fanboys (and girls) get excited!  The moment you’ve been waiting for is here!  Now who’s gonna be camping out at the mall?  Sound off below!

CUPERTINO, California—March 5, 2010—Apple® today announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Being the number four wireless carrier in the US is difficult, at best.  Monthly rumors of being sold, merged, and IPOed is really more than any one company should have to take.  So, when you’re doing something right, and J.D. Power recognizes it, it’s time to celebrate loud and clear. 

This year is the second year in a row that T-Mobile has received the highest ranks in “Customer Satisfaction with the Wireless Retail Sales Experience,” by J.D. Power and Associates.  They beat Verizon by a single point, and left AT&T and Sprint trailing by over 10 points, respectively.  This is good news for T-Mobile, and I certainly hope it helps to send them in the right direction

For more information see the press release below.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Shift to Smartphones Drives Retailers to Tailor the Sales Experience

The 2010 U.S. Wireless Retail Sales Satisfaction Study-Volume 1 is based on experiences reported by 8,000 wireless customers who completed a retail sales transaction within the past six months. The study was fielded between July and December 2009.

Via BGR
For the pdf version with charts, go here.

Thanks to a tipster, BBLeaks has received additional pictures about the BlackBerry slider prototype.  As we said before, the unit is said to have a 360 x 480 touchscreen display (no SurePress), and uses OS 6.0.  There are two schools of thought here – BBLeaks believes that the device in question will be part of the Storm line (Storm3, perhaps), while Kevin at CrackBerry believes it to be part of the Bold line.  The phone shown in the pictures above is said to have a battery issue that’s preventing it from powering up (sure, sure) – let’s hope they work out that issue in due time.  After all, we want to see OS 6.0 (if it really is installed on this bad boy)!

Excited?  Bummed?  How do you feel about it?

Via Engadget
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As we’ve known for some time now, the Motorola BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR will be available to purchase this coming Sunday, March 7 via AT&T.  The BACKFLIP will be the first of several Android-based phones to be offered by AT&T this year, and will sell for $99 with a two year contract.  Another first about this phone is that it will be sporting Yahoo! as the default search engine, kicking Google out of its usual (and quite comfortable) spot. 

According to Engadget: “Yahoo has replaced Google as the default search provider throughout the phone. It’s crazy: the home screen widget, the browser, everything’s been programmed to use Yahoo.”  And from what I understand, there’s no easy way to change the default search engine in the BACKFLIP.

Early rumors suggested that AT&T would be completely ridding the BACKFLIP of all stock Google apps.  However, this does not seem to be the case any longer.  AT&T has loaded the device with many of their own branded apps, such as: AllSport GPS, AT&T Maps, AT&T Music, AT&T Navigator, AT&T Wi-Fi, Hotspots, Mobile Banking, MobiTV, MusicID, Where, and YPmobile.  They have, however, left many of the native Android apps for you to choose from.

So, what’s it going to be? BACKFLIP, or wait for something better? Sound off below!
 
Via DroidDog, AndroidandMe

Now here’s some exciting news if you live in the UK!  Yesterday, the European Commission (the executive branch of the European Union) “granted clearance” for T-Mobile UK and Orange UK to move forward with their merger, effective immediately.  Discussion of the merger between the two companies surfaced back in September of 2009, with the companies slated to come to a formal agreement the following November.  According to the BBC, the two companies said the deal “would bring substantial benefits to UK customers, and promised expanded network coverage, better network quality and improved customer services.”  For more information, see the press release below.

Now, what ever happened to that merger between T-Mobile US and Sprint (or whoever else), or that IPO that we just heard rumor of recently?  If you’re effected by this merger, how do you feel about it?  Sound off in the comments!

Today, the European Commission informed Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom that it has granted clearance for the proposed merger of their UK-business operations. The implementation of the integration measures can start immediately. The closing of the transaction is expected in Spring.

Tim Höttges, CFO of Deutsche Telekom, said: “This is excellent news, for our customers, for our highly committed teams in the UK and for our shareholders. Now the way is clear for pooling our resources to create an outstanding high-speed mobile broadband network in one of the most competitive markets in Europe. This joint venture company is based on a significant potential of synergies which create substantial value for the two shareholders and translate directly into customer benefits. Our teams in the UK will be rolling up their sleeves to roll out these benefits.”

Gervais Pellissier, Deputy CEO and CFO of France Telecom said: “We are delighted to receive the EU clearance on our project to create a joint venture with Deutsche Telekom in the United Kingdom. This clearance will allow us to create a strong operator and to offer high-quality network and services to our customers. By drawing on the resources of Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom, and on an experienced management and staff in the United Kingdom, we are confident that we will leverage on identified synergies and generate significant value for our shareholders.”

Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom offered to divest 2×15 MHz of their joint GSM spectrum (1800 MHz) by the end of 2011. Of the divested spectrum 2×10 MHz needs to be cleared by 30 September 2013 at the latest and further 2×5 MHz need to be cleared by 30 September 2015 at the latest. In addition, the existing network sharing deal with 3UK, owned by Hong Kong based Hutchison Whampoa, was reinforced.

As outlined back in September 2009, the new joint venture company is expected to generate estimated synergies with a net present value in excess of 4.0 billion euros (£3.5 billion). This continues to remain the case.??The new business will have pro forma 2009 revenues of approximately 8.5 billion euros (£7.57 billion) and EBITDA of 1.55 billion euros (£1.38 billion).

The board of the new joint venture company will have balanced representation from Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom. On the formation of the new business, Tim Höttges, CFO of Deutsche Telekom, will lead the board as non-executive chairman for two years after which time it will rotate to Gervais Pellissier for two years. The management team will be led by Chief Executive, Tom Alexander, currently CEO of Orange UK, and Richard Moat, currently CEO of T-Mobile UK, who will take on the role Chief Operating Officer.

The T-Mobile and Orange UK brands will continue to operate in the UK for at least 18 months after the completion of the transaction.

With a combined customer base of around 29.5 million the new joint venture company will be the number one player in the UK mobile market and it will be in a stronger position to invest in innovative services and to exploit new technologies. It will offer major customer benefits, including expanded network coverage, enhanced network quality for 2G and 3 G services, providing the platform for unparalleled mobile broadband offers as well as better customer proximity through a larger network of own shops and improved customer services.

Via Engadget, BBC

Dogfight! Apple vs Google vs Palm! AT&T vs T-Mobile vs Verizon! Noah vs Noah vs … wait, what? Dogfight!

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article first appeared on Today’s iPhone. I liked it, so I thought, let’s run it on PhoneDog, too. And there you go. Check out TiP for more from Amanda and more on iParenting and iEverything-Else-ing, too.

Sitting around the table at my first PTA meeting was intimidating to say the least. I had been around my fair share of corporate tables as an IT manager, and sailed through those meetings with relative ease. Now sitting around a table with these 10 über moms, I began wishing I’d home-schooled. Someone called out a telephone number. I instinctively reached for my iPhone and hesitated. How would this piece of tech play in a small rural NH town (with sketchy mobile access)? Would it mark me as an outsider? Hester Prynne and the scarlet lower-case i? I could just imagine glances being exchanged, as I remembered the looks my husband endured as he used his laptop to take notes at a budget meeting.

Then, the woman across from me pulled out a smart phone! Soon four others around the table were either tapping or thumbing away.

That was a year ago and with Hazel and Gabriel getting older and my volunteering for everything from Brownies to LEGO League, I am one of many connected moms in our community who hold it together with our smart phones!

The basics for being an organized iParent:

1) Calendaring — Sure you need to calendar for all of those activities because it is all too easy to double and triple-book. Events in the same prime-time slot? The real key here is synchronization. Many smart phone moms I know  use calendaring functionality, but have not gotten hip to the idea of syncing. The real plus is easy access whether out with the phone or home in front of the PC.  Our family happens to use Google calendaring and have the iPhone sync’ed with it. This allows us to share calendars — “Hey hon, see Hazel’s 4:30 piano lesson? I am not going to be able to take her. Can you?” You can set the calendar up to sync right from your iPhone settings — Google has a solid tutorial — or you could use an app. Some highly rated apps to check out: CalenGoo (that’s just fun to say) and Pocket Informant (fun name, feels like I’m a secret agent ).

2) Contacts — We meet so many new people each school year that we should have our own yearbook to keep them straight. Again, “sure you need the keep a contacts list…” and again, I will say — sync! It doesn’t really matter what app or service you use, but syncing is the life saver here. Consider this: the unthinkable happens and you lose that iPhone. If you have sync’ed, all of those precious contacts are safe in one location. I use Google again, for this, only for consistancy sake, but there are many solutions. A few apps to look at: Sync in a Blink, and SyncContact.

3) Geolocation — The busier I get, the faster my challenged “direction sense”  leaves me. Since entering the world of parent volunteering, I feel like I visit more new locations than most door-to-door sales people. From other people’s houses to the official site for picking up the Girl Scout cookies, I have gotten very lost. The native Maps app works well, but there are a few terrific others  out there to beef up the capabilities. You can go high end ($79.99, pricy but it is worth it) TomTom, or try the free Waze (link to TiP review).

4) Share and stay connected — One of the nice things I have found using my iPhone to navigate these busy parent waters is a sense of community within our larger community. We share tips and tricks and have even begun to rely on each other. It seems to me (and maybe it just seems this way) that the moms and dads with smart phones are a little more connected, a little more responsive to requests, and a little more organized. To rib each other we say, “Oh just call her land-line since she’s iPhoneless and won’t read your email until this weekend.” Some of the most fun apps I have on my iPhone I didn’t find in the iPhone blogs I read, I saw them on iPhones of fellow iParents, like Paper Toss (Have you played with it? Just plain fun!)

When Apple was first designing the iPhone, I’m not sure if over-scheduled parents were in the “target demographic.” It sure does seem like it was made for us. Many iParents might give up the post of Brownie “cookie mom” if told we couldn’t have our iPhone to help us through it.