Author: PhoneDog.com – Latest videos, reviews, articles, news and posts

What’s an unboxing when the phone comes in a FedEx Pak with no box? An UnPaking! Sanyo Incognito is like LG enV3 for Boost. But shinier!

Despite the fact that the device has no plans to venture to the United States (just yet, at least), it doesn’t mean that the SHW-M100S should go unnoticed.  With a 3.7-inch AMOLED screen, the device packs an 800 MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording, 3.5mm headphone jack, and DivX support.  The SHW-M100S runs Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface on top of Android – a major point of contention for some.  Given the lukewarm feelings surrounding TouchWiz, it will be interesting to see how the device is received by consumers.

The Samsung SHW-M100S is slated for SK Telecom (and only SKT) at this time.  Despite the plans to keep it in South Korea for now, it’s nice to see Samsung ship a device with Android 2.1 pre-installed.  Could we see some US-bound 2.1 devices soon?

Via AndroidCentral

Yesterday, my interest in the Nexus One piqued to the point that I couldn’t contain it any longer.  I had to add it to my arsenal of wireless devices.  Excited, I rushed to Google’s ordering page, and that’s where the trouble began.  Turns out, the ordering process was a bit more frustrating than I had anticipated.  I review phones for a living, and as such, have had several accounts in the past with numerous wireless carriers.  T-Mobile was no exception.  When the ordering process got to the credit check, I was told that T-Mobile was “unable to verify my eligibility” at that time.  Mind you, I don’t carry balances, and I pay my bills regularly, so I was baffled. 

Long story short, I called T-Mobile Customer Care, and after some time on the phone, we came to the conclusion that my having accounts in the past (though they were closed) was confusing the system.  What’s worse, with no direct link between Google’s ordering system and T-Mobile’s credit verification tools, I wasn’t able to resolve the issue in the traditional ways (i.e. have them run a check, approve it, and save the credit application).  Using my years of experience in wireless, I started thinking of ways to work around the issue.

This is far from a perfect solution, but for those former T-Mobile customers longing for a subsidized Nexus One, here’s what to do.  Get a T-Mobile SIM card, and call the Activations Department.  Tell the representative that you want a postpaid account, but you have your own SIM card and equipment, and you don’t want a contract.  The representative will process a credit check, qualify in you in a credit class, and activate the SIM card.  When asked what plan you want, opt for the 500 minute plan for $29.99 (since you’re only going to have this line for a few days, the $29.99 plan results in the least amount of proration – more on that below), with no additional features.  Make sure to write down the mobile phone number that’s assigned to you, as you’ll need it for the Nexus One ordering process.

Select the options you see in the picture above (or the “transfer a phone number” option) to obtain the $179 price tag.

As it turns out, once an account number is established, Google’s (or T-Mobile’s, rather) systems are able to process without issue.  Once you’re up and running, return to the Google ordering page, and select the “modify my existing individual plan with T-Mobile” option (see the picture above).  Input your new mobile number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.  Under the “What would you like to do?” section, select one of the “add a new line of service” options to qualify for the $179 price.

When you receive the Nexus One, call T-Mobile and cancel the line that you activated prior to ordering the Nexus One.  Since there are two lines on the account (the Nexus One and the SIM card you started the account with), you can cancel the SIM card without issue (note: DO NOT cancel the Nexus One line, or you will be charged by Google and T-Mobile).  What’s more, since the SIM card was activated contract-free, there’s no early termination fee (ETF).

As I said, it’s not the best solution, but for those that don’t want to spend $529 for an unsubsidized Nexus One, it’s the only workaround I’ve found to date.  My device shipped out this morning, and will be in my hands tomorrow.

Apparently, the device was shown to company employees last week, and it has been given the code name of “Zeppelin.”  Running Android 1.5 and MOTOBLUR, the size and general feel is said to be similar to the Motorola Backflip and Motorola CLIQ.  Though the device is launching in Brazil next month, no word on whether we’ll see this bad boy in the States. 

I’d agree with the Gizmodo gang – should we see a US launch, it would fit in well at Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile as a low-end smartphone.  We need additional Android devices in the category.  Could the Zeppelin, combined with MOTOBLUR, serve as a nice entry-level productivity device for Mom?

Via Gizmodo

Rarely do I find an advertising campaign that I’m as impressed with as Verizon’s “Big Red” commercial.  The play on words that they’re using here is all too reminiscent of the Big Red chewing gum commercials, which premiered in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  It’s easy to see that (1) they’re finally taking advantage of the “Big Red” nickname that they’ve had for years and (2) they’re marketing to a distinct demographic here.

I always believed that these catchy (yet stupid, at times) songs helped customers remember products.  To this day, I remember the songs that accompanied Big Red, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, and Extra.  And Verizon has thrown in a few catchy phrases of their own – “you’ll watch YouTube on a horse…when you’ll use it!”  Who says that?  I’m still chuckling – and I’m going to have it stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Check out the Verizon advertisement and the original Big Red commercial below.

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With the recent rumors circulating about the BlackBerry (Curve) 8910, it doesn’t surprise me that the Curve 8900 has taken a graceful bow and left the T-Mobile retail scene.  Though it has reached the “end of its life cycle,”  the 8900 represented one of the first models in RIM’s “new design” category and was a great upgrade to the Curve 8300 series.  I made some calls this morning and found a few stores with Curve 8900’s in stock, so if you’re interested in picking one up, I would recommend a store visit as quickly as possible.

For now, customers have the option of picking up the Curve 8520 or the Bold 9700 until the Curve 8910 makes its way onto the scene.  How about it – trackpad, OS 5.0, and a revised design of any interest to you?

Via BGR

Google just issued a firmware update – Android 2.1-update1 – that brings pinch-to-zoom to the Nexus One. Noah checks it out.

Less than a day after the Motorola Devour was made official by Verizon Wireless, the device is already being handled in the wild.

From the images and various mockups circulating around the internet, it looks like the device is made of metal.  The folks at AndroidSPIN (who were fortunate enough to get their hands on the device) reported that it “feels very solid.”  From the images on the website, it’s safe to say that it’s about the size of the Motorola DROID (albeit with a smaller screen).

With one month remaining until the official launch, it’s nice to get a better idea of what the device is going to look like (because, ya know, mockups only go so far).  Now, some hands-on video, and I’ll be set.

Via MobileCrunch

Despite the deluge of smartphones that have hit the market in recent years, there’s still a demand for basic phones.  Verizon has quite the history with LG when it comes to clamshell devices, and if rumors are correct, the LG Accolade and Clout will fit right into the lineup.  Branded as the LG VX5600, the Accolade will be the latest addition to the LG VX5XXX line and will offer a 1.3-megapixel camera and Bluetooth.  The LG Clout, on the other hand, is slated to replace the LG VX8360.  No word on pricing, features, or even a picture to go with it, but I’m sure it will offer 3G connectivity, a decent camera, Bluetooth, and an external display. 

With Verizon’s new data requirement for feature phones, the LG VX5600 is another alternative for those looking to avoid the charges.  Sure, they’re relatively bland, but not everyone needs a Motorola DROID.  Backup phone, anyone?

Via PhoneArena

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Sure, The Weather Channel could take the conventional route and advertise their applications through their website and announcements on TV, but they’ve opted for a different approach.  Seen during a live television broadcast recently, the company is using Google QR codes in their regular programming to promote the app.  Scanning the QR code doesn’t do anything more than take you to the webpage to download the application, but it’s a smart marketing tactic, and one of the few mainstream places I’ve seen it used to date.

Via Engadget

Sure, it looks a lot like the HTC Dash, but the Trophy has been outed.  Scheduled to launch in May, the Windows-powered device offers a QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen in one body.

Here’s what we know about the device:

-Dimensions: 119 x 58.36 x 11mm
-Built for use with T-Mobile 3G
-Windows Mobile 6.5
-3.0″ VGA (640×480) capacitive touchscreen
-5 megapixel autofocus
-512 MB flash, 256 MB RAM
-microSD
-802.11b/g WiFi
-Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
-GPS/AGPS
-1400mAh battery
-Accelerometer
-3.5mm jack, FM Radio
-TouchFlo 3D Interface
-Business card scanner

All in all, it’s not incredibly interesting on the design front (I’ve often criticized manufacturers for making rather boring Windows Mobile devices, and barring the touchscreen, I would argue that this is no exception).  On the positive side, the device offers Windows Mobile 6.5, and a business card scanner.  I will say – if we’re looking at specifications alone, it’s a well-equipped phone.  Would you agree?

Via MobileCrunch

The two best Android phones on the planet? Maybe. HTC Google Nexus One vs Motorola Droid in a dogfight, hosted by Noah. Part 2 of 2.

It appears that the promotional boxes landing at the retail stores were a good indicator of a launch, as Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of the Motorola Devour in March.  The Android-powered Devour will offer a 3.1-inch 320 x 240 capacitive touchscreen, a touch-sensitive navigation pad, 3.1-megapixel camera, MOTOBLUR, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and a microSD card.

Pricing hasn’t been announced as of yet, though I’d guess it’ll be in the $149 range after rebates (keeping it in between the DROID and Droid Eris).  The full press release is below.  Now that the device has been announced, do you plan to pick one up, or are you sticking with Verizon’s other Android offerings?  Sound off in the comments below!

MOTOROLA DEVOUR™ BRINGS MOTOBLUR™ TO VERIZON WIRELESS’ 3G DATA NETWORK
 
MOTOBLUR Service Gives Customers Home Screen Access to Content and Contacts
 
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Verizon Wireless and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced the availability of Motorola DEVOUR™ in March.   Motorola DEVOUR will be the first Verizon Wireless phone to feature MOTOBLUR™, Motorola’s unique Android™-powered content delivery service created to make wireless phones more personal and customizable.
 
MOTOBLUR is the first solution to sync contacts from work and personal e-mail services, including Gmail™, with posts, messages, photos and more from popular sites such as Facebook®, MySpace and Twitter.  With MOTOBLUR, content is automatically delivered to the home screen and fed into easy-to-manage streams.
 
Key features: 

Touch-sensitive navigation pad
3.1” capacitive touch screen 
Pre-loaded applications such as Gmail, Google Talk™, YouTube™, Google Search™ and Google Maps™ with Google Maps Navigation.
Android Market™ gives users access to more than 20,000 applications.
Happenings Widget – MOTOBLUR automatically pushes status updates, wall posts and photo updates from popular social networking sites to the Happenings Widget on the home screen. Customers can flick through the latest updates and fire back responses using the slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.
Universal Inbox – MOTOBLUR gathers texts, social network messages and e-mails into one home screen widget for quick response.
Back-Up and Security – Contacts, log-in information, home screen customizations, e-mail and social network messages are backed up automatically on the secure MOTOBLUR portal.  The portal also allows customers to use the phone’s fully integrated aGPS to help locate the phone if misplaced. Remote wipe easily clears information from a lost device.
8 GB microSD™ card pre-installed
Bluetooth® profiles supported: A2DP, HID, HSP, HFP, AVRCP and GAP

 
Service plans:

To get the most from Motorola DEVOUR, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide Talk or Nationwide Talk & Text plan and a Data Package for smartphones.  Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access, and Nationwide Talk & Text plans begin at $59.99 monthly access.  A Data Package for smartphones is $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

 
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of Motorola DEVOUR in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)
 
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NASDAQ and LSE: VOD).  For more information, visitwww.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
 
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $22 billion in 2009. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.
 
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. Android, Google, Google Maps, Android Market, Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.

Huge win for the Nexus One community today, as Google has launched an update to the popular device that includes multitouch support in the browser, photo gallery, and Google Maps.  Beyond that (and believe me, that’s a big one), other improvements include enhancements to the device’s 3G radio, Google Goggles, and a new version of Google Maps. 

Google expects to have the update out to everyone by the end of the week.  Nexus One users, how do you feel about it?  I don’t know about you, but the addition of multitouch capabilities out of the box makes me want this device even more.

Let us know when you get your update, and what you think of it!

Via Engadget

The two best Android phones on the planet? Maybe. HTC Google Nexus One vs Motorola Droid in a dogfight, hosted by Noah.

Sure, the X10 is receiving a great deal of support from the company, but it’s not stopping Sony Ericsson from releasing non-Android devices.  The company today announced the Aspen, a new addition to the GreenHeart line and a device sporting Windows Mobile 6.5.3.  In addition to the full QWERTY keyboard, the Aspen offers a 2.4-inch QVGA display, 3.2-megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and SPB Mobile Shell.  The Aspen offers 3G in the 850 MHz band, meaning that it could be used on AT&T in the US.

Though pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, the Aspen is expected to land in Q2 of this year.

Via BGR

Though not available in the States just yet, the Motorola Backflip has landed in China.  The device, which sports a full QWERTY keyboard, MOTOBLUR, Android, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 5.0-megapixel camera, has a pricetag of $4,298 Chinese yuan unlocked – about $630 in the US.  The Motorola Backflip will be available later in the quarter for the other parts of the world, but in the meantime, check out the photo gallery at mobile.163.com for more high-resolution pictures of the device (note: the website is in Chinese).

Via Engadget

With all this fuss about the new Apple tablet, you’d think they had cured world hunger or something. Admittedly, it is a pretty sweet piece of technology, but what exactly is it and do we really need it? And for cryin’ out loud, why in the world did they name it iPad?

There was a lot of speculation going on before the Apple event took place on Wednesday in San Francisco. Everyone had their own ideas about what the tablet would look like, what it would do, how big the screen would be, and how much it would cost. Now we know. Some things we got right. Some rumors were way off base. I for one thought it was going to be powered by unicorn blood. I’m here to say that I was wrong. There, I said it.

Basically, we all have high expectations going into an Apple event. We usually come out awed and impressed, but still a little wanting. This event was no different. I mean, yeah the iPad has a full touch screen and you can play all of your favorite iPhone and iPod games on it. But what about this whole gesturing system that we had been hearing about? As far as I can tell, it’s just a bunch of swiping. Easier to learn, yes, but not as exciting. And what’s the point of having full access to the internet with a 3G connection when the connection is coming from THE WORST NETWORK EVER?

Okay, okay, calm down Sydney. Like you said, it is a nice piece of technology. It’s true too. The iPad takes multimedia access to a whole new level. As one blogger put it, it’s sometimes a hassle to pull out your laptop, power it on, and get comfortable on your couch every time you want to do some casual internet surfing. Now you just can slide out the 1.5 pound (24 ounces) iPad, tap around a little bit, and you’ve got full access to it all. Not only that, but Apple has taken the eBook idea and put their own touch to it. (Get it, touch? ‘Cause it’s a touch screen. I know. I crack myself up.) The iBook app makes buying and reading a book convenient and easy.

Now, if you watch the official iPad video, they say that it is “the best web-surfing experience, the best e-mail experience, the best photo and movie-watching experience” and that “with a screen this large you can just see more of the web.” I don’t really know about that claim to seeing “more” of the web. I mean, the screen size is only 9.7 inches so you could easily see “more” of the web with a 15-inch laptop. And the “best movie-watching experience”? Have you seen some of the wide screen TVs at Best Buy? Not only that, but I don’t really examine the e-mail client when I buy a laptop. It’s e-mail. How difficult could it be? Of course, I have used many phones that used a horrible e-mail client, so I guess I could give Apple credit for doing this. Considering it’s not a full computer, they’ve done well in supplying us with a competent e-mail set up.

Okay, now I know that everyone has already mentioned this next part and that some people have said that it doesn’t matter to them. (*cough*Noah*cough) However, not being able to multi-task is a huge deal to me. Not because I’m a geek, but because sometimes, and call me crazy, but sometimes I like going from my e-mail to the internet and back again. Maybe sometimes I like flipping between two different websites or, while I’m waiting for a YouTube video to load, being able to check out what video to watch next. It’s what we do. In all honesty, and to be fair, I didn’t think that the lack of mutli-tasking on the iPhone really bothered me either – until I used a device that could do it. That’s just me though. I mean, maybe you’re not the type of person that can do two or three things at once. (Don’t be so sensitive. This isn’t personal.) If that’s the case, then the lack of the ability to multitask won’t bother you.

So what it really comes down to (for me, at least) is do you really need it? No. No, you don’t. Don’t try to rationalize and tell yourself that you do. Is it something that you could really want and have fun with? Yeah, absolutely. And that’s how you have to look at it. It’s not a productivity device. I don’t care if they revamped iWork or if it has one of the best calendar apps in the world. It’s not made for work. Like Noah said in his article (yes, we agree on Apple stuff….occasionally) it’s a gadget, something to have fun with and carry as an accessory. Surf the web, read some books, watch a few movies, check out the latest news headlines, and then get back to your life. That’s what it’s for. If you love this product for that reason and decide to buy it based on that, I can respect your decision. If you’re trying to sell it to me as a portable computer that revolutionizes the way we live our lives, get serious man. It’s a giant iPhone. A toy. Why do you think they used the word “magical”? Do you ever use the word magical when you’re talking about work or getting stuff done? No. So my problem isn’t with the iPad itself. I think it’s cool and fun and sexy, etc. I even want one. My problem is with the way they’re trying to sell it. If the marketing team would just get real, I’d be fine.

The next big question that everyone has been wondering is whether Apple created a new category of devices. Is this the start of yet another battle of the technology companies to create the greatest product? I’ll address that in another article so keep your eyes open for it.

Personally, I’m actually more surprised by the response of people to this product than the product itself. I honestly thought that people would be excited about this device no matter what it did or looked like. Instead, people seem to be as skeptical as I usually am. (Secretly, and this just between you and me, that makes me smile inside.) What do you think? Once the dust dies down, will people accept it as a cool gadget and add it to their wish list? Or will it fade off into oblivion? Leave your comment below and let me know.

Reports are surfacing regarding the Palm Pre Plus’ inability to use GPS in Google Maps.

Given Verizon’s history when it comes to making VZ Navigator the mandatory GPS option, an original theory was that they locked it down.  This isn’t likely, as late-model devices such as the DROID and Droid Eris have no issue utilizing Google Maps.  A reported fix included turning off Google Services, then power-cycling the GPS, though other reports found that a battery pull solved the issue.  The rumored problem seems to center around the GPS unit going to sleep to preserve battery life. 

What’s more, customers are reporting that the GPS is often inaccurate, with results coming in at up to a half mile away from the actual location.  I’m sure that’s frustrating for Pre Plus owners – I can just imagine the comments.  “Sorry honey, I was trying to get to the place you wanted me to go, but I ended up in a field!”

I’ve reached out to Verizon and haven’t heard anything just yet – as soon as I do, I’ll post an update here.  Palm Pre Plus owners, how’s your GPS treating you?  Let us know in the comments!

Via Electronista, PreCentral

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I was frustrated when the Apple event came and went without announcement of a new iPhone OS.  By the same token, I was intrigued by the iPad’s user interface.  I remember thinking “when are we going to see this on the iPhone?”  It’s definitely not official, but a YouTube video provides instructions for how to transport the OS over to your iPhone.  You’ll need a jailbroken iPhone, Cydia, and a few minutes to watch the video.  It’s neat and all, but be sure to check out the battery levels through the video – the results are quite interesting.

As always, installation of things like this are done at your own risk.  Are you willing to take the plunge?  Hit the video for more information!

Via Engadget