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

Update: Confusing many across the United States (me included) who claim to have had an OTA update, Motorola tweeted the following this morning: “For DROID users asking about an OTA update, we have not released a new one since Dec. update. Pls visit our support forums if having issues!”  Odd.

According to DROID users, a minor OTA update made its way to the popular device earlier in the week.  At first, rumors pointed to a minor Facebook fix, but after a few days, users are reporting significant battery life improvements.  The OTA link hasn’t come to the DROID on my desk just yet – as soon as it does, I’ll update and report back with my findings.  Hey, it’s not Android 2.1, but the battery improvements are a welcome (and needed) change to the device as a whole.  

Has the OTA update hit your device yet?  Have you downloaded it?  Sound off in the comments section!

Via Engadget Mobile

Aaron unboxes the BlackBerry Curve 8530 for Sprint. Is it the same as the Verizon version, or are there differences?

Cellebrite seems to be the prophet this week – first, we saw the BlackBerry Tour2 9650 show up, and now, we’re looking at the Motorola Calgary.  Sure enough, the Motorola A855 “Calgary” is listed in the Cellebrite machine (pictured above), and we’re also hearing that the device is beginning to show up in Verizon’s systems.  The Cellebrite spotting, combined with the rumor of it being in Verizon’s systems leads me to believe that the device will launch sooner rather than later. 

MOTOBLUR, a slightly different form factor, the speculation regarding the launch color (black or silver) – does it interest you?

Via Android Central

If you’re a BlackBerry fan, you’re probably familiar with the rumors and rumblings over the years about a touchscreen, QWERTY-equipped device.  Previously known as the “Magnum,” intel over the past few months has uncovered a codename shift to “Dakota.”  The pictures seen here, taken by The Cellular Guru and posted on the internet today, appear to show some sort of BlackBerry prototype.  I’m not entirely sure if the device is a Magnum or Dakota prototype, and since there’s no OS screenshot, it’s difficult to make an assumption as to what model it is.  What’s more, this could be an older prototype that was scrapped – a theory that I would actually side with, given the older design in comparison to today’s models. 

Let the speculation begin!  How do you feel about a touchscreen and QWERTY combo?  Personally, I’ve never been a fan of the design.  I’ve always disliked devices that offer both, as I feel like you’re splitting your time between typing on the keyboard and navigating on the touchscreen (hence a continuous up/down motion, all day long).  What about you?

Via CrackBerry

Nokia today announced the immediate availability of the new version of Ovi Maps, their free mapping and navigation software. Ovi Maps is available now for 10 Nokia devices, including the N97 mini, E72 and 5800, and will come pre-installed on all GPS-equipped Nokia smartphones beginning this March. Left in the cold, dark wilderness to find their way without Ovi Maps (for now) are the N97 and N900 devices, the latter of which is the company’s first device to run the new Maemo OS platform.

I had a phone briefing with some Nokia brass yesterday and they’re super excited about Ovi Maps, calling it a “game changer” and a “watershed moment” that we’ll look back upon in days to come. Readers in the US might not be nodding their heads up and down in agreement just yet, due to the lack of carrier-subsidized Nokia smartphones in our country, but given Nokia’s install base globally and the key points of the announcement, I’d be hard pressed to argue the importance of Ovi Maps to Nokia’s future. 

To wit, several of Ovi Maps’ key features out-Google Google when it comes to offering free and open LBS services on a mobile device:

• Offering voice guided navigation for both pedestrians and drivers in 74 countries, Ovi Maps offers an insanely large coverage map. Google Nav on Android 2.x only works in the United States, unless you hack it. Ovi Maps supports 46 different languages and there are maps for over 180 countries, according to Nokia.
• Ovi Maps works without any network connections. In other words, you can download Ovi Maps to your compatible device, pop your SIM card out or otherwise kill your cellular connection, and still use the phone as a standalone Nav unit with spoken, turn-by-turn directions. Of course, you’ll get more out of the system if you do have an active data connection (search, traffic updates, etc), but the fact that you can use your phone as a Nav unit sans data plan is pretty cool – at least in theory.
• No sign-ins are required to use Ovi Maps. So you know how you have to create and sign in with a Google Account to use an Android phone? Not so here. Take that, Google, you Evil-doing personal data monitors! (Sarcasm implied. Or not. You decide.)
• Nokia also touted their “hybrid vector maps” tech that they say allows for much smaller map data downloads than conventional bitmapped map data, and their pedestrian navigation mode which offers up alternative – and sometimes shorter – routes for times when you’re hoofin’ it instead of being driven around in your Bugatti Veyron (I’m lookin’ at YOU, Conan O’Brien, you crazy guy!).

All sounds good to me. So I’m downloading Ovi Maps to my E72 right now, over WiFi, without a SIM card installed. And I’ll take the device with me today when I head out to the Oakland Airport to drop a friend off and then over the bridge into San Francisco for a meeting. And I’ll let you know how Ovi Maps does in guiding us all around the rainy Bay Area.

In the meantime, um, sorry Tom-Tom. And Tom-Tom stock holders. It’s been a rough couple of months for you guys, huh?

Learn more about – or download – Ovi Maps at nokia.com/maps

In business, it’s a simple strategy – when you find a winning formula, you run with it.  After being on the brink of bankruptcy, it’s safe to say that Motorola has finally found success in the Android OS.  In a conversation with Spiros Nikolakopoulos, vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific and International Distribution for Motorola’s Mobile Devices business, CNET Asia was able to obtain more information about the company’s plans:

“There will be between 20 and 30 smartphones globally and, at this moment, all of them will run Android. Naturally, not all will be available everywhere as it depends on the company’s partnership with the various telco operators in each country. For non-smartphone models, they will run either Brew or the Motorola’s own operating system.”

With Windows 7 expected at some point this year, it’s entirely possible that Motorola will forego a relationship with Microsoft and Windows Mobile 7.  As a Windows-centric blog, wmpoweruser thinks that Motorola is driving itself into oblivion, which I couldn’t disagree with more.  It’s evident that the Windows strategy hasn’t worked for them over the past few years (think Motorola Q here), and the focus on Windows Mobile and their proprietary UI put them in the position they’re in now.  I’m not saying focus solely on Android, but given the immense popularity of Android at the moment, Motorola couldn’t be making a better move.

What say you?  Agree with me, or are you in the Windows Mobile camp?

Via wmpoweruser

January 25, $100 on contract. Take a Palm Pixi. Add WiFi. Move it from Sprint to Verizon. Voila!

Verizon got all official with their first two webOS devices today, announcing pricing for the Pixi Plus and Pre Plus and sending out early review units. Aaron’s got more details and analysis on the voice and data plans, including the new “Mobile 3G Hotspot” data plan add-on (which is too expensive at $40/month, if you ask me), but here’s the device pricing:

• Pre Plus: $149.99 after rebate with two-year contract
• Pixi Plus: $99.99 after rebate with two-year contract
• Through Feb. 14, buy either a Pre Plus or Pixi Plus and get another Pixi Plus free after rebate
• Both phones available Jan. 25

In anticipation of Monday’s Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus launch on Verizon Wireless, phone and plan pricing has been disclosed.

The Palm Pre Plus will be $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, while the Palm Pixi Plus will cost $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate.  Both will require a new two-year customer agreement.  What’s more, in a positive sign for Palm’s sales numbers, Verizon will be offering a BOGO promotion.  From January 25th to February 14th, purchase a Palm Pre Plus or Pixi Plus, and get a Pixi Plus for free after mail-in rebate.

To recap, the Palm Pre Plus is different from the original Pre in that it offers a revamped navigational pad, 16 GB of storage, double the RAM, Mobile Hotspot capability, an updated keyboard that works similarly to the Pixi’s, and an inductive battery cover out of the box for Touchstone support.  The Palm Pixi Plus offers Wi-Fi out of the box.

As expected, the data plan for the two devices will be an additional $29.99 monthly.  The shocker comes in the Mobile Hotspot pricing – a whopping $40 per month in addition to your data plan.  So if you opt for unlimited calling, text messaging, data, and Mobile Hotspot, you’re looking at $160 monthly.  I can understand $20, but $40 for Mobile Hotspot?  Talk about expensive.  I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t stomach $70 for data, despite the capabilities of the Mobile Hotspot.

Will you be eagerly waiting at your local Verizon store when Monday morning rolls around?  How about that Mobile Hotspot feature – are you willing to spend $40 for it, or are you going to stick with the $29.99 unlimited data and call it a day?  Sound off in the comments section below!

Is there room for an Apple Tablet in the market? How popular will it be? Adriana offers up some industry buzz, along with a look back at Cupertino’s last try at a similar device. (For specs, check out Sydney’s hardware/UI rumor roundup!) 

(AP Photo/Jorge Cruz)

We’ve all seen the images of devastation in Haiti.  Curious as to how your donations are being utilized, or how America’s carriers are helping?  Below is a comprehensive list of what your wireless carrier is doing to assist in the time of crisis.

Verizon Wireless

• Offering free long-distance calling to or from Haiti from January 12th until 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2010.  Offer applies to Verizon Wireless and Verizon landline customers.  (Press Release)
• Opening a Haiti Relief Connection Center at a Verizon Wireless retail store in Miami, Florida.  It has been open since January 15th.  (Press Release)
• Advanced $2,987,560 million to the American Red Cross based on dollars pledged by customers.  The monetary amount represents donations from 12:01 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 13 through 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Jan. 15.  (Press Release)

AT&T (Full Press Release)

• More than $10 million has been donated by customers.
• Donating $50,000 donation to a local charity.
• Coordinating the donation of 7,000 wireless phones to Voila, a Haitian wireless carrier and one of the only carriers with service in the country.
• Providing smartphones and service to Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization, which is on the ground in Haiti helping with relief efforts.
• Adding to an earlier grant from AT&T by donating to two additional leading non-profit organizations.
• Expediting donations pledged by AT&T customers from their mobile device to the American Red Cross (customers type the word HAITI and send the message to 90999).
• Continuing a companywide employee giving program for several relief organizations.

Sprint (Full Press Release)

• Advancing 80 percent of pledged funds on January 22nd, with the remaining 20 percent being donated after the 60 to 90 day settlement cycle.  $3.1 million has been donated since January 12th.
• Waiving charges for text messaging to and from Haiti until January 31st.
• The Sprint Foundation is matching American Red Cross earthquake-relief donations made by Sprint employees from January 13th through January 31st.  Sprint and its employees’ total philanthropic contributions currently stand at $98,000.

T-Mobile (Full Press Release)

• Customers have donated more than $3 million since January 12th.
• Free calling to and from Haiti from January 12th until January 31st.
• Shipping heavy-duty trucks and cell sites to Haiti.
• Working to provide 10,000 unlocked cell phones and some solar-powered chargers.
• Working to advance donations on a weekly basis.
• T-Mobile and parent company Deutsche Telekom have committed nearly $200,000 to relief efforts to date.

If I’ve missed anything, please let me know through the comments (with a supporting link) and I will add it to the list.

If the numerous complaints regarding AT&T’s network over the years (particularly when the iPhone is in question) is any consolation of the network’s status, it could use a revamp in certain markets.

According to a rumor intercepted by the gang at BGR, AT&T leaders have been meeting with regional executives to explain changes in the network.  For starters, the focus appears to be on getting the network ready for “unannounced devices” that will use “heavy data.”  Tethering was said to be addressed as well, with the current tethering policies set to change once the network is able to “sufficiently handle the load.”

I’m not a psychic by any means, but I’d venture to guess that the combination of Android and webOS devices slated to land on the carrier in 2010 are the “heavy data” devices that they’re referring to.  Or…to take a complete stab in the dark…could it be Apple’s iTabletSlatePadComputerWhatever?  Sure, TheStreet.com thinks it’s coming to Verizon, but AT&T is a possibility. 

Let the speculation begin!  What do you think?

Via BGR

Sydney discusses rumors surrounding the Apple tablet and what it could possibly look like, do, and cost. It’s all speculation for now, but there’s some pretty interesting ideas out there!

Like Sony Ericsson devices, but unimpressed with the Satio, Aino, and Yari?  The Sony Ericsson Vivaz (formerly known as “Kurara”) might be the device for you.

Sporting a 3.2-inch WVGA display, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz offers Symbian S60 5th Edition, an 8.1-megapixel camera with image stabilization, face detection, and 720p video capture, A-GPS, Wi-Fi, FM radio, and TV-out.  The Vivaz will launch with four color options: Moon Silver, Cosmic Black, Galaxy Blue, and Venus Ruby.

No word on pricing or availability at the moment,  Shortly after hitting the internet, Burson-Marsteller pulled the release, so it appears that it wasn’t supposed to be announced today.  In the world of Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, webOS, and Maemo, does the Vivaz appeal to you at all?

Via Engadget

Chalk it up to Verizon Wireless feeling the FCC’s heat for their “advanced device” list, but it appears that the original advanced device list that was submitted to the commission in December 2009 included 10 devices that are no longer on today’s list.  Upon initial inspection, it appears that most of the devices removed were high-end feature phones, such as the Motorola Krave, Samsung Rogue, and several LG devices.  To recap, advanced devices were hit with a $350 early termination fee (decreasing by $10 for each month of service), while other devices remained at $175 (decreasing by $5 for each month of service).

Verizon Wireless has not officially commented as to the reason for the removal.  Great news for those purchasing feature phones, but for those of us that use smartphones, there’s still work to be done.  Smartphone buyers, do you see the same thing happening, or will we be looking at a potential FCC intervention?

Via PhoneScoop

Noah goes hands-on with the Nokia E72. The E71 was one of his favorite phones of 2008. Can the updated E72 keep up the E Series’ good name?

Multitasking on your iPhone? Yup. Palm WebOS-style cards on your iPhone? Yup. But you gotta jailbreak. Noah checks out Backgrounder and ProSwitcher for multitasking on a jailbroken iPhone.

As I reported last week, the BlackBerry Curve 8910 is indeed real – in fact, it’s taking a little walk through the FCC’s headquarters at present.  Considering the lack of 3G and the fact that it falls in the 89XX family, my guess is that RIM is continuing the migration from trackball to trackpad, and is simply upgrading the Curve 8900 series with a slightly modified look, a trackpad, and OS 5.0 out of the box. I would expect AT&T and T-Mobile to pick this up in the coming months as a replacement to the Curve 8900. 

Does it matter?  Is the update worthwhile, given the lack of 3G connectivity?

Via FCC, Engadget Mobile

If you’ve watched Noah’s HTC HD2 videos, he often references Windows Mobile as the bottleneck of an otherwise great device.  Like him, I couldn’t agree more – as I’ve said before, I’d love to see Android running on the HD2’s hardware.  The HTC A9292 with WiMAX was rumored for Sprint a few days ago, and it looks like some additional details have emerged.  Hang onto your hat, folks – according to the tipster, this puppy is running Android.

Here is what we have so far:

• The codename is rumored to be “Supersonic.”
• Is said to offer a 4.3-inch non-AMOLED display and a svelte shell.  No exact specifications were given.
• A kickstand is included on the back of the device.
• It runs Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI.
• Engadget’s tipster saw the unit in white, though retail devices could offer several color choices.
• The phone’s software stack is said to be incredibly buggy, and as such, no release date has been confirmed.
• The processor is unknown, but is said to be “Snapdragon fast.”

Music to my nerdy ears.  Anyone else agree?

Via Engadget Mobile

Not to be outdone by all of that iPhone tomfoolery cluttering up the rumor mills, Windows Mobile kicked up some dust today with a few juicy bits of leak/rumor info of its own. We’ve got Windows Mobile 7, we’ve got Project Pink (remember that one?) and we’ve got flagship devices from HTC and LG. Wowsers.

First up is word that WinMo 7 is going to be a major overhaul that looks, feels, and acts very little like the Windows Mobiles of today and yesteryear. While contradictory information is flying around – as it should be in the rumor mill – best I can tell it looks like WM 7 will come in two distinct flavors, neither of which will run very many legacy WinMo apps. I’m not sure how I feel about that last bit, nor how thousands of WM 6 owners will feel if their current software libraries in fact won’t run on the new OS, but such is life in the techno fast lane.

According to various sources, tipsters and NinjaConnects (or whatever the kids call them these days), WM 7 will be made available in “Media” and “Business” editions. As John Biggs put it, “Microsoft is about to get all Apple up in this piece,” with WM 7, and I’m guessing that means the Media version, which will look, feel and act like a Zune HD with some phone stuff thrown in there for good measure. The Business version will be super stripped down – that is, sanded and primed and ready for HTC Sense and other OEM customizations to be applied. 

WMExperts – by way of Engadget – have gotten all wacky and specific in taking going beyond the dual-platform rumors into hardware specifics. Specifically (see what I did there?), they’re saying that the Biz Edition will require higher baseline-specs while Media Edition will focus on HD media and networked services integration like Xbox Live and those social sites everyone from John Mayer to Gilbert Arenas can’t shut up about. To wit, WMExperts published some specs for two mythological – I mean, rumored – WM 7 Media Edition devices:

LG Apollo

• GSM/EV-DO/HSDPA world phone
• 1.3 GHz Qualcomm processor
• 3.8″, 1280 x 720 WXGA (HD) AMOLED display
• 10 MP camera with 720p HD video capture

Then there’s Project Pink, the Zune Phone/Sidekick thingy that I’d all but forgotten about in the past nine months. According to some analyst quoted on some Walt Mossberg-blessed blog, Microsoft is gearing up to pull a Google and launch their own mobile phone as soon as MWC or CTIA of this year. MWC is in, what, four weeks? That’s soon! Said analyst said the Microsoft Phone will be … wait for it … “Zune-like,” and feature a 5MP camera, 720p HD video capabilities, and support for subscription-based music services. Kind of like, you know, every other mid-to-high end phone out there.  Well, like everything except iPhone 3GS and its decidedly SD imaging features.

Hey, wait, did you just notice what I just noticed? Windows Mobile Seven Media Edition and Project Pink sound kinda the same? And the “Microsoft Phone” and the HTC Obsession sound kinda the same, too! So either one is the other and the other is the one, or MIcrosoft’s gearing up to confuse the bejeezus out of everybody by releasing two new versions of WM 7 and a Zune Phone, with two of those three flavors tasting an awful lot alike.

Hmm … A totally revamped Windows Mobile 7 sounds like a good thing. A consumer-friendly, media-centric version of WM 7 alongside of a business-centric version made to be skinned by non-MSFT phone makers also sounds like a good thing. But that business about legacy WinMo apps not being compatible with the new platform sounds like a very, very bad thing. For as much as I’m not really a Windows Mobile fan (I see you nodding your head, saying, “No kidding, Noah”) I am a fan of competition and consumer choice amongst high-quality offerings in the mobile marketplace. 

And so I leave you with a few more quoted words, again from Mr. Biggs, which I really hope don’t wind up ringing true:

As for developers, they’re kind of pissed. As far as we can tell they’re not quite sure they want to take the steps necessary to move over to the new platform. This is a Hail Mary pass and could mean huge changes in the WinMo ecosystem.

Ruh-roh. Say it ain’t so, Steve Ballmer. Without developers in tow, you’ve got nothing. And as awesome as Zune kinda sorta really is, ditching the enterprise for a full-on consumer media WinMo play would be risky business. 

[Via: MobileCrunch, All Things D, Engadget]