A big step today for both Nokia and Microsoft in their bid to be at the center of the huge smartphone growth currently underway in China and other emerging markets: Nokia today paired up with China Telecom to launch the Nokia 800C, the first CDMA Windows Phone to hit China, and the first of Nokia’s Lumia line of high-end devices tailored specifically for that market.
The two also said that it would be following this up with a lower-cost CDMA handset, the 610C, in Q2. This handset is especially crucial in testing whether Nokia will be able to retain its smartphone leadership in emerging markets as it continues its transition from Symbian to Windows Phone, and Android continues its low-cost march up the sales charts. → Read More
The upcoming iPhone 5 will almost certainly be a single phone that supports multiple networks, namely CDMA (such as the one used by Verizon or Sprint in the United States) as well as GSM (which is used by AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S.).
This has been rumored before, and even at one point half confirmed by a Verizon executive, but nothing like some good old evidence from the field to turn a rumor into a near-certainty. → Read More
Back in August I broke the news that Apple was lining up a component purchase of several million chipsets from Qualcomm for a CDMA-powered Verizon iPhone due in January. Last week, over two months later, the Wall Street Journal confirmed this story.
Now that folks are finally celebrating the iPhone’s imminent arrival to Verizon, speculation has shifted to whether the January model will take advantage of Verizon’s “4G” network. 4G (not to be confused with iPhone 4) refers to the fourth generation of cellular standards, and both Verizon and AT&T have publicly released launch plans for 4G networks based on LTE in 2011.
This impending shift from 3G to 4G presents a major inflection point in the reign of the iPhone franchise. Does Apple move to 4G right away, or do they wait for the network to mature? As these questions become front and center, I have some very interesting news to share about Apple’s plans. → Read More
Over the past few years, Sprint has definitely given itself a facelift and now has excellent pricing plans and some decent handsets. Sadly, things aren’t turning around as quickly as Sprint would like since it has been showing some tremendous losses the past few quarters. The fourth quarter, however, shows that Sprint is slowly but surely easing its way to where it wants to be. → Read More
Phandroid just found a mention on the Sprint Android Dev Network for the HTC Hero, everyone’s favorite Android phone. Don’t get that excited just yet. The phone won’t be officially on the network until late October and probably won’t be for sale until December. Announcing the HTC Hero, which will be the first Android device running on the Sprint network. By the end of September, the Sprint developer program will deploy an Android development section that will highlight some resources, value added services applicable to all android developers. FYI, you start developing now by downloading the Android 1.5 SDK Register to attend our upcoming 2009 Open Developer Conference, where Sprint and our ecosystem partners including HTC will be talking Android: – Technical overview sessions on Oct 26 – Android hands on coding labs the evening of Oct 26 Oh, BTW we have some BIG announcements coming by the end of the month that will be of great interest to all android developers…we promise it won’t disappoint. → Read More
Because of numerous delays, China has had trouble rolling out 3G on its TD-SCDMA cellular standard. Now they are allowing construction of CDMA 2000 and WCDMA networks, North American 3G and European/Asian 3G respectively. → Read More
Apple’s quest for total handheld domination is limited by AT&T and so swirling rumors about a CDMA iPhone has to have some truth to them. It isn’t like Apple to be tied down to one distribution channel like the current iPhone, but that’s the way the cell phone biz works here in the States. According to a 9to5Mac Verizon insider, we could see a CDMA iPhone as early as Macworld 2009. The rumor isn’t new and Verizon initially was going to get the jesusphone, but after some negotiations deteriorated, Apple sought out AT&T. This is still a rumor but if Apple is serious about controlling the handheld market, it has to penetrate different markets and reach a more broad customer base; Verizon is the next, logical step. → Read More
I can’t even begin to tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this particular phone to reach the US. I was completely enamored with it, the F700, when I first saw the press release more than a year ago. This was back in February and then I finally got a chance to play with it in October when I was in Korea. I knew right then and there that I had to have it, but I wasn’t really willing to pay the exorbitant amount for an unlocked version from Europe. Then I caught wind of a CDMA variant that would be coming to the US. I was told it would probably be announced sometime before the end of 2007, but we all know that didn’t happen. So I have before me the u940, which has been redubbed the Glyde. Do I love it? Yes. Do I hate it? Yes. → Read More
I realize not everyone is into BlackBerries, but for those with Verizon or Sprint, you may be interested in the recent emergence of the CDMA Curve. There are no specific details other than these photos, but the 8330 is out there and it’s coming sometime down the road. It supposedly has GPS we won’t know for sure. My T-Mobile Curve shows GPS in the menu as well, but it doesn’t have it. More specific details to come later. While we’re on the subject of BlackBerries, those of you on T-Mobile should know that the 8820 is coming next month and it’ll be a BlueBerry. Pictures of the CDMA BlackBerry Curve [BB Geeks] → Read More
It’s come to my attention that not everyone understands the subtle yet significant differences between GSM and CDMA. We’ve received random e-mails from folks asking how they can get XY phone from AT&T to work on Sprint’s network and it makes me scratch my head. My first instinct is to curse and hit the Spam button, but I slowly realize this individual just doesn’t know the difference. It’s not their fault. In our line of work we don’t always remember that everyone is as savvy or immersed in tech on a daily basis. For this we apologize. To make up for our indiscretions here is your Orientation for the week. → Read More
Phone Scoop has it that Verizon is loading up another CDMA/GSM hybrid phone. The RIZR-esque Motorola has a CDMA radio for domestic, Verizon Wireless yakking, and an unlocked GSM side for international roaming. Go to Spain, get a local SIM, pop it in, you’re golden. If you’re local, you get EV-DO, and no matter what flavor of voice you like you get a 2-Megapixel cam and microSD. No date or price yet, but look for this to be a seller at the VZN biz site. Another CDMA/GSM hybrid clears FCC [Phone Scoop] → Read More
Told you so, again. The SCH-U940 is the F700’s CDMA clone, but downgrades the 3-megapixel camera to two. Samsung U940 is the Verizon’s variant of the F700 [Phone Arena] → Read More
Verizon is really gearing up for what it thinks is the CDMA version of the iPhone – the LG Voyager. Although the device really isn’t much of an iPhone, it’s still very feature-rich with its VCAST Live TV, EV-DO and a touchscreen. So if you’re seeking out the 411 on the Voyager, I present you with this data sheet. Yes, this one. I’d hardly call a 2-megapixel camera something to get excited about, but hey, Verizon customers are desperately in need of a cool “it” phone right now, so fair game. LG Voyager gets a datasheet [Phone News] → Read More
Interested in knowing when the light blue LG Chocolate comes on Verizon Wireless? What about the BlackBerry Pearl 8130? Then take a look at this Joint Photographic Experts Group image, which lists the release dates for several VZW cellphones. There’s no point in rewriting a chart (that’s why it’s a chart to begin with), so soak it in. Why does VZW refer to some phones as “phones” and others as “devices”? Anyone? More Verizon Release Dates [The Boy Genius Report] → Read More
The Voyager is so awesome, your hand will tremble in fear Oh you heard right my friends. You better watch the hell out come this Autumn, ’cause Verizon has a phone coming out that is going to show that iPhone who’s boss. According to Verizon’s Wireless CMO, the Voyager is not only the “best” phone, but it’s also going to “kill the iPhone”. Strong words! I mean, at first I was skeptical, but look at all the features the Verizon Voyager will have: HTML browser Full V CAST-capabilities V CAST Mobile TV V CAST Music Ability to play .mp3, .wma and unprotected .aac files V CAST Video High-Speed Wireless Broadband Access Removable microSD memory (8GB) for users wanting to take advantage of the Voyager’s incredible multi media platform. Goddamn, are you serious? Between the HTML browser and ability to play MP3s, I don’t even know where to start. I am seriously beyond impressed. In fact, with the ability to have up to 8GB of storage via shitty microSD cards, I don’t think the iPhone has a chance. After all, what says “competition” more than some ugly-ass brick on a CDMA network? Oh yeah, CDMA phones. Real GSM killers. That’s like saying the rooster on the Corn Flakes box could kick the shit out of Cap’n Crunch. Verizon Voyager Cell Phone Announced! [Some really biased site] → Read More
Berg Insight, a company that provides analytical services and business intelligence to the telecom industry, predicts growth in mobile navigation services. These services are to be driven by GPS-technology in smartphone handsets and the bundling of navigation and map content with mobile devices and service plans. Revenue from subscriptions and advertisement is expected to grow at nearly 40% over the next ten years. The number of mobile subscribers accessing maps and downloading routs using their mobile handsets in Europe and the U.S.A. is around 4 million. Over the next ten years the number of map subscribers is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 61% to reach 43 million users in 2012. Big names in the mobile industry are gearing up for mobile phone navigation. Nokia launched its GPS-enabled N95 for the European market this year. The U.S. has evolved further with GPS being a standard in all CDMA-handsets. Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless have attracted millions of subscribers to navigation services. Google and Yahoo! are extending their existing search and map propositions with Mobile Web 2.0 applications. Andre Malm, telecom analyst, Berg Insight says, “Record shipments of PND devices in Europe and the US have introduced the benefits of GPS for motorists. Now the major players in the mobile industry are in hot pursuit of delivering the same experience for pedestrians, commuters and travelers on the handset display.” Berg Insight predicts that ad-funded services will account for an increasing share of the mobile navigation market. Local search applications can open the door to new ways for businesses to target consumers. MobileCrunch reported last month that more Americans are taking their mobile devices along on vacation to access map technology. See: Unexpected Surge in Google Mobile this Summer. Advertisements for restaurants or other attractions could be sent to users who access a local map area. Having access to GPS service or other map applications is appealing. If you ever get lost or need the quickest rout somewhere while on foot, you can find your way with the press of a few keys. Berg Insight → Read More
We’re not sure why more cellphones don’t ship with USB cables, but it’s a fact that most don’t. We hate the idea that you’ve got all this data on your phone and no way to add more or back it up short of expensive over-the-air messaging. Some providers allow you to back-up your phonebook for free onto their website, but if you cancel your account, it’s gone forever. But you like to do things yourself, and that’s why we’re here. Not every phone can be backed up in this manual manner, which does suck. That being said, this guide will work with most CDMA or GSM phones that don’t have their own software. Smartphones like Treos or Motorola Qs generally come with their own cables and software, making this overkill. Most $29-with-contract phones, though, will benefit from this how-to. → Read More
Hey do you live on Kentucky or Oregon like Peter did? Oh you don’t? Well then this won’t really concern you, but it’s worth a mention because Peter will chase me with a broom if I don’t post about Oregon. Verizon today acquired Ramcell, a regional network operator based out of Kentucky and Oregon. Verizon’s acquisition will help over 500,000 people achieve better service. Ramcell’s existing TDMA networks will be changed to CDMA and EV-DO Rev. A will also become available. Hear that Oregon? You guys can talk about medical marijuana and assisted suicide on the go by mid-2008! SCORE! Verizon Picks Up Ramcell [Phone Scoop] → Read More
Today Verizon Wireless announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Rural Cellular Corporation to further enhance the Verizon Wireless’ network coverage in markets adjacent to its existing service areas, and increase coverage by 4.7 million, and customer base by more than 700,000. The terms of the deal would have Verizon Wireless acquire Rural Cellular for approximately $2.67 billion in cash and assumed debt. Rural Cellular’s network has severed approximately 716,000 customers as of March 31 of this year. It is spread across five regional territories, with networks located in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Alabama, Mississippi, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Rural Cellular utilizes both CDMA and GSM technology in its five regional markets, and Verizon Wireless has announced that it plans to deploy CDMA service in those existing GSM markets, converting the GSM customers to CDMA. “Verizon Wireless continually looks for opportunities to enhance our customers’ wireless experience,” said Lowell McAdam, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “The addition of Rural Cellular’s markets will enable us to expand our services into areas where previously we had little or no presence, and will give Rural Cellular’s Unicel customers access to the nation’s most reliable network and a broader range of voice and data services.” Verizon Wireless Rural Cellular Corporation → Read More
San Francisco, CA
