January 21, 2008
AT&T's SIM-Only Option Loosens the Shackles [Cellular Networks]
AT&T has begun to offer a new SIM-only service via their online store. For $5 ($10, minus a $5 online discount), new customers are able purchase a SIM card on the AT&T network, without receiving a new handset. It appears you are then free to use the SIM card with unlocked handsets and AT&T locked cellphones. Unfortunately, the two year contract still stands, with the exception of the pre-paid options. It is a nice touch, for that we salute you, AT&T. However, it is possible to get a shitty new phone for free with a two year contract, and then prostitute your SIM card around as you please. So, you know, it is a positive symbolic move at best, but we're still wanting more freeness. [AT&T via BGR]
From AT&T's SIM-Only Option Loosens the Shackles [Cellular Networks]
Posted by Ryan at 11:54 AM
Macbook Would Commit Adultery With LED Cellphone [Concepts]
Tao Ma is at it again, cranking out another great phone concept. The new design, the LED Cellphone, incorporates hundreds of LEDs, all of which are used to create the cellphone's striking UI. Check out the gallery below to see a cellphone your plastic white MacBook would fall head over heels for. Depending on the function that is required, certain LEDs will illuminate, whilst others are switched off. This only gives rise to basic patterns, so you would not be sending any MMS messages using this phone, but the styling certainly earns it plus points. The device would be powered by two AAA batteries, which could be recharged by the chic USB dock. The LED Cellphone reminds us of O2's Cocoon, and as that has already made it to the production line, we know this concept would not pose too many obstacles to a manufacturer. We can hear our slut Macbook making adulterous noises right now'"it would trade its iPhone partner for a pretty bimbo without a second thought. Macbook, you should be ashamed. [Gizmo Watch]
From Macbook Would Commit Adultery With LED Cellphone [Concepts]
Posted by Michael at 09:48 AM
Steve Jobs Set to Unveil the iChurch? Er, No [Apple]
Just when you thought the iPhone's Giz-induced alternative monicker, the jesusPhone, was about to fade into obscurity, a Texas church has seen reason to bring it back. The Colleyville establishment has plastered a massive sign on one of its walls that is mightily reminiscent of the iPhone, with some rather interesting apps icons (anyone want to play Soldier with me?) There's a bigger pic after the jump. 
However, at the risk of sounding like a pedantic little trollop, surely that should read iDentity, rather than identity? [Dark7]
From Steve Jobs Set to Unveil the iChurch? Er, No [Apple]
Posted by Peter at 08:09 AM
January 20, 2008
BlackBerry 9000 Specifications Change For the Better [Cellphones]
We previously brought you bad news concerning the specifications of the lust-worthy BlackBerry 9000 (a.k.a 9100.) Well, according to BGR, RIM has just changed the details of the device, which is now set to include UMTS and HSDPA. As if that was not good news enough, there is another interesting piece of new information. The OS is set for a complete upgrade to version 5.0. It is not clear when this will occur, but the chaps at BGR seem to think the 9000 will ship with the standard version 4.3.2, with the upgrade to follow by the end of the year. As to what new features will be implemented, that is anybody's guess, but it is promising news nonetheless. The hotly anticipated BlacBerry 9000 is likely to be launched at this year's Wireless Enterprise Symposium, and we just cannot wait. [BGR]
From BlackBerry 9000 Specifications Change For the Better [Cellphones]
Posted by Rob at 11:32 AM
iPhone Sales Fall 5 Percent Below Expectations in the UK [IPhone]
The Financial Times reports that UK sales of the Apple iPhone weren't quite up to par, selling 190,000 phones against a target of 200,000 in the first two months. Some analysts even projected sales in the range of 350,000-400,000. Many cite the high price of the phone, saying the average phone is free and the average plan is under 30. In the UK the iPhone goes for 269 and the plan is 899 over 18 months. In U.S. Dollars thats $529 for the phone and $98/month for the plan. Ouch. [Financial Times via The Inquirer]
From iPhone Sales Fall 5 Percent Below Expectations in the UK [IPhone]
Posted by Peter at 11:31 AM
January 19, 2008
DirecTV DVRs Get Cellphone Scheduling on the Go [DVR]
DirecTV's rolling out its cellphone-enabled mobile DVR scheduling for its HR20-700 units. This means that you can hop on your cellphone and queue up American Idol (just about the only new show on right now) to watch when you get home. Other DirecTV models will follow in February. Hit the jump for a list of compatible phones. [dbstalk] * Apple - iPhone * RIM Blackberry 8100 (Pearl), 7290, 8700c, 8820, 8300 (Curve) * LG VX 8300 * Motorola KRAZR K1 M, i850, RAZR V3, SLVR L7, v360, v365, RAZR V3x, ROKR L6W * Nokia 2610, 6103, 6133, 6315i, 5300, 6102/6102i, 2660, 6086, 6126, 6300, N95 * Palm Treo 680, Treo 700p * Samsung U740, a707, a870, a920, Blackjack * Sanyo Katana SCP-6600, MM 7500 * Sony Ericsson W300i, W810i, z525a, K550i, Z500 * ...and any phone with Internet Explorer or Opera.
From DirecTV DVRs Get Cellphone Scheduling on the Go [DVR]
Posted by Jim at 05:11 PM
Toshiba G450 USB HSDPA Modem Doubles as Cellphone [3G]
Toshiba's new G450 USB HSDPA is designed to primarily function as a USB HSDPA modem for data on-the-go, but in a surprise combo double-attack move it also doubles as a handy cellphone. With its unconventional keypad and 96 x 36 pixel OLED display you're unlikely to want to use it as your main phone, but you never know, it may come in handy. It does give you tri-band EDGE/GSM, 2100 MHz HSDPA and 300 hours standby time, with 3 hours talk time and three colors for around $290 in Europe. [Unwiredview]
From Toshiba G450 USB HSDPA Modem Doubles as Cellphone [3G]
Posted by Bob at 12:38 PM
January 18, 2008
Pizza Hut Starts Text Message Delivery [Cellphones]
Pizza Hut, ever expanding both waistlines and accessibility to their greasy goodness, has launched a new mobile ordering service allowing users to text message 4 pizza. Apparently online pizza orders have really taken off, accounting for 20 percent of total sales (that stat is either from Pizza Hut or Papa John's, we couldn't discern from the copy) and texting could account for another huge percentage as well. I realized I was getting old when not so long ago I ordered a pizza via the web for the first time and waited nervously for it to come. It reminded me of tales from Amazon's launch, when customers didn't trust entering their credit cards into their computers...so they instead told the numbers to strangers at Amazon call centers who would write the digits on loose leaf. [reuters/I4U]
From Pizza Hut Starts Text Message Delivery [Cellphones]
Posted by Alex at 12:19 PM
