Prepaid Cell Phones http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/prepaid-cell-phones.html Find Cell Phone Reviews, Ratings, and Comparisons - Prepaid Cell Phones - Cell Phone Plans - Compare Cell Phone Plans en Copyright 2008 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:31:14 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.17 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 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]

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/iphone-sales-fall-5-percent-below-expectations-in-the-uk-iphone.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/iphone-sales-fall-5-percent-below-expectations-in-the-uk-iphone.html Prepaid Cell Phones Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:31:14 -0800 FCC Chairman Kicking Cable and Wireless Ass in 2008 [Fcc] FCC_boot_to_Comcast_VZ.jpgThe initials F-C-C don't usually engender excitement, but at least according to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, it's ground zero for most of the broadcasting, wireless and high-bandwidth landline innovations we'll see in the next couple years. Martin spilled on everything from the 700MHz auction to a rumored DirecTV/Dish network merger. (Seriously.) They covered a lot of stuff, here's the Cliff's Notes: 700 MHz auction and analog-to-digital TV switchover '€ Martin says the neat stuff he saw at CES last year led in part to the 700MHz auction open-access rules '€ He thinks it's "possible" we'll see 700MHz devices within a year'€"which is why the "hard" analog cutoff date of Feb. 19, 2009 is important '€ Speaking of, the cutoff date is engraved in frickin' stone, people'€"no extensions '€ He has no interest in "any particular company winning," just wants someone to make the minimum bid that would enforce open access '€ Regarding big bidder Verizon, Martin said it "may win" the auction (Freudian slip?) '€ Since poor broadband penetration in rural areas is the main reason we're so far behind Asia, the 700MHz will serve as a good bridge, and might even become the new broadband platform Cable '€ Neither Martin nor CEA chief Gary Shapiro have any love for cable'€"no wonder the FCC's been reaming them '€ "We've seen a signficant decrease in prices" in everything the FCC regulates except cable'€"that's gonna change '€ It is "critical" that consumer-electronic devices are able to attach to cable networks and do two-way communication without a set-top box (i.e., two-way CableCARD is mandatory) '€ Proposed pay-per-channel cable is a "real market solution" to cable sucking balls and "I'm doing everything I can" to make it happen '€ Independent content providers such as NFL Network need to be able to get their shows on cable Comcast's Alleged Blockage of BitTorrent '€ He's going to investigate it (FCC investigates "all complaints") and make sure no one is being blocked from access in a "discriminatory way" '€ If a company engaged in "reasonable network practice" for traffic management they should be honest about it Satellite Radio and TV '€ The FCC will look at XM and Sirius merger proposal "soon," but "isn't sure" it'll clear all the hurdles'€"awaiting on Department of Justice '€ Regarding a potential, but by no means proposed, merger of DirecTV and Dish, he doesn't know whether the XM-Sirius thing would set a precedent; at the bare minimum they'd have to enforce the same price protection XM and Sirius are proposing Broadband Penetration '€ "We've done some very significant steps over the last three years" toward increasing the options for broadband'€"in particular letting telcos get into IPTV so they'd invest in fiber optic pipes; busting up cable apartment contracts, etc. '€ Wants to redefine the term "broadband" to higher speeds'€"200Kbps is not broadband and people are getting hosed DRM '€ "We need to make sure that consumers have fair use, reasonable expectations" that they can "copy things and use them themselves" which is "not only fair but important, and we need to continue to protect that." '€ "I do believe that fair use" and protecting what "consumers are able to do in their home on their devices" is the "guiding principle," and that's a "reasonable and fair" expectation In sum, more openness, more competition, more consumer protections'€"in theory. It could be a great year for us across the board at the expense of closed industries, particularly cable and wireless. I actually feel like the government is working for us for a change.

From FCC Chairman Kicking Cable and Wireless Ass in 2008 [Fcc]

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/fcc-chairman-kicking-cable-and-wireless-ass-in-2008-fcc.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/fcc-chairman-kicking-cable-and-wireless-ass-in-2008-fcc.html Prepaid Cell Phones Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:48:36 -0800 Confirmed: Nokia N95 8GB USA Edition [Cellphones] Nokia just told me that the N95 8GB USA edition with HSDPA support for 3G is official.

From Confirmed: Nokia N95 8GB USA Edition [Cellphones]

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/confirmed-nokia-n95-8gb-usa-edition-cellphones.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/confirmed-nokia-n95-8gb-usa-edition-cellphones.html Prepaid Cell Phones Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:30:26 -0800 Hands On Sony Ericsson W350: Like a Japanese Art Phone But Thinner [Hands IMG_4937wtmk.JPGThe Sony Ericsson W350 a small phone that reminds me a lot of the Media Skin phone a ton of people carried around while I was in Japan'€"there's a razor-thin flip plate that covers the keypad, though the W350 adds the twist of music controls on the front. It's not feature packed, but it'll probably be cheap when it drops and it's definitely pocket-worthy for someone wanting a slick budget media phone.

From Hands On Sony Ericsson W350: Like a Japanese Art Phone But Thinner [Hands

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/hands-on-sony-ericsson-w350-like-a-japanese-art-phone-but-thinner-hands.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/hands-on-sony-ericsson-w350-like-a-japanese-art-phone-but-thinner-hands.html Prepaid Cell Phones Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:50:25 -0800 Motorola Drops Bluetooth and Wired Peripherals Motorola%20EQ5%20Wireless%20Speaker%20GIZ.jpgIn addition to the phones Motorola showed off yesterday, they announced a bunch of headsets for your music listening needs. Here is a roundup of the lot: '€ Motorola EQ5 and EQ7. These are Motorola's first entry into the wireless speaker market. The speakers will allow the user to take phone calls in speakerphone mode, with stereo sound. Connectivity relies on Bluetooth supporting the A2DP profile. '€ Motorola S9-HD. This new Bluetooth headset is an upgrade of the likeable MOTOROKR S9. SRS WOW HD technology support is added, but styling remains true to the original. '€ Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset. S605 is a traditional Bluetooth headset. Motorola's standalone Bluetooth headsets are not some of our favorites, but you choose your poison. '€ EH70, EH50, EH25 and EH20 wired stereo headsets. Again, these are traditional wired headsets. Nothing exceptional here, standard stereo headsets for on the go music listening. 3.5mm jack connection. Check below for the entire press release: Wireless and Wired Accessories: Complete the Experience Motorola's new companion products provide consumers with a number of ways to enjoy their music. Motorola EQ5 and EQ7 are the first wireless speakers from Motorola that enable consumers to play music and take phone calls in speakerphone mode, with rich, stereo sound and elegant style. The portable speakers can easily connect with almost any MP3 player, PC or mobile phone through wireless Bluetooth technology (including A2DP Bluetooth profile) or a wired 3.5 mm jack The Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth headset, an upgraded version of the award-winning MOTOROKR S9, adds surround sound with SRS WOW HD technology, reduces ambient noise and provides more comfort with redesigned ear buds The Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset is an affordable and lightweight clip-on pendant and headset that provides wireless connections to Bluetooth enabled phones, while staying simultaneously connected to streaming music from and MP3 player or FM radio The EH70, EH50, EH25 and EH20 stereo headsets satisfy any style preference and add comfort, design and incredible sound to the mobile music experience. [Motorola PR Release]

From Motorola Drops Bluetooth and Wired Peripherals

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/motorola-drops-bluetooth-and-wired-peripherals.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/motorola-drops-bluetooth-and-wired-peripherals.html Prepaid Cell Phones Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:29:17 -0800 BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth Headset First Ever With True Voice User Interface bluev12.jpgThe Deal: BlueAnt, who we've seen some Bluetoothiness from before, is introing "the first ever Bluetooth headset with a true voice user interface," the BlueAnt V1. The VUI is powered by BlueGenie, which is the first time it's been used on a headset. Other than the big ant-stamped button, it should be pretty hands-free, with commands like "accept call" and "volume up" and "kick the guy in front of me." The Drag: Voice control can be wonky, so you might want to use buttons.

From BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth Headset First Ever With True Voice User Interface

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/blueant-v1-bluetooth-headset-first-ever-with-true-voice-user-interface.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/blueant-v1-bluetooth-headset-first-ever-with-true-voice-user-interface.html Prepaid Cell Phones Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:57:20 -0800 iPhone SDK in the Wild According to Wired's sources, while all developers will get the iPhone SDK in February, some "big ones" may already have it in their hands now, readying applications to "whet developers' appetites" (as if they needed any whetting) and tell Gizmodo to TFSU. [Wired]

From iPhone SDK in the Wild

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/iphone-sdk-in-the-wild.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/iphone-sdk-in-the-wild.html Prepaid Cell Phones Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:31:29 -0800 DoCoMo's Child-Friendly 3G Phone Comes With RC Bracelet 20071210_F801i_01.jpgDoCoMo, purveyor of multi-colored phones to Pantone fans in Japan has come up with a 3G phone aimed at kids. As well as having many safety features and a keyboard designed for small fingers, the F801i, which goes on sale in Japan December 20, comes with a bright yellow "amulet." Not to ward off evil phone spirits, but as a remote control and lost phone locator you wear round the wrist. See it, and a gallery with more info, below. 20071210_F801i_02.jpgWhen the alarm is activated, all sorts of things happen: A piercing 100-decibel alarm goes off, dazzling LED lights and the cell calls up to three pre-programmed emergency numbers of the parents' choosing. The child's location can also be sent via SMS to registered individuals. Actually, it sounds like the perfect phone for accident-prone technicolor dreamers. It's waterproof for up to 30 minutes, can withstand jets of water being squirted at it, lose it and, if you press a button on the spanky yellow bracelet, it will bleep if you are within 10 meters of it. If you're not, the phone will shut down automatically, sending a message to another DoCoMo cell if phone and bracelet are not reunited within five minutes. Available in light blue, orange, black and white, there was a massive, child-friendly launch in Tokyo this morning. [NTT DoCoMo Press Release via Wireless Watch Japan and Akihabara News]

From DoCoMo's Child-Friendly 3G Phone Comes With RC Bracelet

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/docomos-child-friendly-3g-phone-comes-with-rc-bracelet.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/docomos-child-friendly-3g-phone-comes-with-rc-bracelet.html Prepaid Cell Phones Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:28:48 -0800 SatLav Cellphone Service Prevents Public Urination in London do_not_urinate.jpgToday London's Westminster City council launched a toilet-finding service to help relieve visitor's bloated bladders and prevent public urination. Apparently, the problem is quite serious in London's West End, where something in the neighborhood of 10,000 gallons of urine ends up in the streets each year. When a user texts "toilet" (at a cost of 50 cents) the service will pinpoint their location by measuring the strength of the phone signal. It will then guide the user to one of 40 public toilets entered into the system thus far. Apparently companies like Vindigo Inc are already offering similar services in the US '€"and to be honest, a service like this could be useful when traveling on long car rides or drunkenly wandering the streets in a strange town. Whether its useful enough to end up on something like Google Maps is another story. If you have an iPhone, searching for Starbucks in your area might achieve the same effect. [CNN]

From SatLav Cellphone Service Prevents Public Urination in London

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/satlav-cellphone-service-prevents-public-urination-in-london.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/satlav-cellphone-service-prevents-public-urination-in-london.html Prepaid Cell Phones Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:56:50 -0800 Shoogle Gives Your Cellphone Balls of Steel that Shake, Rattle and Roll [Shake If your cellphone's not quite annoying enough for you yet, researchers have created Shoogle, software that combines vibrations and sound effects to let you know when messages come in, how many you have in your inbox, and when you're battery's running low. The software uses the phone's accelerometer, so when you shake it, it makes you feel like you have balls of brass (clinking around inside your cellphone, that is). Cellphone running out of juice? Shake that thing, and you'll hear and feel a volume of liquid sloshing around in there, getting smaller as your battery's power diminishes. There's even a animation to go along with each vibration and noise. Might be fun for a minute or two, but seems like this commotion might get old pretty fast. [New Scientist]

From Shoogle Gives Your Cellphone Balls of Steel that Shake, Rattle and Roll [Shake

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/shoogle-gives-your-cellphone-balls-of-steel-that-shake-rattle-and-roll-shake.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/shoogle-gives-your-cellphone-balls-of-steel-that-shake-rattle-and-roll-shake.html Prepaid Cell Phones Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:23:50 -0800 LG Voyager Rap: Prepare to Cringe I died a little inside after watching this fanboy rap video touting the benefits of owning the soon-to-be-released Verizon Voyager. It has everything '€"including multiple references Britney Spears. Hell, even the Amish can't escape its wrath. Watch at your own risk. [VerizonVoyager.org via Wired]

From LG Voyager Rap: Prepare to Cringe

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/lg-voyager-rap-prepare-to-cringe.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/lg-voyager-rap-prepare-to-cringe.html Prepaid Cell Phones Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:30:23 -0800 T-Mobile to Start Prorating Early Termination Fees Next Year tmobile.gifT-Mobile has plans to start prorating its early termination fees early next year, charging less if you've been under contract for a while. Previously, you were stuck paying the same hefty cancellation fee whether or not you signed up last month or 23 months ago. Thanks, T-Mo.

From T-Mobile to Start Prorating Early Termination Fees Next Year

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/t-mobile-to-start-prorating-early-termination-fees-next-year.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/t-mobile-to-start-prorating-early-termination-fees-next-year.html Prepaid Cell Phones Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:59:32 -0800 Vid: T-Mobile HTC Shadow's 5-Way and Wheel UI [Shadow UI The just-announced Shadow runs on Windows Mobile, but it's somewhat forgivable given the nice UI that HTC and TMO added this UI on top of the sludge. Scrolling the wheel navigates you through the submenu, while clicking up and down on the 5-way. There's media playback on the home page that supports music and album art (but no video). And photos are viewable from the top menu, too. I think this is one of the first WM devices I'd be able to live with. [More Shadow on Giz]

From Vid: T-Mobile HTC Shadow's 5-Way and Wheel UI [Shadow UI

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/vid-t-mobile-htc-shadows-5-way-and-wheel-ui-shadow-ui.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/vid-t-mobile-htc-shadows-5-way-and-wheel-ui-shadow-ui.html Prepaid Cell Phones Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:11:45 -0800 Ridiculously Stripped-Down Sanyo Phone Runs On 1 AA Sanyo_AA_Battery_Phone.jpgDesigned to look like some kind of oversized battery, this crazy phone actually runs on just one small AA. There are some tradeoffs: it's voice only, so no 3G or SMS; also, there's no camera or MP3 player, or even a damn screen to look at. Just those weird little buttons. You get five hours of talktime, then you toss the battery'€"or charge it up. (We're guessing this is a not-so-subtle attempt by Sanyo to promote its rechargeable NiMH Eneloop batteries.) Sorry all you budding ascetics out there, this sucker is Japan only. [Crave]

From Ridiculously Stripped-Down Sanyo Phone Runs On 1 AA

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/ridiculously-stripped-down-sanyo-phone-runs-on-1-aa.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/ridiculously-stripped-down-sanyo-phone-runs-on-1-aa.html Prepaid Cell Phones Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:31:01 -0800 Sagem Porsche P'9521 Hands On porschephone_crave.jpgWe're jealous. The guys at the Brit division of Crave got their greasy paws on that gorgeous Sagem Porsche P'9521 cellphone we showed you the other day. Making us feel even worse is the fact that they liked it a lot, writing in their dignified-sounding British way, "it's not just a piece of rubbish with a Porsche logo on it'€"it is in fact a rather nifty clamshell handset." One of the pics showed us something we didn't realize before'€"you know that highly visible Porsche Design logo on the lid? The numerals on its outside screen are displayed in a similar typeface. That's a cool detail. Our major complaint about the phone is its outrageous $1634 price. [Crave UK]

From Sagem Porsche P'9521 Hands On

]]> http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/sagem-porsche-p9521-hands-on.html http://www.free-cell-phones-guide.net/blog/-cell-phones/prepaid-cell-phones/sagem-porsche-p9521-hands-on.html Prepaid Cell Phones Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:57:15 -0800