Mobile BookMarks

Plastic Logic eReader demo

2009-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

In the near future, you will be able to read newspapers, magazines and personal documents on a large Kindle like device. According to various news sources, the media conglomerate Hearst is planning on adoping this model.

Check out another demo (this device was covered earlier on this blog):

Video of Windows Mobile 6.5 in action

2009-02-27T22:26:00.001-08:00

Video of Windows Mobile 6.5

Video of LG Watch Phone

2009-02-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

It speaks for itself.

Flat World Knowledge - Free textbooks online

2009-02-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

A site called Flat World Knowledge has started offering free text books online. The selection is limited at them moment but it is getting some news attention.

Microsoft Recite - Voice Notes and Search for Windows Mobile

2009-02-15T23:14:00.000-08:00

If you have a Windows Mobile phone (AT&T BlackJack II, AT&T Pantech Duo, HTC Diamond, Motorola Q9C, Moto Q9m, Palm Treo 800w, Palm Treo Pro, SMT 5800, T-Mobile Dash, T-Mobile Shadow, and T-Mobile Wing), you can download the technology preview (not the final version yet, more like pre-beta) of Microsoft Recite mobile voice search technology.
More information is available here and here.

Skype for iPhone coming? Maybe...

2009-02-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

There are already a few apps (such as Nimbuzz and Fring) on iPhone that provide Skype VOIP phone calls when you are on wi-fi. But they aren't the best because they don't show contact status properly and sometimes take a minute or so to log you in. People have wondered why Skype hasn't released a version for iPhone when they provide versions for so many mobile devices.

According to this:

"Silverman refuses to be drawn on his specific plans for Barcelona. But industry watchers reckon Skype plans to release a version of its software for Apple's iPhone as it gears up to do to mobile what it has done to landlines.

Under Silverman, Skype has been building steadily on its products for mobile users. It now works with phones based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system, and a slightly more basic version is available for owners of LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson handsets. The company also has a partnership with the mobile network 3, with a range of jointly branded phones. "

Full version of Adobe Flash 10 coming to mobile phones

2009-02-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

According to this CNET article:

"Adobe announced at the GSMA Mobile World Congress here Monday that Flash Player 10, which is the full version of Flash that runs on PCs, will be available on smartphones running Windows Mobile, Google's Android, Nokia S60/Symbian, and the new Palm operating systems. Devices with Flash Player 10 are expected to hit the market starting in early 2010."

While iPhone is not listed among the phones, it is known that Adobe is working with Apple to figure something out. It has been challenging for them.

Former Taliban ambassador loves his iPhone - really!

2009-02-14T09:59:00.001-08:00

(Image Source: Al Jazeera English)

According to an article on Al Jazeera website:

"I could not believe my eyes. We had arrived to interview Mullah Zaif, the Taliban's former ambassador to Pakistan who is now under virtual house-arrest on the outskirts of Kabul, when he walked into the room, sat down on the couch and pulled out an iPhone. A former member of the Taliban! An iPhone! How times have changed.

...

"I'm addicted," he said, "the internet is great on this, very fast."He proceeded to show myself and our film crew his favourite websites. "

I had no idea that iPhone was selling in these locations! But it tells about the simplicity and power of this device. It is still the best at what it does.

Your desktop on the web - Microsoft Live Mesh

2009-02-10T23:03:00.000-08:00

Microsoft is heavily pushing web based services these days. The FREE Live Mesh (beta) service looks very promising. It offers a number of options of synch'ing files between different computers and 5GB of online storage. You might also be able to stop paying for GoToMyPC (I haven't tried this yet). According their site:

"When you sign up for Live Mesh, you automatically get your own personal Live Desktop—your Windows PC on the web—complete with 5 GB of free storage. Synchronize files to your Live Desktop, and you’ll be able to access them using almost any web browser, no matter where you are.

And who says you can’t be in two different places at once? With Live Mesh, you can connect remotely from one computer to another, so you can access files, programs, and settings as if you were sitting in front of that remote computer. "

The full overview is here.

Thinking about buying Kindle 2 - Check this out first

2009-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

If you don't like Kindle and Sony Reader's small screen (most PDF documents/eBooks require 1024x768 resolutions for full page view unless you are using iPhone or Nokia N8xx tablet; Kindle is 600x800), you might want to wait until 2010 for Plastic Logic's reader.

Check out this video:

I bought Sony Reader over a year ago and promptly returned it because it was no good for PDF eBook reading. Nokia N800 worked much better and iPhone's PDF reader app (called Files) is wonderful.

If you wait 3-4 years, you will see color readers (and writers) based on long battery life E Ink technology.

Also check out these readers from iRex technologies. None of these provide the Amazon platform yet but Amazon should allow them rights/access to their store (unless Amazon wants to be in the hardware business).

Coming soon - Microsoft Mobile phone online backup

2009-02-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Microsoft will soon launch their My Phone service that will allow Windows Mobile 6+ phone users to backup their phone data and restore when needed to the same phone or to a new phone.

For more information on Microsoft® My Phone service, check out this page.

Microsoft Ringtones for Windows Mobile phones

2009-02-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

Download FREE ringtones for your windows mobile phone here.

Software downloads for Windows Mobile

2009-02-02T16:26:00.001-08:00

If you have a Windows Mobile phone, check out these links on Microsoft Windows Mobile site for goodies:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/downloads/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/totalaccess/default.mspx

Samsung Projector Phone = Cool

2009-02-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Check out this phone from Samsung. It has a built-in projector! It also has 5MP camera and OLED screen.

Check out the videos

Adobe still working on Flash for iPhone

2009-02-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

Adobe CEO confirms that they are still working on Flash for iPhone which has been a challenge for them. This means that some day you will be able to watch more than YouTube and the sites that support iPhone. I don't really miss Flash on iPhone but if it is an option, I will take it. If the hardware is too limited, maybe the next version of iPhone will have support for it (just my guess). But Adobe confirmed that they are working with Apple because iPhone SDK alone is not sufficient.

Apple releases iPhone 2.2.1 update - bug fixes

2009-01-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

Apple released a minor update to iPhone software. The latest version is 2.2.1. You can download it via iTunes.

It fixes a bug (it was introduced in version 2.2) in photo software that caused blurry image when an image was saved from the mail application (MMS equivalent for iPhone). Another change is improved stability of iPhone Safari browser.

It is supposed to work with iPod Touch as well. If you are not sure, you can wait a day or two to hear about others' experiences before updating.

Google's GDrive storage possible this year

2009-01-26T22:23:00.000-08:00

A number of news outlets are speculating that Google is working on the online storage that will make cloud computing a reality. According to the Guardian:

"Google is to launch a service that would enable users to access their personal computer from any internet connection, according to industry reports. But campaigners warn that it would give the online behemoth unprecedented control over individuals' personal data.

The Google Drive, or "GDrive", could kill off the desktop computer, which relies on a powerful hard drive. Instead a user's personal files and operating system could be stored on Google's own servers and accessed via the internet."

Microsoft's SkyDrive offers 25GB (yes that's GB) - FREE!

Microsoft's SkyDrive service offers 25GB of storage and is available now! The only limitation is that upload file size is limited to 50MB each. But it is still free storage that can be used to backup your pictures and other files. Check it out.

These services would work great with TrueCrypt which is the best encryption utility available. You can encrypt your files and then upload them to online storage for a backup!

Apple awarded the multi-touch patent

2009-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

Apple (Steve Jobs, et al.) has been awarded the multi-touch patent on January 20th, 2009. This means less competition for iPhone multi-touch technology which is one of the great mobile phone innovations.

A similar technology seems to have been used in the upcoming Palm Pre phone and Apple COO Tim Cook has said that Apple will not let their intellectual property get ripped off. This could result in an interesting fight between the two as Palm has collected numerous patents over the years and if they find something in their portfolio to go against Apple for, Sprint customers might actually see a device like iPhone (even better for multi-tasking) available to them. They will still have a big challenge of duplicating the success of iPhone app store.

Here are the full details of Apple multi-touch patent. The patent is not available via Google patent search yet.

Customers not happy with BlackBerry Storm - Still sells 500,000 units

2009-01-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

According to this Wall Street Journal article:

"Some Storm owners have complained about everything from clunky software for typing on the touch screen to the device's sluggish performance with basic tasks like dialing-by-voice or taking photographs.

"I found myself wanting to throw it in the ocean due to my frustration with its overall usability," said Steven Golub, a longtime Verizon customer from Morristown, N.J., who bought the Storm the day it was released, but returned it a few weeks later."

Other sites like CNET crave and Apple Insider are covering this too.

During the time I tried using a friend's BlackBerry storm, I wasn't excited about it. It is no iPhone.

Video demo of Nokia N97

2009-01-22T19:04:00.001-08:00

Here is a video demo of Nokia N97 phone.

Some Gmail tips and Disposable Email addresses

2009-01-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

Check out this article if you want more power and flexibility out of your gmail account.

It shows you how you can use one email account with different sites by using a . (period) or + in the email address and you can generate a number of email address combinations that can be used for different needs (such as for bills, friends, social networking sites, registrations, etc.). You can then track who is selling your email addresses!

Mailinator for disposable email addresses

Another option I like for disposable email addresses is Mailinator. It allows you to get a dispoable email address instantly (without any registration). Check out their site. Just keep in mind that the email addresses are really disposable and emails are deleted frequently so don't use it for anything longterm. It is best used for sites that require registration to post in forums where you don't care about the privacy of emails from the sender.
As an example, if I want to use an email address like mobilebookmarksblogspot@mailinator.com, all I have to do is just use this email address whereever I want (without any registration) and read my Inbox by going to http://www.mailinator.com/ and keying in my Inbox address "mobilebookmarksblogspot". It's that easy! Note that all emails sent to this address will be deleted within a few hours and that anyone (including you out there) can read this Inbox contents.

Mobile networks handled Inauguration load fairly well

2009-01-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

While the mobile networks had much higher network load in the Washington, D.C. area today, their preparations worked well and there were no major problems. Check out the PCWorld article for details.

More browsers available for iPhone

2009-01-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

Apple has approved third party browsers for iPhone. These however seem to be more or less a different UI for the same browser engine as the Safari browser that comes with iPhone. They are like version 1 of a browser with many shortcomings.

It will be interesting to see if Apple will allow "true" third party browsers like Opera on iPhone. The included Safari browser is already the best mobile phone browser.

For more details on the new iPhone browsers, check out this PCWorld article.

Convert videos for mobile devices - Format Factory

2009-01-12T20:41:00.001-08:00

Ever wanted to convert your videos to play on your mobile device (such as iPhone or iPod touch or other devices)?

Format Factory looks like something you could use. It can convert videos to many different formats and resolutions.

Combine this with Abyss Web Server X1M, you can watch your videos on your mobile device on the wi-fi home network!
(If you do use a web server on home network, make sure that you have a Router protecting you from outside).

I tested this combination to watch videos from PC on iPhone over wi-fi and it works great! You can play the videos directly from iPhone safari browser! And it is FREE!!

Palm Pre - Better than iPhone?

2009-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

I really like the OS and software on the new Palm Pre phone. It is as good as iPhone and even better in some aspects with true multi-tasking support and very finger friendly.

Check out all five videos of Palm Pre demo. They are worth watching. Its UI is gorgeous and smooth and the browser is based on the same Webkit engine that iPhone uses!

And did I say it does multi-tasking that iPhone doesn't? Now don't ditch Sprint for iPhone.

Palm Pre Demo Video 1:

Palm Pre Demo Video 2:

Palm Pre Demo Video 3:

Palm Pre Demo Video 4:

Palm Pre Demo Video 5:

Coming to Sprint in the first half of this year! It will also be available in other countries a little later.

Rumors of Microsoft Cellphone - To be announced early next year

2008-11-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

Rumors are circulating that Microsoft might release its own branded version of a cellphone manufactured by Nvidia. It is likely to be announced in February! For more details, check out this, this and this.

Video - Walt Mossberg reviews BlackBerry Storm

2008-11-22T07:53:00.001-08:00

Here is WSJ's Walt Mossberg's video review of BlackBerry Storm:

CNET Video review of BlackBerry Storm

2008-11-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the CNET first look video review of BlackBerry Storm:

And here is the USA Today video of BlackBerry Storm vs. iPhone:

Gmail themes are coming

2008-11-20T22:18:00.001-08:00

Gmail themes are coming. Check out this blog.

Sprint Instinct MR4 firmware update available now

2008-11-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

Sprint Instinct Firmware Update MR4 is available now. Many users have successfully downloaded it and a few of them have reported success with Opera Mini Beta 4.2 browser as well. Opera Mini 4.1 still seems to lock up on the loading screen.

Here are the release notes for Sprint Instinct Firmware Update MR4 .

Apps: You can find a compilation of apps that now work with Instinct here.

Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student for (almost) FREE?

2008-11-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student (Word 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, and OneNote 2007) version comes with a $69.99 subscription to Microsoft Equipt (PC security/protection service) available for purchase from CircuitCity.

According to various news sources, Microsoft plans to discontinue this service and will offer the users a pro-rated refund and will let them keep the Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student for free! It seems that Microsoft Equipt is still for sale in CircuitCity. I don't know what happens if someone walks into CircuitCity today and buys this for $69.99. Will they get most of their money refunded if they call to cancel subscription and still get to keep the Office software?

I guess it depends on when they decide to turn it off...

According to ZDNet:

"Microsoft’s Equipt — which Microsoft launched in July of this year — is dead and Microsoft is having to go back and pull copies of Equipt from the channel (Circuit City in the U.S. and DSGI in the U.K.). Microsoft is offering customers a pro-rated refund for the service and allowing purchasers to keep Office Home & Student edition for free forever, Microsoft officials said. "

According to ars technica:

"Microsoft blogger Mary Jo Foley is reporting that Microsoft Equipt, which Microsoft announced just a few months ago, is also going the way of the dodo. The company will be offering refunds and will allow customers to keep the included Office Home & Student edition for free. "

UPDATE:

According to this on CNET news:

"The copies will be headed out of retail stores in the coming weeks, although the subscription will run through some time next year. But since Microsoft plans to offer free licenses of Office to Equipt customers when their subscriptions end, those existing copies look like a pretty good deal for those who need Office Home and Student--the version of Office included in Equipt.

...

As for existing Equipt subscribers, they not only will get a free license to Office Home and Student, they can also call and cancel their subscription, get a pro-rated refund and still get the copy of Office. Gordon said that Equipt buyers tended to be Microsoft's early adopters and said that "We really want to make sure they are taken care of."

P.S. This does not relate to mobile gadgets but I thought some readers might find it interesting. Also, I am not liable if you go and buy it and don't get a refund.

Video comparison of Sprint vs. AT&T HTC Touch Pro models

2008-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

ZDNet has a video comparison of the Sprint and AT&T HTC Touch Pro models. Full review here.

Sprint HTC Touch Pro vs. AT&T HTC Fuze:

Adobe Flash available for Android but not for iPhone

2008-11-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Adobe Flash player for mobile is now available for more smart phones including Windows Mobile phones and Google Android based phones. However, there is no Flash version for iPhone because Steve Jobs has said in the past that it wasn't optimized for iPhone. There could be another reason for Apple not allowing Flash. Apple maintains tight control of its iPhone/iPod Touch app store and takes a 30% cut from every app sale! With Flash, developers could create games and apps as websites and bypass Apple's lucrative money making machine completely. That makes Android a better platform with Flash support but it needs to evolve some more and needs better devices before it can outdo the iPhone.

Did Oprah give out Sprint Instincts on her show?

2008-11-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

There seem to be a number of posts on the web purporting to be from people who went to a taping of Opera Winfrey show and were given Sprint Instinct phones with free 90 day plan. Here is a post from someone selling their Oprah Winfrey show Sprint Instinct phone on eBay. Here is another one selling it on a forum. Here is one from someone who is trying to figure out how to unlock it to use with AT&T (poor soul). There were some posts of Oprah show Instincts for sale on Craigslist too.

President-elect Obama to stop using Blackberry and email?

2008-11-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

According to a news article on BBC News website, president-elect Obama will likely stop using his Blackberry and email because the transparency laws could require some of his communications to be open to public view. According to the BBC article:

"He took mobile e-mail everywhere on the campaign trail.

In the summer, cameras filmed him checking his BlackBerry while watching one of his daughters playing football. His wife Michelle slapped at his hands, to get him to put it away.

"I think Obama is the first president who is addicted to the BlackBerry like the rest of us, and there's a lot of presidential records and archive rules on what gets stored and what doesn't," former Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart told the Associated Press.
...
During the campaign, the New York Times reports, his advisers rarely printed out memos, e-mailing them to his BlackBerry instead. "

I bet it will be tough parting with his Blackberry due to Presidential Records Act but there are just too many risks involved including the risk of hackers. Also, most email communication travels plain-text unless encrypted end-to-end with digital certificates or some advanced feature which then limits the ease of email use.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X1 available for pre-order $799.99

2008-11-15T23:37:00.000-08:00

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X1 will soon be available for pre-order from Sony website for $799.99. It will most likely be sold unsubsidized by a carrier in the US and should work with a SIM card from AT&T (as an unlocked phone that could potentially be used with other supported SIM cards as well).

Here is a CNET first look video of Xperia X1:

Citrix working on iPhone version

2008-11-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, Citrix had provided a sneak peek (see video below) of their XenDesktop version for iPhone. For those that have never heard of Citrix, it is a company that provides remote access and other information technology software to 100% of Fortune 100 companies and thousands of other organizations.

According to a recent article by PCWorld:

"By the first half of 2009, Citrix will make its XenDesktop and XenApp client and server software for remote access to Windows applications available for the iPhone.
...
Fleck said the company is addressing an "unbelievable market demand" for such a product. Requests have become the number-one topic of discussion on its blog site.
...
Your entire XP or Vista desktop and all your apps are available in that virtual desktop with all the inherent security and manageability that is currently available on remote desktops now," said Fleck
....
According to Fleck it will make available the entire world of a half-million Windows applications.

Citrix developers worked with Apple to design the iPhone version of the Xen App and Desktop in order to preserve as much of iPhone's unique capabilities as possible."

The blog that this article refers to is probably here or here.

Check out this video:

And here is the video from a few months ago that provided a quick sneak peek (iPhone has other remote Desktop apps that work extremely well):

BlackBerry Storm vs. Apple iPhone

2008-11-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

Check out the quick comparison of BlackBerry Storm vs. Apple iPhone here.

This is the first mobile device that could offer serious competition to the iPhone but with over 8,000 apps covering almost everything imaginable, iPhone is still a tough contender!

Verizon Touch-screen Blackberry Storm for $199 starting Nov 21

2008-11-15T00:07:00.000-08:00

Blackberry Storm will be available for $199.99 ($249.99 - $50 mail-in-rebate) from Verizon wireless on Nov 21. If it does indeed turn out to be as good a Blackberry as promised, expect more defections from Sprint which has no great device at the moment to compete with AT&T's iPhone, Verizon's Blackberry Storm and T-Mobile's G1 Google phone. Sprint Instinct is a poorly performing device and HTC Touch Diamond and Pro have signature Windows mobile issues despite a decent UI skin created by HTC.

Google Voice search coming to iPhone

2008-11-14T22:36:00.001-08:00

(Image Source: New York Times)

Check out this video:

According to New York Times:

"Pushing ahead in the decades-long effort to get computers to understand human speech, Google researchers have added sophisticated voice recognition technology to the company’s search software for the Apple iPhone.

Users of the free application, which Apple is expected to make available as soon as Friday through its iTunes store, can place the phone to their ear and ask virtually any question, like “Where’s the nearest Starbucks?” or “How tall is Mount Everest?” The sound is converted to a digital file and sent to Google’s servers, which try to determine the words spoken and pass them along to the Google search engine.

The search results, which may be displayed in just seconds on a fast wireless network, will at times include local information, taking advantage of iPhone features that let it determine its location."

This adds to a number of already available voice apps for iPhone like Say Who (voice dialing) and Say Where (voice search). With the addition of voice search by Google, iPhone will likely provide similar or better voice search compared to Sprint Instinct that uses Windows Live Search.

Ocarnia - A true musical instrument for iPhone

2008-11-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

While I have tried a number of musical instrument apps on iPhone and they all are very good (especially MooCow Music's piano and band apps), there is a new player in town called Ocarina. Check out the videos:

Access your PC from iPhone - LogMeIn coming to iPhone

2008-11-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

If you have used the LogMeIn (excellent free version available) software to access your computer remotely from another computer, you know how useful it can be sometimes. It seems that the company now has a preview version available for iPhone called "Ignition for iPhone and iPod touch preview". Check out the CNET review here.

ETF class-action lawsuit against Sprint for $1.2 billion

2008-11-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

Attorney Scott Bursor filed another class-action lawsuit against Sprint for $1.2 billion for early termination fees (ETF) charged since 1999. The lawsuit claims that the early termination fees violate the Federal Communications Act as well as the statutory law in all 50 states.

The same attorney recently won a preliminary ruling on a similar lawsuit in California in which Sprint was ordered to pay $18.2 million in ETFs and to stop pursuing another $54.7 million that customers hadn't paid yet. However, the preliminary ruling could be overturned in the upcoming hearings.

I recently paid $400 (200x2) to Sprint in Early Termination Fees to get out of Sprint Instinct contract based on my poor experience with the phone. I would certainly like to get some of my ETF paid back because both my Sprint Instinct phones performed much poorly compared to what they were advertised as and had numerous problems that weren't fixed even in the first 90-days since release while ETF applied after 30-days of purchase.

Sprint Instinct FAQ's and Tips

2008-11-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a copy and paste of Sprint Instinct's FAQ's from their baw forum:

How can I improve the battery life on my Instinct?

Change the Dimming option from 15 to 8 and off from 30 to 15.
Make sure email isn't auto checking.
Set your applications such as news reader and weather to not automatically update (only refresh manually)
To do this, go to the Web screen, push the "Tap to Add" button. On the SelectServices screen, push the little "gears" icon. Set the "Auto UpdateData" option to "Off"
Turn off Bluetooth unless you need it.
Turn off sound feedback when touching buttons.
(optional) Turn off Haptic feedback when touching buttons.

Poorcoverage area may also affect your battery life, if your phone isconstantly going in and out of roaming, you may try setting yournetwork options to "Sprint Network Only"

What is the current phone firmware?
BH29 was released with MR-3; BJ20 will be released with MR-4.

When will standard Java apps that need a keyboard be supported (Like Opera, Google Maps, etc)?
Java keyboard and input controls are part of the LCDUI update releasing in MR-4.

Is there a way to lock the screen during a phone call?
No, the phone currently cannot be locked either manually or automatically during a phone call.

Why does my phone sometimes beep 3 times?
The 3 beeps indicate that a text message has been received while thescreen is locked. The only way to prevent the beeping is to set theringer volume to Silence All or Vibrate.

What are the current version numbers for all the software/firmware on the phone?
PRL: 60613
SW:ES.M800 BH29
HW:M800.08
MCL: 5.5.28
OBIGO: Q7.0-1.6 B

Email: 6.9.1.283
Voicemail: VN.4.1.0.19
Navigation: 2.1.0.21
Music: 2.2.39
SprintTV: 3.0.49
Live Search: 1.70.1
Pocket Express: 1.1.5

How can I view attachments on the Instinct - does it support PDF, PPT, etc?
The Instinct can read some word documents using the Notes application; other attachments can be saved to the SD Card and copied to your computer later for viewing by desktop software. In November 2008 we plan to update the viewers on the phone to handle PDF, PPT, XLS and other file types.

How are the software updates being pushed?
Sprint will push updates to the base software of the phone (the ROM) on occasion. We will post a notice to this forum when it is ready. After a period of time, we will turn on automatic updates to the phones, sending a notice to update your software directly to the phone. The updates will take place over the air and should not require you to visit a store. Application updates are controlled by the vendors of the applications and will be pushed out in a similar fashion - as you launch each app, you will get a notice that an update is available. You can always check for system updates by going to Main, Settings ,General, Update Software.

Does the Calendar synchronize with Outlook or other calendars?
No. The calendar on the Instinct has only basic functionality. However, a new version of Sprint Mobile Email Work is due out in November that will add Outlook synch capability.

How do I get birthdays to repeat every year on the Calendar?
When setting up the Birthday Event or any repeating event, the End datehas to be set to however many years in the future you want the Birthdayor event to be repeated. Next, set the Repeat to "EveryYear". For example, if you want someone's birthday to show up everyyear on the calendar until May 1, 2011, enter that date as the Endtime.

How do I set up outbound email (SMTP)
Follow the information in this post to set up Sprint Mobile Email when you are blocked from sending mail through your ISP on the Instinct

Can you send text messages to a group?
No. You can add multiple numbers to a text message, but there is no way to create a group of addresses.

Is there a way to run Flash on the phone?
There currently is no flash player for the Instinct. Adobe has not developed one that runs natively on the hardware, and the Java-based flash player is in early alpha; no word from the developers on that project when orif it will be ready.

What is the largest MicroSD card the Instinct can support?
According to GallifreyRebel's tests in this thread, the Instinct supports the latest 16gb MicroSDHC cards

Where can I find free streaming radio stations for the phone?
Sprint TV and Radio offers many free radio stations; for those looking for additional stations, see this thread; also the Buzz team has a phone friendly list of URLS at http://www.buzzaboutwireless.com/cms/rtsp.html

Where can I get software / games / apps for my Instinct?
Sprint offers many games and some applications through the Digital Lounge - Click Home - Fun - Shopping on your handset to browser and buy! Third party applications not offered through Sprint, including free apps, are being discussed on the Instinct-Samsung.com forum. (Registration may be required; this forum is not affiliated with Sprint.)
Forum users have also started a free and fee-based app store at http://instinct-software.com/ (not endorsed by or affiliated with Sprint.)

How can I put my own music on my phone as a Ringtone?
This process is not supported by or endorsed by Sprint. Use at your own risk. Go to http://rumkin.com/tools/sprint/index.php(on your computer) and click the first Browse button and find theringtone. You don't have to enter your phone number. Give it a name(second box) and click Upload. Wait for it and it will give you anumber. Now go to http://rumkin.com/tools/sprint/jump.php on your phone and enter the number. it will download and you have the ringtone in your ringtone folder.

How can I create my own ringtones?
Forum user smotrs has created a good writeup using free software in this forum post:
http://forums.buzzaboutwireless.com/baw/board/message?board.id=Samsung_Instinct&message.id=22964#M22964

Visual Voicemail - why do I have to dial in to delete messages
Visual Voicemail - why do people get a fast-busy or ring-no-answer when they get my voicemail?
Visual Voicemail - why don't I get notification of new messages?
These issues are related to a new product having some growing pains. We have exceeded our capacity on the current Visual Voicemail platform. We are installing new servers, switches and upgrading the entire system. Improvements should be seen going forward; we anticipate a resolution of the problems before the holiday season. Until these issues are resolved, if you receive a lot of voicemail,you should call your voicemail (dial 1) on occasion to empty a possiblyfull inbox, which would prevent you from receiving new voicemail.

How do you send a voicemail & messages to an email address?
MarkBugs post here details the process:
A. Select Voicemail from Main screen
B. Push + sign at top of screen.C. Select either Recent List or Manual Entry (bottom of screen):
1. Recent List: Click on an email in the list presented. or 2) . Manual Entry: Select "Enter Email Address". Enter email address on keyboard.
D. The voice recording screen is then displayed and will immediately be recording your voice.E. Push the stop button when done recording.F. Review the message if desired.G. Add extra addressees if desired by hitting the + sign next to the adressee name.H. Select Send to send the voice Email.

Can I listen to my Instinct music on my car stereo and still receive phone calls?
Yes, if you have an auxiliary input jack on your car stereo, you can use an ordinary male-male 3.5mm audio extension cable to connect he Instinct to it. Make sure to get at least 6 ft. of cable so you can freely move the phone around as necessary. Music should pipe into your car stereo through the cable perfectly. Turn the Instinct volume all the way up and use the car stereo volume controls instead. If the music doesn't sound good or is staticky, you probably have a cheap or faulty cable. Consider getting a gold-plated one... they are inexpensive online. Make sure to use a cable with only 2 contact rings on each tip (rather than 3), because this will allow you to use the microphone on the handset when a phone call comes in. When you answer an incoming call, you will begin a handsfree conversation with the other party's voice on the stereo speakers. Your voice should be picked up by the Instinct's microphone, even if it's on your lap.

Is there a way to charge the Instinct from my PC with the USB cable, but also continue to receive phone calls?
Yes, just press the Voice Command button one second before plugging the USB cable into the phone. This will keep the Instinct from turning off the phone capability.

How to Add Album Artwork to Your Songs
Forum user Rennat created a video. To read more about it and to get the link to YouTube go to: http://www.instinctinsight.com/comments/browseThread/thread_id/75147

Sprint Instinct next software release MR-4 scheduled for 11/19

2008-11-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

According to this, the next software update for Sprint Instinct is scheduled to be available on 11/19:

"This just in from the Instinct team:

"MR-4 will be available 11/19 and can be downloaded via the device (Main Tab -> Settings -> General -> Update Software) or you can wait for our automatic updates."

This is the only information I have. Please see MR-4 Firmware Release Notes and Dates for more details about MR-4.

Sarah
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint "

The previous projected release date was 11/12.

Details of Sprint's new Early Termination Fee (ETF) Policy

2008-11-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here are the details of Sprint's new Early Termination Fee (ETF) policy for contracts signed after Nov. 2, 2008:

After Nov. 2, 2008, the early termination fee will be prorated for all NEW contracts, starting at $200 and progressively reducing to $50 depending on the number of months remaining in your contract. To find your contract expiration date, log on to My Sprint, and click plan details to the right of your phone.
Note: If your contract began before Nov. 2, 2008, terminating or canceling service before your contract ends costs $200 per line.

Prorated early termination fee

Use the chart below to calculate your exact early termination fee. If you are cancelling multiple lines on your account, calculate the remaining number of months on each line, locate the corresponding amounts and add them together to reach your total.

Months in contract	Months remaining	Early Termination Fee
0	24	$0 (If you are not eligible under the 30-day guarantee period, fee is $200.)
1	23	$200
2	22	$200
3	21	$200
4	20	$200
5	19	$190
6	18	$180
7	17	$170
8	16	$160
9	15	$150
10	14	$140
11	13	$130
12	12	$120
13	11	$110
14	10	$100
15	9	$90
16	8	$80
17	7	$70
18	6	$60
19	5	$50
20	4	$50
21	3	$50
22	2	$50
23	1	$50

Opera Mini for iPhone but not for Samsung Instinct (yet?)

2008-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

According to New York Times:

"Mr. von Tetzchner said that Opera’s engineers have developed a version of Opera Mini that can run on an Apple iPhone, but Apple won’t let the company release it because it competes with Apple’s own Safari browser.

Opera Mini is free, and can be downloaded onto many phones. The company earns money, as it does for its computer service, from search engines. In addition, some carriers pay Opera to develop custom versions of Opera Mini for their systems. "

It is not clear if Opera has submitted this to Apple for inclusion in the App store but it is interesting to note that recently Opera had refused to create a custom version of Opera Mini browser for Samsung Instinct phone despite hundreds of requests!

Motorola working on Android phone

2008-10-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

Businessweek is reporting that Motorola has been working on its own version of phone based on Google Android platform. According to the article:

"Motorola has been showing spec sheets and images of the phone to carriers around the world in the past two months and is likely to introduce the handset in the U.S. sometime in the second quarter of 2009, according to people familiar with Motorola's plans."
...
"Motorola declined to elaborate on its plans, but said in a statement: "We're excited about the innovation possibilities on Android and look forward to delivering great products in partnership with Google" and the community of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance that are working on the Android operating system. "

The full list of Open Handset Alliance members is available here.

AT&T offers FREE Wi-Fi Access for iPhone

2008-10-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

According to this page on AT&T's website, AT&T is now offering free Wi-Fi access to iPhone users at thousands of hotspots nationwide. Here are the details from their webpage:

"Access the Internet anytime

AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and FREE Wi-Fi is even hotter. Which is why FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available for Apple iPhone at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks*. Users can relax and access music, email and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their nearest location. For information visit www.att.com/attwifi.

Find a Starbucks location near you.

*Wi-Fi available at U.S. company-operated Starbucks locations equipped with a hotspot.

Thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide
Airports
Hotels
Universities
Convention Centers
Sports Centers
Starbucks locations
Restaurants
Bookstores
Supermarkets

Whether you browse from your laptop, phone, or device AT&T is committed to enhancing your experience by providing powerful broadband speeds. This allows for fast and easy downloads of your favorite music, streaming videos, games, and more.

Get started with AT&T Wi-Fi"

"iPhone users, get started with Wi-Fi

- Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone
- Select "attwifi" from the list of available networks
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap 'continue'
- You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.
- The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.
- Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot"

Google Earth for iPhone

2008-10-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Google recently announced a version of Google Earth for iPhone. I tested it for some time and it is nearly as good as the PC version and well integrated with GPS. Here are some other features:

• You can tilt your iPhone to adjust your view to see mountainous terrain
• View the Panoramio layer and browse the millions of geo-located photos from around the world
• View geo-located Wikipedia articles
• Use the 'Location' feature to fly to your current location
• Search for cities, places and business around the globe with Google Local Search

It's available in 18 languages and 22 countries!

VIDEO:

Google android not good enough for Sprint yet?

2008-10-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

According to this, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse recently told the National Press Club in Washington that he didn’t think Android in its current form is "good enough to put the Sprint brand on it." But Hesse promised to sell a phone powered by Android “at some time in the future.”

But if you read the coverage here and here, it is pretty evident that Sprint wanted the Google android phone as soon as possible but Google resources were tied up working on the T-mobile version. Sprint is heading towards this holiday season with HTC Touch diamond and Pro to compete with AT&T iPhone, T-Mobile G1 and possibly Verizon's touchscreen Blackberry! Tough spot if you ask me but their prices are still the best!

HDN - the alternative to iPhone app store

2008-10-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

HDN, the Hands-On Mobile Developer Network attempts to bring the iPhone like app store for the rest of the phones. The problem with carrier managed stores is that they are not open and flexible at all and sometimes a pain to use.

According to HDN's website:

"HDN, the Hands-On Mobile Developer Network, is an open network that brings mobile development and monetization opportunities to the mass market. HDN enables anyone to rapidly develop and publish applications spanning from simple RSS feeds to complex, rich media applications that work across carriers and across handsets.
HDN simplifies the challenges encountered in the mobile development ecosystem today. Issues like porting and device coverage, application testing and certification are all handled by the HDN platform. Thus, developers can focus on creating the content based on a standard web development model and have it deployed on hundreds of handsets across all major carriers."

Details of upcoming Sprint Instinct MR4 release

2008-10-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

According to this post in Sprint's baw forum, here are the details of the upcoming Sprint Instinct MR4 release:

"Public Release Notes for Instinct Firmware Update MR4

Version: BJ20
Delivery: OTA
Projected Release Date: 11/12 (BOTH client & network initiated) Projected Release Dates are best estimates and are subject to change with no notice.

Notes: Instinct firmware BJ20 includes the resolution of 165 tickets open since the previous public firmware release, BH29, including:

5442 - links fail on smoking gun website
5872 - VVM Client is not able to make Data connection
5886 - Ebay login fails in standard mode browser
6015 - Voice notification speaks wrong contact name
6016 - Device UI locks when FUMO push is being received
6025 - Initial Mobile Sync can cause device to slow down until initial sync completes
6036 - bestbuy.com soft-resets device
6039 - deleting ringers can soft-reset device

The release also provides the foundation for the first public release of the updated Sprint Mobile Email Work Calendar. The new work calendar, available OTA 11/21, syncs with one or more Exchange (OWA) based calendars, and allows for meeting creation, editing and alerting on the go.

Also included in MR4:
* Java refit to better enable 4-way/OK and text input to LCDUI widget-based applications. Yes, this is the Java Keyboard you've been waiting for.
* support for native document viewing for many popular office document types including .doc, .pdf, .ppt, .xls and others

Individual application upgrades for the MR4 period are expected to go live the week of 11/21 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Exact go-live dates depend on application vendor. "

This would be the best update for Instinct because it will allow third party Java mobile apps to work on Instinct with the LCDUI keyboard!

Pandora announces layoff of 20 employees...

2008-10-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Pandora radio founder Tim announced the layoff of 20 employees in a blog post made on their website. The challenging economic conditions and royalty fees probably resulted in this tough decision:

"This is a very sad day for Pandora, and for me personally. Today we reduced our staff from 140 to 120 employees. Like virtually every company, Pandora is not immune to the challenges presented by the current economic turmoil. We are trying to react quickly and responsibly to the new environment.

We cherish our employees. We have painstakingly built a team that I am tremendously proud of - there's not a person in our company who hasn't contributed substantially to what we do, and who we are. The twenty folks we let go today were no exception..."

iPhone subsidy squeezing margins at Verizon and Sprint

2008-10-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

According to a Reuters report, the heavily subsidized iPhone is squeezing profit margins at Verizon and Sprint because they are forced to lower the prices of high end phones to compete with AT&T. The economic conditions are also making the consumers cut down on additional services and add-ons. According to the article:

"The derivative effect is lower profitability in wireless for all the carriers," said UBS analyst John Hodulik, adding that the iPhone is selling faster than he expected, which is actually bad for AT&T's profitability in the short term.
...
AT&T, which reports results on Wednesday, is seen as the worst hit, with JPMorgan analyst Michael McCormack forecasting what he called a "shocking" drop in its mobile profit margin to 36.1 percent in the third quarter from 41.2 percent in the second quarter.
...
McCormack forecast the margin at Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L), to fall to 43.8 percent from 45 percent.
...
McCormack forecast Sprint's margins falling to 24.7 percent from 25.7 percent in the second quarter. "

Yet another social networking application - Brightkite

2008-10-18T23:32:00.001-07:00

(Image source: mashable.com)

As GPS enabled phones are becoming more popular, a number of social networking apps are showing up that take advantage of the mobile GPS. These include the well known ones like Loopt but new players are making mobile social networking accessible to even more users. One of them is Brightkite that works with even the basic phones but they seem to have an iPhone version that could take mobile social networking to new heights if successful. Check out the video here.

Google Android phones have remote app kill switch too

2008-10-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

Just as Apple had put a remote app kill switch on iPhone, Google Android also has the remote app kill switch to remove any malicious software if needed. According to the terms of service of Android market:

"Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion".

Also check out the video of media in Android's browser:

Sprint HTC Touch Pro (keyboard version) slightly delayed

2008-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

According to this, the launch of Sprint HTC Touch Pro smartphone is slightly delayed to early November. Here is a statement from the reporter's Sprint contact:

"Sprint expects to slightly delay launch of the Touch Pro by HTC to ensure we have adequate inventory in all channels before making the device commercially available. Customers can expect the device to become available in select national retailers by the end of the month and then in all Sprint sales channels including online at www.sprint.com and Sprint Stores by early November."

Sprint WiMax in Baltimore - Videos

2008-10-16T19:48:00.001-07:00

Check out this CNET video of Sprint XOHM WiMax launch in Baltimore.

Also check out the Computerworld article and the video about the launch.

No cellphone signal at your vacation cabin- you might want to try this

2008-10-15T20:07:00.001-07:00

There is a lot of political controversy over this issue but it also highlights the fact that cellphone companies have temporary towers that they can use to provide service if you don't have service in your area.

Sprint is the first US carrier to provide a similar alternative to you if you have weak or no cellphone signal but have wireline broadband service at this location. You can signup for Sprint AIRAVE™ for a small fee and get your cellphone working again!

How fast is Sprint WiMax?

2008-10-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Sprint recently launched the 4G WiMax network called Xohm. It was launched in Baltimore and will be launched in various cities within next 12 months. If this is successful, it should give Sprint a decent lead over the other carriers. So how fast is it compared to the 3G speed?

According to computerworld:

"The Xohm network delivered a peak download speed of 4.4Mbit/sec., while AT&T could muster only 1.7Mbit/sec. -- that's nearly three times the throughput at exactly the same locations. During a drive around the city, the hand-offs from tower to tower were seamless and glitch-free. WiMax can deliver data to a car moving at highway speeds, perfect for back-seat surfing or doing work on a commuter train.

On average, Xohm pushed through more than 3Mbit/sec., compared with 1.3 Mbit/sec. for the AT&T network. More to the point, the latency of the WiMax network was about one-third that of the AT&T network..."

If you live in the coverage area, you might get good pricing as part of the launch deals but coverage is limited at the moment.

Motorola Krave ZN4 Touch Screen phone to be available from Verizon

2008-10-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

(Image source: user azranz at HowardForums)

A touch screen phone from Motorola called Motorola Krave ZN4 (left one in the image above) is set to launch soon on the Verizon network. It has a flipcover that acts as an interactive display and provides control for many of the common functions.

Here are some other details:

Virtual QWERTY keyboard
HTML browser
VCAST services (Music, Video, Mobile TV)
GPS support through VZ Navigator
Media player
Bluetooth with stereo audio support
3.5mm headphone jack
Visual Voicemail access
2.0 megapixel camera with video recording and zoom
Voice control
Speakerphone

iPhone developer's cookbook to be available soon

2008-10-12T01:47:00.001-07:00

After Apple opened up the restrictive developer non-disclosure agreement (NDA), the first iPhone developer book is ready to hit the market.

There are over 4,000 apps/games already available for iPhone (many compatible with iPod Touch) and the number is expected to continue to grow!

A square phone from Sprint - LG Lotus coming soon..

2008-10-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

(click on images to view larger)

Check out the details of Sprint LG Lotus phone (expected to be available sometime this month) here: http://www.lglotus.com/. It has a full qwerty keyboard, Bluetooth, GPS and a 2MP camera.

Also check out the unboxing video by PhoneDog here:

Pandora Radio now available for Sprint Instinct - $2.99 per month

2008-10-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Pandora Radio is now available for Sprint Instinct in Sprint's Digital Lounge. It allows creation of radio stations based on user preferences.

It costs $2.99 per month (advertising free) on Sprint phones in addition to the data plan. It is much cheaper than $8.99 on AT&T phones. But it is free on iPhone and iPod Touch. The $2.99 plan also includes subscription to listen on your PC.

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers on Pandora's blog.

Businessweek's review of BlackBerry Storm touch screen phone

2008-10-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know that BlackBerry storm touch screen has a real keyboard like feel?

Check out the Businessweek's review of BlackBerry storm here.

BlackBerry Storm - Vodafone commercial

2008-10-08T19:44:00.001-07:00

And here is VerizonWireless one:

RIM provides details on Touch Screen BlackBerry - Blackberry Storm

2008-10-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here are details of the upcoming BlackBerry touch screen phone named BlackBerry® Storm™ with a 528-MHz processor:

Specifications

Features Available	Wireless email Organizer Browser Phone Camera (3.2 MP) Video Recording BlackBerry® Maps Media Player Built-in GPS Corporate data access SMS MMS
Size and Weight	4.43"/112.5mm (Length) 2.45"/62.2mm (Width) 0.55"/13.95mm (Depth) 5.5 oz/155g (Weight)
Data Input/Navigation	Touch Screen Navigation, with ClickThrough for user selection On screen keyboard: portrait SureType® and Multi-tap, QWERTY landscape
Voice Input/Output	3.5mm stereo headset capable Integrated earpiece/ microphone Built-in speakerphone Mono/stereo headset, hands-free, phone book access profile and serial port profile supported (Bluetooth® technology)
Media Player	Video format support: MPEG4 H.263, MPEG4 Part 2 Simple Profile, H.264, WMV Audio format support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMA ProPlus
Display	High resolution 480 x 360 pixel color display Transmissive TFT LCD Font size (user selectable) Light sensing screen
Notification	Polyphonic/MIDI ringtones MP3 ringtones Vibrate mode LED indicator
Approximate Battery Life	15 days (Standby time) 5.5 hours (Talk time)
Memory	Expandable memory – support for microSD™ card 1GB onboard memory 128 MB Flash (flash memory)
Modem	RIM® wireless modem Tethered modem capability
Email Integrations	Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for Microsoft® Exchange Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for IBM® Lotus® Domino® Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for Novell® GroupWise® Integrates with an existing enterprise email account Integrates with existing personal email account Integrates with optional new device account
Device Security	Password protection and screen lock Sleep mode Support for AES or Triple DES encryption when integrated with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Optional support for S/MIME
Wireless Network	UMTS/HSPA: 2100 MHz North America: 850 MHz GSM®/GPRS networks North America: 1900MHz GSM/GPRS networks Europe/Asia Pacific: 1800MHz GSM/GPRS networks Europe/Asia Pacific: 900MHz GSM/GPRS networks Dual-Band: 800/1900 MHz CDMA/Ev-DO networks

Sprint Instinct TV update - how is it working for you?

2008-10-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

The recent update of Sprint Instinct TV software to version 3.0.49 hasn't been received well by a number of users according to the posts in Sprint's baw forum. Check out some of the user messages here.

I am not sure if this is an issue with the software update or with the TV service provider (mobiTV?).

iPhone 3G is #1 selling smartphone, #2 overall in US

2008-10-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

According to the NPD Group, a leading wireless industry market research company:

"Apple iPhone 3G now the second best-selling mobile phone handset among U.S. consumers, after Motorola’s RAZR V3 .

...30 percent of U.S. consumers who purchased Apple’s new iPhone 3G from June through August 2008 switched from other mobile carriers to join AT&T, the exclusive mobile carrier for the iPhone in the U.S.
By way of comparison just 23 percent of consumers, on average, switched carriers between June and August 2008. Nearly half (47 percent) of new AT&T iPhone customers that switched carriers switched from Verizon Wireless, another 24 percent switched from T-Mobile, and 19 percent switched from Sprint.
...
During June through August 2008, the top four best-selling smartphones based on unit-sales to consumers were as follows:

1. Apple iPhone 3G
2. RIM Blackberry Curve
3. RIM Blackberry Pearl
4. Palm Centro"

The enormous success of iPhone shows how Apple has been a great benefit to AT&T even though Sprint's 3G network is much better than AT&T's 3G network at the moment. And almost half of new AT&T iPhone customers switched from Verizon. Who decided to turn down Apple at Verizon when Apple approached them first? It cost them a lot of lost revenue! To this date, iPhone 3G is unmatched in its hardware (multi-touch), software and over 4000 apps (almost a thousand apps/games for free) that really enhance the usability of this device. I have used Windows mobile phone, Samsung Instinct and an iPhone 3G and there is just no comparison. iPhone is in a league of its own and there is an app for almost anything imaginable. There is no other device/app store combination like it in the market.

It is surprising to see that a version of Motorola RAZR phone is still #1 in overall sales!

iPhone, Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond have potential for military use?

2008-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

ArmyTimes has an interesting article about using GPS-equipped consumer grade phones such as iPhone, Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond for military use.

According to the article:

"The Army has much bigger plans than that, and no product has caught the attention of its information technology specialists like the iPhone, the multipurpose Apple product introduced in 2007 that has become a worldwide bestseller.

The device, measuring less than ½-inch thick, and about 2 ½ inches high by 4 ½ inches long, can be used for multiple applications, including phone communications, e-mail, Web browsing, as an iPod, as a navigational aid with Global Positioning System access, as a camera and photo storage device, and as a high-tech calendar and calculator.

“The iPhone has tremendous potential as a mobile device for the Army because it really is a computer platform that happens to have a phone in it,” Wallington said.
...
Wallington said the same iPhone capability that serves as a control device for digital games can be used to steer and drive the robot.
...
Competing devices with similar, but not exact, capabilities are starting to enter the market, like the Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond available through Sprint.

Because these devices are multi-purpose computers, officials see vast potential for military applications."

The full article is here.

CNET followup on Samsung Instinct user experience

2008-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, CNET asked Samsung Instinct users to post about their experience with the Instinct phone. They now have a followup based on the feedback provided by a large number of Samsung Instinct users. Keep in mind that some of this was prior to the latest software updates provided by Sprint (Apparently, the users in Canada haven't received those updates from their Canadian carriers). The CNET article says:

"To sum it up, the overarching theme of these comments is best expressed by user MGP67. "Overall this phone is okay. I'm not completely enamored, but it will do." Of course, there were more extreme opinions on both sides--rl1211 thinks the Instinct is "awesome" while phoneitis calls it a "failure"--but most users who responded like it enough to keep it. "

Read the full article here.

Nokia announces a Touch screen phone - Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

2008-10-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

(Image source: infosyncworld.com)

Nokia announced a new touch-screen phone - Nokia 5800 XpressMusic (commonly known as Nokia Tube). This phone has a screen resolution of 640 x 360, touch user interface , video recording at up to 640 x 480 pixels and up to 30 fps , accelerometer and is even capable of playing Flash videos. Here are the detailed specifications:

Technical Specifications

Physical features, power and memory
Size
Form: Classic with full touch user interface
Dimensions: 4.37 x 2.04 x 0.61 in
Weight: 3.84 oz
Touch user interface optimized for one-hand use with tactile feedback

Display and 3D
Main display
- Size: 3.2"
- Resolution: 640 x 360 pixels (nHD)
- Up to 16 million colors
- aspect ratio 16:9
- automatic orientation sensor (Accelerometer) for display rotation
3D image engine

Keys and input method
Stylus, plectrum and finger touch support for text input and user interface control (alphanumeric keypad, full and mini qwerty keyboard, handwriting recognition
Dedicated Media Bar touch key for access to music, gallery, share on-line, Video Center and web browser
Voice commands
Physical keys for application launch key (menu key), send & end, power, camera, lock, volume up & down

Colors and covers
Available in-box colors:
- Black
Available colors may vary by country.

Connectors
Micro-USB connector, USB 2.0 High Speed
3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
MicroSD card slot, small DC jack, Micro USB cable interface to PC (CA-101), TV out interface (CA-75U)

Power
BL-5J 1320 mAh Li-Ion battery
Talk time (maximum):
- GSM up to 8.8 hr
- WCDMA up to 5 hr
Standby time (maximum):
- GSM up to 16.75 days
- WCDMA up to 16.7 days
Browsing time with packet data (maximum): up to 3.4 hr
Video playback time (maximum): up to 5.2 hr, Video playback time (maximum, nHD/Mpeg4)up to 3.4 hr, VGA video playback using TV-Out with Stereo BT Headset up to 3.8 hr
Video recording time (maximum): up to 3.6 hr
Video call time (maximum):up to 3 hr
Music playback time (maximum): up to 1.5 days
Gaming time (maximum): up to 5.6 hr
Battery times are estimates only and depend on network configuration, signal strength, features used, battery age and condition, charging practices, temperatures to which battery is exposed, whether use is in digital mode (or analog mode, if any), and many other factors. The amount of time a phone is used for calls will affect its standby time. Likewise, the amount of time that the phone is turned on and in standby mode will affect its talk time.

Memory
MicroSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 16 GB
81 MB internal memory
8GB microSD memory card in-box
Communication and navigation
Communication and navigation
Operating frequency
WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Automatic switching between GSM bands
Flight mode

Data network
CSD
HSCSD
GPRS/EDGE class B, multislot class 32, maximum speed 296/177 kbps (DL/UL)
WCDMA 2100/900 MHz with simultaneous voice and packet data, maximum speed PS 384/384 kbps (UL/DL), CS maximum speed 64 kbps
HSDPA cat 6, maximum speed 3.6 Mbps (DL)
WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g (3G version only)
TCP/IP support
Requires data service. Data services may not be available in all networks. Data transmission speeds may be as high as 3.6 Mbps, but may vary based upon network capabilities and other conditions. The establishment and continuation of a data connection depends on network availability, provider support and signal strength.

Local connectivity and synchronization
Bluetooth version 2.0*
- Bluetooth profiles: A2DP & AVRCP

MTP (Mobile Transfer Protocol) support
TV out with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, in-box)
Support for PC synchronization with Nokia PC suite

*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Call features
Integrated hands-free speakerphone
Number screening for messaging and calls
Automatic answer with headset or car kit
Any key answer
Call waiting, call hold, call divert
Call timer
Logging of dialed, received and missed calls
Automatic redial
Speed dialing
Voice dialing: speaker independent dialing and voice commands (SIND)
Fixed dialing number support
Vibrating alert (internal), also with tactile feedback
Side volume keys
Mute/unmute
Contacts bar for 4 contacts with images and communication history (SMS, IM, email, web feeds)
Talking ring tones
Conference calling with up to 6 participants
(when supported by service provider)

Messaging
SMS
Multiple SMS deletion
MMS version 1.3, message size up to 600 kb
Automatic resizing of images for MMS
Nokia Xpress audio messagingM
(requires a service plan including data services)
Common inbox for SMS and MMS messages
Number screening for messaging
Distribution lists for messaging
Instant messaging client
Cell broadcast
Only devices that offer compatible multimedia message or e-mail features can receive and display multimedia messages. Content appearance may vary. Some images and ring tones can not be forwarded.

E-mail
Supported protocols: IMAP, POP, SMTP
Support for e-mail attachments
OMA e-mail notification support
Mail for Exchange 2008 in DL client, in 2009 embedded
Requires a service plan including data services

Web browsing
Supported markup languages: HTML, XHTML, WML
Supported protocols: HTTP, WAP, JavaScript
TCP/IP support
OSS browser
Nokia Mobile Search
Requires a service plan including data services

GPS and navigation
Integrated GPS for pedestrian and car navigation
Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch application
The availability and accuracy of GPS location services are dependent on wireless networks, satellite systems. It may not function in all areas or at all times. You should never rely solely on GPS products for essential communications like emergencies. May require a service plan including data services.

Image and sound
Photography
3.2 megapixel camera (2048 x 1536 pixels)
Image formats: JPEG
Carl Zeiss optics
3x digital zoom
Autofocus
Dual LED flash
Flash modes: On, off, automatic, red-eye reduction
White balance modes: automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent
Centre weighted auto exposure; exposure compensation: +2 ~ -2EV at 0.5 step
Normal, Sepia, Black&White, Vivid, Negative
Dedicated camera key
Landscape (horizontal) orientation
Photo editor on device
Direct printing to compatible picture printers

Video
Main camera
Video recording at up to 640 x 480 pixels and up to 30 fps (TV high quality), up to 640 x 352 pixels and up to 30 fps (widescreen quality), up to 320 x 240 pixels and up to 30 fps/15 fps (email high/normal quality), up to 176 x 144 and up to 15 fps (sharing quality)
- Up to 4x digital video zoom
Video recording file formats: .mp4, .3gp
Audio recording formats: WAV (normal), AMR (MMS), AAC/MP4 (high quality)
Video white balance modes: automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent
Scene modes: automatic, night
Color tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, vivid, negative
Clip length (maximum): up to 1 hr 30 min (high or normal quality). Dependable on available memory.
RealPlayer
Video playback file formats: MPEG4-SP playback 30fps VGA, MPEG4-AVC playback 30fps QVGA, WMV9 playback 30fps QVGA, MPEG4-SP playback 30 fps nHD
Video streaming: 3GPP and CIF
Landscape mode video playback
Video editor on device
Video Center service supported: download and stream video content, WMV support, video feeds

Music and audio playback
Nokia Nseries digital music player
- Playlists
- 8-band graphic equalizer
- selection by artist, composers, album and genre
album graphics display and audio visualizations
bass booster, stereo widening, loudness
Music playback file formats: .mp3, SpMidi, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA
Dedicated volume keys & immediate access to Music Player from Media Bar, dedicated music keys in the headset control unit AD-54
Stereo FM radio (requires wired headset to be attached)
3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
Music Player
Nokia Music Manager
Ring tones: 3D stereo ring tones, 64-tone polyphonic, mp3 & video ring tones (3 videos and 9 mp3 songs built-in)
Integrated stereo speakers with surround sound (crystal clear hi-fi sound quality with dedicated audio chip)

Voice and audio recording
Voice commands
Speaker-independent name dialing (SIND)
Voice recorder
AMR, NB-AMR, FR, EFR
Digital stereo microphone

Personalization: profiles, themes, ring tones
Customizable profiles
Ring tones: 3D stereo ring tones, 64-tone polyphonic, mp3 & video ring tones
Themes
Software
Software
Software platform and user interface
S60 5th edition
Symbian OS version 9.4
Active standby
Media Bar
Contacts bar

Personal information management (PIM): contacts, clock, calendar etc.
Support for assigning images to contacts
Support for contact groups
Clock: analog and digital, world clock
Alarm clock
Reminders
Calculator
Calendar with week and month view
Converter
Notes
To-do list

Applications
Java TM MIDP 2.0*
Flash Lite 3.0**
Games: 3D Bounce and Global Race, DVD: Ulead VTB
Nokia Maps
Map loader
PC Download
PC Photos
OVI Suite with Nokia Music
Download!
Share on OVI
Adding more applications:
- Over-the-air (OTA) downloads

*Java is a registered trademark of SUN Microsystems, Inc.

**Flash Lite is a registered trademark of Adobe, Inc.

Gaming
Games: 3D Bounce and Global Race

Sales package contents
5800 XpressMusic with pen stylus
Battery (BL-5J)
High Efficiency Charger (AC-8U)
Music Headset (HS-45, AD-54)
Video-out Cable (CA-75U)
Connectivity Cable (CA-101)
8 GB microSDHC card (MU-43)
Carrying Case (CP-305)
Stand (DT-29)
Stylus plectrum in wrist strap (CP-306)
Extra pen stylus
User guide and Quick guide
Mini DVD

More details on latest/future software releases for Sprint Instinct

2008-10-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are more details on the recently released Sprint Instinct software update and the upcoming release according to Sprint Developer forum post:

nathan_sprint_adp
Subject:Important News on Releases/Upcoming Software
Date:2008-09-30 at 10:53 AM CDT

This posting shares two key things -

1: what was actually included in the latest software release
2: Planned scope of the next software release (which is currently scoped to included LCDUI support !!!!!) -

Please note, this software release is scheduled to enter in certification on Oct 13 and we currently don't have an exit/launch date for the MR as it depends upon how well the testing/certification goes.

Thanks for being patient as we work on making these upgrades happen

================================================== ============
ADP Public Release Notes for Latest Instinct Software Release

Version: BH29
Delivery: OTA
Client-Initiated: Select Main -> Settings -> General -> Update Software
Network-Initiated Campaign begins 9/29

Notes: Instinct firmware BH29 includes the resolution of 249 tickets open since the previous public firmware release, BF30, including:

4342 - "some words including 'microbrew' in SMS soft-reset device"
5972 - "some popular websites soft-reset the device"
xxxx - "screen mis-calibration soft-resets device"
5960 - "slow video player startup operation"
5967 - "cannot delete OWA mailbox while in 'account verify' state"
5564 - "parental control not letting allowed number to be dialed from text message"
5986 - "after firmware update device power cycles radio during WAP push"
6034 - "calendar alert not working"
5889 - "cannot maintain MSC mount"
6002 - "new/duplicate contact created when saving street address from SMS or email"
6001 - "can't enter text into search bar on yahoo"
6000 - "unsupported navigator object properties crash browser scripts"

The release also marks the first public release of the updated Instinct Web Browser, version 1.1. The new browser is based on an entirely new codebase and brings an 10x improvement to rendering speed, most noticeable in the areas of pan/zoom/resize functionality.

New browser features include:
* Voice Command Button -> hide/show controls; browser controls can be hidden to provide more screen to webpage display
* Improvements to favorites UI allows for sticky mode lock
* 34 other web browser tickets resolved

Individual application upgrades for the MR3 period are expected to go live the week of 9/29 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Exact go-live dates depend on application vendor.
Additionally, firmware structures have been added to facilitate the upcoming MR4 firmware release.

We anticipate an official Public Release Notes announcement of MR4 when that firmware enters certification test on 10/13 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Unofficially, firmware MR4 will include:

* Java refit to better enable 4-way/OK and text input to LCDUI widget-based applications
* Work Calendar support through an enhanced Sprint Mobile Email Work revision
* support for native document viewing for many popular office document types including .doc, .pdf, .ppt and others
* resolution to roughly 50 additional open tickets

The developer also confirmed when a user asked:

"Does this mean that applications like opera mini or other java based applications will allow text entry? "

Answer:
"That is correct - the idea would be to allow use of the native keyboard to support text entry. Thanks
Sprint ADP"

Adobe working on Flash Player for iPhone - waiting for Apple approval

2008-09-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

According to Flash Magazine, Adobe is working on Flash player for iPhone but Apple will decide if it will allow it to run on iPhone.

Here is a quote from the article:

"At the Flash On The Beach (FOTB) conference in Brighton, Sr. Director of Engineering at Adobe Systems Paul Betlem, confirmed that Adobe is indeed developing a Flash Player for the iPhone. However, Apple calls the shots as to when it'll be available."

Also check out this.

But do you really want Flash Player on your mobile phone? If you had flash player in your mobile browser, you could watch videos on more sites but a lot of resource intensive web advertisements now use Flash and it is going to kill your mobile browser experience. So maybe Flash for a mobile phone browser is not a good idea. But they could make it such that it doesn't load until you click on a video (the way embedded YouTube videos work on iPhone) and it loads separately in a video player.

Free Instinct like Voice Command for BlackBerry phones

2008-09-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the website of Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary). They provided the voice command software for Samsung Instinct. It is now available for BlackBerry phones as well so give it a try. It is an attempt by Microsoft to compete with Google in the search business. An iPhone version of Tellme is also in the works (but probably not top priority for them).

They also have a number 1-800-555-TELL.

Sprint to launch WiMax soon

2008-09-28T20:25:00.001-07:00

Sprint is set to launch WiMax service in Baltimore soon under the brand name XOHM™.

Check this out for details: http://www.xohm.com/baltimore/

According to USA Today:

"Prices will start at $10 for a day pass, good for 24 hours of unlimited usage. Monthly service starts at $35. There are no contracts.

To use the service, Baltimore customers will have to buy a special WiMax "aircard" or modem, which cost about $45 apiece. There are also special launch discounts, including a $50-a-month plan that offers subscribers unlimited data usage for life.

In Baltimore, Sprint is promising 2 to 4 megabits per second, though it says surfing speeds can rocket to 10 megabits or more, depending on the number and type of applications running. "

Skyfire browser (beta 0.8) available now - for Windows Mobile & Nokia N or E series

2008-09-28T12:52:00.001-07:00

(Image Source: dallasnews.com)

According to this and this, the beta version of Skyfire mobile browser is now available for download (after you register). The previous beta was limited to a few early signups so go get yours now.

Download Skyfire 0.8 Beta here. This browser has full HTML rendering, support for plug-ins like Flash, QuickTime, and Windows Media, and Web 2.0 applications!

For full list of features, check this out. Keep in mind that it works similar to Opera Mini (uses a backend server to do the heavy lifting) but is better than Opera Mini. So I personally wouldn't use it for banking sites because your information would pass through the skyfire servers.

Requirements

- Windows Mobile (5 or 6), or
- a Nokia N or E series (3rd edition) phone

I think that Microsoft should buy this company soon.

Windows Mobile 7 Delayed

2008-09-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

(Image Source: the unwired)

According to various sites, the release of Windows Mobile 7 has been delayed. Microsoft recently informed its partners about the delay (moved from early 2009 to late 2009). This means that Windows Mobile 7 might not reach the hands of consumers even by late 2009 or early 2010. This is a serious blow to Microsoft in the mobile space because Apple iPhone, Google Android and Nokia's OS are all moving along.

Windows Mobile 7 is expected to have Gesture recognition and speech input.

However, Microsoft is expected to have a better browser before the release of Windows mobile 7 (likely to be in Windows mobile 6.2). The improved browser will be similar to the desktop version of Internet Explorer 6 and will probably be called Internet Explorer Mobile 6. It is likely to have full Flash support.

Here is more information on the delay of Windows Mobile 7.

Information on next Sprint Instinct update - Release MR4

2008-09-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here is some information on the next software update for Sprint Instinct according to Sprint Administrator. Looks like Sprint is now on a roll (MR3 was just released yesterday)!

"MR-4 Information [ NEW ]

We anticipate an official Public Release Notes announcement of MR4 when that firmware enters certification test on 10/13 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Unofficially, firmware MR4 will include:

* Java refit to better enable 4-way/OK and text input to LCDUI widget-based applications
* ~~Work Calendar support through an enhanced Sprint Mobile Email Work revision~~
* support for native document viewing for many popular office document types including .doc, .pdf, .ppt and others
* resolution to roughly 50 additional open tickets "

This might be the best update for the Instinct phone!

UPDATE:

It seems that the Work Calendar support has now been removed from the message post in the baw forum.

Check out the comparison of Samsung Instinct vs HTC Touch Diamond

2008-09-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Check out the interesting comparison of Sprint Samsung Instinct vs. Sprint HTC Touch Diamond here.

Some pictures are here, here and here.

Sprint Samsung Instinct MR-3 Update now live - Browser update and other fixes

2008-09-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Sprint Samsung Instinct phone's MR-3 Update now live. Here are the details according to the baw forum post by Sprint Admin team:

"The validation testing has concluded and the files are posted in production. Customers will be able to pull down BH29 starting now. Additional communication will be provided tomorrow.

Instinct firmware BH29 includes the resolution of 249 tickets open since the previous public firmware release, BF30. The release also marks the first public release of the updated Instinct Web Browser, version 1.1. The new browser is based on an entirely new codebase and brings an 10x improvement to rendering speed, most noticeable in the areas of pan/zoom/resize functionality.

New browser features include:

* VC [voice command] Button -> Hide/show controls; browser controls can be hidden to provide more screen to webpage display

* Favorites enhancements -> Improvements to favorites UI allows for sticky mode lock

* 34 other web browser tickets resolved

Instinct Admin Team"

Update on MR-3 release for the Sprint Instinct (Firmware Revision BH-29)

2008-09-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the currently available details on Sprint Instinct MR-3 release (firmware update):

"Good Day, all!

After some research, this is what we know about the MR-3 release for the Instinct. Firmware Revision BH-29 is scheduled to get a Go/NoGo decision tomorrow, 9-24. DougR reports that we have a high level of confidence, but not 100%, that the GO call will be made. If that is the case, then users will be able to initiate their own updates of the handset late in the day on the 24th. We will update this forum as soon as the Go/NoGo decision is made.

Stay tuned - we'll update you tomorrow after the Go/NoGo call.

Thanks,

Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "

Does iPhone 3G work with AT&T Pay As You Go SIM Cards?

2008-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

According to this and this, iPhone 3G accepts AT&T GoPhone "Pay As You Go" and "Pick Your Plan" SIM cards.

So it might be possoble to use it without a 2-year contract by signing up for $19.99 MEdiaNet option? Maybe someone will try this on an eBay iPhone 3G to see if it really works.

CAUTION: This is probably against AT&T's official policy so you are at your own risk if you think about doing anything like this!

UPDATE:
According to this, AT&T is now cracking down on users of iPhone 3G that are using the MEdia Net Unlimited plan. Here is the text of the email sent to a customer:

"Subject: Important information regarding your iPhone 3G

The new AT&T - Your world. Delivered.

Our service records indicate that you are using an iPhone 3G with a data plan designed for other devices.
To avoid unexpected data overage charges and enable Visual Voicemail, please contact your telecom manager, or an AT&T representative at 1-800-331-0500.

Thank you for choosing wireless from AT&T. We appreciate your business.

Sincerely,
AT&T Customer Service"

T-Mobile to throttle 3G speed on Google Android phone G1?

2008-09-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

According to T-mobile's website on G1 phone features:

"**3G coverage is available only in certain markets. See coverage map for details. Data: If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less. Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users."

If you plan on watching a lot of YouTube or do other data intensive operations on your T-mobile G1 phone, make sure to try it out in the first month to estimate your total bandwidth usage.

Other carriers generally have a cap of 5GB vs. T-Mobile's throttling on over 1GB.

Sprint's Google Android phone by end of this year/early next year?

2008-09-23T18:54:00.001-07:00

A number of reputable press sources are now reporting about the possible launch of Sprint's Google Android phone before the end of this year or early next year. Here are some of them:

According to mobile magazine:

"There is certainly a lot of hullabaloo surrounding the pending announcement and launch of the HTC Dream G1 Android smartphone, but T-Mobile isn't the only one getting in on the Android action. It has now been reported that Sprint is not only getting an Android phone of its own, but it is getting one before Santa makes his rounds this December!"

According to AP:

"Among U.S. carriers, Sprint Nextel Corp. has apparently taken the bait along with T-Mobile, and is a member of the Open Handset Alliance. Verizon Wireless has not ruled out Android phones, but is putting its energy into LiMo. AT&T is holding off on making decisions about Android."

According to electronista:

"Sprint's known plans to produce an Android phone are also included in the leak but suggest that the device won't simply be a copy of the G1; details are unmentioned but should include "other functionality" than what T-Mobile's device offers. The CDMA carrier's handset is widely known to be scheduled for a launch early next year."

According to InformationWeek:

"Sprint Nextel [is] also planning to unveil an Android phone and, if it follows tradition, subscribers will have to sign a two-year contract to get a phone."

According to Wall Street Journal:

"Other carriers such as China Mobile and Sprint have said they would develop Android-powered phones, but some have experienced delays in integrating Google's services with their own, people familiar with those companies' plans said."

Why Sprint's Google Android Phone was Delayed?

According to this WSJ article from June, 2008:

"Google now says that the handsets won't arrive until the fourth quarter. And some cellular carriers and makers of programs that work with Android are struggling to meet that schedule, people familiar with the situation say.

T-Mobile USA expects to deliver an Android-powered phone in the fourth period. But that launch is taking up so much of Google's attention and resources that Sprint Nextel Corp., which had hoped to launch an Android phone this year, won't be able to, a person familiar with the matter said.

China Mobile, the largest wireless carrier in the world with nearly 400 million subscriber accounts, had planned to launch an Android phone in the third quarter but it has run into issues that will likely delay the launch until late this year or early 2009, a person familiar with the matter says."

The last official announcement from Sprint regarding Android was in Nov, 2007.

Interesting tidbit about Sprint and Android

According to this:

"In July, Mr. Webster got an e-mail from Jake Orion, a Sprint Nextel executive, who wanted to talk about Google and Android. (Sprint hopes to offer a phone with Google’s Android software next year.)

Mr. Webster said he interviewed Mr. Orion via e-mail. Mr. Orion suggested Google needed to be more pragmatic in its approach, particularly when working with carriers. Later, after the interview was posted, Mr. Orion contacted Mr. Webster and asked him to take the interview down, saying his comments had ruffled feathers at Google. Mr. Webster complied. “I told Jamie, ‘I’m not going to go to bed thinking I lost this guy his job,’” said Mr. Webster."

T-Mobile launches first Google phone

2008-09-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile today announced the launch of first Android-powered mobile phone in partnership with Google.

Check out the launch videos from the "Conference Index" menu here. The G1 phone would sell for $179 with a two-year contract starting on Oct. 22.

Keep in mind that T-Mobile 3G coverage is limited (compared to other carriers) at the moment even though they have rolled out 3G in more markets recently.

Some other videos of T-mobile G1 by MobileBurn are included here:

CNET Asia - HTC Touch HD browser pictures

2008-09-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

( Image Source: CNET Asia)

CNET Asia has more pictures of HTC Touch HD here. The HTC Touch HD phone looks similar to HTC Touch Diamond but with a bigger and higher resolution screen, better camera and probably more advanced hardware. The browser looks very nice and this phone is about the size of an iPhone (maybe a little thicker).

This phone would be excellent for reading eBooks and PDF files!

Can cellphones affect the sperm quality?

2008-09-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

A small study was done by Cleveland Clinic on the effect of leaving a cellphone in talk mode on the quality of semen in close proximity. Here is a summary of the results:

"Sperm mobility was significantly lower in exposed samples compared with unexposed samples."

"Sperm viability was significantly lower in exposed samples than in unexposed samples."

Some of the articles covering this are here and here. Here is the full PDF and here is a PDF of the research done earlier.

How to get stock quotes on your Samsung Instinct phone

2008-09-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

I see a number of requests from Sprint Instinct users looking for a stock quote application. Unfortunately the Instinct phone doesn't have a stock quote application but there are a number of ways you can create your stock portfolio and view it on your Samsung Instinct browser. Here is one way to do it:

Go to http://finance.yahoo.com/badges/
Click on Start now and login with a free yahoo account.
Select the "Quotes" module.
Enter up to 10 stock symbols.
Select other settings like width, color theme, etc. and agree to the terms and conditions.
Click on "Get code"
On the next screen you will see some HTML code. Copy that code and save it in notepad or any other text editor and save it somewhere on your computer.
Now you can go to your website (or create a free blog) and paste this code there and you are good to go.
If you don't know how to create a web page, check your ISP (internet service provider's) support/help website. Most ISP's allow their customers to create a personal web page. You can paste this code there or get a free blog from blogger.com (you can make it private and password protect it if you want).

You can use this method with any smart phone that has a decent browser!

CNet Crave - How is your Instinct? - Post your experience

2008-09-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

CNet crave wants to know about your experience with Samsung Instinct phone. Here is where you go and provide a summary of your experience with this phone after using it for sometime:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10046177-1.html

From the above site:

Owners of the Samsung Instinct, I want to hear from you. Though the iPhone rival was one of the hottest cell phones of the summer, its successes and shortcomings haven't received quite as much attention as Apple's device.

Make sure you provide your honest review there so that others can benefit from your experience with the phone.

Video of gorgeous HTC Touch HD phone - Check out that browser!

2008-09-17T18:36:00.003-07:00

Here is a video of the recently announced HTC HD phone (not the same as Sprint HTC Touch Diamond). The other two phones in the video are Samsung Omnia and guess what...

Next 12 months are going to be very exciting in the world of high-end phones so if you are past your 2-year contract with any carrier, don't renew that contract yet!

(Are they speaking in French?)

Businessweek on HTC Touch Diamond - "What were they thinking?"

2008-09-17T18:36:00.002-07:00

According to businessweek's review:

"The HTC Touch Diamond from Sprint is a richly featured smartphone, thin and light, with a big and gorgeous display. And one feature so bad that it renders the Touch Diamond all but unusable.

It is almost impossible to type accurately enough for the software to divine your intentions, making typing an agony.
...
But wait, there's more. In critical situations, the keyboard often covers the text box in which you are trying to enter data. "

So if you are exchanging your Instinct phone for Sprint HTC Touch Diamond, keep this in mind that if you type a lot, you might want to wait until the release of upcoming Sprint HTC Touch Pro (keyboard version) if you can handle a fat phone.

Sprint trying to cover-up bad press about Instinct phone problems??

2008-09-17T18:36:00.001-07:00

There was a link to this blog in the user profile signature at Sprint's Instinct Insight (buzzaboutwireless) forum. When a Sprint moderator saw it and probably saw the prevoius blog post, the signature was promptly removed (it was present since the release of Instinct without any problems!)

Note the time of the moderator message! Sprint now has forum moderator's working even at midnight!!

Here is the message from Sprint forum moderator:

Your sig - sorry
From: Raine

Date: 09-17-2008 11:54 PM
Hey .., I'm really sorry to do this, but I've had to remove your signature. I'm sure you've got a great blog going, and I definitely wish you the best. Unfortunately, the BAW guidelines state: "The Community is provided as a service to Sprint customers and is not intended for the promotion of third-party services, products, Web sites, or organizations. Do not post content that would constitute advertising, junk mail, spam, chain letters, or any other form of unauthorized solicitation. " Since you were linking to a third party website, and it was being advertised, I needed to remove the link. I understand you're not trying to sell anything, but the rule still stands. Feel free to check out our guidelines here.-- Raine

So what do you think??

I am wondering if Sprint hired the moderators just to keep the forum clean or to cover up the negative information about the phone?

The Sprint Instinct forum users have been complaining of increased censorship in the forum lately with entire negative posts missing (even the ones without bad language!)

UPDATE:
Today (the next day) the moderator sent this message:

"Re: Your sig
From: Raine

09-18-2008 11:26 AM
Hey ...,
We've decided as long as you don't continually advertise within your posts, the link in your signature can be put back.
Feel free to post it back up! "

Interestingly, there were no "continual" advertisements in the posts (except the original links to this blog from when Instinct was newly released and baw forum admins were well aware of those).

Browser fix delay frustrates Sprint Instinct users

2008-09-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

After it was announed that the browser fix for Sprint Instinct phone would be delayed by another week from the previously planned date, a large number of Instinct users have vented their frustration in the Sprint's buzzaboutwireless/instinctinsight forum. As of this writing, there were over 100 posts made by mostly upset users. Here is the announcement with the big outcry (in a Sprint moderated forum so expect some censorship):

"While initial information had listed Sept. 17 as the date the firmware upgrade (MR-3) would be available, the new release date is Sept. 24th.

We apologise for this delay, but we are commited to doing this the right way and releasing a reliable, working update to our Instinct customers.

If we have any further information, we will follow up here.

Instinct Admin Team"

While the Instinct phone has been selling like hot cakes because of massive advertising campaign, many of the users have experienced serious deficiencies in the phone software. The user frustration arises from the fact that many of the users are now past their 30-day trial return period and are locked in a 2-year contract with Sprint and it has been almost 3 months since the phone release but the problems are still not fixed (despite some attempts by Sprint and native app vendors issuing certain updates and promises for more). These problems include browser crash on many popular websites, TV application crash, Navigation application crash or lock-up, phone unresponsive momentarily at unexpected occasions and email connectivity errors.

I have two de-activated Sprint Instinct phones sitting on the table. My wife and I used them for about 2 months and after many frustrating experiences, we decided that our time was worth more than dealing with those issues.

I also looked at the possibility of fixes from Sprint in the near future and came to the conclusion that it will be very challenging for Sprint to fix those crashes because they seem like memory leak or memory related issues, possibly at the firmware or Java virtual machine level (because it is not just one single app that has the problem; many of the apps crash or become unresponsive). They could also be from a slower processor or insufficient memory. The app code would have to be seriously optimized to work in an environment like this.

I replace my PDA/smartphones every 2 years and didn't think that waiting 3-6 months (or maybe even longer) for everything to be fixed to my satisfaction was worth my time while I was paying mandatory Instinct data plan rates without proper value return.

On top of that, one of the Instinct units had a touch screen sensor failure and I had a very frustrating experience getting it replaced.

So I went and got 2 iPhones and I have been very happy (mostly) with my phone since. iPhone 3G is light years ahead of Instinct in its current incarnation but the well publicized iPhone problems are true. If call reliability is important to you, don't get an iPhone. I have had the "call failed" message a number of times on my iPhone 3G and had to call the person again. And it doesn't have the turn-by-turn navigation yet. It only has google maps with GPS. And some apps do crash occasionally. But it has thousands of apps (many great ones for free) and it is unlikely that Instinct browser will ever be as good as iPhone's safari browser (webkit engine based which will also be the engine for Google's android phone browser). I also had occasional network issues with AT&T's 3G network.

So basically, iPhone is on the wrong 3G network in US. Sprint should have had the iPhone and it would have been an even better marriage. But iPhone is such a great device overall that AT&T's network issues and other problems are much more palatable than the frustration with the Instinct phone.

With T-mobile's Google android phone launching soon, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Sprint Instinct users jump ship. According to the Wall Street Journal:

"The first mobile device powered by Google Inc.'s "Android" mobile phone software is expected to sell for $199 and will showcase the Google brand, people familiar with the matter say, a departure from the standard practice of listing only the manufacturer and wireless carrier on handsets...

The carrier [T-mobile] plans to unveil new data plans in conjunction with the device that will be "aggressively priced," the people said."

I am waiting for my last Sprint bill with $400 ($200 x2 lines) added for early termination fee (ETF) before I sell the two Instinct phones to recoup some of the ETF costs. I do not regret getting the iPhones at all. They are far superior devices albeit with a more expensive carrier (text messaging costs extra) and inferior 3G network than Sprint's. However, the ease of use, far superior browser and tons of free apps and games more than make up for these limitations.

I would have stayed with Sprint if there was an announcement from Sprint with a firm date of Sprint's Google android phone. The last announcement from Sprint that I saw regarding the android platform was a while ago (but the rumors say before the end of this year). With Instinct, I think Sprint bet on a wrong phone but according to Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, "Samsung is making as many as they can, but they still sell out. Our employees still can't get them."

I guess Instinct marketing campaign is working better than the phone itself but some users vouch that they did not experience the problems that my two Instinct phones and hundreds if not thousands of Instinct early adopters have experienced.

Google Android phone demo - Sep 16th, London

2008-09-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of Google Android phone demo at Google Developers Day, September 16, London.

It looks smiliar to what might be sold through T-mobile (announcement on Sept. 23) starting late next month.

Where is Sprint's Google android based phone??

There was HTC Touch and now there is HTC Touch 3G

2008-09-15T21:09:00.001-07:00

Check out the newly announced HTC Touch 3G phone here.

Just as iPhone went from iPhone to iPhone 3G, it seems that HTC named the newer version of HTC Touch with 3G suffix!

There is another one called HTC Touch Viva™. Check it out here.

Video - Samsung Instinct (Telus version) running Opera Mini 4.1

2008-09-15T20:35:00.001-07:00

Here is a video of Samsung Instinct (Telus version) running Opera Mini 4.1 browser. It seems that this does not have the problem of freezing on loading screen (on second and sunsequent runs) that earlier versions of Sprint Instinct phones had:

HTC Touch HD pictures leaked

2008-09-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

After some HTC Touch HD phone pictures leaked, HTC has made them available on their website.

Note: This phone is not the same as the newly released Sprint HTC Touch diamond. Its screen is even bigger than the iPhone screen and much higher resolution!

Highlights

3.8-inch wide, WVGA (480 X 800 pixel) display offering a cinema experience on the go
Vibrant TouchFLOTM 3D user interface, responding perfectly to your finger gestures when scrolling through contacts, browsing the web, and launching media
Surf and download at broadband speed with HSDPA internet connectivity
Google Maps enhanced by the wide screen viewing platform
5 megapixel camera for quality stills and video
3.5 mm audio jack makes the Touch HDTM compatible with the majority of audio equipment available

Specifications:

Processor: Qualcomm® MSM 7201A™ 528 MHz
Operating System: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional

Memory
ROM: 512 MB
RAM: 288 MB

Dimensions
115 mm x 62.8 mm x 12 mm(4.35 in x 2.5 in x 0.47 in)

Weight
146.4 grams (5.164 ounces) with battery

Display
3.8-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution

Network
HSDPA/WCDMA:
Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz
Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.)

Device Control
HTC TouchFLO™ 3D
Touch-sensitive front panel buttons

GPS
GPS and A-GPS ready

Connectivity
Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsetsWi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/gHTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0)

Camera
Main camera: 5 megapixel color camera with auto focus
Second camera: VGA CMOS color camera

Audio
Built-in 3.5 mm audio jack, microphone, speaker, and FM radioRing tone formats:
AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV
40 polyphonic and standard MIDI format 0 and 1 (SMF)/SP MIDI

Battery
Rechargeable Lithium-ion or Lithium-ion polymer batteryCapacity: 1350 mAhTalk time:
Up to 390 minutes for WCDMA
Up to 310 minutes for GSMStandby time:
Up to 450 hours for WCDMA
Up to 390 hours for GSM
Video call time: Up to 120 minutes(The above are subject to network and phone usage.)

Expansion Slot
microSD™ memory card (SDHC™ capable)

AC Adapter
Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 HzDC output: 5V and 1A

HTC Touch Diamond is now available on Sprint website

2008-09-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

HTC Touch Diamond is now available on Sprint's website with the following pricing:

Regular price:$549.99
Instant savings: -$200.00
Mail-in Rebate (selected plans): -$100.00
New price: $249.99
Requires 2-yr Agreement

A cut above the rest
With the touch of a finger, check your work and personal email, surf the web on the 2.8″ touch-screen and access your personal photos, videos and music stored on the 4GB of internal memory. Mail-in rebate requires an Everything plan, Talk/Message/Data Share plan, Data Premier add-on or PRO Pack add-on. Get free shipping and free activation when you purchase a phone with a new line of service online!

Highlights
3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera and camcorder with zoom
Windows® Mobile 6.1

Key Features
Sprint Music Store
Sprint TV enabled
GPS enabled
Web, email capable
Built-in camera
Speakerphone
Bluetooth
External display
Voice dialing
Broadband speeds where available

Full Feature List

TouchFLO™ 3D
TouchFLO™ 3D gives you one-touch finger or stylus access to the web, TV, e-mail, messages, contacts, photos and music the second you pick up your phone…and you experience it all in vivid 3D.

Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Software
Windows Mobile 6.1 provides features allowing you to stay connected to your business and personal data on the go. Windows Mobile 6.1 supports many forms of email including HTML mobile. Edit documents using Microsoft Mobile applications. Easily transfer your digital multimedia from your Windows-based PC to your device.

Memory
Store pictures, videos, music and other data on the 4GB of internal memory.

Built-In Wi-Fi Capability
High-speed data connection between the device and nearby Wi-Fi access points for the ultimate in mobile connectivity.

3.2 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder
Capture high-resolution images with the digital camera and zoom. Create your own video clips and easily share them with family and friends.

Bluetooth® Enabled including Stereo BT profile
Enjoy the convenience of hands-free communication by using headsets, car-kits and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.* Stereo Bluetooth lets you listen to your music on the go or listen to your music using compatible accessories without wires. *Bluetooth wireless accessories are sold separately.

Wireless Email-Corporate & Personal
Outlook email with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and HTML support. Send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts. Also, get wireless email access to popular commercial POP3 and IMAP accounts like AOL, Gmail, Earthlink, and Yahoo!

Text, Pic and Video Messaging
Tell your story to friends and family with text, pictures and video taken in the moment. Send messages to other phones, email addresses and more all from your phone.

Live Search by Microsoft®
Live Search by Microsoft® lets you use device web and location capabilities together to find just what you want right now.

Sprint TV® Enabled
Watch live TV and video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound. Catch the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.

Sprint® Music Store
Download stereo-quality tracks instantly to your wireless phone or PC. Choose songs from thousands of artists in virtually every genre and listen wherever you go.

GPS Navigation
Search for the closest coffee shop, or navigate to a specific address with a 3D map that moves with you. Asking for directions is a thing of the past.

MP3 Player
Transfer music files from a PC or download from the Sprint® Music Store and listen to your songs via the speakerphone or a stereo headset accessory.

Background music playing mode
Use the Sprint Music Store to listen to music while sending text messages, browsing the Web, or playing a downloaded game.

Speaker-Independent Voice Dialing
Say the name of any entry in your phone book and the number is dialed automatically without using the keypad. This feature is speaker-independent, so there is no need to train the phone to respond to any one person’s voice. Receive an audible status report of your phone/s coverage, signal strength, and battery strength.

Picture caller ID
Identify callers at a glance by linking downloaded photos and other images to your phone book.

Productivity tools
View and update your calendar, schedule appointments, check your task list and more while you’re on the go.

TTY
Able to connect to a TTY device and allow anyone who is hearing-impaired to communicate.

Hearing Aid Compatible
M3 Rating