T-Mobile Merger On The Horizon?

Topic:

Alright, so here's what we know. T-Mobile has had a tough few quarters. Their Q3 numbers were not good, and rumors abound that Deutsche Telekom is considering drastic action. It's possible that they will even sell T-Mo, although that would obviously be their last course of action. Right now, they appear to be looking at the possibility of a merger.

A report in the German newspaper Handelsblatt has all the bloggers (FierceWireless) speculating like madmen over the possibilities of a T-Mo merger. The newspaper stated that Deutsche Telekom is looking for partners for T-Mo, in order to help the ailing carrier stagger back to solvency. AT&T, Clearwire, and MetroPCS were named as possible partners.

Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:20:58 CST | by Robert Evans

$20 Virgin Mobile Slash Prepaid Phone Is Walmart Value Of The Day

Topic:

Each day during the holidays Walmart offers a new deal in their Walmart Value of the Day sale. Today Walmart offers the Virgin Mobile Slash Prepaid Camera Cell Phone for only $20.
The same prepaid phone sells on Amazon for $80.

Prepaid is the way to go when you want to give your teenage kids a cellphone.
The Slash by Samsung features a color display, IM/email, speakerphone, MP3 ringtones, Java , web browser and voice-activated dialing.
Read more

Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:12:18 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

AT&T and LG Unveil Shine II Mobile Phone

Topic:

LG and AT&T have announced that the Shine II will be coming to the AT&T network on November 22nd for $119.99 after a mail-in rebate. The actual price of the device is $169.99 with a new 2-year agreement. The new Shine II offers a slider design with a glossy surface similar to the original Shine handset.

The Shine II has a 2.2-inch mirror LCD and uses stainless steel construction and a streamlined shape. The handset supports Java 2.0 and has a built-in media player with a customizable EQ. Read more

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile Selling Sidekick Again

Topic:

Less than a month after the resolution of the terrible Sidekick data disaster of 2009, T-Mobile is back to selling the troubled mobile once more (via PhoneNews). The 2008 Sidekick goes for $49.99 with an Even More plan, while the 2009 Sidekick LX will set you back $149.99 with the same plan. Pretty pricey for a 3G messaging phone.

Despite last month's horrific debacle, the Sidekick still appears to be as popular as ever. All Sidekick models are currently listed as 'out of stock'. Is T-Mo's site having inventory troubles, or are that many people still in love with the Sidekick as a mobile phone?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:46:04 CST | by Robert Evans

Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition launched

Topic:

Nokia today announced the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition, a phone that combines mobile broadcast TV (DVB-H), social networking, music and gaming into one compact 3G device.
The Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition DVB-H tuner allows you to watch TV on the go on a QVGA 2.4" screen.

Other features of the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition include 3.5mm headphone plug, 3.2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom and LED flash and social networking software integration. Read more

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:31:21 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Samsung Behold II OLED Android Phone Launches Nov. 18th on T-Mobile

Topic:

Samsung and T-Mobile unveiled the Behold II OLED Android phone in early October. Today T-Mobile announced that the Samsung Behold II will be available on November 18th in U.S. T-Mobile retail stores.

Available exclusively from T-Mobile USA, the Behold II SGH-t939 is the first phone from T-Mobile to feature a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen for crisper colors and wider viewing angles, which is paired with a 5MP camera with autofocus, zoom, flash, five shooting modes and video capabilities. The Behold II features Samsung's 3D cube menu providing access to six multimedia features: music, photos, videos, the Web, YouTube and Amazon MP3 for music downloads.
Read more

Posted on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:30:45 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Boost Mobile's New Motorola Debut is Aimed at Ladies

Topic:

Boost Mobile has added a new handset to its line up which is specifically aimed at the fashion conscious ladies looking for pre-paid service. The new handset is called the Motorola Debut i856W. The handset is ivory in color (off white for us guys) and has a flying heart style motif on the back cover.

Boost says that the handset strikes a balance between style and luxury at a price of $149.99. Functionally the new handset is identical to the i856 that Boost already has in its line, it's just glamed up for the ladies. Read more

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile Kills myFaves

Topic:

Ouch. Prospective T-Mobile users have missed the boat on myFaves, because it's not going to be around any longer. FierceWireless reports that the German-owned carrier sent them a statement confirming the feature's end. If you never had it, myFaves was an option which allowed users to choose up to five frequently-called numbers to get unlimited calling to. However, in light of T-Mo's rash of new unlimited calling plans, the feature has become less and less significant.

Users who currently benefit from the plan needn't worry. All users with the feature will be able to continue paying for it as long as they wish. T-Mobile will also continue offering the myFaves homescreen for free across all their phones. Basically, it's now an app that links all the contact info of your five most frequently contacted people.

Posted on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:28:08 CST | by Robert Evans

Secure Mobile Payment App for Android Unveiled

Topic:

Charge Anywhere has announced the first secure mobile payment application for the Android platform. The payment solution and payment gateway service Charge Anywhere for Android is now available. Android mobile phones can now be used as payment acceptance devices and the app is available through the Android Market.

The app has a touch screen interface and allows merchants to quickly accept credit and debit card transactions at the point of sale via the smartphone. The software also supports an optional Bluetooth printer for printing receipts. Read more

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Ralink Offers 802.11n/Bluetooth 3.0 combo Card for Mobile Computers

Topic:

Ralink Technology has announced the availability of its RT3090BC4 802.11n and Bluetooth 3.0 combination card for mobile PCs. The single solution allows the user of mobile computers to get 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity on a single compact card for netbooks, notebooks, and other consumer PC platforms.

The company says that in addition to allowing both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity using the latest specifications for each on mobile computers, the combination card is also cheaper for OEMs to use and saves on building costs. Read more

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile Releases Q3 2009 Numbers

Topic:

T-Mobile has been going through some hard times lately. Profits have been down for months, a slow but steady flood of customers have fled the carrier, and the Sidekick Data Disaster certainly didn't help anything. The word on the street is that Deutsche Telekom, T-Mo's parent company, is considering rash action if the carrier can't pull things up out of the gutter soon. With the tough times they've had recently, T-Mo needs something good to report.

Sadly, that 'something good' isn't going to be their Q3 2009 earnings report. Don't get me wrong, T-Mo isn't in free-fall, but they haven't yet managed to staunch the bleeding. While total revenues were $5.38 billion, up from $5.34 billion in Q2, their net income was only $417 million for this quarter. That's down a bit from $425 million in Q2, and down a lot from $445 million in Q3 2008.

Posted on Thu, 5 Nov 2009 04:35:52 CST | by Robert Evans

TAG Heuer Unveils MERIDIIST Lamborghini Mobile Phone

Topic:

I have seen my share of high-end mobile phones aimed at the rich before. The new TAG Heuer MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini mobile phone may be the best looking of them all. The device is housed in black titanium carbide coated 316L stainless steel and takes design cues from the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640.

The device has a keyboard with the Lamborghini bull and the display is made from 60.5 carats of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The device promises 7 hours of talk time and 28 days on standby. Read more

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Ericsson Xperia X10: T-Mobile And AT&T?

Topic:

Today Ericsson made big news with the official announcement of the Xperia X10. This new Android smartphone is far and away the most powerful mobile announced so far. Now that we know just what hardware this baby will pack, the only question remaining is what carriers will get this gorgeous new phone. Ericsson hasn't officially announced that yet, but the fact that they've unveiled it must mean that they are close to ironing out a deal.

Android and Me points out that the X10 could easily be coming out for both AT&T and T-Mobile. How is this possible? Because the Rachel packs WCDMA/UMTS 1700/2100, which means this handset is T-Mo 3G ready. The X10 also has UMTS 850/1900, which is AT&T 3G ready.

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:37:34 CST | by Robert Evans

Android 2.0 Already Ported Onto T-Mobile G1

Topic:

The whole discussion on whether or not the G1 can run the new Android 2.0 release can end now, as the first rough ports from developers appeared enabling Android 2.0 to be loaded on the T-Mobile G1. The Android 2.0 port does not offer full functionality yet, it is more of a proof of concept.

Of course it still remains to be seen if T-Mobile is releasing an official Android 2.0 update for the G1. Read more

Posted on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

GM to Offer Mobile WiFi on Some Vehicles

Topic:

GM has announced that it will be offering dealer installed Autonet routers in some of its SUV and trucks as an option. These routers will give people inside the car access to the Internet wherever they drive. GM isn't the only car company offering WiFi connectivity.

VW offers the same router in its Routan as well as Chrysler. An install kit is available for the router for GMC, Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles. The kits can also be ordered on GMs accessory site. Read more

Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Edition Delayed?

Topic:

If you're a big fan of Fender guitars (or just want to seem like one) you've probably looked at the upcoming myTouch 3G Fender edition. This custom version of the myTouch 3G is more than just a change of skin. It has more RAM (288 MB total) than its forebearer, in addition to a 16 GB SD card and a 3.5 MM headphone jack. The Fender edition was originally due out this holiday season. Unfortunately, the odds of it actually making that launch now seem unlikely.

Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:44:58 CDT | by Robert Evans

Virgin Mobile Kills Off Helio, Drops Ocean 2

Topic:

I can remember back before the iPhone was the answer to all of our mobile phone needs. I really wanted a Helio, but in my local area there were no Helio offerings available. The company was later bought by Virgin Mobile, which appears to be ready to send the Helio name to the crusher.

Apparently, the Helio Ocean 2 that launched back in February has already been pulled from the Virgin Mobile website and the only Ocean available is the aging original device. Apparently, Korean fans can still get the Ocean 2 and other Helio phones like the Heat and Fin. Read more

Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Duracell Instant USB charger and GoMobile Charger Review

Topic:

Today I am checking out a couple of new battery devices from Duracell. One of the chargers is the GoMobile that charges AA or AAA batteries in the car and at home.

The other charger is the Instant USB Charger that provides power for anything that charges via USB. That includes the iPod, iPhone, and digital cameras. Read more

Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:02:35 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile Equinox: A Festive Feature Phone

Topic:

Most 'feature phones' (a nice way of saying dumb phones) are pretty much the same these days. That's why we don't waste our words covering every single low-end mobile phone that gets churned out these days. Sometimes, though, a feature phone comes along that's worthy of comment. The T-Mobile Equinox (via Gizmodo) is one such phone.

Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:04:29 CDT | by Robert Evans

385 Million Ultra mobile Devices to ship by 2014

Topic:

Well it seems that the ultra mobile market is only going to continue to grow and by 2014, ABI Research predicts that the market will ship 385 million ultra mobile devices. That number will be reached with a large diversity of form factors and device types with vendors trying to meet audience's preferences.

The research firm says that the MID is the most interesting product category to watch since the segments is still emerging. The most common product design will likely be the tablet form factor with other models with slider keyboards, clamshells, and touchscreens growing in popularity as well. Read more

Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:49:21 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

T-Mobile Project Dark Even More And Even More Plus Plans Are Official

Topic:

The intensively rumored T-Mobile Project Dark is now official. T-Mobile published the new Even More and Even More Plus plan options on their web site.
Under the new T-Mobile Even More Plus plan you do not need an annual contract. The plan options under Even More require a 2 year contract requirement. For that you get phone discounts.

Under Even More Plus the unlimited data plans (Talk+Text+Web) start at $59.99/month, which is nice. If you do not have a cool phone yet you need to pay for instance $499.99 of the myTouch 3G or $549.99 for the HTC Touch Pro 2. Read more

Posted on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:45:24 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr