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T-Mobile retires Sidekick 4G, but brand will return
While the fires that burn inside the hearts of Sidekick fans will probably never go out, the venerable Android slider is being put out to graze. T-Mobile announced last week that the Sidekick 4G was to be discontinued, but it's now added that it's not leaving that pervasive brand behind. In a statement to The Verge, the carrier affirmed that there would be future devices, but didn't reveal anything more substantive on new handsets in the pipeline. We'll keep twiddling our QWERTY-addled thumbs until more details arrive.
T-Mobile demos new Sidekick opening mechanism, promises mobile hotspot and tethering support
So what do you think of the first touchscreen Sidekick? A desperate attempt to keep an archaic brand alive with unrelated hardware or a modern retelling of a successful retail story? Either way, T-Mobile's keeping the popular name alive, albeit with an Android 2.2 foundation and Samsung-built guts. The new slider mechanism, which replaces the popular 180-degree swivel that was the hallmark of Sidekick devices, has now been treated to a neat video demo, where it's assured upwards thrust gives us cause to be cautiously optimistic. Phone Scoop has also received confirmation that Android's built-in mobile hotspot and USB tethering functions will be supported on the new device, along with MicroSD memory expansion -- 1GB of storage on board will be supplemented with a 2GB card in the box -- WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Video follows after the break. [Thanks, Brandon and Timothy]
T-Mobile Sidekick 3 users to get mobile MySpace
Once an exclusive Helio playground, MySpace may be coming soon to a T-Mobile Sidekick 3 near you. From initial reports, T-Mobile's MySpace app will allow profile editing, picture uploading, comments and the sending and receiving of MySpace messages. From a mobile perspective, that's pretty complete coverage, yes? The T-Mobile Sidekick MySpace app will keep you logged into MySpace constantly so that all those friend alerts and other socially pressing issues will pop up on that Sidekick screen in real-time. The new MySpace app will apparently come standard on the upcoming Sidekick Zante and will also be available to current Sidekick 3 customers at a later date.[Via Slashphone]
Sidekick iD reviewed
A Sidekick for the low price of $99 is enough to get any Danger fan excited -- but just what do you give up in exchange for the price break? That's precisely what T-Mobile is about to push out the door to give the cash-starved (and the frugal) among us a taste of the older, higher end Sidekick 3. LAPTOP Magazine had the chance to sit down and put the iD through its paces, pointing out the glaring lack of MP3 playback, camera, Bluetooth, and expandable memory. On the flipside, though, what's left is still Sidekick through and through: a messaging focus, mobile web surfing and the typical Hiptop form factor that makes voice calling just a tad awkward. More is lacking in the iD, though -- the lack of even 2.5G EDGE data is going to make serious surfing an exercise in frustration. Are there any old-school GPRS fans out there still? We thought not, but there probably are a few Sidekick-for-$100 fans. All told, LAPTOP was digging the myFaves integration (you're next, Sidekick 3 users) but found the nixed features a little tough to swallow, suggesting folks might be better served saving up a little extra coin for the 3 or a Motorola Q to get mobile multimedia done right.
"Danger Zante" model leaked via EXIF data?
We love when rogue software installations and EXIF information end up giving away upcoming and unreleased wireless handset models. The latest entry: a photo on Flickr that showed off its EXIF data as having been taken by a "Danger Zante." Now, as far as we know, the "Zante" may be a codename for an upcoming Hiptop model -- possibly the Sidekick X from T-Mobile. But alas, the images were pulled from Flickr so no more closeup examination. If anyone has deets on what the Zante is all about, drop us a line.[Thanks, Aaron L.]
T-Mobile's D-Wade Sidekick 3 now available
In case you haven't yet found a T-Mobile Sidekick 3 that is customized to your liking, the GSM carrier now is making a special edition (yes, another one) available now "with design by NBA star Dwayne Wade." While D-Wade's name is on this unit, we doubt he got into the cellphone design biz outside of the colors and ringtones this puppy will sport. Anywho, this Sidekick 3 is the same except for certain color choices on the exterior and some other custom stuff (drop us a line with what you see if you've played with one of these). If you've been holding out for a faux gold-encrusted Sidekick 3, here's your chance.[Thanks, Dan]
