Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sprint-sets-a-best-before-date-for-iden-ptt-june-30th-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sprint-sets-a-best-before-date-for-iden-ptt-june-30th-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sprint-sets-a-best-before-date-for-iden-ptt-june-30th-2013/#comments Motorola Titanium and XPRT for Sprint

Amidst all of Sprint's eagerness to phase out its iDEN network, the carrier hasn't given us a hard cutoff date to mark on our calendars until now. If you're still rocking that Motorola Titanium, you may have to drop your Nextel push-to-talk dreams as soon as June 30th, 2013, the earliest possible date Sprint says it could shut down the legacy service. Government customers will be getting a friendly paper reminder on June 1st of this year to make sure they're using CDMA Direct Connect phones like the Admiral well in advance. The switch-off will mark the end to a long and troubled chapter in the Sprint Nextel era, but if it helps bring about 800MHz LTE sooner, we're all for it.

Continue reading Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013

Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmacellphonecellphonescutoffdirect connectDirectConnecthandoveridenmobilepostcrosspttpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalksmartphonesmartphonessprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnecttransitionTue, 29 May 2012 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/#comments FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves

Sprint might not have its 4G LTE network up and running to power your EVO 4G LTE, but it's already getting more headroom. The FCC has just tweaked the rules around the ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) spectrum to let Sprint, and the considerably more regional SouthernLINC Wireless, run their CDMA voice calls and LTE data on the 800MHz band they're currently using for their soon-to-end iDEN networks. In practice, the extra frequency access should be a tremendous help to at least Sprint, which hasn't had the low-level, indoors-friendly airspace that AT&T and Verizon enjoy with their 700MHz networks. Just don't expect your EVO or the rest of the initial Sprint LTE devices to take advantage any time soon, as you'll need to both get an 800MHz-ready phone as well as endure the long, long wait until Sprint switches on the extra LTE band in 2014.

FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLte800 mhz800Mhzapprovalcellphonecellphonesenhanced specialized mobile radioEnhancedSpecializedMobileRadioesmrfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionfrequenciesfrequencyidenltemobilepostcrossnextelpush to talkPushToTalksmartphonesmartphonessouthernlincSouthernLINC WirelessSouthernlincWirelessspectrumsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelwirelesswireless spectrumWirelessSpectrumFri, 25 May 2012 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/#comments Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Although Sprint is winding down iDEN services here in the US, it hasn't turned its back on the technology completely. The nation's third largest wireless carrier has announced a new push-to-talk service offering, dubbed International Direct Connect. The $10 monthly add-on will allow Direct Connect push-to-talk users in the US -- utilizing its CDMA network -- to communicate with iDEN PTT users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru free of charge. Although not explicitly stated, the aforementioned nations are referred to as "initial" markets, implying that more countries will be added to this list at some point in the future. All the details about the business-focused proposition, along with the press sheet, can be found after the break.

Continue reading Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArgentinaBrazilCDMAChileChripDirect ConnectDirectConnectiDENinternationalInternational Direct ConnectInternationalDirectConnectMexicomobilepostminiNextelPeruPTTPush To TalkPush-To-TalkPushToTalkSprintThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/#comments
Clue's in the title, really. If you head on over to Sprint's website, you'll find a page explaining the forthcoming changes to the service for legacy iDEN customers. Nextel users can enter in their zip code to find out which cellphone towers will be decommissioned and the due dates for each one. The program's beginning in New Orleans this month as the towers are thinned out to a reasonable number. Whilst it isn't (yet) the death-knell for the standard, given the network's push-to-talk service now works over CDMA and, you know, LTE, we'd start looking at replacement phones pretty soon.

Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CDMADecommissiondecommissioningDirect ConnectDirectConnectiDENiDEN ShutdownIdenShutdownLTEmobilepostcrossNew OrleansNewOrleansNextelPush to TalkPushToTalkShutdownSprintSprint Direct ConnectSprint Nextel Corp.SprintDirectConnectSprintNextelCorp.WiMAXMon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/#comments
Wonder just how much it costs to phase out iDEN and WiMAX networks and put all your eggs in one, CDMA / LTE-flavored basket? Well, Joe Euteneuer, Sprint's CFO, just offered up a frank answer here at its "Strategy Update" event: $10 billion over the next two years. That's a heckuva lot more than the $4 billion to $5 billion Wall Street was expecting, but Euteneuer assured all the suited-up financial analysts in the room that the company should save $10 billion to $11 billion through 2017 (a figure widely reported before today), with $4 billion of that resulting from not having to maintain the 'ol ball and chain iDEN network anymore. Now it's true, we're a minority in this meeting of industry analysts, but you don't need to be a banker to understand that's one telling figure: clearly, the company's betting its future not just on the (CDMA!) iPhone, but LTE's brand of 4G.

The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireDan HesseDanHesseiDENJoe EuteneuerJoeEuteneuerLTEmobilepostcrossnetworknetworksnextelOctober eventOctoberEventphase outPhaseOutspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdatewimaxFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#comments We knew more or less that an announcement of this sort was coming. Back in July, Dan Hesse had teased us face-to-face with the promise of a "great story this fall around 4G," and now the time to tell that tale has arrived. At its strategy event today, Sprint finally went public with plans to "simplify its network" by converting its 1900MHz holdings and LightSquared's 1600MHz spectrum ("pending FCC approval") to LTE, an industry favorite. Helping the operator make that transition is the swath of 800MHz spectrum it reclaimed from the, now defunct, iDEN push-to-talk network -- which had been a drain on the company's resources. This spectrum, acquired from Nextel, will be phased out by mid-2013 and rolled into LTE. The company plans for a rapid deployment of this new 4G network, with the first LTE markets and handsets to hit in mid-2012, and the full rollout mostly completed by 2013. Current subscribers signed up for WiMAX plans won't have to worry as their devices will continue to be supported throughout 2012.

Beginning tomorrow, Sprint's consolidating its 4G LTE (including LightSquared), 3G and Direct Connect networks into one single architecture. All the major technical milestones, such as test calls and field integration, have cleared their hurdles and work on over 22,000 cell sites are currently in process. Samsung, Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson have partnered with Sprint to install multimode 3G and 4G base stations to handle the network's future traffic, essential for deploying the multitude of frequencies required by hosted devices. Prospective iPhone 4S users on the network will be able to take advantage of better signal strength and improved voice service as Sprint intends to also offload the latter onto 800MHz.

Expect a steep "reduction in roaming costs" and deeper signal penetration throughout the operator's expanding national footprint over the course of the next two years. Naturally, LTE speeds on this new network will be significantly improved over the currently in-use WiMAX, and a planned implementation of WiFi offloading should help to cut congestion by 20 percent. By the end of next year, Sprint aims to have a combined WiMAX/LTE population coverage of 176 million -- with 123 million covered by LTE and 76 million overlapping both. When the network build-out is nearly complete in 2013, the company should have over 250 million blanketed in LTE, far outstripping the stagnant 120 million served by WiMAX.

Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Gbreaking newsClearwireDan HesseDanHesseFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdateTD-LTEWiMAXFri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/#comments
All of the hullabaloo about Sprint's new CDMA-based Direct Connect service was not for naught, as the Now Network has finally confirmed that it will indeed be launching in a limited number of markets this upcoming Sunday, with broader expansion coming in early 2012. To get things started, however, the network ought to have a phone or two that have the tech built in, right? The Kyocera Duramax will receive the honor of being the very first phone to work with the new plans and will be a certified 810G military-standard clamshell handset with a 3.2MP camera, stereo Bluetooth, a 2.5mm headphone jack (not a typo) and a Dura-Grip rubber casing. What about the Kyocera Duracore and the Motorola Admiral? They're still forthcoming, but Sprint only mentions that both devices are coming out before the end of the year. The sooner the better here, because the lack of options can't possibly be a selling point for the brand new service. The nitty-gritty details are in the presser after the break.

Continue reading Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70

Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiralcdmadirect connectDirectConnectduracoreduramaxidenkyocerakyocera duracorekyocera duramaxKyoceraDuracoreKyoceraDuramaxlaunchmobilepostminimotorola admiralMotorolaAdmiralnextelqchatsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectWed, 28 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/#comments

At this point, it's pretty much an open secret that Sprint needs to hitch its ride to LTE to stay in the wireless game. CNET caught wind of the operator's intended 4G plans ahead of its scheduled October strategy announcement -- an event at which many in the industry expect Sprint to lay out its LTE cards. According to the report, the Hesse-led network's been hard at work installing the necessary infrastructure to convert to its towers to FD-LTE, which is the same flavor of LTE as Verizon and future partner LightSquared. Using the iDEN spectrum it acquired from its Nextel purchase, Sprint reportedly plans to set up 4G shop on those radio waves, and make use of current WiMAX provider Clearwire's proposed switch to TD-LTE by incorporating chipsets in future phones that accommodate both frequencies. The network changeover, rumored to cost Sprint somewhere in the range of $4 - $5 billion, should get carried out over the next five years, laying the groundwork for a true three-way 4G race.

Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintTD-LTEverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessWiMAXTue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Duramax is in the batter's box, launching with Sprint Direct Connect October 2nd]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/#comments
Is there still any lingering doubt that something big's getting cooked up in Overland Park in time for October 2nd? We've already seen leaked screenshots showing that Sprint's aiming to launch its CDMA-based Direct Connect service that day, as well as a Sprint-backed vid of the Motorola Admiral, the first smartphone to sport the new feature. Courtesy of SprintFeed, another gem has been unearthed: the Direct Connect-compatible Kyocera Duramax. Said to start at $100 with a two-year agreement, the rugged clamshell bears a great deal of resemblance to a large number of legacy iDEN handsets. It's nothing to write home about, but it still sports the proper military specs to keep it protected, as well as a 3 megapixel camera and a non-slip surface. Anyone who isn't looking for a smartphone but is in need of a Direct Connect device will want to keep a close eye on this one as we get closer to the day of destiny. Oh, and Sprint? The cat's out of the bag -- perhaps it's time to make it real.

Kyocera Duramax is in the batter's box, launching with Sprint Direct Connect October 2nd originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmacdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectclamshelldirect connectDirectConnectduramaxidenkyocerakyocera duramaxKyoceraDuramaxmobilepostmininextelsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectFri, 23 Sep 2011 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/#comments
It may not have quite as many views as Admiral Ackbar, but a chieftan of Sprint's CDMA-based Direct Connect service was officially outed by the carrier via YouTube earlier. Our device in question, the Motorola Admiral, has now been given a speedy lookover despite the fact that the company hasn't even seen fit to acknowledge its existence otherwise. 'Course, we don't imagine this was accidental in the slightest -- the video of the rugged Android device has been up for several hours without getting pulled -- but it's still a curious way to introduce one of the first phones featuring a brand new service. Regardless, we now have the clearest shots of the portrait QWERTY smartphone that we've seen yet; the two-and-a-half minute teaser didn't list off a lot of specs, but it did confirm the handset's 3.1-inch display and five megapixel camera with LED flash. That should count for something, right? Still, it likely won't be long before we get a real announcement with the full rundown, so just keep yourself entertained by watching the "related videos" section in the meantime. Check out the vid after the break.

Continue reading Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats

Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiralandroidandroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadcdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectdirect connectDirectConnectgingerbreadgoogleidenmobilepostminimotorolamotorola admiralMotorolaAdmiralnextelnextel direct connectNextelDirectConnectsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectFri, 23 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/#comments The way Sprint's been going lately, we're wondering if there's going to be anything left to announce at its October 7th strategy update. Another screenshot has surfaced, detailing the Now Network's intentions to launch its CDMA-based (read: no more iDEN) Direct Connect service on October 2nd, with "increased coverage" coming early next year. We've been expecting to see it at some point this winter, which means the Nextel alternative is getting pushed out ahead of schedule. With this, we should be hearing news in the near future concerning compatible handsets like the Motorola Admiral or Kyocera DuraMax / DuraCore duo.

Unfortunately, October 2nd will be filled with both happy news and bad, as it looks like the leaked memo detailing Sprint's plan to cap the mobile hotspot add-on was right on target. The carrier made its intentions official this morning, confirming that it indeed will be putting a 5GB-per-month leash on the tethering done from your phone, complete with overage charges of $.05 per additional MB used. Grandfathered add-ons aren't an option here, so every tetherer already shelling out $30 for the privilege will find themselves restricted as well. But look at the bright side: tablets need not apply to the data cap, and on-phone data plans and dedicated mobile broadband packages will remain unaffected... for now, at least.

Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gcappedcapscdmadata capsDataCapsdirect connectDirectConnectgrandfatheredidenlimitedmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossnextelpolicypolicy changesPolicyChangessprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnecttabletstetheringunlimitedwimaxThu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint posts Q2 2011 earnings: net subs up, contract subs down, net loss of $847 million]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-posts-q2-2011-earnings-net-subs-up-contract-subs-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-posts-q2-2011-earnings-net-subs-up-contract-subs-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-posts-q2-2011-earnings-net-subs-up-contract-subs-down/#comments It's another mixed bag worth of earnings for the folks in Overland Park. Sprint just announced its Q2 2011 earnings prior to the market's open today, and while it's obviously doing its darnedest to paint a rosy picture, the raw numbers show a somewhat different backdrop. Despite having its third consecutive quarter of adding more than one million total net new wireless subscribers, the vast majority of those are coming from the (admittedly less lucrative) prepaid side. In fact, the company lost 101,000 postpaid subscribers in the period, and we're guessing that the one-two punch of WiMAX hitting the expansion skids while VZW built out LTE at a breakneck pace didn't help matters. 674,000 prepaid subs were added to the mix (through Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, etc. arms), and despite seeing quarterly sequential and year-over-year growth in wireless service revenue, the carrier still reported a net loss of $847 million. In a way, it's the same story on a different day for The Now Network, and while the just-announced LightSquared partnership may end up bolstering things in time, it'll take something a bit more jarring to turn things around by Q3. Or Q4... right, Dan?

Sprint posts Q2 2011 earnings: net subs up, contract subs down, net loss of $847 million originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20114gcarriercdmaearningsidenoperatorq2q2 2011Q22011quarterlyquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningsresultssprintsprint nextelSprintNextelwimaxThu, 28 Jul 2011 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/#comments We're guessing that this isn't the riveting Q4 announcement that Dan Hesse promised us last week at Sprint's Kansas headquarters, but it's a shock to the system nonetheless. The outfit's legacy iDEN network is still kicking around (and in turn, eating up valuable resources to run it), and while we're told that those push-to-talk users are some of the most loyal, it looks as if 2012 will be the year they're forced to try something new. The company's CDMA-based Direct Connect alternative is officially slated to launch this winter, with those who buy in treated to triple the square miles of the company's current push-to-talk coverage area, broadband capabilities and a smattering of new devices.

The Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore will be joined by an unannounced Motorola smartphone, all of which should be rugged enough to handle the expected field work. Furthermore, Sprint will be adding international push-to-talk (alongside "additional capabilities") in early 2012, and users should see a marked improvement in in-building coverage. Finally, we're told that voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint leverages its spectrum holdings in 800MHz, 1.9GHz, and -- through its relationship with Clearwire -- 2.5GHz. And with that, we'd say your iDEN handset stash just became quite the collector's item. Full details are tucked away in the PR just past the break.

Continue reading Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN

Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmacdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectdirect connectDirectConnectDuraCoreduramaxglobalideninternationalkyocerakyocera duracorekyocera duramaxKyoceraDuracoreKyoceraDuramaxMotorolanetworknextelPTTpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalkruggedsprintSprint Gets Ruggedsprint nextelSprintGetsRuggedSprintNextelMon, 25 Jul 2011 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola intros dueling portrait QWERTY Android options for Sprint: XPRT and Titanium]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/motorola-intros-dualing-portrait-qwerty-android-options-for-spri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/motorola-intros-dualing-portrait-qwerty-android-options-for-spri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/motorola-intros-dualing-portrait-qwerty-android-options-for-spri/#comments It took 'em long enough, but it seems as if The Now Network has managed to snap up Motorola's Droid Pro... just seven months after Verizon Wireless did so. For whatever reason, Sprint's dubbing its version the XPRT, with the same 3.1-inch HVGA touchpanel, full QWERTY keyboard, 1GHz CPU and Android 2.2 loaded. It'll go for $129.99 on a two-year contract starting June 5th, but giving that the Pro hit the bargain bin long ago, we're having a hard time believing anyone will pony up for Sprint's iteration. Moving right along, the Titanium gets off on the wrong foot by shipping with Android 2.1, and while it's hailed as the first iDEN device to combine Nextel Direct Connect and Eclair, the G'zOne Commando has somehow managed to show its brawn while stepping up to v2.2. For those interested nonetheless, there's a 3.1-inch touchscreen and a chassis that's built to MIL-SPEC 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature. She's unpriced for the moment, but the full release can be found just after the break.

Gallery: Motorola XPRT and Motorola Titanium press shots

Continue reading Motorola intros dueling portrait QWERTY Android options for Sprint: XPRT and Titanium

Motorola intros dueling portrait QWERTY Android options for Sprint: XPRT and Titanium originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1android 2.2Android2.1Android2.2blurcdmadroid proDroidProeclairenterprisefroyoiDENmotoblurmotorolaNextel Direct ConnectNextelDirectConnectruggedsmartphonesprintTitaniumXPRTThu, 05 May 2011 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint Direct Connect will replace iDEN with CDMA, launch late this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/sprint-direct-connect-will-replace-iden-with-cdma-launch-late-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/sprint-direct-connect-will-replace-iden-with-cdma-launch-late-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/sprint-direct-connect-will-replace-iden-with-cdma-launch-late-t/#commentsWait, didn't they try this already? Looks like Sprint is gearing up to take another shot at its seemingly unsinkable (but aging) iDEN push-to-talk network that it inherited from its Nextel acquisition -- which is a good thing seeing how it's only signed up for another three years' worth of maintenance. The new so-called Sprint Direct Connect service is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of this year using CDMA underpinnings, a throwback to the QChat-based push-to-talk network that Sprint launched back in 2008 but never gained traction. Presumably, Sprint thinks that it knows how to make the transition work this time around, promising wider coverage, better in-building signal strength, user availability notifications, support for up to 200 chat participants, and -- of course -- far faster data services than iDEN could ever deliver. Sprint says that it'll offer "an ultra-rugged camera flip phone" along with a QWERTY Android device this year, with more devices in the pipe for 2012. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Sprint Direct Connect will replace iDEN with CDMA, launch late this year

Sprint Direct Connect will replace iDEN with CDMA, launch late this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmadirect connectDirectConnectidenpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalksprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectWed, 16 Mar 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1x / i1q hits FCC on way to presumed Nextel launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/motorola-i1x-i1q-hits-fcc-on-way-to-presumed-nextel-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/motorola-i1x-i1q-hits-fcc-on-way-to-presumed-nextel-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/motorola-i1x-i1q-hits-fcc-on-way-to-presumed-nextel-launch/#comments Seeing how Motorola's the exclusive provider of iDEN-capable handsets, the pressure's high on those guys to start delivering a stream of smartphones -- even in the workabout push-to-talk world, we can't imagine workers are too stoked about carrying featureless flip phones around at this point. Well, the good news is that a device posing as the "i1x / i1Q" (capitalization quirk theirs, not ours) has just garnered FCC approval, which would be a fitting name for a follow-up to the i1 that launched last year. Notably, a device claiming to be the i1Q leaked back in January looking just a little bit like an iDEN remix of the Droid Pro, so everything's lining up here; if we had to guess, CTIA next week would be a good venue for this one to break cover considering the timing of the FCC approval.

Motorola i1x / i1q hits FCC on way to presumed Nextel launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfcci1qi1xidenmobilemotomotorolaqwertyMon, 14 Mar 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/#comments Motorola's i886 for Sprint's IDEN network featuring both landscape QWERTY and standard numeric keypads bowed during CES a few days back for $79.99 after $50 rebate on a two-year contract -- and as we'd observed a while back when we first saw the user's manual, it runs a pretty convincing Android clone UI. Turns out, though, it's less of a clone than you might think: Phone Scoop has discovered that the i886 -- which doesn't have a touchscreen -- is actually running real Android (albeit without the Android Market) accompanied by generic J2ME like you'd find on your average dumbphone. If we had to guess, Motorola took advantage of Android's status as a free, open-source platform here, tailoring it for the i886's needs without worrying about the normal Google certification process that would've earned them Market access -- and given the lack of a touchscreen, we're sure they wouldn't have been able to earn it anyway. From Moto's perspective, it seems like a good way to get a proven, familiar platform without a lot of engineering effort -- they can toss their proprietary platforms and save a little bit of cash in the process. Follow the break for Phone Scoop's video of the i886 in action.

Continue reading Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen

Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddirect connectDirectConnecti886idenmobilemotomotorolanextelqwertysprintsprint nextelSprintNextelMon, 17 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint inks another three years' worth of iDEN infrastructure support with Motorola, 'several' new phones coming in Q1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/sprint-inks-another-three-years-worth-of-iden-infrastructure-su/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/sprint-inks-another-three-years-worth-of-iden-infrastructure-su/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/sprint-inks-another-three-years-worth-of-iden-infrastructure-su/#commentsEven as Sprint starts to dream up ways to sunset its aging (but still popular) iDEN network, reclaim the spectrum, and migrate its push-to-talk customer base to something CDMA-based, there's still a network to maintain in the short term -- and to that end, the company has re-upped its contract with Motorola to keep the system in tip-top shape for at least another three years. Amazingly, this will mean that the network is some twenty years old by the time the agreement is up in 2013, after which they'll either need to be ready with their CDMA replacement (bearing in mind that QChat already failed) -- or we imagine they'll need another contract renewal. Oh, and this won't just be a run-out-the-clock situation, either: there'll be at least some new hardware, with Sprint saying that "several" handsets are on tap for the first quarter of 2011 including the i886 ("stylish," rugged, and landscape QWERTY) and the i686, an update of the i680 with improved waterproofing. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Sprint inks another three years' worth of iDEN infrastructure support with Motorola, 'several' new phones coming in Q1

Sprint inks another three years' worth of iDEN infrastructure support with Motorola, 'several' new phones coming in Q1 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contracti686i886idenmobilemotorolapttpush to talkPushToTalksprintTue, 21 Dec 2010 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint phasing out Nextel's iDEN network, selects vendors for $5b network upgrade project]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/#comments
Looks like the Motorola i1 Android set (not pictured above) will stand as the highest-end Nextel phone ever -- Sprint just announced that it's phasing out the iDEN network sometime in 2013 as it begins a new four to five billion dollar network enhancement project called "Network Vision." We've expected this for a while -- the Sprint / Nextel merger has been beset by subscriber losses and rumors of a breakup for years now -- but this is the first time we've gotten a date. Sprint's rolling out push-to-talk on its own network to support its 10.6 million Nextel customers, but we don't have a schedule for that yet. Sprint's also announcing vendors for Network Vision: Alcatel-Lucent, Samsung, and Ericsson will each handle a region and be tasked with expanding and fortifying Sprint's existing 1900MHz 3G network while buying 800MHz, 1900MHz, and 2.5GHz spectrum for future use. Interestingly, Sprint's definitely hedging its WiMAX bets a little -- it can upgrade its new gear to LTE with swapping in a baseband card and issuing a software patch, which certainly gives the company some 4G flexibility should Clearwire not pull things together. We'll see what happens -- the underdog's making some moves.

Sprint phasing out Nextel's iDEN network, selects vendors for $5b network upgrade project originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcatelalcatel-lucentericssonidenltenetwork upgradenetwork visionNetworkUpgradeNetworkVisionnextelsamsungsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelupgradewimaxMon, 06 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Hesse commits to phasing out iDEN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/sprints-hesse-commits-to-phasing-out-iden/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/sprints-hesse-commits-to-phasing-out-iden/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/sprints-hesse-commits-to-phasing-out-iden/#commentsEchoing sentiments of Sprint's senior VP of networks from last month, CEO Dan Hesse has said that the company will be saying goodnight to its aging push-to-talk network -- iDEN -- that it inherited from its Nextel acquisition several years ago, "just like 1G was shut down." Of course, the difference between 1G cellular and iDEN is that iDEN still holds a very unique position in the wireless marketplace: even though it sucks for data, it's really the only popular, successful way to route push-to-talk over a cell network of any kind. To that end, the company is actively soliciting bids to build out CDMA 1X Advanced right now, which may allow the company to have another go at moving its PTT services over to a CDMA-based technology (the first attempt, QChat, already failed). In the meantime, Hesse says that the company is putting most of its marketing efforts into attracting customers to its CDMA airwaves, not its iDEN ones, in the hopes that they'll be able to smooth out the transition and free up iDEN spectrum for other services. It's had a good run, hasn't it?

Sprint's Hesse commits to phasing out iDEN originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan hesseDanHessehesseidensprintWed, 27 Oct 2010 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint lays out strategy for iDEN sunset, refreshed CDMA network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/sprint-lays-out-strategy-for-iden-sunset-refreshed-cdma-network/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/sprint-lays-out-strategy-for-iden-sunset-refreshed-cdma-network/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/sprint-lays-out-strategy-for-iden-sunset-refreshed-cdma-network/#commentsCDMA2000 isn't getting any younger -- but it's a spring chicken compared to iDEN, a network that has remained the de facto standard for push-to-talk fanatics against all odds, surviving occasional challenges to the throne and Boost Mobile's desire to dip its toes in the CDMA waters from time to time over the past couple years. It can't live on forever, though, and Sprint's senior VP of networks has dropped some new knowledge this week on how it plans to address the issue. The crux of the strategy -- which spans seven to ten years on Sprint's roadmap -- involves deploying new base station equipment that will be considerably more flexible, capable of running anything from CDMA to WiMAX to LTE with little more than a software tweak, and increasing the power output on those base stations which will allow the company to reduce the total number of towers it operates and overcome some of the reduced building penetration seen in the higher frequencies. Somewhere along the way it'd like to move its iDEN customer base to a CDMA-based PTT solution -- something it already tried (and failed) with QChat -- and refresh its CDMA footprint with 1X Advanced, which is considerably more efficient for voice and should allow the company to generally make better use of its spectrum. With Sprint's relationship with Clearwire in a somewhat strange place right now, a robust network strategy that can survive on its own two feet if necessary seems like a wise idea -- and freeing up iDEN spectrum for more modern technologies is probably a good place to start.

Sprint lays out strategy for iDEN sunset, refreshed CDMA network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1x advanced1xAdvanced4gcdmacdma 2000cdma 2000 1x advancedCdma2000Cdma20001xAdvancedidenltemobilenetworksprintwimaxThu, 30 Sep 2010 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i886 gets FCC approval, earns you dual keypads and iDEN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/motorola-i886-gets-fcc-approval-earns-you-dual-keypads-and-iden/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/motorola-i886-gets-fcc-approval-earns-you-dual-keypads-and-iden/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/motorola-i886-gets-fcc-approval-earns-you-dual-keypads-and-iden/#comments Motorola's really been branching out with iDEN form factors (and platforms) as of late, a testament to the fact that the aging network still has a niche no other technology can quite fill -- and, as evidenced by Boost Mobile's aggressive moves, customers ready to pay for it. The latest is a dual-keypad landscape slider, featuring your classic numeric keypad upfront teamed to a full QWERTY layout when you slide it open; maybe more interesting, though, is that the UI seems to be a dead ringer for Android -- widgets and all -- except that you don't have a touchscreen... and you most definitely can't run Android apps. All we've got to go on so far is an FCC filing, but we reckon we'll be hearing more soon.

Motorola i886 gets FCC approval, earns you dual keypads and iDEN originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcci886idenmobilemotomotorolaqwertysliderThu, 30 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Rambler coming to Boost Mobile with full QWERTY on a hinge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/motorola-rambler-coming-to-boost-mobile-with-full-qwerty-on-a-hi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/motorola-rambler-coming-to-boost-mobile-with-full-qwerty-on-a-hi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/motorola-rambler-coming-to-boost-mobile-with-full-qwerty-on-a-hi/#comments Motorola already offers the Clutch if you're looking to get your text on through Boost Mobile -- but what if you want that oh-so-rare combination of full QWERTY plus a clamshell form factor? That's pretty hard to find regardless of carrier or network technology, but it looks like Moto is going to deliver with a phone called the Rambler featuring a 1.3 megapixel cam with video capture, stereo Bluetooth, GPS, and not much else -- in other words, like most Boost devices, this one will be pretty low-end. More on price, release date, and specs as we get it.

Motorola Rambler coming to Boost Mobile with full QWERTY on a hinge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostboost mobileBoostMobileclamshellexclusiveflipidenmobilemotomotorolaqwertyramblerWed, 21 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Boost Mobile rolls out Motorola i296]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/boost-mobile-rolls-out-motorola-i296/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/boost-mobile-rolls-out-motorola-i296/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/boost-mobile-rolls-out-motorola-i296/#comments If you thought the aging i290 was about ready for replacement, we've got some great news for you -- the updated i296 is upon us. It's an ultra-basic device by any measure, seeing how it lacks a camera, music player, and web access, but if you're just looking for a marginally stylish way to get your chirp-chirp on, this might be a decent way to do it. As with many (if not most) iDEN devices in recent memory, the candybar is mil-spec 810F compliant for dust, shock, and vibration resistance, and it runs just $59.95 contract free -- let's see you try to get that kind of a deal on a smartphone, eh? Follow the break for Boost's press release.

Continue reading Boost Mobile rolls out Motorola i296

Boost Mobile rolls out Motorola i296 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostboost mobileBoostMobilecandybari296idenmobilemotomotorolaThu, 10 Jun 2010 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Boost Mobile launches Motorola i1 on June 20]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/boost-mobile-launches-motorola-i1-on-june-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/boost-mobile-launches-motorola-i1-on-june-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/boost-mobile-launches-motorola-i1-on-june-20/#comments Since the Android-powered i1 was originally announced for Sprint's Direct Connect service, you might've assumed that it'd be the first to get a hard launch date -- but subsidiary Boost Mobile is breaking that news first for some reason with the announcement today that the phone is coming June 20 in Boost retail stores plus Bust Buy locations. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Best Buy had previously teased it for $350, so we wouldn't expect this to be a cheap purchase; then again, you've gotta remember that it's coming at you contract-free. Not like you'll be unlocking it and taking it to another iDEN network either way, right?

Boost Mobile launches Motorola i1 on June 20 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidboostboost mobileBoostMobilegooglei1idenmobilemotomotorolaThu, 03 Jun 2010 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1 hitting Sprint on June 6, in stores on July 11?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/motorola-i1-hitting-sprint-on-june-6-in-stores-on-july-11/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/motorola-i1-hitting-sprint-on-june-6-in-stores-on-july-11/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/motorola-i1-hitting-sprint-on-june-6-in-stores-on-july-11/#comments Look, the i1 isn't that spectacular of an Android phone, we know -- but to the iDEN crowd, this represents just about the coolest thing that has ever happened to the network. This shot we've received today seems to indicate that the phone will be available by direct ship on June 6, just over a week from today, while it'll "launch into the rest of the sales channels" on July 11. We're not sure why there's such a gap there, but at least you should have some way to get it in just a few days' time. Interestingly, Sprint is pointing out that the phone "may appeal to customers that may not have previously thought of iDEN as an option," so expect the i1 to get marketed beyond the typical rugged, outdoorsy crowd that usually dominates Direct Connect. Everyone excited?

Motorola i1 hitting Sprint on June 6, in stores on July 11? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidi1idenmobilemotomotorolarumorsprintFri, 28 May 2010 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Boost-branded Motorola i1 goes live on Best Buy's site]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/boost-branded-motorola-i1-goes-live-on-best-buys-site/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/boost-branded-motorola-i1-goes-live-on-best-buys-site/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/boost-branded-motorola-i1-goes-live-on-best-buys-site/#comments You won't find any mention of the Android-powered Motorola i1 on Boost Mobile's site just yet, but the phone -- the very first to run Android for iDEN networks -- looks destined for Sprint's prepaid brand now that Best Buy has fessed up to it. It really doesn't come as any surprise since we already knew the i1 would be launching on Sprint's Direct Connect service, and it seems rather silly for those guys not to get as much use out of the phone as they can, particularly considering that it's arguably the most exciting iDEN handset ever made. That's not saying much, we know... but you know what we mean. Now, the question is: who's going to pay $349.99 for it with no commitment?

Boost-branded Motorola i1 goes live on Best Buy's site originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbest buyBestBuyboostboost mobileBoostMobilegooglei1idenmobilemotomotorolaTue, 25 May 2010 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's i1 hitting SouthernLINC Wireless, Georgians and Alabamians rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/motorolas-i1-hitting-southernlinc-wireless-georgians-and-alaba/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/motorolas-i1-hitting-southernlinc-wireless-georgians-and-alaba/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/motorolas-i1-hitting-southernlinc-wireless-georgians-and-alaba/#commentsMotorola's i1 hitting SouthernLINC Wireless, Georgians and Alabamians rejoice Moto's i1 went from rumored device to ready for retail over the span of just a few weeks, and now we're finding out just where it'll be available -- though the news isn't exactly good. Motorola is announcing that the iDEN device will be hitting SouthernLINC first, a rural carrier that you may not have heard of if you're outside of Alabama, Georgia, or the western half of the Florida panhandle. That is the extent of this carrier's coverage, and so it's not a huge coming out party for this military spec push-to-talk smartphone, but we're hoping down the road it gets a little more love from carriers with slightly broader coverage maps.

Motorola's i1 hitting SouthernLINC Wireless, Georgians and Alabamians rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidi1idenmotomotorolamotorola i1MotorolaI1push-to-talksmartphonesouthernlincswypeTue, 30 Mar 2010 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1 video tour]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/motorola-i1-video-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/motorola-i1-video-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/motorola-i1-video-tour/#comments We checked out Motorola's i1 last night at a dinner event, but didn't get any decent video for you so we went back to the booth and sorted that out. The i1 is definitely an interesting device, though whether its rugged mil-spec feature set -- we were playing shuffleboard with them last night, seriously -- will appeal to its intended market is still kinda up in the air. Don't get us wrong, it's not like the set is missing a pile of features, but it's essentially a giant glass display and we worry it'd eventually suffer a shattering end. Check out the video tour below and chime in, if you use iDEN let us know what you're feeling about this.

Continue reading Motorola i1 video tour

Motorola i1 video tour originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiactia 2010Ctia2010hands-oni1idenmotorolamotorola i1MotorolaI1videoTue, 23 Mar 2010 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1 first hands-on!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-i1-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-i1-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-i1-first-hands-on/#comments We're shmoozing with Motorola's team and Mike Rowe -- yes, the Dirty Jobs guy, who's been fittingly selected as the rugged i1's spokesperson -- and we're starting to get our first fleeting moments with Motorola's first Android-powered iDEN handset in the flesh. Believe it or not, it might be the best-feeling Android phone from Motorola to date, besting the CLIQ XT and Droid with a tasteful mix of black chrome and rubber around the edges; if it weren't for the lack of bona fide 3G, we could realistically see putting this in our pockets over, say, a myTouch 3G, Hero, or Behold II. We've been able to confirm that they've basically taken the UI look and feel introduced by Blur and subtracted... well, the things that actually make it Blur, namely the integration with Blur servers that brings social service aggregation into the fold. Will it appeal to the iDEN demographic? Hard to say, but Mr. Rowe certainly seems amped on it. Check out the gallery below!

Gallery: Motorola i1 first hands-on!

Motorola i1 first hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidctiactia 2010Ctia2010hands onhands-onHandsOni1idenmotomotorolaMon, 22 Mar 2010 21:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/#comments Right on cue, just after the aptly-timed teaser poster, Motorola signs on just the right dotted lines to make its i1 push-to-talk Android handset official. Let's run through the specs quickly, shall we? A 3.1-inch HVGA (320 x 480) touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 4x zoom, WiFi, and microSD expansion -- no mention of the processor, so we'll have to find out on our own later. The OS version is 1.5 and, while there's oddly not a single mention in either the press release of fact sheet, given the official images and unofficial leaks, it's definitely got Motoblur. The browser of choice is Opera Mini 5 with support for Flash 8, and if you're worried about Mother Nature's wrath, the i1 meets Military 810F standards for handling averse weather conditions. iDEN lovers can pick up the call sometime this summer on Sprint, with price yet to be named.

Update: Motorola's just sent word that the i1 does not have Motoblur, despite the presence of the traditional green call / blue contacts buttons. That begs the question, then, of what exactly defines Motoblur here (is just the Happenings widget missing?), and what Android skin is on the i1 -- the press images here are definitely not showing vanilla 1.5. We're still awaiting a response to that, stay tuned.

Gallery: Motorola i1 melds Android and push-to-talk

Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5ctiactia 2010Ctia2010flashflash 8flash liteFlash8FlashLitei1idenmotomoto blurMotoBlurmotorolamotorola i1MotorolaI1nexteloperaopera miniopera mini 5OperaMiniOperaMini5pttpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalksprintsprint nextelSprintNextelMon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/#comments We've been slipped some additional information on Motorola's imminent Android-powered i1 for iDEN networks today -- actually, one correction and one interesting note. First, the correction: we're now being told (by the same tipster as before) that it's actually got a 5 megapixel camera on board, a nice upgrade from the 3 we'd previously been told to expect. More interestingly, though, we're also hearing that Opera Mini has been tapped as the i1's default browser -- a move that Moto is more than welcome to make since this is a Blur-powered, non-"Google Experience" device. It's also a possible admission that third-party Android browsers are currently outperforming Google's own, something Microsoft has long dealt with on Windows Mobile as companies like HTC ultimately ended up bundling Opera Mobile with virtually every model they sold. So, Sprint Direct Connect and Boost Mobile customers, you getting excited about this thing or what?

Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidexclusivei1idenin the wildInTheWildmotomotorolaoperaopera miniOperaMiniopus oneOpusOnerumorWed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1: we've seen it, it runs Blur, and it'll likely be out soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/#comments Well, that was quick: thanks to some new information we've received, we're now able to confirm that the Motorola i1 is indeed the so-called Opus One that the company has been rumored to preparing for its iDEN carrier partners with Android on board -- and it's exactly the leaked device we saw back in December. We don't know much in the way of specs, but it sounds like we should expect Blur running atop Android 1.5 (sigh), a 3 megapixel cam, and a possible announcement within a couple weeks -- a time frame that would line up splendidly with CTIA toward the end of the month. Naturally, you can bet your little green robot we'll be there.

[Image via BGR; thanks, Gus N.]

Motorola i1: we've seen it, it runs Blur, and it'll likely be out soon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddirect connectDirectConnectexclusivei1idenin the wildInTheWildMotorolanextelopus oneOpusOnepush to talkPushToTalkrumorsprintFri, 05 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's Android-powered iDEN device to be called i1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorolas-android-powered-iden-device-to-be-called-i1/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorolas-android-powered-iden-device-to-be-called-i1/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorolas-android-powered-iden-device-to-be-called-i1/#comments Alright, pardon our conjecture here, but we think we're on to something. A Motorola just flew through FCC certification with ID IHDP56KV1 and model name "i1" featuring iDEN plus Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi -- in other words, this'll almost certainly be coming to Sprint Direct Connect. Remember that rumored Opus One with Android for iDEN? Yeah, well, "i1" is a pretty notable, stand-out model name if you ask us -- and it's not every day that you see an iDEN device with WiFi, suggesting this'll be a smartphone. Do a little hand-waving and liberal dot-connecting and you have a reasonable assumption that the Opus One will be coming to market as the i1 -- and with FCC certification under their belt, Moto might introduce it sooner rather than later. CTIA later this month, perhaps?

Motorola's Android-powered iDEN device to be called i1? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfcci1idenmotomotorolaopus oneOpusOneFri, 05 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Brute now available for Sprint Direct Connect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/#comments If you were hoping for a helping of Android with your iDEN, we're afraid your wait isn't quite over yet -- but folks just looking for a standard issue tough clamshell for Direct Connect might want to take a gander at this one. The aptly-named Motorola Brute isn't likely to win any beauty contests, but it comes equipped with CrystalTalk-style noise reduction, a 2 megapixel camera, GPS, stereo Bluetooth, real-time switchover between push-to-talk and a standard call, and -- of course -- mil-spec 810F compliance for protection from dirt, moisture, vibration, and the like. It's available now for $119.99 on contract after rebate.

Motorola Brute now available for Sprint Direct Connect originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruteclamshellDirect ConnectDirectConnectflipidenmobilenextelsprintMon, 11 Jan 2010 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/#commentsMotorola Opus One caught on video, dawg It's pretty rare that a tech demo starts with the phrase "you know what I'm gonna do?" But, this one certainly does, a dark, shaky, but thoroughly comprehensive exploration of the recently rumored Motorola Opus One smartphone. Jive- or profanity-averse readers (or anyone who hates zebra cake) will probably want to skip the four videos embedded below, but we'll give you the highlights: iDen is confirmed, Android 1.5 Cupcake is currently installed with Motoblur frosting, there's a five megapixel camera on the back, and with its push-to-talk this one looks to be going to Nextel or Boost Mobile. Those are the deets, but click on through if you want to do that video, dawg.

[Via iNicc0lo]

Continue reading Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg

Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5boost mobileBoostMobilecupcakeidenmotorolamotorola opus oneMotorolaOpusOnenexteloneopuspush-to-talksprint nextelSprintNextelTue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint wraps up iPCS acquisition, Nextel merger drama may finally be over]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/sprint-wraps-up-ipcs-acquisition-nextel-merger-drama-may-finall/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/sprint-wraps-up-ipcs-acquisition-nextel-merger-drama-may-finall/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/sprint-wraps-up-ipcs-acquisition-nextel-merger-drama-may-finall/#commentsIt's been eons since Sprint bought Nextel, but regional affiliate iPCS had managed to keep the fallout from the deal tied up in courts for years -- a side-effect of its claim that the merger violated Sprint's agreement to stay off iPCS' turf. After a few court losses, Sprint ultimately decided to bite the bullet and buy iPCS outright, and now, that deal's finalized to the tune of $831 million including Sprint's assumption of $405 million in debt. Though iPCS customers now become Sprint customers as a result of the acquisition, they'll effectively notice no difference -- the regional was already offering Sprint service exclusively under the Sprint brand, so this whole deal is little more than an escape hatch for the head office to tie off these legal wranglings once and for all.

Sprint wraps up iPCS acquisition, Nextel merger drama may finally be over originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionaffiliatecdmaidenipcsmergermobilesprintsprint nextelSprintNextelMon, 07 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's Opus One leaks out, whispers of 'iDEN' and 'Android' overheard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/motorolas-opus-one-leaks-out-whispers-of-iden-and-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/motorolas-opus-one-leaks-out-whispers-of-iden-and-android/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/motorolas-opus-one-leaks-out-whispers-of-iden-and-android/#comments There's an excruciatingly small amount of detail to go on right now, but the Boy Genius has managed to snag a few tasty shots of what could be the world's first iDEN Android handset. The Opus One (as it's currently codenamed) certainly smacks of the myTouch 3G in terms of design, though the bottom-mounted ball is obviously replaced with what appears to be an intensely large home button. Hit the source link for a couple more images, and drop your wildest estimations of a specs list in comments below.

Motorola's Opus One leaks out, whispers of 'iDEN' and 'Android' overheard originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrew BynumAndrewBynumandroidgoogleiDENleakedleakingmotorcyclesmotorola opus oneMotorolaCliqMotorolaOpusOneopus oneOpusOnesmartphone nationSmartphoneNationSun, 06 Dec 2009 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint bails on QChat, goes back to iDEN for all its PTT needs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/#comments We saw the writing on the wall here for a while, but Sprint's now gone ahead and made it official that it'll be phasing out its push-to-talk offerings based on Qualcomm's QChat technology in favor of -- what else? -- good ol' iDEN. For Sprint, the move makes sense; when the EV-DO Rev. A-powered QChat system was introduced last year, a Sprint / Nextel schism was a very real possibility -- but since, the company has ended up pouring money into its Direct Connect network, sprucing it up, and placing a renewed emphasis on its prepaid Boost Mobile brand which shares Nextel's airwaves. There really isn't much use for two incompatible PTT systems on any network, so one had to go -- and yes, QChat is getting the boot. Existing customers will continue to be supported, but Sprint says that it won't be offering new models; good thing iDEN phones just got pretty for the first time.

Sprint bails on QChat, goes back to iDEN for all its PTT needs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct connectDirectConnectidenmobilenextelpttpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalkqchatqualcommsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i410 comes to Boost, catchy name doesn't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/motorola-i410-comes-to-boost-catchy-name-doesnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/motorola-i410-comes-to-boost-catchy-name-doesnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/motorola-i410-comes-to-boost-catchy-name-doesnt/#comments You know how you can tell Moto's new i410 for iDEN isn't really supposed to be hip, stylish, or ultra-functional? Neither Moto nor launch partner Boost bothered to give it a fresh, funky name, bucking the trend set by the Clutch and Debut. Of course, with an utterly basic black rectangular shell, tiny monochrome secondary display, and lack of even a VGA cam, it's clear that they're going for the bottom-most reaches of the market here -- which means that customers should be able to scoop it up for a song on any of Boost's prepaid plans, happily. It's not up on the carrier's site just yet, but it'll be available before the year's up -- and Motorola says that this officially "completes Boost Mobile's 2009 device roadmap," so we hope you weren't holding out for some mythical Android device in the next couple weeks.

Motorola i410 comes to Boost, catchy name doesn't originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostboost mobileBoostMobileclamshellflipi410idenmobilemotomotorolaMon, 23 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST