Dual-Mode
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FCC signs off on Samsung i770 -- global version of Verizon's i760?
Remember when we caught wind that Verizon was prepping a worldband version Samsung's i760 Windows Mobile piece? That rumor's suddenly gained a lot more credence now that we've seen a so-called SCH-i770 pass through the FCC's hallowed halls, especially considering the device outline's uncanny resemblance to that of the aforementioned i760. We'd previously heard that there might be some HSDPA on board, and while we're not seeing any evidence of that from the FCC's test reports, we can confirm that it'll feature EV-DO, WiFi, and Bluetooth in addition to all the GSM you'll need to get by while roaming through mysterious foreign lands. No word on when we might actually see an announcement about this one, but we imagine Verizon doesn't want to wait that much longer -- the i760 design isn't getting any younger, y'know.[Via Phone Scoop]
Samsung's SCH-W599 enjoys both GSM / CDMA connectivity, long walks in park
Samsung's dual-mode SCH-W599 has made an appearance today and seems destined for China's China Unicom network. This handset sports both 800MHz CDMA and also dual-band GSM -- so yeah, not so terribly useful over here -- 2 megapixel camera, FM radio, Bluetooth, and a 2.4-inch touchscreen with handwriting recognition. Form factor is pretty standard Samsung fare, though thicker than we've seen from them in recent efforts. Other notables include a dual-sim slot under the bonnet and VibTonz feedback from the touchscreen. We're big on haptics round these parts, so we've got our collective fingers crossed we'll be seeing more of this in the near future, right Samsung?[Via Unwired View]
Sprint to launch dual-mode CDMA / WiMAX devices this year?
Assuming Sprint can make it -- and that's starting to seem like kind of a big if these days -- CEO Dan Hesse made some comments about the coming 4G revolution, including one auspicious hint about dual-mode CDMA / WiMAX devices this later year for XOHM. It's almost an exciting enough concept for us to forget that even if these devices were forthcoming in 2008, they'd still only be for one of the soft launch markets, and would probably start as a data cards -- not phones. But hey, we're happy to be proven wrong, Sprint.
Hop-on's HOP2001 brings dual-mode action to Windows Mobile
So what's more creative, a disposable cellphone or a dual-mode GSM / CDMA WinMo smartphone? Tough call, but it's a very real question seeing how Hop-on apparently makes both. This here is the HOP2001, a phone with a spec sheet that sounds just a little too good to be true: triband HSDPA 3.6, CDMA (though EV-DO doesn't appear to be supported), a 3 megapixel autofocus cam, 256MB of ROM and 128MB of RAM, integrated GPS, microSD expansion, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi, and Windows Mobile 6 (never mind the fact that the shoddy rendering shows Windows Mobile 5, we suppose). Hop-on proudly proclaims the HOP2001 to be "AT&T / Verizon ready," though we'll hold off on proclaiming this one of the most feature-packed WinMo handsets on the market until we see some actual units in use. Call us jaded!
Samsung's dual-mode W629 for China
We don't see a lot of dual-mode action around here, but in areas of the world where cell coverage is a disjoint patchwork of GSM and CDMA networks, having the capability to switch between services seems like a nifty trick. Samsung's no stranger to the concept, and its latest dual-mode model kinda makes us wish we had a need for such fancy technological trickery: meet the W629, a neat lookin' little phone in the vein of the company's so-called credit card phones featuring a 2.6 inch display, 3 megapixel cam, and Bluetooth. It should hit mainland China before the end of the year.[Via Mobilewhack]
Sirius, XM receivers may play both sides
Amid the takeover rumors, merger talk, blackouts, and general struggle and strife for consumers just trying to listen to some decent radio, it appears that a glimmer of hope may be breaking through all the noise. In an outrageously detailed letter to the FCC, a gentleman named Michael Hartleib calls for the agency to more clearly define the differences between "Dual mode" and "Interoperable" radios, and outlines how (using the latter variety) existing XM or Sirius receivers might be able to access both networks simply by having their firmware updated. The technical missive also suggests that the companies may be deflecting attention away from this fact in an attempt to bring "updated" receivers to market which have the aforementioned capability, when all that is really needed is a simple software tweak. Naturally, we can understand why he'd want to go straight to the FCC -- it's not like Sirius or XM are expected to discuss this possibility, and we think it's safe to assume that if they merge they're going to gouge customers into buying a new radio, instead of updating the ones they currently own.
Sprint launches BlackBerry 8830 World Edition
While Sprint's launch of the dual-mode BlackBerry 8830 doesn't come as a surprise -- we knew it was only a matter of time before it hopped into Sprint's portfolio -- subscibers may raise a cheer if looking for some worldwide phone action. For only $199 (with a new two year agreement and data plan, of course) Sprint subscribers will be talking in 170+ countries and surfing in more than 70 -- which makes RIM's 8830 device just a wee bit handier than a GSM set. As an added bonus, Sprint has served this thing up SIM unlocked, which, for the GSM uninitiated, means you can buy a local SIM card when abroad, pop it in, and take advantage of local calling tariffs. This thing has launched on carriers everywhere and seems a no-brainer if you travel in areas only serviced by GSM and can't survive without RIM's finest at your side.[Thanks, Chris G]
T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM
It sounds like the days of dropped calls and endless frustration when leaving TD-SCDMA coverage and entering a GSM realm are nearing an end, as Beijing's T3G Technology and NXP Semiconductors have introduced the "world's first voice automatic handover of multi-mode TD-SCDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE in a handset." Just as it sounds, the technology will provide bi-directional on-the-fly, automatic handovers between TD-SCDMA and GSM networks, and any equipped mobile can "automatically scan for available networks" and switch over when necessary "without any adverse effects." Apparently, the two firms have already validated the claims on a number of Chinese network environments, but we've no idea how soon this peace making creation will get rolled out to the masses.
Verizon Wireless unleashes globetrotting BlackBerry 8830
It would seem that the info we posted last week (it feels so good to be spot on sometimes) was right and Verizon was indeed set to release the BlackBerry 8830 today. While the hardware has been covered ad nauseam, the $199 price point -- if you sign a new 2 year agreement of course -- is a definitive plus for those of you just now taking the plunge to enjoy some of this brand spankin' new, worldwide Berryin' from Verizon. Also packed in your kit is the "Global Support Pack" which includes your SIM card and user reference guide to accessing the global 24 hour free tech support and a free calling card to do it with, no matter where you might be. Stay tuned for our hands-on.[Via PR Newswire.com]
BlackBerry 8830 "Cyclone" peeped with Verizon branding
As mentioned a few days ago, Verizon Wireless seems to be prepping for the release of a new dual mode version of the venerable Blackberry 8800, christened the 8830. With this handy bit of tech you will be able to use CDMA radio while in the States (and maybe Canada?) and switch over to that good old fashioned GSM love while abroad. The pic above clearly shows the 8830 in silver, while the images in our last article seem to show it in black. No other solid info is available, but you can be sure we will be updating as the news and details trickle in.
Skylink goes both ways with Ubiquam U-520
Russian operator Skylink is apparently claiming that their U-520 candybar -- sourced from Korea's Ubiquam -- is the world's first dual-mode CDMA / GSM handset. While it's a nifty trick to be sure, we can think of countless phones that have managed to pull it off before; sorry Skylink, no gold star for you there. Anyhoo, on the CDMA 450 side of things, the U-520 rocks EV-DO data, but GSM suffers along with puny GPRS on 900 / 1800 networks. Other specs include a 2 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, expandable memory, and USB. We'll pass on this one -- partly on account of its homely appearance, partly because it offers precisely zero bands of interest to us -- but we're sure it'll come in handy in Moscow's rough-and-tumble mobile landscape.[Via Unwired View, thanks Staska]
UTStarcom's dual-mode GF210 clears FCC
What deep, dark secret lies within the casing of this perfectly unremarkable looking UTStarcom candybar? It's got dual-mode hardware, that's what. Yep, GSM -- US-friendly 850 / 1900, no less -- and WiFi, coexisting in blissful harmony to hook its user up with SIP-based VoIP at home and GSM on the road. It's a crying shame, then, that no amount of technological geekery would allow us to feel comfortable talking on the homely GF210. Hey, T-Mobile, would ya please hurry it up over there?
Samsung SCH-W579: dual mode with a touchscreen
We're guessing that taking up residence in China has its fair share of disadvantages, but let it be known that a dearth of nifty, unusual smartphones is not one of them. Samsung has rolled another for China Unicom, the SCH-W579, and with support for CDMA 800 / 1900 and GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900, the touchscreen-enabled beast isn't likely to leave its owner without coverage. Other features include internal QVGA and external 96 x 80 displays, a 2 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, business card recognition, and a media player. We can't make heads or tails of what OS this thing will be rocking, but Linux is a strong possibility.[Via Slashphone]
D-Link's V-Click: an overpriced, rebadged GSM VoIP phone
D-Link's got a so-called new line-up of dual-mode WiFi VoIP / GSM V-Click phones for ya. The big selling point of course, is the ability to quickly toggle between your tri-band 900/1800/1900MHz GSM/GPRS network or unspecified 802.11 WiFi to make low cost VoIP calls. The magic here is in that "v-click" button along the side which flips the WiFi radio. Once enabled, users can make SIP-based VoIP calls or hit the web over the bundled Opera Mobile browser and 176x220 pixel display. Hmmm, those specs sure smack of that Taiwanese GW1 peeped at CES from Winstron NeWeb Corp and unfurled as the Neuf Twin dual-mode handset already on sale in France. Let's see, same screen, same dimensions, same radios... yup, we're calling it a rebadge. So are you really going to give D-Link $600 for their logo when it drops in Q1 or pick-up an unlocked, €200/$250 Twin sans contract from your friendly electronics importer? Yeah, thought so.
Paragon shows dual-mode "hipi-2200" Smartphone
We're, like, so over flush metal keypads, but we're going to let it slide just this once. Looking to bring a little more spit and polish than the original dual-mode hipi before it, Paragon Wireless' new hipi-2200 ups the ante with the inclusion of Windows Mobile 5 -- in a far more refined-looking package, to boot. With the exception of the lack of 3G (or even EDGE, for that matter) and the pedestrian 220 x 176 display, the spec sheet reads like a dream come true for Windows Mobile fans: 2-megapixel cam, microSD expansion, quadband GSM, SIP-based VoIP with seamless handoff, and a claimed 100 hours of standby with both GSM and WiFI radios turned on. Best of all, Paragon says the hipi-2200 is FCC certified, making a US release at least plausible. Likely? No, but we can dare to dream.[Via Mobilewhack]
UTStarcom goes dual-mode with GSM / CDMA T66
The dual-mode concept is a big deal in Asia where carriers like China Unicom have both GSM and CDMA networks floating around, and it looks like UTStarcom wants to cash in with its T66 clamshell. The press release claims the T66 sports not one, but two 2.6-inch displays (we're having a hard time picturing that), music player, 1.3 megapixel camera, and "MP3 broadcasting" and is destined for China Unicom's World Wind dual-mode service. The T66's major selling point is apparently its ability to stand by on both networks simultaneously, a feature missing from first-generation World Wind devices. No word on availability outside China, which doesn't necessarily break our hearts -- but we have to admit, we're a little curious about the "MP3 broadcasting" feature. An FM transmitter, perhaps?[Via Mobilewhack]
Samsung prepping dual-mode WiMax handset for 2007
It looks like Samsung might be gunning to put another "world's first _____" title under their belt, announcing at CommunicAsia last week that a dual-mode WiMax / GSM handset is in the works for a H1 2007 release. The flavor of WiMax in question here is presumably 802.16e which Samsung says will presently haul 10.2Mb down to you each and every second, with a boost to roughly 40Mb/s in Q3 2007. Of course, Korea generally loves them some WiBro, but WiBro holds the promise of 802.16e compatibility so there may be no conflict of interest here. Samsung has said they expect their dual-mode phone to go on sale worldwide, so we can likely (read: hopefully) expect quad-band GSM in the box -- but whether any substantial population outside Korea will have access to an 802.16e network by 1H 2007 is another question entirely.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Qtopia dual-mode phone drops in France
We first told you about Wistron NeWeb's GW1 dual-mode candybar with tri-band GSM and VoIP over WiFi back in January when we caught wind of it at CES; now, it looks like they've picked up a launch partner. Rebranded as the "Twin" by French MVNO Neuf (that's "Nine" for you non-Francophones out there), the phone appears to be hit with the basically the same ugly stick that afflicted the GW1, but never mind that -- the big draw here is dual mode, which Neuf will offer at regular mobile rates through customer's Internet connections and its own hotspots. Also of note is that the Twin / GW1 runs Qtopia for folks looking to make an escape from more traditional smartphone platforms. The Twin is available unlocked and without contract for €200 or €1 when purchased with a Neuf Internet connection and phone plan.
Samsung SCH-W569 GSM / CDMA phone shows up on FCC
Dual-mode GSM / CDMA phones from Samsung for Asian release are nothing new, but every time we see FCC test docs pop up for a such a model, we can't help but start to daydream about a possible US release. Today's object of desire is the Samsung SCH-W569, teasing us with a shot of her backside. We know very little about this phone, except what we've gleaned from a no-name Chinese e-shop -- it probably sports a 2.1-inch 240 x 320 display, weighs 92g, and should be dropping over in those parts this month. It'd be nifty if we were looking at dual SIM slots here, but since the phone is dual-mode, we're more likely seeing one SIM and one RUIM. [Warning: PDF link]
