iDEN
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Are these Motorola's 2007 iDEN handsets?
Chugging along in its own little world as the patron saint of push-to-talk, somewhat isolated from the ever-constant wars that plague the world's mega-standards GSM and CDMA, lies iDEN. Though Sprint's looking to deep-six iDEN in the long term here in the States with a fleet of hybrid devices, there are plenty of iDEN networks around the globe that require a steady supply of handsets -- handsets that don't necessarily have to go toe-to-toe with the hottest that GSM and CDMA have to offer, but, you know, they can't look like DynaTACs, either. On that note we present this grainy photo, apparently taken at a presentation for an Israeli iDEN carrier, that appears to detail two unreleased handsets. One of them (the one on the right, we're guessing) is said to be the successor to the high-end i880. For such a niche technology, we've gotta say we're pretty impressed at Motorola's investment into updated models here.[Thanks, Ishay P.]
Boost to offer unlimited plan?
Word on the street has it that Boost is poised to test-market an unlimited plan, though it's unknown at this point whether said plan would be voice only or would throw in all-you-can-eat data as well (a smart move, we reckon). If true, this lines up nicely with a previous rumor that Boost would start offering postpaid plans in the same vein as stablemate Nextel, but here's where it gets really juicy: the phone allegedly to be offered with the unlimited plan isn't an iDEN piece. We don't mean iDEN / CDMA hybrid, either -- it's a straight-up CDMA phone, the yawn-riffic Motorola C290. If that doesn't turn you off, and you live in Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston, look for the plan to hit shortly for $45 a month; meanwhile, folks in the Bay area can expect to shell out $50, and Southern California bears the brunt of it at $55.
Nextel launches ic402, second iDEN / CDMA hybrid
If you're in the market for a iDEM / CDMA hybrid but the fancy ic502 (with its newfangled external display and military-grade toughness) is too rich for your blood, the freshly-released ic402 shaves a full $20 off the on-contract price. Of course, in saving yourself those $20, you'll lose the aforementioned display and 810F spec adherance -- though the silver shell is arguably a tad fancier looking than the ic502's basic black. Customers can get their CDMA on now from Nextel's website for a reasonable $40 after rebates and instant savings.[Via phoneArena]
From the "They still make those?" dept.: Motorola's M710
Yeah, we knew Motorola was still committed to making old-school car phones -- heck, Telus carries one of 'em -- but we still can't help but chuckle a little when we catch wind of a new one in the pipeline. The latest, dubbed M710, rides on Motorola's own iDEN, suggesting that it might find its way to Nextel at some point (or not; after all, Telus operates an iDEN network north of the border, as do a good number of carriers across the world). Given the M710's supposed lease in life as a commercial device, iDEN seems like the perfect fit considering that corporate customers account for an overwhelming majority of their base, but we're still somehow having a difficult time picturing anyone taking this over an i880.[Via Slashphone and infoSync World]
Motorola ic502 now available from Sprint-Nextel
We knew it would only be a matter of time before Sprint-Nextel got their act together and were going to release the ic502. The handwritting was on the wall from the FCC approval, to the eBay auction for the device pre-launch, and finally to the leaked launch documents stating November 5th. Well it is after November 5th and all, but we think that it's better late to the party then never. Sprint-Nextel has decided to (finally) launch the hybrid CDMA / iDEN phone, equipping it with a 65k color screen, A-GPS for directions and local searches, walkie talkie functionality via iDEN, and voice service compliments of Sprint's CDMA network to ease some of the heartache of network capacity.[Via PhoneArena]
Boost offers Motorola i885
Following hot on the heels of its corporate parent, Sprint Nextel, Boost Mobile has added its own variant of Nextel's Motorola i880 as the i885. It looks like the phone hasn't changed much from when we first scooped it way back in July, with the range-topping device bringing a 2 megapixel cam, microSD slot, and dedicated music controls to the table. Minor differences from its more uptight i880 sibling include a migration of the external controls from the phone's front to the side and a trick, lit Boost Mobile logo on the lower left of the flip. The i885 is shipping now for a stiff $350 -- but that's the price one must pay for prepaid iDEN supremacy these days.[Thanks, Memo]
Nextel launches i880 on the high end
Nextel users looking for just a little more luxury then your average... say, i615 provides, your phone has arrived. The long-foretold i880 has finally graced Sprint-Nextel's pages, looking every bit as nifty as the blurry, covert spy shots that preceded its official introduction had us believing. Notable features include a 2 megapixel camera (particularly notable for Nextel, of all carriers), an MP3 player with stereo speakers, dual color displays, and external music controls. Sadly though, the i880 doesn't adhere to military specifications, so don't even think about taking this burgundy-colored beauty into a war zone.[Thanks, Nino]
Sprint-Nextel to launch first hybrid on November 5?
The concept of CDMA / iDEN hybrid phones has been kicking around pretty much since day one of the Sprint-Nextel merger, and we caught wind of a hybrid handset, the ic502, months ago; the only thing left to do, it seems, is actually launch the darned thing. The wait might be nearly over: a web page over yonder at sprintpcs.com makes mention of a November 5 hybrid launch in "select markets," though said page does not make mention of what those markets are or what phone(s) will be launched. As a refresher, the CDMA / iDEN dual-mode setup will make use of iDEN for PTT and CDMA for traditional calling (though we suspect there will be allowances for falling back from one to the other should only one service be available), taking some of the pressure off the overstressed iDEN network.[Thanks, Seth Z.]
Unreleased Motorola ic502 iDEN / CDMA hybrid hits eBay
It may have just breezed through the FCC a few short months ago, but Motorola's yet-to-be-released ic502 iDEN / CDMA hybrid phone has already found its way to eBay -- although if the bidding activity is any indication, it doesn't look like Motorola will have much trouble meeting the demand for it. One bid was all it took to snag the hybrid handset, with the winning bidder throwing down an even $300 for the bragging rights. The lack of EVDO, not to mention Bluetooth or a camera, no doubt helped to dampen the anticipation among early adopters a bit, but if you're in desperate need of some hybrid action, the ic502's the only game in town.[Thanks, Sloop John B]
The combat-ready Motorola i615 for Nextel
Nextel's always seemed to be a solid choice for those whose lot in life involves inflicting brutal damage to their phones. The trend continues with the military-spec i615, a candybar (though the term doesn't really seem to do this thing justice) that makes up in ruggedness what it lacks in appearance. It comes packing Bluetooth, a speakerphone, and what appears to be a pretty healthy-sized display, but lacks Direct Talk for off-network walkie talkie action. The i615 can be had immediately (before you go and break another handset) for $250 on contract after discounts.[Thanks, Reemusk]
Motorola i880 crosses FCC borders
They wouldn't give us the much anticipated early peek at Motorola's i880 that we would have liked, but the FCC definitely did pass the phone through with a thumbs up. That, of course, indicates as always that the phone isn't long for the general market, even though by this point the original market that Sprint-Nextel envisaged a year ago that might be interested in a hybrid CDMA / iDEN device have probably moved on to a regular old CDMA (or -- gasp -- EV-DO) Sprint handset. Still, we know our place: they make 'em, we write about 'em.
'07 plans for Boost: don't worry, Sprint still loves you
After Sprint's threat to dial back Boost in favor of its more lucrative Nextel brand, the question begs asking: what's next for equipment? Anything? Yeah, we've got the i885 to look forward to (hopefully), but beyond that, we hadn't heard much to keep Boost customers excited through the end of the year and into 2007. Fear not, folks. Hot off the tip line, we have a scoop that should restore some of the hope dashed by now-departed COO Len Lauer in his vitriolic comments regarding the young, prepaid iDEN division. First off, we've heard that Boost will be adding postpaid options next year, which will interestingly threaten to put it in almost direct competition with sibling Nextel. Second, hybrid iDEN / CDMA devices will launch on Boost in Q1 of 2007, and at least some of them will offer EV-DO. Lastly -- drum roll, please -- our tipster has seen prototype devices with a distinct "Sidekick appeal," full QWERTY and all. If this is Sprint's way of killing a brand, then we've gotta say, there are worse fates.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Sprint to give Boost less boost
Where we come from, common sense dictates that you push the products that are doing well for you and dial back the ones that aren't. Perhaps that's what separates us from the fancy-pants businessfolk within Sprint's corporate offices who've decided to "slow Boost down quite a bit." Boost's been doing extraordinarily well for Sprint, accounting now for some 8% of Sprint Nextel's customer base -- largely because it's an inexpensive way to get in on Nextel's iDEN PTT goodness -- and therein lies the problem, it seems. With the radio interference iDEN's had with public safety frequencies, Sprint's been forced to dial back its total iDEN capacity in some markets, and at the end of the day they'd rather give that limited capacity to their more lucrative Nextel customers than the prepaid Boost crowd. How Sprint ultimately intends to "slow Boost down" remains to be seen, but if you've been jonesin' for an i885, we might suggest you keep your eyes peeled and get it while the gettin's good.[Via Phone Scoop]Update: Never mind giving Boost less boost; Sprint's giving execs the boot. COO Len Lauer, to be specific -- the very man responsible for the comments suggesting Sprint was ready to kick dust in Boost's eye. Whether those comments had anything to do with Lauer's departure is unclear, as is the current status of said plans, but we'll obviously have our ear to the ground on this story as it develops.
Motorola's "Harmony" project to support iDEN, WiMAX
In a move aimed squarely at Sprint Nextel, Motorola has announced that it's working on solutions capable of supporting iDEN plus WiMAX as a stop-gap 4G solution. The big picture (back end, devices, chipsets) is known as "Harmony," and though the announcement itself is of little interest to most consumers -- especially with iDEN ultimately moving into the government's hands -- this should at least catch Sprint's attention as their hopes and aspirations have lately been wandering from WiMAX toward other 4G initiatives. As PCS Intel points out, with iDEN / CDMA handsets around the corner, it's a pretty short hop from iDEN / WiMAX to the iDEN / WiMAX / CDMA trifecta, leaving Sprint with the total package for supporting CDMA in the consumer sector, high security (read: next-gen) iDEN for government services, and WiMAX for 4G. Of course, Harmony is still a one-trick pony and if Sprint politely declines, it's almost certainly dead in the water. We're pulling for ya, Moto.
Motorola i885 to join i880 on iDEN high end
If the i880 wasn't really doing anything for you when it surfaced in the wild, perhaps this here i885 will. Motorola's upcoming halo iDEN devices will see service on both Nextel and Boost, sporting pleather and faux snakeskin exteriors -- pick your poison -- and a trick button-operated flip mechanism. (If they're going to get creative with case designs on us, we can only hope they deep-sixed the standard Nextel "beep beep" while they were letting those creative juices flow.) Besides minor cosmetic differences, the phones' guts are presumably identical; both should be rocking 2-megapixel shooters, music players, and dual color displays. We're getting mixed reports on whether these are CDMA hybrids, but even if they aren't, the pair gives Nextel much-needed love in a market segment they aren't typically accustomed to servicing.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Motorola launches i670 for Nextel
Moto sure is giving its iDEN-only product line a healthy sendoff before CDMA hybrid handsets start to drop later this year. Besides the upcoming high-end i880 and the virtually indestructible (we'll eat those words, we're sure) i580, Nextel looks to shore up their low end by adding the i670, a basic clamshell whose main selling point appears to be its "color display." Of course, no-frills is a big selling point among some Nextel clientele, so the phone should find its niche. Other features include Direct Talk (off-network walkie talkie) support, speakerphone, and a reasonable $49.99 price tag on two-year contract.[Via phoneArena]
Artillery-grade Motorola i580 relased on Sprint-Nextel
Continuing on a trend of newly unveiled everything-proof devices, we present Motorola's i580 phone. This beast is made to withstand the everyday abuses a cell phone takes and pretty much everything else you could possibly subject it to. Dust, steep falls, extreme temperatures, rain, and solar radiation won't harm the iDEN-capable device released on the Sprint-Nextel network. Aside from being one of the most resilient phones available, this clunker actually has a surprising array of features for its class. You'll get a 176 x 220 pixel screen, 1.3 megapixel camera (with video capability), Bluetooth, GPS, microSD, and the modern convenience of PTT that utilizes Direct Talk for off-network usage while exploring. The actual talk time, however, is lacking; you'll only get 2.75 hours of talking in on a full charge. The built-in insurance that comes with such a rugged phone doesn't come cheap: it's available now for $229.99 when purchased with a 2-year contract. [Via Mobile Whack]
FCC lets ic502 out of the bag, first iDEN / CDMA phone
Nextelites saving your pennies for the i880, hold up just a minute. Deets are emerging on the ic502, and while it's not the highest-end phone around, you could be the first kid on your block packin' hybrid iDEN / CDMA heat. As usual, the FCC has done the honors, releasing the user's manual where we see that the ruggedized flip will support CDMA on the 1900 band only, iDEN on 800, and old-skool walkie-talkie on ISM 900; handoff between networks is not supported. Otherwise, not much to talk about -- no Bluetooth, no camera. On second thought, that i880 is looking pretty sweet, ain't it?[Via phoneArena]
Shots emerge of upcoming i880 for Nextel
It's not every day that we get to do an old fashioned feel-good story about new iDEN hardware in the pipeline, so pardon us if we're relishing in the moment a bit. An intrepid Howard Forums member has posted shots of a claimed Motorola i880, a rather svelte (by iDEN standards) clamshell with dual color displays, camera, external music controls, and stereo speakers to enjoy your music in glorious low fidelity while maximally aggravating those around you. If this all checks out, the i880 would likely slot in as Nextel's top non-smartphone -- although that's not saying much -- and possibly Nextel's last purely iDEN hurrah before iDEN / CDMA hybrid handsets start to drop in the coming months.[Via phoneArena]
Motorola, Chicago Cubs intro "wireless bullpen"
Reaching deep into its bag of marketing tricks, Motorola is working with Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs to install its i580 iDEN clamshells at Wrigley Field to create the "League's first wireless bullpen communication system." We're hard-pressed to find the difference between a "wireless bullpen communication system" and "a couple of Nextels mounted on the wall," but as the name implies, the phones will give managers the capability to get through to the bullpen from the dugout without all those pesky wires that plague traditional systems. Tonight's game marks the first for the new system, after which the phone used to make the first call will be immortalized for all to see at the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown (no, seriously). For the record, the i580 supports Bluetooth, so don't be surprised if you catch Dusty Baker sporting a chic headset in the dugout.
