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7.2Mbps HSDPA service to hit Cingular next year
There's always thrilling news coming from ITU Telecom World in Hong Kong for those residing overseas, but this time it's the Americans rejoicing. A Qualcomm official has stated that USA's own Cingular Wireless "is set to launch" a 7.2Mbps HSDPA service this coming January (at the earliest). While we're not sure if that figure is theoretical or otherwise, nor do we know its complementary upload speed, we've found that the service will hit speed-hungry laptops equipped with PCMCIA slots real soon. While upping the speeds of HSDPA services seems to be all the rage these days, we're glad to see such a substantial jump happening right here. Notably, Cingular probably won't be alone in such launches come 2007, as Australian service provider Telstra is already planning to hit its customers up with the same luxury, while a spokesperson from SK Telecom boasted that its networks were "already designed" to support the blazing speeds, insinuating that a boost in service could be just around the bend. Per usual, we've got no details as to just how much coinage this speed will demand, nor any way to tell if this January date will actually stick, but we've got just about a month until we know for certain. [Warning: subscription required]Update: A Qualcomm official pinged to let us know that this information was supposedly never given to Telecoms Korea, and that Qualcomm "doesn't speculate on operator plans." So there you have it, maybe it'll happen, maybe it won't.
Samsung partners with SK Telecom, launches Q40-HSDPA
While it hasn't been too awfully long since Samsung doused its Q40 ultraportable in pink, the company is now looking to grab the attention of HSDPA fans by shoving such support into the lappie (and toning down the color scheme, too). Partnering with SK Telecom, the Q40-HSDPA will offer T-Login connectivity throughout South Korea (unless Kim Jong Il illegally snags one just North of the divide), and will also pack a 12.1-inch WXGA display, Intel's U1400 Core Solo processor, 1GB of RAM, a smallish 60GB hard drive, and a T-DMB receiver to boot. The machine will weigh in at just 2.6 pounds, and should be hitting the streets of Seoul soon for a slightly painful 2,300,000 KRW ($2,472).
Samsung unveils DMB-equipped digicam, plans HSDPA version
While there's WiFi-enabled digicams available en masse, and do-it-all devices that boast DMB playback seem to be popping up everywhere, Samsung is looking forward by planning to release a digital camera that sports either of the two (or hopefully both) functionalities. Samsung was already hoping to squeeze DMB / PMP-like features into point-and-shoot offerings last year, and now the company has finally unveiled its SDC-K50/D512S, "which shows free TV programs thanks to a built-in terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) tuner." The company touts its 2.5-inch LCD as being more effective at displaying television shows than the (generally) smaller cellphone screens available. Moreover, Samsung is hoping to roll out digicams with T-Login support, which would allow a USB HSDPA modem to reside in a small slot on its enclosure, enabling users to upload photos from anywhere in the world via the SK Telecom service. The dongles have already been released for desktops, laptops, and personal media players, but stuffing one in a digital camera could eliminate the oh-so-irksome need to find a PC (or a WiFi hotspot) in order to upload shots to the web.
SK Telecom gets with European operators for 3G roaming
Roaming agreements for the world's WCDMA networks aren't nearly as comprehensive as they are for their 2G / 2.5G equivalents, occasionally leaving 3G customers in the lurch when traveling abroad (we're having difficulty working up any tears here, but we're doing our best; please pardon our bitterness). Case in point: handsets on SK Telecom's WCDMA network could not be used in many European countries, despite the fact that Europe is flush with the 3G goodness. That's about to change, thanks to a new agreement between SK, Vodafone, and Denmark's Hi3G that will allow the Korean carrier's handsets to be used in as many as 12 European countries' UMTS networks, including video calls. Yeah, video calls. Are those crickets we hear?
SK Telecom launches T Login service for mobile broadband
SK Telecom is pulling out all the stops to get people hooked on their 3G and 4G data services, and have launched the T Login service and a new USB modem to get the ball rolling. The new (and incredibly clunky) USB modem looks to be able to provide HSDPA and EV-DO service to laptops and desktops, with a HSDPA / WiBro version due later this year. SK Telecom is even planning two PMPs and a digital camera to take advantage of the wireless broadband, and high-speed phones will be pulled under the T Login umbrella as well. We're hearing all sorts of conflicting launch dates right now, but all of the above should be launched in some combination of now, October, December and/or January.
The SCH-B590: Samsung shoots for another "world's thinnest"
True, it's a full 9.6mm thicker than their paper-thin X820, but believe it or not, that's still apparently thin enough for Samsung to claim their SCH-B590 is the world's thinnest phone with DMB. As you might expect, you give up some goodness to minimize the bulge in your pocket; the SCH-B590 gets off with a measly 1.3-megapixel cam, not to mention a fairly pedestrian clamshell design -- none of that rotating slider nonsense here. Expect the B590 to drop on Korea's SK Telecom for around 500,000 won (about $520).
SK Telecom releases USB HSDPA modem
The honeymoon's not quite over for us when it comes to HSDPA modems in interesting form factors; SK Telecom's IM-H100 USB modem from Pantech isn't the first USB modem to support HSDPA, and it certainly won't be the last, but the swiveling connector is worth a mention. Other than that, you get lightning-fast downstream speeds packaged inside a rather curious metallic red cylinder, and that's about it. But hey, no complaints here -- when it comes to equipping your lappie with 3G data, simplicity is the name of the game.[Via I4U News]
The VK-X200: VK Mobile's swan song?
As a phone manufacturer, it could be argued that one of the first steps you'd better take to get yourself out from under the financial gun is to release some quality products. That's exactly what VK Mobile looks to be doing here -- or trying to do, anyway -- in offering the VK-X200 for Korea's SK Telecom. The smart-looking X200 clocks in at 9.9mm, slim by all but the most extreme standards, and apparently rocks a 2-megapixel cam and media player. Good luck to ya, VK; we hope this thing sells like hotcakes.
New Helio hardware in the pipeline from Samsung?
Your interpretation of the Google translation is just as valid as ours, but we're getting that Samsung has entered an agreement with SK Telecom (one of Helio's parents, the other being Earthlink) to provide at least one handset to the MVNO's stable in the October timeframe. No real deets on the device itself, though this pictured Z400 "phone of champions" may be the culprit. Anything is an upgrade from the Hero, although the Z400 lacks the Kickflip's style; at any rate, if Helio wants to save itself, we're hoping Bluetooth finds its way into the mix this time around.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Helio: another MVNO in trouble?
It looks like Amp'd and ESPN Mobile aren't the only MVNOs discovering that their business models may not be getting them where they want to be. An unconfirmed report out of Telecoms Korea is brewing that Helio -- chic Kickflip and all -- has managed to sign up 100 (yes, that's one hundred) subscribers since launching a couple months back. SK Telecom, which teamed up with Earthlink to form Helio, is denying the reports and insisting the true number is in the thousands, but either way they've fallen well short of projections. It looks like we now have an explanation for Helio's shockingly generous gadget trade-in program. SKT also looks to shore up Helio's lineup with as many as five new models by year end, but we have to wonder -- if 100 subs is an accurate count, is there any hope for a turnaround?UPDATE: We just got an official response from Helio about this: "This morning's report by Telecoms Korea is wholly inaccurate and does not represent Helio's membership figures." They wouldn't tell us any more than that, but they're adamant that the figures reported aren't correct.
WiBro a go in South Korea
Seemingly always at the forefront of the latest and greatest technologies, little South Korea has once again trumped almost the entire rest of the world by rolling out commercial versions of the long-range wireless networking standard known as WiBro. Based on Intel's version of WiMax, the services offered by both SK Telecom and KT Corp will provide broadband speeds to users in and around Seoul from base stations with one kilometer ranges, allowing subscribers to maintain their connections even while traveling at speeds up to 74MPH. Although a slew of WiBro-enabled devices are on the verge of release, currently that Samsung PCMCIA card we saw last month is one of the few ways to go for getting your mobile WiBro on. Initially SK will be charging around $31.50 per month for its service, while KT's is significantly cheaper at less than $17, although both carriers are planning on introducing tiered pricing based on usage, as well as subsidies up to $105 on compatible gear.
LG's KH1000 HSDPA slider for KTF
It looks like SK Telecom and KTF are locked in a heated battle for Korean HSDPA supremacy, with both carriers having launched their 3.5G networks in the last month. So far, equipment is a toss-up, KTF having received a reskin of SK's Samsung SCH-W200 and now this, LG's KH1000, a remake of their SH100 for SK. LG takes a cue from Samsung here, swapping color schemes and d-pads, but leaving the phone's innards intact (as best we can tell). Besides simply looking better than its Samsung stablemate, the KH1000 wins the cool factor, sporting an additional degree of slider freedom for two -- count 'em, two -- keypads on the bottom and right of the phone. Naturally, the KH1000 isn't expected outside Korea, but we're pretty sure we couldn't pony up the cash for it anyhow.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Samsung / SK Telecom PC card: an HSDPA, EV-DO, WiBro love-in
Prepare that national ego for a beating son, 'cause SK Telecom and Samsung have developed a Korea-only mobile data card sure to make you feel like a chump. Having just launched their HSDPA service days ago, it's no suprise to see Korea's largest mobile operator demonstrating a PCMCIA data card which supports both HSDPA and EV-DO. However, this card also packs in WiBro setting the stage for some good ol' fashioned head-to-head action against Korean Telecom. KT's WiBro service is set to go live in just days while SK's offering is only just now in pilot, with a limited commercial offering said to be starting next month when this card should drop for retail. But who knows, afterall SK's fledgling HSDPA service is said to offer equivalent speeds to KT's WiBro and at least initially the two complementary services are targeting the same market segments. So SK's not in a rush, if ya dig?[Via Akihabara News]
Helio LA launch party celebriful
We totally missed Helio's big coming out party in LA this weekend at the Park Hyatt, but as we understand it was attended by none other than Tom Cruise (who carries a Hero) and ladyfriend Katie Holmes; apparently Helio's also making sure Steven Spielberg and, um, female Korean golfers like Pearl Siin have handsets with which to be seen around town. The Korean LPGA stuff is no coincidence though, Helio's using its half-Korean connections with SK Telecom to offer Korean Americans limited free calls to Korea, ringback tones, and games until June 30th. Perhaps more interesting still is according to Hankook Daily, T-Mobile -- who apparently currently carry about 35 percent of Korean Americans -- is supposedly pressuring shops to not vend Helio devices and service by pain of losing their T-Mo dealer license. We don't know if they'd so brashly engage in anything so anti-competitive, but SK, Helio, ET, the LGPA, and agent Hunt have their eyes on you, T-Mobile.[Via Telecoms Korea]Update: Helio called us on our Batphone Kickflip to let us know that the party was actually an SK Telecom event for the launch of Helio powered by SK Telecom, their Helio sub-brand targeting Korean Americans (ahh, it all makes sense). While Tom Cruise doesn't look Korean to us, we'll let it slide; we wouldn't kick him out of our party, either. Ok, well, maybe we would if he started doing that Risky Business shtick or something.
SK Telecom launches HSDPA network with new Samsung SCH-W200
South Korean consumers looking for some serious mobile bandwidth need not wait until June to pick up one of LG's SH100 handsets that we brought you earlier today, because SK Telecom has just announced that their HSDPA network is live in 25 cities as of today, and that a new model from Samsung is available for the rollout. Besides 2G, 3G, and 3.5G data support, the new Samsung SCH-W200 -- which is the first of five impending HSDPA phones, including the SH100, that will available by year's end -- offers both a two megapixel as well as a VGA camera, S-DMB TV capabilities, MP3/AAC playback, text-to-speech, and perhaps most importantly with all these features, multitasking. Although theoretically capable of 12Mbps downstream traffic, SKT's HSDPA network will currently only deliver a relatively pokey 1.8Mbps to the W200 -- with 3.6Mbps promised for later this year -- but claims to be the only WCDMA network in the world to offer guaranteed video conferencing performance through circuit, and not packet, switching. Read- HSDPA rollout Read- HSDPA speeds (subscription required)Read- Samsung SCH-W200
Korean dog translation service gets premium upgrade
You probably thought it was pretty silly when you heard that Korea's second largest wireless carrier, KTF, began offering a service last year that can supposedly discern your dog's emotions from a few barks into the phone. Well the "doggy translation" service has proven so popular, that not only did the top Korean carrier roll out its own implementation, but SK Telecom is now offering a premium version of the service that seems to give users access to a sort of pet lovers' mobile community where they can query veterinarians, make a homepage for their little bundle of fur, or purchase pet-related items online at a discount. The core service will remain the same, continuing to offer two-way translation (yes, your voice can be converted into barks as well) for about 55 breeds of dogs, although cat lovers must continue to gauge their pet's mood by the intensity of his/her hissing and scratching.[Picture credit: Telecoms Korea]
