slvr
Latest
TUAW 2006
Motorola SLVR Verdict: It's no "i"PhoneMotorola recently launched the SLVR, the iTunes-compatible successor to last fall's failed ROKR. Like its predecessor, the ROKR is a great idea in theory, but it ends up as a disappointment. On the plus side, the design is much more sleek than the ROKR -- think of it as a RAZR without the flip (and who doesn't love the RAZR? Best. Phone. Ever.). Even better, it has 512 MB of built-in memory, so you can store music with ease.However, we still hate the proprietary headphone jack, the 2-year Cingular lock-in and the 100-song iTunes limit. We really don't see people spending $200 for a phone that they have to use with Cingular, with a proprietary headphone jack and with no ability to buy songs directly from the phone. Come on Apple/Motorola, that's just weak!Here's hoping that a "real" iTunes phone appears from Apple sometime in the future.Is Paying the "Black Tax" worth it?The new MacBooks are here and they come in two tasty colors: classic iBook white and dark and sultry black. We polled our readers to see if the Black Tax was worthwhile, and while the comments seem to suggest that no one is really going to spend $150 more for a black MacBook, we're sure there will still be plenty of buyers out there.So is paying a premium for a color really worth it? I'll go out on a limb and say, "yes, yes it is." The resale value will likely be higher (which will come in handy if those rumored Core 2 Duo chips arrive before Christmas) and come on, the economy is booming! Spend a little on yourself! Will Vista beat Leopard?All the excitement over Boot Camp's introduction has plenty of Mac users doing the unthinkable: installing Windows on their precious Intel beauties. Although it's pretty neat to run Windows XP on your Mac,Vista is the future. Reports of users running preview versions of Vista via Boot Camp are starting to pile in, and while it might not be as speedy as XP, remember this isn't the final release of either Vista or Boot Camp.Microsot's long-delayed next-gen OS should be shipping later this year, with a decidedly more OS X look. The next version of Apple's Mac OS X, Leopard, should be out later this year (early 2007 at the latest) too, but will it be able to compete?Many business users use XP at work, but as we said, that's yesteryear's technology, Once PC users everywhere upgrade to Vista en masse, will Mac users need to dual-boot to keep up? I guess there is always the possibility that Vista could be a colossal failure and the PC world would remain in the 32-bit XP sphere for several more years, but come on, that's about as likely as a Microsoft-branded iPod competitor. We'll just have to see if Leopard has the goods to compete with Vista.Apple Stock: How high can it go?Apple's stock (AAPL) is ON FIRE!! Closing in at nearly $90 a share, we have to ask, how high can it go? Is there any possible way Apple can end 2006 ABOVE $100 a share? The market in general is pretty good right now and tech stocks are on a tear, but $100 a share? Apple??! My, how times have changed.%Poll-28695%
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered MOTOSLVR L7 prototype gets pictured
Right around a month ago, we heard that Angstrom Power had managed to stuff some of its sophisticated hydrogen fuel cells into a MOTOSLVR L7. That prototype, friends, is what you see about. Unfortunately, we're no closer to realizing when this stuff will actually escape the proverbial beta stage, and for whatever it's worth, we're also no closer to feeling absolutely safe with one of these next to our melon (though existing alternatives don't have the greatest track record either).
Motorola announces L72 SLVR and Maxx V1110 clamshell
Motorola has plonked down two new cellphones in Taiwan today, although the usage of "new" is very much a stretch in this case. The L72 SLVR follows on from its L7 ancestor with the same 11.5mm "thinness," but brings HSDPA, a zoom and auto-focus free 2-megapixel camera, and some other standard features like an FM radio, a microSD card slot, and a silly buzzword technology called "CrystalTalk" which will apparently improve call quality. The Maxx V1110 (pictured) is an even more average update on the Vodafone exclusive V1110 minus 10 (aka, the V1100). As such, the lack of branding on the photos plus the identical specs -- HSDPA, 1.3-megapixel camera -- suggests that this is just a general release free of its operator exclusivity shackles. Not that anyone will be scrambling to pick up cellphone tech, vintage 2006.[Via Justamp]
Motorola gets in the action figure business
Since Motorola is having a bit of a rough time making a profit in the mobile handset business (the RAZR is sooo 2005), the world's second-largest cellphone maker has turned its attention to manufacturing action figures in order to boost profit margins. No, not really, but Motorola's new partnership with famous toy designer Eric So to create action figures makes us wonder what marketing directions the Motorola folks are going in. You'll have to be in China to have access to these, as Motorola will be giving three limited-edition action figures depicting China brand ambassadors Jay Chou and Zhou Xun with Motorola handset purchases from www.18900.net. We'll just call them MOTOFIGRS.[Via textually.org]
The Motorola SLVR L7c, in official Verizon form
Hey, remember the SLVR L7c? You know, the candybar version of the CDMA RAZR -- the one with circa 2005 specs? Well, as you might recall, Verizon had some grand plans to get this one out the door at some point; turns out they still do, and we have some high-quality photography here to prove it. Though the opportunity to be the first US carrier to launch the L7c has come and gone, well... "better late than never," as they say. We'll begrudgingly admit that the phone doesn't look half bad in this rather pale shade, though the feature list is a pretty tough pill to swallow (think VGA cam). Word has it there's enough chatter going on behind the scenes to indicate a possible launch before the month's out -- we'd say that's a mighty good idea unless Verizon is going for the "instant obsolescence" phenomenon here.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Motorola's SLVR L9 brings the multimedia
Motorola just busted out their new SLVR L9 handset in Barcelona. The latest SLVR ditches the laser etched keypad and brings a focus on multimedia with an integrated FM radio with RDS support, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, and support for MP3/AAC/AAC+/AAC+ enhanced/ AMR/ WAV ringtones and music. It also comes packin' a 2 megapixel camera with MPEG-4 video capture and Moto's CrystalTalk technology said to enhance conversations in noisy environments. No word on whether this is a tri-band or quad-band SLVR, only that it sports GPRS/EDGE class 10 data. It also features microSD and MegaSIM expansion and up to 400 minutes of talk time and 350 hours of standby time. Ready sometime in Q2... somewhere in the world. More images after the break.
i-mate SPL Windows Mobile handset reviewed
We first caught sight of i-mate's SLVR-esque SPL handset a few months ago, but the good folks at MobileBurn have now managed to actually get their hands on one of 'em, coming away fairly impressed with the familiar-looking handset. The phone itself is a Windows Mobile number, with 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM, a miniSD slot, Bluetooth, a 2.2-inch LCD, and a 2 megapixel camera. That camera looks to be one of the handset's biggest failings, according to MobileBurn, who found it to perform well below average without so much as an auto-focus option. Also taking it down a few notches is the lack of WiFi and 3G data capability, as well as a somewhat slow to respond interface. That said, they still found enough to like to give the SPL a "highly recommended" rating, with the phone's comparatively low price being one of the biggest factors working in its favor.
Sprint announces Motorola SLVR L7c
As expected, Sprint has come forth today with their very own SLVR from Motorola, the L7c -- the latest in a barrage of popular Moto products conspicuously missing from Sprint's lineup until just very recently. The announcement is particularly notable for two reasons; first and foremost, Sprint's press release marks the first carrier introduction of the CDMA SLVR anywhere. The more interesting secondary story here, though, is that Sprint has finally beaten Verizon to the punch in announcing an anticipated handset -- music to the ears of Sprint customers that have watched their carrier sit idly by as their rival scoops hotness after hotness. Sprint hasn't yet announced pricing or availability for the L7c, but now that they've laid their... uh, SLVRs out on the table, we're thinking it won't be long now.
The SLVR, refined: Motorola's L7e
With all the facelifting, refinement, and replacement Motorola's RAZR lineup has gotten as of late, one might think the poor, overlooked SLVR series was in danger of going the way of the dinosaurs (or, perhaps more appropriately, the MPx). Actually, readers following The Boy Genius Report have known that Moto has been slaving over a hot stove chock full o' the thin candybars in a variety of flavors for a little while now, and it just so happens that the updated L7 we'd scooped -- identified back then as the L7i -- has gone on to officially become the SLVR L7e. Visually, the re-upped model is nearly a dead ringer for its pappy, save for the keypad which has taken on a decidedly RIZR-esque appearance and a "shimmering blue" hue. The microSD slot is a carryover from the L7, but virtually every other major spec has been tweaked: the cam goes from VGA to 1.3-megapixel, A2DP is now supported for wireless stereo, and the GSM radio mercifully adds EDGE for decent 2.5G data. Word has it no American carrier has expressed interest in the updated model, but thanks to support for both the 850 and 1900MHz bands, this is one phone that should be a breeze to import and use when it drops by year's end.[Via phoneArena]
Motorola L2 turns pink on Cingular
It may not bear the same altruistic intent of its red cousins, but with the fresh coat of paint, the pink L2 will still manage to stand out a bit in a sea of silver and black SLVRs. As a refresher, the L2 is the low-end variant of Motorola's SLVR L7, trading a few metal bits for plastic ones but otherwise keeping a strong resemblance to its pricier counterpart. How "low-end," you ask? The L2 can presently be had on Cingular in your choice of silver or the aforementioned pink for $0 or $10 on contract, respectively.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Motorola's RED MOTORAZR V3m coming to fight AIDS
So what does Bono do after taking the iconic MP3 player RED? Why, take the cellphone-equiv RED too, naturally. Right on cue, Sprint and Motorola just announced their joint effort to the fight of AIDS in Africa, the (PRODUCT) RED MOTORAZR V3m. The V3m will launch with Sprint sometime in November for $305, or $65 with a two-year agreement and will come preloaded with five RED screensavers and even a red headset so everyone knows just how generous you are. Or aren't, since the press release only states that "Both Motorola and Sprint will contribute directly to the fund with each RED MOTORAZR sold at Sprint." Come on guys, this isn't just a thinly veiled attempt at marketing your NFL Mobile and Sprint Music Services is it -- we're talking a cut of the phone sales and at least 5% of call charges like the UK's RED SLVR right? Expect more announcements from Moto as it looks like you'll be able to go RED with the MOTOSLVR and MOTOKRZR on Sprint when these launch for undisclosed prices in November as well. [Thanks, r0fl]
iPhone, if it exists, to be Cingular-only through mid-2007
I know, the Cingular-only bit is quite the shocker, but Think Secret has restated some previously rumored details on the iPhone, including a 3 megapixel camera, 2.2-inch display and, obviously, iSync support. The phone is also said not to be handicapped with the same 100-song glass ceiling like the ROKR and SLVR, though Think Secret's reliably anonymous sources don't have any word on what the iPhone's storage capacity will actually be.Signs are now pointing to a January 2007 release, most likely at a newly expanded Macworld 07. Think Secret's insiders claim Apple is shooting for the stars, expecting to ship 25 million iPhones in 2007 alone. If true, this is a bit of a surprise since Motorola's incredibly popular and more widely appealing RAZR has taken over two years to sell 50 million units. Perhaps most interesting of all this rumor rehashing is Think Secret's report that Apple's exclusive Cingular contract for the iPhone only lasts into the middle of 2007 - meaning that other carriers could pick it up and finally get in on the as-yet awkward iTunes phone action.Again, you know the drill: this is all hearsay from 'anonymous insiders,' so do what you will with it.
iTunes 7 music purchases don't play on iTunes phones?
A reader linked us to an Apple Discussion thread where a number of users have listed problems with playing purchases from the iTS through iTunes 7 on their Motorola SLVR and ROKR iTunes phones. It seems these users can play regular music they ripped from CDs, as well as purchases made through iTunes 6 - just not songs bought through the new iTunes 7. The thread hasn't reached biblical lengths just yet, but there are enough comments on the thread that I felt it warranted a post at TUAW.One commenter posted a link to this Apple Support doc which offers instructions for when this same problems happens to an iPod, and some of the procedures can easily be adopted for an iTunes phone (such as restoring/erasing the phone and deauthorizing, then reauthorizing iTunes). However, some users have already commented that the doc's solutions aren't fixing the issue either.Are any readers experiencing the same hiccup? If you have any thoughts on what's going on, please share your thoughts in the comments and, if you're up to the task, drop the frustrated peeps over in Apple's Discussion thread a line too. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.Thanks Anthony
Cingular's September launches in writing (but not in stone)
We encourage everyone to take these tidbits with the usual boulder-sized grain of salt, but America's favorite (read: only) HSDPA carrier has dropped their September launch grid, and on account of our friends' slippery hands, it's subsequently found its way over to Engadget HQ. Thanks to our own Boy Genius among countless other tipsters, nothing on the grid has really taken us by surprise -- no UMTS 1900 N80s, for example -- but we're encouraged by Cingular's (foolhardy?) optimism that the 8525 might yet see a release this month. Also allegedly along for the ride are the 3125, the oft-promised but rarely-delivered Nokia E62 (which turns out to be a lifetime exclusive for Cingular), the Samsung SGH-C417 that now appears to be on limited sale, and Sony Ericsson's middling W300 Walkman flip. And, oh yeah, the Motorola L6 is in there, too. Don't ask us.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Sprint's earnings call reveals Motorolas; Q included
We're sure Verizon's been having a blast with their American exclusivity on the Motorola Q, but the fun and games are about to come to an end -- and another domestic carrier's Windows Mobile-loving customers have cause to celebrate. COO Len Lauer spilled the beans during Sprint's earnings call Thursday, revealing that the company is planning to pick up the honorary RAZR of smartphones (the Q, that is) sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Speaking of RAZRs, the Moto love continues with a SLVR and RAZR (the V3m, perhaps?) coming down the pike. Between this and the announcement that their Rev. A deployment is ahead of schedule, the good news nearly outweighs the bad stemming from the "earnings" part of the earnings call -- not surprisingly, some analysts are speculating that profits fell short due to Sprint's failure to offer a RAZR thus far.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
The Boy Genius Report: Are those three new SLVRs in your pants?
Field report tidbits from Engadget's resident mobile insider, the Boy Genius. What do we have here? Four different SLVR models? Yep! That's right, from CDMA to GSM to WCDMA, the good folks at Motorola have you covered. Starting on the right the first is called the L7i which is simply an update to the L7, the way the V3i was to the V3. It adds a 1.3 megapixel camera, EDGE, more internal memory, the updated UI [though not Juix] and some other miscellany. Next we have a regular L7, you know the phone your grandparents use? The real star of the picture has to be the third L7 which is the 3G model. It has a front facing video conferencing camera (obviously), 2.0 mega pixel camera, world 3G bands, quad-band EDGE, and microSD as well. Finally we have the much rumored L7c that was just finally announced. It is indeed a SILVR SLVR, microSD card support, 1.3 megapixel camera, VCAST, and is coming to... Alltel! Just kidding. Verizon Wireless, holla at me baby! [Once again, props to Boy Genius! Click on for more images.]
Motorola quietly announces CDMA SLVR L7c
Alright, Sprint users: who's pumped to land a SLVR of your own? Show of hands, please. How about you Verizon folks? The handful of you with your arms raised high right now, bursting at the seams with anticipation for Moto's rumored CDMA port of the L7, don't have much longer to wait. Buried in with the goodness that Motorola dropped on us Monday was the official news that the L7c is indeed a real device -- though beyond the fact that it rocks EV-DO, we aren't given much to go by. Exact dates, carriers, thickness -- you know, the important details -- all remain mysteries, though Sprint and/or Verizon will clearly be getting the device, and some duration of exclusivity seems to be a logical assumption. The SLVR's GSM variants haven't managed to rock many boats, but decently-equipped candybars are a slightly rarer breed on US CDMA networks, so we can imagine some level of excitement here. Motorola Q-style pandemonium, probably not, but excitement nonetheless.[Via Mobile Guerilla, thanks Brian]
UTStarcom joins the slim candybar game
If you're into the form factor, you don't need Bluetooth, and you're looking to save some coin, you might turn your attention to the FCC's deets on UTStarcom's GPRS1226 (or UT1200, depending on what documentation you're reading). Like the SLVR it loosely mimics, the microSD-equipped GPRS1226 emphasizes its music playback capabilities, even offering a dedicated music player button on its side. GSM 850 and 1900 support mean this thing is likely targeted at the North American market; we're not sure which carrier would offer it, but given its meager spec sheet, we're guessing you could walk away with it nearly free on contract.[Via phoneArena]
TechFaith's i320, SLVR, and Universal rips
You know, we might have done another TechFaith keepin' it real fake post, but honestly we don't really see the point. Oh sure, TechFaith is totally knocking off these other guys with their phony Q and Hermes and so on, but when they showed off their new fake i320, SLVR, and Universal at CommunicAsia this week, we started to realize not only were these guys moving at lightning speed emulating these phones, they were also improving them. The SLVR rip has an impressive 512MB integrated flash memory; the i320-alike uses Pocket PC -- similar to their Q ripoff, and differing, of course, from both the original devices which are stuck with Smartphone; we'd imagine the faux-Universal won't have a VGA display or some of those other ultra high-end niceties, but damned if they don't have the twist n' swivel display in a form factor smaller than the original. TechFaith Wireless, we think you're about one post away from getting your own category on Engadget Mobile.
Motorola L6i and L7i for O2's i-mode?
The time has apparently come in the SLVR's life cycle for Moto to start MLKNG it for everything it's worth -- this time around, imodephones is reporting that Motorola is about to drop the SLVR-like L6i and SLVR-proper L7i for O2's i-mode service. If you're familiar with the L6 and L7, you'll be right at home with their i-mode counterparts -- the chief difference is reported to be the addition of a 1.3 megapixel camera on both models (compared to VGA on the originals). We're on to your product lifecycle strategy, Moto, and while we're sure it pays the bills, it's boring. Spill some details on the SCPL and we promise to lay off for a while. For a few hours, anyway.
