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HTC ChaCha boots up for Telus, release date remains a mystery
HTC's Facebook-loving ChaCha may not have sparked the buzz the company's other recent hits have, but if you're rocking a Canadian accent, carry a Jansport, and your day involves mandatory gym class -- we have an inkling this post's for you. Based on the image here from MobileSyrup, the portrait QWERTY with a glowing blue blemish seems to have been caught with its Telus showing. That's right over-sharing neighbors to the north, your Android-running, Sense-wearing 2.6 inch touchscreen dreams are closer to reality -- we're just not sure when. While you're waiting, make sure to double-check the handset's moniker doesn't run afoul of any local pejoratives.
Telus makes it simple to terminate contracts, replace your feature phone
Taking a page from its own playbook, Telus Mobility has extended its Clear and Simple Device Upgrade program to the logical conclusion of contract termination. Now, if a customer chooses to cancel their service, they must pay only a $50 administrative fee and the remaining portion of their phone's subsidy -- it could still result in a lot of loonies, but the amount decreases monthly according to a fixed schedule. Similar to Rogers, Telus offers its customers early upgrades by allowing them to pay this unrecovered subsidy and commit to a new contract. To make the process even easier (and more tempting), the carrier is now including this magical number with its monthly bills. So, as you dream of getting cozy with a new Nexus S or Optimus Black -- or ditching the Telus network -- just follow the break for the PR.
Telus gets cozy with Skype, announces Optimus Black 'Skype edition' for summer release
Telus is looking to attract Skype's Canadian constituency by positioning itself as the nation's first carrier to easily enable the VoIP habit -- an addiction we're quite fond of, in fact. In a partnership with Microsoft's latest acquisition, Telus will allow its customers to purchase Skype credits directly from their wireless accounts -- meaning credit cards won't be necessary to call mates in distant locales. For newbies, the provider is announcing a "Skype edition" of the LG Optimus Black, featuring a shortcut to download the app (rather than pre-installing it), and a $2 credit for up to 60 minutes of international calls. If you're thinking a single toonie is a bit meager, we're suspecting Mr. Ballmer was glad to save coin anywhere he could -- after dropping $8.5 billion, that is. The specially-branded phone is set for a summer release and there's no hint at pricing, but if you get your jollies from reading press releases, just follow the break for the reveal. [Thanks, Justin]
Nokia Oro passes FCC, cleared for a gaudy stateside landing
The odds that you'll have a North American spotting of Nokia's audacious 18-karat gold Oro just became more likely. That's because the handset recently appeared before the FCC and was certified for frequencies utilized by AT&T, Bell, Telus, Rogers, T-Mobile, Wind and Mobilicity. That's not to suggest any of the carriers are taking a bet with this one, but it leaves a good opportunity for someone to flaunt their excess while using their network of choice. The stark photography certainly doesn't embellish the bling that we'd seen in earlier press shots, but don't kid yourself -- anything lavished with gold is likely to scream "Mug me" on busy street corners. Lest we reiterate, the phone is nothing more than a gilded C7 and it's selling for under a Benjamin on contract as the Nokia Astound. If you're genuinely wanting to attract attention in the US, running Symbian is thoroughly sufficient.
HP's Pre 3 gets an emissions test at the FCC, likely destined for AT&T
The FCC has seen a decent share of WebOS devices this year, having first tested the Veer in February, and most recently HP's Touchpad (which we reported earlier today). Now, it appears the regulator is examining the forthcoming Pre 3, and while none of the documents specifically name the device, based on the size and proportion of the label, we think it'll pair nicely with a certain 3.6-inch display. We've also noted the diagram mentions a battery compartment, suggesting it's not the Veer, which is rumored to have a sealed battery. Whatever the device may be, it's packing WebOS 2.3 -- and judging from the 1900 / 850MHz 3G bands, it seems destined for AT&T, Rogers, Bell, or Telus in North America. Follow the break for a peek at the FCC label.
Nexus S immigrates to Canada, Future Shop commemorates event with gingerbread muffins
It's been a good week for Canadians to get a taste of Gingerbread, with today marking the official release of the Nexus S for our friends up north. To mark the event, lucky Toronto residents were greeted with a release party at Future Shop, replete with ginger-themed treats and giveaways. With availability spreading across the country, Samsung's homage to Android purity is now available online through Mobilicity, Telus, Koodo, Wind, and Videotron, effectively tempting the majority of Canada with Google's finest offering. If you'll remember last week's report on Mobilicity's soft launch of this praised handset, we assumed Fido and Rogers were nipping at their heels... and while the Nexus S has yet to hit their online stores, you might find them sitting in your local Best Buy. So, Canada, how does it feel to get this awesome slab of engineering coming at you from all corners? Don't worry, we'll understand if this is an emotional time. %Gallery-121302%
Telus recruits Leonard Nimoy to help you improve your Facebook status
Sharp has George Takei to tell you about the fourth pixel it can't show you, and now Telus has hired none other than Leonard Nimoy to help out with another difficult task: improving your Facebook status messages. Using the WWLNS application -- that's What Would Leonard Nimoy Say? -- you can submit potential status messages to Mr. Nimoy and see what he thinks before you actually post them. Apparently, we've been writing in haiku without even realizing it. Of course, you will have to "Like" Telus in order to try it out yourself -- clever, Telus, very clever.... logical, even. More Nimoy after the break.
iPhone 3GS falls to free in Canada (now that you're over it)
Canadian citizens suffering from iPhone envy are in for a sweet treat this weekend. Mobile carriers Bell and Telus recently introduced competing promotions, offering the iPhone 3GS 8GB for precisely nothing with a three-year commitment. This presents an enticing opportunity for those willing to saddle up with Apple's last-gen phone for the long (long) haul, but really, is anyone still interested in actually doing so? With Telus, only refurbished models are available, and it appears to be an online exclusive for now. Meanwhile, Bell's promo features new (as in unused) 3GS', and should be available in stores. Nothing like watching a race to the bottom, eh?
Confirmed: iPad 2 will NOT be carrier-locked in Canada, or anywhere else
At first glance, wording on Apple's Canadian website would seem to imply that the iPad 2 will be carrier-locked in Canada. "The iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with either Bell, Rogers, or Telus," the site states. "So while you don't have to activate 3G service right away, you should choose your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G according to the carrier you prefer." This had GigaOM up in arms claiming that the "iPad 2 is a step backward for carrier choice." The original iPad was never locked to any specific carrier, but GigaOM took the wording on Apple's Canadian site to mean that the iPad 2 would be locked to whichever carrier you chose when you bought it. Let's be absolutely clear on this: just like the original iPad, the iPad 2 will not be carrier-locked in Canada, or anywhere else. If you buy the UMTS/GSM model of iPad 2 (known in the US as the AT&T iPad 2), you can swap out the iPad 2's micro-SIM and replace it with one from another carrier at your leisure. Unlike the iPhone, which usually is SIM-locked to a specific carrier and often requires a jailbreak in order to use it on a different carrier, the iPad and UMTS/GSM iPad 2 are both carrier agnostic out of the box. Website iPadinCanada has confirmed directly with Canadian mobile provider Rogers Wireless that the iPad 2 will not be carrier-locked in Canada. The same site also confirmed the AT&T iPad 2 won't be carrier-locked to AT&T, as did numerous requests for info from Apple Experts, a CNET article on international roaming with the iPad 2, and my own phone call to Apple's US support center. The only iPad 2 that is carrier-locked is the Verizon model, and it's only "locked" to Verizon because its 3G chipset won't work on a GSM network. If you buy the UMTS/GSM or "AT&T" model of iPad 2 on March 11, you will be able to use it almost anywhere in the world without having to worry about being locked to one specific carrier. It's unclear why Apple chose to word things the way it did on the Canadian site -- no other country's site contains similar verbiage, at least not in any of the languages I can read -- but both the Canadian carriers and Apple itself have confirmed that the UMTS/GSM iPad 2 won't be locked in to any specific carrier when you buy it. Update -- Some more details on Canadian activation: Each Canadian carrier requires slightly different software (the carrier settings file). This update will not download over the air after swapping SIMs, and getting the new carrier settings file requires plugging the iPad into iTunes before its 3G service will be usable with the new SIM. Current iPads cannot connect to Canadian carriers until they are plugged into iTunes with a SIM installed and have the proper carrier settings file synced over through iTunes. What's not clear is if this is a situation specific to Canada or not. I know I was able to switch SIMs between a New Zealand and Australian wireless provider without having to sync to iTunes before using my iPhone 4's 3G service, but this apparently isn't possible when switching between providers in Canada. Apple's verbiage on its Canadian website seems to be addressing this limitation and attempting to avoid customer confusion by having iPad 2 buyers choose a carrier when they purchase the unit. The iPad 2 should ship to Canadian customers with a micro-SIM from their carrier of choice already installed, but the iPad 2 will not be locked to that specific carrier, despite what the somewhat confusing wording on Apple's site may appear to imply.
Sierra Wireless intros dual-carrier HSPA+ / LTE AirCard 753S and 754S, with 319U and 320U in tow
Thanks to Verizon's blowout at CES, we've already been treated to a couple of LTE-friendly mobile hotspots from the likes of Samsung and Novatel Wireless, but Sierra Wireless is joining the crowd here at Mobile World Congress. The outfit has just revealed its two newest mobile hotpots, the AirCard 754S and 753S. The former supports dual-carrier LTE, while the latter handles dual-carrier HSPA+, enabling up to five WiFi devices to surf on either of the fastest two mobile superhighways. We're told that the 753S can hit downlink rates as high as 42Mbps (and upload rates near 5.76Mbps) on a DC-HSPA+ network, while the 754S can reach 100Mbps (down) / 50Mbps (up) while operating on an LTE network. Both of these are right around the size of a deck of cards, and no software installation is required to get 'em working. There's also an integrated LCD that provides a look at WiFi access information, battery life, network signal strength, and the number of devices connected, with audible alerts and a web admin interface available as well. The duo is expected to ship at some point during 2011's second quarter, but there's no news yet on which (if any) carriers will be picking them up. Moving right along, Canada's own Telus will be offering yet another new one from Sierra Wireless this March: the AirCard 319U USB modem, a device we recently spotted in the FCC's database. This one promises download speeds of up to 42Mbps and upload speeds approaching 5.76Mbps, with a swiveling design that allows the body of the modem to be tucked up against the side of the notebook and protects it from being damaged by accidental bumps. The LTE-friendly AirCard 320U is the USB version of the 754S hotspot shown above, with an articulating and pivoting hinge that works with the widest possible variety of USB port placements, and if all goes well, it'll ship during Q2 2011 for an undisclosed rate. Sierra plans on having Mac and PC support for the whole lot, and we'll be digging for details surrounding price and availability. %Gallery-116575%
Samsung Nexus S revisits the FCC, this time with bands for AT&T
You may not be able to read the model number on that miniscule label, but you're looking at a cross section of the Samsung GT-I9020A -- colloquially known as the Nexus S for AT&T -- which just made its debut at that Ellis Island of wireless devices, the FCC authorization database. Sure enough, it's sporting the requisite 850 / 1900MHz WCDMA bands for the American carrier (though it could just as easily appear at Canada's big three) as well as Bluetooth, single-band 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, and 13.56MHz for RFID. In case you're curious, the latter indicates that the curvy handset will almost certainly keep its NFC capabilities. So, Samsung... are you about ready to tell us about that GT-i9023?
Telus to start unlocking phones for $50
Mirroring an iPhone program kicked off by Rogers and subsidiary Fido not long ago, Canada's Telus Mobility is going to start offering to unlock "most" of its branded iDEN and HSPA devices for CAD $50 (about $50) -- the only catch is that you will have had to own the device for at least 90 days before pulling the trigger. For the record, T-Mobile USA has a storied reputation for doing this gratis if you ask nicely -- but businesses are businesses, and a new revenue stream is a new revenue stream. The move makes it easy for you to use a foreign SIM if you're traveling internationally, or -- if you're willing to eat an ETF -- take the phone to another domestic carrier well before your contract (which may be as long as three years in Canada) expires. Follow the break for the release.
Telus to offer iPhone unlocking in Canada
Telus introduced a new unlock policy that will let customers unlock a GSM-based handset for a nominal fee of $50. This new unlock policy goes into effect on February 15 and is available for any GSM mobile phone that has been on the carrier's network for a minimum of 90 days. The iPhone will not be supported initially, but the carrier has plans to make the unlock available to Apple's smartphone soon. This new policy is friendlier than rival Rogers, which will also unlock a handset for $50, but only after the customer's contract has expired. The Telus unlocking option is available after three months, and though it wont release a customer from his or her contract, it will allow them to use the phone on another Canadian carrier or while traveling internationally. Telus introduced this unlock option to boost the variety of consumer-friendly services it offers to its customers. [Via Electronista]
HTC Desire HD is officially 'coming soon' to Telus
Hints of the Desire HD's emergence on Canada's Telus have been ongoing for some time -- and now that the same phone has been announced on AT&T as the Inspire 4G, it's all coming together since both networks use 850 and 1900MHz for their HSPA+ airwaves. Indeed, Telus now has an official "coming soon" page live where you can see the device for yourself (as if you didn't know what it looked like) and get a handy-dandy feature breakdown, though we still don't have a solid lead on pricing or a launch date... so let the incessant page refreshing begin. [Thanks, Alexandre]
Nexus S coming in a new AT&T flavor?
Up in Canada, Mobilicity's CEO made an odd comment recently that Bell, Telus, and Rogers will all be getting the Nexus S around the same time that his carrier does in March. Why is that odd? Well, as it stands, no variant of the Nexus S supports the 850 / 1900MHz WCDMA that would be necessary to run (at high speed, anyway) on those three networks. Circle back around to the Bluetooth SIG, where PocketNow has discovered an entry for a GT-i9020A; you might recall that the European version of the device is the i9020, while T-Mobile's AWS-compatible build is the i9020T, with "T" ostensibly standing for "T-Mobile." By extension, it's definitely conceivable that the "A" here is for "AT&T" -- which, again, would line up with the Mobilicity exec's verbiage. If this is true, it's theoretically possible that we could see AT&T and its similarly-equipped Canadian cousins get their own Nexus S as soon as five-odd weeks from now. Like the Nexus One before it, we've got a hard time picturing AT&T officially subsidizing this thing -- but hey, an unlocked full-price version is a solid start, we'd say.
Nexus S comes to Canada courtesy of Mobilicity (and maybe Bell, Telus, and Rogers, too)
Canadians, you must chafe under the yoke of a Gingerbread-free existence no longer, for the Nexus S is coming to the Great White North sometime in March. According to Mobilicity CEO Dave Dobbin, the handset will be available on the company's AWS band, but he also said that Bell, Telus, and Rogers will carry the Nexus S as well. If true, that means Samsung will be providing another model of the phone with support for WCDMA 850 / 1900 for it to work with Canada's big three wireless providers. We can only hope that's the case, as said model would be usable on AT&T's network -- making an awful lot of us living south of Canada quite happy. Peep the video after the break to hear the good news for yourself.
NHL Winter Classic game will be in 3D New Year's Day, find out where to watch
Whether or not you've been keeping up with HBO's 24/7 episodes, most hockey fans know that the yearly outdoor Winter Classic is scheduled for tomorrow between the Penguins and Capitals, but you may not know it will also be broadcast in 3D (the second one this season.) According to the NHL's page it will be available "worldwide" and we've confirmed Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Cablevision Shaw and Telus are on the list. They're likely not the only ones, with Versus broadcasting if your provider has a dedicated 3D event channel and the sports network (especially if they broadcast the Oregon/Cal football game earlier this fall) it's a good bet it will be on but we'd check with them first. Here's hoping that next time around (the Heritage Classic game in February will be in 3D too) there's a slightly more coordinated effort to let those who might be interested in watching know where and how to tune in.
HTC Desire HD gets FCC approval with North American 3G, might be for Telus
Just over a week ago we caught a glimpse of a device that claimed to be a Telus-branded version of the 4.3-inch HTC Desire HD, a beast that has yet to make the leap to North America and doesn't officially exist in any variants that fully support the 3G frequencies used there. Well, now we've got the smoking gun in the form of an FCC approval for a device with model number PD98120 that supports WCDMA Bands II and V, which means it's ripe for uses on AT&T, Bell, Telus, and Rogers (sorry, T-Mobile). The original European version of the Desire HD is the PD98100 -- and the DLNA's certification site actually refers to the phone as the "PD98 series" -- so we think we can safely say that's what we're looking at here, particularly considering that the FCC label location document shows a device laid out in the Desire HD's very unusual way. It's anything but a slam dunk that AT&T might take an interest in this... but yeah, Telus subscribers, you can probably start saving your cash now.
Samsung Vibrant and Fascinate get Froyo in Canada, hopefully with fewer bugs this time
A quick gander at Samsung's Canadian support site for the Galaxy S line reveals that two Android 2.2 updates are currently available: one for the Vibrant -- offered by Bell, Virgin Mobile, and SaskTel -- and one for the Fascinate as sold be Telus. This all follows just a few days after Sammy had to pull the Vibrant's Froyo update on word that it seemed be killing the internal microSD storage, so hopefully, this build will be just a little more drama-free. Oh, and Samsung had originally said that Telus Fascinate owners would be waiting until next year to upgrade their units, so it's pretty neat that they were able to rein that in a bit and get it pushed at the tail end of '10. So have fun, Canadians -- you've beaten your friends with T-Mobile Vibrants and Verizon Fascinates to the punch on this one, and we encourage you to lord it over them at every opportunity. [Thanks, Robert B.]
HTC Desire HD for Telus in the wild?
Certainly seems like Canadian carriers are a good deal more friendly toward launching European handsets than American carriers are, doesn't it? Motorola's Milestone and HTC's Desire Z are both prime examples -- and now it looks like another hot HTC, the Desire HD, is on its way. MobileSyrup appears to have scored a shot of a Desire HD running Telus firmware, claiming that it's currently tracking for release in either January or February -- presumably with most or all of the specs that grace its European cousin: 4.3-inch WVGA display, HTCSense.com integration, a 1GHz second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon core, and 8 megapixel camera, just to name a few luscious spec line items. Unfortunately, the skeptic in us doesn't think January / February gives either HTC or Telus enough time to turn out a skinner Gingerbread firmware here -- but considering what a minor release Gingerbread really is, we're sure plenty of buyers will be able to overlook the indiscretion (particularly with a little help from xda-developers, if you catch our drift).
