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Samsung BlackJack2 gets ready to launch on AT&T
Don't get too excited -- you can't order it just yet -- but AT&T's at least ready to admit that the Samsung BlackJack2 exists. It seems the carrier's pulling the same stunt it did with the Q9 Global, taking email addresses for notification of availability without giving any indication as to when it might be available. Compared to the original, the keyboard and d-pad both look considerably hotter, Windows Mobile 6 comes installed (just imagine the horror if it wasn't!), "faster 3G speeds" are being touted, and perhaps most importantly, GPS capability is integrated. Oh yeah, there's some Video Share action in there too, but we're not too sure we'd call that a "feature." When it's launched, look for it in "wine red" and black.[Thanks, Chris P.]
i-mate reveals Ultimate 8502 and 9502: move over Kaiser
Well even though we have yet to see three of the five high-end Ultimate smartphones promised by i-mate earlier this year, the company has decided to reveal yet another pair of QWERTY-packing family members, including one -- the 9502 -- that gives the HTC Kaiser / TyTN II a run for its money. Almost identically-spec'ed to what is now the AT&T Tilt (save for the, um, tilt), the quad-band GSM / tri-band HSUPA Windows Mobile 6 handset manages to step up the game by featuring a VGA display along with video out, LED "flash," and standard 2.5-millimeter audio jack. Slightly less impressive but still pretty feature packed, the candybar-shaped Ultimate 8502 sports the same radios (including WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth 2.0), memory configuration (256MB ROM / 128MB RAM) and 400MHz Qualcomm processor as its big brother, but replaces the 3.0 megapixel autofocus camera with a 2.0 megapixel fixed focus and, more importantly, drops the display down to a pedestrian 2.6-inch QVGA. Still, there's a lot to love here, but until we see some pricing and release dates, i-mate, we're not gonna go blending our current phones just yet. [Thanks, Salem S.]Read - Ultimate 9502Read - Ultimate 8502
E-TEN glofiish X600 in the pipe
There's still apparently no 3G to be found, but E-TEN looks to be prepping the successor to its arguably attractive (and unarguably thin) X500 and X500+ Windows Mobile handsets. The new X600 model -- allegedly being announced any day now -- should feature 128MB of ROM with 64MB RAM (isn't 256 and 128 the standard nowadays?), 2 megapixel cam, microSD expansion, Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS all stuffed into a case measuring 14.7mm thick. If it rocked a VGA display we'd be in business, but we'll have to make do with the 2.8 inch QVGA example instead. We'll live.
Sprint gets official with HTC Touch: November 4 for $249.99
Is it safe yet to declare that carriers are looking at finger-friendly touchscreens as The Next Big Thing in wireless? Sprint today has officially announced its HTC Touch, a device codenamed "Vogue" that brings all of the original's unique personality to the world of CDMA (and, thankfully, EV-DO). Besides the touted support for 3G data, features include a 2 megapixel cam, microSD slot with support for up to 4GB of expansion, Windows Mobile 6 Professional with HTC's TouchFLO interface, and comprehensive support for Sprint's media features including Sprint TV and the Sprint Music Store, all packed into a shell measuring 4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and weighing in at 4 ounces (trust us, it looks and feels pretty flippin' small). Interested parties don't have terribly long to wait, either -- look for it to start showing up in retail channels November 4 for a penny under $250 on contract with rebates.
i-mate slots JAMA 101 and 201 below the Ultimates
Remember the i-mate JAMA? Yeah, we don't really remember it either, but it looks like i-mate upped the specs on its JAMA 101 and 201 models just enough so that they might (emphasis on "might") get some notice the second time around. Designed to give the manufacturer a pair of lower-end options to balance out its Ultimate models, the two share an overwhelming majority of their respective spec sheets: 2 megapixel cams, triband GSM / EDGE radios without 3G or WiFi, 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM, microSD slots, and Windows Mobile 6 underpinning the whole mess. i-mate lists the 201 -- its Standard device with a QWERTY keypad -- as having a VGA screen, though we're skeptical since QVGA seems like a far more logical choice for a handset in this class. No word on availability yet, but we don't expect to see 'em stateside without GSM 850.[Via the::unwired]Read - i-mate JAMA 101Read - i-mate JAMA 201
Pantech Duo dummies showing up in AT&T stores
On track for a late October launch? Sure looks like it. We've caught wind that retail locations are starting to stock up on Pantech Duo dummies, suggesting that they'll be prepping for launch any day now. Between this, the Q9 Global, the Blackjack II, the Tilt, and the 5700, it looks like anyone complaining about a lack of Windows Mobile devices on AT&T by the end of the year... well, needs to find a real issue.[Thanks, Kal-El]%Gallery-8413%
HTC Polaris in the wild
We haven't seen much of the HTC Artemis 'round here -- a crying shame, really, considering its slick body (Palm V-esque, dare we say?), integrated GPS, and totally nifty trackball / ring combo for navigation. Maybe if we're all really good, though, the HTC Fairy will be better to us the second time around when the Polaris gets put out to retail. Billed as the Artemis' heir apparent, the new device is finally starting to get pictured in the wild, bearing most of the physical traits that made the original so unique (although that might not be a trackball there, kinda hard to tell). UMTS / HSDPA is the big new feature here, though we've heard we should also expect a faster processor under the hood along with Windows Mobile 6 (of course) out of the gate. Oh, and check out the TouchFLO action, too! Any love for the US this time around, HTC (and no, T-Mobile Germany doesn't count)?[Via the::unwired]
HTC looses Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for P3300
We've (slowly, but surely) seen a myriad HTC phones receive Windows Mobile 6 upgrades, and now it's finally Artemis' (P3300) turn. Judging by a snapshot taken from the HTC eClub, the download is indeed ready and waiting for P3300 users, which can't be acquired until you register for free at the site. We'll spare you the details of how WinMo 6 will simply revolutionize your life and fulfill your dreams, so just head on over and get your update, cool?
O2 Germany's turns HTC Touch Dual into "Xda star"
Didn't take long at all following HTC's official announcement of the Touch Dual for carriers to start getting on board. First up is O2 German with the "Xda star," continuing O2's longstanding tradition of appending somewhat random words onto "Xda" to come up with names for its smartphone hardware. The Xda star's design differs slightly from the Touch Dual reference design -- note the retooled button layout below the screen -- but specs are otherwise unchanged. It'll be available in the SureType-esque 20-key layout only when it launches next month for just shy of €30 (about $43) on a two-year contract. Man, can we get it for $43 on contract, please?
Hands-on with the AT&T Tilt
What can we say? The Tilt, like the Kaiser upon which it's based, is the ultimate execution of Windows Mobile 6 in this form factor. It's not for everyone, of course; Windows Mobile is the same old, cranky curmudgeon here that is is everywhere else -- and as anyone who's used version 6 knows, it's nothing more than 5 in a fresh set of clothes. That being said, HTC has done a great job of sprucing up the joint with a sprinkling of add-ins that make the OS more usable, while AT&T brings goodies like TeleNav, AT&T Music, and Cellular Video to the table. The hardware, though, is where this sucker shines. The Tilt has singlehandedly renewed our faith in HTC's ability to make exquisitely engineered devices, feeling utterly rock solid despite its relatively complex slide-tilt mechanism. It's heavy, but comfortably (and reassuringly) so, not to the point of annoyance, and the dark color scheme with black chrome nav keys looks better than we'd expected. One beef we expect some folks will have is with the Tilt's pudge -- it ain't the thinnest device in the world, about the same as the N95 (see the comparo shots in the gallery) -- but if you can get past that, this thing is the Windows Mobile device to have. For the moment, anyhow!%Gallery-8145%
Engadget Mobile checks out the AT&T Tilt
Shifting eyes, sweaty palms, restless legs -- yep, you're about at wit's end waiting to find a Tilt show up on your local AT&T shop's shelves. Shuffle up next to your countless brethren in the same boat, have a seat, and take a gander at our quick take over on Engadget Mobile, why don't you? Should go a long way toward holding you over 'til the Tilt's Friday launch!
The AT&T Tilt, October 5 for $299.99
Bringing all of the HTC Kaiser's joy to AT&T, the Tilt has finally been set for an October 5 launch. Besides the obvious feature of a tilting display -- hence the name -- the spec sheet reveals a 3 megapixel autofocus camera, HSDPA, stereo Bluetooth, Windows Mobile 6 Professional (the first AT&T device to officially rock it -- can ya believe it?), microSDHC slot for cards up to 32GB, WiFi, an integrated GPS receiver, and BlackBerry Connect support. Last time we checked, that pretty much covers the "superphone" checklist. Grab it starting Friday for $299.99 on contract after the full suite of rebates has been applied. Follow the break for a bonus shot of the Tilt in its upright and locked position!
Rogers shows Motorola Q9h, WM6 upgrade for HTC s621
Using and loving Windows Mobile isn't always sunshine and roses -- sometimes your favorite carrier doesn't carry the phone you're looking for, sometimes your manufacturer doesn't release the WM6 upgrade in a timely fashion, sometimes the next-gen platform arrives years later than you'd hoped. But every once in a while, all the stars align just right. This is just such a week for Rogers, which is starting to get real with the Motorola Q9h (though it's not for sale just yet) and has finally released a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for its own version of the HTC Excalibur, the s621. The only question, then, is just when can we get that Kaiser, Rogers?[Via Mobile In Canada and Smartphone Thoughts]Read - Motorola Q9hRead - HTC s621 Windows Mobile 6 upgrade
Poll: does the HTC Touch Dual need WiFi?
MoDaCo reports that the Touch Duals at HTC's launch event were WiFi equipped, despite word straight from the horse's mouth to the contrary. It's conceivable that some carriers will opt to disable the hardware in the hope of boosting data revenue -- or like the Trinity's GPS receiver, it could be left dormant at launch with the hope of a future firmware update that flips the switch. Anyway, we were gettin' to wondering: how do readers feel about it? The addition of HSDPA over the original Touch helps, sure, but nothing beats good, old fashioned WiFi when you're near a hotspot. Sound off over on Engadget!
Internal AT&T site foretells Tilt launch
We figure this website wasn't intended for public consumption -- either that, or we're all invited to the "2007 National Launch Tour" for the imminently available AT&T Tilt, and we should be speaking to our regional sales managers immediately to confirm our eligibility. The picture here looks pretty much like what we'd seen of the HTC Kaiser variant in the wild, confirming that the front cam is gone (no surprise), though it's a little chubbier looking than we thought, yeah? Or is it just us? Anyway, the site gives nary a clue about when we might actually be able to get a Tilt in our hands simply by walking into a store, but happily, everything we've heard still points to an October launch. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to go track down our regional sales manager.[Thanks, regenC]
Asus debuts GPS-packing P527 smartphone
Well, it looks like Asus has finally come though with a follow up to its P526 cellphone / PDA / GPS combo device, although anyone (like us) hoping that it'd make the jump to 3G will likely be sorely disappointed. As before, the new P527 model tops out with quad-band EDGE connectivity, a shortcoming Asus seems to be trying to make up for with added shininess. Otherwise, you can expect the same SiRFStar III GPS chipset that got all the attention last time around, along with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, an integrated 2 megapixel camera, an FM radio, and a microSD card slot, with Windows Mobile 6 again running the show. No official word on pricing or availability just yet, but GPSAndCo speculates that it could possibly hit France by the end of the year for about €500 (or just over $700).[Via Navigadget]
HTC Touch Slide pictured ahead of October 1 announcement?
Remember that press event HTC's got coming up early next week? There are plenty of rumored HTC devices that could be announced -- and a few in particular we know readers are pulling for -- but it looks like we've got at least one here that's a lock to see the spotlight. Known to many by the codename "Nike," the HTC Touch Slide takes the original Touch's small, finger-friendly package and makes good on two of its indiscretions by adding a slide-out keyboard (similar in layout to RIM's SureType) and a 3G radio. Other features should include WiFi, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of Flash, and from what we can tell, a diminutive case that holds true to its forebear despite the fresh slide mechanism. Oh, and you NTT DoCoMo users over there, stop gloating that you've had this thing for a few weeks, would ya?[Via MoDaCo, thanks ZSX]%Gallery-7912%
Samsung's i640v for Vodafone caught on camera
Hot on the heels of its Christmas announcement, it turns out Vodafone teased with a preview of Samsung's i640v at GITEX. Hoping to improve upon its predecessor, the just-released i620, newest model adds a WiFi radio under its hood along with GPS support. Add these key features in with Bluetooth 2.0, microSD storage, a 2.4-inch QVGA display all running on Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and we figure this device is built to please. There doesn't seem to be any solid release info floating around just yet, but we can take a solid stab at the launch carrier, eh?[Via the::unwired]
Samsung's GPS-equipped i780 "Treo-killer" revealed
Samsung seems to be working a little in reverse with its upcoming SGH-i780 Windows Mobile 6 handset, showing it first at GITEX, then providing shots to media a couple weeks later -- all without an official press release or announcement. Fortunately, we have pretty much all the information we want about it at this point, save for one key detail: will it come to AT&T as the rumored BlackJack 2? Unlike the original BlackJack, the i780 runs the touchscreen-driven Professional variant of Windows Mobile, features an "optical mouse" on the d-pad that provides the user with an actual on-screen pointer, and features integrated WiFi and GPS. If we were the wagering sort, we'd guess that an AT&T variant of this sucker would lose the WiFi and trade Euro HSDPA radio hardware for its North American equivalent, but with integrated GPS, it still seems like it could be a worthwhile upgrade. Sweden apparently expects it in early 2008, though there's no official word on launches elsewhere just yet.[Via Unwired View]
Motorola Q9h, HTC Kaiser in Rogers' near future?
Boy Genius Report is reporting (which makes sense, since it's the Boy Genius Report, after all) that Rogers is gearing up for some sort of huge Windows Mobile push. Of course, to push Windows Mobile, you need some hot hardware -- the Motorola Q9h and HTC Kaiser, to be exact. Promotional stuff has apparently been spotted bearing both devices, with the Q9h launching any minute now for $249.99 on a three-year agreement. No word on Kaiser pricing yet, but we'd imagine it would go for a touch more. How's that HSDPA rollout coming along, Rogers?
