Carrier News
Antenna-gate part deux?
Aug 14th
So it turns out Apple isn’t the only company with some ‘splainin to do.
Rumor has it the new Droid 2 is also suffering from a bit of the “Antenna-gate” syndrome, it may be a bit premature (the phone did only launch on Thursday) but here is what we know:
- Many review units are suffering from a fluctuating signal
- Death grip or not, the signal drops from full to 1 one bar when idle
- Of 6 review units seeded out for review, ALL are experiencing the same issues
No official statement from Motorola has been made, nor from American consumers with the devices in hand, but rest assured if the rumors pertain to be true, Steve Jobs will be chuckling in his wranglers.
[Via Mobile Crunch]
Follow me on twitterRogers Blackberry Curve 9300 price dropping August 17th to $49.99
Aug 13th
We’ve just received word that Rogers will be dropping the price of the newly-released Blackberry Curve 9300 from $79.99 to $49.99 on a 3-year contract come August 17th.
Not bad considering the device has just been released and there really isn’t a better deal available for people who are looking to get into a new, lower-end Blackberry before the Torch is released in Canada in the next couple months.
We will have more on the story as it drops, including other Rogers phones getting discontinued.
India Planning To Ban Email and BBM By September
Aug 13th
The dispute between Research In Motion (RIM) and India might finally be reaching a breaking point as the Indian government has set a final compliance date of August 31.
The disagreement stems from the Indian government wanting access to secure BlackBerry communications such as email and BlackBerry Messenger. If RIM fails to comply and open up their services, all BlackBerry users in the country will be restricted to simply Internet and voice access.
Up to this point, RIM has stated they have no plans to open up their access, however it should be noted they recently had the same issue with Saudi Arabia in which they eventually complied.
For the sake of BlackBerry users in India hopefully an agreement can finally be met, otherwise it will be yet another hit to a company that is already 3rd in the race behind Apple and Android.
Telus launches the BlackBerry Curve 3G
Aug 13th
Finally the circle is complete now that Telus has launched the Blackberry Curve 3G.
Though most the hype is on the Blackberry Torch 9800, which launched yesterday across the border, good news is if you are looking for a discount BlackBerry that runs 3G and is upgradeable to OS 6, this device is for you.
The Curve 3G is being launched at $79.99 on a 3 year (with a voice and data plan of $50 or more) or $329.99 out right.
To learn more about the BlackBerry Curve 3G visit Telus’ website
[Via Mobile Syrup]
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WIND slashes prices on entire device lineup
Aug 13th
We spoke yesterday on WIND Mobile surpassing the 100,000 subscriber mark earlier than expected, and with promotions like this it comes as no surprise.
On top of the $150 porting credit and 50% off for 6 months, you will now save between $20-$40 off of the handset of your choice. There is no word yet on the new back-to school device lineup WIND has planned, but these price drops probably mean a late spring cleanup to make way for them.
To learn more about which devices have been discounted check out WIND’s website, but remember to act fast as this promotion ends September 15th, 2010.
[Via MobileSyrup]
Follow me on twitterMotorola Droid 2 R2-D2 Edition Launching September 30th!
Aug 12th
Word broke loose at the Star Wars Convention going on in Orlando this week that the rumored R2-D2 version of the Motorola Droid 2 (released today) will be making its debut on the 30th of next month. There’s no word on how much extra this version will cost or how many units will be produced. Either way, it’s always nice to see something a little friendlier than the sharp lines and raw attitude that are typically associated with Motorola’s Android-flavored options.
[Via Android Central]
So many decisions, so little time
Aug 12th
Today is the day everyone has been drooling talking about.
Both the Blackberry Torch 9800 and Motorola Droid 2, arguably the two most anticipated phones of the year have both finally officially been released by AT&T and Verizon, respectively, in the U.S., both at the same $199 (with or without rebate) price point on a 2 year term. Both running the latest OS’s from their respective manufacturers and both come harboring many expectations from their die-hard following, but which are you going to choose?
So far the reviews on the Torch have been 50/50, some sites bashing, while others praising it and the newly unveiled OS that it runs. As for the Droid 2 running Froyo, the OS has been out (in both leaked and official variations) for quite some time, thus allowing users to become familiar with it should their current device support the update.
I guess the real answer will be in the numbers when AT&T releases them. Knowing that the Android community in the U.S. is much larger (and more tight knit), I wouldn’t be surprised to see it outsell the Torch 9800.
Are you getting one of these hot new devices? If so, which one and why? Let me know.
WIND Mobile doing better than expected?
Aug 12th
With great leadership comes great results and WIND Mobile is a prime example of this.
Despite hiccups leading to a delayed launch, and increasing competition in both the Canadian wireless sector as a whole and the rapidly growing “Unlimited” market, WIND led by Anthony (Tony) Lacavera has commanded a confident stance and has always fought back against adversity.
Today, WIND released a press statement stating that as of July 2010, they officially exceeded 100,000 users. Pretty impressive for a startup carrier that is just over 6 months old that no one ever expected to succeed in the Canadian wireless oligopoly.
Anthony Lacavera was quoted saying:
“We will continue to rally for increased wireless choice in Canada. We will continue to expand and grow, and we welcome competition as part of our commitment to offering Canadians the kind of mobile experience they want and deserve.”
Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND had this to say as well:
“We’re seeing strong customer growth. Results show that Canadians are welcoming competitive choice and the great value WIND is bringing to the marketplace. We will continue to encourage this growth by extending our offer of $150 credit to customers who bring their phone numbers to WIND by September 15.”
It’s a known fact that WIND forecasts about 1.5 million subscribers over the next 3 years and at the rate they are going, this doesn’t seem to far fetched.
Congratulations, Mr. Lacavera and WIND Mobile on your success!
[via CNW]
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Well, Hello Pat Prefontaine!
Aug 11th
When the “Old Spice” guy series of video blogs were launched, people laughed, but their overall impressions of Old Spice being an “old man’s” deodorant changed, thus re-invigorating the brand recognition they so desperately needed.
Today, Telus launched their own version of the Old Spice guy in “Pat Prefontaine” a goodlooking, well-educated man, set out to enlighten consumers on what they are missing when they don’t have Telus as their carrier. He breaks it down to 5 cleverly thought out steps: Embrace Change, Never Compromise, Nurture Relationships, Broaden Your Horizons and Be Confident.
I don’t know what Telus’ plans are yet for Pat Prefontaine, but it is an interesting change to see, and if they decide to get rid of those cute animals in their commercials for him, I will not be a happy Guru.
Learn more about Pat Prefontaine via his website.
[via MobileSyrup]
Follow me on twitterTelus updates Milestone, but isn’t 2.2 yet
Aug 11th
This is a bit of a surprise! IntoMobile is reporting that Telus’ Milestone has been updated, but the software version is 2.1 still. Don’t expect Froyo anytime soon, then.
The updates include:
- Alarm Improvements
- Music Player Functionality
- Audio Quality Enhancement
- PIN Lock Improvements
- Proximity Mode Enhancement
- “My Location” Improvements
Check out the update at Motorola’s website, and wait patiently for 2.2.
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