Posts tagged GSM
HTC Evo or Incredible Being Ported To GSM?
Jul 10th
Everyone knows about the Droid Incredible on Verizon and the HTC Evo on Sprint, and how, because they both run on CDMA-spec networks, they are incompatible with any other network. Contrast this to, for example, a Nexus One, which out of the box comes unlocked and compatible with multiple GSM carriers around the world (in two versions, however) as long as the radio bands are compatible. That means that if one should need to travel overseas, his or her Nexus One (or any other GSM-compatible device; I am just using the N1 as an example) should work to make phone calls and send text messages on a local network, as long as one buys a SIM card.
Up in Canada, we have are in an Android drought. Sure, the HTC Desire is coming to Telus shortly and the HTC Legend was just released on Bell, but it is unlikely that any Evo or Incredible-like devices are going to make their way up north any time soon. Canada’s carriers are phasing out their CDMA infrustructure, and it seems that the two aforementioned CDMA devices are US-exclusive.
So what happens when HTC decides to take those designs and port them over to make them GSM compatible? They could potentially go to a lot more places around the world. Sure, the EVO 4G will likely just be an HSPA device, but the world could use more Android handsets, period. According to Pocket-Lint, one of their tipsters mentioned that an HTC device, code named “Ace,” is going to be released later in the year in the UK, and has a striking similarity to the HTC HD2 (a sexy, Sense-covered Windows Mobile 6.5 device). Whether this is going to be a strict port of the Incredible or EVO, or a unique device altogether, we don’t know, but if it’s released in the UK, a Canadian/South American/European release can’t be too far off.
One has to wonder whether, by the time these ports are completed and released, the high-end specs (1GHZ Snapdragon 512MB RAM, etc.) will seem a bit antiquated. Newer dual-core Snapdragon processors are being released later in the year, and HTC surely has them already planned for devices. Personally, I’d like to see the EVO ported to GSM to run on Bell or Telus’ new HSPA+ network. That would be hot.
This Week In BlackBerry 5/23 – 5/28
May 27th
White 9700′s, Pearl 3G’s, Sprint 9650. RIM really hasn’t been playing around lately. They’re truly gearing up for a nice strong summer. It’s nice to see that both GSM and CDMA devices are being favored this time around. As for you Verizon subscribers, our friends at Berry Reporter just confirmed that Verizon will have the 9650 available via their website on June 3 and in store on June 10th! I know it seemed like the wait has been forever, after watching Sprint announce and release the device, but at least you now have an answer. It looks like we will also be seeing a GSM and possibly CDMA 98xx this summer. And don’t forget about BlackBerry 6. Hit the jump for what you may have missed this week in BlackBerry. Everyone be safe and have a nice weekend!
News
Verizon Training Staff On Bold 9650
Blackberry Pearl 9100 Passes Through FCC, This Time Sporting AWS
Blackberry 9800 Slider Heading To AT&T- Further Confirmation *Updated*
BlackBerry Service Banned in Kuwait and Pakistan
Releases
Rogers Pearl 3G Now Available For Upgrade?
Telus Releases The Pearl 3G in Pink at $4.99 On A Contract?
Apps
Bolt 2.1 Released – Now Out Of Beta
Who’s Ready for Mobilicity?
Apr 15th
Remember Dave Wireless? Wonder what happened to them and their CEO Dave Dobbin since their early February re-branding as “Mobilicity”? Other than that press conference not much has been revealed in regards to their launch, other than to expect it mid-Spring in Toronto, with Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa closely following. Recently, Mr. Dobbin was confidently quoted stating: “Mobilicity will kick the value equation up a notch this spring. If you live and work in one of our cities and you’re looking for the best wireless deal around, you’re going to love Mobilicity.”
Now we have received word that Mobility will be offering BlackBerry, Nokia, Sony Ericsson phones on launch, and even Google’s Nexus One will work (much like on WIND Mobile). They will be offering unlimited packages, but in depth details on pricing and inclusive features aren’t immediately known. Although, the clearest/strongest signal will be found within the GTA, they do have a roaming agreement with Rogers so you phone will work outside the city. I am definitely excited about their impending launch and to see what they will bring to the table, but, I think they need to follow in WIND Mobile’s footsteps by opening a blog to hear what their future customers have to say. Leaving people in suspense may not work as well as they want. Consumers feed in information and being kept up to date on the latest happenings. They may want to start building a trust so on launch, customers know who they are and can already relate. Their tagline has always been “Competition is coming”, let’s see how well they can do with this build up, especially on a network built from scratch.
Think you will give Mobilicity a shot? Leave a Comment letting us know.
[Via Mobile Syrup]
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New Area Code Coming to South Western Ontario?
Apr 13th
Ontario’s population is growing faster than a man’s beard, but now we have proof that the numbers are just staggering. For the first time in Canadian history a third area code will need to be added to keep up with the alarming number of mobile users. The CRTC has issued the area code 365 for activation on March 25th, 2013, with the 289 and 905 area codes expected to run out by March of 2014.
With this being said I wonder when Toronto’s beloved 416/647 area codes will start to run out? 648 was meant to replace 416 for the mobile generation, but it seems like there is a lot of recycling taking place, and 416 numbers are still available. Guess we will have to wait and see.
[Via Mobile Syrup]
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Get Ready to Welcome Another Carrier to the Canadian Mix
Apr 9th
As if the Canadian market wasn’t aggressive enough since the famous Wireless Spectrum Auction of 2008. Get ready to welcome another carrier to the battle field by the end of 2011. Shaw Communications (who won 18 licences and spent $189 million during the auction) CEO, Jim Shaw was quoted saying:
“We are advancing our strategy to offer a competitive wireless offering and are now planning for an initial launch in late 2011. Accordingly, we are accelerating our Wireless capital spend and expect to invest approximately $100 million in fiscal 2010. The investment in this new business will primarily be funded by cash on hand.”
There isn’t much else to go on yet, but one can expect on launch, “Unlimited Plans,” “No Contracts” and catchy gimmicks (there is no other way to really be relevant) to win over some of the still-disgruntled Canadian market who have long abided the Big Three’s oligopoly.
Would you switch to Shaw? Do you even care anymore about all these new carriers coming into the mix? Leave a comment and let us know
[Via Mobile Syrup]
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webOS 1.4 finally drops
Feb 26th
Well the day has finally come for all your patient Palm Pre lovers, Pre Central is reporting that screenshots of this elusive update have been spotted. This comes just a day after the rumored drop and boy does the new information look great.
Some of the most notable updates are: improved video recording, improved phone reset options, a vastly improved call log screen that offers plenty more options than its predecessor, media sync is turned off by default (which can obviously be easily changed), and blink notifications come activated right out of the box.
Check this crazy video of the Video recorder in action
Have you received your update yet? Leave us a comment and let us know your findings!
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SmartWiFi another Smart program from S4BB
Jan 4th
SmartWiFi another Smart program from S4BB
Its pretty easy to see I like the guys over at S4BB, they are always building Useful, helpful and real life apps for the BlackBerry. Well here is yet another app that will help you concerve your BlackBerrys battery…we all know we could use some help there…read on
S4BB Limited just released SmartWiFi for BlackBerry®. Did you know that your BlackBerry® wastes a lot of energy by searching for WiFi networks? For example, when you are on the move and not connected to any of your configured WiFi networks.
SmartWiFi for BlackBerry®
SmartWiFi is the smartest way to save battery on your BlackBerry®! The revolution in battery power optimization!
SmartWiFi Features
Saves battery by turning off WiFi when no needed.
Remembers the WiFi locations you use.
Up to 100 WiFi locations supported!
Powers WiFi back on when you are back at WiFi coverage.
Saves battery by avoiding to constantly check for available WiFi hotspots.
Displays useful information: BSSID, SSID, Data Rate, Radio Band & Signal Level.
Supported mobile devices: GSM / GPRS, CDMA and iDEN.
SmartWiFi in Plain English Video
How it works
SmartWiFi leverages from the BlackBerry® always being connected to the network carrier. By combining cell tower and WiFi hotspot information WiFi is turned off when not needed and turned back on when needed. Because WiFi is one of the biggest consumers of battery power (when searching for WiFi networks) this has a tremendous effect on your battery life.
How SmartWiFi Saves Battery
By remembering cell tower information, SmartWiFi detects when you leave your hotspot area (e.g. home or office) and WiFi is turned off automatically. From now on you save a lot of battery power!
How to Get Connected again
SmartWiFi detects when you come back to a hotspot area (e.g. home or office) based on the network carrier’s cell tower information. WiFi can be used as usual.
SmartWiFi is compatible with all WiFi-capable BlackBerry® Smartphones. Check out SmartWiFi now! Only $4.99 (50% Off) at introduction price!
SmartWiFi at App World Text Link
(with 30 day money back guarantee)
SmartWiFi at MobileSoftMarket Text Link
SmartWiFi at MobiHand Text Link
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