Sprint to Offer Palm Pre Nationwide on June 6

Sprint to Offer Palm Pre Nationwide on June 6

Digital-age-defining Palm webOS phone is built for consumers and businesses alike, powered by America’s most dependable nationwide 3G network, with the best price plan value

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 19, 2009 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced pricing and nationwide availability for the highly anticipated Palm^® Pre™ phone, offered exclusively from Sprint. Palm Pre will be available nationwide on June 6 in Sprint stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack, select Wal-Mart stores and online at Sprint.com for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate. Running on the new Palm webOS™ mobile platform, Pre brings together your important information from where it resides – on your phone, at your work or on the web – into one logical view.⁽¹⁾

For those who juggle life circa 2009 – bouncing from conference call to car pool schedule, from doctors’ numbers to doctoral thesis data, from social calendars to social networking – Pre marks a new wireless crossover standard. Before Pre, you had to compromise when selecting a wireless phone. To get the business features you needed, you had to sacrifice the personal entertainment features you wanted. Pre consolidates your important information – professional, social and personal – into one revolutionary device using an operating system that redefines the experience of living and working wirelessly.

“The argument that you need one phone for work and another phone for play, or that you have to make compromises between business and lifestyle productivity, is over,” said Dan Hesse, president and CEO of Sprint. “With Pre, compromises of the past are history.”

Palm Pre will run on America’s most dependable 3G network and come with Sprint’s industry-leading, value-oriented Everything Data plans that offer savings of up to $1,430 over two years vs. comparable AT&T and Verizon plans for smartphones and PDAs.⁽²⁾

“The Palm Pre takes full advantage of Sprint’s Everything Data plans,” said Avi Greengart, research director for Consumer Devices at Current Analysis. “The Pre has been expressly designed for multitasking among multiple web pages and applications. It also builds on Palm’s heritage in PDAs by managing your digital information – whether that’s on a corporate server or on the web.”

“The Pre’s dynamic ‘activity cards’ approach to handling and navigating multiple applications is a great advance, but the core breakthrough is the integration of information across multiple applications on and off the phone,” said Andy Castonguay, director of Mobile & Access Devices Research, Yankee Group. “With social networking and messaging being so important to consumers, the device’s new ‘Palm Synergy’ functionality – which gives Pre the ability to automatically pull friends’ contact details, messaging addresses and personal calendars from different applications online and on the phone – will greatly simplify people’s ability to communicate with their friends and colleagues the way they want.”

Pre: A New Kind of Phone

The new webOS platform introduces Palm Synergy™, a key feature that brings together your personal and professional calendar, contacts and e-mail into one centralized view, making transitions between work and personal life smooth and easy to manage.

With Palm Synergy, users get:

• Linked contacts – With Synergy, you have a single view that links your contacts from a variety of sources, so accessing them is easier than ever. For example, if you have the same contact listed in your Outlook⁽³⁾, Google and Facebook accounts, Synergy recognizes that they’re the same person and links the information, presenting it to you as one listing.
• Layered calendars – Your calendars can be seen on their own or layered together in a single view, combining work, family, friends, sports teams, or other interests. You can toggle to look at one calendar at a time, or see them all at a glance.
• Combined messaging – Synergy lets you see all your conversations with the same person in a chat-style view, even if it started in IM and you want to reply with text messaging. You can also see who’s active in a buddy list right from contacts or e-mail, and start a new conversation with just one touch.

Palm webOS lets you keep multiple activities open and move easily between them like flipping through a deck of cards. You can move back and forth between text messaging and e-mail, or search the web while you listen to music. You can rearrange items simply by dragging them, and when you are done with something, just throw it away by flicking it off the top of the screen.

Finding what you need is also easy with universal search – as you type what you’re looking for, webOS narrows your search and offers results from both your device and the web.⁽⁴⁾ WebOS crushes the barriers to true mobile computing.

“Pre is truly a new phone for a new web-centric age,” said Ed Colligan, Palm president and chief executive officer. “We’re a mobile society, and we want our people, calendars and information to move with us. With Pre’s exquisite design and the unique webOS software, running on Sprint’s fast broadband network, we’re changing the perception of what a wireless phone can be.”

Pre comes with a charger in the box, but for anyone tired of plugging a cord into their wireless phone, Palm introduces the Touchstone™ charging dock, the first inductive charging solution for phones, available exclusively for Pre. Simply set Pre down on top of the dock without worrying about connection, orientation or fit. Pre is active while charging, so you can access the touch screen, watch movies or video, or use the speakerphone. Set Pre on the charging dock when you’re on a call, and the speakerphone automatically turns on; when you take a ringing Pre off the dock, Pre automatically answers the call. Other mobile operating systems allow multitasking, but Palm has developed an intuitive method of switching between “cards,” which resemble clicking different tabs on a Web browser. New applications can be launched easily using the “Launcher” software button at the bottom of the home screen, and users navigate between different applications.

With nearly every wireless device today you have to exit one application completely before you can use another. That’s not what people are accustomed to; think of your PC and all the applications you can have open at one time.

Pre:  The latest NOW Network milestone for Sprint

Pre also lets you access feature-rich Sprint content on the Sprint Now Network, including exclusive applications such as:

• Sprint Navigation⁽⁵⁾
• Sprint TV
• NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile Live

“Sprint’s Now Network brings you America’s most dependable 3G network, the largest push-to-talk community, and in selected markets Sprint is the only national carrier bringing 4G to life in 2009,”⁽⁶⁾ Hesse said. “The Now Network is more than just a physical network – it’s also data plans that are all-inclusive, eliminating fear of data overages and a perfect fit for Palm Pre users.”

Sprint’s networks are now performing at best-ever levels, and Sprint’s high-value Everything data plans consistently beat AT&T’s and Verizon’s comparable plans in savings by hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over two years. With the revolutionary launch of Ready Now, which Sprint pioneered, customers leave the store educated, comfortable and confident about the phones they’re about to take home. As a result of these measures and more, Sprint customer satisfaction indices – from first call resolution to billing satisfaction, from customer care response time to service and repair – have all significantly improved during the past year.

Pricing and Availability

The Palm Pre phone will be available from Sprint on June 6 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement on an Everything Data plan or Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plan. An array of compelling accessories also will be available for Pre, including the Palm Touchstone charging dock. The Touchstone™ Charging Kit, which includes the Touchstone charging dock and Touchstone back cover for Pre, will be available June 6 for $69.99. The Touchstone charging dock and Touchstone back cover also are available separately from for $49.99 and $19.99, respectively.

More information is available at www.sprint.com/palmpre.

ABOUT SPRINT NEXTEL

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 49 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2009; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

⁽¹⁾Use of this device requires providing a valid e-mail address, mobile phone number, and related information for account setup and activation. Unlimited usage data plan strongly recommended; additional data charges may apply. Within wireless coverage area only. Number of applications and actual performance will vary depending on applications used and actions performed.

⁽²⁾Comparisons based on unlimited minutes options for Verizon PDA/Smartphone Nationwide Email & Messaging plus VZ Navigator and AT&T Nation plus PDA Personal Bundle and AT&T Navigator. Based on publicly available information as of publication date. Excludes taxes, Sprint surcharges, fees and premium content.

⁽³⁾Within wireless coverage area only. Requires data services at additional cost. Microsoft Direct Push Technology requires Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 with SP2 or Exchange Server 2007. Additional fees may apply.

⁽⁴⁾Searches web and user’s applications, contacts, and dialing information. Web search within wireless coverage area only, requires data services at additional cost.

⁽⁵⁾GPS requires data services at additional cost. Coverage not available in all areas at all times.

⁽⁶⁾“Dependable” based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability and signal strength for the top 50 most populous markets from January 2008 to February 2009. Not all services available on 3G, and coverage may default to separate network when 3G is unavailable.

Palm, webOS, Pre, Synergy and Touchstone are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #155

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #155 54:00
Show Notes
Verizon clarifies its LTE timeline, AT&T announces the Jack, and when you can expect your Cupcake.

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix
Wilson iBooster winner – David Dick
TCPJ Unlocked Show #021
Invisible Shield Return Experience
BlueAnt Q1 Review

News
White House press conference cell phone antics
Get a free cell phone
Verizon clarifies LTE timeline
LTE coming in late 2010
T-Mobile to pay on ETF settlement
Virgin Mobile Q1 earnings
US Cellular offers battery swap program

Devices
Possible specs on next iPhone
No WWDC iPhone announcement, rather, later in the month?
Apple Store now taking 3G orders online
Palm and Sprint to announce Pre in WSJ on May 19th
June 7th Pre release date looking plausible
Pre demo units arriving in Sprint stores
Leaked pics of the HTC Willow
HTC Snap headed to Sprint?
Samsung Jack
Curve 8900 on AT&T to be $200
Photos of the Blackberry Storm 2
Could the Storm 2 be dropping the Surepress screen?
Nokia sales
FCC approves Samsung Android phone
Samsung Alias 2 comes to Verizon
Novatel MiFi comes to Sprint

Software
Slingplayer now available for the iPhone
How to get the Sling to run on 3G
AT&T statement about no 3G for the Slingplayer on iPhone
A financial interest in not approving Sling on 3G?
Windows Mobile teams talks
Marketplace prohibited list explained
Nokia N79 and N85 firmware updates
Alpha Fennec for Windows Mobile now available
When can you get your cupcake

Questions/Comments
Comment from Andreas
Voicemail from Dave
Question from Peter
Crackberry.com link
Blackberry.com link
Comment form Roger
Question from Johnny
Question from Thomas

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BlueAnt Q1 Review

BlueAnt Q1 Review

More municipalities than ever are restricting the use of mobile phones while driving, and mandating the use of hands free devices to use your mobile phone while operating a vehicle.  While Bluetooth headsets are becoming increasingly common, most don’t provide an experience that makes people want to continue using them.  Whether its comfort, sound quality, or complicated use, there are many reasons to forgo use of the technology. BlueAnt Wireless is hoping to change this perception of headsets with the new Q1, touted as “the world’s most advanced voice controlled Bluetooth headset”.  I’ve been testing out the Q1 over the past few weeks, and will provide my thoughts and compile a complete rundown of what sets this headset apart from others.  At the time of this review,BlueAnt has partnered with Sprint, and is selling the Q1 exclusively through Sprint stores through May of 2009, which will be followed by additional availability nationwide.  TheBlueAnt Q1 is offered at $129.99.

In the Box

• The Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset
• Large and small earbuds
• An ear hook
• A USB Cable, for firmware updates and recharging
• An AC Adaptor
• The Quickstart guide
• Warranty Card

Specs

• Use your voice to control the Q1
• Supports multipoint
• Designed for comfort
• Pairs with up to 8 devices
• Up to 4 hours talk time, and 100 hours standby
• Dual microphones
• Voice Isolation technology
• Custom internal wind shields
• Upgradable firmware
• 2 year replacement warranty

About the product

The BlueAnt Q1 allows users to easily control their headset with Voice Commands rather than pressing multiple buttons or looking at the phone.  Unlike other headsets that only support voice dial capabilities through the mobile phone’s voice features, voice control is embedded in the Q1 headset itself.  Beyond voice dialing, the Q1 enables the user tocontrol all headset features such as pairing, volume, connection status using their voice.  The Q1 supports the following commands:

“teach me”
“what can I say”
“am i connected”
“check battery”
“settings menu”
“phone commands”
“redial”
“call back”
“call information”
“call speed dial 1 through 8″
“switch headset off”
“cancel”

This intuitive voice feedback allows for even the novice user to easily become adapted to using the headset with little training.  As an example, saying “Pair Me” begins the pairing process with the users phone and walks them through the steps they need to take to pair the headset.  This is one of the simplest and most innovative ways of interacting with a headset to date, and users will feel comfortable knowing that at any time, saying “What can I say?” gives them the options available to them.

Comfort/Wear/Use

The design of the headset has comfort in mind.  Two soft silicon ear buds come with the Q1 allowing the user to choose the comfort level that allows for all day wearing.  The voice isolation technology uses the dual headphones for reduction of background and wind noise.  “Normal” and “Maximum” noisecancellation modes allow for adjustment on a call, depending on your environment.  Coupled with custom wind shields to reduce the wind noise, callers will simply hear the sound of you, not your environment when talking.

Results
I set up the Q1 to use the multipoint technology to connect 2 phones simultaneously, and use the headset exclusively while driving.  A simple press of the volume button toggles calls between phones, so I was able to move from phone to phone when on one phone, andreceiving a call from the other.  With summer now upon us in Arizona, good air conditioning in vehicles is a must.  The Q1 does a decent job of filtering out the wind noise when set to maximum noise reduction mode, but don’t expect it to be eliminated completely.  However, it is the best non-windscreen headset I’ve used.  Calls sounded loud and clear, and callers on the other end could tell that I was using a headset, but stated that any background noise was minimal.

Overall
The BlueAnt Q1 is a step in the right direction for enhancing the quality of Bluetooth headsets.  With its voice control features, multipoint, and noise cancellation, the Q1 is a serious headset delivering good results.  More information at http://www.blueantwireless.com

TCPJ Unlocked Show #021

Oh does the 3G limitation of the Slingplayer application on the iPhone bother us.  Plus, can you get buy on a cheap unlimited plan?  And the story behind the 160 character SMS message

Links referenced in the show
The story behind the 160 character SMS message
Can you make a cheap unlimited plan work?
More households going cell phone only
Why we are still paying ETF’s

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White House Press Conference Cell Phone Antics

Shamwow…Really???

Shamwow…Really???

Originally uploaded by gt2697

I sincerely hope this person is in some way affiliated with the company.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #154

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #154 1:18:55
Show Notes
AT&T’s plan to reduce 3G network strain, a possible launch date for the Palm Pre and gobs of Blackberry and Android rumors.

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

Wilson iBooster giveaway – Take a screenshot of your iPhone 3G showing us why you need this.

Truphone Review

News
Curve knocks iPhone out of #1 smartphone spot
Apple to replace iPhones damaged by water
Boston Transit chief to ban cell phones for train operators
AT&T to reduce cost of entry level iPhone plan?
AT&T prepared to buy Alltel assets
AT&T announces GoPhone $3 daily unlimited plan
Can you get out of your AT&T contract with this arbitration clause change?
AT&T to being using N-SET to reduce 3G network strain
Verizon to accelerate LTE, keep CDMA
Sprint outsourcing network ops to Ericsson?
Sprint Quarterly Earnings
Subs losses for Sprint are mostly postpaid
T-Mobile supporting the iPhone
MetroPCS launches in Grand Rapids
US Cellular waits to make any LTE decisions

Devices
Treo Pro for $250 on AT&T, at Best Buy
Pre Launching on June 5th?
Win Mo devices coming to T-Mobile
Sprint Touch Pro for $100
Acer F900 coming in May
RIM CEO confirms Storm sequel
Blackberry 8900 coming to AT&T
Blackberry Driftwood Onyx hitting T-Mobile USA in September
8900 coming 5/25
Blackberry 8520 coming T-Mobile
Or is the 8520 coming in July?
Blackberry Tour 9630 coming to Verizon in July
E71 now at AT&T
Already on Amazon for $.01
Nokia E52
Nokia E75 hits US Flagship stores
Nokia reveals 6750
Nokia N97 pre-order price falls in the US
Nokia 5900 Xpress Music leaks out
HTC Hero
Dell to come out with Android netbook?
HTC Dream and Magic coming to Rogers
T-Mobile G1 v2
T-Mobile Magic/G2 getting 5mp camera
Verizon announces MiFi 2200
Pogue on the Mifi
Coming May 17th
Sidekick 2009 to be $250
New Samsung Phones headed to T-Mobile
No Acer smartphones in the US until 2010
Sony Ericsson CS8 in September
Garmin Nuvifone G60 delayed until Q3

Software
RIM launches BES 5.0
AT&T announces availability of BES 5.0 upgrade
Google to push apps through BES
iPhone 3.0 software taking better photos than 2.2.1
No new iPhone apps unless they run on 3.0 software
Magnetometer in next iPhone sotware?
AT&T intros account controlling app
Highlights of Android 1.5
T-Mobile will deliver Android 1.5 next week
Native Facebook app for Windows Mobile
Emergency Radio for the iPhone/iPod Touch
Another Samsung EPIX software patch

Questions/Comments
Question from Roger
Comment from Paul
Voicemail from Mel
Comment from Badzed
Question from Franklin
Question from Tom
Comment from John
Voicemail from Josh
Question from Roger

How to Contact us:
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Truphone Review

Truphone Review

Whether you are traveling abroad, or just trying to make international calls from home, the cost of worldwide communication on your cell phone is not cheap.  Fortunately, with the advent of VoIP technology there are a wide range of voice services out there now that can make communication quick, reliable and cost effective.  But until recently, most of these services have been relegated to the desktop, making on the go communication difficult.  Truphone solves this problem with a service that allows you to use your existing handset and service provider to make cheap calls worldwide, using either Wi-Fi or your phones 3G data connection.  For this review, I will be using the iPhone 3G and the new 3.0 software, but Truphone can be used with many devices and Operating Systems including Symbian, Blackberry and Android.  More information at http://www.truphone.com

What is Truphone
Truphone is a free piece of software that you download to your handset.  It saves you money on mobile calls by routing them over the Internet using its VoIP application which offers huge savings on international calls to mobiles and landlines.  Plus, if you know other Truphone users, they never charge you for calls over the Truphone network, no matter where you are.  Truphone works alongside your existing phone deal, so you keep your number, SIM card and current setup.  Simply download the application, top up your credit online and use it when you want to make low-cost Internet calls.  Think of it as a pay-as-you-go plan that you maintain along side your current plan.

How it works
The service works best when in range of a Wi-Fi hotspot, but you can use it anywhere.  When connected to a hotspot, 100% of the call is routed over the Internet until it reaches the other users handset, allowing the company to offer some of the lowest rates on the Internet.  When not connected to Wi-Fi but still in your home country Truphone Anywhere routes as much of the call as it can over the Internet, and completes the call via your handsets phone connection.

Currently supported devices
Here are the currently supported devices to use the Truphone application

Features of the application
The first Tab shows the various Friends you have using Truphone

A keypad for numeric input

Truphone has integrated IM clients such as Skype, MSN, Yahoo and AIM into their software, allowing you to use Truphone as an all in one messaging application with version 3.0 of the software.  They have also included the support to make a receive calls over the Skype network to other Skype users standard in this new version.

There are a few option screens as well that allow for integration with Twitter, or viewing data such as your account info or recent calls.

Use and Results
Calls placed over Wi-Fi or over the phone network came through nice and clear.  There was however noticeably more bass in the calls over Wi-Fi, but this wasn’t an issue with the use of the service.  Also, when using the Truphone over Wi-Fi, you do not have the ability to use any other audio sources other than the phone’s builtin speaker.  However, when using the phone with Truphone anywhere, since you are actually using the phone, you are able to use other sources such as Bluetooth headsets or the speakerphone.

Setting up a call is as simple as choosing someone from your contacts or dialing a phone number and hitting call.  International calls had minimal delay, and users on the other end said we sounded fine.

Placing a call over Wi-Fi

Placing a call over Truphone Anywhere

Various options when using Truphone Anywhere

Pricing
There are 3 different plans that you can choose from for the service, depending on how much calling you plan to make.  For $17 per month on the TruUnlimited plan, unlimited calls can be made for no additional charges.  If you don’t want to pay a charge each month, the TruStandard plan gives you rates around $.05 per minute.  Finally, if you plan on making a fair number of calls, but don’t need unlimited access, the TruSaver plan is $4 per month, and cuts rates on the TruStandard plan by about 60%.

Overall
If you are looking for an option to help you save money on making international calls, Truphone may have a plan for you.  By using VoIP technology, they create multiple ways to make calls cheaply to anywhere, from anywhere.

About Truphone
Founded in 2006, Truphone is a global mobile communications provider in the business of innovating how people converse in our globally connected world.  As the industry’s first mobile Internet operator, the company makes it easy and affordable for users all over the world to keep in touch with friends, family and business contacts overseas or whilst roaming.  Truphone is the trading name of Software Cellular Network (SCN). SCN is privately owned, funded by both venture capital investment and angel investors.

Podcast computer setup

Podcast computer setup

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Here is what I look at when podcasting.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #153

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #153 1:31:30
Show Notes
Apple talking to Verizon, the Mini Pre gets a name, and how to get rid of those pesky SLOG DUMPS.

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

OtterBox Impact Series Case winners
iPhone – David Herbertson
Blackberry – Mighty Matt 24

TCPJ Unlocked Show #020

News
Qualcomm to pay Broadcomm $891M in lawsuit
Motorola Q1 losses
iPhone tops J.D. Power survey
Google and others sued over Android
Verizon and Apple in talks with iPhone for 2010?
Verizon announces strong Q1 earnings
New Mexico plans for VZW
Getting some relief from Sprint overages
Sprint loses again vs. iPCS
T-Mobile continues to charge for cancelled service, and refuses refund
T-Mobile brings back $18 upgrade fee

Devices
2 new devices from Apple?
An Apple in the middle
Microsoft affirms it’s not making a phone
Palm EOS
EOS on Sprint too?
Pre at Best Buy on June 7th
Palm Pre Questions answered
WebOS screen shots
Free Palm Pre
Manipulating the Palm Pre supply
Palm forced to cut Pre launch numbers
Foleo could be WebOS netbook?
Motorola World Phone coming to Verizon
Motorola ignoring Windows
Snap and Touch Pro 2 headed to Canada as world edition devices?
BB Tour hitting Verizon in July?
Verizon Blackberry Flip called the Apex
Live images of Blackberry Gemini
Blackberry Curve 8900 coming to AT&T?
Nokia N97 has a weak processor
Nokia N86 with Active Kickstand
Cincinnati Bell gets Xpress Music 5800
Samsung announces first Android phone
HTC Magic now available in Spain
Calgary to be Motorola’s first Android handset
CEO confirms Android devices in Q4
Plantronics launches new Voyager Pro headset
Samsung Omnia Pro rumored for July
Sony Ericsson Flip for AT&T
Motorola i465 clutch

Software
Android 1.5 now available for developer G1
1.5 for T-Mobile G1′s
App tells you if you are a Crackberry addict
Samsung EPIX update to fix crashing causes freezing
Update gets rid of your pesky SLOG DUMPS
WinMo 6.5 to have voice controls
Windows Marketplace for Mobile now out for developers
What’s prohibited in the Marketplace
Verizon to push out new OS update for Storm
Verizon expands Navigator service globally
Apple releases OS 3.0 Beta 4
Nokia Maps now Mac compatible
Xobni for Blackberry photos
Quicken Online gets iPhone companion app

Questions/Comments
Comment from Steve
Voicemail from Roger
Voicemail from Michael
Comment from Patrick
Question from Franklin
Question from Danny
Question from Jason
Voicemail from Mel

How to Contact us:
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questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
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