IntoMobile » Manufacturers

Video: Hands-on the Samsung Behold II

Will Park — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:31:52 +0000

This holiday shopping season is dominated by Android. Smartphones running Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s mobile operating system are flooding the market, and we really couldn’t be happier. The latest Android smartphone to find its way into our eager hands is the Samsung Behold II. Just in time for the holidays, T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) is offering the Samsung Behold II for $229.99 when purchased with new 2-year contract. It’s slightly pricier than the iPhone and the Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid, but with a sleek design and a quirky new 3D Cube UI, you might not mind shelling out the extra bucks for the Behold 2.

Unlike the original Samsung Behold, the Behold II sports Android 1.5 OS. It sports an impressive 5-megapixel camera (with LED-flash), 3G data, WiFi, GPS and microSD card slot. But, the one feature that outshines them all is the Behold 2’s 3.2-inch capacitive AMOLED touchscreen. The display doesn’t need a backlight, so it draws less power than traditional LCD displays, but manages to deliver a brighter, crisper, more color-rich picture.

The camera is a bit laggy, but serves up some impressively crisp and well-balanced pictures. The 3D Cube UI is quirky, to say the least. We’re sure some people will find it useful, but we just don’t see ourselves using it for more than just showing off to our friends. But, with a speedy browser and an incredible OLED display, the Behold II will more than make up for its confusing UI.

Enjoy the hands-on/unboxing gallery and video!

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

BlackBerry Curve 8520 Dummy Units Arriving at AT&T Stores

James Falconer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:41:01 +0000

Last we heard the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8520 was hitting stores ‘in the coming weeks‘ for $99.99 after rebates (and of course, with that shiny new contract). Well, to add some more fuel to the fire it looks like 8520 dummy units are showing up at AT&T (NYSE: T) stores. Set the countdown timer, because we could see the 8520 go live on AT&T this week or next.

While the Curve 8520 is no flagship device, it is a huge improvement from the original Curve, and features a 2MP camera, 320×240 display, trackpad, and rubber-covered side keys for a touch of awesome.

Stay tuned for more news on the AT&T Curve 8520 as it becomes available.

[Via: CB]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Elecite Goes Live with Premium ‘Sentient’ Theme for BlackBerry

James Falconer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:25:18 +0000

BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) theme lovers, I’ve been meaning to post on this for a few days now… Not sure how I overlooked it, but here it is for ya, finally.

Elecite has launched yet another new Premium BlackBerry Theme. Called ‘Sentient’, the theme is for OS 4.6 and up devices only… which means it will be compatible with the Curve 89xx series, Bold 9000 series, Storm 95xx series, Tour 96xx series and Bold 97xx series. Groovy.

The theme features a very custom looking home screen, with smooth animations and more. You’ll notice in the preview video above that no screen has gone untouched, Elecite has worked in custom graphics into all parts of the OS. Well done, indeed.

If you like what you see, you can pick up a copy for $6.99.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Now Available at AT&T: BlackBerry Bold 9700

James Falconer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Howdy amigos, hope everyone out there is having a pleasant and relaxing Sunday…I know I am! A little bit of AT&T (NYSE: T) news for ya this morning… Looks like the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available on AT&T (as Simon so correctly pointed out). Pricing is as follows:

$199.99 on a 2-year contract (after $100 mail-in rebate)
$449.99 ‘No Commitment Pricing’

If you’re a loyal AT&T customer that has been patiently twiddling your thumbs waiting for the 9700, while everyone over at T-Mo got all the glory… Now’s your chance. I was (and still am) a huge fan of the original Bold 9000, and big brother here has numerous updates and extra features… So go ahead and check it out at AT&T.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Seesmic Released for Android and BlackBerry

Simon Sage — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:43:19 +0000

Heavy-duty social networkers will be familiar with the name “Seesmic“, a desktop and web Twitter client. It has officially gone mobile for Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), with the expected features such as home screen notifications, picture sharing, timeline viewing, saved searches, and basic tweeting. The one thing I haven’t seen elsewhere on a BlackBerry twitter client yet is lists support; more specifics can be found on the BlackBerry page. The Android version has a few cool tricks, like saving tweets as drafts and video sharing, but to get a closer look, check out Seesmic’s Android page. To get downloading, point your mobile browser to seesmic.com or find it in the Android Market.

[via Seesmic]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Texter-friendly Pantech Impact launched by AT&T; Could be yours for 100 bucks on a contract

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:31:49 +0000

AT&T (NYSE: T) has added a new texter-friendly device in its portfolio – Pantech Impact. The phone comes with both full QWERTY keyboard and numeric keypad, which [numeric keypad] interestingly sports haptic-enabled keys. Rest of the specs include a 3G radio, GPS, music player, camera that can take both photos and videos, email and IM clients.

As for the availability, AT&T will start selling the Impact starting from tomorrow, November 22nd, when interested users will be able to grab it for $99.99 on a contract and after $50 mail-in rebate, in either bright blue or soft pink…

[Via: Unwired View]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Deal: Nokia N900 available for $480 on Amazon!

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:30:32 +0000

Despite the fact Nokia (NYSE: NOK) announced that its N900 will sell for $649 in the U.S., the good ol’ Amazon is offering the Maemo-powered device for $480 ($479.99 to be more precise). As you probably already know that money buys you one of the most capable smartphones on the market today with features that include tons of storage (32GB), GPS, WiFi, great 5-megapixel camera, and so on. Exact shipping date is unknown at the moment, but I assume you won’t have to wait for too long to grab the N900, in case you want to.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Samsung unveils S5150 Olivia and S7070 phones, part of the new Diva series

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:53 +0000

Samsung has unveiled two new phones, part of the (again) new “Diva” series, that targets female consumers.

First comes the clamshell-shaped S5150 Olivia, which reminds me on some Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) models. The device prides itself with a 2.2-inch QVGA screen, 3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, music player, and a microSD memory card slot.

As for the S7070, it’s yet another Samsung’s all-touchscreen-er, rocking a 3-inch WQVGA resistive display, 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, media player, FM radio, and a microSD slot.

Both devices are expected to be available during the first quarter of 2010…

[Via: SamsungHub]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Motorola Droid just $119 from Dell

Will Park — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:50:27 +0000

We love seeing hot new smartphones getting their price tags slashed mere weeks after its initial launch. The latest price reduction on the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid comes from Dell.com, making it possible to put a Droid in your pocket for just $119 and a 2-year contract with Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless. The deal also applies to contract extensions, so you don’t have to wait until you’re eligible for an upgrade to take advantage of the low price.

If you like high-tech smartphones and want an Android-powered handset, the Droid fits the bill perfectly. If you’re not sure that the Droid is for you, check out our hands-on impressions and video. Keep in mind that the Droid is so far the only Android smartphone to rock the new Google Maps Navigation app.

To recap: Dell is selling the Droid for $119 with new 2-year contract (or a contract extension for existing customers), and will even ship the handset to you for free via Fedex. That’s one “hot deal,” to be sure.

Dell’s $119 Motorola Droid

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Motorola Droid Exposed – The Teardown Aftermath

Will Park — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:25:47 +0000

As we wind down our Friday afternoon and wind up for the weekend, we’re going to leave you with some intimate images of the Motorola Droid. The folks over at Phone Wreck managed to strip a Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid down to its bare parts, and they took some extensive photos for your viewing pleasure. These teardown pictures give us some interesting insights into the Droid, but they’re mostly just fun to look at.

The Droid teardown shows that the relatively small RAM/ROM chips (256MB/256MB) come from Toshiba (OTCPK: TOSBF). You’ll also want to take note of the beautifully integrated PCB that is so small, it actually turns out to be one of the smaller internal components of the Droid. Interestingly, the NAND Flash memory module bears handwritten markings that indicate the chips are sample units. And, no, we’re not ashamed to admit that handwriting on sample IC’s piques our interest.

Take a gander at the pics and think about just how much work went into making sure your Droid can stream sleepy puppies from YouTube.

Head on over to Phone Wreck for the full Droid teardown gallery.

[Via: PhoneWreck]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Bell To Offer ‘Skullcandy Mash Up Package’ December 1st

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:44:55 +0000

Looks like Bell is getting ready to crank up the Holiday Promo Machine. According to a report over at MobileSyrup, on December 1st Bell will unveil a new ‘Skullcandy Mash Up Package’. The package will be available anyone willing to sign a new 3-year sentence, er, contract with Bell.

So what do you get? Well, for $69.95 you’ll get to choose one of the following packages:

Red and white Samsung Vice with matching red/white Skullcandy Lowrider headset
Black Samsung Vice with matching chrome/black Skullcandy Lowrider headset

I should also note that each package will come with 10 free Sony music downloads, to help you workout those new Skullcandy headsets.

Side Note: Check out the new Skullcandy NBA Player Series headsets, coming soon… Neat-o.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Priced at $860

Simon Sage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:13:46 +0000

Ow, did anyone else feel like their wallet just got kicked in the crotch? At a Swedish press event, Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) revealed that their Android-powered X10 to be released in February will be costing 6,000 Swedish kroner (which works out to $US 860 at the current exchange rate). Even among high-end smartphones that’s pretty steep, and considering SE’s history with selling the xperia brand unlocked, odds are we won’t see X10 carrier-subsidized for awhile. We’ve seen the super-slick user interface built on top of Android, 8 megapixel camera, slim profile, 1 Ghz processor, and 4-inch display, but it is a very small niche that will shell out that kind of money for this device. Anyone out there unfazed by the pricetag?

[via WSJ]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Facebook for BlackBerry Gets an Update to 1.7.0.22

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:56 +0000

Regular users of the Facebook app for BlackBerry will want to take note that the app has been updated to 1.7.0.22. Of course, no changelog is available, but if you’re addicted to the thing it’s probably a good idea to update to the latest version (if you haven’t already). To get started, simply head on over to blackberry.com/facebook from your Berry’s browser, and you’re off to the races.

Be sure to let us know if you spot any updates worth noting… Me thinks this update is just chalked-full of minor tweaks and bug fixes.

[Via: CB]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Rogers Drops HTC Dream to $49.99 on 3-Year Contract

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:27:46 +0000

Hey all of you Canadian Android-lovers, looking for a good price on a first-gen Android device? How about the Rogers HTC Dream? Sound good? The folks at Canada’s ‘Big Red’ have dropped the price on the HTC Dream (about time) to $49.99 on a 3-year contract. If you don’t mind being locked-in to a device that is already passé, then throw down your Mackenzie King and pick one up.

The Rogers (NYSE: RCI) HTC Dream features a 3.2″ touchscreen (320×480), built-in accelerometer, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, GPS, 3.2MP camera with auto focus and video… and much more.

Check it out at Rogers.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

BlackBerry Pearl2 9100 (Striker/Stratus) Makes First Appearance

Simon Sage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:16:29 +0000

There have been rumblings for the last couple of months about a next generation BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Pearl code-named Striker, but in the way of details, we only knew it would have 3G. Well, today the veil has been lifted, and there’s a batch of pictures and a short clip giving us a full hardware tour. In terms of styling, there’s a lot borrowed from the latest BlackBerrys, like the Storm2-style battery door and chrome-finished siding, and the optical trackpad and sharp beveled edge of the Bold 9700, but anyone who used the original 8100 series phones will recognize the similarities immediately. The SureType keys have changed little, except for maybe a little extra rounding, but notably absent is any influence from the Pearl Flip, which featured a completely flush keypad with frets between the rows. Maybe RIM would just like to forget that one, and go with what works, eh? Hardware aside, OS 5.0 is purring like a kitten on there, and Wi-Fi and 3G are both confirmed. Since the home screen is asking for a SIM card, we can only say it’ll be coming to GSM carriers for now. I’m curious what kind of screen resolution it’s packing, but it’s expected to be in the same ballpark as the Bold (HVGA). More specifics are likely on the way, so stick around!

Hit the jump for a quick hands-on video!

[via CB, Salomondrin]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

OtterBox Launches New Lineup of Cases for the BlackBerry Storm2

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:09:21 +0000

Are you the proud owner of a new BlackBerry Storm2, and are looking for a way to protect your investment? OtterBox to the rescue! The good folks at OtterBox have just released 3 new cases for the Storm2, and each provides the level of protection you’ve come to expect from the ruggedized case company.

The first option is the BlackBerry Storm2 Impact Case. Available for $19.95, consider this the ‘entry level’ OtterBox case for the Storm2, although…. there’s nothing really entry level about it! Official description:

The OtterBox Impact Series for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Storm2 is a skin that truly protects. Two separate thicknesses of silicone and inner coring on the corners provide a skin that is thin, yet protective in the spots your need it. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, and the inner coring on the corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. This case also has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!

Next we move on to the BlackBerry Storm2 Commuter Case. This one combines the best of the Impact case, with the best of the Defender case (which I’ll tell you about shortly). Running a little more expensive at $34.95, here are the details:

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 offers the best of both worlds; incorporating elements from the rugged Defender Series line with the silicone, skin-like Impact Series line to create a slick case designed with your style in mind. It’s protection without the bulk. The exposed silicone corners dissipate impact away from the device for additional bump and shock protection and the smooth outer layer allows the case to easily slide into your pocket or purse. All buttons are fully functional through the case and the audio jack and USB port are accessible through silicone plugs.

Finally, the BlackBerry Storm2 Defender Case is the ultimate in protection. If you’re looking for the ‘biggest and baddest’, this is the case for you. It’ll set you back $49.95, but if you’re prone to dropping, kicking, or button-hook passing your Storm2 throughout the day, this could be your saviour. The sweet low-down:

The OtterBox Defender Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone provides the ideal solution for those looking for just the right amount of protection. With three layers of protection you can rest assured that your smartphone will be safe. All features, keys and ports are accessible through the case, providing you with a unique, interactive safeguard. Included with this case is a holster style ratcheting belt clip.

Kudos to OtterBox on their new Storm2 lineup. True, they ARE a little bulky… But if you need that extra level of protection, there’s no other place to turn than OtterBox.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Now Available in Black and ‘Smoky Violet’

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:22 +0000

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) customers, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available for your consumption. Available in both Black and ‘Smoky Violet‘ (ooooh, sounds so sultry), the Curve 8530 will set you back $99.99 on a 2-year contract after a $100 online discount. This CDMA Curve packs WiFi, Bluetooth, OpenGL ES support (3D gaming here we come..), VZ Navigator, a 2MP camera, music player and more… If your previous gen Berry has had enough, this one could be worth a look.

For more information hit up VerizonWireless.com, or head on over to your local store for the skinny.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Quickie: OS 5.0.0.351 Leaked for the BlackBerry Bold 9700

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:43:02 +0000

Bold 9700 users, a new OS has leaked that may peak your interest. Keep in mind, this is a very UNOFFICIAL release, so do install at your own risk. The leak brings us up to 5.0.0.351, and is available right here.

As always, please backup your device and take all necessary precautions before you proceed with this, or any other OS update. If you install, be sure to let us know if you notice any major enhancements or improvements in this build. Happy OS updating!

[Via: TheBlackBerryZone]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Nokia to cut 2% of their R&D staff, that’s 330 people

Stefan Constantinescu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:22:08 +0000

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) just issued a press release announcing a 2% reduction in research and development staff located in Oulu, Finland and Copenhagen, Denmark:

Nokia continues to streamline its R&D operations

Espoo, Finland — Nokia plans to align its research and development (R&D) operations in Finland and Denmark to be in line with the company’s focused portfolio of future products. The planned changes are expected to affect up to 230 employees at Nokia’s Oulu site in Finland and approximately 100 employees at Nokia’s Copenhagen site. The total number would represent approximately 2 % of Nokia’s R&D personnel globally.

Nokia aims to support the employees with alternative solutions, such as finding new positions within the company for as many employees as possible. Nokia will begin consultations with employee representatives about these plans where voluntary severance packages among other topics will be discussed.

Nokia maintains a strong R&D presence in both sites; the company has over 2 000 employees in Oulu and over 1 000 employees in Copenhagen. Overall, Nokia has more than 17 000 people employed in its research and development activities.

That’s pretty sad considering that now more than ever Nokia needs to innovate. Then again as a former employee I think the actual problem is not the amount of research being done, but the difficulty of getting said research to market. Finding someone to fund your idea, and then bring it up to higher management, all before the next yearly reorganization, is not an easy thing to do.

[Photo above is of the Toripolliisi (English: The Bobby at the Market Place) statue located in Oulu]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this:

Video: What’s Visa working on for mobile payments?

Stefan Constantinescu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:10:16 +0000

This week in Paris at the Cartes exhibition, Visa was showing off what they’re working on for mobile payments. They demos a native iPhone application, along with a Visa application that is embedded on a SIM card. The most exciting stuff, NFC, is shown off on a shipping Nokia (NYSE: NOK) device. Payments under 20 EUR are just tap and go, useful when you’re in a crowded bar and don’t want to fiddle with credit cards or hard currency, while payments over 20 EUR require a tap, a PIN code, and then another tap to confirm. The sad thing about all of this is that we’re unlikely to see it for at least another year or two. That’s just enough time for Nokia to start rolling out Nokia Money to customers and operators around the world. Here is hoping that rumour of the next iPhone having NFC is true. I’m tired of having to sign little pieces of paper.

[Via: Recombu]

Related News from IntoMobile:

Share this: