Sprint: Nope, we're not raising our ETF to match Verizon

With any material change when it comes to wireless companies, it's almost expected that the other carriers will follow suit.  Case in point: Verizon's decision to raise their ETF (early termination fee) to $350 for smartphones and other "high-end" devices.  Within minutes of the announcement, Twitter and technology websites were buzzing about whether other carriers would pursue the same policy.In a tweet from Sprint's official account...

Video: iPhone 3GS vs Motorola Droid: DogFight, Pt 2

iDon't but DroidDoes? Let's find out. PhoneDog DogFight Part 2: iPhone vs Moto Droid

Dutch hacker sends alerts to jailbroken iPhones, freaks out users

Imagine hanging out somewhere, minding your own business, maybe checking email or texts on your iPhone, when suddenly this message pops up on screen. If you have a pristine, fully sanctioned iPhone, you can breath easy. Those with jailbroken phones may want to pay attention to this, though: A Dutch hacker has figured out how to tunnel into jailbroken iPhones, via SSH, and remotely turn on the message, "Your iPhone's been hacked because it's...

Dell Mini 3iX passes through the FCC with 3G and Wi-Fi

The boys at the FCC have just given approval to the Dell Mini 3iX in US form factor - 3G on the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, along with Wi-Fi.  It will offer a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 3G connectivity, GPS, a microSD card slot, and a 3.0-megapixel camera.  No word on what Android OS it will be running, but the hope is that it will run Android 2.0 "Eclair" out of the box (or some sort of newer Android build). Though conventional logic...

T-Mobile reports disappointing third quarter earnings

Last but not least, we take a look at T-Mobile's third quarter earnings.  Step up to the plate, T-Mobile, it's your turn!In the third quarter, the nation's fourth largest wireless carrier lost 77,000 net retail wireless customers, a dramatic turn from the 670,000 additions in the same quarter last year and the 325,000 in the second quarter.  T-Mobile lost a total of 140,000 postpaid subscribers in the quarter, and gained 63,000 prepaid...

Droid Day: Can Android really compete with iPhone's huge Apps?

Today's a big deal, whether you care about Android, iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, Motorola, or none of the above. The biggest wireless provider in the land is now selling Google-powered smartphones. With all due respect to Sprint and T-Mobile, both of whom I love, with Verizon in the game we'll really start to see whether or not US consumers have love for Android. To that end, I present to you John Walton, PhoneDog Editor Extraordinare and...

AT&T releasing white BlackBerry Curve 8900?

Sure, they launched the Bold in white, but do you think that's going to stop them?  Of course not.  It looks as if the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is getting ready to be re-launched in white - at least the back part of the device.  Missing from the Curve 8900 iteration of the white color scheme is the matching keyboard (instead, they kept it black).  Considering the use that most keyboards go through, I think it's a smart...

Price Check: Droid with 1yr, 2yr or no contract

Mobile Content Today posted an interesting breakdown today. Writer Todd Ogasawara ponders, not whether to get the Moto DROID, but how to get it: At the discount price (with two-year contract), partial discount (for a one-year contract) or full price (no contract at all). I know some of you guys might be wondering the same thing, so here’s a summary of what Mr. Ogasawara came up with:The choices: $200 price (after a $100 mail-in rebate)...

First Impressions: Motorola Droid (Verizon)

The Droid by Motorola is arguably Verizon's largest launch in recent memory.  Huge ad campaigns (some of which are getting them into legal hot water), early retail store openings, and more, the smartphone is Verizon's flagship for the rest of the year.  What's more, the success of the Droid is incredibly important for Motorola, as they've struggled to retain a competitive edge since the launch of their RAZR device in 2004 (I know, I...

A look at the Cubetastic Behold2 interface

Our pal John Walton has a post up on Droiddog with a video that offers a look at the Samsung Behold2's interface. If you’ve been itching to see the Android phone “Cube”-style, check it out by clicking here. (And say hi to John for us.) Actually, the vid itself came courtesy of David over at TmoNews. In addition to the glimpse of the UI, he also offers a short preview vid of the Behold2, which is on view at the same Droiddog...

Sprint announces BlackBerry Curve 8530

Not to be left in the dark, shortly after the official Verizon Wireless announcement regarding the BlackBerry Curve 8530, Sprint came out with an announcement of its own.  Though no firm date or price point have been established, the nation's third largest wireless carrier confirmed that it will launch in the future.  My guess is that the price point will be somewhere in the $99.99 range after a $100 mail-in rebate, however with the...

Video: Unboxing: BlackBerry Bold 9700 (T-Mobile)

BlackBerry Bold 9700 unboxing by Aaron Baker from PhoneDog.com. 624 MHz processor, trackpad, 3.2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and OS 5.0.  Is it a worthy upgrade to its predecessor?

Video: Verizon HTC Droid Eris (Hero) - Hands-On

Noah gets some time with Droid Eris, Verizon's version of the HTC Hero, which goes on sale Nov. 6. Android 1.5, HTC Sense UI, and multitouch.

Baffling MyTouch ad on eBay. (Was the seller off his meds?)

Take a look at this. What is wrong with this picture? (If it’s not hitting you, take another look. Do you see it?)     That phone better be encased in solid gold and rubies to justify that Buy Now price. More likely, a horrendous (and hilarious) typo was made. Either way, it’s not surprising that there haven’t even been any feeble attempts at bids, much less any takers. Talk about overvaluing your handset....

Rumor: AT&T to sell 8GB iPhone 3GS for $99

In case you missed the “R word” in the title, this is strictly rumor category: BoyGenius Report says there are no less than two sources claiming that AT&T and Apple are mulling over the possibility of offering a cheaper, lower-end iPhone to compete with all the Droid hoopla. If the rumor’s to be believed, it might happen in time for Christmas. I know, I know — iPhone: You either love it or hate the bejeebers out of...

Video: The DROID Stealth Commercial

We’re on the cusp of D-day (DROID day), and the Droid PR machine hasn’t let up. This is the recent commercial touting the device. Which one do you like better: This movie preview–style Stealth commercial or that now classic “iDon’t” ad?

Has Tmo’s HSPA 7.2 Mbps network rollout begun?

In a previous post, I got slammed for perceived bias against T-Mobile. I mentioned the voice outage that affected various users across the country, coupled with the Sidekick/Danger data gaffe, and implied that cost savings might not be worth this kind of hassle. Truth is, if any carrier was plagued with these kinds of issues within such a short period of time, I would’ve called them out the same way, so I wasn't apologetic then. But I...

Mini-Review: Tweetie 2 for iPhone

If you’re addicted to Twitter like @CarlosGraves is, and you are sick of iPhone apps that get laggy and drain your battery, then look no further! Tweetie 2 (or 2.0) has arrived! Twitter is my main social network, so naturally I want an application that will be smooth, sexy, and most importantly – reliable. If you use the original Tweetie 1x and want to upgrade but notice that it costs $2.99 to upgrade (yes, even if you bought Tweetie...

Part 4: Guide to Windows Mobile

Lars Aronsson of GeekedOut.se has put together one of the most comprehensive guides to Windows Mobile available on the web.  There is so much information we decided to break it down for our readers in numerous blog post.  The first part covered Tweaks, Tips, and Optimization for Windows Mobile.  Part 2 highlights essential software while Part 3 covers User-interfaces.  This new section is a quick look at some great...

November’s bevvy of Big Red phones

Beyond the DROID and DROID Eris, Verizon’s LG Chocolate Touch, BlackBerry Curve 8530 and Samsung Convoy have also become bona fide. The carrier announced official launch dates for these additions to the lineup, including: LG Chocolate Touch (November 5, $79.99 after $50 MIR)This music-oriented phone offers Dolby Mobile, so users can customize audio prefs to crank the bass or clarity, in addition to a slew of audio-related features. FM...

Video: Verizon Wireless launches in-depth Droid Eris video

On the heels of tomorrow's Droid Day at Verizon Wireless, the carrier has launched a YouTube video walkthrough of the HTC Droid Eris.  Yes, people will inevitably learn the device as they grow accustomed to it, but I like the fact that Verizon is taking a proactive step to launch training videos (and of course, it helps them in marketing the Droid line as well). Check out the video, and get ready for tomorrow's big day!Via: Verizon (YouTube...

Samsung introduces Mythic and Flight for AT&T

The Samsung Mythic and Flight were announced by Samsung Mobile for AT&T this morning, just in time for the holiday shopping season.  The Samsung Mythic is AT&T Mobile-TV capable (though the service will cost you $9.99/monthly), and will offer a 3.3-inch touchscreen with Samsung's popular TouchWiz user interface.  Additional features include 3G, a full HTML web browser, 3.2-megapixel camera, AT&T Navigator, and stereo...

RIM and Verizon Wireless announce the BlackBerry Curve 8530

Despite previous rumors marking the BlackBerry Curve 8530 as the "Curve2," it appears that Verizon opted to keep it as-is.  A welcome addition to the carrier's hoiday lineup, the 8530 was announced this morning, and is slated to replace the aging Curve 8330.  The 8530 contains a 320 x 240 display, EVDO, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 2.0-megapixel camera, and RIM's new trackpad solution.  Launching in "Black" and "Smoky Violet," the Curve...

It’s official: DROID Eris launches Nov 6 for $99

Looks like tomorrow’s launch of Big Red’s DROID initiative won't be tied to just one phone. Like the gossip mill predicted, HTC and Verizon are letting the DROID Eris loose the same day, giving customers a choice of Android handsets at two difference price points by two different makers: $199 for the Motorola DROID and $99 for HTC’s DROID Eris (after MIRs). Here are a few details on the Eris: 3.2 inch capacitive touch screen,...

Verizon and HTC announce Droid Eris

After countless rumblings, rumors, leaked pictures, and reviews, Verizon Wireless and HTC have finally made the Droid Eris official.  Sporting a 3.2-inch HVGA display, Qualcomm 528 MHz processor, 512 MB ROM, 288 MB RAM, EVDO Rev. A, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD card slot (with 8 GB card included), Android 1.5, a 5.0-megapixel camera, and HTC's Sense UI, it will be available on November 6th...