Mobility Watch

LG’s successor to Chocolate, known as Shine, has been wowing ‘em since October in South Korea (the only place they are officially available) and on websites like this one, where we all wonder out loud why Korea gets all the coolest handsets first.

We may not have much longer to wait for this one.  LG’s slick slider with the 2 megapixel camera, aluminum brightwork and the mirror-finished screen coat is now expected to get an official rollout at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show next week in Vegas.  The news conference is Sunday at 8AM, if you’re in the neighborhood.

But hold the phone.  This handset retails in South Korea for the U.S. equivalent of about $650.  Even if a major U.S. GSM carrier such as T-Mobile or Cingular decides to market this handset, with incentives for a long term deal, it’s going to be at the high end of the high end of their handset lineup.

When Motorola RAZRs are practically being given away, how much would you be willing to fork over for this puppy?

LG, Shine, Consumer Electronics Show, RAZR, Cingular Wireless, T-Mobile

[via InfoWorld]

Who would ever have thought that despite being giants in the mobile phone industry, companies like Samsung could still suffer from lower profit and sales?

Well, indeed it is true. Samsung Electronics Co. has suffer from a much lower amount of sales and profits for the previous year. However, Samsung would not be going solo with this kind of experience. You see, Motorola Inc. has also quite missed the bulleye of sales. LG Electronics Inc. also seems not be doing so well.

An analyst working with Sanford C Bernstein & Co., Paul Sagawa, did take a look at the situation. And upon going through the statistics and data, he did say, “Motorola and Nokia are leaving handset maker at the low end in the dust at the expense of a price war.”

The “downfall” of these Asian mobile phone makers may quite make these giants stagger however with the kind of products and services that they are able to offer the market, the future may not be as bleak as these companies’ current profit and sales state.

[Via Bloomberg.com]

[Image from cit-com]

While Sprint customers wait patiently to be able to get the Motorola Q at all, Verizon has just rolled out its second color choice for the Q - black. 

Is it cooler looking than the silver version?  We think so.  However, the price for the black Q after incentives will be about $150.  That’s $50 extra you’ll have to pay versus the silver one.

The black one is packaged with a carrying case (instead of the dinky holster that comes with the silver one) and there are software updates on the new one.  And scratches probably won’t show up as much.

For now, the black Q is only available from Verizon online.  It’s not expected to show up in Verizon Wireless stores until after the first of the year.

And when you figure the price, don’t forget that Verizon’s entry-level voice/data plan for the Q (the so-called Data Choice Bundle) is $80 a month.  For those of us who aren’t on company expense accounts, that’s a lot of beans. 

And if you’re waiting for the rumored GSM version of the Q to show up, check back next year. 

Verizon Wireless, Motorola Q, black, Sprint

[via Verizon Wireless]

Anybody remember Tupperware?  (It’s still out there, of course.)

Tupperware is a 20th century creation that had a coolness factor with women.  Going to Tupperware home “parties”, buying nifty plastic Tupperware storage containers that kept food sooo fresh, it was fashionable. 

What Tupperware was to 20th century women, cell phones are to 21st century women.  Or, so the Washington Post suggests in a front page piece today.

“Girl Talk Comes With A Bling Tone”, the headline reads.  The Post’s picture (reproduced here) is an example of self-help - the owner of this phone applied the fake diamonds herself. 

The article cites Motorola’s Dolce & Gabbana model and T-Mobile’s Furstenberg Sidekick as examples of how manufacturers and providers are catering to women, in ways that the consumer electronics industry never has before. 

And why is that?  Because, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, women are outspending men 3 to 2 on purchases of technology for themselves and their families.  Motorola, for example, is designing its cell phones meant for women with longer fingernail clearance, surfaces that don’t trap makeup, and features that make them easier to find in a purse. 

I will resist, with every ounce of my being, the temptation to make a lame joke about the contents of women’s purses.  But why don’t cell phone manufacturers design them for the needs of men, too?  How about a cell phone with surfaces that don’t trap the contents of my burrito, which I’m likely to spill on my cell phone at any moment?

Men and women are different??  Stop the presses!  Who knew?  Will the Washington Post be doing a piece next week on how Hollywood creates “chick flicks” that are meant to appeal to women?  I guess the Post is just tweaking the stereotype about technology being a man’s domain.  Does this mean Verizon Wireless should hire a woman in place of the geeky guy in the commercials?  Or shouldn’t they at least find him a geeky girlfriend?

Women and technology, cell phone, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Motorola, Tupperware, Washington Post

[via Washington Post]

As Motorola announces it’s about to start shipping its new MOTOROKR E6, what is most notable is a longtime MOTOROKR feature that’s missing from the specifications page.  No more iTunes.

Another sure sign that Apple’s own iPhone is coming soon?  We report, you decide.

Instead, the MOTOROKR E6 will offer RealPlayer music library synchronization on your PC and a built-in FM radio to keep you entertained plus full-size SD card support.  Moto is also touting the phone’s PDA-like capabilities including business card reader, POP3 email capability, doc viewer for Word and Excel files and a nice big juicy 2.4 inch touch screen display, stylus included.  (No WiFi or 3G capabilities apparently.)

It’s a GSM system phone, a likely candidate for Cingular or perhaps T-Mobile, but actual availability, carrier and pricing are unspecified at this point. 

Motorola, MOTOROKR E6, Apple, iPhone, iTunes, RealPlayer, Cingular, T-Mobile, cell phone

[via Motorola, RegHardware]

With a lineup of some 20 different handsets Nextel offers, we’re not sure that 2 out of 20 equals a trend.

But a few eyebrows were raised last month when Nextel introduced its first combination iDen/CDMA phone, the Motorola ic502.  Now Nextel is out with its second combo handset, the ic402.

The new handset is just a minor variation on the ic502 - leaving off the 502’s snazzy external screen, tweaking the phone’s appearance and finishes, and cutting the price by $20 (to $39.99 with 2 year deal instead of $59.99).

As we noted before, these combo handsets use Sprint’s more robust (better coverage) CDMA network for dialup voice calls, and Nextel’s iDen network for walkie talkie and GPS functionality. 

We think these combo handsets are a new weapon for Nextel to prevent its customers who are unhappy with the coverage area from going to some other carrier.  These handsets are cheap enough that Nextel’s retentions department (the department in charge of retaining unhappy customers) can offer them practically free to keep these disgruntled clients from switching.

Nextel is still offering these handsets in limited areas, and there’s no indication yet that customers from their sister outfit Sprint will be allowed to buy and use these handsets too.  But for clients that love Nextel’s walkie talkie and GPS capabilities, and hate their problems with coverage, these phones provide a quick fix.

Sprint, Nextel, ic402, ic502, walkie talkie, iDen, CDMA

[via Nextel, Phone Arena]

Wireless carriers in the U.S. have tried everything to reduce “churn” - the loss of customers to competing providers.

Until the FCC mandated number portability, one of the best ways cell phone providers kept unhappy customers locked in was by forcing them to give up their phone numbers if they switched carriers.

Now that we are legally guaranteed the right to take our number with us, providers keep us from switching carriers willy-nilly by “locking” the handsets they sell us - preventing the handsets we bought from being easily used on another carrier’s service.

But the practice of locking handsets may also be waning.  We’ve reported that rumor that Apple’s new iPhone will be sold unlocked, capable of being used on a range of carriers.  CompUSA already sells Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson handsets, unlocked.  Palm is selling its new Treo 680 on its own website, unlocked - so it is usable on any GSM cell phone carrier (such as Cingular or T-Mobile in the U.S.).

You can also buy the Treo 680, locked, from Cingular, for much less - with a two year commitment.  Cingular and nearly all other U.S. carriers subsidize handset prices, knowing that they’ll make the money back over the long haul, off the air time they sell you.  Until now, America’s addiction to cheaper handsets has allowed carriers to get away with locking handsets.

The U.S. Copyright Office contributed to the unlocking trend by ruling last month that copyright law was not violated by schemes to unlock phones.  Seems there’s little that handset makers and providers can do about it.  Although they don’t like to talk about it, T-Mobile will usually give out the unlock codes for its phones to customers, after they’ve had service for a while (6 months is the norm, we hear).  It’s led to a booming handset resale business on auction sites like Ebay.  Unlocking phones makes them easier to sell because they’re usable on a variety of carriers, not just one. 

We can safely assume that, if Apple aggressively direct markets its new iPhone, unlocked, that the other major handset manufacturers will have no choice but to do the same.  It could, and should, lead to additional price incentives and more choice - maybe even lower overall prices for handsets and wireless service.

unlock cell phones, Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Palm, Cingular, T-Mobile

[via Business Week] 

We thought the Nokia E62 smartphone was a pretty good deal when Cingular rolled it out earlier this year.  It’s almost razor-thin (get it?), with nicely-placed controls, comfortable QWERTY keyboard and reliable Symbian OS.  Its silvery looks and easy to use email alternatives make it a strong direct competitor to smartphones like the Motorola Q from Verizon.  The Nokia had one advantage:  At $150 with 2 year agreement, it was $50 cheaper than the Q.

That didn’t last long, as Verizon lopped $100 off the price of the Q last month.  Now Cingular is matching this price point, by cutting another $50 off the E62.

So you now have two cutting-edge $100-with-contract smartphone choices, the Q or the E62.  Choosing between the two may come down to which carrier has better service in your area, and which calling & data plans are better. 

So how about it, T-Mobile?  How about cutting the price on the Dash by another $50, hmm?

Nokia, E62, smartphone, Motorola Q, Cingular, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Dash

[via Cingular]

Here’s a feature that the cell phone manufacturers didn’t tell us about - remote activation of a cell phone’s microphone by federal authorities, to listen in on conversations.  It can be done - in fact, it has apparently been done by the FBI, to listen in on conversations by two alleged mobsters. 

And a federal judge says it’s quite legal under federal wiretap laws.

The phones involved were two Nextel phones, owned by John Ardito and his attorney Peter Peluso, alleged to be tied to the Genovese crime family in New York.  The surveillance was revealed in an opinion written by federal district judge Lewis Kaplan.  In Kaplan’s view, federal wiretap law is broad enough to allow this.

And get this - the opinion seems to indicate that this surveillance technique works even if the phone is powered off!  It turns out that unless the battery is removed, many phones maintain power to some functions - including, apparently, operation of its microphone for surveillance.

Nextel handsets, as well as handsets by Samsung and the Motorola RAZR are said to be especially vulnerable to software downloads that make this surveillance possible.

Presented with the written opinion, different experts say they’re not totally sure how the surveillance took place - whether it was a software download or an old fashioned electronic bug that was physically placed in the handsets.  For its part, a Nextel spokesman says it was not involved in the investigation.

electronic surveillance, cell phones, listening devices, Nextel, Samsung, Motorola, FBI

[via ZDNet, The Liberty Papers]

3G means third-generation ultra high speed data capabilities, and that’s the big news here. 

Motorola says this is the company’s first 3G handset to be shipped.  3G enables ultra-fast music and video downloads - although the FCC filing apparently made no mention of Cingular’s new music download service.  The FCC paperwork did show a video camera which would make it a natural for videophone calls.  (Although Cingular doesn’t have 3G service up and running everywhere yet, it’s working on it.)

The rest of the V3XX’s feature set is pretty typical - 1.3 megapixel camera, microSD memory card capability, stereo Bluetooth.

This looks to be a popular 3G handset option for Cingular customers - when it becomes available.  No hint as to when that might be, although FCC approval is usually a big step in that direction.  No hint as to pricing, either.

Motorola, V3XX, RAZR, 3G, Cingular

[via Phone Scoop]

Actually, I happen to think black is a great color for the Motorola’s Q - slicker looking than the silver trim job on the Verizon model. 

The fact that these pictures have leaked out is either encouraging, or just frustrating, if you’re a Sprint customer who’s been waiting for the Q to hit Sprint’s lineup.  Word we get is that the Q could roll out on Sprint in December, but then again, could be January.

Aside from the color difference, it’s the same Windows Smartphone with dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth, 1.3 megapixel camera (no, no WiFi) that Verizon customers have had for some time. 

And since Verizon customers are getting their Qs at the uber-discounted (with agreement and incentives) price of $99.99 these days, should we assume that Sprint will match that price?  We would certainly hope so.

[via Smart Phone Today]

When Sprint swallowed up Nextel a lot of wireless wonks figured one of two things would happen.  Either Sprint would shut down the Nextel network and move all its customers to Sprint, or Sprint would come up with dual-system handsets that work on both networks.

So, here’s a dual-system handset, sort of.  Nextel’s new Motorola ic502 actually uses Sprint’s CDMA network for voice calls and data - and Nextel’s iDen network for push-to-talk capability.  This way, Nextel customers keep their walkie-talkie feature but get access to Sprint’s more robust voice/data network.

On the downside, this handset doesn’t use Sprint’s faster EV-DO data service, and its user interface is likely to be too Sprint-like for Nextel fans. 

But if Nextel’s network isn’t cutting it for you, this may be the answer.  $59.99 on a 2-year deal.  Available at first in limited markets, including Washington D.C., New York City, Boston and Miami.

[via Phone Scoop]

While its big-sister Sprint gets an infusion of stylish Motorola KRAZRs and SLVRs, Nextel is offering its version of a high-end high-style (kind of) handset in Motorola’s i880.

A 2 megapixel camera and MP3 player, stereo speakers and external music controls are hardly revolutionary features from other carriers’ high end phones.  At almost an inch thick it’s no slim, stylish fashion phone, even in its burgundy color.  But in the walkie talkie world of Nextel, this is about as good as it gets when it comes to upscale looks and capabilities.

About $300 with contract after incentives.

[via Engadget Mobile]

Motorola’s SLVR is making its CDMA debut.  But not on Verizon Wireless. 

VZW seems to get more than its share of “firsts”, so this debut is noteworthy because it’s happening on Sprint.  It’s Sprint’s first candybar high speed EVDO-capable handset and the only CDMA SLVR handset out there, at least for a while.  (Update:  It will, we’re told, be available exclusively as a Sprint product at Best Buy stores and on Best Buy’s wireless.bestbuy.com website.)

Sprint TV, the Sprint Music Store and On Demand services are all available, plus Bluetooth, microSD memory capability and VGA still & video camera, in the familiar half-inch-thick package.  (Update:  Best Buy is offering the phone for $59.99 with the usual incentives and fine print.)

Yes, we’ve seen the ads - Verizon Wireless has discounted the Motorola Q from 199.99 after incentives, to $99.99, after a special limited time “advanced device credit”.

We’d love to think that $99.99 will be the new price point that all the competing smartphones will have to meet, particularly during the upcoming holiday buying season.

We’d also love to think that we have the winning Powerball ticket in our wallet for next Wednesday’s drawing.

It would appear that Verizon is feeling competitive pressure.  The Q has gotten good, but not universally rave reviews.  And competing devices are popping up everywhere - the Nokia E62 and almost released Treo 680 at Cingular, and the Dash and the Blackberry Pearl at T-Mobile.  All at around the same $199.99 price point as the Motorola Q from Verizon.  So Verizon Wireless is shaving another $100 off the price to get noticed.

But Verizon’s competitive challenge comes not from the price of the device, but from the pricing of its data plans.  The fine print on its Motorola Q discount special requires a monthly voice and data bundle of $79 or higher.  Cingular and especially T-Mobile have substantially cheaper monthly plans to choose from.

The Motorola Q and its new wave of competitors are supposed to appeal to small business and personal users who want a combination of style and BlackBerry-type capabilities.  The problem for Verizon is that personal and small business users are more price sensitive than Fortune 500 corporations.  These users are adding up the monthly charges for Verizon Wireless, and many of them are deciding that T-Mobile and Cingular offer a better deal - even in cases where those carriers’ coverage doesn’t equal Verizon’s. 

There are certainly some nice come-on deals we’ve heard about on devices like the Pearl, from outlets like Amazon and Comp USA.  But as much as we’d love to see Cingular and T-Mobile match that $99.99 price on Pearls, Dashes or Treo 680s before the holidays, we’re not holding our breath.  Likewise, we’re not expecting Verizon Wireless to trim the prices of its data packages, because that is where the real money is being made. 

[via Verizon Wireless]