Archive for the 'Wireless' Category
Looking for a Windows 7 phone? Wanna have Nokia for the hardware? Well, this January 11th you can have both! T-Mobile will be bringing to our grand shores of the US of A the Lumia 710. Available in either white or black, the Lumia 710 will run on T-Mobile’s “4G” network (we really need to agree on what 4G is folks,) which will allow you to take advantage of the one-click apps such as Netflix, T-Mobile TV, Bing Search with voice activation, ESPN, and Nokia Drive, the GPS offering from Nokia. Read the release below for more deets.
BELLEVUE, Wash., and SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Dec. 14, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Nokia today announced the upcoming availability of the Nokia Lumia 710, the first Windows Phone from Nokia in the United States. Targeted at the nearly 150 million Americans who haven’t purchased their first smartphones, the Nokia Lumia 710, capable of running on T-Mobile’s 4G network, delivers high-performance hardware, Nokia’s best social and Internet experience, and access to popular smartphone applications and services from Windows Phone Marketplace.
Running on America’s Largest 4G Network™, the Nokia Lumia 710 benefits from the unique people-first approach of Windows Phone, bringing together all interactions with family and friends in People Hub. The Nokia Lumia 710 also provides one-click access to popular services, such as Netflix, T-Mobile TV with mobile HD1 and a leading mobile Web experience with Internet Explorer® Mobile, Bing™ Search with voice activation and Local Scout for locally relevant search results. The smartphone also brings access to signature Nokia experiences, such as Nokia Drive for voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation and ESPN for exclusive sports content.
“We’re excited to team with Nokia in bringing its first Windows Phone to the U.S. with the elegantly designed Nokia Lumia 710,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “Windows Phone offers a compelling mobile OS choice for people who want a smartphone built around them, their family and friends. We expect it to play a more prominent role in our lineup and marketing efforts in 2012.”
Today, people are increasingly upgrading to smartphones, and many are doing so for the first time. According to the NPD Group, U.S. smartphone sales reached 59 percent in the third quarter 2011, an increase of 13 percent since third quarter 2010. With an increasing demand for smartphones, the Nokia Lumia 710 offers a compelling experience aimed at addressing the needs of the nearly 150 million people in the U.S. who have yet to upgrade to their first smartphones.
“Our research shows nearly everybody in the U.S. wants a smartphone, but many believe they can’t afford it,” Brodman said. “That’s where T-Mobile shines. Our Unlimited Value and Monthly4G plans make it more affordable than ever to step up to mobile data on our 4G network.”
”The Nokia Lumia 710 is the perfect first-time smartphone: a well-designed product that delivers the most compelling Windows Phone experience in its price range and with access to great content and thousands of applications,” said Chris Weber, president, Nokia Americas. “This is the perfect first Nokia Lumia experience and the start of our re-entry into the U.S. smartphone market.”
Available in a black or white finish, the Nokia Lumia 710 features a 3.7-inch ClearBlack WVGA scratch-resistant display for outstanding outdoor viewing and a Qualcomm 1.4 GHz Snapdragon™ processor providing speedy access to entertainment and information on-the-go. It also features a 5-megapixel camera with Nokia’s leading camera technology, enabling people to take pictures in almost any light condition and share on social networks in seconds. With the most integrated work-life solution of any mobile platform via the Windows Phone Office Hub and an interactive mobile gaming experience via Xbox LIVE®, the Nokia Lumia 710 is the complete all-round first-time smartphone experience.
Availability
The Nokia Lumia 710 is expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and retailers nationwide, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com starting Jan. 11. The Nokia Lumia 710 is expected to cost $49.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. For more information, visit http://www.t-mobile.com/lumia.
For more information on T-Mobile’s Unlimited Value and Monthly4G plans, see: http://family.t-mobile.com/phone-plans.
1 Mobile HD TV can deliver a bit rate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bit rate and resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection and device.
Don’t fret Android users looking to be as cool as iPhone users with their cool white units. Tomorrow, Motorola releases to the Android Army a new color: white. Not fully white like the iPhone 4 and 4S but rather white like the 3GS white. As you can see by the image here, the white border outlines the RAZR most have been already impressed and wooed by. There is not much info on just how white this baby is so I guess you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Enjoy the press release and its marketing babble below.
Just in time for the holidays, the DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in White will be available on Dec. 15 at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com. Customers can purchase the DROID RAZR in the new color for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Additionally, for a limited time only, customers can take advantage of a special promotion and receive $100 off a DROID XYBOARD tablet with the purchase of a white DROID RAZR with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers that purchase a DROID RAZR will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.
The DROID RAZR not only shreds through the Web at blazing 4G LTE speeds, it does it in style with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Advanced display, measuring 7.1 mm thin. The DROID RAZR is also packed with brains and security giving customers apps like MotoCast™ and features like remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts.
Customers can visit www.droiddoes.com/razr for information about the DROID RAZR. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Verizon continues to rapidly deploy it’s LTE network across the nation with more lighting up tomorrow. While AT&T talks about plans to go LTE, Sprint hopes to have it by next year, and T-Mobile squeezes the last bits out of HSPDA, Verizon brings true broadband speeds to laptops, smartphones, and tablets through the nation. My disappointment lay not in the network but rather the pricing of the data which isn’t a Verizon only issue. In the end, however, if you need quick, reliable, and a mass available way to cruise the Internet when on the road, this is your ticket.
Find your city and more details in the press release below.
THE NATION’S LARGEST 4G LTE NETWORK COMES TO 14 NEW MARKETS AND EXPANDS IN FOUR MARKETS ON NOV. 17
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless, named the nation’s “Fastest 4G Network Yet” by Popular Science’s 2011 Best of What’s New Awards, and No. 1 on PC World’s 100 Best Products of 2011, is turning on its 4G LTE network in 14 new markets and expanding in four markets on Nov. 17, bringing its blazingly fast speeds to 179 markets across the United States. Consumers and businesses in these areas can choose from 16 4G LTE-enabled devices, including the new HTC Rezound™ and DROID RAZR™ by Motorola, to connect to the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the country.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, the company will turn on its 4G LTE network in Little Rock, Ark.; Savannah, Ga.; Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa; Lexington, Ky.; Starkville, Miss.; Kansas City and Springfield/Branson, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Orange County, N.Y.; Greater Providence, R.I.; Rapid City, S.D.; Roanoke, Va.; and Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis. The company is also making major 4G LTE expansions on Nov. 17 in Louisville, Ky.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; and Pittsburgh, Pa.
“In less than a year we have introduced our 4G LTE network to 179 markets across the country, covering more than 186 million Americans,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “We are honored to receive recognition from Popular Science and PC World, acknowledging our technology leadership within the wireless industry. The awards validate our strategy of building and selling services powered by our vast 4G LTE network over the last year, when others in the industry are still formulating their plans.”
4G LTE Speed and Coverage
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area.
Reliability: In and Beyond Major Cities
As the largest 4G LTE network in the country and the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy 4G LTE technology, Verizon Wireless is building its 4G LTE network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. The company’s consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company’s 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G LTE, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.
Over the past year, Verizon Wireless has also worked to bring its 4G LTE network beyond major cities with its LTE in Rural America program. The company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G LTE network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless’ core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. Already, 12 rural organizations have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.6 million people in rural communities and nearly 82,000 square miles. These companies include: Appalachian Wireless, Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West/Clear Stream, Cellcom, Chariton Valley, Convergence Technologies, Cross Telephone, Custer Telephone Cooperative, Pioneer Cellular, S and R Communications, Strata Networks and Thumb Cellular.
4G LTE Markets
On Nov. 17, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network will be available in 179 markets:
· Birmingham, Ala.
· Decatur, Ala.
· Huntsville, Ala.
· Mobile, Ala.
· Montgomery, Ala.
· Phoenix, Ariz.
· Tucson, Ariz.
· Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, Ark.
· Fort Smith, Ark.
· Jonesboro/Paragould, Ark.
· Little Rock, Ark.
· Bakersfield, Calif.
· Fresno, Calif.
· Los Angeles, Calif.
· Modesto, Calif.
· Oakland, Calif.
· Sacramento, Calif.
· Salinas/Monterey/Seaside, Calif.
· San Diego, Calif.
· San Francisco, Calif.
· San Jose, Calif.
· San Luis Obispo, Calif.
· Santa Barbara, Calif.
· Stockton, Calif.
· Colorado Springs, Colo.
· Denver, Colo.
· Fort Collins, Colo.
· Greater Fairfield and New Haven, Conn.
· Hartford, Conn.
· Washington, D.C.
· Daytona, Fla.
· Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
· Ft. Myers, Fla.
· Gainesville, Fla.
· Jacksonville, Fla.
· Lakeland, Fla.
· Miami, Fla.
· Orlando, Fla.
· Pensacola, Fla.
· Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla.
· Tallahassee, Fla.
· Tampa, Fla.
· West Palm Beach, Fla.
· Athens, Ga.
· Atlanta, Ga.
· Augusta, Ga.
· Savannah, Ga.
· Hilo, Hawaii
· Honolulu, Hawaii
· Kahului/Wailuku, Hawaii
· Lahaina, Hawaii
· Boise, Idaho
· Bloomington, Ill.
· Carbondale, Ill.
· Champaign/Urbana, Ill.
· Chicago, Ill.
· Rockford, Ill.
· Springfield, Ill.
· The Quad Cities, Ill./Iowa
· Bloomington/Bedford, Ind.
· Elkhart, Ind.
· Evansville, Ind.
· Fort Wayne, Ind.
· Indianapolis, Ind.
· South Bend/Mishawaka, Ind.
· Terre Haute, Ind.
· West Lafayette, Ind.
· Cedar Rapids, Iowa
· Des Moines, Iowa
· Iowa City, Iowa
· Sioux City, Iowa
· Wichita, Kan.
· Lexington, Ky.
· Louisville, Ky.
· Baton Rouge, La.
· Hammond, La.
· New Orleans, La.
· Shreveport, La.
· Baltimore, Md.
· Frederick, Md.
· Hagerstown, Md.
· Boston, Mass.
· Springfield, Mass.
· Worcester, Mass.
· Detroit, Mich.
· Flint, Mich.
· Grand Rapids, Mich.
· Kalamazoo, Mich.
· Lansing, Mich.
· Saginaw, Mich.
· Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
· Starkville, Miss.
· Tupelo, Miss.
· Kansas City, Mo.
· Springfield/Branson, Mo.
· St. Louis, Mo.
· Lincoln, Neb.
· Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
· Las Vegas, Nev.
· Reno, Nev.
· Albuquerque, N.M.
· Las Cruces, N.M.
· Santa Fe, N.M.
· Albany, N.Y.
· Buffalo, N.Y.
· Ithaca, N.Y.
· New York, N.Y.
· Orange County, N.Y.
· Rochester, N.Y.
· Syracuse, N.Y.
· Asheville, N.C.
· Charlotte, N.C.
· Fayetteville/Lumberton, N.C.
· Greensboro/Winston Salem/High Point, N.C.
· Raleigh/Durham, N.C.
· Wilmington, N.C.
· Fargo, N.D.
· Akron, Ohio
· Canton, Ohio
· Cincinnati, Ohio
· Cleveland, Ohio
· Columbus, Ohio
· Dayton, Ohio
· Lima, Ohio
· Mansfield, Ohio
· Toledo, Ohio
· Bartlesville, Okla.
· Oklahoma City, Okla.
· Tulsa, Okla.
· Portland, Ore.
· Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, Pa.
· Altoona, Pa.
· Erie, Pa.
· Harrisburg, Pa.
· Johnstown, Pa.
· Philadelphia, Pa.
· Pittsburgh, Pa.
· State College, Pa.
· Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.
· Greater Providence, R.I.
· Charleston, S.C.
· Columbia, S.C.
· Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.
· Hilton Head, S.C.
· Rapid City, S.D.
· Sioux Falls, S.D.
· Chattanooga, Tenn.
· Clarksville, Tenn./Hopkinsville, Ky.
· Cleveland, Tenn.
· Dyersburg/Union City, Tenn.
· Jackson, Tenn.
· Knoxville, Tenn.
· Martin, Tenn.
· Memphis, Tenn.
· Nashville, Tenn.
· Austin, Texas
· Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas
· Bryan/College Station, Texas
· Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
· El Paso, Texas
· Houston, Texas
· San Antonio, Texas
· Temple/Killeen, Texas
· Wichita Falls, Texas
· Provo, Utah
· Salt Lake City, Utah
· Greater Hampton Roads, Va.
· Richmond, Va.
· Roanoke, Va.
· The Tri-Cities, Tenn./Va.
· Olympia, Wash.
· Seattle, Wash.
· Spokane, Wash.
· Tacoma, Wash.
· Charleston, W.Va.
· Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.
· Green Bay, Wis.
· Madison, Wis.
· Milwaukee, Wis.
Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
If you’re one of the few million people using your tablet instead of a laptop for your productivity suite, then you probably have already noted the need for a small an convenient keyboard. Verbatim has got your 101 keys, baby, and it tucked them away in a very small package. Some might even say cool.
Connecting to your tablet via Bluetooth folds in half when not in use and easily fits into a purse or briefcase. When opened, it will connect up to six Bluetooth devices such as an iPhone, iPad, Xoom, or Galaxy Tab.
Verbatim’s second generation Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard is now available at RadioShack, Amazon, Airport Wireless, B&H Photo, CDW and Fry’s Electronics for just $79.99.
Charlotte, NC, November 15, 2011 – Verbatim, the global leader in data storage technology, has just announced its second generation Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard is now shipping to retailers nationwide. The new model is designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPad, iPad 2 and Android tablet devices with HID keyboard support such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom. Like the original model, the new keyboard also features an ultra-compact design that folds for maximum portability. It also comes with a high-quality carrying case for convenient storage in your briefcase or purse. Plus, enhanced Bluetooth capability allows you to pair the wireless keyboard with up to six devices at one time!
The Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard features quiet soft-touch keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel when typing. A built-in media console lets you play, pause and control your digital music with the touch of a button. The new model of the keyboard also includes new smart keys for added convenience for Apple iOS devices including cut, copy, paste and undo, along with brightness, power off and device locking keys. The ultra-compact wireless keyboard also includes a bonus iPhone stand that can be used to position the phone in a convenient viewing position while you type. When not in use, the stand slides into the keyboard body itself for easy storage and protection.
“With Verbatim’s latest wireless mobile keyboard, it is quick and easy to compose e-mail and other documents with your Bluetooth-enabled tablet or iPhone on the go,” said Ron Hanafin, Verbatim Product Manager, Accessories & Peripherals. “Whether using an iPad or Android tablet, this thin-profile keyboard provides maximum portability and functionality.”
Verbatim’s second generation Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard is now available at RadioShack, Amazon, Airport Wireless, B&H Photo, CDW and Fry’s Electronics for just $79.99.
Features
• Now compatible with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom and other Android tablet devices with both Bluetooth connectivity and HID keyboard support
• Ultra-compact design- Keyboard folds and stores in carry case for maximum portability
• Media console- Includes enhanced volume and digital music controls
• Now pairs with up to six devices at one time
• Extras- A carrying case for the keyboard and iPhone stand are also included, providing even greater freedom and mobility
• Enhanced Function Keys- New, easy-to-use function keys for cut, copy, paste and undo and more
• Works with 2 AAA batteries, included
• Learn more in our product FAQs and Hot Key Compatability charts
About Verbatim
Verbatim’s businesses in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific regions are wholly owned subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co., Ltd. MKM’s parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), is one of Japan’s largest chemical companies. Verbatim develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the optical, magnetic and flash storage and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide. For more information, contact Verbatim Americas, LLC, 1200 West W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262. In Europe, Verbatim Ltd., Prestige House, 23-26 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9DU, UK, (+44) 1784 439 781. In Japan, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co., Ltd., 4-1-23, Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8415, Japan (+81) 3-5454-3972. Or visit the web site at www.verbatim.com and select the country of your location.
I love, LOVE, Scandinavian furniture and have since I was kid. Hey, with a Swedish name, one has to, right? A walk through IKEA always gives me flashbacks to when I was a kid while in Germany and I always remember how my sweet parents spent thousands on a custom Scandinavian bed for me as a teen that I still miss to this day. Now, that same stunning look and simplicity comes to speakers for your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and even iTunes on your Mac or PC. Utilizing AirPlay from Apple, Libratone debuts it’s AirPlay enabled sounds systems that, “boast exceptional sound and minimalistic Scandinavian design made from hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, and chrome.” One look at these blocks and you don’t have to look any further for beauty. While Libratone shafted us on any specifications in its press release, it certainly didn’t prepare us for the staggering prices. The “cheappy” clocks in at $700 and the top of the line will set you back $1,300! But hey, it’s Scandinavian, right?
LIBRATONE DEBUTS AIRPLAY
ENABLED SOUND SYSTEMS
Libratone’s wireless AirPlay speakers boast exceptional sound and minimalistic Scandinavian design made from hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, and chrome
Palo Alto – November 2, 2011 – Libratone, a brand known in Europe for its high-end sound systems, makes its U.S. debut with the launch of two cutting-edge AirPlay-enabled options for the ultimate sound experience: the Libratone Live and Libratone Lounge. Apple’s AirPlay® allows users to stream songs from their iTunes music libraries on Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, through their Wi-Fi networks.* The Libratone Lounge system is designed to make every corner of the room the ideal spot for sound while the Libratone Live allows for versatility due to its smaller size. Another attractive feature is the gorgeous design of both systems, which is heightened with quality hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, chrome, wood and selected acoustic materials. Libratone Live and Lounge allow you to experience big sound with minimalistic design without clumsy, clunky speakers. One is all you need.
Liberation is a reoccurring theme for Libratone as they encourage a life without cables, without clutter and most importantly surrounded by great sound. Users can enhance the Libratone experience with the Libratone App, which allows for the customization of the FullRoom feature, enabling you adjust sound to fit any room.
The Libratone speakers are now available in a variety of colors to compliment your spaces. The Libratone Lounge, perfect for living room spaces, is available in Slate Grey, Blueberry Black and Vanilla Beige as standard at a cost of $1,299 and as red and green cashmere in its premium offering at a cost of $1,399. The more petite Libratone Live, ideal for any room in the home, is available in grey, black and beige as standard at a cost of $699 and as premium in red and green cashmere at a cost of $799. The stylish Live also offers a chrome handle for easy portability.
Libratone Lounge and Live are available at Apple Online Store in US. For a full list of other retailers visit www.libratone.com/buy.
“Music is the context in which we live our lives – a personal soundtrack so to speak. We believe strongly in simplicity and the ability to experience room-filling sound in any room without clumsy speakers and tangled wires” states Soeren Louis Pedersen, Chief Sales Officer of Libratone, “Libratone is designed to simplify and enhance any home décor with room filling, high fidelity sound”.
Libratone Live and Libratone Lounge features:
• Libratone Lounge and Libratone Live utilizes AirPlay, allowing users to stream songs from their iTunes music libraries on Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, through their Wi-Fi networks.*
• Minimalistic interior design. Libratone Live is small and even has a handle for easy placement. Libratone Lounge is designed to stand alone or to fit under a TV or anywhere aesthetically all while enjoying the same exceptional sound.
• FullRoom technology. The single sound source design ensures that acoustic sound is covered from corner-to-corner. Take the experience to the next level by personalizing the FullRoom feature with the Libratone App.
• Quality raw materials and craftsmanship all from hand-picked materials including cashmere, chrome and wood. Gorgeous colors compliment every home.
The Libratone App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
*AirPlay requires iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation), iPad 2 or iPad with iOS 4.2 or later, or Mac and PC with iTunes 10.1 or later. Wi-Fi network is required.
About Libratone
Libratone is a Copenhagen-based audio company that creates sound systems for today. That’s it.
Our approach is three-headed: Wireless technology, hi-fi quality, and Scandinavian design
– in one sound source.
Our goal is to play music from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices worldwide and to deliver an alternative to clumsy stereo systems and the wire-havoc they wreak. All without compromising the sound experience.
To learn more about Libratone’s Lounge and Live audio systems visit www.libratone.com.
Trademark acknowledgements
iTunes, AirPlay, iPod, iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Libratone and FullRoom are registered trademarks of Libratone A/S.
# # #
If you’re in the market for a new Blackberry phone and are either on or would like to be on the T-Mobile network, then you may wish to look at the upcoming BlackBerry Torch 9810 running on the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system. Packed with a 1.2 GHz processor, 3.2-inch TFT VGA touch-screen, and a 5-megapixel camera, the BlackBerry faithfuls will be happy to also find a slide-out keyboard. You can pre-order your Torch today from T-Mobile for $249.99 with a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year contract.
Today, T-Mobile announced the upcoming availability of the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810, the latest 4G BlackBerry smartphone to join America’s Largest 4G Network™. Powered by the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system and a 1.2 GHz processor, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 provides a fast and fluid premium smartphone experience. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 combines a brilliant 3.2-inch TFT VGA capacitive touch-screen display with a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard for a truly efficient and intuitive mobile communications experience.
Encased in a sleek and stylish form factor with a zinc grey color finish, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is equipped with essential smartphone features, including access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), personal and corporate e-mail, and social networking applications; a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording; and access to BlackBerry App World™ for downloading premium applications and games.
The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning today, November 2. The smartphone is expected to be available nationwide at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and national retailers, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com starting November 9. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is expected to cost $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan.
SuperTooth was assteemed the Car Accessory of the Year award by iLounge for it’s SuperTooth HD Bluetooth hands-free device. As reported here on SvenOnTech, the HD unit has superb sound and amazing staying power with its 20 hours of talk-time and up to 1,000 hours of standby. The visor mounted HD stays out of your way and points the speaker toward your ears. All around, good stuff and iLounge agrees.
SuperTooth HD Awarded ‘Car Accessory of the Year’ by iLounge
Recognized as the best Bluetooth speakerphone on the market with strong sound quality and ability to post messages on social networks via voice, the SuperTooth HD appears in the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide
Nebias, France – November 2, 2011 – SuperTooth, leading manufacturer worldwide of Bluetooth speakerphones, just received distinction for its HD which was named ‘Car Accessory of the Year’ by the preeminent Apple authority iLounge, a distinction published in the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide which went live November 1st.
“Of all the car accessories we tested for iPhones and iPods in 2011, SuperTooth HD was a real standout,” said Jeremy Horwitz, Editor-in-Chief of iLounge. “Excellent sound quality, a great industrial design, and impressive speech recognition technology made it worthy of our Car Accessory of the Year Award.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to receive this award from iLounge,” said Yves Le Reun, SuperTooth’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We first debuted the SuperTooth HD in March and it continues to receive accolades for its unique design and ability to communicate on social networks via voice.”
According to the 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide, the SuperTooth HD is described as:
“The current visor-mounted speakerphone champion has Bluetooth 3.0 support, a rechargeable battery with 20 to 1,000 hours of run time, and the strongest sound quality we’ve heard from a device like this. Novel is an optional, subscription-based Siri-like speech to text service for all iPhones, turning your voice into SMS, email, Twitter or Facebook posts; it can read new messages to you, too. Even without this feature, it’s a very powerful pick… This easy-to-use $129 model redefined ‘premium’ features with strong audio quality and Siri-like voice controls that work even without an iPhone 4S. A very nice advance.”
To read the iLounge 2012 iPhone + iPod Buyers’ Guide, visit www.iLounge.com.
The SuperTooth HD is available now on SuperToothStore.com for $129. To learn more about the SuperTooth HD, visit www.supertooth.net/EN/HD/ and watch the video here supertooth.dial2do.com/home/learn_more.
To learn more about SuperTooth products, visit SuperTooth.net and follow SuperTooth on facebook.com/SuperToothFB and Twitter @supertoothkits.
About SuperTooth
SuperTooth, headquartered in Nebias, France, is the world leading manufacturer of Bluetooth speakerphones and portable accessories. In 2004, SuperTooth created the concept of a Bluetooth speakerphone that could be clipped onto a car’s sun visor. The company prides itself on being the only manufacturer of speakerphones owning its own factory, managing and operating the entire production and supply chain – from initial designs and concepts, to the manufacturing and packaging. Today SuperTooth has grown into the bestselling speakerphone brand in Europe with a 70% market share, continuing to expand its international presence in more than 35 countries. For further information, please visit: www.SuperTooth.net.
On the heals of Apple’s record breaking weekend of a reported 4 million iPhone 4Ses sold, Verizon and Motorola today revived the RAZR name and brought it to the Android 2.3.5, Gingerbread, powered device. Don’t let the name fool you, unlike its predecessor, this does not look razor thin but thankfully Motorola didn’t slice out features as this is packed with them. Putting an HD camera both in the front and rear, 8-megapixel on its backside, 1 GB or RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot ready, and an 1780 mAh battery for longer life, the Droid RAZR is impressive. Lack luster is the storage with only 16 GB internal and expandable via the microSD to another 16 GB makes the fractured storage less desirable than that of the iPhone 4S internal one-stop storage.
Get the full details below for more information on this $299 device that Motorola hopes to challenge the iPhone 4S with this Christmas.
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Today, Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) and Verizon Wireless announced DROID RAZR™ by Motorola, the world’s thinnest 4G LTE smartphone. A true marvel of design, this smartphone packs strength and smarts into a stylish package offered exclusively from Verizon Wireless.
Measuring 7.1 mm thin, made with KEVLAR® fiber for strength and Corning® Gorilla® Glass for scratch resistance, the DROID RAZR is ready to face the elements. Speed limits are just an illusion with a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Verizon Wireless 4G LTE. DROID RAZR customers can expect to rip through the Web with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.
“DROID RAZR by Motorola combines style, performance and the power of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network into one innovative device,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “These are two iconic brands that separately symbolize the best technology available today. The combination will provide an unsurpassed wireless experience for customers.”
“DROID RAZR by Motorola is a testament to the innovation and design possibilities that stem from a strong partnership between Motorola Mobility and Verizon Wireless,” said Sanjay Jha, Chairman and CEO, Motorola Mobility. “We set out to design the best smartphone on the planet and delivered DROID RAZR which is thinner, smarter, stronger than any device on the market.”
Not only does DROID RAZR by Motorola deliver heart-pounding speed, but it has a mind-bending 4.3-inch hyper-vibrant display with more colors than most LCD HDTVs. The Super AMOLED™ Advanced display with qHD resolution dishes out beautiful images and smooth action so on-the-go movies and TV shows aren’t a blur, whether customers stream from Netflix™ or rent from Android Market™. It’s the first smartphone capable of streaming movies and TV shows through Netflix with up to HD resolution.
DROID RAZR customers can take advantage of the Super AMOLED Advanced display and 4G LTE speeds to stream videos with NFL Mobile, only from Verizon. Fans can stay up to date on news, schedules and scores from their favorite teams on the go. NFL Mobile is included at no additional charge for 4G LTE customers for the remainder of the 2011 season.
If cutting-edge visuals are its beauty, apps on DROID RAZR are its brains. Enter MotoCast™, the free Motorola app that lets you stream or download your music, pictures and more from your PC to your phone. The Smart Actions app helps automate everyday tasks and optimizes battery efficiency by letting customers create rules, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate during work hours or dimming the display at a specific battery level. The revolutionary webtop application allows customers to combine the device with separately sold accessories, like the Lapdock™ 100 or HD Station, unleashing the power to edit documents and browse the Web with a full Firefox® browser on a larger screen – all while charging the device.
Additional features:
· Powered by Android™ 2.3.5, Gingerbread
· 1 GB RAM for a fast user interface and multi-tasking
· 8-megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD video capture and image stabilization technology for crisp and clear videos
· Front-facing HD camera for video chat over 4G LTE, 3G or Wi-Fi
· 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot capable so customers can share 4G LTE speed with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices
· Water repellent nanocoating protects the phone, and even the inside components, against everyday spills
· Remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts as well as voice and video chat conferencing
· Use Quickoffice® to view, create and edit Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on your mobile device from anywhere at anytime
· Bluetooth 4.0 low energy
· 32 GB memory: 16 GB on board and 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed (actual formatted capacity is less)
· Powerful 1780 mAh battery
The DROID RAZR will be available in early November for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at: www.verizonwireless.com; as well as at authorized retailers. Customers can visit www.droiddoes.com/droidrazr to pre-order DROID RAZR beginning on October 27. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license. Android Market is a trademark of Google, Inc. KEVLAR(R) is a registered trademark of DuPont used under license by Motorola Mobility, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Motorola Mobility, Inc. All rights reserved.
In the midst of Sprint realizing WiMax wasn’t the way to expand into the future and it finally embracomh LTE and AT&T having given only four lucky cities the blazing fast data option, Verizon continues to steam roll out its self-proclaimed 4G network. Next Thursday, even more cities will be getting lit up with the super fast download and uploads of LTE for equipped phones and hotspots. Verizon’s plans to have most of the US metro areas on LTE by years-end is looking to be a no-brainer and most of the nation by next summer makes Sprint and AT&T look, well, like Sprint and AT&T.
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and SAN DIEGO – Verizon Wireless announced today at CTIA Enterprise and Applications™ 2011 that its 4G LTE network will be available in 178 markets by Nov. 17. The leader in mobile broadband will turn on its 4G LTE network in 22 new cities and expand the network in four cities on Oct. 20, and will turn on the 4G LTE network in 13 cities and expand in five cities on Nov. 17, making the largest 4G LTE network in the county even bigger.
Consumers and businesses in these cities will be able to access the blazingly fast speeds of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network with any of Verizon Wireless’ 13 4G LTE-enabled devices, including the new Pantech Breakout™ and DROID BIONIC™ by Motorola smartphones, and the 4G LTE-enabled Motorola XOOM™.
“When we launched our 4G LTE network just 43 weeks ago, we had an ambitious growth plan because we understood the impact 4G LTE could have on people’s lives,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. “Americans in 178 cities from coast to coast will have access to the nation’s most reliable 4G network before Thanksgiving, allowing them to harness the speed and power of the network not only where they live but also where they travel.”
On Thursday, Oct. 20, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network will be available in Birmingham, Ala.; Modesto and Stockton, Calif.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Bloomington, Elkhart, Evansville, South Bend and Terre Haute, Ind.; Sioux City, Iowa; Hagerstown, Md.; Tupelo, Miss.; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Asheville, N.C.; Bartlesville, Okla.; Jackson and Martin, Tenn.; Greater Hampton Roads and Richmond, Va.; and Green Bay, Wis. Verizon Wireless is also expanding its 4G LTE network in Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; and Erie, Pa. the same day.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, the company will turn on its 4G LTE network in Little Rock, Ark.; Savannah, Ga.; Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa; Lexington, Ky.; Kansas City and Springfield, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Orange County, N.Y.; Greater Providence; Rapid City, S.D.; Roanoke, Va.; and Appleton, Wis. The company is also making major 4G LTE expansions on Nov. 17 in Louisville, Ky.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Nashville, Tenn.
4G LTE Speed and Coverage
In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their city.
Reliability: In and Beyond Major Cities
As the company with the most reliable 4G wireless network in the county and the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy 4G LTE technology, Verizon Wireless is committed to building its 4G LTE network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless’ consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company’s 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G LTE, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.
Over the past year, Verizon Wireless has also worked to bring its 4G LTE network beyond major cities with its LTE in Rural America program. The company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G LTE network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless’ core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. Already, 12 rural organizations have announced their participation in the LTE in Rural America program and have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 2.6 million people in rural communities and nearly 82,000 square miles. These companies include: Appalachian Wireless, Bluegrass Cellular, Carolina West/Clear Stream, Cellcom, Chariton Valley, Convergence Technologies, Cross Telephone, Custer Telephone Cooperative, Pioneer Cellular, S and R Communications, Strata Networks and Thumb Cellular.
4G LTE Markets
Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network will be available in 178 cities on Nov. 17, including:
· Birmingham, Ala.*
· Decatur, Ala.
· Huntsville, Ala.
· Mobile, Ala.
· Montgomery, Ala.
· Phoenix, Ariz.
· Tucson, Ariz.
· Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, Ark.
· Fort Smith, Ark.
· Jonesboro-Paragould, Ark.
· Little Rock, Ark.**
· Bakersfield, Calif.
· Fresno, Calif.
· Los Angeles, Calif.
· Modesto, Calif.*
· Oakland, Calif.
· Sacramento, Calif.
· Salinas/Monterey/Seaside, Calif.
· San Diego, Calif.
· San Francisco, Calif.
· San Jose, Calif.
· San Luis Obispo, Calif.
· Santa Barbara, Calif.
· Stockton, Calif.*
· Colorado Springs, Colo.
· Denver, Colo.
· Fort Collins, Colo.
· Greater Fairfield and New Haven, Conn.
· Hartford, Conn.
· Washington, D.C.
· Daytona Beach, Fla.
· Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
· Ft. Myers, Fla.*
· Gainesville, Fla.
· Jacksonville, Fla.
· Lakeland, Fla.
· Miami, Fla.
· Orlando, Fla.
· Pensacola, Fla.
· Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla.
· Tallahassee, Fla.
· Tampa, Fla.
· West Palm Beach, Fla.
· Athens, Ga.
· Atlanta, Ga.
· Augusta, Ga.
· Savannah, Ga.*
· Hilo, Hawaii
· Honolulu, Hawaii
· Kahului/Wailuku, Hawaii
· Lahaina, Hawaii
· Boise, Idaho
· Bloomington, Ill.
· Carbondale, Ill.
· Champaign/Urbana, Ill.
· Chicago, Ill.
· Rockford, Ill.
· Springfield, Ill.
· The Quad Cities, Ill./Iowa
· Bloomington/Bedford, Ind.*
· Elkhart, Ind.*
· Evansville, Ind.*
· Fort Wayne, Ind.
· Indianapolis, Ind.
· South Bend/Mishawaka, Ind.*
· Terre Haute, Ind.*
· West Lafayette, Ind.
· Cedar Rapids, Iowa**
· Des Moines, Iowa**
· Iowa City, Iowa
· Sioux City, Iowa*
· Wichita, Kan.
· Lexington, Ky.**
· Louisville, Ky.
· Baton Rouge, La.
· Hammond, La.
· New Orleans, La.
· Shreveport, La.
· Baltimore, Md.
· Frederick, Md.
· Hagerstown, Md.*
· Boston, Mass.
· Springfield, Mass.
· Worcester, Mass.
· Detroit, Mich.
· Flint, Mich.
· Grand Rapids, Mich.
· Kalamazoo, Mich.
· Lansing, Mich.
· Saginaw, Mich.
· Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
· Tupelo, Miss.*
· Kansas City, Mo.**
· Springfield, Mo.**
· St. Louis, Mo.
· Lincoln, Neb.**
· Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
· Las Vegas, Nev.
· Reno, Nev.
· Albuquerque, N.M.*
· Las Cruces, N.M.
· Santa Fe, N.M.*
· Albany, N.Y.
· Buffalo, N.Y.*
· Ithaca, N.Y.
· New York, N.Y.
· Orange County, N.Y.**
· Rochester, N.Y.
· Syracuse, N.Y.
· Asheville, N.C.*
· Charlotte, N.C.
· Fayetteville/Lumberton, N.C.
· Greensboro/Winston Salem/High Point, N.C.
· Raleigh/Durham, N.C.
· Wilmington, N.C.
· Fargo, N.D.
· Akron, Ohio
· Canton, Ohio
· Cincinnati, Ohio
· Cleveland, Ohio
· Columbus, Ohio
· Dayton, Ohio
· Lima, Ohio
· Mansfield, Ohio
· Toledo, Ohio
· Bartlesville, Okla.*
· Oklahoma City, Okla.
· Tulsa, Okla.
· Portland, Ore.
· Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, Pa.
· Altoona, Pa.
· Erie, Pa.
· Harrisburg, Pa.
· Johnstown, Pa.
· Philadelphia, Pa.
· Pittsburgh, Pa.
· Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.
· State College, Pa.
· Greater Providence**
· Charleston, S.C.
· Columbia, S.C.
· Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.
· Hilton Head, S.C.
· Rapid City, S.D.**
· Sioux Falls, S.D.
· Chattanooga, Tenn.
· Clarksville, Tenn./Hopkinsville, Ky.
· Cleveland, Tenn.
· Dyersburg/Union City, Tenn.
· Jackson, Tenn.*
· Knoxville, Tenn.
· Martin, Tenn.
· Memphis, Tenn.
· Nashville, Tenn.
· Austin, Texas
· Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas
· Bryan/College Station, Texas
· Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
· El Paso, Texas
· Houston, Texas
· San Antonio, Texas
· Temple/Killeen, Texas
· Wichita Falls, Texas
· Provo, Utah
· Salt Lake City, Utah
· Greater Hampton Roads, Va.*
· Richmond, Va.*
· Roanoke, Va.**
· The Tri-Cities, Tenn./Va.
· Olympia, Wash.
· Seattle, Wash.
· Spokane, Wash.
· Tacoma, Wash.
· Charleston, W.Va.
· Appleton, Wis.**
· Green Bay, Wis.*
· Madison, Wis.
· Milwaukee, Wis.
*Indicates a market that will be live on Oct. 20, 2011
**Indicates a market that will be live on Nov. 17, 2011
Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
The news around Twitter and Facebook is the new iPhone from Apple. Apple’s newly crowned CEO, Tim Cook, took the stage at 4 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California, for his first Stevenote, er, Keynote. Cook quickly passed the presentation off to familar Apple faces to essentially drag through a complete recap of iOS 5s features shown off four months ago. Reporters grew weary 20 minutes into the WWDC rehash and began playing Angry Birds. In the course of nearly an hour, Apple only disclosed three new items in conversation! If this is what we can expect of future Apple Keynotes, the Jobs Era of slick presentation has already vanished.
Finally, at 55 minutes, the iPhone 4S was revealed. Nothing changed on the outside – no teardrop case like earlier “leaks” reported – but rather under the hood is were the real stuff was. At the heart of the iPhone 4S is the same processor that runs the iPad 2, the dual-core A5. Also sharing components with its big brother is the graphics processing which is told be 7 times faster, though the demo didn’t really seem to indicate this. The antenna has been completely reworked to include not one but two which the iPhone 4S can use both or one or the other for optimal signal. It also uses the new system for premium bandwidth. In fact, Philip Schiller, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, made a jab at the competition and its 4G speeds pointing out the iPhone 4S 3G speeds equaled that of the LTE phones. Mmm, we’ll see about that, Philly, remember, we’re mostly using AT&T. Additionally, the new 8-megapixel camera was shown off along with the claim of faster access with the ability to take the first picture in 1.1 second. With new infrared and back light technology, this aims to be the best camera on a phone yet with its extreme low light and improved white balance features. The camera will also record 1080p HD video catching up to many Android devices which have been able to make this claim for nearly a year.
The big announcement, the One More Thing if you will, was the fact that the phone will now work at your command. No, not that Voice Command feature we all forgot about, but true voice instructions using the technology of Siri which Apple purchased last year. Siri will do amazing things like tell you the current weather conditions by just asking, “What’s the weather like?” as well as read your incoming SMS and then respond to it with your voice-to-text copy. You can tell it, “Wake me up tomorrow at 8 am” and it will create the alarm for you. Send email, search for a place to eat, add calendar events – to which it will even respond if you have a conflict – and many other features. This is the game changer, as Apple put it, for the iPhone 4S. Because all the text-to-speech and vice versa is happening on the phone and not on the Internet like the original Siri, it requires the power of the A5 chip and thus this iOS 5 feature is only for the iPhone 4S.
On the surface, these features do not sound all that great. Essentially, it’s a tuned up iPhone 4. Additionally, it’s pretty much what everyone expected, no real surprises like past models. In truth, all this iPhone does is catch it up with most Android phones. Google has had text-to-speech for nearly a year on its operating system and HD video is old shoe. Schiller can claim similar speeds with the 3G equipped iPhone 4S but truth is, LTE blows the doors off of AT&Ts network and Verizon’s older EV-DO. In fact, AT&T ignores equipment investment as proof of the many EDGE towers found easily a few miles off of California Highway 99 in the Central Valley at nearly every exit outside of large cities like Stockton or Sacramento. I think Apple is setting itself up for some uproar by neglecting LTE. This will only further Android’s dominance for another year while we await the LTE iPhone.
Now, that said, here is the if of all of this, and it’s a BIG if. If Apple has genuinely pulled off Siri without a hitch, this could blast the iPhone past any Android. With the ability to add calendar events, have SMS conversations, send and receive email, and buy movie tickets, all hands-free in your vehicle, this would make Siri the killer-feature. Now, of course, there’s that IF. While Siri performed well in the quiet auditorium of Apple’s theater, my noisy F-250 cab is a whole different story. I long ago stopped using Voice Command because of it. Even cars with better cabin noise control can struggle with voice and it will be mighty interesting to see if Apple over came this issue.
Now, if Siri turns out to be a dud and unusable in the real world and those Schiller claimed broadband speeds never really happen, then you have just another iPhone 4 with an extra letter. Google will continue to make further inroads with Android and widen the lead over the iPhone reminding many of us of the Windows vs Macintosh days of the late 80s. Interesting enough, that decline came soon after Steve Jobs left Apple the first time. Will history repeat itself?