Consumers are scrambling to AT&T stores to get their own iPhone and this became even more abundant after hearing that AT&T will be bringing free Wi-Fi to iPhone users. Much to their disappointment and anger this promise was false and is no way coming true.
The Palm Treo 800w is the newest smartphone to hit the market and it is quickly becoming a hit among consumers. Palm is hoping that the new Treo will make some sort of dent into the Apple iPhone.
Sprint launched online sales of the Treo 800w, the Windows Mobile-based Treo model, hoping to capitalize on the fading Apple iPhone 3G fever, which hit its peak when Apple launched the device Friday morning. The latest Treo runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional as its operating system, a Treo choice for Microsoft purists not wanting to run Palm’s own OS. The Treo 800w also features GPS, Wi-Fi and EVDO Rev. A.
AT&T stated this week that they would be releasing the 8 gigabyte iPhone for $599 and the 16 gigabyte iPhone for $699. These are steep prices for most of us - but that is because both of these phones can be obtained without a two year contract service and agreement. This option can be had for $400.
CEO Steve Jobs will be releasing the brand new 3G iPhone and will be officially announcing a new software platform for the upgraded phone at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.
According to reports the new iPhone will have new features one of the most anticipated being GPS. It will also be given a thinner casing and an “improved virtual keyboard with haptics,” similar to multi-touch technology. Many consumers are hoping the the new 3G iPhone will be priced $50 - $100 cheaper than the first iPhone – which currently sells at $399 for the 8Gbyte and $499 for the 16Gbyte.
Verizon Wireless stated over the weekend that they will be coming to an agreement with regulators and consumer groups to figure out a reasonable way to lower the fees that are charged when users choose to cancel their service before the contract has expired.
Kevin Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, explained according to Reuters, that there has been a substantial progress in the discussions concerning this topic and that the plan to build a national framework with consumer protections will be good for both consumers and industry.
This week the Rural Cellular Association filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission to have them take on new rules that would keep exclusivity arrangements between cell phone makers and wireless carriers. The Rural Cellular Association is made up of 80 rural and small wireless providers. The group stated in the petition that the arrangements that have already been set up are making it hard for customers to choose what they want. They also stated that the rules have decreased competition over the years and have violated the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
Vaja has released the new iVolution Strips leather case for the Apple iPhone. The new case has been designed after the iVolution Top. It has a flip-down protective front flap, a rear clip (optional), and easy access to all of the controls and buttons.
High Tech Computer released details on their new smartphone the HTC Touch Diamond – which will run Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. This brand new phone has been dubbed the next generation in HTC’s most popular Touch smartphone. Over 3 million units were sold within 10 months of its launch date.
This week federal regulators approved their new plan to create an alert system that can be sent to cell phones all over the nation in the form of text messages. Text messages have become more popular among cell phone users – especially with the younger generation. The CTIA – wireless industry’s trade association – has estimated that over 48 billion text messages are sent out each month.
Sprint decided to speed things up for one of its smartphones this week by downloading the ‘Rev. A’ new software that will boost its power at about 1.4 megabits per second. Sprint’s goal is to allow users to surf the mobile Web as fast as they would with a DSL desktop.