Verizon Wireless & Samsung Announce The Samsung Continuum, A Galaxy S Smartphone

 

Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of a new device to put a smile on a smartphone addicts face, and this time it’s the joint announcement of the new Samsung Continuum, a Galaxy S smartphone by Verizon Wireless & Samsung Mobile. The Continuum is the worlds FIRST smartphone with a dedicated ticker display, which provides users with up-to-the-minute news, sports, finance and social networking updates for maximum multi-tasking.

Here are just some of the details:

• 3.4 inch Super AMOLED display
• 1.8 inch Super AMOLED dedicated ticker display
• Android 2.1 (boo)
• Grip sensor – by touching the bottom sides of the display, the ticker display lights up to give users real-time information
• Bing Maps & Bing Search pre-loaded
• 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities
• 5.0 megapixel camera

So, what do you think? Is this a device that you think you could see yourself carrying on a daily basis? Is this ticker display the way of the future? Or just a one shot for this device? Let us know in the comments below!

Here’s the full press release:

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and DALLAS, TX — Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless voice and 3G data network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the number one mobile phone provider in the United States*, today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Continuum™, a Galaxy S™ smartphone. The Continuum is the world’s first smartphone designed with a dedicated ticker display, which provides users with up-to-the-minute news, sports, finance and social networking updates for maximized multitasking. The Continuum features two separate but integrated displays: a 3.4-inch touch screen Super AMOLED™ main display and a customizable 1.8-inch Super AMOLED dedicated ticker display that streams customized information in real time. Additionally, the Continuum is powered by Android™ 2.1, with support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Android Market™ and more. The Continuum also includes a 1GHz Hummingbird Application Processor, 5-megapixel camera, and multiple entertainment and social networking features. Color: Mirror Black Key features and specifications: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Main Touch Screen Display – Main display provides user-customizable homescreens and widgets in a brilliant screen display 1.8-inch Interactive Super AMOLED Ticker Display – Dedicated ticker display enables zero-click access to news, social networking, sports and entertainment feeds; users can select what content they want on the ticker by selecting from menu on display Grip Sensor – By touching the bottom sides of the device, the ticker display lights up to give users real-time weather, social networking services (SNS), message, IM and e-mail notification updates Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant screen makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life like never before, even in bright light and outdoor environments Android 2.1 platform – With support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Android Market Preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search Full HTML Web browsing capabilities 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to transform their phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices Advanced touchscreen gestures capabilities, including multi-touch pinch to zoom, double tap to zoom and horizontal swiping, which provides easier and quicker access to many applications, including location-based services, Web browsing and digital photos or videos Multiple file formats supported, including DivX and Xvid support Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor – Produces amazing graphics, faster upload and download times, and HD-like multimedia content Six-axis sensor that works with the smartphone’s accelerometer to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right Virtual QWERTY Keyboard Featuring Swype Technology – Input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder – Auto-focus and LED flash with HD video recording and playback capabilities to capture photos and videos for playback on your HD television; playback (720p) on the screen display Wi-Fi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n) Stereo Bluetooth® Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, and object push for vCard and vCalendar Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts Music player features lock screen, ticker display and quick side panel controls and 3.5-millimeter headphone jack 8 GB microSD™ card preinstalled expandable up to 32 GB Lifestyle features: V CAST Music with Rhapsody®, V CAST Video on Demand, V CAST Song ID, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Tones, VZ Navigator®, Mobile IM, City ID, Bing Search and Maps, and Blockbuster Application Dedicated ticker displays up-to-the minute news, weather and SNS updates, as well as music player controls and incoming e-mail, IM, and text messages without interrupting the activity on the main display Samsung’s Social Hub – Built around messaging, contacts and calendar sync, which allows users to send and receive information, whether it is e-mail, social network updates or SMS messages Integrated Calendar information from portal calendars, on Exchange, Google Calendar™ and SNS, including Facebook® Integrated Contacts syncs with Exchange, Google, Twitter and Facebook – Facebook contacts display in four categories, including Info, History (previous calls and messages), Activities (status updates and notifications on social networking sites), and Media (Facebook profile photos and photo gallery) AllShare™ – Enables inter-device connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance® (DLNA®), so users can send multimedia content wirelessly to other DLNA Certified®-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops Daily Briefing – Instant access to weather, news, stocks and schedules Write and Go – Quickly jot down an idea and later decide on a format, such as SMS/ MMS, e-mail, calendar or memo, to send or post to popular SNS sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace Smart Alarm – Natural alarm sound and display automatically illuminates Weather Clock – Displays current time and weather of the selected city (ability to add and select other cities) Pricing and availability: The Samsung Continuum will be available for order starting Nov. 11 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement and data package. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. The device will be available for purchase in stores beginning Nov. 18. For additional 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. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of the Samsung Continuum in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)

 

 

source – VZW PR email

Ask.com Launches iPhone App

 

Ask.com, the #1 online resource for questions and answers announced yesterday the release of their mobile app for iPhone devices. The app is available for FREE in the iTunes app store, so head on over and pick it up so that you can FINALLY get those answers you’ve been waiting for!

Take the power of Ask.com on-the-go for free! Ask any question and we’ll find the best answers from the web or real people. Need a personal answer? No problem. Ask our community to get a personal answer from people who know. It’s perfect for local questions when you’re out and about.

I’m hoping we’ll also see this for other platforms, I’ll keep an eye out for news on that! Here’s the official press release sent out yesterday:

Ask for iPhone Goes Beyond the Desktop to Answer On-the-Go Questions

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – Ask.com, the number one online brand for questions and answers and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today publicly released its mobile application for iPhone. Now available within iTunes, the Ask for iPhone app allows Ask.com users to ask and answer questions from their mobile devices. Previously only limited to a subset of Ask.com website users, the full Ask.com Q&A experience is now available to anyone who downloads the app.

“Millions of people come to Ask.com with their questions everyday – now they don’t have to wait until they get back to their computers to get the answers they need,” said Doug Leeds, President, Ask.com US. “The number of questions posed on Ask.com has steadily increased since our Q&A beta launch and the addition of our mobile app helps us do a better job of getting those answers, either from the web or from people nearby.”

Ask for iPhone instantly returns the best answer from the web in response to user questions; if the web’s best answer isn’t sufficient, the service then leverages proprietary technology to route the question directly to a relevant Ask.com user.

Ask for iPhone includes the following features:

• Combination of search and real people. Like the Ask.com Q&A beta site, Ask for iPhone is the only place that answers questions using either search technology or insight from people.
• Say your question. Voice to text functionality, powered by Nuance (Nasdaq: NUAN) allows users to simply ask questions, no typing required.
• Intelligent question routing. Mobile users’ questions don’t just get routed to other devices, they get delivered to any Ask.com user who is qualified to answer based on expertise, knowledge area and, coming soon, location. Likewise, Ask.com users who ask questions through the site will be able to tap the knowledge of other users via their mobile devices.
• Answers find you. Push notifications include the entire answer, no clicking through to the Ask.com site required.

By the end of the year, Ask for iPhone will also allow users to browse questions within their immediate surroundings, route location-specific questions to nearby Ask.com members and review recent questions asked about nearby points of interest.

“Despite the proliferation of Q&A sites and services out there, no one has really nailed it,” said Greg Sterling, founder Sterling Market Intelligence and senior analyst, Opus Research. “Ask has an opportunity to do that with its new mobile app, which brings together location, a range of third party content and social features in a mobile-centric Q&A experience.”

Download the Ask for iPhone here: http://www.facebook.com/Askdotcom

About Ask.com

Ask.com is the number one online brand for questions and answers and an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).  The Ask Network of sites is the 4th largest property in the US for unique searches according to September 2010 comScore data with 89 million domestic unique monthly users. Ask.com also syndicates search and advertising solutions to a network of affiliate partners.

 

source - PR Newswire

$69.99 Primary Plus Plan Launched By U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular announced the other day the launch of a brand new plan, geared to bring the best value in the industry to their customers.

The new plan, called the Primary Plus Plan will run you $69.99 but comes jam packed with 5GB of data, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and free GPS Navigation. The monthly service plan also comes with 450 voice minutes with free incoming calls from any phone, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls. It’s the latest addition to The Belief Project(SM), launched last month by U.S. Cellular.

Here’s the full press release, as posted November 2nd:

Carrier Continues to Elevate Customer Experience with the Best Value in Wireless

CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — On the heels of launching “no contract after the first,” faster phone upgrades, Overage Cap and other industry-leading initiatives, U.S. Cellular today introduced a new $69.99 Primary Plus Plan that offers 5GB of data with unlimited text, picture and video messaging, and free GPS Navigation. The monthly service plan also comes with 450 voice minutes with free incoming calls from any phone, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls. It’s the latest addition to The Belief Project(SM), launched last month by U.S. Cellular.

Backed by U.S. Cellular’s nationwide 3G network, the Primary Plus Plan is designed for customers making their first foray into the smartphone frenzy and those data lovers who spend plenty of time checking email, downloading apps and browsing the web.

“More and more customers are discovering that smartphones have many great features, like instant access to email, social networks and tons of applications, that can make their lives easier,” said Alan D. Ferber, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular. “If you’re in the market for a smartphone, no other wireless carrier offers more value for less. This $69.99 plan, coupled with all of the unmatched benefits of The Belief Project, offers the best value in wireless.”

Launched Oct. 1, The Belief Project recognizes customer loyalty with national bundled rate plans that offer customers the freedom to enjoy benefits without signing a new contract – like new phones at promotional prices every 18 months that can be accelerated with points. Customers receive valuable rewards that can be redeemed for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 to 11 months depending on their plans. Rewards may also be used for additional lines, phones, accessories, and ringtones. The Belief Project includes the industry’s only Phone Replacement program that allows customers to bring in their accidentally broken or malfunctioning phone and get a replacement of the same or a similar model. If a customer’s phone is lost or stolen, they can receive the same or similar replacement phone for $100. Customers also can save up to 5 percent on their monthly plans for setting up autopay and paperless billing.

The Belief Project also includes new family plans that may appeal to smartphone fans, including the Essential Plus Family Plan that comes with two lines for $139.99 per month with 1,500 shared minutes, unlimited messaging and 5GB of data per line. The Premium Plus Family Plan offers two lines with unlimited minutes and messaging, 5GB of data per line, Phone Replacement and GPS Navigation for $179.99 per month.

“We’re continuing to pull out all the stops to show our customers that they are the most appreciated consumers in wireless,” Ferber added. “Our associates are happy to help customers choose the best Belief Plan for them and to show them how to get the most out of their smartphone.”

For more information about the Primary Plus Plan and The Belief Project, visit uscellular.com.

About The Belief Project

Launched Oct. 1, 2010, The Belief Project is a game changing, first-of-its-kind way of doing business in wireless that recognizes customer loyalty with freedom from continuous contracts and valuable rewards for customers including faster phone upgrades at promotional prices, accessories and companion lines, all on bundled national rate plans.

With “no contract after the first,” new customers fulfill an initial two-year commitment and never have to sign another contract again. Existing customers who switch to the new Belief Plans can simply finish the remainder of their current term without extending their current contract.

As soon as a customer signs up for one of the new Belief Plans, they automatically begin earning Belief Points simply for being a customer. Points can be redeemed for things people actually want such as faster phone upgrades at promotional prices, additional lines, phones, accessories, ringtones and forgiveness of overage charges.

The Belief Project also includes the industry’s only phone replacement program and offers customers the opportunity to save up to 5 percent on their monthly plan through autopay and paperless billing.

These industry-leading initiatives were developed to address consumers’ common frustrations with wireless, elevate the customer experience and create a human relationship, not a contractual one. For more information about The Belief Project, visit uscellular.com.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time. The Chicago-based carrier, named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies,” recently unveiled The Belief Project, a series of industry-first, innovative solutions designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones, all backed by its nationwide 3G network. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

 

source - PR Newswire

DROID Does Business: DROID PRO By Motorola Designed For Work And Play

Right on the heels of our last post, Verizon Wireless OFFICIALLY announces the DROID Pro…. here is the official press release, giving us some highly anticipated specs:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — From CTIA Enterprise & Applications™ 2010, Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today unveiled DROID PRO, a new, powerful, stronger and faster solution designed to meet both business and personal needs. The first Android™-based smartphone optimized for business use, DROID PRO is also a global-ready Android smartphone from Verizon Wireless, allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice service in more than 220 countries and data coverage in more than 200 countries.

DROID PRO meets employers’ and employees’ needs by addressing the productivity tools businesses require, including corporate connectivity and security; full push corporate e-mail with corporate level security; unified calendar with additional work features; pre-loaded Quickoffice Mobile Suite, a powerful 1 GHz processor; 4 GB of memory (2 GB internal; and 2 GB removable) and a QWERTY keyboard designed for speed and convenience.

“DROID PRO combines the feature-packed, high-level user experience that customers look for in an Android smartphone plus the security that enterprises require, all with the reliability of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network,” said Mike Lanman, president – Enterprise and Government Markets for Verizon Wireless. “DROID PRO builds on our commitment to deliver the best Android experience to the marketplace as well as to our enterprise customers.”

“The DROID PRO is an advanced business-ready solution that provides users with the full smartphone experience, redefined by delivering the power of a DROID,” said Sanjay Jha, chief executive officer of Motorola Mobility. “The DROID PRO consolidates users’ work and personal needs. This is just another reason the DROID PRO is setting a new standard for enterprise, allowing users to enjoy all the benefits of a smartphone with full push delivery of corporate e-mail and corporate level security.”

Key features and specifications:

• Support for both Exchange e-mail and Gmail™ for business
• Corporate directory look-up, unified calendar for Enterprise and sync with Google Calendar™
• PC-like browsing with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 on a full, multi-touch, 3.1-inch brilliant display built on Android 2.2
• View, edit and share documents, including Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets, PowerPoint® presentations and Word® documents
• Built-in security features, including AuthenTec IPSec multi-headed VPN integration, remote wipe of device and SD card, and complex password support. Device and SD card encryption will be available in early 2011
• 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to connect up to five other Wi-Fi®-enabled devices and laptops
• Live widgets that stream e-mail messages to the home screen; customers can filter the widgets to separate work and home e-mail
• 5-megapixel camera with auto focus and dual LED flash as well as DVD-quality video
• 3G diversity antennae provides customers with enhanced data speeds and range
• Wi-Fi®-enabled DNLA® connectivity
• Android Market™ – Provides customers with access to more than 80,000 applications
• My Verizon and Backup Assistant(SM) support – Allows customers to manage their wireless accounts or their contacts from their phones

Pricing and availability:

• DROID PRO will be available at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
• For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

So…. now that its officially been announced…. what do you think of the specs? Anyone going to pick this up when it drops? Let us know in the comments below!

source – VZW PR

Apple to release WiFi iPad in China September 17th

Apple released a press release this morning regarding the iPad WiFi models coming to China on September 17th. This is great news for the folks that have been waiting for this release. Customers will be able to pick up the new iPad from Apple retails stores and select Apple authorized resellers starting at 10:00am on September 17th.

Here’s the full release:

CUPERTINO, California—September 13, 2010—Apple® today announced that the Wi-Fi models of its magical iPad™ will be available to customers in China from Apple Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers, on Friday, September 17 starting at 10:00 a.m.

iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad Wi-Fi models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web.*

Apple Retail Stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. Apple Retail Stores in China are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product.

Pricing & Availability
iPad Wi-Fi models in China will be available for a suggested retail price of CNY3988 for 16GB, CNY4788 for 32GB and CNY5588 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in China through Apple’s Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.

For more information please visit www.apple.com.cn.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

source – Apple Press release: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/09/13ipad.html

Otterbox announces OtterBox Commuter Series for iPhone 4

Otterbox announced today via a press release that they are now offering a new case for iPhone 4 users, the iPhone 4 Commuter Series Case. The Commuter Case line at Otterbox is by far one of the best out there. Offering your device 3 layers of protection from bumps, scratches and shocks, nothing beats Otterbox when it comes to quality and toughness.

Here’s some information regarding this new accessory, straight from the press release:

Fort Collins, COLO. – Hot on the heels of the highly-anticipated release of Defender Series^® cases, OtterBox^® announces protection in a fresh new design with the Commuter Series^® for the Apple^® iPhone^® 4.

“The iPhone 4 offers so many different custom features,” said OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson. “With Commuter Series cases now available, OtterBox lets users choose the case design that best fits their personality and style.”

The OtterBox Commuter Series offers three sleek layers of security to complement the iPhone 4’s thin design. First, a self-adhering screen protector keeps the Multi-Touch display screen safe from scratches. Next, a silicone mid-layer absorbs shock, keeping the glass panels safe from bumps and shock. Finally, a polycarbonate shell provides added strength and helps the device slide easily in and out of a pocket or purse. The Commuter Series offers coverage for the iPhone 4 power button, volume rocker and home button, while silicone plugs for the charging port and headphone jack keep out dust and dirt but flip open for easy access.*

Included with each Commuter Series case is a microfiber cleaning cloth and installation card for smooth application of the screen protector.

Give the Apple iPhone 4 fresh and stylish protection with Commuter Series cases from OtterBox. Or, if you’re looking for extra-rugged protection, check out the OtterBox Defender Series to safeguard against all of life’s mishaps. Impact Series^®cases coming soon!

Additional information for OtterBox Commuter Series for Apple iPhone 4:

Environmental Protection:

• Added protection against bump and shock

Colors:

• Layer 2: black

• Layer 3: black

Dimensions (case only):

• 4.73” (120.18 mm) x 2.50” (63.58 mm) x 0.55” (14.00 mm)

Approximate Weight (case only):

• 0.96 oz (28 g)

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.

OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve Got Technology Covered.

Notes:

*Commuter Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.

Head on over to the official Otterbox store and pick yours up today! You can get one right now for $34.99! Thanks to Otterbox for letting us know about this great new accessory for the iPhone 4!

Anyone pick this up? Let us know in the comments below!

source – email/press release

Samsung Epic 4G Pricing & Availability Announced By Sprint

In a press release today, Sprint has officially announced the pricing and availability of the upcoming Samsung Epic 4G, a Galaxy S device. Not familiar with the Samsung Epic 4G? Well, here are a few of the details on this device:

• 4″ Super AMOLED display for an HDTV-quality viewing experience
• Android 2.1
• Future access to Samsung Media Hub (coming later this year), a full library of video and literary content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment
• Six-axis motion sensor for the ultimate in gaming experiences
• Slide out QWERTY keyboard and virtual Swype keyboard
• 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor
• Dual camera: 5 MP camera/camcorder with autofocus, power LED flash and 4x digital zoom for photos and HD video¹ (720p) video recording, as well as a front-facing VGA camera for video chat and more

Again, those are only just a FEW of the options that this device comes with. Head on over HERE for the full spec sheet. Ok, let’s get down to business here, how much is it going to cost you?

The Samsung Epic 4G will be available for $249 after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. You will have to sign a new 2-year contract. You will be able to pick up this device beginning on August 31st in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart, with Sprint Stores opening at 8 a.m. local time.

So what do you think? Plan on picking up the new Samsung Epic 4G? Let us know in the comments!

source – Press Release

DROID 2 Presale Starts August 11th Online

Verizon Wireless just released a press release officially announcing that the Motorola DROID 2 will begin it’s online presale tomorrow, August 11th, online. Holding an original DROID in your hands while reading this, and not sure what the difference is?

"With the new DROID 2, we’ve taken a big leap forward from the original DROID," said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home business. "We listened to consumers and are providing an even more robust experience built on Android 2.2 that includes a new keyboard, increased processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to send, access and share information even quicker than before."

Are you feeling like a BlackBerry Storm 1 owner right now? Don’t worry, you’re still holding a great device in your hands, and when Android 2.2 officially comes to your DROID 1, you’ll love it (if you don’t already have a version of it on your device as we speak…).

Personally, I love the looks of the new DROID 2, and if I wasn’t holding out (in my mind) for another previously named device (ahem..DroidPro), then I’d probably pick this up. Or would I…..one never knows. I do know that I love my DROID 1 and I don’t feel like a Storm 1 owner, because I know I still have a great piece of technology!

Wait, we’ve got more…..are you a big Star Wars fan? Here’s some news for you:

"R2-D2 DROID 2 – In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid fromt he Star Wars Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only oneline in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale."

So, hold on another month if you are a big Star Wars fan!

Ok, how much is this going to cost me, you ask? We’ve got that info, too!

Again, the DROID 2 will be available for pre-sale ONLINE only starting tomorrow, August 11th, and available in all Verizon Wireless stores beginning August 12th. You can pick up this device for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new 2 year contract.

Let us know if you plan on picking up the DROID 2!

source – Press Release

BlackBerry Curve 3G Officially Announced

We’ve heard some rumblings about this device (model 9300), and TMO and RIM officially announced it (separately) this morning via press releases. I received both in my email, and here’s some information regarding the new BlackBerry Curve 3G:

The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone is a powerful addition to the very popular BlackBerry Curve series. It includes BlackBerry OS 5, however when BlackBerry 6 is released, it’s expected that the Curve 3G will be updated for that new OS, depending on each carrier’s certifications, of course.

The BlackBerry Curve 3G will be available via various carriers around the world beginning in August, though TMO has stated that their version should be hitting the shelves in just a few weeks.

Further highlights:

* Full QWERTY keyboard

* Optical trackpad

* Available in 2 colors – "smokey violet" and "graphite grey"

* Advanced multimedia player and dedicated media keys

* Ability to surf the web while on the phone

* 2 megapixel camera with zoom and video recording

* GPS & WiFi built in

* microSD/SDHC slot with support for up to 32GB, comes with pre-installed 2GB card

* 624 MHz processor, 256MB internal memory

* 4.3 inches x 2.4 inches x 0.55 inches; 3.8 ozs, 2.4 inch screen, 320×240 pixels

* Up to 4.5 hours of talk time and 19 days of standby time

* 1150 mAhr battery

Sounds like a nice device, is anyone planning on picking one of these up?

For more information and to see the official statement by RIM, head on over to :http://press.rim.com/release.jsp?id=4295

For more information and to see the official statement by TMO, head on over to: www.TheNewsMarket.com/T-Mobile

From everyone here at TSR to all of you, we hope you’re having a great Monday!

sources – RIM email / TMO email

Sprint Customers In Delaware, Florida & Michigan Get 4G, California Get 4G Extended

Sprint announced today that they’ve launched their 4G service in densly populated areas within California, Delaware, Florida and Michigan. Can I get it, you ask? Well, if you live in the following communities, you may be able to:

* Modesto, CA

* Stockton, CA

* Jacksonville, FL

* Wilmington, DE

* Grand Rapids, MI

These communities round out the list of communities that Sprint offers 4G in to 48! This is great news for these communities and Sprint customers. I am eagerly awaiting 4G speeds in my area and hope to see them sometime soon.

Are you in one of the lucky 48 metropolitan communities currently taking advantage of 4G speeds? Let us know in the comments below!

You can read the full Sprint press release HERE