Turkey Day is just around the corner, which means that the annual American tradition season of losing one’s mind in exchange for slightly discounted goods will officially begin a week from today. Yes, I speak of the infamous day that is Black Friday. The very same day in which hundreds of thousands of Americans transform into penny-pinching-zombies who will do whatever it takes to score a cheap fix.

Anyhoo, I’m not here to judge. If you are brave (/crazy) enough to fight through out-of-control bargain-hunting mobs to save yourself an extra 20% on a product (that you never wanted or needed), then god bless you. Furthermore, if said object happens to be a new mobile phone, wouldn’t it be nice to know a little about each of the major carriers’ early termination fees ahead of time (instead of waiting for your post-Black Friday “hangover” to subside, only for you to realize that you’ve signed your entire family’s fortune away on a new mobile family plan that you actually didn’t want or really need)? We think so.

Without further ado, here is the 2009 Major Carriers’ Early Termination Fees Table-O-Fun:

Carrier	Early Termination Fee (ETF)	More Information
AT&T	$175	ETF decreases by $5/month for duration of contract.
Sprint	$200	ETF begins to reduce in the fifth month of the contract; fee goes down $10/month until it reaches $50.
T-Mobile	$200*	* T-Mobile USA’s ETF schedule is not exactly straight forward. As of June 28, customers with a one-year or two-year contract will see their ETF drop from $200 to $100 if they end their contract with 91 to 180 days remaining on their agreement. If they end a contract with fewer than 91 days left on it, they’ll pay an ETF of $50. Customers who terminate service in the last 30 days of their contract will either pay the $50 fee or their standard monthly charge, whichever is cheaper.
Verizon Wireless	$350*	* Originally $175, VZW doubled the fee on Nov. 15 for “advanced devices,” which includes smartphones and netbooks. The new ETF only applies to new contracts that started on or after November 15. Customers who signed a contract before November 15 keep the old $175 ETF. For example, new Droid customers who bought their phones the first weekend it launched will not be required to pay the $350 ETF if they terminate service early under these new rules. VZW will continue to prorate the ETF over the life of the contract, decreasing the rate by $10/month. Verizon’s previous prorate rate was $5/month. ** The ETA for non-”advanced devices” remains $175, and decreases by $5/month during the contract.

Please note – all of the information above is subject to change at any time. We just want to help everyone to make the most informed decision they can when selecting a new carrier (/device), thereby ultimately making for a happier (and possibly healthier) holiday and new year. Oh, and if you need any help picking out a new gadget for a loved one, don’t forget to give CrunchGear’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide a once (or thrice) over. Cheers!

[via CNET]

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Got a buck? Own an iThing? Like to game and save money? Sweet! Then you’ll be really happy to hear that Konami’s entire collection of iPhone / iPod touch games are all on sale for $.99 until Saturday, November 21.

Ordinarily, most of Konami’s iGames go for anywhere from $2 and up. But enough about dollars and cents. Here’s a list of all the priced-to-move games (w/ iTunes links):

• DanceDanceRevolution S (normally $5)
• DanceDanceRevolution S+ (same price)
• Field Prowlers Police Rush (new game)
• Frogger (normally $2)
• Krazy Kart Racing (normally $3)
• Metal Gear Solid Touch (normally $6)
• Power Pros Touch (normally $4)
• Silent Hill The Escape (normally $5)
• Silent Scope (normally $3)

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Virgin Mobile Canada has announced that it will begin to sell the iPhone 3G and 3GS in Virgin Mobile Retail Stores and online in Canada in the “coming months.” VMC joins fellow Canadian carriers Telus, Bell Canada, Fido, and Rogers in becoming an authorized iThing dealer.

When we get more firm information regarding a firm launch date and pricing, we’ll obviously be sure to share with our favorite readers/neighbors to the north. But for now, we can all get back to watching Strange Brew and drinking Labatt’s.

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If for some reason you didn’t get the 1.56.651.2 update automagically: go to Settings > About > System Updates > Firmware Update. Please let us know if you uncover any other interesting updates/fixes in the comments, you know, for the kids.

[via IntoMobile]

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Really? Who could have guessed? I’m not an official big-shot analyst by any stretch, but I’m pretty sure that I could have made the same conclusion, as could anyone who knows anything about technology trends (like spoiled teenagers). But alas, an actual organization, Telecom Trends International (who?), has just released a report saying that smartphones will indeed overtake “regular” phones by 2015. Gotta love these glimpses into the future.

This report, which includes 27 figures and 19 tables (for the record), says that sales of smartphones surpass “regular” phones in 2015 and will constitute two-thirds of total mobile handset sales by 2016. The thing is, how do we even know what will separate (if there is still even a distinction) “smart” phones from “non-smart” phones some five years ahead of time? Sure, in today’s world of smart and dumb phones, we analysts can make predictions of this sort. But these type of prognostications tend to leave a bad taste in my technology-loving mouth.

The thing with mobile phones, and technology in general, is that they are forever changing/morphing/evolving. Predicting that smartphones will overtake “regular” phones in 2015 is no different than me saying, “tablets will surpass ‘traditional’ laptops in 2012″ – both are purely nonsense. While maybe while maybe factually accurate (in today’s world), these types of reports and findings seem to assume that the world can’t possibly change over the course of five years. A ridiculous notion, given the insane exponential curve of Internet/computer technology enhancements over the last 25 years.

With all this in mind, I am going to go out on a limb and prophesize* that by 2015 all handsets on the market will be considered “smart” phones by today’s standards. In other words, given the rapid development of next-gen networks and handsets, 99% of all mobile devices by 2015 will not fit in any of today’s “categories” as all mobile phones will have crossed the “smart” threshold by that time, thus making reports like this meaningless.

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A little while back, we wrote about the Korea Communications Commission’s decision to make an exception for the iPhone, essentially clearing the way for Apple to submit the phone for radio approval (a la FCC procedures in the States). Now, two months later, the KCC has officially approved Apple’s iPhone for sale in South Korea.

No doubt, this is a shining example of the impact of the KCC’s decision late last year to allow foreign handset manufacturers to sell mobile phones in South Korea after April 1, 2009 without Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability (WIPI) technology built-in.

Anyhoo, the KCC’s ruling says that the iPhone can now be launched at any time. Thus, it makes sense that two of the biggest mobile carriers in South Korea, KT Corp. and SK Telecom Co., have already been talking to Apple about selling its flagship mobile phone. Not surprisingly, neither of the carriers, nor Apple, has made any mention of if or when it might begin to sell the biggest mobile thing since wireless sliced bread. Either way, Samsung and LG must be really excited about the news.

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Apparently, the lovely folks over at AT&T have pumped some $65 million “from 2008 through the 3rd quarter of 2009 to complete a substantial upgrade of its local 3G wireless network in the greater San Francisco Bay Area with the launch of additional wireless spectrum in the 850 MHz band.” Based on the endless complaints I hear from my iPhone carrying friends ’round these parts, this has got to be music to their ears.

Independent of just pleasing iPhone owners, this is obviously also good news for all AT&T customers throughout the Bay Area. As more and more customers make the switch to data-happy smartphones, carriers must improve the robustness of their 3G networks to meet the growing data demands. Luckily, it sounds like this improvement should help, big time.

As a result of this upgrade, local customers are expected to experience better 3G wireless connectivity, performance and enhanced in-building wireless coverage. The enhancement also increases network capacity, and is intended to support the ever-growing demand for 3G mobile broadband service. In the greater Bay Area, AT&T upgraded close to 850 cell sites as part of this enhancement, the majority coming in the 3rd quarter of 2009.

More specifically, AT&T is launching additional wireless spectrum in the 850 MHz band. According to press release, the 850 MHz spectrum “generally results in better in-building coverage.”

AT&T 3G customers should see improved quality and coverage throughout dozens of greater Bay Area communities, including San Francisco, Brisbane, Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, Pacifica, Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, Hayward, San Leandro, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Palo Alto, San Carlos, Belmont, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Richmond, Albany, El Sobrante, El Cerritos, Pinole, Crockett, Hercules and more.

AT&T has also increased capacity to “hundreds of cell sites across the bay area” in order to better meet the growing massive data demands of its Silicon Valley customers and plans to flip the switch on its higher speed HSPA 7.2 3G network sometime in 2010. But like lipservice from any of the major carriers, we’ll all need to see “it” to believe “it” before we give AT&T credit for its supposed improvements.

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Yay, rumors! Today’s fun rumor comes courtesy of one Mr. Shaw Wu, a Kaufman Bros. analyst, who believes (thanks to his sources in the supply chain) that a BlackBerry 9900 has not only hit the prototype phase, but also features an entirely new form factor for RIM – a touchscreen slider.

The mystical BlackBerry is said to be some sort of Storm-meets-classic-Blackberry-meets-slider concoction. As IntoMobile points out, the above patent image clearly gives some hint at what a legitimate BlackBerry slider could look like.

The purported next-gen ‘Berry is expected to be revealed sometime in 2010. But until we see an actual prototype (come on Mr. Blurry cam, help a brother out!), this is all just pure speculation for the time being.

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Data problems? What data problems? Oh right, those data problems. Well, its been about a month so, like with any sort of break up or troubled relationship, you’ve had your chance to grieve and be angry…now it’s time to move on, folks.

At least that seems to be T-Mobile’s position. Thus, Big T has resumed selling both its older Sidekick and the newer Sidekick LX, each for slightly less than the pre-data loss prices nonetheless.

After the terrible debacle that was the T-Mobile/MS/Danger data loss extravaganza in which T-Mobile gave affected users $100 gift cards, it wasn’t clear if the ol’ Sidekicks would every see the light of day again. Low and behold, T-Mobile had brought them back from their self-imposed deadpool, only this time, they are cheaper than before. The older Sidekick (2008) is now just $49.99 (w/ contract) and the newer LX is down to $149.99 (w/ contract).

So now’s the time to grab your new ‘kick…that is, if you are willing to be that lightning won’t strike twice.

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LG Shine II offers the latest in mobile innovation and form factor in one luminous device. Featuring polished round edges and an elegant slider design, LG Shine II brings sophistication into the palm of your hand with its stainless steel construction and streamlined shape.

I’m not sure the Shine II “offers the latest in mobile innovation,” but the Shine II does offer a 2.2” wide mirror LCD, Java 2.0 support, a “sleek” music player with customizable equalizer, music recognition and ringtone creator, and direct-to-device music download capabilities.

It also features built-in stereo Bluetooth, is enabled for AT&T Navigator, a 2MP camera with flash and video recording (plus an image editor that “allows users to resize, crop, rotate, color adjust photos, insert fun frames and produce mirror effects”), and access to our nation’s fastest 3G network.

The LG Shine II will be available at AT&T retail stores and online on November 22, 2009 for $119.99 (after mail-in rebate; $169.99 after two year agreement minus $50 AT&T Promotion Card = $119.99).

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Known as one of the nicer “value” smartphones out there, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 features RIM’s famous QWERTY keyboard and its mostly loved touch-sensitive trackpad (as opposed to the older scrolling nav ball). It also has built-in Wi-Fi (a must, these days), an advanced media player with dedicated media keys (along the top of the handset), and it also provides global connectivity via phone, email, text, IM, picture messaging and social networking (with Facebook and MySpace apps coming preloaded).

The “value” BlackBerry also sports a 320×240 display, 512 MHz processor, 256 MB of Flash memory, and a 2MP camera with video recording capabilities. The BlackBerry Curve 8520 will be available soon (i.e. in the coming weeks) for $99.99 after mail-in rebate ($199.99 minus $100 AT&T Promotion Card = $99.99; 2-year agreement on a min. $69.99 plan required).

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The newest soldier in the ever-growing ‘droid army features a 800MHz processor (just like its Moment sibling) and is the first Android smartphone to include native DivX support (so you won’t have to convert your downloaded collection of BSG to watch on the go!). Along with the improved codec support, the Galaxy Spica (GS) also touts other improved multimedia-centric features like the inclusion of DNSe 2.0 for “better sound quality” and 3.5 mm jack for use with your favorite headphones.

All that media jazz aside, the 13.2mm thick Galaxy Spica includes 3.2″ 320 x 480 touch screen display, 3MP camera with autofocus, microSD slot (up to 32GB), 1500mAh battery, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Wi-Fi, GPS, and quad-band GSM/EDGE with support for the 900/2100MHz bands. Disappointingly, Sammy’s new ‘droid is shipping with the now antiquated Android v1.5 (not even 1.6, what gives?!). No matter, the Galaxy Spica is available now in select Asian and European markets as of today (with no mention of any future US launch).

[via InformationWeek]

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Qualcomm, one of the largest fabless mobile chip manufactures in the world, has announced the availability of samples of its next-gen dual-carrier HSPA+ and multi-mode 3G/LTE chipsets. Hello Future!

So, what’s the big deal? According to Qualcomm,

These chipsets demonstrate significant progress toward enabling the mass-market commercial deployment of two next-generation network technologies that bring more advanced data capabilities to mobile devices for new global markets in addition to North America. Dual-carrier HSPA+ and LTE are network innovations that provide the ability to deliver more advanced data capabilities to mobile devices, supporting more compelling applications and richer user experiences.

Essentially, these new chipsets will enable handset manufacturers to make “future-proof” devices (as if!) that are capable of operating on today’s 3G networks, and tomorrow’s 4G networks. In theory, this will help both carriers and consumers alike. Customers will have more confidence in purchasing new phones, knowing that they won’t be obsolete the minute the carriers flip the switches on their next-gen 4G networks. In turn, this will also help the carriers avoid any major disruption in hardware sales as they continue to roll out/expand their 4G networks.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Too bad we won’t see any devices using this new equipment until at least the second half of 2010. But, on the bright side, it is good to know that Qualcomm is working with numerous network operators, infrastructure vendors and device manufacturers around the world to get these next-gen networks and devices off the drawing board and into the real world.

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Earlier today, Dell formally announced its entrance into the booming smartphone market along with two “blockbuster” partnerships with two of the world’s largest mobile operators, China Mobile (China) and Claro (Brazil). Considering the recent launch of the DROID, here in the States, and the iPhone’s rather dismal launch in China a few weeks back, one might think Dell’s timing is rather suspect…but only time will tell.

So why a smartphone and why now, Dell?

“Our entry into the smart phone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” said Ron Garriques, President, Dell Global Consumer Group. “We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want.“

Ah, so your pretending its 2007. Gotcha. Anyhow, all jokes aside, the Dell Mini 3 Android smartphone is here. According to Dell,

The initial Mini 3 smart phones are designed around the Android platform to best deliver power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and carriers. Dell’s Mini 3 smart phones reflect the elegant look and style that demonstrates Dell’s commitment to design innovation.

Based on the language of this presser, it sounds like the Mini 3 comprises a whole series of Android smartphones, rather than one particular handset. All we really know, at least from this official word, is that the China Mobile Mini 3 will be based on OPhone platform, a customized version of Android. Other than that, all we know is that “[d]etails of phone models will be announced on a partner-by-partner basis when devices are available in stores, anticipated in late November for China Mobile and year’s end for Claro.”

That’s about it for now. We’ll all just have to sit tight and wait to see what happens next, like when the Mini 3 will make it stateside and how much it will cost, among other things.

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I like to imagine that a special place exists somewhere on the Web where a bunch of unassuming “ordinary” folks get together to solve world technology issues. A brotherhood (that allows women too, of course) of sorts that uniformly scream, “HACK3RS UNITE!,” and then figure out how to stick it to the man. I’m not entirely sure anything that amazing exists, but there is something close – the XDA Developers Forum.

The latest philanthropic project taken on by these fine young men and women was to port Google’s new Navigation app (which comes pre-installed on the DROID) to the original Android Czar, T-Mobile’s G1. And low and behold…they’ve done it!

I don’t pretend to be any type of haxor whatsoever, so instead of trying to explain how to make the port myself (as if I could even make sense of any of it), I’d suggest giving this entire thread a read through. While they’ve outlined the process for all, it’s not for the faint of heart. With that said, let us know how it goes!

[via Engadget Mobile]

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According to Web analytics company, Clicky, Motorola’s flagship DROID handset has already caused a major disturbance in the Force Android-based web traffic. The new hotness purportedly already accounts for more than 23 percent of all Android web traffic here in the States.

Not too shabby for the new kid ‘droid on the block. The less than scientific data collected by Clicky is “calculated from all mobile traffic across the 150,000+ sites that are tracked by getclicky.com.” But still, as BGR points out, this is a pretty respectably sized sample to base some very broad generalizations on.

Just goes to show what can happen when a solid piece of hardware is paired up with the nation’s “best” 3G network and an enormous marketing budget. Definitely a good sign for Motorola and Verizon, and a fantastic indication of what Android 2.0+ is poised to do to the smartphone market, in general.

[via BGR]

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The lack of Flash support on the iThings (i.e. phone, touch) and all but one Android device has made it rather difficult for Flash-based video sites to penetrate the ever-expanding smartphone video-consuming market. While YouTube has implemented a workaround for this problem (by encoding each uploaded video in both Flash AND as .mp4 files), other sites (arguably with less resources) have been much slower to rollout a fix while waiting for Adobe and Co. to get this mess straightened out.

That was, until today. Blake Whitman, Vimeo’s director of community, told CNET News earlier today that the popular video sharing site is rolling out support for both iDevices and Android, albeit on a limited basis. More specifically, Vimeo has re-encoded all of its staff picks and HD video showcase for playback on your iPhone/iPod touch/Android handset.

According to Whitman, “[Vimeo has] been working on it for the last few weeks. This is sort of the prelude of offering Plus members iPhone support; and in the future, an app.” At the moment, Vimeo’s editors handpick which members’ videos will get the mobile “treatment,” but over time the site will slowly allow its Plus users the option to transcode their videos to an iPhone/Android version.

Clearly, this is not an end all, be all solution, but it is nice to see (and probably a must for the site’s future viability) Vimeo make an effort to accommodate the surging iDevice/Android community. Although I was unable to see it, the mobile-friendly site should be ready to rock (er, become available) for iPhone/Android users today. Oh, and one last caveat – some videos that work on iThings may not work on Android at the moment.

[via CNET]

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Sprint, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks (to name a few) continue to bet big on Clearwire’s WiMAX nationwide wireless network. The foursome have just pumped an additional $1.494 billion into Clearwire’s coffer, with another $50 million coming from Intel and $20 million from Eagle River Holdings. CHA-CHING.

More specifically, Sprint, which owns 51 percent of Clearwire, invested $1.176 billion, Comcast Corp. put in $196 million, Time Warner Cable Inc. dropped another $103 million, and Bright House Networks contributed a cool $19 million.

According to Christopher King, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus, the new influx increased Clearwire’s cash stockpile to a whopping $1.8 billion and will help to mitigate the “funding gap” for its nationwide WiMAX network build-out to $3 billion. The new funds will purportedly allow Clearwire to hold off on raising more dough until at least the end of 2011.

[via Y! News]

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As Sesame Street is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary now seems like as good a time as any for us to practice our counting…of mobile operating systems/platforms. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Darn, my hand ran out of fingers! Well, no matter, Samsung thinks there is plenty of room for more and has taken the wraps off its own, new open mobile platform, bada.

Yup, another mobile OS is hitting the streets come December, and its name is bada (which means ‘ocean’ in Korean). In case you were wondering, the name was:

chosen to convey the limitless variety of potential applications which can be created using the new platform. It also alludes to Samsung’s commitment to a variety of open platforms in the mobile industry.

But enough about its meaning…what is it? Well, according to the official announcement, bada will offer developers an easier way to create applications for “millions of new Samsung” phones while providing consumers with “a fun and diverse mobile experience.” Samsung says the new platform will be simple for developers to use, “particularly in the area of applications using Web services,” and will allow said developers to include more sophisticated and attractive UI” designs for their apps.

The platform is also being touted as carrier-friendly, by providing for “an easy-to-integrate platform…so that mobile operators can provide unique and differentiated services to their customers.” According to Dr Hosoo Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Media Solution Center at Samsung Electronics, “bada will be Samsung’s landmark, iconic new platform that brings an unprecedented opportunity for operators, developers and Samsung mobile phone users around the world.”

The official website went live earlier today. Samsung will also be hosting an official launch event in London sometime next month where it will also take the wraps off its bada SDK.

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Today is the International Day of the DROID. Well, not really, but Verizon did follow through and officially announced its new flagship Motorola Android device – DROID.

Along with the official presser, Motorola was also kind enough to provide some glistening press shots of the DROID, “A no-compromise supergenius” as they like to call it, along with an official DROID by Motorola Fact Sheet (all after the jump).

Hopefully these images and info will tide your DROID appetite over until we get our hands on posted later today.

DROID by Motorola Fact Sheet

A no-compromise supergenius

Introducing DROID by Motorola, a Smartphone powered by Android 2.0 developed in partnership with Google and Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest 3G network. DROID delivers high-speed Web, voice-activated search, a super large touch screen and thousands of customizable apps and widgets from Android Market™. With the thinnest full QWERTY slider available on the market, it’s a no-compromise supergenius in your pocket, multitasking at break-neck pace to get things done.

High-Speed Mobile Browsing

* See the Web at break-neck speed on the largest high-resolution display with a Flash 10 ready HTML browser.
* Look up favorite sites, video and music fast with a high-speed, cortex A8 processor and lightning-fast connection.
* View it all on the 3.7” display with more than 400,000 total pixels, which is twice that of the leading competitor.
* Work faster on the Web with double tap to zoom in and out.

Google Searches Beyond the Web

* Type your search to deliver results such as contacts and music offering a complete search experience on a mobile device.
* Use voice-activated search to serve up both your contacts and Google search results, based on your location.
* Find your way with free spoken turn-by-turn directions with Google MapsTM Navigation (Beta), with Street View and LatitudeTM. View geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia entries and transit lines, right on the map.

Customize Your DROID

* Access thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets from Android MarketTM.
* Customize your home screen with preloads like Facebook™ and Google MapsTM or download1 applications for music, news, sports and games.2
* Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time.

Multitask Messaging

* Integrate work (Exchange) and personal (GmailTM) e-mails into one inbox with emails pushed directly to you. Plus, undo common operations in GmailTM for fast corrections.
* Find your contacts using a universal list that pulls in work, personal and Facebook™ contacts
* Slide out the full QWERTY keyboard to comfortably text, IM and e-mail1
* Have your work calendar right at your fingertips at all times

Additional Bells and Whistles

* DVD quality video recorder features quick and easy playback plus optimized YouTubeTM uploading for sharing with friends.2
* 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works like dual-LED flash, AutoFocus, and image stabilization
* Features 16GB of storage space (or upgrade to 32).
* Stereo Bluetooth® gives you the option of wireless connectivity3. Or if you prefer traditional, headphones utilize the 3.5mm headset jack.
* Easily copy text and URLs to simply paste them into an e-mail, text or status update1 or copy images off the Web directly to your gallery.

Optional Accessories

* Use the multimedia station5 to transform DROID into an alarm clock, movie player or digital picture frame.
* Place DROID in the car mount5 to instantly launch a full-blown GPS navigation device.

DROID by Motorola with Google™

Talk and Standby Time4 – TT: 385 mins/6.4 hours | SB: 270 hours/11.25 days

Form Factor – Capacitive Touch; Full Qwerty Side Slider

Band/Modes1 – 800/1900, CDMA EVDO rev A

OS – Android 2.0

Weight – 169 g / 6 oz

Dimensions – 60.00 (x) x 115.80 (y) x 13.70 (z) mm | 2.4 (x) x 4.6 (y) x 0.5 (z) inches

Browser1 – Webkit HTML5 based browser; Flash 10 ready

Email Support1 – GmailTM, Exchange, IMAP, POP, Macmail, GmailTM, MSN Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL®

Battery – 1400 mAh

Connectivity1 – Bluetooth® v2.1+EDR, 3.5mm Headset jack, USB 2.0 HS

Display – 3.7”, 480×854 WVGA

Display Resolution – WVGA display houses 400,000 pixels

Messaging1 – SMS/MMS, Full HTML5 Browser

Audio – AMR-NB/WB, MP3, WAV, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA

Video – Advanced Video record/playback at D1 resolution (720×480) with up to 24fps capture and 30fps playback, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264

Camera – 5.0 megapixel, AutoFocus, dual LED Flash and image stablization

Memory – 16GB card included in phone, Up to 32GB microSD expandable

Location Services1 – aGPS, sGPS

Extras – 802.11b/g, 3-axis accelerometer

DROID by Motorola with Google™ will be available in Q4 2009. For more information regarding pricing and product availability in your region, please contact your local Motorola representative. To experience DROID, please click here.

DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license. Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc. Google, YouTube, Picasa, Gmail, Google Earth, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Talk, Android, and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other trademark and product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © 2009 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved.

1Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details
2 The unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials is contrary to the provisions of the Copyright Laws of the United States and other countries. This device is intended solely for copying non-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, or materials which you are authorized or legally permitted to copy. If you are uncertain about your right to copy any material, please contact your legal advisor.
3 This device supports Bluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, PBAP, OPP profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.motorola.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.
Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.
4 All talk and standby times are quoted in Digital Mode, and are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns.
5 Accessory sold separately

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Earlier today, Sony Ericsson announced the launch of its newest flip phone, the Equinox. The new clamshell that “encourage[s] individualism through unique pulsating night effects that enable users to never miss a call or text message” will be available exclusively from T-Mobile.

Among other things, the “unique” flipper features 3G and quad-band GSM/Edge radios, user-defined lighting “accents” for caller ID/messaging alerts, a 3.2MP camera, an integrated FM radio, and stereo Bluetooth. The Equinox begins drops on October 28. It’s not the most exciting phone ever, but… er, we don’t really have anything to finish that sentence.

New Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) Phone, Now Available at T-Mobile USA, Lights Up Your Life, Literally

See your faves in a new light with the Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) phone

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Ericsson delivers a stylish, chic phone this fall with the introduction of the Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) phone at T-Mobile USA, Inc. This mobile device offers exciting features that encourage individualism through unique pulsating night effects that enable users to never miss a call or text message.

The Equinox(TM) phone is truly an interactive 3G(1) phone equipped with enhanced design features and built-in GPS. With eye-catching night effects, you can give your five favorite people their own, unique pulsating light effect and when a call comes in, you’ll know who it is in a flash. The custom light features come in Amber, Sapphire, Beryl, Diamond, and Amethyst. The Equinox(TM) phone has an array of changing wall paper themes that will ensure you’re always color coordinated.

The Equinox(TM) phone has a 3.2 megapixel camera and is loaded with great multimedia features, including an integrated application that lets you shoot amazing video and easily upload(2) it directly to the YouTube(TM) application. The Equinox(TM) phone also has an integrated FM radio and Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology, and boasts gesture control that lets users reject incoming calls or silence an alarm with the wave of a hand.

“The Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) phone echoes Sony Ericsson’s tradition of style, personalization and multimedia,” said Karen Morris, vice president of marketing, Sony Ericsson. “With a host of dynamic features that put the power of personality in your hands, it’s a stunning 3G phone that reflects the mood of each individual user.”

Maria Sharapova Look-a-like Contest

In celebration of the stylish Equinox(TM) phone, tennis star Maria Sharapova will make an appearance at the grand opening of a new T-Mobile store in Los Angeles on October 31, 2009. At this event, Sony Ericsson will hold a Maria Sharapova look-a-like contest(3). Fashionistas who think they can match Maria’s style will get the chance to meet Maria and compete to win the title of Maria’s best look-a-like. Other prizes include Maria-style VIP treatment for a day as well as Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) phones and Sony’s VAIO® computers. For additional information, including official rules, visit: www.mariasharapova.com or www.facebook.com/seusa.

Get Your Glam On With Kim Kardashian and Equinox(TM) phone

Aspiring fashionistas can get their glam on with style icon Kim Kardashian and the Equinox(TM) phone. Beginning November 9, Kim’s fans can enter the “Get Your Glam On” sweepstakes sponsored by Sony Ericsson which will award one lucky winner a trip to Los Angeles to meet Kim and receive the ultimate makeover from her personal glam squad, including a day and night look that coincides with the phones’ unique day/night features. BUZZMEDIA will document the winner’s entire experience in a video and feature it on Kim’s official site, as well as promote it across it’s community of leading entertainment news Websites. For additional information, including official rules, visit: www.kimkardashian.com or www.facebook.com/seusa.

Availability

The Sony Ericsson Equinox(TM) phone is exclusively available at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com beginning October 28, 2009.

Facts and Figures

Size: 93 x 50 x 14.1 mm (approx.)

Weight: 95 grams (approx.)

Available colors: Carbon

Main screen: 2.2″(5) QVGA 262K TFT

Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels

Networks:

GSM/ EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

HSDPA 2100/1700

Legal Information

1) 3G speeds not available in all locations.

2) Standard data charges apply.

3) No purchase necessary to enter or win. Contest is void where prohibited. Participants must be of the age of majority in their state of residence.

4) Two year services agreement required. Additional terms and conditions apply. See store representatives for details.

5) Screen size is approximate and measured diagonally

6) Facts and features are subject to change without notice and/or may vary depending on local variant.

7) Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market.

8) Compatibility of Bluetooth(TM) devices varies.

About Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson is a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in all major markets. Our vision is to become the industry leader in Communication Entertainment; where new styles of communicating through the internet and social media, become entertainment. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through phones, accessories, content and applications. For more information please visit: www.sonyericsson.com.

Liquid Identity and Liquid Energy logos and Equinox are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony, “make.believe”, and VAIO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is a trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. Facebook is the trademark of Facebook, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark or a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. and any use of such mark by Sony Ericsson is under license. YouTube is a trademark or registered trademark of Google, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2009 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications International AB Inc.

SOURCE Sony Ericsson

Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies

There is cool and then there is cool. Alright, I guess this isn’t that cool — it seems sort of dangerous, after all — but it’s still neat. Neat is a good way to describe iDriver, an iPhone app that turns regular automobiles into full size remote control cars. Yup. Full. Size. Remote. Control. Cars.

Currently, it only works with the specially rigged van seen in the video above. There are buttons for accelerating and braking, along with a steering wheel that uses the iPhone’s accelerometer capabilities. The app communicates with the van via Wi-Fi, giving the “driver” the ability to “drive” remotely with visual assistance provided from the live video streaming from the van’s rooftop camera. (Greg’s note: Lag kills. In this case, lag kills pedestrians.)

In case you are wondering, iDriver is not commercially available, yet (and who knows if it will ever be…doubtful). It was developed by researchers from the artificial intelligence team at the Free University of Berlin and was created by mobile phone software developers at Appirion UG.

If for some reason full size remote control cars are not your thing, maybe you would prefer NerdKits DIY iPhone remote controlled R/C car project instead. Either way, happy iMotoring.

[via Telegraph]

Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies

This is really good news for anyone who has been following the ‘universal phone charger‘ story. The ITU joins the GSMA and the CTIA, which jumped on board earlier this month, in making a universal mobile phone charger that much closer to becoming a reality. Hooray for cooperation!

According to the ITU:

Every mobile phone user will benefit from the new Universal Charging Solution (UCS), which enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model. In addition to dramatically cutting the number of chargers produced, shipped and subsequently discarded as new models become available, the new standard will mean users worldwide will be able to charge their mobiles anywhere from any available charger, while also reducing the energy consumed while charging.

Not only will the new universal charger be more convenient and save consumers (some) cash, but they are also more environmentally friendly. Malcolm Johnson, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), said: “This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging, which also has the benefit of making mobile phone use more straightforward.” The new, universal chargers are based on the Micro-USB interface, and will include a 4-star or higher efficiency rating – up to three times more energy-efficient than an unrated charger.

[via CNET]

Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies