The Cell Phone Junkie

Sprint Thursday announced the ZTE Optic, an Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet.  The device features a 1280 by 800 7-inch screen, dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor at 1.2GHz, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 4,000 mAh battery and 3G connectivity.  The device will be released on Sprint for $99 on contract, and is being released Sunday February 5^th.

Press Release:

ZTE Optik is an Android Tablet Offering Sprint Customers a Combination E-reader, Media Player and
Portable Computing Device at an Affordable Price

Available beginning Feb. 5, ZTE Optik boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android 3.2, Honeycomb, and dual cameras for under $100

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & RICHARDSON, Texas – Feb. 2, 2012 – Beginning on Sunday, Feb. 5, Sprint (NYSE:S) will introduce its first tablet for under $100, ZTE Optik™, a Sprint 3G tablet featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display with WXGA 1280×800 resolution and pinch-to-zoom, Android™ 3.2, Honeycomb, and dual cameras.

ZTE Optik will be available through Sprint direct ship sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and online (www.sprint.com) for just $99.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. It will also be available without a service agreement for $349.99, and business customers may qualify for special pricing. (All pricing excludes tax.)

“Sprint is committed to delivering exceptional value and feature-rich devices to our customers,” said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “ZTE Optik packs great features for under $100. When this device is combined with our Tablet Connection plans, customers can easily keep their personal and professional lives organized, stay connected with their social networks and get things done while on the go.”

Powered by Android 3.2, Honeycomb, the version of Android designed specifically for tablets, ZTE Optik is a dynamic e-reader, media player and portable computing device. It features a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^® processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that allows the user to get work done or stay entertained surfing the web, playing games and watching videos with Adobe^® Flash^® enabled websites. It has two cameras – a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera that enables video chat.

“ZTE Optik is ZTE’s first tablet in North America and makes the tablet experience available to a new segment of consumers,” said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA and president, North America Region, ZTE. “Paired with Sprint’s cutting-edge network, ZTE Optik provides an exceptional user experience to consumers who demand affordability, flexibility and mobility in one package.”

For those that want to get more out of their tablet, ZTE Optik provides access to Android Market™, which features more than 400,000 useful apps, games and widgets. Additional key features of ZTE Optik include:

• Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Books™ and YouTube™
• Wi-Fi^® (802.11 b/g)
• Swype™
• Integrated GPS
• 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery
• Expandable memory slot, supporting up to a 32GB microSD card (not included)
• Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm headset
• Sprint Zone, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Plus, Sprint Navigation, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile^SM

ZTE Optik can be activated on one of Sprint’s Tablet Connection plans. Sprint offers four plans designed specifically for tablets, starting at $19.99 for 1GB of data, $34.99 for 3GB of data, $49.99 for 6GB of data and $79.99 for 12GB of data.¹ (All pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.) Customers are able to view their data usage by logging into My Sprint at www.sprint.com.

ZTE Optik can also be used as a Mobile Hotspot allowing up to five users to simultaneously surf the web using Wi-Fi^®. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month and utilizes data in the customer’s tablet plan. (All pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).

Source: Sprint

BGR Wednesday posted images from someone claiming to have an iPad 3, which claim to confirm a quad-core A6 processor and LTE in Apple’s next tablet.

A source claiming to be in possession of an iPad 3 prototype provided BGR with images containing details about Apple’s highly anticipated third-generation tablet. From the data in the photos, which contain the output from an iPad 3 using a development and debug tool called iBoot, we can infer plenty of information about the upcoming iPad 3.

The chip that is listed is the A6 model, with model numbers of J1 and J2 set for two different iPads.  One model would be WiFi only, and the other, a LTE/CDMA/GSM variant.  No announcement yet from Apple on when the next iPad will be announced.

Source: BGR

Samsung reiterated what we’ve already heard this week, that we shouldn’t expect a new Galaxy S device to be announced at Mobile World Congress.  Speaking to TechRadar:

“Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.

“The successor to the Galaxy S2 smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product.

“Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world.”

Mobile Word Congress occurs from February 27th through March 1st in Barcelona, Spain, where a number of new devices will likely be launched.

Source: TechRadar via Android Central

CrackBerry Tuesday posted an image of an unannounced, unreleased device that appears to be the first BlackBerry 10 smartphone.  As we’ve heard, this is being called the “London” internally, and it features a monoblock black slab that’s all touchscreen.  CrackBerry says they’re hearing the device processor is still undetermined, but both Qualcomm and TI are being considered for a 1.5GHz dual-core unit.

Source: CrackBerry

Sprint Tuesday announced the upcoming availability for Kyocera DuraPlus, the latest device with Sprint’s Direct Connect.  The DuraPlus is an ultra-rugged device with military-grade durability, a 1650mAh and a built-in flashlight in a candy-bar form factor. The device will be available in the first half of the year. Pricing and exact availability will be announced closer to launch.  Sprint is targeting the device at the construction, public safety and utility industries.

Press Release:

Overland Park, Kan., and San Diego – Jan. 31, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Kyocera Communications Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of Kyocera DuraPlus, an ultra-rugged device with military-grade durability, a long-lasting battery and a powerful built-in flashlight.

As the newest Sprint^® Direct Connect^® device, Kyocera DuraPlus offers a candy-bar form factor with a flat, stable bottom, ideal for convenient accessibility in vehicle mounts and freestanding operation. Kyocera DuraPlus will be available in the first half of the year. Pricing and exact availability will be announced closer to launch.  

“Kyocera DuraPlus is the ideal device for use in the construction, public safety and utility industries that demand devices that stand up to the toughest work conditions while delivering industry-leading push-to-talk capabilities,” said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “This device is a dynamite addition to our Sprint Direct Connect portfolio, and we know our customers will appreciate the benefits of instant communication on a device that can withstand tough environments.”

Joining Kyocera DuraMax and Kyocera DuraCore in Kyocera’s Dura Series that specialize in handling the abuse of harsh working conditions, Kyocera DuraPlus is the ultimate communication tool for a variety of industries, including construction and transportation. It is certified to Military Standard 810G for resistance to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain and water immersion (up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water).

The handset also features an embedded LED flashlight with a dedicated power button to help navigate power outages, read blueprints in unlit areas or for emergency response personnel working in dark conditions. A robust, front-ported speakerphone also provides excellent sound quality in noisy environments and remote speaker microphone jack allowing customers to use their phones with a heavy-duty remote speaker/microphone (sold separately; available exclusively from Sprint in the coming months).

Kyocera DuraPlus comes with a powerful 1650 mAh battery offering up to 9.5 hours of talk time; an optional 2300 mAh extended battery (sold separately) will also be available from Sprint for users who need even more battery life. An external charging port enables the device to be used with a single or multi-bay charging station (sold separately). This is especially helpful for businesses that issue devices to shift workers, such as shuttle drivers or security personnel.

“Kyocera designed DuraPlus from the ground up with demanding industrial and enterprise customers in mind,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Communications. “Simple things like an LED flashlight, multi-bay charging, freestanding operation and the ability to use application-specific accessories go a long way toward better productivity on the jobsite and out in the field.”

Sprint Direct Connect is a portfolio of push-to-talk services that allow individuals and groups to get more done – quickly and easily with just the push of a button. Among the initial Sprint Direct Connect services:

• Sprint Direct Connect – Instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide on the Sprint network, with any other Direct Connect subscriber. Direct Connect is the core push-to-talk feature and is designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms.
• Guaranteed Talk Permit – The assurance that when you hear the push-to-talk “chirp,” your call was successfully transmitted.
• Call Alert with Text – Send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why.
• Group Connect^® – Communicate with up to 20 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers all at once – nationwide, at the push of one button.
• TeamDC^SM – Communicate with up to 200 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers at the same time nationwide.
• NextMail^® – Send a recorded message to any email worldwide or mobile handset via text message by using the Direct Connect button.
• Availability Notification – Request the availability status of another push-to-talk member and, if they are busy, request a notification when they are free.
• One-Touch Direct Connect – Allows quick access to multiple direct connect options.

With more than 18 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in push-to-talk, serving the world’s largest push-to-talk community of customers. Last year, Sprint launched Sprint Direct Connect, the industry’s next generation of push-to-talk service on its broadband CDMA network. The new service will expand customers’ push-to-talk coverage, broadband data capabilities, and enable new push-to-talk features.

AT&T Monday verified early reports that the Galaxy Note would be coming out starting February 19^th for $299.99 with two year agreement.   The Note features a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, AT&T’s LTE network and S Pen technology.  Pre-orders will begin February 5^th.

Also, for those in Canada, Best Buy revealed Monday that the LTE version of the tablet-phone will come to Telus and Bell for C$249.99 on February 14th with a three-year contract. Pre-orders started Monday, though interested customers will have to visit a store to place the order.

Press Release:

CREATE, CAPTURE AND SHARE IN NEW WAYS WITH THE SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE, AVAILABLE FROM AT&T FEB. 19

AT&T’s Latest 4G LTE Device Offers Customers a New Way to Communicate and Collaborate

DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2012 –

Key Facts

·         Previously announced at AT&T’s Developer Summit leading up to the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.

·         Customers excited to get their hands on this dream device even earlier can pre-order at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or any AT&T company-owned retail store beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 for delivery by Feb. 17.

·         The Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and advanced technology in the S Pen™ — delivering an all-in-one device that allows users to work more efficiently and maintain productivity, while communicating in a unique, personal way.

·         Galaxy Note boasts the world’s first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280×800), one of the largest screens on a smartphone, for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out.  With the expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, customers can take full advantage of the large display, to create and consume more.

·         The Galaxy Note includes a highly advanced tool called the S Pen, which delivers fast, responsive and precise control to create fine lines and detail on the device display, much like an ink pen and pad of paper.  With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting.

·         S Memo™, a multimedia application designed to capture all forms of user-created content captured by the S Pen, allows for pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings to be combined via a single application, converted to a ‘memo’, and shared as desired.

·         It also includes a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The calendar integrates the phone’s to-do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping customers comprehensively organize their lives.

·         An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, which can also be annotated with the S Pen before being saved or shared.

·         Users can communicate in personal, creative ways expanding beyond traditional sharing methods with the Galaxy Note.

Accessories

The Galaxy Note features a unique portfolio of custom designed optional accessories including:

·         Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home

·         Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution

·         Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.

·         Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.

The Galaxy Note is also compatible with the following universal accessories:  Micro USB Adapter, HDTV Smart Adapter, Car Power Charger with Detachable Data Cable (Micro USB), Micro USB Data Cable, Travel Charger (Detachable with USB to Micro USB Cable), and the premium Refined Sound wired headset.

Pre-Orders

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 customers will have the option to pre-order the Note at http://www.att.comgalaxynote or by visiting an AT&T company-owned retail store.  Pre-orders processed by Feb. 15 will arrive by Feb. 17 at customers’ homes.

Source: BGR

Samsung Monday announced the Galaxy S Advance, a new device for the international market that falls somewhere between the first and second Galaxy S lines.  Known as the GT-i9070, the device features a dual-core 1GHz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 4-inch 800 by 480 display, 5MP rear and 1.3MP front cameras, Nexus-style curved display, 16GB of storage, with 768MB of RAM and a 14.4Mbps HSPA radio.  The Galaxy S Advance will ship initially to Russia next month followed by Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and China.  No pricing was given.

Then on Wednesday, UK Independent retailer MobileFun said stock is expected on Monday, Feb. 6.   The retailer says pricing will be £349.99 off-contract.

Press Release:

Samsung offers style and power with GALAXY S Advance

January 30, 2012

Latest addition to Android-powered GALAXY portfolio delivers sleek curved design with Dual Core performance

SEOUL, Korea – January 30, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S Advance. Designed for those who define themselves by the phone they carry, the GALAXY S Advance strikes a balance of style, power and performance. It will be available in Russia starting from February, and then be gradually rolled out in CIS, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Latin America and China.

“The GALAXY S Advance adds to the successful track record of the GALAXY smartphone range with a phone that combines power and style with all the versatility of Samsung’s Hub services,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

Dual Core performance, curved design and Super AMOLED display

Powered by a dual core 1.0 GHz processor and HSPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, the GALAXY S Advance has been built with power and connectivity in mind, delivering great versatility and a highly responsive user interface for easy multitasking. Application start-ups are faster with virtually no lag time, and the user experience is boosted with smoother screen transitions, faster image processing, and enhanced Web download and browsing performance.

The GALAXY S Advance’s curved glass design enhances handling of the phone and fits the user’s facial form easily and naturally. Its 4.0″ Super AMOLED display provides the stunning visuals users have come to expect of Samsung GALAXY smartphones, offering unparalleled color reproduction and ensuring that photos and videos captured with the device’s 5MP camera can be enjoyed with vivid clarity.

The Samsung user experience

Running on Android Gingerbread and featuring Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface, the GALAXY S Advance enables users to stay connected through the Samsung Hubs and ChatON services. Music Hub offers a full music store experience with access to over 11 million tracks and the ability to fully personalize users’ own music catalogues. Readers Hub offers access to over 2.3 million e-books, 3,500 magazine and 200 newspaper titles; while the hugely popular Game Hub offers access to thousands of catalogued games supplemented by gamer news feeds and news.

Samsung’s cross platform communication service, ChatON connects all phone users into a single community using phone numbers instead of usernames and passwords, provides aneasy instant messaging, group chatting and sharing of content in multiple formats-images, video, voice, contacts, calendar-to make messaging simpler and more intuitive than ever.

The GALAXY S Advance also features Find My Mobile, a unique lost-phone management system that ensures secure phone data encryption in case of phone loss, and that enables users to trace their lost phone directly via the Web or even delete the device’s data remotely.

Source: Engadget and MobileFun

BGR posted this week information from what they say is AT&T’s 2012 roadmap.  Highlights from the first quarter include the Nokia Lumia 900, the Samsung Galaxy Note and the Titan II.  Starting with the Lumia, the sources say the device is set to launch on March 18^th, and will be $99.99 on contract.  Next, the Samsung Galaxy Note is currently slated for a February 18^th release at a price of $299.99.  Finally, the HTC Titan II will also be released on March 18^th, reportedly for $199.99.

Other devices set for release include the Samsung Rugby Smart, and the AT&T Fusion, both Android entry level devices for $100 and $125 respectively.  Finally, the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD, the Samsung Exhilarate and Sony Xperia ion, are all expected, though pricing and availability are still unknown.

Source: BGR(1) BGR(2) BGR(3)

BGR Tuesday reported that RIM will be launching new Curves, an HSPA+ PlayBook and two BlackBerry 10 devices over the next year.  Per the report:

• RIM plans to introduce two new Curve smartphones within the next few months: the BlackBerry Curve 9320 and the BlackBerry Curve 9220. The 9220 will be an EDGE smartphone and the Curve 9320 will be an HSPA device.
• While we don’t have confirmation on the size, we have heard that RIM will introduce a new PlayBook tablet with 1.5GHz processor, built-in HSPA+ 42Mbps cellular data support and NFC around May or June.
• RIM’s BlackBerry London is still on track for a September launch.
• There is now another BlackBerry 10 smartphone in the works that will launch as part of RIM’s Bold series. The phone features a touchscreen display and QWERTY keyboard, and it is planned for a December release.
• A QWERTY slider running BlackBerry 10 has been talked about for the first quarter of 2013.

The report says that BlackBerry 7 legacy devices will be launched in emerging and global markets throughout the year, leading up to the first BlackBerry 10 handset later this year.

Source: BGR and BGR