touchscreen

2008 Year in Review: The iPhone 3G and iPhone clones

Phil Goldstein — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:38:40 -0500

The news: AT&T Mobility launched the Apple's iPhone 3G July 11, ushering in a new era of high-speed data capable smartphones. Apple's second-generation iPhone, which featured the same sleek look and innovative touchscreen user interface of the first-gen iPhone, now offered consumers the ability to surf the Web using AT&T's HSPA network and that sparked a flurry of iPhone clones.

T-Mobile USA jumped into the ring post-iPhone 3G, with the launch of the G1, the first phone based on Google's Android platform, which boasted a touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard. Then came the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, formerly known as the Tube. Verizon Wireless followed up shortly thereafter with the Motorola Krave ZN4--billed as both a touchscreen phone and a flip phone.

Then, the deluge came: the Samsung Epix (AT&T); the HTC Touch Pro, a soup-ed up version of the HTC Touch Diamond (Sprint Nextel); the $800 Sony Ericsson Xperia X1; the Samsung Saga (Verizon) and Samsung Eternity (AT&T); Research In Motion's BlackBerry Storm--the first touchscreen BlackBerry (Verizon); the Samsung Omnia (Verizon); and the Nokia N97.

Why it was significant: It is easy to pronounce this or that as a paradigm shift, but the launch of the iPhone 3G truly was one. The genius lay behind its marketing, with each 30-second ad almost like an infomercial for how to use the multiple features and applications of the iPhone 3G, and then, at the end, reminding customers that it was a phone, too. Apple marketed the iPhone 3G as a mobile computer and digital media player first, and a phone second. And other handset makers felt they had to follow suit, launching a bevy of sleek phones with touchscreen UI's. While each pretender to the throne was looking to be an iPhone-Killer, so far the iPhone 3G remains at the top, simply by virtue that no other handset has achieved the same kind of brand recognition that the iPhone 3G has.

Nokia launches latest iPhone rival, the N97

Phil Goldstein — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:05:13 -0500

Nokia jumped into the touchscreen phone game by releasing the N97, a touchscreen phone with a slideout Qwerty keyboard that is similar to the T-Mobile G1.

Nokia unveiled the phone at a company event in Barcelona. The HSDPA phone has WiFi capability, A-GPS and Bluetooth. The phone also has a 5 megapixel camera, "DVD quality" video capture of up to 350 frames-per-second and 32GB of onboard memory (with a microSD slot that makes the phone capable of holding 48GB). The N97 also syncs with Nokia's Ovi web portal and runs with an updated version of Nokia maps, which includes 3D landmarks, and allows users to install widgets on the phones homescreen linking to applications.

Nokia has slated the phone to ship in the first half of 2009, and will retail at $699 before any taxes, rebates or subsidies. The handset maker has not said what U.S. wireless carrier will carry the phone.

Also today, Nokia officially acquired Symbian Limited and said it was given acceptance of more than 99.9 percent of the Symbian shares it did not already own.

For more:
- see this article (sub. req.)
- see this pic
- see this release
- see this release on Symbian
- see this video demo

Related Articles:
Nokia continues Ovi web services push
Nokia releases the Tube, now the 5800 XpressMusic
Nokia cuts Q4 handset, networks outlook

Verizon to offer Motorola Krave ZN4 exclusively

Phil Goldstein — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:57:35 -0400

It's a touchscreen phone. It's a flip phone. It's a touchscreen phone and a flip phone.

At an online media event this morning, Motorola released their rumored new flip phone, the Krave ZN4, to be sold exclusively through Verizon Wireless.

The CDMA EV-DO 800/1900 MHz phone has a clear flip cover over the actual phone, allowing users to access touch features while the flip is still down. The phone comes with an accelerometer, like in Apple's iPhone 3G, and allows for video viewing in landscape view. Also like the iPhone, a digital QWERTY keyboard appears when the phone is turn horizontally. It also has Verizon's OpenWave HTML browser.

Besides some of the standard Verizon features like V Cast TV, Rhapsody Music and VZ Navigator GPS Service, the phone has digital voicemail service, where users can pause and rewind messages. It also has a basic email service that has access to Yahoo, AOL, Windows Live and other POP/IMAP clients. It has a 2 megapixel camera, an external microSD slot with availability for up to 8GB of memory (130MB comes standard) and stereo Bluetooth.

The phone is priced at $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year service contract. The phone retails for $349.99.

For more:
- the phone's specs

Related Articles:
Verizon rolls out new Motorola handsets
Verizon debuts a slew of new devices

Verizon debuts the LG Dare for $200

Sue Marek — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:45:15 -0400

Starting tomorrow, Verizon Wireless will begin selling the LG Dare, a new media phone with a 3.2-megapixel camera and high quality video recording, for $200 for a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract. If that $200 pricetag sounds familiar that's because it's the same price as AT&T's highly anticipated 3G iPhone, which will go on sale July 11.

Like other iPhone-type phones, the Dare has a touchscreen and uses Verizon's EVDO network. In addition, it has many of the high-end features you'd expect such as Verizon's VZ Navigator service, SMS and MMS. In addition, the Dare streams video from Verizon's VCAST service, syncs with Windows Media Player on PCs, and lets you download music over the air from Verizon's music store.

For more:
- see this article
- see this image of the LG Dare

Related articles:
Can Sprint make a cheaper iPhone?
Samsung tries to steal iPhone's thunder

Rogers will sell HSPA version of HTC Shift

Sue Marek — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:39:42 -0400

Canadian operator Rogers Wireless will begin selling the HSPA version of the HTC Shift X9501 device. The Shift, known as a "data powerhouse" is available for $1,599.99 with a three-year contract and a minimum data plan of $50 per month.

The Shift is powered by Windows Vista and offers push email. The smartphone has multimedia capability and uses Windows Media Player 11 to give subscribers access to music, video and photos. It features a 7-inch touchscreen and a 40 gigabyte hard drive.

Rogers says that within three months it will offer a software upgrade to HTC Shift users that will provide TeleNav LBS capabilities.

For more:
- see this release

Related stories:
HTC launches Windows Mobile powered Diamond. See this HTC story.

Sprint's iPhone killer to debut June 20

Sue Marek — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:02:09 -0400

The rumors are true. Sprint confirmed that it will debut the Samsung Instinct on June 20. The phone, which has been pegged as the carrier's answer to the iPhone, is expected to cost between $200 and $300 and will be available initially to Sprint's "Simply Everything" rate plan customers.

The EV-DO Rev. A phone features a camera, video camera, music player and a turn-by-turn navigation. It comes with a touchscreen and has Web browsing capabilities. Click here to check out pictures of the Instinct.

For more:
-See this story

Related stories:
Sprint's iPhone-killer: Hardly a killer Instinct? See this Instinct editor's corner.
Sprint Wireless Toolkit 3.3 debuts. See this Samsung Instinct piece.

Dior follows in Prada's footsteps with fashion phone

Sue Marek — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:12:56 -0400

Luxury designer Christian Dior is following in the footsteps of Prada and Dolce & Gabbana by unveiling a line of high-end mobile phones priced around $5,000. The phones will be manufactured by ModeLabs Group and are expected to be particularly popular with consumers in China and Russia. Dior expects to sell about 10,000 of the pricey devices per year.

The first Dior phone is a clamshell device with a touchscreen and camera. The designer also plans to offer a miniature phone headset the size of a USB key so that women can clip the phone to their purse instead of rummaging through their bags to find their phones. More specifics on the device haven't been released yet. Are you ready to spend $5,000 on a phone without knowing more details?

Rof more:
- see this WSJ article

Click here to see pictures of the Dior phone.

Brace yourself. Round two of the iPhone hype is coming

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:59:59 -0400

Brace yourself. Round two of the iPhone hype is coming

Much to the chagrin of operators and mobile-phone vendors, it appears the hype surrounding the iPhone will be repeating itself this summer. Analysts are expecting Apple CEO Steve Jobs to unveil the 3G iPhone at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins June 9. It will be another summer dominated by Apple and AT&T, which, by the way, reported average iPhone ARPUs are in the mid to upper $90 range.

That means the clock is ticking for all of those iPhone competitors coming to market. Sprint is planning to launch the touchscreen Samsung Instinct in June with a marketing campaign surrounding the launch that will be one of the biggest campaigns the operator has ever had. It's clear Sprint is banking its success in devices on the Instinct, but the device still has a few bugs to work out before the summer and the carrier has yet to announce a price point.

And Nokia has unveiled its answer to the iPhone: a touchscreen handset that is both Java and Flash-enabled and currently code-named Tube. While the handset maker has not disclosed any details about the timing of the launch of the device, reports claim the company plans to launch it before the 3G iPhone drops.

Evidently AT&T is delaying the launch of RIM's long-awaited 3G BlackBerry Curve handset until August because of concerns stemming from a technical glitch. The device was supposed to launch in June.

If this latest rumor is true, and Apple announces the 3G iPhone in early June, then these competitors only have a narrow window of opportunity to get their message out there before all consumers and columnists talk about is the new-and-improved iPhone. Granted, I've said before that iPhone competitors will have a difficult time competing with the iconic device itself, but that doesn't mean these companies aren't creating a market vibrant with competition. However, even that effect and possibly millions in marketing dollars could be washed away if these competitors look to launch their marketing campaigns head-to-head with the second round of the iPhone hype. -Lynnette

SPOTLIGHT: Another look at Neonode's N2

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:52 -0400

As Neonode's N2 draws closer to a reported U.S. launch during the second half of this year, take a look at the tiny touchscreen phone that made use of the swipe gesture back when the iPhone was still learning to visualize voicemail.

See the slideshow

Hands-on with Sony Ericsson's Xperia

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:59:54 -0400

Just about the most hyped handset to come out of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, a white labeled HTC phone, comes equipped with a hiptop-style slideout keypad that has a gliding motion to it. The device runs Windows Mobile 6.1 but manages to cover up the OS with a number of user-selectable custom skins--including one for Google users and one for world travelers. The UI runs on a 800 x 400 resolution touchscreen that was running slowly during our demo at CTIA, but Sony Ericsson has yet to announce a release date for the handset outside of "late 2008."

For more on the Xperia X1:
- see this photo slideshow

Hands on with the LG VU

Mike Dolan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:09:19 -0400

AT&T didn't have a whole lot of high-profile launches this year, aside from the LG VU, the company's flagship Mobile TV device. It sports a full touchscreen, haptics feedback and an easy to navigate UI. Click here to see the photo slideshow...

Can Sprint make a cheaper iPhone?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:59:58 -0400

Sprint is taking on Verizon Wireless' LG Voyager as well as AT&T's Apple iPhone with a new touchscreen phone that launched yesterday: the Samsung Instinct.

"This is certainly the biggest device that we will launch this year," David Owens, director of product commercialization at Sprint said. "We built it through a partnership with Samsung and even hired an expert to help us with UI design."

Sprint sought out the European design experts at Icon Mobile, because the current approach has not worked, Owens said.

"Icon Mobile helped us with the icons and other parts of the UI, but Sprint took a more aggressive role than we ever have in designing this device," Owens said. "It's the most aggressive push into UI I've seen by a carrier, and I spent 18 years at AT&T." Sprint conceded that the iPhone exposed a weakness in the market: user interface, so the carrier decided it needed to build a UI consistent with the iPhone experience, while creating a device that leverages the capability of Sprint's Rev. A network.

The carrier plans to launch the device in June and the marketing campaign surrounding the launch will be the biggest campaign Sprint has had by a factor of two or three times, Owens said. It's clear Sprint is banking its success in devices on the Instinct, but the device still has a few bugs to work out before the summer and the carrier has yet to announce a pricepoint.

A spokesperson for Sprint said the carrier has decided to sell the device for less than $299.99 and wants to push it as close to $200 as margins will allow. That would make for a mid-range iPhone clone with nice touches like localized haptics feedback (powered by Immersion), visual voicemail, a 2MP camera and an included 2GB microSD card.

"Sorry, Voyager. [Sprint's] not going to sell our subscribers a $299.99 phone and not give them any memory," Owens quipped. -Brian

For more on the Instinct:
- check out this slideshow over at FierceMobileEnterprise
- check out other new technology on show in this photo slideshow

Can Sprint make a cheaper iPhone?

Brian Dolan — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:38:24 -0400

Sprint is taking on Verizon Wireless' LG Voyager as well as AT&T's Apple iPhone with a new touchscreen phone that launched today: the Samsung Instinct.

"This is certainly the biggest device that we will launch this year," David Owens, director of product commercialization at Sprint said. "We built it through a partnership with Samsung and even hired an expert to help us with UI design."

Sprint sought out the European design experts at Icon Mobile, because the current approach has not worked, Owens said.

"Icon Mobile helped us with the icons and other parts of the UI, but Sprint took a more aggressive role than we ever have in designing this device," Owens said. "It's the most aggressive push into UI I've seen by a carrier, and I spent 18 years at AT&T." Sprint conceded that the iPhone exposed a weakness in the market: user interface, so the carrier decided it needed to build a UI consistent with the iPhone experience, while creating a device that leverages the capability of Sprint's Rev. A network.

The carrier plans to launch the device in June and the marketing campaign surrounding the launch will be the biggest campaign Sprint has had by a factor of two or three times, Owens said. It's clear Sprint is banking its success in devices on the Instinct, but the device still has a few bugs to work out before the summer and the carrier has yet to announce a pricepoint.

A spokesperson for Sprint said the carrier has decided to sell the device for less than $299.99 and wants to push it as close to $200 as margins will allow. That would make for a mid-range iPhone clone with nice touches like localized haptics feedback (powered by Immersion), visual voicemail, a 2MP camera and an included 2GB microSD card.

"Sorry, Voyager. [Sprint's] not going to sell our subscribers a $299.99 phone and not give them any memory," Owens quipped.

HTC's Android device named Dream?

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:59:54 -0400

HTC is developing a handset called "Dream" that runs Google's Android software, according to a report from InfoWorld. The handset is reportedly 5 inches long and 3 inches wide with a large touchscreen and a full QWERTY keypad that slides out from underneath the screen. It should hit store shelves by the end of this year.

As we noted last week, the handset makers and carriers involved in Google's Open Handset Alliance are probably going to start releasing launch dates and device specs for Android-powered phones at next week's CTIA Wireless conference.

For more on HTC's Dream:
- read this article from InfoWorld

Related Articles:
Google unveils updated Android SDK Article
T-Mobile International CEO on Android Article
Google: Android to outsell iPhone Article

Rumor Mill: Sprint to carry Samsung haptics phone

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:59:54 -0500

Samsung is launching a touchscreen handset called the F490 in Europe that features a 3.2" touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900), UMTS 2100, HSDPA 3.6, 130Mb of storage, Bluetooth 2.0, haptics feedback and a microSD expansion slot. The handset will cost about $700. Rumor has it that Sprint is set to bring the handset to the U.S. market after the phone undergoes a few tweaks. According to leaked photos, the Sprint version will be called the Samsung SPH-M800, and it will run on CDMA/EV-DO with a 2-megapixel camera in lieu of the F490's 5-megapixel shooter.

For more on the handset:
- read this article from Phone Arena

Will Samsung's patent solve touchscreen issues?

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:59:54 -0500

The blog Unwired View has posted some schematics from a Samsung patent application that indicates the manufacturer may be contemplating using a sliding ruler interface to make navigation much easier. According to the patent application, this will allow users to be able to watch full-screen video and still access control buttons using the sliding ruler.

For more:
- check out the schematic at Unwired View here
- see this comparison of touchscreen phones: photo roundup

Verizon Wireless' new smartphone; Sprint QChat

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:59:57 -0400

It's already been a busy week for handset launches. Now, Verizon Wireless is launching a couple of smartphones, including the slow-to-launch Samsung SCH-i760 (click to see an image). The handset debuted at CES at the beginning of the year. It features Windows Mobile 6 and is a suped up version of the Samsung BlackJack with a slide-out QWERTY. It also features a touchscreen, integrated WiFi, EVDO, VCast, Bluetooth and a 1.3 megapixel camera. Verizon Wireless is selling the device for $349.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates. Verizon Wireless also announced that it was working with InnoPath to deliver over-the-air (OTA) updates to its subscribers' phones.

Not to be outdone, Sprint Nextel's executives are quietly spreading the news that they plan on offering QChat phones next year. The walkie-talkie handsets make use of Qualcomm's technology. The phones will effectively phase out the Nextel PTT service, which has dominated the PTT industry in the past.

For more on Verizon's handsets and OTA:
- read this press release about the phones
- check this release out about InnoPath
- read this Washington Post article about QChat

The big four launch a handset apiece

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 06:59:57 -0400

With just a few days before the CTIA I.T. & Entertainment conference kicks off, all four of the big carriers in the U.S. have launched handsets today. Sprint launched the HTC Touch. AT&T launched the BlackBerry Curve with GPS. Verizon Wireless launched Samsung's Juke. T-Mobile USA threw a party for its new Sidekick LX. Here's a round-up:

Sprint's HTC Touch: As expected Sprint has launched the HTC Touch just a few days after it launched the Palm Centro. The Touch is so named for its touchscreen that is meant to be used sans stylus. The handset will go on sale November 4 for $250 with a two-year contract with Sprint. Photo

AT&T's BlackBerry Curve 8310 with GPS: Research In Motion and AT&T announced the availability of the Curve with GPS for $199.99 with a two-year contract. The phone comes in two new colors: titanium and red. Photo

Verizon Wireless' Samsung Juke: This music-centric phone boasts an interesting form factor: the phone swivels 180 degrees to reveal the keypad. The Juke will cost $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year contract. Photo

T-Mobile USA throws its new Sidekick LX a party: Since the original Sidekick, T-Mobile USA has courted celebrities to promote its messaging device. The launch party for the LX was no different. According to reports, the new model is the first to allow photos within text messages. The phone drops October 24. Photo | Release

For more on today's handset launches:
- check out this photo gallery

Comparing Touchscreen Phones: Apple iPhone

Mike Dolan — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:05:56 -0400

Apple iPhone has been at the center of technology circle discussions since its announcement in early January 2007. The touchscreen device is an AT&T-serviced phone fused with an iPod, multimedia center, email and Internet connection and most major features common to smartphones.Ã‚Â

< Previous Phone | Next Phone >

More info on the iPhone

Comparing Touchscreen Phones: LG Prada

Mike Dolan — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:53:55 -0400

The handset is a mere 12 mm thin (just shy of Samsung's Ultra Thin 10.7 mm phone) with a 3.0 inch wide LCD screen, a 2.0 megapixel camera and an MP3 player. It boasts USB v. 2, EDGE tri-band, BlueTooth 2.0 and GPRS connectability. One of the breakout features of the phone is that it's "buttonless," meaning is makes use of a touchscreen (no stylus.)

< Back to intro | Next Phone >

More info on the LG Prada