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Virgin Mobile has announced that it is set to launch PCD's Venture handset. The budget-focused Android device brings a basic set of hardware features, centering around a 2.8-inch touchscreen that sits above a hardware QWERTY keyboard.
(Update: photos fixed) PCD's booth at CTIA inadvertently gave away Pantech's plans for a budget messaging phone on Verizon. The Caper is a prepaid phone explicitly aimed at "your 'tween or teen mobile user" with a candybar QWERTY shape. Most of the details haven't been mentioned, but a 1.3-megapixel back camera and a 2.2-inch display make it an unmistakable starter phone.
Wi-Lan on Friday arranged for a last-minute delay in the trial for its 2007 Wi-Fi lawsuit in an attempt to negotiate settlements. The company's complaint will now go to trial on February 2, almost a month later than the originally planned January 4. It wasn't clear which of the companies, including Apple, Best Buy, Dell, HP, Intel, Sony, Texas Instruments and Toshiba, were involved in the talks.
At CTIA today, relative newcomer Cywee has been showing a previously unknown RF wireless video adapter for Apple devices. The as yet unnamed combo sends video at up to 480p widescreen from any iPad, iPhone or iPod with video output through a Dock Connector transmitter to a 5.8GHz receiver that plugs into analog output on the TV. The choice of format produces little lag and could be quick enough for games if the device allows.
Verizon Wireless has introduced three new handsets recently, including the Motorola Barrage, Verizon Razzle and Nokia Shade. The Barrage is the most unique as a ruggedized flip phone that meets the MIL-SPEC standard for resistance to submersion in water for up to 30 minutes as well as humidity, shock, vibration and exposure to sun. It otherwise has push-to-talk functionality and integrates a 2-megapixel camera.
Verizon today added a new USB-based 3G modem intended for world travelers. The PCD-made UWM190 supports EVDO Revision A for its data in most of North America but also has tri-band HSPA for 3G in the Americas, Europe and much of Asia. Its unique trick is a sliding cover that protects the swiveling USB connector when it's not in use.
AT&T is pulling its Quickfire messaging phone at least temporarily from shelves, Electronista can confirm through an AT&T spokesman. The company has issued a note asking stores to pull the PCD-made slider from shelves and demo booths due to quality concerns and hasn't said if or when it expects the device to return.
Announced roughly one month ago, AT&T's Quickfire started shipping on Monday. The PCD-made phone features a sliding touchscreen that reveals a full QWERTY keyboard to make text messaging and typing quicker, along with a 1.3-megapixel camera. The handset supports HSPA-based 3G data networks and can take advantage of AT&T's Napster Mobile and eMusic Mobile download services. The handset includes an aGPS sensor and can deliver driving direction via AT&T's Navigator service.
AT&T today delved into messaging-focused feature phones with four new devices. The Pantech Matrix (pictured) is the spiritual descendant of the Duo and carries the same dual slider that switches either to a full QWERTY keyboard or a number pad. It also carries a similar 1.3-megapixel camera and supports 3G audio and video streaming plus the carrier's music store downloads. It comes in blue, green and red trim and is priced at $80 on a two-year plan or $280 while contract-free.
A new handset from PCD, the cellular phone division of UTStarcom, is coming soon to AT&T, now branded under the Quickfire name, according to a Thursday Engadget report. Previously unveiled as the Knick, the Sidekick-like handset hides a full QWERTY keyboard behind its sliding color screen, and will support HSPA 3G data networks. It will support mobile TV and have assisted GPS capabilities and can navigate via AT&T's Navigator service.
Virgin Mobile today bore the first fruits of its takeover of Helio by introducing the Personal Communication Devices (formerly UTStarCom) Shuttle. The device is Virgin's first 3G phone and uses the faster EVDO network for several features that are either borrowed from Helio or were previously inaccessible to Virgin's phones, including quick access to multiple social networks as well as Buddy Beacon for finding friends and YouTube for web video.
