A new study from ABI Research today notes that iPhone users are much more likely to actually use their Wi-Fi than on rival devices. About 75 percent of all those who have one of Apple's phones are using their Wi-Fi "regularly," while only about 10 percent of those with HTC phones are using theirs. This comes despite 80 percent of HTC's devices having 802.11b or g built-in.
After a low-key launch over a week ago, Rogers today officially posted the BlackBerry Curve 8900 online. The third-generation Curve is designed to more closely resemble the BlackBerry Bold and gets the higher-end model's very high-resolution 480x360 display, GPS and Wi-Fi while dropping 3G and adding a sharper 3.2-megapixel camera. In Rogers trim, it supports the carrier's Talkspot service for Wi-Fi calling and comes preloaded with a portal to download certain third-party apps.
Rogers today became the second North American carrier to pick up the BlackBerry Pearl Flip. The clamshell carries the same updated BlackBerry OS, two-megapixel camera and EDGE data of the stock Flip but takes advantage of its built-in Wi-Fi for Rogers' TalkSpot calling service, which like T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home bridges calls between GSM and Wi-Fi to save on calling time or to improve reception indoors. As always, the short-range wireless also serves as a faster alternative to EDGE for data.
RIM has given the Kickstart a more definitive name and could launch it well ahead of its Javelin, a pair of leaks suggest today. A Rogers product sheet obtained by BlackBerry Cool now appears to confirm the use of Kickstart as only a codename and that the final phone will ship as the Pearl 8220, positioning it as a replacement for the Pearl 8100 series. The tip also confirms support for Rogers' Talkspot Wi-Fi calling and also hints at a lower price of $50 with a three-year plan when the device ships in September for the Canadian carrier.
