T-Mobile release scheduled revealed: Blackberry 8900 included

This screenshot of T-Mobile’s internal release schedule reveals pink’s upcoming lineup for the first two months of 2009 and T-Mobile well, February is most definitely your month T-Mobile people! You’ve got two major handsets dropping on the 18th: the 8 megapixel Samsung Memoir and yes, that’s right, the highly anticipated BlackBerry Curve 8900. Can you hold out another month and a half? Here’s what you’re looking at over the next two months:

January 21: Sony Ericsson TM506 in scarlett
January 21: Nokia 7510
January 28: T-Mobile Shadow
February 4: Motorola Renew
February 4: Samsung t119
February 18: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900
February 18: Samsung Memoir

Samsung to Build Its Own WiMax, LTE Chips

Samsung is taking steps to begin fabricating its own WiMax and LTE chips for cell phones and other devices, according to the EETimes. Samsung said the move is being taken, in part, to eliminate the licensing fees it pays to chipmaker Qualcomm. Getting rid of the licensing fees could reduce the cost of Samsung's handsets. Samsung already has a fabrication plant located in Texas, and is one of the world's largest suppliers of memory. Samsung did not provide any sort of timeline for the development and fabrication of these chips.

AT&T Selling iPhones for $99

AT&T is currently selling refurbished iPhones on its web site for $50 less than new retail price. Until Dec. 31, the carrier is also offering an extra $50 off, bringing the cost of an iPhone 3G (refurbished, 8 GB) down to $99.

Google Provides Peek at New Android Features

Google has shared a list of new features that will eventually be included as part of the Android platform through its Android Developers Web site. The key upgrades include support for stereo Bluetooth, cut-and-paste capabilities in the browser, and video capture. There are numerous other new features, including the ability to save MMS attachments, new commands in the VoiceDialer application, and better management of downloads. Google didn't say when these changes will be included in a version of Android that is available for download.

Exec: Samsung to Intro Android Phone in Second Quarter 2009

According to an unnamed Samsung executive being quoted in a Korean publication, Samsung is "accelerating the development process for [a] Google phone in order to meet the specific need of local carriers. [Samsung] will be able to release [a] Google phone in the second quarter of the next year in the U.S. market." Samsung Telecommunications America would not confirm the quote's accuracy, but did admit that Samsung is a member of the Open Handset Alliance, and is currently working on products based on the Android platform.

Google Optimizes Search Results for iPhone and G1

Google has further refined the way search results are delivered to the Apple iPhone and the HTC G1 Android phone. From now own, each phone will receive results that are optimized for the device. Google says the results will load faster and are formatted to fit the screen. Users will no longer have to zoom in-and-out or scroll side-to-side. Lastly, Google added buttons that are more finger friendly, and expandable maps for local business results.

AT&T Testing 7.2Mbps Downloads In Chicago

An AT&T spokesperson recently commented that the company has been trialling 7.2Mbps downloads in Chicago, and will boost those speeds to 14.4Mbps in the near future. According to AT&T, it plans to upgrade its existing HSPA network to HSPA+ before transitioning to LTE. Some of AT&T's competitors, such as Verizon Wireless, have indicated that they may begin rolling out their next-generation LTE networks as early as late 2009. Chicago also happens to be one of the markets picked by Clearwire/Sprint for its WiMax network. AT&T didn't say which network technology was being used to reach the 7.2 and 14.4Mbps download speeds, but did say that it expects to begin rolling out its LTE network in some markets within two years.

AT&T offers 3G iphone for activation at home

All you potential iPhone 3G buyers who loathe the thought of having to go into an AT&T store to activate your newly purchased phone can rejoice today as AT&T has finally enabled home activation for the iPhone 3G. This time it is not some convoluted pre-activation process, this is the real deal. Buy the phone online, receive it at your home or office, and activate the phone via iTunes from the comfort of your computer. While we haven’t spoken to any of our ninjas to confirm this yet, we did speak to three customer service reps as well as someone in the office of the President - each confirming that at-home activation is a go. Note that for the time being, it looks like only new account and new line activations apply. Those looking to upgrade your current equipment will still have to head down to a store

T-Mobile Responds to HTC G1 International Roaming Issue

T-Mobile issued a statement today to clear up confusion with respect to the HTC G1's data usage when roaming overseas. The statement reads, in part: "If a T-Mobile customer would like to use their T-Mobile G1 while outside the country, they should contact Customer Care before they leave to ask that the WorldClass feature be added to their service at no additional charge. If they choose, customers can also disable data roaming on the G1." However, some third party applications available for download in the Android Market can turn data roaming back on, negating the "off" setting. Users are warned to check each application to see if and when it requires access to the Internet, and disable it before traveling abroad.

Verizon has been singing, “Give me the green light… I’m ready to go right now,” as its Alltel acquisition has finally been given the official go ahead. After receiving approval from the FCC, Verizon has finally been given the green light by the Federal Trade Commission as well. The FTC has decided to remove the biggest speed bump to the deal, its antitrust review. Although the $5.9 billion dollar merger will make Verizon and Alltel the largest wireless provider in the US combined, the FTC didn’t think there would be any antitrust issues (Verizon is, after all, divesting 100 markets in the US to comply with the FCC). Now after receiving the seal of approval from the FCC, Justice Department and FTC, Verizon is hoping to finalize the deal by late this year or early next year. Verizon surely has its work cut out for it as it’s forking over that $5.9 billion and taking on Alltel’s $22.2 billion in debt - but hey, at least Big Red can claim to be the largest network in the country now.

Samsung 8 mega pixel "Memoir" may strike T-Mobile

The Internet has been graced with blurry, less than detailed shots of what appears to be an upcoming 8 megapixel monster from Samsung. We’re not sure if this is going to carry the rumored “Memoir” name, but we’re hearing a lot of references to the T929 Leica, which is a rebradned Pixon that we mentioned not too long ago. Onto more important things, it looks like this will be packing an 8 megapixel camera and a touch screen. So far, there isn’t much to be told but if it’s anything like the Samsung Pixon then it might be a pretty exciting device for TMO folks to look forward to. However, it seems it will be more like the Samsung Behold than anything else, which could be good or bad news depending on your take on the Behold. While it’s been speculated that this handset might be Android-powered, we’re going to keep our reservations about that one since Samsung hasn’t been as vocal as other manufacturers regarding jumping on the Google bandwagon. Hit the jump for an additional pic!

Skype Lite Expands Phone Compatibility

Skype Lite, a mobile Skype client, was recently made available to a wide range of handsets. Some of the devices include the Nokia N96 and E71; the Samsung A717 and A737; and the Sony Ericsson C902 and K770. Skype Lite can be downloaded directly to compatible handsets from the Skype Web site.

Verizon Wireless Targets LTE Build Out for 2009

Verizon Communications executive vice president and chief technology officer Dick Lynch said that the company is planning to begin deploying its long term evolution (LTE) next-generation network as early as 2009. He said, "We expect that LTE will actually be in service somewhere here in the U.S. probably this time next year." Verizon Wireless will have to transition subscribers from its CDMA network to the newer LTE network, which will likely take years. In addition to the LTE network transition, Lynch also said that it will roll-out femtocells -- with Wi-Fi on board, too -- to boost in-building coverage. The combination of LTE, with femotcells and Wi-Fi will enable Verizon Wireless to deliver broadband to a wide range of devices

Google Offers Unlocked G1 to Developers

Google has made an unlocked version of the HTC G1 available to registered Android developers for $399. This version of the G1, called the Android Dev Phone 1, is both SIM unlocked and bootloader unlocked, freeing it up for use on other networks and with customized versions of the Android operating system. In order to buy it, you must be a registered Android developer ($25 to sign up). Google makes it clear that this device is not intended for end users, but qualified developers can purchase it in the U.S., U.K., and 16 other international markets.

Verizon Wireless Launches the Nokia 2605 Mirage

Today Verizon Wireless announced the addition of the Nokia 2605 Mirage to its lineup. The Mirage is an entry-level flip phone that has dual displays, a VGA camera, Bluetooth 2.0, speakerphone and 1X data. It is also compatible with Verizon's VZ Navigator service. The Mirage will cost $50 after rebate with new agreement. It is available starting today.

Land Rover Contracts with Sonim to Make Branded Phones

Land Rover and Sonim Technologies have entered into an agreement to develop and launch co-branded mobile phones. A total of three phones are already in the works, with two -- the Land Rover S1 (pictured) and Land Rover S2 G4 -- slated for launches in the first half of 2009, and the third following later in the year. The phones will be rugged, submersible, and certified to withstand salt, fog, humidity, transport and thermal shock and a 1.6-meter drop to concrete from any angle. Land Rover and Sonim are working with designer Scott Wilson to create the products, which will use GSM-based radio technology

Nokia May Turn to Linux in High-End Handsets

Speaking to Reuters, Ukko Lappalainen, vice president at Nokia's markets unit, said that the company is considering the use of open-source Linux in future handsets. Nokia already uses maemo Linux in its N Series Internet tablet devices, and suggested that it would use maemo rather than Google's Android platform. Lappalainen said that it would use Linux in its high-end phones

FCC Reveals T-Mobile Shadow II

Documents that appear to show the successor to the T-Mobile Shadow have become public on the FCC web site. The HTC-made device is very similar to the original Shadow, with the main differences being Windows Mobile 6.1, a faster processor, and a more rounded design. The draft user manual also lists separate battery life times for GSM and UMA, indicating the phone may support T-Mobile's UMA-based Unlimited HotSpot Calling service. The documents show nearly identical features, including 2.6-inch QVGA display, spinning scroll wheel, slide-out 20-key text keyboard, 2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, microSD memory card slot, and quad-band GSM/EDGE. No information is available on a release date.

Kawaii phone by Motorola

Kawaii Mobile Phone.

Designer: Joseph Liang.

The word “Kawaii” in Japanese is close to the word “Cute” in English. The difference is, there’s a large “counterculture” tied to Kawaii.

Ted Rogers passes away at age 75

Today is a truly sad day in telecommunications. One of its longest serving CEOs, Edward Samuel “Ted” Rogers, has passed away at the age of 75. Long suffering from congestive heart failure, Rogers was admitted to the hospital in early November and eventually discharged to the care of his family with Alan Horn taking the role of interim CEO. Unfortunately, Rogers passed away early this morning in his Toronto home but thankfully he was surrounded by friends and family.

Motorola Tunes In Another ROKR

Motorola announced a new ROKR phone today, the EM35. The EM35 is a slider aimed at the music-loving crowd, and has high-quality audio processing, along with dedicated music control buttons, built-in stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, FM radio with RDS and built-in internal antenna, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack. It has quad-band GSM/EDGE radios for network connectivity; a 3.1 megapixel fixed-focus camera with video capture, and runs Motorola's Linux-Java platform. Other features include the FastScroll navigation wheel to zoom through menus and pre-installed widgets for accessing Web-based content. It also has a new music application that enables users to listen to music while connected to the music store. Motorola said the device will be available by the end of 2008.

Nokia Announces Its 2009 Flagship Device, the N97

Today Nokia announced its flagship smartphone for 2009, the N97. The N97 has a large 3.5-inch screen (640 x 360 pixels, 16:9 wide-screen) for touch-based input, as well as a full physical QWERTY keyboard for messaging. The N97 is the first Nseries device to have a QWERTY keyboard, which slides and tilts when open. The N97 offers an extensive set of features, including S60 5th Edition, a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, dual LED flash, Carl Zeiss optics and video capture at 30fps in the 16:9 format. It has 32GB of built-in storage (expandable to 48GB), as well as Wi-Fi, aGPS, FM radio, and FM transmitter. It carries quad-band GSM and HSDPA for 3G connectivity. It supports Flash Lite 3.0, as well as Flash Video in the Internet browser. It has Bluetooth 2.0+EDR with A2DP stereo, as well as a 3.5mm headset jack with TV out, and stereo speakers. The N97 was built for social networking, and has what Nokia calls "So-Lo" (social location) services. The N97 will be available in the first half of 2009 for approximately $695. A version with 3G for the US will be available shortly after the European version.

Nokia Introduces New Messaging Services

Today Nokia announced a revamped set of email and instant messaging services. The new services, tied to Nokia's Ovi platform, enable users to access most POP3/IMAP email from their S60 handsets, as well as many of the major instant messaging platforms, including Yahoo! Mail and Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Hotmail, Gmail and Google Talk, and AOL Mail. Nokia is also rolling out Web-based access to Mail on Ovi, which offers users spam filters and 1GB of storage for email. Users will be able to set up and access Ovi email accounts from their PCs. The beta version of Mail on Ovi will roll out globally in December 2008. Nokia Messaging will roll out to select markets in the first quarter of 2009, with other markets following later in the year. Nokia will add support for Series 40 devices over time.

Nokia Refurbs Maps Product

Nokia announced a next-generation version of its Mobile Maps product today. This combination of Nokia Maps plus Ovi allows people to pre-plan their journey at home on their PC and synchronize with their phone, giving access to pre-planned routes and destinations. Nokia Maps will also include a number of new features such as aerial images, 3D landmarks for 216 cities and terrain maps, as well as a new route overview during routing and during Drive, the purchasable turn-by-turn car navigation guidance. Other new options for Nokia Maps include access to real-time information such as camera alerts, safety spots and traffic information for selected countries, as well as Wcities event guides that give real-time information for events and movies. This new version of Nokia Maps is available as a beta from the Nokia Labs site.

Clearwire to Ditch 'Xohm' Branding

Clearwire announced that it will forgo using the Xohm branding created by Sprint for its WiMax network. Instead, the WiMax network will be referred to as the 'Clear' network. Sprint and Clearwire made the official announcement about their completed merger this morning.

Sprint and Clearwire Finalize Merger

Today Sprint announced that it has completed the merger of its Xohm Wimax unit with Clearwire Corporation. Sprint contributed all of its 2.5 GHz spectrum and its WiMAX-related assets. Comcast, Intel, Time Warner Cable, Google and Bright House Networks all combined to contribute $3.2 billion in cash to help the company get started. Clearwire plans to provide Wimax-based high-speed wireless Internet services.

Nokia's 5800 XpressMusic Goes On Sale

Nokia has made its touch-screen 5800 XpressMusic phone available in several markets, including: Russia, Spain, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Finland, and others. Nokia didn't mention when it will become available in other markets. Nokia also announced that it will cease selling handsets in Japan. It will keep its luxury Vertu brand, but Nokia will no longer develop phones for the Japanese market. Nokia didn't explain how this will affect its plans to launch a premium MVNO service in Japan in 2009.