T-Mobile Launches Sidekick LX Tony Hawk Edition

Next week, Upnext Wireless will be expecting our limited stock on the special edition T-Mobile new Tony Hawk Edition of the Sidekick LX. This new device features some Tony Hawk inspired paint and graphics, as you would expect, but also includes a few feature upgrades that have not yet been seen on any other Sidekicks. For example, the Tony Hawk Edition has the ability to record video, something that has been long missing from the popular Sidekick line. This limited edition handset will be available first to existing Sidekick users in July, and will be available to the general public sometime "soon" afterwards. Visit participating upnext wireless stores for pricing and details of reservation.

Governors Highway Safety Association's Rules and Regulations

Concern over the increasing use of wireless phones while driving has prompted at least 29 states* to pass various forms of legislation that impact our customers:
• Banning handheld cell phone use by all drivers• Restricting cell phone use only for a specific demographic, such as teens or school bus drivers• Banning text messaging while driving
Studies show that drivers who use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth car kits and headsets, decrease their accident rate by up to 35%. Upnext Wireless stocks a complete line up of these products. We would like our customers to be safe, on their daily driving.
* Source: Governors Highway Safety Association website: http://www.ghsa.org/

Casio's G'zOne Boulder Comes Smashing Into Stores

Today, Casio announced the latest version of the G'zOne ruggedized line of phones, the Boulder. This dirt- , humidity- and water-resistant clamshell is built for those living active lifestyles. Several features that cater to the active are its integrated GPS, e-compass, LED flashlight, and Push-to-Talk functionality. The Boulder also offers a 1.3 megapixel camera, a microSD card for storing media, video and music playback, Bluetooth, and speakerphone. It will come in either black or orange. No word on exact pricing or availability was provided.

Samsung Blazons Its INNOV8

Today Samsung announced a new Symbian-based phone with an 8 megapixel camera. The INNOV8, otherwise known as the i8510, has quad-band GSM/EDGE and dual-band 7.2Mbps HSDPA 900/2100 radios, and also has an FM radio, stereo Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and assisted GPS. Its 8 megapixel camera has autofocus, an image stabilizer, auto-panorama shooting mode, and face detection. It can shoot QVGA video at 120fps, and VGA video at 30fps. Its media player supports a range of video and audio file formats and codecs. The INNOV8 has a built-in accelerometer, an optical mouse, and has 16GB of internal memory with an additional microSD slot supporting cards up to 16GB. It has a 2.8-inch LCD and runs Symbian OS v9.3. It will be available in European markets beginning in August.

Sony Ericsson Announces Three New Walkman Phones

Today Sony Ericsson added three handsets to its Walkman lineup of phones. All three feature quad-band GSM/EDGE radios, stereo Bluetooth and FM radios. They will be available in select markets in the fourth quarter.
W902: This high-end, bar-style music phone has many of Sony Ericsson's signature music applications and services, such as SenseMe and Shake Control. It also carries a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and image/video stabilization. It comes preloaded with Google Maps, the Access NetFront HTML browser, and Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync software for mobile email. It also has a scratch-resistant, 2.2-inch QVGA display. It will be boxed with an 8GB M2 memory card, but only supports European 3G networks.
W595: This slider phone shares many of the features of the W902, but downgrades the camera to 3.2 megapixels and loses autofocus. It's 2.2-inch display is not scratch resistant. It adds a Share Jack, for sharing music with friends. It comes with a 2GB M2 memory card, and also supports European 3G.
W302: A more affordable bar-style model than the previous two, the W302 has a 2 megapixel camera and comes boxed with a 512MB M2 memory card. It has a WAP browser, and does not support 3G networks at all.

Verizon Wireless, Motorola Go On an 'Adventure' with the V750

Today Verizon Wireless and Motorola announced the V750 Adventure, a rugged handset that uses EVDO Rev. A-based technology to provide push-to-talk services. The Adventure meets mil-spec standards for toughness and is preloaded with business software, but it also includes mass market capabilities. It has dual displays, a 2 megapixel camera, a 2.5mm headset jack, a microSD slot supporting 8GB cards, and stereo Bluetooth. The V750 can access many of Verizon's V CAST services, including its new Rhapsody music product. It will cost $100 after rebates with new agreement. It is available online and through Verizon's business channels beginning today. It will be available in retail stores on July 28.