Mobileslate

Verizon LG Dare VX9700 Unboxed

The device launched on July 3rd, but my good friend [PL] hooked me up to get some photos of this device. Sprint launched the Samsung Instinct and Verzion launched the LG Dare VX9700. The device is smaller than both devices, and it’s certainly evident by the screen size. It packs a lot of features just like the other devices, such as a large touchscreen, GPS navigation, and a myriad of other features to go for some “head-to-head” competition. While the device certainly packs a punch with lots of features ready to go, I found it lacking in pre-loaded content, when compared to the Samsung Instinct.

Also, the handwriting recognition was pretty poor in design, but using a stylus proved to be slight better, but overall a bad experience. The VZ Navigator is a pretty compelling service that has been nicely integrated onto the phone, and seems to be standard with most of the Verizon smartphone lineup.

T-Mobile Nokia 6301 Unboxed

While this is not one of the hyped devices that have been highly anticipated, the device is significant because it has WiFi to support upcoming T-Mobile at Home service, launching July 2nd. It’s your basic Nokia phone that has a camera phone, text messaging, web surfing, etc. Roughly one year ago, T-Mobile launched its HotSpot at Home service. Unfortunately, the timing could not have been worse, since the day it launched, it was overshadowed by the launch of the Apple iPhone. The press hardly even mentioned the innovative service that allows a user to initiate their phone call at home, using WiFi, then seamlessly transferring the call to the cellular network when outside the range of the WiFi service.

What this means is that you could start a call, get in your car and drive to work, and not needing to tell the other party: “I need to call you back, I need to switch phones.”

The opposite works great as well. As you come into range to a nearby T-Mobile Hotspot or back to your home WiFi network, the phone will switch over to the higher fidelity network. While the technology works great and I think more people should be willing to use the service, the billing side of things is an entirely different matter. Through a few tests of my own, it appears that the switching on the network, does not propagate to the billing system. So the 10 minute call with 1 minute on the cellular network and the remaining 9 minutes on the home WiFi network, appears on my bill as a 10 minute cellular call. I’m sure it will get fixed in the near future.

Adbrite and Adsense Causing IE Crashing

Earlier today I posted about how my blog was crashing when using Internet Explorer. Turns out the culprit was my Adbrite and Adsense code snippets from the respective sites. The comment tags: seem to be very sensitive and when they are out of place; they seem to cause problems for displaying the banner ads on my site. Microsoft Internet Explorer is a bit more strict when trying to enter javascript than Firefox, so it kept causing this error to appear:

WordPress Playing Tricks with IE

Thanks to DD for pointing out that WordPress was crapping out when Internet Explorer users. I guess there are still some remaining issues when I moved to a new web host. As I pretty much exclusively use Firefox, I did not notice these issues as the site was able to render properly.

After spending a few hours dinking around trying to figure out if it was a widget, plugin or javascript problem, it appears to be be some issue with my Template. So for now, I disabled a few widgets and will pick a new Template later today.

Sorry to those who were trying to read my blog, hopefully, these kinks can work itself out. If you see any lingering problems, please let me know!

Games on Mobile – Price Trajectory to Rival Console Games

The other day I was looking online at some mobile content and noticed that Guitar Hero 3 is available for my Windows Mobile device. But if you look at the price (click image on left), you’ll see that it’s $14.99! 15 tracks to keep you strumming away on the bus, subway, on airplane ride. I seem to remember about 5 years ago, when games were about $5.00 USD. Over the years, mobile operators and content providers have tried to morph different revenue models, from single license, monthly subscription, level up add ons, and more. With the announcement of the new Apple iPhone, Apple also announced with Sega Games as an example, that games would start at $9.99. The revenue share is 70/30, content publisher/Apple, respectively.

Continue Reading →

Sprint Samsung Instinct Unboxed

Thanks to my source at Sprint (JS), here are pictures Samsung Instinct. The device retails at $199.99, but with rebates, it goes for $129.99.

I mentioned in an earlier post, that Sprint is spending $100M USD to market this device in order to compete with AT&T and the Apple iPhone offering. The timing is good as it has been launched a few weeks before the next iPhone 3G.
[click on the image to see more photos]

UPDATED: How to Unlock Pantech C520 Breeze

Continue Reading →

$100 MM to Launch Sprint Samsung Instinct

The Samsung Instinct launches this week on Sprint. Some people are calling it the iPhone killer on Sprint. The price is roughly the same or even less and the service plan is roughly comparable. I won’t bore you with the details, there are plenty of sites talking about it. Also, Sprint was clever to launch the Samsung Instinct a few weeks before the Apple iPhone (June 20th compared to July 11th, respectively).

Here are some interesting facts that may not have been highlighted by others bloggers, journalist, etc.

Calculating Success

I am looking forward to see how well the Instinct sells. Each subscriber earns Sprint a gross of $1810.


$130 for the device
$70 per month x 24 months (full service contract)
$1810 per subscriber


Sprint will need to sell about 55,250 devices to break even. With Sprint claiming to have 1400 retail locations, not including dealers and resellers, each location would need to sell about 40 devices.


$100,000,000 divided by $1810 = 55,250 units
55,250 units divided by 1400 retail stores
Equates to 40 devices per store


The number of devices sold per store goes down if the Sales Consultant can sign up a subscriber to the Sprint Simply Everything Plan.

Parting Thoughts

One gotcha that could bite Sprint is the launch date. The Samsung Instinct launches on June 20th and Sprint has a 30 day return policy, that would put the trial period until a minimum of July 19th. If everything goes optimally, that gives potential subscribers an overlap of 8 days to try out the Apple iPhone and see what is the better device for them. But chances are that you might not even be able to get your hands on the new iPhone to compare! Had the device been launched a week earlier, the might cause less potential returns. Also will the Instinct launch under a different model name for GSM carriers outside the US? Finally, it will still be some time before an unlock patch for iPhone devices will come out and be usable in other parts of the world, so there are more choices to cogitate than ever. Best of luck in upgrading to your new mobile device!

On Device Portal: E*Trade Mobile

The other day I received an email from E*Trade about their new offering for Mobile Pro. I can look at my portfolio, research companies, set alerts, news, streaming quotes, and make trades on stocks and options.

This downloadable application will initially work on RIM Blackberry devices, but I’m sure there will be other platforms released shortly. From some of the information on the website, it appears to be similar to Yahoo Go in the sense that the application gives you access to many of the common activities one would perform on a given portal. While Yahoo Go is more general portal for consumer services, ETrade Pro is a more narrowly focus financial portal. I feel that this is a strong trend that will continue. While On Device Portals have mostly referred to Mobile Operators who are trying to investigate creative ways to monetize mobile content and services, I believe that Internet portal destinations are also trying to do the same thing.

The goal is the leverage the mobile device for accessibility and functionality. Banks are starting to develop mobile offerings, but so are web destination portals such as Google Maps, Facebook, MySpace, and the list goes on. The rich experience that can be achieved and being to rival that on a PC. We may loose the WAP browser over time but keep the protocol interface to support all the connected applications. So what does this all mean? I believe it is the start of the Eyeball Wars on the mobile phone. WAP simply is not enough to create the stickiness for consumers. Companies are beginning to boast their results on mobile:

Mobile operators are seeing the results in offering more than just voice minute plans. More and more are offering unmetered data plans. Sprint’s Simply Everything(sm) plan for $99.99/month is a step in the right direction. Once the unlimited service plans become the steady state, accessing services becomes more routine than people being gun shy due to fees incurred. While this might not completely solve the download of mobile games, ringers or wallpapers, I’m sure that it will increase overall data usage. Which in my opinion is a good thing all around.

Finally, we just need to overcome the barrier that the mobile phone is not just for talking, but treat is as a small terminal to access all kinds of stuff. Unfortunately, the mobile is a *phone* first and foremost and all the other stuff is window dressing. Changing the paradigm where the mobile is a Swiss Army knife and the phone is one of the tools, will be an ongoing evolution from the mobile ecosystem.

Mobileslate Upgraded and Operational

What a horrible week. After my previous webhost IDAGroup shutdown my site three times last week due to too much traffic, it was time to say goodbye and move onto bigger and better things. So I spend last night and this morning migrating Mobileslate to my new webhost and so far, they have been great!

I guess at some point, you outgrow your old web server and need to upgrade to a new, better, faster one. Thanks to Bluehost for making the switch rather quick and painless.

To all my readers, I apologize for the outages of the past week, but I think the new web host will work out much better than the last.

How to Unlock Samsung SGH-T819

Here are the instructions send from T-Mobile USA regarding the Subsidy unlock of the Samsung SGH-T819:

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Samsung device. For Unlock code you will enter the 8 digit code that we have provided you.

Enter: #7465625*638*Unlock Code#

NOTE: Network Personalization Cancelled should display once unlocked. “Not Yet Personalized” will be displayed if it has already been unlocked.

It is very important that the instructions are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.

How to Unlock Samsung SGH-T639

Here are the instructions to unlock the Samsung SGH-T639 from T-Mobile USA. The 8 digit unlock code can be obtained from the SIM Unlock Department. You will need the device’s IMEI number in order to obtain the code.

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Samsung device. For Unlock code you will enter the 8 digit code that we have provided you.

Enter: #7465625*638*Unlock Code#

NOTE: Network Personalization Canceled should display once unlocked. “Not Yet Personalized” will be displayed if it has already been unlocked.

It is very important that the instructions are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.

How to Unlock Samsung Beat SGH-T539

Here are the instructions to unlock the Samsung Beat T539 from T-Mobile USA. The unlock code is an 8 digit number obtained from T-Mobile’s SIM Unlock Department based on the IMEI number.

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Samsung device.

NOTE: If you receive an error message while performing the instructions below, stop. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. Verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and submit a new request.

1. Enter #, 0, 1, 1, 1, *, [unlock code], #
2. Press the SEND key and the display should read, “Personalization Canceled”

NOTE: “Not Yet Personalized” will be displayed if it has already been unlocked

How to Unlock Samsung Katalyst T739

Here are the instructions send from T-Mobile USA regarding the Subsidy unlock of the Samsung Katalyst T739:

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Samsung device. For Unlock code you will enter the 8 digit code that we have provided you.

Enter: #7465625*638*Unlock Code#

NOTE: Network Personalization Cancelled should display once unlocked. “Not Yet Personalized” will be displayed if it has already been unlocked.

It is very important that the instructions are entered correctly as listed. If you receive an error message while performing the instructions do not make any further attempts to unlock the handset. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. You will need to verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and contact Customer Care for support.

Sprint Sanyo PRO700 Pre-Released Photos

Thanks to my source at Sprint (JS), here are pictures Sanyo PRO700. The device retails at $279.99, but incentives, probably $149.99 or less.

This is one of many devices Sprint is launching this summer (officially June 16th) that feature the DirectConnect service (basically the Walkie Talkie feature that made Nextel famous). It’s not offered on Sprint devices, not just Nextel handsets. Now Sprint users can connect to anyone using a Nextel users. The devices also features Autonomous GPS, bluetooth, ruggedized, military standard design (similar to the Audiovox GZOne sold by Verizon). It looks similar to the Motorola KRZR. The device only operates on the CDMA frequency and not the iDEN network.
[click on the image to see more photos]

Another thing to note is that Sprint is using a new tagline, which I’m sure will appear in all new marketing, commercials, etc: Rated for SprintSpeed(tm).

Sprint Sanyo PRO200 Pre-Released Photos

Thanks to my source at Sprint (JS), here are pictures Sanyo PRO200. The device retails at $249.99, but incentives, probably $129.99 or less.

This is one of many devices Sprint is launching this summer (officially June 16th) that feature the DirectConnect service (basically the Walkie Talkie feature that made Nextel famous). It’s not offered on Sprint devices, not just Nextel handsets. Now Sprint users can connect to anyone using a Nextel users. The devices also features Autonomous GPS, bluetooth, and speakerphone. It looks similar to the Motorola KRZR. The device only operates on the CDMA frequency and not the iDEN network.
[click on the image to see more photos]

Another thing to note is that Sprint is using a new tagline, which I’m sure will appear in all new marketing, commercials, etc: Rated for SprintSpeed(tm).

Sprint LG LX400 Hero Pre-Release Photos

Thanks to my source at Sprint (JS), here are pictures LG LX400 Hero. The device retails at $279.99, but incentives, probably $149.99 or less.

This is one of many devices Sprint is launching this summer (officially June 16th) that feature the DirectConnect service (basically the Walkie Talkie feature that made Nextel famous). It’s not offered on Sprint devices, not just Nextel handsets. Now Sprint users can connect to anyone using a Nextel users. The devices also features GPS Navigation (capable) a 1.3 megapixel camera, and bluetooth enabled. The device only operates on the CDMA frequency and not the iDEN network.
[click on the image to see more photos]

Another thing to note is that Sprint is using a new tagline, which I’m sure will appear in all new marketing, commercials, etc: Rated for SprintSpeed(tm).

Mobileslate Outage – Web Traffic Exceeded

More wrangling with my hosting provider. This time, in less than 10 days in June, I already exceeded my monthly traffic quota of 15Gb. My only option was to upgrade to the next package which allows 75Gb of monthly traffic.

For my readers out there, can you recommend whom I should switch to?

Verizon LG Decoy VX8610 Pre-Released Photos

Thanks to my friends at Verizon (P and M), here are pictures LG Decoy. The device will retail at $349.99, but incentives, probably $299.99 or less. There is also a $50 rebate.

This is probably one of the first handsets that have included a bluetooth headset at no additional charge. Also, the microphone icon between the SEND and END button is not to tell you where the microphone is located, but for you to input speech commands to navigate menus with voice (I guess while driving). Also nice is the fact that the phone and bluetooth headset both have the same standard charger; although it would be nice to have a Y-splitter on the charger so that you could charge both at the same time!

Finally, the integrated bluetooth headset. I think it’s kind of a neat idea that you store the headset and handset together to prevent you from losing it. However, when I’m using the headset, will I always remember to carry the plastic cover to protect stuff from getting into that slot?

[click on the image to see more photos]

How to Unlock Samsung Access SGH-A827

On the AT&T Network, to unlock the Samsung Access A827:

• Power on with an AT&T SIM (SIM does not need to be active)
• Type in #7465625*638*Unlock code# (8 digit unlock code*)
• Device should say: Network Lock Deactivated
• Phone may automatically reboot

*The 8 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. In exchange they will give you the Subsidy Unlock Code.

How to Unlock LG Vu CU920

On the AT&T Network, here is how to unlock the LG CU920 (screenshots below):

	Put a AT&T or Cingular SIM in the phone; it does not have to be an active SIM
	Enter *#865625#
	Message Displayed: SIM Unlock Process Select “OK”
	Select “Unlock SIM” Select “Network Unlock” Enter the 16 digit unlock code* Select “OK”
	Re-enter the 16 digit unlock code Select “OK” Device should say: Network Lock Deactivated

Your phone is unlocked.

Phone may automatically reboot.

*The 16 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. The IMEI number for your specific device can be obtained by the following: *#06#

You will need this number in order to obtain the Subsidy Unlock Code from AT&T.

How to Unlock Pantech C150

On the AT&T Network, to unlock the Pantech C150:

• Insert non AT&T or Cingular SIM card
• Power on the device
• The display will show “Change SIM” and Left Soft Key will be labeled “Unlock”
• Press Left Soft Key – A “Password” box will appear on display
• Enter Unlock Code (16 digit code)*
• Press “OK” – Center Soft Key
• The device will display “rebooting” and then power cycle
• The device is now unlocked

*The 16 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. In exchange they will give you the Subsidy Unlock Code.

How to Unlock Samsung SGH-A517

On the AT&T Network, to unlock the Samsung A517:

• Power on without SIM
• Type in #7465625*638*Unlock code# (8 digit unlock code*)
• Device should say: Network Lock Deactivated
• Phone may automatically reboot

*The 8 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. In exchange they will give you the Subsidy Unlock Code.

How to Unlock Samsung SGH-A737

On the AT&T Network, to unlock the Samsung A737:

• Power on without SIM
• Type in #7465625*638*Unlock code# (8 digit unlock code*)
• Device should say: Network Lock Deactivated
• Phone may automatically reboot

*The 8 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. In exchange they will give you the Subsidy Unlock Code.

How to Unlock Samsung SLM SGH-A747

On the AT&T Network, to unlock the Samsung SLM A747:

• Power on without SIM
• Type in #7465625*638*Unlock code# (8 digit unlock code*)
• Device should say: Network Lock Deactivated
• Phone may automatically reboot

*The 8 digit code can be obtained by calling AT&T Technical Support and given the representative the IMEI number. In exchange they will give you the Subsidy Unlock Code.