Cell phones

AT&T's CTO defends wireless network

SAN DIEGO--AT&T's chief technology officer, John Donovan, is defending his company's wireless network, despite complaints about dropped calls and slow Internet access from frustrated iPhone users.

Donovan, who gave a keynote speech here at the CTIA Fall 2009 trade show Thursday, said that despite what people might be saying about problems on AT&T's network, his company is focused on providing customers with an excellent wireless experience.

"I'm not ignoring the criticism of our network," he told the audience. "I'm well aware of what's being said in the … Read more

Hands on with the HTC HD2

Of all the Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphones announced this week at CTIA Fall 2009, the HTC HD2 is arguably the sexiest and most powerful of the bunch.

The HD2 boasts a 4.3-inch WVGA (480x800) capacitive touch screen and is powered by Qualcomm's new 1GHz Snapdragon mobile processor, all while measuring just 0.43 inches in thickness. It also offers an HTC Sense user experience, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 5-megapixel camera, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack--the works.

With those kind of impressive specs and sexy looks, can you blame us for being disappointed when it was … Read more

The Google Android party has begun

SAN DIEGO--After two years of waiting, Google Android phones are finally hitting the market en masse.

In the past couple of months, nine devices using Google's mobile operating system have been announced, including the Motorola Cliq, which goes on sale in November, and the new Samsung Moment, which was announced Wednesday at the CTIA Fall 2009 trade show here. The pipeline is full of more Android devices, some of which have been confirmed and some that are still rumored to be in development.

"We are seeing a lot of interest in Android here," Kim Titus, a spokesman … Read more

Virgin Mobile announces GPS service

Virgin Mobile announced Wednesday that it will debut GPS service on its LG Rumor2. Virgin Navigator will have all the usual GPS features including turn-by-turn voice directions, local search, traffic conditions, local gas prices, movies, events, and weather. Powered by Networks in Motion, the service will be available for $2.99 per day or $9.99 per month. Virgin Mobile will release the Navigator for future high-end devices.

FCC chairman takes the hot seat at wireless gathering

SAN DIEGO--In his first major address to the wireless industry, the new Federal Communications Commission chairman, Julius Genachowski, offered some good news for wireless operators at the industry's biannual gathering here Wednesday. But he reiterated the FCC's plans to apply new Net neutrality rules to wireless, a plan that has met resistance among the industry's major players.

As part of his speech, Genachowski announced a new initiative to add more spectrum for high-speed Internet access, and he offered assurances that the FCC will help speed up 4G wireless roll-outs by cutting through red tape for new tower … Read more

Samsung Moment revealed as Sprint's second Android phone

On the opening day of CTIA Fall 2009, Samsung and Sprint started things off with a bang by announcing the Samsung Moment, the second Google Android phone to be released for both companies in the United States. The Moment will be available starting November 1 for $179.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate, but customers can preregister for the smartphone starting today at Sprint's Web site.

Unlike the Samsung Behold II, which will be available from T-Mobile on November 2 for $199.99 with contract, the Moment features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard in addition … Read more

Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade details

By now, you've heard about the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 and some of the new features added to Microsoft's mobile operating system, such an improved Internet Explorer Mobile, My Phone backup service, and Windows Marketplace for Mobile. However, what if you want to get the benefits of 6.5 without having to get one of the new smartphones?

Well, to help current Windows Mobile phone owners, Microsoft has posted an update guide that outlines upgrade eligibility. Essentially, devices running Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6.0 are out, but Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphones, … Read more

Kyocera to offer Android handset in 2010

Kyocera is no stranger to the U.S. market, but the company has long kept a low profile by producing low to midtier handsets for minor carriers. But at the fall CTIA show, Kyocera announced several new initiatives that could change its stateside image.

The company will launch a Google Android phone next year. Details on the device are unknown, but like other Android devices it should offer a touch screen and multimedia features. The Google handset will be part of the company's shift to high-end devices. Kyocera also will launch LTE devices by 2011. The company didn't … Read more

T-Mobile releases Tap and Nokia 3711

T-Mobile followed its Samsung Behold II announcement Tuesday by unveiling the T-Mobile Tap and Nokia 3711. The two phones get their debut the day before the fall CTIA show begins in San Diego.

The Tap from Huawei (this is T-Mobile's first Huawei phone) has a touch-screen design that resembles the Samsung Highlight. It's available in two colors: berry and midnight blue. Features include support for T-Mobile's 3G network, a 2-megapixel camera with video, a music player, a Web browser, GPS with TeleNav, stereo Bluetooth, messaging and e-mail, a speakerphone and a personal organizer. It will go on … Read more