Engadget Mobile

UTStarcom's CTIA 2008 booth tour

Sean Cooper — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:29:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, EV-DO, CDMA

UTStarcom are at CTIA with a few new products, including a prototype messaging device aptly named the TXT8010, the CDM7126c a CDMA clamshell, and an AWS modem, the UM100c. The CDM7126c -- the c stands for Cricket, there's also an m version but we'll let ya guess where it'll end up -- is low-end 800 / 1900 / AWS CDMA set that packs, Bluetooth, a 1.8-inch 65k display, into a very simple clean package. The TXT8010 in a messaging-centric device targeted at teens who care more about texting than talking. Featuring a slide out QWERTY keypad -- so nice -- Bluetooth, Openwave browser, a 2.2-inch 262k screen, SMS, MMS, and a 1.3 megapixel cam. The UM100c is a 800 / 1900 / AWS USB modem for Cricket and should find many friends with the new unlimited data offering they've started. Hit the pics below for a gallery of goodies.

Gallery: UTStarcom's CTIA 2008 booth tour

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AT&T release dates through May (hint: no Vu)

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Features, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, ATT, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

We've just received a fresh round of release dates on AT&T, and if we had to pick a single word to describe the theme here, it'd be "colors." Shades upon shades of phones -- both new and old -- will see a release on AT&T in the next couple of months, starting with the Sony Ericsson Z750a, the first 3G Sony Ericsson to be released by a carrier in the States (but not in North America -- that honor belongs to Rogers); it'll hit in your choice of gray, pink, or purple in early April. The now-ancient UTStarcom 5700 finally sees release toward the end of April more than a year after we first saw it in the FCC's business, giving a lower-end choice to the Windows Mobile faithful. Finally, May should bring about the LG CU720 Shine in black, following its initial offerings of silver and red.

Oh, and it looks like the Motorola Z9 and the black Centro should be widely available pretty much any minute now -- stay tuned. Strangely missing from the list is the Vu, though that doesn't necessarily mean it won't be released by the end of May, it merely means that AT&T's not sure yet. Surprise, surprise.

[Thanks, Kal]

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Cricket launches first AWS CDMA handset

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, CDMA

It doesn't look like much, but it's the innards of UTStarcom's unassuming CDM7126 flip that makes it a superstar. It turns out that this is the very first CDMA phone to launch in the US on AWS bandwidth, meaning that in addition to the typical 850 and 1900MHz support, this one adds in a little extra coverage punch via the new 1700MHz spectrum that T-Mobile is also sharing for its 3G services. We spied the CDM7126 at CES earlier this year -- hence the somewhat unusual picture -- and while we can't find it hiding out on carrier partner Cricket's website, residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma should be able to march into stores as soon as today to pick 'er up. Don't get too excited, though; other than the noteworthy use of AWS, the phone lacks EV-DO and an external display. Yikes!

[Via Phone Scoop]

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AT&T's releases through early April: yes to Centro, no to Vu?

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, LG, Motorola, Palm, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, ATT, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

We've just been slipped some bittersweet information that we deliver with a heavy heart: AT&T's latest pricing information, which runs through April 7, apparently makes no mention of the hotly anticipated LG Vu. There's no mention of the Samsung Access, either, leading us to believe that the carrier's mobile TV launch may have been pushed out one more time for good measure. Of course, we suppose it's possible that there's no delay and they just haven't slipped pricing details to stores yet, but we're jaded enough at this point to say that another slip is entirely within the realm of reason. Now, onto some happier tidbits: the black version of the Shine should launch, along with the Sony Ericsson Z750 in pink, gray, and purple, the long-overdue 5700 low end smartphone, the white Centro sporting push-to-talk support, and the Motorola Z9 slider -- which AT&T curiously identifies as "ruggedized." We don't remember anything remotely rugged about the one we saw, but whatevs.

[Thanks, Kal]

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Patent granted on smartphones, everyone sued

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, ATT, Sprint, HP, Apple

What would you do if the US patent office gave you the go-ahead on a far-reaching, non-specific application filed for a "mobile entertainment and communication device"? If your answer was that you would immediately draw up lawsuits against almost every major electronics manufacturer that even looked at a smartphone funny, you get a cookie. Yes folks, as impossible as it is to believe, the holders of the aforementioned patent have just sued Apple, Nokia, RIM, Sprint, AT&T, HP, Motorola, Helio, HTC, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcomm, and Samsung... amongst others. So eager was this company to sue, in fact, that legal papers were filed a day before the patent was granted, and subsequently had to re-submitted. The real sucker-punch here is that the patent simply combines a list of prior technologies jumbled into one product, a practice which has recently been ruled against by the Supreme Court. Still, we doubt it will stop the holders from trying to nab a few dollars in settlements, staying the work of real innovators, and generally making a mockery of our patent system. Bravo!

[Via Slashdot]

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A fresh round of AT&T release dates

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:14:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, LG, Motorola, Others, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Wouldn't it be pretty awesome to have the launch dates for, like, all of AT&T's most anticipated devices on one convenient 440 x 330 image? Well, that's not quite what we have here -- the Sony Ericsson K850 is nowhere to be found, for one -- but this is a solid start. It sounds like that SMT5700 (codename "Bulldog," how cool is that?) that we've been anticipating for nearly a year now will finally get outed on February 5 alongside the Vu. We still don't know whether AT&T's MediaFLO network will launch at the same time, and we've heard rumors that there will be a second Vu without MediaFLO support, so we could be seeing that here but we're really not sure. Despite the missing K850, Sony Ericsson's still putting up a reasonably strong showing here with a pink W580i launching this week and the 3G Z750 in grey, pink, and purple on March 11. In addition to the Vu, LG will be offering the CU720 Shine in red on January 22 and in black (ooh, that might look hot!) on February 28. Option's HSUPA data cards are now targeted for January 24, and last -- and probably least -- the Motorola V3xx outstays its welcome by making an encore appearance in "lavender" on the 22nd of this month.

[Thanks, Kal]

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UTStarcom's CES 2008 booth tour

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Features, UTStarcom

In terms of layout, UTStarcom's booth is close to a dead ringer for its showing at last year's CES; just the promos and handsets have changed, basically. The darlings of the show have to be the HSM180, an absolutely bizarre HSDPA candybar featuring two circles for a keypad, and the TXT8010, a QWERTY slider with an attitude for CDMA networks. Check 'em out, yo.

Gallery: UTStarcom's CES 2008 booth tour

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Like the XV6800, but not: shots of Verizon's branded XV5800

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

We've been patiently waiting for a national US carrier to launch a version of HTC's Libra for nearly a year, and by golly, it looks like it might finally happen (and not in the hideous green Verizon was showing back in the day, either). The UTStarcom-sourced XV5800 lies somewhere between the Vox and the S730; although it shares 3G functionality with the S730, it's from the same vintage as the Vox (its GSM cousin) and has launched on a number of carriers. No word on a price or release date just yet, but it'd be a nice Festivus gift if we got 'er before the end of the year, yeah?

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Gallery: Like the XV6800, but not: shots of Verizon's branded XV5800

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Verizon prepping one last update for XV6700?

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Software, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile

Yeah, there's a cooked Windows Mobile 6 ROM floating around for the now-ancient Apache, but it ain't official -- and let's be honest, there's a good contingent of folks out there that like their updates officially blessed by the powers that be. That very group should be delighted to hear that UTStarcom appears to have an official Windows Mobile 5 AKU3.3 update (you know, the one that was hacked for the handset many moons ago) available, which we would imagine means Verizon should be offering it directly before too long. Windows Mobile 6 it's not, but the patch appears to offer some key goodies like A2DP, tethering via USB, and Microsoft's Daylight Savings Time fix from frickin' ages ago. Oh, and the best part? You don't have to wait for Verizon to roll it out -- just follow the read link and look for the XV6700-related files on UTStarcom's site (user beware, of course, since this hasn't been announced). Rock on! Follow the break for a rundown of what's new in the package.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Continue reading Verizon prepping one last update for XV6700?

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Is this Verizon's PDA line-up for November?

Michael Caputo — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:09:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Motorola, Palm, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

With the holidays right around the corner, carriers will pull out all the stops to attract new customers and Verizon's no exception to the rule. First up, it's the Motorola's elusive Q9c -- cousin to the Q9m -- outfitted with a 1.3 megapixel camera, expandable memory via miniSD, 128MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM, Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and Bluetooth 2.0. Next up, it's UTStarcom's QWERTY-sliding SMT5800. The device will rock a 1xEV-DO Rev. A radio (which unfortunately looks like it will be held to Rev. 0 at launch), 2 megapixel shooter, microSD support, 128MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM, Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and Bluetooth 2.0. UTStarcom looks to finally bring the XV6800 running WM6 Professional, too -- but sadly, it will also have the EV-DO Rev. A radio downgraded to Rev. 0 at launch. Rounding out the November launch schedule is the Palm Treo 755p, trailing Sprint by a country mile, but Palm OS faithful are probably thinking it's better to launch this one late than never. Let's hope these dates stick, yeah?

[Thanks, HTC Kid]

Gallery: Is this Verizon's PDA line-up for November?

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Come and get your love: Alltel's upcoming lineup?

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Motorola, Palm, RIM, UTStarcom, Alltel, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

With major releases like the Motorola RAZR 2 V9m and BlackBerry 8830 in its rear-view mirror, Alltel's been doing a commendable job keeping up with its larger, national rivals -- and if our intel's accurate, we can expect the trend to continue. In the smartphone department, the Palm Treo 755p should be launching pretty shortly (alright, granted, they're a little late on this one) along with the 8130 variant of the so-called Pearl 2 from RIM, a nice stablemate for the more businesslike 8830. One wildcard that we're hearing about here is the UTStarcom 6850 -- it's not clear what this device is, but given the UTStarcom branding on HTC's PPC-6800, it's conceivable to think that this could be some sort of mild refresh. Then again, it could be some totally boring low-end device sourced from a generic ODM, so we'll just have to play the waiting game on that one. From Motorola, look for two: a U5 (likely a new CDMA PEBL, given the "U" prefix on the model number) and the MOTOROKR Z6m. Not bad if it all pans out, eh?

[Thanks, dizzy]

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Updated AT&T availability dates!

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Pantech, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, ATT, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, HSUPA

Like pretty much everything else in life, carriers' launch dates tend to slip, sometimes to the extreme (oh, come on, you can't tell us you've never procrastinated to the point where you couldn't make a due date!). To that end, we've gotten an updated look at AT&T's expected drop dates, and it seems like the wait has gotten a little longer for a few of the more anticipated handsets in the pipe. Some devices like the red version of the Nokia 6555 have slipped a couple weeks, while others -- the lowly Samsung A127 comes to mind -- have actually moved up. The Pantech Duo has also been pushed out from October 9 to the 30th, possibly to give the just-launched Tilt a little breathing room in the spotlight. Click on for the full list!

[Thanks, Kal-El]

Update: A second source is telling us that the Duo is still tracking for shipment "on or about" the 9th. Of course, the proof is in the pudding -- but either way, at least we'll be getting our Duo on before the month's out.

Continue reading Updated AT&T availability dates!

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Verizon XV6700 out of stock, XV6800 launch imminent?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

We haven't the foggiest what's been holding them up here, but the long-outdated XV6700 has finally gone out of stock on Verizon's site, suggesting that the XV6800 -- Big Red's version of the HTC Titan -- might finally be getting ready to go live. Sprint's variant went live ages ago, and let's not forget that we first heard about the XV6800 back during the Triassic, so we think Verizon's got some splainin' to do.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Updated look at AT&T's upcoming launches

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Others, Pantech, RIM, Sony Ericsson, UTStarcom, ATT, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

We've just been tipped on a fresh roadmap for AT&T's fall launches, and goodness, there's a little something for everyone in here! Note that these are order dates, subject to change -- not necessarily in-store dates -- so your mileage may vary trying to grab these devices on the dates you see here. First up, LG rolls out the CG180 and CU515 "Chiwoo" on October 2. Nokia adds another color for the 6555 on October 11, red, which we think will suite it quite nicely. Speaking of new colors, Sony Ericsson brings a black version of the W580i on October 9. The Pantech Duo -- a device we suspect many folks are getting fired up over -- should hit on the same day. From Motorola, the Q9 Global becomes orderable just a few days from now, September 25, alongside the Tilt from HTC. UTStarcom outs the AMOI-sourced 5700 on October 9, giving folks a low cost (albeit non-3G) Windows Mobile option. RIM gets busy with the Curve 8310 on October 4, effectively sunsetting the original 8300 by adding GPS into the mix. On the data modem side, Sierra and Option will both be contributing HSUPA devices in October. Let's hear it for speedy uploads! Follow the break for the full roadmap.

[Thanks, Superman]

Continue reading Updated look at AT&T's upcoming launches

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Virgin Mobile intros Super Slice, its first Bluetooth phone

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, Virgin Mobile, 1xRTT, MVNOs, CDMA

Would ya believe Virgin is just now getting down with that whole Bluetooth fad? No, seriously, it's true, and it has a name: Super Slice. As the moniker implies, the 10.2mm thick candybar is the successor to last year's Slice, a phone also sourced from UTStarcom. Features include a VGA cam, up to 270 minutes of talk time, speakerphone, a fresh user interface, and a refreshing price: $59.99 contract free (Virgin's prepaid, after all) when it rolls out to shelves in the middle of the month.

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Sprint's roadmap for remainder of '07 outed, too?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, LG, Motorola, Palm, Pantech, RIM, Samsung, Sanyo, UTStarcom, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

Following a thorough run-through of Verizon's plans for the rest of the year, this broader peep into Sprint's near future than we've seen before -- if real, anyway -- means that we now pretty much know everything there is to know about the wide world of CDMA here in the States for the next few months. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling, ain't it? Anyway, let's have a look: Palm is said to come swinging in with two, the 500 on the low end with a $99 price point on October 14 and an 800w ("w" stands for Windows Mobile 6 here, friends) up top -- though the latter doesn't grace shelves until Q1 of '08. Novatel gets down with an updated version of the U720 dubbed U727 (what else?) come September 30. Sanyo meanwhile should add the S1 candybar to replace the SCP-4930 on October 14, but November 4 is allegedly when things really start to heat up. That day should bring the LG LX260, RIM BlackBerry Pearl 2, HTC Vogue, and the UTStarcom PX-00, a low-cost Rev A data card to replace the PX-500. The Motorola Q9c -- possibly with GSM international roaming -- should drop by a little later in November, while a dual-mode CDMA / GSM rendition of the Samsung BlackJack replaces the IP-830w early next year. Again, this is all unconfirmed, but it seems plausible enough. We'll throw up any corroborating info as we get it.

[Via Slashphone]

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Verizon releases retro-tastic CDM-8905

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, 1xRTT, CDMA

Anyone yearning to relive the glory days of 2004 need look no further than Verizon's "new" CDM-8905, a flip with pretty much nothing to offer but a low price. The UTStarcom-sourced piece delivers cute little 128 x 128 internal color and monochrome external displays, speakerphone, vibrating alert, and that's about it. Really, one need look no further than the aerial antenna to understand what this phone's all about. Who knows, maybe it has terrific reception? Grab it now for $20 on a two-year contract.

[Thanks, Zamora]

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Verizon's roadmap for remainder of '07 gets liberated

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:30:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, LG, Motorola, Others, Palm, Samsung, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

phoneArena scored a wealth -- nay, a veritable cornucopia of information detailing Verizon's releases for the rest of 2007, and we can say with some confidence that there's something in here for everyone. Starting with smartphones, SMT5800, XV6800, Samsung i760, and Motorola Q9m should hit in October, October, September, and August (yay, this month!) respectively. A second, business oriented variant of the Q9, dubbed the Q9c, will follow on in the fourth quarter. If Windows Mobile ain't your cup of tea, have a gander at the Palm Treo 755p and RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 (pictured), both coming in November. There isn't much to say about the 755p that hasn't already been said, but the 8130 is indeed a Pearl of the "new" variety, upping the cam to 2 megapixels while adding A2DP and a 3.5mm jack. Turning to dumbphones, Verizon's got the full spread from low to high end. The Samsung U410, self-branded CDM-8630 and LG VX8350 all appear to be pretty simple flips coming some time this half of the year. The Motorola Z6c looks to be a MediaFLO-less version of the Z6tv slider; the former drops in November while the latter is nebulously scheduled for the second half. Finally, the fancy U700 and U900 flips from Samsung offer 2 and 3 megapixel cams, respectively, and will both be available before the year's out. Whew!

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Verizon preps for launch of UTS XV5800?

Michael Caputo — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

Is Verizon having a busy summer? We guess it depends on who you ask. For some, the time for the HTC Vox (aka UTStarcom XV5800) finally hit the hands of employees last week and the device should be available for sale sometime in August. All the stats remain the same like a Qualcomm 7500 series EV-DO Rev A chipset and a 400MHz processor. The only thing we noticed was the change for internal storage which is claimed to be 162MB, which sounds a little strange to us. Let's hope that Big Red can pull this one off in time for Labor Day.

[Thanks, HTC Kid]

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Verizon's product pipeline in the wild

Michael Caputo — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:38:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Motorola, Samsung, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

We can take this picture and file it under "sneak peek" and "blurry" all at the same time. From what we can make out here, it seems Verizon sets in motion plans to launch several devices in the month of August. From the Motorola Z6tv at top left, to the Q9M (remember the iPhone killer?), the Motorola RAZR 2 (aka V9m), Samsung i760, and UTStarcom XV6800 should all be making an appearance this coming month. Let's hope Big Red can pull off these launches we can be a happy bunch!

[Thanks, HTC Kid and Omie]

Update: Thanks to everyone who submitted the new picture!

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UTStarcom's DV007 camcorder phone

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, GSM

'Round these parts, UTStarcom's best known for its hodgepodge of low-end offerings and its on-again, off-again relationship with HTC. In Hong Kong, though, well... check this out. You're looking at the UTStarcom DV007, a twist flip with a penchant for video recording. It rocks out with some flavor of Linux, a 2 megapixel camera, 40MB of onboard storage, and microSD expansion. The best part though? It's in your pocket for the equivalent of $140, if you can stomach the triband GSM radio.

[Via Slashphone]

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A look at Verizon's busy summer

Michael Caputo — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Palm, RIM, Samsung, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

Please, we beg of you, take these dates with the proverbial grain of salt -- but according to sources, the dates draws near for what could be one of the busiest phone launching quarters for The Network ever. Word on the street is that several phones should be launching shortly including UTStarcom Libra at the end of June, the Palm Treo 755p, UTStarcom Titan, Sierra Wireless 595U USB aircard, and the Motorola Q9M (aka iPhone Killer) rounding out the month of July. A few other honorable mentions we'd like to throw in for ya: looks like the Samsung I760 might be forced to downgrade to Windows Mobile 5.0 in order to make the summer launch schedule, the Treo 800W is on track for late August and BlackBerry Pearl 8120 some time in the fourth quarter of the year. Not a bad list, eh?

[Thanks, Jesse and HTC Kid]

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UTStarcom shows its low-end cards

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, CDMA

They may not turn any heads, but UTStarcom's new low-end fleet led the company's somewhat quiet presence at CTIA last week. The CDM7026 and CDM7076 flips are nearly dead ringers for one another, though the 7076 ups the ante with a black and white external display, TFT primary display (as opposed to the 7026's CSTN), and a VGA cam; features common to both models include 8MB of RAM, 32MB of Flash, MP3 ringtones, and a 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.7-inch outline. Next up, the presently-unnamed "Ultra-Thin, Bar-Style Camera Phone" here comes equipped with Virgin Mobile branding, suggesting it'll follow up the Slice. At just over 10 millimeters thick, the candybar is reasonably well-equipped with 64MB of onboard storage, Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice dialing, and a VGA cam. No word on a release (or what carriers will get the flips, for that matter), but we reckon Virgin and UTStarcom have to look into naming this one before they can be thinking about dropping it.

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AKU3 for Verizon's XV6700 WM5 device 'officially' going to be launched

Brian White — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Windows Mobile

Just when we thought mighty Verizon had given up on official WM5 update support for the XV6700, this comes along in the form of an official email response to one of our readers in a response from UTStarcom, distributor of many things HTC ending in "6700" in relation to WM Smartphones -- "AKU3 will be coming out sometime late March or early April". While that response is quite the vague picture and is by no means filled with detail, we have to give it up to Verizon Wireless who has decided (apparently) to throw some support love up for existing UTStarcom XV6700 owners. You know, the ones who paid more than a few bills for their WM devices in the first place and who are most likely avid wireless data users and decent data revenue subscribers. Verizon, you just scored a point in our book.

[Thanks, Huntley]

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UTStarcom to release PC5750 for Verizon

Michael Caputo — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

Verizon sure has tricks up its sleeves, especially when it comes to the Rev A network that it's been holding back from us. The Network is getting all its ducks in a row to have the UTS PC5750 release in February with the device priced at $269.99 full retail, $199.99 on a one year and $149.99 on a two year ~~indentured~~ contract. The device is a Type II PC Card (no luck if you need an ExpressCard) and UTS has increased the memory capacity of the device to 64MB Flash / 32MB RAM, making it the most well-endowed UTStarcom data card to date.

[Thanks, HTC Kid]

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Windows Mobile AKU 3.3 hacked for Verizon and Sprint 6700

Michael Caputo — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Others, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, 1xRTT, CDMA

Is your Sprint PPC-6700 or Verizon XV6700 feeling down, running poorly, or are you just sick of the bad performance? Fret not Windows Mobile lovers, hope may be in sight. As both carriers have given up on supporting the device and won't be releasing any updates to correct performance issues, a well-skilled hacker comes in to save the day and release AKU 3.3 for each phone. He's also been working on AKU 3.5 and Crossbow. If anyone is brave enough to install these unsupported updates, drop us a line.

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UTStarcom stays low-key at CES with CDM8935, CDM8960

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:47:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

Aw, c'mon, UTStarcom... the SMT5800 (aka HTC Libra) and XV6800 are, like, half the reason we even bothered coming to CES to begin with! Alas, the frequent rebrander of HTC and other Asian handsets has decided to stay virtually under the radar for the show, choosing to show the ho-hum CDM8935 and CDM8960 clamshells for CDMA networks instead of anything remotely approaching smartphone territory. The 8935 is microscopic, measuring just 3.3 by 1.7 by 0.7 inches and weighing in at under three ounces, though you pay for the portability in features; the main display is a 128 x 128 piece and the camera shoots just VGA. Next up, the 8960 packs EV-DO, a 220 x 176 main display, and a respectable 64MB ROM and RAM with miniSD expansion. No North American carrier deals have been announced for either handset, but we suspect these could be brought to market on the double if and when a deal gets signed.

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UTStarcom's dual-mode GF210 clears FCC

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 05:48:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, GSM

What deep, dark secret lies within the casing of this perfectly unremarkable looking UTStarcom candybar? It's got dual-mode hardware, that's what. Yep, GSM -- US-friendly 850 / 1900, no less -- and WiFi, coexisting in blissful harmony to hook its user up with SIP-based VoIP at home and GSM on the road. It's a crying shame, then, that no amount of technological geekery would allow us to feel comfortable talking on the homely GF210. Hey, T-Mobile, would ya please hurry it up over there?

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Verizon UTStarcom SMT5800: Libra comes stateside in green?

Ryan Block — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

We knew the UTStarcom SMT5800 was headed for the States, no doubt, but we didn't know Verizon was going to be picking it up in... nasty ass green. Seriously, what's the deal? Plus they took that hawt Hermes-style keyboard and gave it the MDA-style oval keys, not our idea of a nice changeup. Still, you'll have tetherable Rev A EV-DO, 128MB flash memory, 96MB RAM, microSD, Bluetooth 2.0, and a 2 megapixel camera. Big ups to Roc A Fella and HTC Kid on landing this, the third hot Verizon leak today.

See also: Samsung i760, UTStarcom XV6800

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Verizon UTStarcom XV6800: the CDMA TyTn lives!

Ryan Block — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

Holy crap, it's a Christmas miracle! Look what Santa Roc A Fella dropped in our laps this morning: shots of the CDMA HTC TyTn, courtesy of our new pal HTC Kid! About freaking time. Here we have UTStarcom XV6800 on Verizon, and this thing is seriously no slouch. It improves on the Hermes with more memory, Bluetooth 2, and, of course, features EV-DO with Rev A support. Here's the dirt:

WM5 AKU 3
256MB flash / 96MB RAM
Thumb wheel
802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0
BBAC -- BroadbandAccess Connect, i.e. tetherable EV-DO
microSD slot

We hear Roc's got more coming soon, watch out for it. Big ups to HTC Kid!

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UTStarcom Slice gets official for Virgin Mobile

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 05:09:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, Virgin Mobile, MVNOs, CDMA

Rumor has it the Slice has been floating around a Wal-Mart here and a Radio Shack there for at least a week or two now, but UTStarcom and Virgin are just now getting around to announcing the slimphone's availability all official-like, and the companies are quick to point out the Slice's main selling point: the candybar is now the thinnest phone (10mm) available in the US without contract. Of course, other critical points to make would be the phone's attractive out-the-door price of $50, while feature-conscious users will still appreciate the MP3 ringtone support with 32MB of storage, reasonable 128 x 128 color display, and that endlessly imitated RAZR-style keypad. Look for the Slice now in stores with online available following on November 2.

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UTStarcom serves "Slice" to Virgin Mobile

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, Virgin Mobile, MVNOs, CDMA

Though it's known simply as the PCS-1400 to UTStarcom, Virgin Mobile has a history of christening its phones with creative names, and the trend continues here: enter the "Slice." The phone looks a bit like UTStarcom's previously seen UT1200 for GSM networks but rocks CDMA instead (obviously), bringing 10mm-thick slimphone goodness to prepaid users on the cheap -- just $50. Specs are pretty much what you might expect for a $50 phone, with a single-band 1900MHz radio, 128 x 128 display, 32MB of internal storage, and a speakerphone, but no camera or Bluetooth to be found. No word on an official availability date for the Slice, but it looks like Circuit City will be happy to sell you one as we speak.

[Thanks, Gusto and Jeremy]

Read - Circuit City
Read - Virgin Mobile Slice support page
Read - UTStarcom

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Casio G'zOne phone to hit Verizon Wireless' shelves

Michael Caputo — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, UTStarcom, Verizon Wireless, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA

We have all cringed a bit when our cellphone has dropped out of our pocket or out of our waist holster to hit the cold concrete below and leave our perfect device with scratches, dents, a cracked display, or just simply broken. Well Verizon Wireless customers can rest a little easier with the introduction of the latest device to their ever expanding lineup, the Casio G'zOne (aka the LG CanU 502). And it's not like this phone is all show and no go either, folks, This phone is military spec water and shock resistant, and hooks you up with a 2.0 megapixel camera with video, speakerphone, supports VZ Navigator, Get It Now, and Vcast Video. Roc a fella says the device will be priced as follows: $420 full retail, $350 one year, and $300 for a two year. A little pricey for the rugged, but look for this device to in retail channels on October 23rd.

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