The slide here clearly identifies the Pivot as a "successor of BlackJack series," yes -- but the same slide deck also refers to the Samsung Jackie (the Jack's codename) as a BlackJack successor, so we wouldn't put too much stock in that. The fact is that this Pivot is a touch-capable WinMo device with QWERTY, and we can't imagine AT&T bothering to stock both this and the similarly-spec'd Epix at the same time. By and large, this seems like an ever-so-slight upgrade to the Epix, featuring 4GB of onboard Flash, a 2.6-inch QVGA touchscreen, AGPS, WiFi, and a 3 megapixel camera (up from the older model's 2 megapixel unit). It also has triband HSDPA for international 3G roaming, but curiously, it seems that it's lined up to launch with WinMo 6.1 -- at least at the time of this slide's creation, which has the phone pegged for an October launch. That'd be precisely a year after the launch of the Epix -- perfect timing for a refresh, and we wouldn't be surprised if they slipped 6.5 into the mix by the time that happens. Follow the break for a closer shot of the phone.

Usually, it's Apple who has the problem with a potential app. Now, it's The Man taking issue with one that Cupertino deemed fit for distribution. Nevada gaming officials have been tipped off a card counting application that can be installed on the iPhone and iPod touch, which would obviously give Blackjack gamers an upper-hand over the system. According to control board member Randy Sayre, using a device to "aid in the counting of cards is considered a felony under Nevada laws governing cheating," and considering that the program can even be used in "stealth mode," it could be easy to miss unless you're really on the lookout. Of course, it's up to individual casinos to determine their policies on cellphones, but if you were planning to counter this recession by racking up on ten straight 21s this weekend, you might want to seriously consider the consequences first.

[Via TUAW]

This has to wrap up the lunacy that has seen Windows Mobile 6.1 updates for just about everything that needed one in recent times. We've seen 6.1 hacked for Sammy's BlackJack, but it's sorta sweet of them to get it out to us all official-like. The release notes on Samsung's site mention threaded SMS, Domain enrollment, and even a BMW iDrive patch as tout-worthy features, in this, the newest and best from Microsoft. As a word of caution, following the instructions to the letter is always a good plan during ROM updates, as failure to do so can lead to a very dead handset. Thanks Samsung, we appreciate the speedy software updates. Read link has the goods.

Update: As a couple readers noticed, the links are dead for the updates -- though the pages are still up. Hopefully, they'll get those links sorted quick.

Update 2: They're up! Enjoy!

Read - Windows XP update page for Samsung BlackJack II
Read - Vista update page for Samsung BlackJack II

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Why wait for an official announcement and an upgrade that may (or may not) come at some point in the distant future? Do any of us really have the patience for such tomfoolery? We don't think so, which is why it warms our hearts to see the whole BlackJack community huddling together to create, test, and perfect a Windows Mobile 6.1 stack for their beloved devices. It's still in the beta phase, but it's plenty real and the testers are plenty active, giving us hope it'll be stable enough for widespread consumption in the not-too-distant future. At this point, it seems like there's a 6.1 group rallying around virtually every WinMo device out there -- so have hope, (insert device name here) user.

[Thanks, MikeyB]

After having given its newer BlackJack II cousin plenty of breathing room in the WinMo 6 spotlight, Samsung's finally doubling back to bring the original up to spec. No, seriously: as of 5PM Eastern Time today, you'll be able to hit the attached link and download Windows Mobile 6 (an official ROM, finally) for your old-skool BlackJack in all its glory. For folks not in need of the II's GPS, the upgrade should breathe new life into a handset that still holds its own in the smartphone pack, and for some time now, has been just one small upgrade away from avoiding the proverbial glue factory. Let us know how it goes, updaters!

Note: Prior to 5PM EST, you'll be redirected to an old Windows Mobile 5 update for the phone. Hang tight, folks!

We hardly like the name -- How about something a little catchier Ted? -- but Rogers' Jack will make up for it with a pile of features and some pretty decent pricing. We've been all over this guy before and this is indeed the same handset but with Rogers branding -- oh, and we're still not seeing WiFi. Pricing is set from $199, on a 3-year stint, $374 on two years, and $399 for a one year contract. Availability is listed as sold out so if you want to get your mitts on one, better line up, like right now.

We're still hunting down hard info on this one, but according to users on AT&T's official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue. Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength. A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now's the time to get on the horn.

Update: Okay, we've gotten our hands on the service advisory. Like we said, it's all i607 Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 -- the date is printed on a label under the battery in YY MM format.

[Thanks, Douglas and Curtis]

Hoping to catch a little Black Friday love, Samsung and AT&T will be launching the BlackJack II at the tail end of this week, November 23. The Windows Mobile 6 Standard device -- successor to AT&T's pretty darned popular BlackJack -- features integrated GPS, a 2 megapixel camera, HSDPA, support for Video Share, and stereo Bluetooth and will be available both in the original's black (albeit a bit glossier) and in "red wine." Black launches first, with red wine following on December 6 for $149.99 on contract after rebates.

Update: Sounds like some AT&T stores are already hawking this thing ahead of schedule. Go pick 'er up now, or hold your peace until Friday!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

In case our really poorly constructed pun in the title didn't help reveal what we're talking about, let's come right out with it: we're hearing that the LG CU720 Shine slider should be launching as soon as today, and certainly within the next handful of days. Along with it will be the CU515 in "plum" (also from LG), the Samsung A747 flip, and the BlackJack2 on the smartphone end of the spectrum. It's a 3G cornucopia -- just in time for Thanksgiving, eh?

[Thanks, kal]

The whole Windows Mobile 6 upgrade issue for Samsung's BlackJack is a little murky at the moment seeing how the BlackJack2 just got announced (come on, you just know AT&T would love to use Windows Mobile 6 as a selling point on the new model), but we're cautiously encouraged here. The i600, the BlackJack's European cousin, has just been blessed with an official WM6 ROM -- which, coincidentally, we're hoping looks nothing like the WM5 screen shots in Samsung's promo pic. So yeah, go grab it if you're lucky enough to be on an i600; meanwhile, adventurous i607 types can keep skulking around for an unofficial upgrade until AT&T gets its act together.

[Via MoDaCo]

So Samsung and AT&T introduced the BlackJack2 today, but it ended up being none other than Microsoft that showed the device doing its thing on the CTIA show floor. While the original BlackJack could be seen as a revolutionary device for the carrier (it was AT&T's answer to the Q, after all), its successor is clearly destined to be an evolutionary upgrade; yeah, the GPS is great, but Windows Mobile 6 and 3G are both totally mandatory in new smartphones hitting the market at this point. From our brief impression, the new keyboard seems like a key improvement over the BlackJack's testy pad, there's a larger battery in store (no more high capacity kit needed for a full day of use), and the jog wheel, glossy shell, and choice of colors all give it a softer, more consumer-friendly look. Samsung tells us we can expect it for about $150 in time for the holidays. Click on for more shots!

Yep, we kinda knew about all these, but it's good to get a little more confirmation that they're still all on track. The LG Prada (alias "Vu2," alias CU920) has shown up for inventory tracking alongside the Motorola Z9 slider and the Samsung BlackJack II. The Vu2 could end up being one of AT&T's first MediaFLO-compliant handset for mobile TV on the network, and we don't really expect it until early '08 at this point; the BlackJack II looks ready to launch from the press shots we've seen, though, and we wouldn't be surprised if it hit before the year's out. The Z9 could be the hot slider we mentioned earlier today, suggesting a launch some time in the first quarter.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Don't worry BlackJack fans, Samsung does indeed seem to have a true BlackJack II successor in the works for you, unlike that stylus-based i780 pretender to the throne. Turns out the i617 -- which we saw pass the FCC yesterday -- will be doing the honors, but unfortunately it's not terribly clear what those honors will be. AT&T is a lock, thanks to the HSDPA 850 / 1900, and of course Windows Mobile 6 will be the main attraction, but there's no confirmation of WiFi or any other notable hardware upgrades just yet other than a bump to 2 megapixels from the original's 1.3. As for looks, we'll let you make up your own mind, but the design isn't much of a departure -- there's still a back hump -- but everything is considerably more shiny this time around. No word on price or availability. There's a shot of the back after the break.

[Via Mobile Phones Reviews and Tips]

The FCC's being a little shy about full documentation here as usual, but we know this much: it's the Samsung SGH-i617, the device's outline looks BlackJack-ish, and it rocks HSDPA 850 / 1900 (thanks, SAR report!). Combine that with the persistent rumors of a BlackJack II in the works, the fact that the popular BlackJack (whose model number is i607, coincidentally) is getting a little long in the tooth, and AT&T devices from Samsung typically end in "7," and, well, you can pretty much figure out the rest. Give us Windows Mobile 6, WiFi, and a slightly better keyboard and you've got a worthy successor, guys.