Well, the third largest US carrier prepares even more surprises for 2010.

According to GearLog, Sprint executive David Owens has just unveiled some of the carrier’s plans for next year.

Reportedly, Sprint plans to launch WiMax phones, plus lots of HTC and BlackBerry smartphones in 2010 – with the mention that the HTC ones will run Android and some BlackBerries will feature Wi-Fi.

Speaking of Android, Sprint says that handsets using Google’s OS “will get less expensive” as soon as more such handsets are released. Next year, the carrier might launch hybrid CDMA/GSM Android phones, and even an “Android phone with a built-in MiFi-type router.”

Sprint has also confirmed that Android updates will come to Samsung Moment and HTC Hero, although it’s not clear yet if we’re talking about Android 2.0.

Despite all this Android talk, Sprint hasn’t forgotten about Windows Mobile. WM 6.5 updates should come in early 2010 to the HTC Touch Pro2 and other WM phones. Moreover, Sprint is eagerly waiting for Windows Mobile 7 devices, although their release obviously depends on Microsoft.

• Android Devices Being Brought in Q4
• HTC Hero with Android to be exclusively sold by Orange
• Andy Rubin says Google won’t make an Android phone of its own
• Sprint to launch WM 6.5 Samsung Intrepid (Ace II), Samsung Moment
• First Samsung Android smartphone to come in June; other two handsets promised for the US

We don’t know why Sprint ditched the Instinct branding for this new Android smartphone, but Moment sounds pretty good anyway.

The features of Samsung Moment include: 3.2 inch AMOLED touchscreen display, full QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO Rev A connectivity, GPS, 3.5mm headset jack, stereo Bluetooth, quick access to networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr), visual voicemail, MicroSD card support up to 32GB, and an 800MHz processor.

Samsung Moment will be available from Sprint starting November 1. The smartphone is priced at $179.99 with a 2-yr contract agreement and after a $50 instant savings and a $100 mail-in-rebate. Customers can pre-register for the device on Sprint’s official website.

The Moment comes only few days after another Samsung Android handset, the Behold II for T-Mobile, was announced.

Via Sprint

• Sprint intros the Android HTC Hero – available starting October 11
• Acer Liquid A1 to come in November for €380 unlocked
• Samsung Moment and Sanyo SCP-3810 now available at Sprint
• HTC HD2 to hit the UK on November 11, unlocked
• Sprint intros the HTC Snap S511 and Samsung Exclaim

The InstinctQ has just appeared in some leaked photos over at Phandroid, and it looks like it’s going to be one of the nicest Android devices to hit the US this year.

That Q apparently stands for QWERTY, as the unannounced phone comes with a sliding keyboard that should easily answer all your texting needs.

Here’s the Samsung InstinctQ in all its glory – Sprint logo included:

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many details about the features of InstinctQ, but we do know that it has Wi-Fi.

Sprint may also launch the HTC Hero this year, so let’s hope that both the Hero and the InstinctQ will be announced soon.

Via Engadget

• CDMA HTC Hero approved by FCC – Sprint launch imminent?
• Samsung InstinctQ M900 passes the FCC; Sprint release imminent?
• Sprint launches Android developer website
• Samsung InstinctQ M900 to come with Android?
• Sprint readies lots of HTC Android phones, BlackBerries, WiMax phones and more

These will be added to the markets previously announced (like Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland, where 4G services should be available starting this month).

According to Sprint, the 17 new markets where 4G services will be rolled out by the end of 2009 include: Boise (Idaho); Bellingham (Washington); Salem (Oregon); Maui (Hawaii); Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh in North Carolina; Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Killeen-Temple, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls in Texas.

During 2010, Sprint plans to bring 4G to even more markets, including New York, San Francisco, Boston, Houston and Washington, D.C.

Based on Clearwire’s WiMAX network, Sprint’s 4G services will be able to provide mobile broadband customers with download speeds of up to more than 10Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 3-6Mbps.

Via Press release

• Sprint announces new 4G (WiMAX) markets and devices
• T-Mobile launches very own 3G network
• AT&T to upgrade its 3G network to HSPA 7.2Mbps
• Sprint launches hybrid 3G/WiMax Wi-Fi routers
• AT&T plans 20 Mbs HSPA+ network upgrade in 2009

The two Mobile Broadband Routers are capable of simultaneously connecting a wide range of Wi-Fi-enabled devices (phones, laptops, cameras, MP3 players and so on) to Sprint’s 3G and 4G networks.

Priced at $159.99, the Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S can support up to 4 Wi-Fi connections at the same time. The Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router support up to 32 simultaneous connections, but cots more: $249.99.

Both products are available with Sprint’s 3G and 4G monthly plans that range from $39.99 to $79.99.

“The addition of these mobile hotspot products offers even faster connectivity speeds to Wi-Fi users without the need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. These two new products can potentially connect the Sprint 3G and 4G networks to the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the U.S. today,” declared Todd Rowley, vice president at Sprint 4G.

Sprint said that it’s ready to launch 4G/WiMax services in three new markets this month (Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland), with more markets to come later in 2009.

Via Press release

• Sprint announces 17 new WiMax (4G) markets for 2009
• Sprint announces new 4G (WiMAX) markets and devices
• Sprint and Google announce partnership to give users better mobile experience
• Short range wireless networks to enhance capabilities of iPhone
• Sprint to combine it’s WiMAX business with Clearwire

By the end of 2009, the following cities will be able to benefit from Sprint’s 4G services: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle.

Furthermore, in 2010, the third largest North American carrier plans to roll out 4G services in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Also, Sprint announced that it’s getting ready to launch new 4G devices, all planned for this year and 2010. Said devices will include: a single-mode 4G data card, a small-office-home-office broadband modem, embedded laptops and a so-called “tri-mode phone”.

Via Press release

• Sprint announces 17 new WiMax (4G) markets for 2009
• Sprint launches hybrid 3G/WiMax Wi-Fi routers
• China Unicom announcing Wo 3G brand/service today
• T-Mobile launches very own 3G network
• T-Mobile 3G Launch Tomorrow

So in order to counteract the effect of the losses, Sprint now tries to go beyond cell phones and offer wireless services to various makers of consumer products.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the CDMA US carrier is currently in talks with Garmin, Eastman Kodak and SanDisk, and it might provide wireless Internet access for some of their devices.

Needless to say, Garmin’s GPS navigation systems and Kodak’s digital cameras would be more attractive to customers if they featured wireless access to the Web. 

As for SanDisk, I guess its Sansa players could also benefit from a wireless internet connection.

Sprint is already offering wireless services for non-cell phones: Amazon’s Kindle reader uses the carrier’s network to download books from the Amazon store. 

Also, Sprint has stroke a deal with Ford, in order to provide wireless data for dashboard computers integrated in some of the car manufacturer’s vans and pickup trucks (which should be launched this year). Reportedly, the vehicle’s owners who use wireless data via said dashboard computers will receive monthly bills from Sprint.

• Kindle for iPhone and iPod touch outed by Amazon
• Microsoft and Blockbuster to offer mobile movie services
• Sprint to combine it’s WiMAX business with Clearwire
• Sprint and Google announce partnership to give users better mobile experience
• Samsung considering buying memory card maker SanDisk

The new handset comes in a “highly visible yellow” color, and it also brings a more powerful battery: a 1130 mAh one, which can provide a talk-time of up to 200 minutes.

Other than that, we’re talking about the same old phone. In consequence, you should know the i580 is certified to Military Standard 810 F for shock, vibration, dust, solar radiation, temperature extremes, low pressure, blowing rain, salt fog and humidity.

The specs of Motorola i580 include:

• 1.9 inch TFT internal display with 262K colors and 176 x 220 pixels
• White STN external display with 96 x 32 pixels
• Nextel Direct Connect, iDEN 800/900 MHz
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• MMS
• 1.3MP camera
• MicroSD card support
• 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches
• 5.1 ounces

The yellow Motorola i580 can be bought from Sprint right away, for $119 with a 2-yr contract agreement.

Via Press release

• Sprint announces the intrinsically safe Motorola i365IS
• Motorola Stature i9 announced, Sprint and Boost will release it soon
• Motorola Quantico and Debut i856w announced
• Motorola i856 iDEN phone leaked; should be released in Q3 2009
• Motorola Clutch i465 announced by Sprint too

First of all – as expected – it’s said the Palm Pre will be introduced in the second quarter of 2009, thus in April, May or June.   

Unsurprisingly, the Pre is targeted at “high-end consumers and business users who need to stay connected to their office and who will benefit from fast EV-DO rev. A data speeds and a full functional device.”

Next, Q2 2009 should also bring the following devices to Sprint:

• Samsung Dash, featuring a 320 x 480 pixels touchscreen display, 5MP camera and EV-DO Rev. A connectivity. It’s presented as the ”second generation Instinct” 
• HTC Cedar – a “low cost smart device” with WM 6.1, a QWERTY keyboard and EV-DO Rev. A connectivity
• Samsung Mini, which is obviously the Instinct Mini / Instinct S30. It should come for an affordable price
• Samsung Lucello (or Cello) – messaging phone with an alphanumeric keypad and a full QWERTY keyboard
• Sanyo 2700, a low-cost messaging device with a QWERTY keyboard
• LG LX-370 – a basic slider

In the third quarter of 2009, Sprint should release the following handsets:

• Samsung Chianti – QWERTY slider presented as a “green device” and targeted at “affluent female customers”    
• Samsung Ace II – obviously replacing the first Samsung Ace. It has Windows Mobile 6.1, QVGA display, QWERTY keyboard, 3MP camera, EV-DO rev. A and GSM connectivity
• BlackBerry Niagara
• Kyocera-Sanyo 3810 – simple clamshell

There’s also the HTC Rhodium on Sprint’s roadmap. This is actually the HTC Touch Pro2 with EV-DO rev. A and HSDPA connectivity. It should be out in Q4 2009. What’s weird is that the Rhodium appears as running on “Windows 7.X”, although Windows Mobile 7 will only be launched in 2010.

Anyway, since for the moment we can’t confirm that all the above-mentioned devices will be indeed launched by Sprint, we can only wait for more official details to come up.  

Source: Phone News via BGR

• Samsung Instinct Mini, HTC Cedar, LG Rumor 2 and LG LX370 to hit Sprint
• Samsung SPH-M810 passes the FCC, could be Instinct Mini
• Samsung Instinct Mini / Instinct S30 in leaked images?
• Sprint’s Samsung Instinct S30 (Mini) is official
• Samsung InstinctQ M900 passes the FCC; Sprint release imminent?

The new phone is called LG Rumor2 and Sprint will sell it for $49.99, after a $50 mail-in rebate and the signing of a new 2-yr contract agreement. 

Like the old Rumor, Rumor2 is a Sprint-exclusive device (in the US, at least). 

The full QWERTY keyboard featured by Rumor2 has four key rows, thus it’s probably more user-friendly than the keyboard the original phone sports.

 
Here are the handset’s main specs:

• QVGA TFT display with 262K colors
• Sprint Navigation – for voice and on-screen, turn-by-turn driving directions
• Stereo Bluetooth
• MP3 player
• Sprint Mobile Email Work (including Microsoft Exchange Server and IBM Lotus Notes)
• 1.3 MP camera
• MicroSD card support, up to16GB
• Additional removable backplate
• Talk-time: up to 5.5 hours
• 4.4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches
• 4.23 ounces

Starting March 15, LG Rumor2 will be available online, in Black Titanium. A second color version, namely Vibrant Blue, will be introduced on March 29.

The Rumor2 will also be on sale via all Sprint retail channels, but only starting April 19.  

Source: Press release

• IBM Lotus email on Nokia S60 smartphones, starting December
• Sanyo SCP-2700 and LG Lotus in red announced by Sprint
• LG Banter is Alltel’s own Rumor2; could be available starting today
• Email friendly Nokia E75 starts shipping
• Sprint LG Lotus LX600 Lotus Announced

Well, today we have a couple of shots that are likely to present the Instinct Mini aka Samsung SPH-M810.

According to a thread from the Howard Forums, these pics are with the “new Instinct”, which is a bit smaller and more lightweight than the original one, although it has the same UI.

These do sound like the characteristics of an Instinct Mini, don’t they?

 
 
Sprint should announce the new handset sometime this spring, but it looks like “Instinct Mini” will not be its official moniker.

Instead, the phone could be called Samsung Instinct S30 – or at least that’s what PhoneArena says, quoting an anonymous source.

Regardless of its final name, this little Samsung does seem to be a cool handset. So let’s hope Sprint will launch it as soon as possible.

Via BGR

• Samsung SPH-M810 passes the FCC, could be Instinct Mini
• Sprint’s Samsung Instinct S30 (Mini) is official
• Sprint’s Samsung M850 Dash approved by the FCC
• Samsung InstinctQ M900 to come with Android?
• Samsung Instinct Mini, HTC Cedar, LG Rumor 2 and LG LX370 to hit Sprint

Someone “familiar with the matter” told CNBC that the brand new Palm smartphone will be a US exclusive on Sprint at least until the end of 2009.

Of course, for the moment, an exact release date for the Pre is not known, but if Sprint manages to launch it in the next few months, then it will have quite a long exclusivity period.

First unveiled in January 2009, Palm Pre is not just one of Palm’s nicest devices ever, but also one of the most eagerly expected smartphones of the year, so it’s no wonder Sprint wants to sell it as long as it can with exclusive rights.

As for its availability in non-US markets, the Pre will probably be released sometime in mid-2009 in Canada and various European countries (details about the carriers to sell it are currently missing).

• AT&T might sell the Palm Pre too, after Sprint’s exclusivity ends
• Palm Pre appears in the wild again; might be released on June 9
• Is the Palm Pre going to be a Best Buy exclusive?
• Sprint readies lots of HTC Android phones, BlackBerries, WiMax phones and more
• New Palm smartphones (P120, C40) coming soon to Sprint?

Well, the phone itself is actually not that new, since it’s just an intrinsically safe (IS) version of Motorola i365, which is offered by Sprint since the fall of 2008.
 
Being intrinsically safe, the i365IS provides “a protection technique for safe operation of electronic equipment in explosive atmospheres, when used with IS battery and accessories.”

Other than that, the device looks similar to the i365 and it has the same features, including:

• Ultra-rugged design, meeting military specs for dust, humidity, blowing rain, vibration and shock
• 64K colors display with 130 x 130 pixels
• Second Line Service
• GPS navigation
• Bluetooth
• Speakerphone
• 5.3 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches
• 7.05 ounces
• Talk time: up to 300 minutes

Sprint doesn’t say how much the Motorola i365IS costs, and neither when it will be available for purchase (but this should happen pretty soon).

Via Sprint

• Motorola i580 launched by Sprint in yellow
• AT&T launches Samsung Rugby for those who like it rugged
• Samsung Rugby and ZTE Rock F165 prepared by Rogers
• Sprint Reveals ‘08-’09 Roadmap
• Motorola Clutch i465 announced by Sprint too

Those who have been Sprint wireless customers for more than 10 years are the first who qualify for the Sprint Premier program.

You’re also eligible if, for three consecutive months, you’ve had an individual wireless plan of at least $69.99 per month, or you’ve spent at least $99.99 monthly on a shared-minutes plan. 

Here are some of the advantages that Sprint Premier offers:

• Early upgrades – you can buy handsets at new prices after only one year of contract
• Early previews of new products (including the Palm Pre) or services
• “Just Because” perks, including special offers for trips, and tickets to various shows or sporting events
• Accessory discounts

If you want to better study the Sprint Premier loyalty program, you can visit this link.

Via Press release

• Sprint makes its ETF more user-friendly
• Sprint makes the HTC Touch Pro2 officially expensive
• CDMA Palm Treo Pro now available from Sprint
• Verizon starts offering month-to-month contracts
• Rogers gives up, starts offering cheaper iPhone data plan at $30 for 6GB per month

Is $399 price tag for Palm Pre smart or stupid decision, given that it’s main competitors - iPhone and Blackberry Storm are selling for $199?  Was the quoted price for a contract or contractless phone? Is this price real at all?

Well, today Mobile Review has published a much needed clarification and also revealed some more interesting details about initial Palm Pre’s sales volumes and strategy plans.

The earlier quoted $399 price for Palm Pre was actually for a handset without contract on Sprint. And it is only one of the possible price points Palm is contemplating. Another one is $499 for a phone without contract. So when Palm Pre starts shipping on Sprint in summer of 2009, the actual pricing should be either $399/$149 or $499/$199 for no-contract/2-year contract Pre. However, the final decision will be based on the competitive landscape, when the next gen iPhone and Storm devices will make their appearances around that time.

There’s another interesting news tidbit in Mobile Review’s article on Palm Pre. It seems that the initial production run of Palm Pre devices for Q3 will be limited to 200 000 units. That is because only a limited amount of non-standard display panels for Palm Pre is available for now.  Palm expects to start ramping up the production volumes heading into Q4 and holiday season. With the expectation that a very positive reception of the handset, combined with the shortages will fuel the demand as production volumes increase.

As for the Palm Pre getting to Europe and onto other networks in the U.S., it will all also depend on how Palm Pre is received on Sprint. If there is a huge demand there, only several key European markets will get the new handset and in a very limited volumes as well. And other U.S. operators will have to wait for a while for their own Pre device.

If Palm Pre flops on Sprint, then you can expect it appearing in many other countries and U.S. networks pretty soon.

Via Mobile Review

• Initial Palm Pre stocks may be low. Expect “Sold Out” signs soon after launch
• Palm Pre’s hardware costs only about $138
• Palm Treo Pro and pink Samsung Instinct from Sprint in January 2009
• Palm Pre coming to Europe in early H2 for $500-550. $399 on Sprint
• CDMA Palm Treo Pro now available from Sprint

The improvement is represented by Sprint’s One Click interactive user interface. This allows users to customize the phone’s home screen and to include easy access shortcuts for the features they use most, like Sprint’s Now Network, Google search, email, music, messaging and so on.   

Sanyo Katana Eclipse X also has a unique illumination feature, which lets you assign various lighting schemes to incoming calls, messages and alerts.

Here are the main specs of Katana Eclipse X from Sprint:

• 2.0 inch TFT internal display with 176 x 220 pixels
• 1.0 inch external display
• GPS & Sprint Navigation
• Sprint Mobile Email
• Sprint TV
• Sprint Music Store
• MP3 player 
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Wireless Backup
• 1.3 MP camera with video recording
• 256MB MicroSDHC card  
• Weight: 3.4 oz.
• Dimensions: 3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 in
• 840 mAh battery for a talk time of up to 4.6 hours

Sanyo Katana Eclipse X can be bought for $99 (2-yr contract agreement required) from all of Sprint’s retail channels, in two color versions: Hypnotic Pink (pictured above) and Nightlife Black. 

Source: Sprint

• Sanyo Katana Eclipse slices way through FCC
• Sprint’s handset roadmap for Q3 2008 leaked
• Samsung Moment and Sanyo SCP-3810 now available at Sprint
• Sanyo SCP-2700 and LG Lotus in red announced by Sprint
• Eclipse phone concept doesn’t involve sun, moon

Set to launch with Sprint, the LG Lotus is a somewhat chubby flip phone, but instead of having a standard numeric keypad, it actually packs a full slate of QWERTY for all your text messaging needs. Aside from the somewhat cramped QWERTY keyboard, the LG LX600 Lotus also has Bluetooth 2.0, a 2.0 megapixel camera, and a reasonably compact form factor.

The Lotus comes in luxurious colors such as purple with embossed flowers or satin black. At the first glance, the handset is targeted to female consumers, but I won’t mind to own a black version.

The LG LX600 Lotus will be released next month for $149.99 with two-year contract.

• Sprint now offering LG Lotus, Samsung Rant and Samsung Highnote
• Sanyo SCP-2700 and LG Lotus in red announced by Sprint
• LG Rumor2 officially announced by Sprint; priced at $50 on contract
• LG VX9800 cellphone review by C-Net
• Samsung Instinct S30 Available on Sprint

Yes, it’s going to be $129. And yes, it was probably the $199 iPhone that made Sprint reduce the price.

The Samsung Instinct originally was supposed to go on sale for $199 US, but suddenly Sprint announced that the price will go down to $129. That’s after a $100 mail in rebate, by the way, and with no less than a 2-year contract.

Now for $129, the Samsung Instinct isn’t exactly a hard sell. It features a large touchscreen display, built-in GPS, and EV-DO Rev. A, after all, although it’s not even nearly as advanced as the other touchscreen smartphone it’s getting design cues from.

But if you can’t be bothered to wait for July 11th, the Samsung Instinct ain’t a bad alternative at all.

• Samsung Instinct HD coming to Sprint on September 27?
• Sprint’s Samsung Instinct S30 (Mini) is official
• Samsung SPH-M810 passes the FCC, could be Instinct Mini
• Sprint’s Samsung Instinct to be launched on June 20th
• Sprint’s Samsung Dash M850 in hands-on photo

Sprint/Nextel, the carrier most renowned for its Direct Connect, has been losing millions of customers each quarter. By launching QChat it hopes to begin gaining customers once more, as many customers had become frustrated by the lack of Sprint features on Nextel phones. By introducing QChat, Nextel stalwarts will be able to enjoy all of the same data-rich applications Sprint customers get on their phones, while still using a rugged Direct Connect phone.

Verizon already has a lineup of new phones prepared for the second generation PTT technology but has not made these handsets public as of yet. The details on the specifics of the upgrade in Verizon’s move to QChat are still rather fuzzy at the time of writing; we just simply know Verizon will be taking advantage of their 3G network to make PTT better. However, as more becomes known we will be reporting that information to you!

via RCR Wireless via PhoneScoop

• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect
• Motorola Blend ic402 – another Nextel iDen/Sprint CDMA cellphone
• Sprint to Simplify Rate Plans June 15
• Motorola Buzz ic502 phone for combined Sprint CDMA/Nextel services
• Sprint Reveals ‘08-’09 Roadmap

Going away are the Power Pack and Free Incoming plans, but new to the family will be mix-and-match plans in which iDEN, CDMA, QChat, and hybrid phones can all be under the same plan. Believe me, this is a long time coming; we can start to feel like Sprint and Nextel have officially merged finally!

Individual plans will stay pretty much the same:

• Talk plans – $39.99 for 450 mins; $59.99 for 900 mins.

• Talk/Message/Connect (unlimited messaging and Direct Connect) – $49.99 for 450 mins; $69.99 for 900 mins; $89.99 gets you unlimited mins.

• Everything (unlimited messaging, direct connect, internet, email, TV, and navigation) – $69.99 for 450 mins; $89.99 for 900 mins; $99.99 for unlimited mins.

Shared plans will be slightly different:

• Talk for 2 lines – $69.99 for 700 mins; $9.99 for add’l lines (up to 5 total lines in the plan).

• Talk/Message for 2 lines – $99.99 for 1500 mins; $149.99 for 3000 mins. Both plans include unlimited messaging. Add’l lines $9.99.

• Talk/Message/Data – $129.99 for 1500 mins; $169.99 for 3000 mins. Both plans include unlimited messaging, internet, TV, and navigation. Add’l lines $19.99.

• Direct Connect available on all shared plans for $10.

PhoneArena also says the $5 incremental discount for additional Simply Everything plans are still available as well for users who need an unlimited option.

This comes right in time for the release of the much-anticipated Instinct. Instinct owners must be on either an Everything plan or Talk/Message/Data Share. The $70 starting point, as discussed earlier on UV, will be competitive with the 3G iPhone, which plans will start at $70 but won’t include the navigation, messaging, or TV.

via PhoneArena

• Motorola Debut i856 launched by Sprint
• Motorola Blend ic402 – another Nextel iDen/Sprint CDMA cellphone
• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect
• Virgin Mobile to Unleash Unlimited Calling in US
• Motorola i580 launched by Sprint in yellow

The Samsung Instinct maintains the same minimalist form factor, carrying a 3.1-inch touchscreen with it plus only three hard keys on its face. It also features local haptic feedback so that you’ll be able to feel each key press on its slippery touchscreen display. Other than that, it has basically the same features as the iPhone, without the dedication to music, of course.

Since Apple’s 2nd-gen fruit phone is expected to launch some time next month too, this could prove to be a hard sell for Samsung and Sprint. But then again, if their marketing team is good enough (and if the phone is as good as they say) perhaps enough people might be convinced to finally kill the Apple iPhone. Perhaps…

Via Mobile Crunch

• Rogers to launch iPhone on Monday in Canada
• Sprint’s Samsung Instint now available for, yeah, $129
• Samsung Anycall haptic phone: 100,000 units sold, pink and white versions on the way
• Samsung channeled iPhone launch envy towards Anycall Haptic 2 launch event
• Samsung Bang&Olufsen Serenata F310 music phone for $2000

Previously, we reported about rumors pertaining to the possibility of a Sprint Nextel sellout to Deutsche Telekom because of its ailing status. Well, if all doesn’t go well for Sprint, this just might be the case.

Now, the current subscriber count of Sprint Nextel is down to 52.8 million. And that’s after its renewed efforts to strengthen the brand and cut costs in more ways than one (laying off thousands of workers, enhancing customer service, etc.).

Obviously, nothing’s worked yet. Sprint is also notable for teaming up with tech giants left and right, first with the announcement of Clearwire, a nationwide WiMAX network initiative that they are working on with Google, Intel, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. $3.2 billion was the total amount invested in the “new” Clearwire. Sprint seems pretty confident that this will work.

Or at least they hope. Chief executive Daniel Hesse said in a statement that “We are making progress in methodically attacking the sources of our performance issues.” I hope he means the strength of their network signals, because that’s what most of their subscribers have been complaining about for the longest time. And if not, there just might be another 52.8 million people ready to jump ship.

Via Information Week

• Sprint to combine it’s WiMAX business with Clearwire
• Verizon to Launch QChat, Compete with Sprint
• Sprint to Sell its Towers, Considering Sale of Nextel
• Motorola Blend ic402 – another Nextel iDen/Sprint CDMA cellphone
• Sprint Finding Possible Nextel Buyers

From now on, Google will be the preferred mobile search provider for Sprint customers, as well as having easier access to Google Maps for mobile, YouTube and other Google-powered or Google-owned services.

The previously mentioned features will be available to Sprint customers this summer, including the following:

• Google mobile search: Google will become the default search provider for web search and local search (GPS-enabled) on the Sprint portal on customers’ current web-enabled Sprint phones as well as new devices. On select new devices later this year, Sprint customers will be able to bring up a Google search box on their device’s home screen, providing them with one-click access to Google mobile search.
• Google Maps for mobile: Also featured on new Sprint handsets and available on some current smart phones will be Google Maps for mobile, an application that enables users to view maps and satellite imagery, find local businesses, get driving directions and view real-time traffic information when they’re on the go.
• YouTube: With this new partnership, millions of fun and interesting YouTube videos — as well as all the user’s favorites, videos and channels — will be accessible from select new Sprint handsets.
• Location-enabled search and maps: Sprint will also enable users to take advantage of location data for Google search and Google Maps for mobile, making it even easier for users to discover what’s around them and then figure out how to get there.

So if you’re currently using a mobile under Sprint’s network, expect to get an upgrade in your mobile Internet experience during this summer. I think that should be any minute now.

• Google launches new Local Search for Mobile
• LG YouTube partnership to include online video on LG phones
• Orange signs partnership with Google to offer Google Mobile App
• Google Mobile App now offered through Best Buy stores
• Google Mobile App for WM now with My Location

There actually was talk about Sprint’s Xohm and Clearwire joining efforts in building a WiMAX network months ago, but only now we have some concrete news. The ones backing this deal are all big names like Intel, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks which will invest a total of $3.2 billion in the “new” Clearwire.

This means that Xohm is no more (that name sounded weird, anyway) and Clearwire is saved from a pinch (since they have had negative net income for a while now).

What’s more, Intel Centrino 2 technology will apparently have WiMAX chips integrated and Google will provide internet services for WiMAX handsets. No doubt all companies will want to protect their investment in this new business, so super-fast mobile internet is probably coming your way soon!

Via: Intel.com

• BT Launches Mobile Device Offering
• WiMax Forum Certifies First Products
• Motorola announces USBw 100, world’s first WiMAX USB adaptor for laptops
• Google wants to disintermediate cellular market too
• Nokia commits to LTE, disses WiMAX

The magazine noted that Sprint Nextel’s share price has slumped significantly recently and that the strong euro would make it a low price transaction, one that would help the European company to compete with the leading American telecom firms.

This is big news in the mobile world, because a move like this would mean that T-Mobile would basically be put at the top of the market and take control of the number one spot in the US market.

There are a few issues at hand here however, and so the acquisition will certainly not be a simple open and close case. The merger may be unlikely for a number of reasons, one of the most major involving the base incompatibility between T-Mobile USA and Sprint Nextel.

T-Mobile is a GSM based carrier while Sprint Nextel still has to merge the disparate networks from the individual Sprint and Nextel units which run on CDMA and iDEN, respectively.

We for one will definitely be keeping our eyes on this story and let you know when there are any further developments on this story.

Via: MobileBurn

• Sprint to Sell its Towers, Considering Sale of Nextel
• Sprint Finding Possible Nextel Buyers
• Sprint Nextel phone-as-modem plan now only $15 per month
• SK Telecom in Talks to get a Slice of Sprint
• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect

According to some emails that were sent out to some Palm fans, Palm is going to start beta testing what they referred to as “an innovative new product”.

As reported on IntoMobile earlier today, part of the email went as follows:

We have a new opportunity for people in an enterprise environment who want an innovative device for connectivity from Palm, one of the global leaders in communication.

The beta testers are required to be heavy email and data users with access to WiFi and who are a current Sprint customer.

Palm also made note that qualified candidates should work in an enterprise level business and they should also have experience working with varied technologies.

We will definitely keep you up to date with further information on this matter in the future.

• Treo 800w Coming to Sprint July 13
• Sprint employees starting Palm Pre training – release imminent?
• Sprint debuts Palm Pre sweepstakes, might release the handset before June
• Is the Palm Pre going to be a Best Buy exclusive?
• Nokia Email launches on Beta Labs

Sprint LG LX 570 is a 3.8″x1.9″x0.6″, 3.1oz  3G CDMA (800/1900 MHz) music phone with 1.3 megapixel camera, 262K color display, Bluetooth connectivity, external microSD memory card slot, Media Player and FM Radio.

Like most of new LG phones Sprint LG 570 sports a very nice design and now, with bureaucratic obstacles out of the way, should be available on Sprint network soon.

Sources: FCC, Photos: Mobile Burn, Specs: PhoneArena

• Samsung SPH M250 for Sprint approved by FCC
• Sanyo Katana Eclipse slices way through FCC
• HTC Touch, Mogul get 6.1 Treatment from Sprint
• Motorola W7 – new sporty 3G slider
• Sony Ericsson W710 Walkman sports phone

Like Motorola Buzz ic502 , for walkie talkie services Blend ic402 will use Nextel National Network, giving users ability to connect to 20 million Nextel Walkie-Talkie customers nationwide. Actually you can even connect internationally to walkie-talkie networks in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Canada. Also these handsets include the support for Direct talk that allows you to connect directly (off-network and without network charges) to other compatible phones within 6 miles range.

And in addition to Nextel, Motorola Blend ic402 will support all CDMA voice and data services that can be delivered through Sprint Nationwide Network. That includes Internet browsing, e-mail, SMS texting, ringtone and games download, GPS navigation and other.

Motorola Blend ic402 comes with 65K color display, built-in speakerphone, support for JAVA apps, built-in productivity tools, Spanish and English language menus. With dimensions of 3.68″ x 2.13″ x 0.95″ and 4.44 oz weight it is easy to carry around in your pocket. And with Li-ion battery providing 3.3 hours talking and more then 100 hrs standby time it can last for quite a while there, without any need to recharge.

The retail price for Motorola Blend ic402 is set to $229 and with 2 year voice&data Sprint service plan you can get this phone for $29.99.

• Motorola Buzz ic502 phone for combined Sprint CDMA/Nextel services
• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect
• Motorola Debut i856 launched by Sprint
• Sprint Reveals ‘08-’09 Roadmap
• Verizon to Launch QChat, Compete with Sprint

The PowerSource launch is accompanied with the introduction of new Motorola phones that support all advanced combined network features. One of these phones is Motorola Buzz ic502.

Motorola Buzz ic502 is a rugged, professional grade clamshell, certified for military specifications for dust, shock and vibration. Other features of Buzz ic502 include:

• Color display (65K colors)
• Support for all Walkie-Talkie services like (group, one-touch, speaker and privacy modes)
• Support for Sprint Vision
• Support for location based services through integrated GPS chip
• Direct Talk (off network, to other compatible phones with 6 miles)
• Web and e-mail capable
• JAVA app support
• Productivity tools (calendar, task list, world clock, calculator, memo pad, countdown timer and alarm clock)
• Dimensions: 3.66″ x 2.05″ x 0.87″
• Weight: 4.06 oz
• Battery: Li-Ion Up to 2.8 hours talk time

Motorola Buzz ic502 with Sprint PowerSource will cost you $249 retail and if you sign up for 2 year plan with Sprint, the price will drop to $59.99

• Motorola Blend ic402 – another Nextel iDen/Sprint CDMA cellphone
• Sprint launches NextMail Locator for Nextel Direct Connect
• Sprint announces the intrinsically safe Motorola i365IS
• Motorola Debut i856 launched by Sprint
• Verizon to Launch QChat, Compete with Sprint