Thursday, June 19, 2008

Sprint and the Samsung Instinct Ready to Take on the 3G iPhone

A few months ago, Sprint and Samsung made an announcement that they will challenge the Apple iPhone with their own touchscreen device, the Samsung Instinct. Now both devices will soon be in stores. Will the Instinct be able to gain the upper hand against the 3G iPhone?

Sprint announced that they will embark a marketing campaign to ensure that the Instinct will topple the iPhone. The wireless network operator has been aggressive with its marketing campaign. For example, Sprint has released a series of video that demonstrates the Samsung Instinct's superiority over Apple's device. The videos showed that the Instinct is better than the iPhone when it comes to downloading music, shooting videos, GPS navigation, live TV and web browsing speed.

However, Apple's announcement of the 3G iPhone has really captured the attention of the mobile phone industry. Months before the official announcement, numerous rumors and informations leaks surfaced about the device. Rumors on the raw materials, features, price and specs have spread like wild fire up to the days leading to the launch.

It's not surprising why there is so much buzz around the 3G iPhone. After all, the original iPhone was a very successful device. It's probably the most famous mobile phone in the world. Everyone has heard about the iPhone. And a next generation device that offers improvement will surely get the attention the whole mobile phone industry.

Apple has also done a masterful job of marketing this device. They have made improvements to the iPhone and developers will soon create new applications for the device. They have also made deals with mobile phone operators throughout the world to launch the 3G iPhone. This means that the device will be available in other countries who were not able to get the original device. The attractive price is also going to pull in a lot of customers. At only $199 with a contract and rebates, the iPhone has become more affordable.

Not to be outdone, Sprint has decided to drop the price of the Samsung Instinct to just $129 dollars with a mail in rebate and a two year contract. However, the Sprint iPhone killer has to be activated with a plan that includes unlimited data, which can cost a monthly minimum of $70 when paired with a voice plan. It was previously suggested that the device will be sold at $199 to compete with the 3G iPhone. It seems that the wireless network operator realized that that prize was not good enough to attract buyers so they decided to drop the price of the Samsung Instinct.

Will the Instinct be able to match the 3G iPhone? Well, we just have to wait. Sprint's device will be launched first but I'm not sure if that's an advantage. We'll see if all that marketing has convinced people to get the Instinct before the iPhone. Tune in to this blog for more wireless network news and info.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Verizon Wireless Launches 3 Hot New LG Phones

Here's some awesome news for Verizon subscribers and LG mobile phone fans. LG and Verizxon Wireless just announced that three new LG handsets will now be part of the wireless network's summer lineup.

Here's a statement from Mike Lanman, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, to warm things up,
“These summer phones join our other popular LG phones – the enV2, the Voyager and the Venus – to offer our customers an array of applications, downloadable games, music and other content that is unparalleled in its variety and ability to enhance customers’ lifestyles. By unveiling these devices now, we are giving our customers the opportunity to choose the device that’s right for them, backed by the most reliable wireless network in the nation.”

I think that's perfect introduction for these hot and new LG cell phones. Let explore the details on these upcoming Verizon Wireless handsets.

Let's begin with the LG Dare. This new mobile phone seems to be the flagship for these batch. This is candy bar mobile phone that offers a touchscreen and sports a 3.2 megapixel camera with improved video recording capabilities. Customers will be able to enjoy photo editing software and direct access to social networking sites with the LG Dare. This handset will use to Verizon's EVDO network and V CAST services.

Well, that's about it. This seems like a short description but LG and the wireless network operator weren't keen on providing more details. They simply said that additional information on the LG Dare will be available later this month. Maybe the launch dates will be included in that announcement. Anyway, I'm sure that the LG Dare will offer much more. I guess we'll just have to move on to the next device.

The next upcoming Verizon Wireless mobile phone is the LG Decoy. What's special with this phone? Well, the LG Decoy offers a built-in, removable Bluetooth headset that is incorporated into the phone's design. When the headset is stored on the phone, it will will charge. This next mobile phone from LG also offers a five-way joystick for navigation, and incorporated GPS. Customers can start purchasing it the wireless network operator's stores on June 16.

Let wrap it up with the LG Chocolate 3, the third device in the upcoming LG phones for Verizon. The LG Chocolate 3 is the latest version of LG's music-centric phone. This version made a switch from a slider to a clamshell handset. This means that the music control wheel has been relocated to the outside of the phone. Users will be able to access the wheel when the phone is closed.

The LG Chocolate 3 will also offer a 2 megapixel camera, an FM transmitter, stereo speakers, and 1GB of internal memory. The device will also also support microSD cards up to 8GB in size.This LG device for Verizon will hit the shelves in July.

If any of these devices tickles your interest then you should find new cell phone reviews that feature these devices. Information on mobile phones are always being leaked online so you might be able to get reliable info on these devices even before they hit the stores.

Tune in to this blog for more wireless network info.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Verizon Wireless May Merge with Alltel

Here's some explosive wireless network controller news. According to a Reuters article, Verizon Wireless may be able to surpass AT&T as the top US mobile phone service provider if it succeeds in negotiating a merge with Alltel Corp.

Alltel Corp is one of the top rural mobile service provider in the US. The source of this scoop revealed that Verizon is offering to but Alltel for bout $27 billion in debt and cash. However, the $27 billion valuation could be comprised of mostly debt and a smaller amount of cash.

This merger will certainly have a significant effect in the wireless network operator industry. Alltel had more than 13 million customers at the end of the first quarter which means that a merge with Verizon will spawn a company with more than 80 million customers. AT&T, is considered the biggest U.S. wireless service based on customers with 71 million subscribers but will fall in second place should this merger becomes complete.

The source of this wireless network info also divulged that the ownership structure of Verizon Wireless would be altered if the deal is completed. Fifty-five percent of the company is owned by Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc owns the rest.

Needless to say, this development was met by surprise. The timing of this deal was unexpected since Verizon did not make any move when private equity investors bought Alltel about a year ago. However, Verizon Wireless expanding through an acquisition makes sense. Some experts also believe that Verizon may be able to operate Alltel more efficiently than Alltel. Verizon is a strong wireless franchise and has advantages of scale to run the business with greater efficiency.

As expected with these mega deals, both parties wanted to limit the information about the merger. Verizon declined to release comment on the matter while Alltel representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Mobile phone industry experts expect that a close review from U.S. antitrust authorities and regulators at the Federal Communications Commission will be conducted if Verizon proceeds to purchase of Alltel.

Well, this is certainly interesting. It seems that Verizon is making a move to wrest the top spot from AT&T. This is a major development so I think it's unsure if the deal will be completed. All we can do at this point is to tune to to the updates to this story. Tune in for more wireless network news and information on this blog.