Crazy Verizon Phone

What do you think of the phone pictured below? Nokia is trying to create a swivel version of the E71, complete with a full QWERTY keyboard and running Series 40. This CDMA phone is set to launch on Verizon, on a date yet to be determined.

  

So are you going to run out and buy this when it releases? I think I'll stick with my 8900. I just don't see the appeal in trying to twist open a phone to get at the keyboard. And that squarish form factor looks like it'll fit into my purse better than my pocket.

-Zara

Mobile Phone Controlled Vacuum

Here's something that you don't see every day. A vacuum that can be controlled by a cell phone over 3G. Yes, the picture below is of the CW100, a "smart" vacuum that can operate by itself or follow your every command. You navigate with the keypad, with a live view of what it "sees" showing on the phone's screen. 

And the best part is that it sells for $370, as long as you sign up for a $3.70/month data plan. Too bad this is only available in Korea on the carrier KTF. I wouldn't mind a $3.70/month data plan. And the robot would be a nice addition too ;)

-Zara

No Skype for iPhone in Canada

This is something interesting that I just came accross. Our friends in Canada can't use the Skype app on their iPhone. It's already gotten over 2 million downloads worldwide, but a Canadian patent over the Skype codec seems to be causing the problem.

 

There's been a lot of speculation about what may have been holding it up, but Apple, Rogers (the Canadian carrier), and the CRTC (regulations board) all stated that they had nothing to do with the holdup. Hopefully this issue will get resolved soon so that everyone in the world can get in on the Skype for iPhone goodness.

-Zara

App Time

Hey Guys!

The BlackBerry App World is now up and running for readers in the US, Canada, and the UK. This is so exciting!

Requirements:

• BlackBerry OS 4.2 or higher
• Trackball or touchscreen
• PayPal account (to purchase apps)
• Data plan with BlackBerry Browser access

Be sure that your BB suits the requirements and let me know what the first app is that you download from it.

-Zara

Skype for iPhone is Live!

We've been waiting for it and now it's finally here. An official Skype app for the iPhone. 

It's been off to a bit of a bumpy start with crashes and unexpected behavior for people on the iPhone OS 3.0 beta, who have jailbroken iPhone, and those not running the latest firmware. For everyone else, it gives great sound quality, but only works on WiFi. 

Next, all we need is the Skype app for BlackBerry. That will really be something to celebrate!

-Zara

Windows Mobile 7 Screenshots... Sweet!

Here we have it, 5 screenshots of the new Windows Mobile 7. Well, they are more likely early mock-ups, but nevertheless, they look promising. 

Mobile Marketplace

IM Application

Music Player

Maps Application

Home Screen

One of the biggest complaints so far is how the battery and volume indicators are on the bottom of the screen, meaning that your fingers are likely to cover it while using the phone. Also, I hope that the UI will have a more unified feel once it releases, but Microsoft is definitely on track to produce a winner. The question is why this isn't 6.5 and getting released later this year?

-Zara

E71 on AT&T... Soon

Yesterday was the rumored launch of the E71x on AT&T. Is it any surprise that a last minute bug was discovered? Apparently, the bug deals with the phone's ability to handle emails. Since the firmware update is still weeks away, don't expect to see the E71x in stores any time soon.

I have to wonder what AT&T is thinking, launching this phone after it has already been on the market for almost a year. Do you think they'd be better off just waiting for the E75? Post a comment to let me know what you think.

-Zara