Hey Everyone. Happy Monday *sigh*. Is it warm yet? Can I start wearing flip-flops? Has that darn groundhog gotten run over yet? Just kidding PITA fans. I need some warmth to make this column lively today!

MOTOBLUR. Not so much of an RSS feed as an observation, but I'm giving it a try on the Motorola Devour. Man, there's a lot going on. I will try to get a video out today to give you the highlights. Esentially, it has a Universal Inbox that will feed you as many different sources of mail and notifications as you set up. Upon initially turning on the device, you have to set up a MOTOBLUR account, similar to setting up g-mail on the Droid or a Palm account on the Pre or Pixi Plus. It seems to be the way of the current and future of many Smartphones. Just when you thought you had enought email addresses, think again!

Next I will give the Phone Portal setup a whirl so I can see my phone's homescreen on my laptop and be able to manage and delete files. I will keep you posted on that as well.

Are you getting impatient for 2.1? Set yourself up for an email alert when the Android 2.1 update is available. Personally, I am going to do it on both forums, just to be on the safe side but here are links to two forums that will let you know when it arrives. Or drop me a comment and I will let you know...as soon as I know. I am anxious to see who gets it out first. Anyone want to start a pool! Just kidding. Here are the links.

Motorola 

Phandroid

Speaking of 2.1, in fact, when am I not lately? The original reports that the animated wallpaper that the Nexus One sports would not be available to the Droid have apparently changed. The reason they would not be available was because the processor was not as fast as the N1. Here is a video showing some animation on a Droid equipped with 2.1 ESE53.

Lastly, I am in the process of downloading Swype for my Droid, or Devour, haven't decided yet, I don't yet know if it'll work on the Devour. I don't think its available for the Eris. Here is the link if you want to look into it but I must warn you, it is in beta so if its crashes your phone, its your paperweight! Swype beta link. If you want to learn more about it firstm visit the Swype forum and see what others are saying.

Finally, something other than Android, although you will have to have a smartphone to use this... Verizon Wireless made a delightful video showing off Skype (not to be confused with swype). Check it out!


Chloe out!

The next piece of possibly disturbing news is that some devices with versions prior to the 2.0.1 (like the HTC Eris) will require a full swipe to complete their updates to 2.1 so it looks like the Moto Droid will be safe from that. Lastly, some devices may be subject to downloadable updates as opposed to OTA updates. This decision is currently in the hands of the carriers and manufacturers. This will all go down in Q2 so keep your eyes and ears open for more deets.

CDMA Nexus One
We are looking at a potential release of March 23rd for the CDMA version of Google’s Nexus One. The source of this news is the passing of the CDMA version through the FCC.

Flash on Android If you purchased the recently released the Motorola Devour, then you are graced with the presence of Flash Lite. The rest of us Android users desperately await the abilityof seeing Falsh on our favorite websites.

An employee of Adobe set the record straight about what devices may get the Flash support. We may have previously thought the ability to run Flash was in direct corelation wit the Android version. That doesn't seem to be the case. It looks like it has more to do with processor speed. Based on that information, The HTC Droid Eris and the Motorola Devour may never see Flash 10.1.

Verizon Wireless Backup Assistant Coming to BlackBerry March 9th?
Will Blackberry users be compelled to use it on their already syncable devices? Well I guess we'll find out on or around March 9th.

Palm 1.4 update is almost in the books. It is going to be OTA so keep your eyes peeled. The update includes:

• Video recording capability with editing and uploading capabilities to YouTube, Facebook, email or MMS.
• Improved performance and integration between apps Improved battery life under mixed use scenarios. This means
  customers that use email, messaging, Facebook, and other core
  services will see longer battery life
  -Phone app launches quicker and faster switching between
  different views in the phone (eg. missed calls, speaker phone,
  dialer pad, etc)
  -Phone call notifications appear more quickly
  -Other apps are more responsive
  
• Improved notifications The LED in the gesture area lights up and vibrates to indicate a new notification
  
  Here are some of the benefits and a video.

Video only on YouTube

Lastly...The Casio Brigade. I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the elephant in the room.

Verizon mixed it up a little last week when they allowed the Motorola Devour to be released through indirect channels first. This almost never happens. So, first the Devour released, then we received the Casio Brigade the next day with no instructions to delay. So I say, sell those bi-atches like they're going out of style. So many people are waiting to get their hands on them. I still don't know why Verizon Wireless pulled them until March 11th. Some sources said they couldn't meet the demand. Well I have two opinions about that.
1. If they had been reading their own forum and LISTENING, they would have known there was a ton of hype over it.
2. So what if there was too much demand, why pull it altogether and piss everyone off? At least sell what you have, instead of letting them sit on a shelf collecting dust for 2 more weeks.

Wireless stores are just getting them on the shelves and as far as I know are allowed to sell them. This release was a quiet one leading up to Feb 25th so many stores (both Verizon corporate and indirect; like Wireless Zone) didn't even know they were coming. I have one on my desk so if you have questions, fire away. And no, you may not have this one!

So, are y'all ready for the Motoblurring Devour? It comes out tomorrow.

I've heard the Casio Brigade will launch tomorrow but no one has heard anything conclusive around here yet, so I'm starting to get a tad worried about this release date. My rep told me it would release in February so I still put my faith in him.

I'm going to be honest with you. I don't have a heck of a lot to tell you today. I will be spending the afternoon in training and I spent all morning making videos. Wah, Wah, Wah. I'm not complaining, I love this job, I'm just trying to tell you, there are just not enough hours in the day for me to give you my full scale Chloe-ness.

I am trying to get some more solid release dates on:
Motorola Crunch
LG S750,
LG Clout (VX8360 replacement)

BB Tour 2 aka Essex is due in March
Google's Nexus One will be available in a CDMA version through Google.com in the spring

Casio Brigade launch, can it be true?

Verizon Wireless lowers price on Palm Pixi Plus.

Verizon Wireless hoping to put more of a span between the Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus has lowered the final price on the Pixi Plus. It can now be purchased for around $79 after the new customer discounts. The sales of the Pre Plus are better and they tink its because with only a $50 diference people were more inclined o jump up to the Pre Plus. If this doesn't sell more Pixi's we may see the price go lower yet. This is a great price for a device that also acts as a 3G hotspot. Remember you can ride 5 devices on its WiFi coat tails.

Skype Comes to Verizon But Not to iPhone?

The announcement of the 2-3 year exclusive deal of Skype and Verizon was recently announced. But now we are hearing more interesting details. So, here's the deal. Skype's deal with Verizon Wireless is affording Verizon customers (and only Verizon customers) with some perks. Besides being able to make free Skype to Skype calls over the 3G ntework, customers will also be able to make International calls using Skype's low rates. They can IM Skype users and see who is on-line.

As far as the iPhone's Skype delay, apparently they are worried that AT&T's 3G network can not handle the service. That's not a shock, but is it a coincidence?

FiOS and Droid Make a Lovely Couple.

We mentioned a month ago, that you could get FiOS mobile for the Motorola Droid and the HTC Imagio. This feature would allow you to check TV listings adjust parental controls, set you DVR while you are out. You can even manage programs on your DVR so you have enough space.

Now, Verizon and Droid have gone one better. Now you can control your FiOS TV with your Droid device acting as a remote control. The above apps are available through the Android Marketplace.

Saygus Vphone  First of all, just who is this Saygus? Their concentration is on handling the onslaught of video capabilty in laptops, desktops and other consumer, business and governmental mobile products while using their technology. Saygus's future lies in cutting edge mobile video devices and device video software technology for the mobile communications world at low cost, low bandwidth, high resolution, real-time mobile video communication. Wow, that was a mouthful.

Anyway, the VPhone will be the first Verizon Wireless sees from Saygus. It's a side-sliding Android running 1.6, 4-row QWERTY, 5MP camera, an 800MHx Marvell processor and 256MB RAM. Capacitive, 3.5" screen with VGA resolution. Smartphone/PDA/Handset PIMS (Personal Information Management System) i.e. Day Timer, Calendar, Address Book, Remote Save, etc., MP3, Media Player, USB Sync Compatibility to PC, Voice Recorder, External Speaker, GPS, Full Color LCD WVGA Touch Screen, 2 way video calling with Saygus Propietary Real-Time, Two-Way Mobile Video Calling Software – 24 to 30 Frames Per Second (Movies Standards are 24 FPS), MicroSD Storage up to 16 GB SDHC, WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR, Stereo Bluetooth  Sound good? No release date yet.

Apparently last week some Eris owners reported geting a minor OTA update pushed to their devices. It was supposed to just be a minor fix, not the 2.1 we are all waiting for. So here it is, the good and the bad.

Some Eris users are reporting that the 2.1 has started rolling out to some devices. I bet you are going to run for your Eris and check it. Okay, well before you do anything crazy, read on.

• First off the update is reported to strip the Eris clean of all user data, I don't think I have to get on a soapbox to tell you what a pain in the ^$$ that will be. Imagine having to redo all of your settings, not to mention all of your apps. Sheeesh.

• Second, the update does not include the HTC Sense UI interface.
  

I'm going to take a leap and assume this 2.1 OTA update is a mistake, and was not intended to be released yet.

So if I were you, I would PROCEED WITH CAUTION. ACHTUNG BABY! If you were to take a chance, back up your stuff first. And if you do decide to take the plunge, or if I didn't get to you in time, please hit us up with the results. I'll keep you posted as soon as I hear anything further. 

Chloe out....

WOW, Wednesday again? Did you ever wonder why Wednesday is spelled so weird? I do, every time I dyslex-a-type. I looked it up, but its really not that compelling. So, let's move right onto phones.

The Motorola Devour a555 will be out on the 25th, so one more WUW column before that.

The Casio Brigade is due in February and there are only 11 days left. I haven't heard different so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my friends over at Verizon's Brigade forum. These poor people have been waiting a long time. I remember talking about it launching in November. Yeah, so much for that. Anyway, while I am talking about the Brigade, I am told by our rep that it will require a data plan. Don't shoot the messenger but I figured it'd be better if I throw the cold water in your face now instead of the salesperson when you go to buy it.

Google's Nexus One is still due to release its CDMA version for Verizon Wireless in the spring.

Personally I wouldn't even conside buying it at this point (and I'm a huge HTC fan and an even bigger Android one). Let me explain. Unless you know someone that has one, how are you going to see if you like it. Google's intention is only to sell it on google.com. What if you hate the rubber coating or how it fits in your hand?

Next, from most sources I've read that the customer service is still overwhelmed. There was talk of turning the customer service number over to Verizon Wireless because Google thought they'd handle it better. I haven't heard anything further. This is somewhat of a complicated device and if you can't go back to the point of origin where you bought it, and the 800# has issues with handling the call volume, you better hope the hell you never have an problem. Warranty issues? I guess you'll have to take those up with Google or HTC.

One thing I have to say is every Verizon Wireless call speciallist I've ever dealt with, has been delightful and accomodating. And I've placed MANY calls to them.

Saygus Vphone  First of all, just who is this Saygus? Their concentration is on handling the onslaught of video capabilty in laptops, desktops and other consumer, business and governmental mobile products while using their technology. Saygus's future lies in cutting edge mobile video devices and device video software technology for the mobile communications world at low cost, low bandwidth, high resolution, real-time mobile video communication. Wow, that was a mouthful. Anyway, the VPhone will be the first Verizon Wireless sees from Saygus. It's a side-sliding Android running 1.6, 4-row QWERTY, 5MP camera, an 800MHx Marvell processor and 256MB RAM. Capacitive, 3.5" screen with VGA resolution. Smartphone/PDA/Handset PIMS (Personal Information Management System) i.e. Day Timer, Calendar, Address Book, Remote Save, etc., MP3, Media Player, USB Sync Compatibility to PC, Voice Recorder, External Speaker, GPS, Full Color LCD WVGA Touch Screen, 2 way video calling with Saygus Propietary Real-Time, Two-Way Mobile Video Calling Software – 24 to 30 Frames Per Second (Movies Standards are 24 FPS), MicroSD Storage up to 16 GB SDHC, WiFi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR, Stereo Bluetooth  Sound good? No release date yet.

Remember those jokes we told as kids, "What do you get when you cross a ____with a ____?" Take a good look at it. The HTC Incredible got together with the Moto Droid and BAM...out comes the vPhone. Just sayin!

Samsung u320 This is going to be the replacement for the Samsung Knack. The Knack was a simplifed device designed with older people in mind that didn't use the phone a lot and needed large keys and fonts. My Mom has this phone for those reasons, also the ICE contacts under the screen are readily available. All I can say is hopefully they have solved the freezing issues. My Mom is on her third Knack and it finally seems to be working without issue but it wasn't fun when it was locking up on her all the time. Do you know what its like to have a mother on your back? It's a mother!

This phone won't be out for a few months as it just cleared FCC in  the beginning of February.

LG Clout This is going to replace the LG VX8360. I don't have much on the Clout but I can tell you the 8360 was a nice feature phone. It was a flip of course, 1.3 MP camera, microSD support up to 8GB, the proprietary plug was changed to a microUSB plug on that device. It has 2.5mm jack with music controls on the front of the phone directly under the screen. The best part of that phone was that you didn't have to open the flip to read your text messages. You could read them right on the external screen.

Motorola Crush OS BREWery, Touchscreen with QWERTY, has some fun features a pedometer, music and video players, Stereo Bluetooth  3.5 mm headset jack, 2 MP camera with digital zoom, up to 16GB of removable storage as well as 150MB user memory. Some included apps: Business-City ID, Games-Pac-Man, Lifestyle-Pedometer, Maps and GPS-Your Navigator, Music and Audio-Tone Room.

ZTE F350 Another manufacturer's first phone with Verizon Wireless. Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited is a publicly-owned, Chinese corporation that designs and manufactures telecommunications equipment and systems and has been around since 1985. Verizon Wireless already carries one of their products, a USB modem. ZTE has made devices for Cricket and MetroPCS. The device other than sounding like a truck (the name, not the device itself) is a bar style but since nobody has any deets on i, we don't know if its a slider or touchscreen only, smartphone or feature phone. Here is a picture so you'll have to use your imagination!

 That's it, I'm going to save this and hit the road. Chloe out.

Verizon Wireless is shaking things up!
Here is yet another  reason to choose and stay with Verizon Wireless.

Customers can expect an exclusive, easy-to-use Skype mobile™ offering for 3G smartphones : Skype mobile™, which will be available beginning in late March.

With Skype mobile, our 3G smartphone users with data plans will be able to:

• Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on the most reliable wireless network
• Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling
• Send and receive Instant Messages to other Skype users
• Remain always connected with the ability to see friends’ online presence

When Skype Mobile launches in late March, it will be available on 9 #G Smartphones with data plans:
BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530
BlackBerry Storm2™ 9550
BlackBerry Curve™ 8330
BlackBerry Curve™ 8530
BlackBerry 8830 World Edition
BlackBerry Tour™ 9630
DROID by Motorola
DROID ERIS™ by HTC
Motorola DEVOUR™

Additional information about Skype mobile™ will be available soon – stay tuned.

 

It just might be the single happiest day of my life. I can't say it was my wedding, because I am divorced. I can't say it was the birth of ny child, I have no kids. The day the owner of Wireless Zone told me I could have my manicures expensed comes pretty darn close but not the happiest. Today, yes today is the day my friends. I have finally been spoofed.

At first when Brent Robertson from Fathom said, "You know you've made it when you've been spoofed." it didn't resonate with me. I guess I hadn't given it much thought. But the more I thought about it, the more I dreamed of the day that someone would spoof one of my videos. I was so excited I haven't even noticed who made it yet. I hope they make more. It was so great!

Check it out, and from now on, just call me
Chloe shamwow, slapchop Mays

So this is it, My new Monday column. Monday Matters. I had some great suggestions:
"Monday Morning Quarterback" was kind of cool,
"Easy for you to say: is totally on point! I may have to use that in the future.
"Mobile Monday" not bad
"Manic Monday" again not bad
and lastly Cellary thats what I call a Cellular Summary

In the end simplicity won out. So with no further ado...Monday Matters. It really does you know!

Have you completed my Distracted Driving survey yet? INwhyN? Please complete it, We want to know where everyone is coming from. It's only 6 measily questions and we will report the findings, oh maybe next Monday. There are some doosers!

The CASIO BRIGADE is on the new rebate form

I just got the rebate form and the Casio Brigade is listed on it. The forms are good from 2/16/10 through 3/31/10 It was not listed on the one that ended 2/15/10.

Update Schmupdate! So much for getting the Droid update to 2.1 last week. That was apparently a premature announcement on Motorola's part. In an email they started: "The Droid over-the-air software upgrade is expected to rollout soon. It will automatically be pushed to phones when ready and Verizon Wireless customers will only have to accept the free download for continued use and enjoyment of this feature packed device."

As for the Droid Eris by HTC, I have no exact date on that either. All I could get for an answer was "sometime this quarter" so that leaves 44 more days. Let the countdown begin!

In related news Android owners will be pumped to get Flash 10.1 on their devices...however, it will only run on 2.1 Android. So until the awaited update finds its way to out phones, we won't be able to get it anyway. The devices running 1.6 will all be updated by the end of this year. I don't know about you but that's going to take a lot of patience. Here's another roughtimeline, the Flash 10.1 will be available in the first half of the year. No doubt that'll mean June 30th.

It looks like HTC may announce two new high end Android Smartphones at the Mobile World Congress:

HTC Desire (certainly not the first time we've heard that name) Sense UI, 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 576MB RAM and 512MB ROM

The HTC Legend
3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 600MHz processor and 384MB RAM / 512MB ROM. 5MP, Android 2.1, Sense UI

There is no word on what carriers they are coming to.

Samsung's new OS called bada
More news from Mobile World Congress. Samsung announces its new operating System. It will be called bada.

It is an initiative to bridge the gap from Smartphone to feature phone. The first device that will sport this new OS is called the Wave; a new smartphone with 1GHz CPU, a 3.3 inch 800×480 pixel AMOLED screen, a 5 MP camera, as well as multi-touch and multi-tasking capabilities.  

Are you keeping track of the Olympics on your phone? INwhyN? (If not, why not) You can get an app for just about any phone. Read more.

Thanks for checking in today. Cellular Chloe out...