Does Sprint's New 4G EVO Work in NA's Tallest Building?

I recently received a pre-release demo of Sprint's new EVO 4G mobile smartphone. I'd heard the device would be the world's first 4G smartphone, operating on faster data networks available in select markets-- but previously only available to mobile broadband cards and routers.

With a freshly-charged EVO in my pocket (I immediately fell in love with the mobile hotspot application piggy-backing my iPad WiFi to use the EVO's faster data connection), I thought I'd bust out of the Northwest and try another Sprint 4G city: Chicago.

Aside from being the ultimate travel companion (often the built-in 4G was faster than the hotel's own WiFi) with it's giant movie-friendly screen, the coverage was much better than I had expected.

Would it work on top of The Sears Willis Tower, 103 stories up and anchoring the Chicao skyline?

In a word: Yup.



(In a side note: Ever tried to take a photo of a handset screen, while managing a Digital SLR, in front of a bright window, in North America's tallest building, with a fear of heights? Apologies it's hard to read the screen... but there is, in fact, 4G coverage on the Skydeck... enjoy!)

In other news... I did stand out on THE LEDGE. Those photos will follow at some point.

Blackberry Outage Over, Frustration Continues

It's a frustrating day to be a Blackberry User.

Owners of the popular smartphone have been without email service throughout North and South America much of the day.

The service, according to Research in Motion, makers of the Blackberry is back online --- but email will be slow to trickle into your handheld device.


For more:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=28688

Sprint Slapped Over Early Termination Fees

It'll be at least October 21 before we know for sure, but Sprint has agreed to settle a lawsuit over early-termination fees. If you canceled a Sprint contract between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2008-- you may qualify for up to $95.

A proposed national settlement has been reached in a class action proceeding alleging that Sprint, Nextel and/or Sprint Nextel's use of a flat-rate early termination fee (ETF) in its customer wireless agreement violate the Federal Communications Act and consumer protection laws of the states and of the United States.

The company has agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle the class action lawsuit.

If you think you may qualify for a cash or credit refund, check the website: http://www.sprintetfsettlement.com

For current customers, Sprint won't be charging flat rate early termination fees until at least 2011 -- but that doesn't get you out of your Sprint contract if you were considering switching: pro-rated fees are still fair game.

The confirmation hearing is October 21, but customers can file a claim now.

As is typical, Sprint has denied any wrong-doing.

Sprint Launches First 3G / 4G WiMAX Device: Coming To Portland Soon?

You’ve heard it before: Wireless broadband will blanket Portland like the City's recent snow.

While nobody expects a new network set to roll into Portland “early 2009” to bring arctic temperatures, if early indications in Baltimore are any indication, what is to come is wireless Internet access that rivals most home broadband connections.

A welcome relief to those disappointed by failed attempts by MetroFi to cover the city with wireless hotspots.

Today Sprint announced specifics of an anticipated new dual-mode broadband access card – available next week – bridging the gap between existing 3G wireless data networks and a new Sprint 4G network . The faster network has been available since September in Baltimore and, if deductive reasoning prevails, comes to Portland in the coming months.

The new card, in the form of a small USB modem, is the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300, and is similar in form factor to devices now available for 3G networks (only). The device will be $149 after rebate and – to add 4G speeds – an additional $20 on top of current wireless broadband (3G) service plans.

Mac users should note: unlike existing modems on the Sprint 3G network, the U300 does not yet work with OS X. I’m told support for Mac portables is coming sometime next year.

Program Note: I’ll be receiving a 3G/4G modem soon and will test it out either in Baltimore or (certainly) Portland when the service is launched. Check back for a review of the device and my take on the new Sprint 4G network. I’ve been quite pleased with my Sprint 3G service, so hopefully the 4G is even more mobile broadband goodness!

Sprint Press Release:

Sprint Extends 4G leadership with nation’s first

3G/4G dual-mode mobile broadband service

The ultimate wireless broadband device delivers both 3G and 4G,

revolutionizing mobile broadband and giving customers the best of both worlds



OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Dec. 17, 2008 – Sprint (NYSE: S) is about to make wireless history again by bringing the mobile broadband future to its customers now. The 4G leader announced it will make the first 3G/4G dual-mode device, which operates on both Sprint 3G and 4G networks, available in retail stores Dec. 21.

The Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300 delivers the power of the Now Network™, the nation’s largest and most dependable mobile broadband 3G network*, while also harnessing the turbocharged speeds of WiMAX on the new Sprint 4G network. Sprint launched 4G in Baltimore in September and plans to launch in other markets across the country throughout 2009. This versatile device will enable customers to experience blazing fast Internet access, greater productivity and enhanced multimedia quality throughout 4G markets, and offer access to the dependable Sprint 3G network virtually everywhere else. The 3G/4G USB modem represents another major development in truly un-tethered broadband access.

“Sprint intends to be the leader in 4G and bring the wireless Internet to life,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “This first-of-its-kind device allows our customers to take the Internet with them essentially wherever they go by gaining enhanced speed and capability in 4G markets and the nationwide coverage of our 3G network across the rest of the country.”

Sprint 4G represents a shift in the way people will use mobile broadband. Businesses, consumers and governments will be able to extend their Internet experience beyond home or office use. For the business customer, a typical user experience might be the ability to participate in a video conference from anywhere within the coverage area in a Sprint 4G city while sharing and retrieving large data files in just seconds. For consumers, it might be the ability to download a song in several seconds or a movie in significantly less than an hour while in the park or moving through the city, three to five times faster than 3G networks. The Sprint 3G/4G USB modem will access mobile multimedia applications at average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps within Baltimore Sprint 4G service areas. Where Sprint 4G service has yet to launch, the dual-mode device will operate on the Nationwide Sprint Mobile Broadband 3G Network at average downlink speeds of 600 Kbps – 1.4 Mbps.

The Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300, manufactured by Franklin Wireless, is a sleek, easy-to-use data card which connects to a standard USB port. The device is priced at $149.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement, after a $50 mail-in-rebate. Beginning Dec. 21, customers can purchase the USB data card via the Sprint direct business sales force, at most Baltimore-area Sprint stores and at select Baltimore-area retailers. Starting in January, the device will also be available in Baltimore-area Best Buy stores. With the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem, customers living in and traveling to Baltimore will be able to work even faster while on-the-go. For $79.99 - just a $20 premium on a standard mobile broadband connection plan - customers will have simple-to-use access to the best possible mobile broadband connection: 3G or 4G. The Sprint Connection Manager recognizes and connects to the fastest connection available. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4g

“The availability of this first dual-mode mobile broadband device further demonstrates Sprint’s leadership in 3G and 4G services,” said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G. “Our future device portfolio of single-mode 4G devices, embedded 4G laptops and dual- mode 3G/4G devices will continue to demonstrate our commitment to WiMAX.”

Sprint is the first and only national wireless carrier to offer customers its 4G network and 3G network on one device. As 4G service continues to roll out in other cities, Sprint customers with dual-mode devices will be ready to take advantage of its super-fast speeds and will ultimately experience new forms of interactive communications, high- speed mobile Internet browsing, social-networking tools, local and location-centric products and services and city-wide broadband access to multimedia services including music, video, mobile TV and on-demand products.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 51 million customers at the end of the third quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

About Franklin Wireless

Franklin Wireless Corp. (OTC BB:FKWL.OB - News) designs and markets wireless broadband high speed data communication products such as 3rd generation ("3G") and 4th generation ("4G") wireless broadband modules and modems to end users and wireless companies in North and South American countries. It markets its products through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, as well as directly to operators and end users in North and South America. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information about Franklin Wireless, please visit www.franklinwireless.com.

For more information about the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300, visit www.sprint.com/4g

* Largest based on square miles (including roaming). Dependable based on independent, third-party drive tests on 3G data connection success, session reliability, and signal strength for the 50 most populous markets from March through September 2008.

Portable Phone Price-checkers: Pricing Power to the People

You know the drill... you're browsing the aisles of your favorite big-box store looking for bargains, holiday gifts, or that impulse item you can't imagine life without. But are you getting the best deal? What if there's a better price at the store next door or online outpost?

New tools for your mobile phone make price-checking as simple as taking a photo -- and they're available for smartphones now.

Launched earlier this week, the Amazon.com Mobile iPhone app (free from the iTunes App Store) helps shoppers identify anything they can take a photo of, and it's backed by a team of human reviewers. Here's out it works: Load the app, select the "Amazon Remembers" function and take a photo -- of anything. Whether it's a product you're researching at the store or that gizmo at a friend's house, your photo will be identified by a team of Amazon helpers and added to your Amazon shopping list. Compare prices and look up Amazon pricing in the easy-to-use iPhone (and iPod Touch) application.

If you're familiar with the popular music-finder application, Shazam -- think of this new iPhone gem as a sort of "Shazamazon".

Taking it to the next-level, users of the T-Mobile G1 sporting the snazzy new Google operating system "Android" can use their phones as a barcode reader. Snap a photo of a product's UPC barcode and the mobile software looks up area pricing, and where you might find the item at a local retailer. The software only works, for now, on the Android platform, and, as I understand, technical limitations (the 'fixed focus' camera to blame) prevent porting this application to the iPhone -- for now.

Now for those that don't have an iPhone or G1, there are still plenty of ways to look up pricing online. Many online retailers (including Amazon.com) have mobile-friendly versions of their website for any phone with a browser.

For lower-tech phones, give Google SMS service (text "help" to 466453) a try... text "product" followed by a description or UPC number to the Google short code and you'll get pricing information from online retailers. (The results aren't nearly as pretty or accurate as the smartphone apps above, but with some practice you can get basic information.)

Finally, you could always do what my own mother does: Call someone in front of a computer to confirm the must-have bargain you're considering.

Want to listen to this story? Hear report originally aired on KOMO 1000 News Radio 4 December 2008. Click here (MP3) to listen now.

iPhone: Pricing Details Announced

AT&T today announced detailed iPhone 3G pricing causing more confusion than clarification.

You recall Steve Jobs' announcing the iPhone 3G at "twice the data, half the price". Well, we quickly learned given higher-priced data plans, the true cost (over the "life" of your contract) was actually slightly higher. Many, including myself, rationalized this as faster data speeds at an increased fee.

Today's announcement sought to clarify just exactly who would receive the touted $199/$299 iPhone 3G device pricing. There are three prices based on your status:

$199 (8GB) / $299 (16GB):

• Original iPhone customer before July 11, 2008


• New customer to AT&T (i.e. move from another carrier)


• Adding a line of service (say, a second phone)


• AT&T Customer qualified for an upgrade (you've done the time)

$399 (8GB) / $499 (16GB):

• AT&T (non-iPhone) Customer not eligible for upgrade

$599 (8GB) / $699 (16GB) - not immediately available:

• Any customer without contract requirement

This is how I understand the pricing scheme. If you read AT&T's information differently, let me know.

I suspect most users will fall in to the first camp. For instance, I'm a T-Mobile customer planning to switch to AT&T. If I were under contract with T-Mobile I'd pay a standard $200 early termination fee. AT&T's own customers under contract will pay a similar higher price to "get out of" their existing commitment to switch to the new iPhone.

The real advantage here goes to the current iPhone users. They are upgrading at the same price meant to attract new customers while only renewing (not adding to) their previous contract commitment. I can only imagine the uproar we'd hear if AT&T didn't recognize current iPhone users' commitment with the $199/$299 pricing.

Footnote: Don Reisinger gives his take on the iPhone 3G pricing in his IT World column. He and I spoke on his Digital Home Podcast about iPhone pricing a few weeks ago. In his column Don writes:

"According to the company, only those people that purchased an iPhone before July 11, want to activate a new line, and are eligible for an upgrade discount, will be allowed to purchase the iPhone 3G for $199 or $299. For the rest of you suckers, you’ll be doling out a whopping $399 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 16GB model.

As I mentioned to Don via. chat a few minutes ago, the "and" (bold added above) should actually be an "or". Hopefully this will be corrected soon. (Kinda changes things, don'tcha think?)

Tech Check for 21 Feb: Microsoft Opens Up, Hackers Localize, and Unlimited Mobile Plans

Microsoft releases previously closely-held secrets, hackers want linguists, and mobile phone providers match Verizon's unlimited mobile phone plan today on Tech Check for 21 Feb 2008.

Microsoft announced earlier today plans to release details of application programming interface (API) software. The deal, met with skepticism from open source advocates and an anti-trust aware European Union, has Microsoft sharing previously tight-knit secrets to help developers interface with their software. Open source advocates are concerned the announcement doesn't go far enough. Meanwhile, the EU is cautiously optimistic.

Know a foreign languauge? Good at software development? A recent AP story describes the latest efforts among hackers and virus writers to recruit foreign language skills to target specific countries. Applications being accepted now.

Finally in the news -- how about an unlimited mobile phone plan? AT&T and T-Mobile have matched a previous Verizon announcement launching a frenzy of unlimited mobile plans. Fairly soon, anyone paying more than $100 for monthly cell phone service will be paying too much.

That's your look at tech news for Thursday... more tomorrow on Tech Check.


Further reading:

• MSNBC: Hackers recruit for local language skills
• CNET: Unlimited plans may spark mobile price war

Tech Check for 19 Feb: All About Free ... Calls, Software, Time

Verizon Wireless shakes up the cellular business with unlimited calling plans, Microsoft meanwhile gives aspiring developers free software, and a site to help you make the most of your free time... Tech Check starts now for Tuesday February 19, 2008.

Have you ever gone over your minutes? Ready to ditch your land-line but can't afford the bill for mobile airtime? Verizon today announces an unlimited calling plan for $99/month. That's right, it's finally here -- unlimited calling plans! It was only a matter of time and for those that now pay more than $100 for your cell phone, look to save a few bucks. The question now is... will other carriers follow suit?

If free minutes aren't your thing -- how about free software? The brilliant marketing minds at Microsoft are giving it away. Qualifying students are eligible to download developer tools such as Visual Studio Professional (software development suite), Expression Studio (web programming and graphic / web design) and XNA Game Studio 2.0 (video game development) and SQL Server 2005 (developer edition database engine) as well as Microsoft's Windows Server software. To find more about what Microsoft is calling Dreamspark, visit the program's website: http://channel8.msdn.com

And finally, if you are looking to fill your free time -- check out the website StumbleUpon.com. The site brings to your attention online resources you might not have found on your own -- the best and most popular of the web as voted by you. Check it out, but don't blame me if you find yourself spending more time online!

Thanks for visiting and tuning in for today's report. I'm off to Ignite Seattle and will have a complete report tomorrow... that's the latest look at tech, today's Tech Check.

Tech Rewind: 2007 In Review and a 2008 Preview

KXL Tech Expert Segment for 31 December 2007

Happy New Year!

Nearly a year ago we watched Apple’s CEO threw a hat into the ring for mobile phone market share... the controversial AT&T carrier-exclusivity did little to discourage early adopters from lining up for the iPhone days before the June release. Another major product that actually shipped in January was Microsoft’s Windows Vista. Claiming “the wow starts now” – many XP users are sticking to the former operating system while the Northwest-based software giant works out bugs. Corporate users even pressured Microsoft to extend support for Windows XP.

We talked a fair amount about social networking in 2007—with relative newcomer Facebook stealing the spotlight from one-time king Myspace. The decision to open Facebook for outside groups to build software on the network paid huge dividends and earned the site a sizeable investment from Microsoft.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Mountain View-based archrival, you know, the search, advertising (and added in 2007: Apps) giant Google watched its stock skyrocket above the 700 mark after announcement of an “Open Social” platform for social networking sites followed by plans to release an operating system for phones, resting months of speculation a so-called Google Phone was in the works.

Finally, in the world of video games – Two big winners, in this blogger's humble opinion: Halo 3 from Microsoft set records and Nintendo’s Wii console outsold rivals Xbox 360 from Microsoft and Sony’s Playstation 3. An exciting year, indeed.

As for my predictions for stories we'll be talking about in 2008...

I think (perhaps hope?) 2008 will be the year all these social networking sites finally grow up and become useful. A faster 3G version of the iPhone is due out while we see what Google has in store for their Open Handset Alliance. I’m personally excited about airline plans to offer inflight internet – a story we discussed a few weeks back on KXL – and the ever-changing face of digital content delivery ... are 24-hour movie rentals coming to iTunes in ’08?

As you may know, January 1, marks the start of the transition period to digital high-definition television… those old analog broadcast signals are going bye-bye... Finally, R&S, we’ll look to next week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas and MacWorld in San Francisco the week after to set the pace for technology in ’08.

Listen to this report, originally broadcast on KXL-AM Monday December 31: kxl_techexpert-2007rewind2008preview_20071231.mp3 (MP3)

I'll bring you these tech stories and more in the new year... as always, drop me a line and let me know what you want to hear. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy New Year and thanks for listening (and reading)...

Power-hungry TVs, Mobile Gifting and a Wii Tip

KXL Tech Expert Segment for 21 December 2007

Today on Portland's Morning News on Newsradio 750 KXL we discussed how the TV you buy may affect your power bill, how to give a mobile phone as a gift, and gave listeners one last-minute tip to update the Holiday Wii Hunt.

For more information and tips on buying a TV for the energy efficient consumer, check out this post. You might also consider equipping your home with a "Green Switch" to completely cut off power to devices that drain juice even when in power save mode. The kits start at $1125 and more information is available here. If that sounds like an expensive accessory, consider you'll make it up in energy consumption from idle devices in just a few years!

Considering a mobile phone for that recipient on your gift list? I explain on today's show why giving a gift certificate or "IOU" may be the wiser choice. Many phone users prefer to pick their own phones. Some considerations:

• Will this phone be used for work? Some employers only support certain models when interfacing with corporate systems such as email.
• Is size, form-factor, style or the presence of a full keyboard important?
• Does the intended user require WiFi web browser or the ability to connect to their laptop as a makeshift wireless modem?
• Are they willing to switch carriers (are there contract implications?) to get a particular model such as Apple's iPhone?

As you can see, it might be best to talk this over with the recipient before making a purchase.

Finally, because dozens of you have written in asking where to buy a Wii -- I'm happy to share a special alert I received from Santa's Helpers. Seems St. Nick himself will be stopping by the Game Crazy in King City with 100 Wii consoles available for purchase. How they managed to schedule the last-minute delivery on Santa's busiest day of the year, I'll never know... but for those still on the Great Wii Hunt 2007 edition? Read this entry carefully!

Listen to this report, originally broadcast on KXL-AM Friday December 21: kxl_techexpert-plasmaenergy&lastminutegifts_20071221.mp3 (MP3)

Got a question? Need help deciding what gift to buy? Drop me an email techexpert (AT) brianwestbrook (DOT) com (remove CAPS before sending)... I'm here to help!

Boarding Pass On Your Mobile Phone

The TSA recently gave the go-ahead for a pilot program in Houston, sponsored by Continental Airlines, to offer travelers the ability to flash a barcode on their cell phone to board a plane. The new boarding pass takes the place of the paper slips now used by carriers and promises to speed your boarding time -- eliminating a stop at the ticket counter or carrier's kiosk.

For much of the past decade, boarding passes have used barcodes. Seemingly random bits of black and white that a scanner reads and identifies with your seat, flight number, travel date and name. Matching this information with your ID then ensures you paid for a particular seat on the plane. The mobile phone simply replicates that barcode on-screen and replaces a printed barcode.

Those flying from Contintental's hub city will still need a boarding pass -- for their return flight home.

For more:

• Cellphone could be boarding pass, too (USA Today)

Silence Pesky Cell Phone Users, Illegally.

The NY Times ran a story on cell phone jammers -- devices that block cell phone reception around them -- and the debate over their use is intriguing.

Make no mistake, use of these jamming devices is prohibited by federal law.

That doesn't stop commuters tired of hearing your conversation from pressing the power button on a portable device that will make you think you've traveled outside the coverage area.

Agree with the vigilante approach or not -- there are courtesies both side of the discussion could adopt:

• Be considerate. Use your mobile phone only where you will not disturb others. The call may be important to you -- the rest of the cafe' may prioritize your discussion differently.
  
• Think silent-mode The latest dance track that puts your feet into motion when your friend calls you? Others might prefer to smash your handset with their own feet.
  
• Don't spoil the darkness Checking your text messages during a movie can be just a disruptive as answering a call. Avoid both.
  
• Take it outside How many times have you been at a dinner table listening to half a conversation while one person at the table takes a call? Take it outside so the rest of the group can enjoy themselves.

Do you have other tips or cell phone courtesies? Pass them along!

Google Announces Mobile Phone Strategy

There will be no one "gPhone".

Deciding instead to concentrate on an open-source mobile phone platform, Google today announced plans to ship a developer kit in the coming weeks.

The first devices to run Google's new phone operating system are expected mid-next year and will not carry the Google brand. Rather, these devices will be made by one of several hardware manufacturers that belong to the newly-announced Open Handset Alliance.

More on this story:

• Where's my Gphone? (Official Google Blog)

Nokia recalls 46 million mobile phone batteries

Nokia today announced a product advisory affecting 46 million mobile phones worldwide. Phones with the "BL-5C" battery, manufactured between Dec 2005 and Nov 2006 could be affected. Customers are advised to visit the Nokia site to check if their battery is subject to free replacement:

Nokia Battery Replacement Website

I have a Nokia phone I use as a backup, for International roaming, and whenever I want a smaller alternative to my usual Windows Mobile phone -- punching in the 26 digit code into the site above told me I was not affected by the recall. Were you? Feel free to weigh in with a comment, or email me: tech (AT) brianwestbrook (DOT) com

For more information on battery management, read my previous blog post on the subject here.

Apple iPhone: Will it Blend?

In an ingenious promotions strategy, the guys over at WillItBlend.com toss various items into their consumer blender (available for sale!) to answer the question: Will It Blend?

Now, they've sacrificed (GASP!) an Apple iPhone for yet another faux-scientific study. The answer to the question you've been begging to know...? Watch for yourself!

(or view the embedded YouTube clip below)



With the hot weather we've been experiencing lately... I think I'm going to go blend myself a margarita... ;-)

(Please, don't write me telling me you tried this at home despite warnings and now your iPhone doesn't work... I take absolutely no responsibility!)