BlackBerry Goes Wi-Fi

It looks like a Wi-Fi BlackBerry may be entering the US market sometime later this year. Last week, RIM received FCC approval for the first BlackBerry device to include a Wi-Fi component. The handset was approved for GSM and EDGE frequencies, so it will most likely be available through AT&T or T-Mobile. RIM did not comment on when the phone would be available, but we're thinking it will be available sometime in the 4th quarter.

T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home Goes Nationwide

T-Mobile's new offering combines the home phone and the mobile phone into One. Their new service allows users to make unlimited domestic calls from Home or from any T-Mobile HotSpot using a Wi-Fi network. The cool thing about the service is it automatically transfers you from a Wi-Fi network to a cellular network. For example, if you are on a call at home using the Wi-Fi network and decide to leave, you are automatically transferred to the T-Mobile's cellular network without dropping the call. The transfer works both ways, so if you are on a cellular call on your way home, the call will automatically transfer to the Wi-Fi network once you reach home.

With HotSpot @Home, you are not charged for minutes while using a Wi-Fi network, but the service does have a flat monthly free. Currently, the service costs an additional $10 per month for a single line and $20 per month for a family plan. To go along with the service, T-Mobile announced two new phones that will be compatible - the Samsung t409 and Nokia 6086. Both phones are available for $49.99 with service agreement. T-Mobile is also reselling Wi-Fi routers from D-Link and Linksys to provide a total package.

PPC 6800 (HTC Mogul) Coming to Sprint June 18th

The PPC 6800 (HTC Mogul) may be available from Sprint as early as June 18th via online sales. The retail launch is currently slated for July 16th. The phone will replace the currently available PPC 6700 (HTC Apache). The major differences are this device will be the first CDMA device to ship with Windows Mobile 6 and will be upgradeable to EVDO Rev A this fall. Other than that, it's 1/3 thinner, the camera increased from 1.3 mega pixels to 2 mega pixels, ROM doubled to 256 MB, battery life increased 20%, and the external antenna has been removed. The device comes with a 416 MHz processor and still supports Wi-Fi (both 802.11b and 802.11g). The suggested retail price is $549.99, but it will be available for $399.99 with service agreement and rebates.

Pros: Touch Screen, Windows Mobile 6, Wi-Fi, 2 MP camera, EVDO Rev A.
Cons: EVDO Rev A upgrade won't be available until the fall.