USA This day is reporting that AT&T has reached an agreement with Apple to extend AT&T’s exclusive rights to carry the iPhone in the United States. AT&T will remain the exclusive retailer of the iPhone through 2010. AT&T subsidizes the price of the iPhone to the tune of about $300, which keeps the handset’s retail price at $199. AT&T hopes to make up for the subsidy by being the exclusive service provider for the popular handset.

This move may anger some, who want to be able to use the iPhone with any carrier they choose. But in the United Says the newest version if the iPhone will only work on the AT&T network or the T-Mobile network. The wireless technology in the U.S. is so different that Apple would have to develop an entirely new phone in order to have a device that would function on a Verizon or Sprint network.

Even if iPhone owners are able to unlock the device, it isn’t fully compatible with T-Mobile’s 3G network. To get the full iPhone 3G experience Americans are going to have to stick with an AT&T service plan, until some clever people come up with a way around service compatibility.

Via Mobilecrunch

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Revamping their bluetooth headset of 2007, CallPod is just about ready to ship the Dragon V2. Coming in at just 5 cents short of $100 bucks, they’ve managed to pack a bunch of features into a box $20-$30 bucks cheaper than other high-end headsets: 100 meter range, dual-mic noise suppression, 8 hour speak time, “Dragon to Dragon” (Walkie-talkie-esque) communication, upgradeable firmware, and the capability to pair and auto-switch across multiple devices.

Mr. DHL just stopped by with a couple of headsets in tow. They’ve barely just hit the chargers, so it’ll be a day or two before we’ve a full review up, but I figured we could take a peek inside the box.

What’s inside:

• Callpod Dragon V2
• Large earbud adaptor
• USB Charging Cable
• Wall plug
• Vehicle charger
• 5-pin mini usb adapter
• User manual and quick start guides

I was beyond stoked to see the variety of charging methods included in the box. While USB and wall chargers are somewhat standard, the included vehicle adapter is an awesome touch. I never remember to charge Bluetooth headsets. Ever. Combine that with California’s newhands-free laws, and that automobile adapter is one of the best things they could (legally) include in the box.

First Impressions:

Though I haven’t powered it up yet, I did slap the headset onto my ear real swift to gauge comfort. I was impressed - it slipped on comfortably right out of the box. Hell, I’d state it’s one of the two most comfortable headsets I’ve used, the other being Aliph’s new Jawbone. On the downside, the Dragon V2 does feel enjoy it wiggles around a bit during movement, though considerably less than just about every other headset I’ve owned.

Being used to the longer lines of most Bluetooth headsets, I was a bit put off by the Dragon V2’s circular shape at first glance. Once it was on my ear, however, it made perfect sense: it looks like a wrap-around headphone, making you look slightly less like a tool than most headsets would.

All that stated, it’s time to go put’em to the test. Full review should be up in a day or two.

Via Mobilecrunch

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After so many years with them glued to our ears, being stuck without your cell phone sucks. Pay phones are getting harder to find (plus, you’ll catch the herp), and pre-paid cell phones require a night of charging before they’re ready to go.

Looking out for forgetful travelers and those of us who just lose crap a lot, Orange France and Bic have partnered to create the Bic phone, a €49 (about $77) re-chargeable candybar phone preloaded with 60 minutes of talk time. And by 60 minutes, they mean 10 minutes - you don’t get the other 50 until you’ve registered the phone. Once your hour is burned up, you can re-juice via prepaid Mobicarte vouchers obtainable at any Orange retailer.

So, what’s Bic’s part in the deal? Are they making the phone? Nope - one of Alcatel’s manufacturers is. Are they distributing it? Nope - Orange is doing that. Bic is just lending their name to the handset. “It’s just a brand licensing agreement,” says Bic spokesperson Claire Gerard.

You know what comes to mind when I think of Bic? Lighters, pens, and other crap I throw away as soon as it stops working, which is exactly what people will do with these phones once their trip in France is over, or their 60 minutes is up. Re-chargeable or not, these phones became destined for the landfill as soon as they strapped the Bic name on it. Unless the phone is secretly made of soy beans and paper, that’s a lot of plastic and other material going to waste; Orange oughtta at least stuff a pre-paid envelope into the package for the sake of recycling.

Look for the Bic phone at News stands, airports, and in trash cans in France come September.

Via Mobilecrunch

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Here’s the thing about making videos for your products, CE folk, make sure people are aware of whatever it is that you’re selling. The Fins-Up is probably a decent accessory, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the video. Am I right? You’re eyes are being pulled in by the cleavage on the woman […]

Here’s the thing about making videos for your products, CE folk, make sure people are aware of whatever it is that you’re selling. The Fins-Up is probably a decent accessory, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the video. Am I right? You’re eyes are being pulled in by the cleavage on the woman who seriously needs a new hair stylist anyway. Is it 1987?

Via [crunchgear]

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According to BGR, the Nokia E71’s signal catchin’ capabilities aren’t exactly meeting expectations. In places where signal generally flourishes, they’re reporting tiny to no service.

The problem purportedly stems from the placement of the cellular antenna. Tucked behind the only plastic part of the phone, the antenna hangs out down near the bottom of the rear side of the device - right where your hand goes. On a table, the handset might get great signal; pick it up, and the signal gets lost in the meat of your palm.

Unfortunately, the only solution for the time being is to contort your hand into a cramp-inducing position to hold the phone from the top, which doesn’t exactly mesh well with typing on the QWERTY keypad. Got a Nokia E71? Let us know how the reception is down in the comments.

Via Mobilecrunch

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According to BGR, the Nokia E71’s signal catchin’ capabilities aren’t exactly meeting expectations. In places where signal generally flourishes, they’re reporting little to no service.

The problem purportedly stems from the placement of the cellular antenna. Tucked behind the only plastic part of the phone, the antenna hangs out down near the bottom of the rear side of the device - right where your hand goes. On a table, the handset might get great signal; pick it up, and the signal gets lost in the meat of your palm.

Unfortunately, the only solution for the time being is to contort your hand into a cramp-inducing position to hold the phone from the top, which doesn’t exactly mesh well with typing on the QWERTY keypad. Got a Nokia E71? Let us know how the reception is down in the comments.

Via Mobilecrunch

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Oh, come on. Lets state, for some crazy reason, Sony Ericsson was the only company that made phones in the Bond universe, nullifying all non-SE options. You really think Bond would sport a half-year-old candybar over, state, the Xperia X1 in the next motion picture, Quantum of Solace? Bollocks.

However, the C902 gives them an advantage the unlaunched Xperia X1 does not: tie-in promotions. Timed with the release of the motion picture, Sony Ericsson will be doing a limited release of the Titanium Silver C902 Bond uses in the flick. It’s all the same under the hood, just preloaded with a bunch of Bond content (screensavers, wallpapers, etc.), wrapped up under a new hue.

This continues the running trend of SE handsets in Bond flicks: P900 and T68i got some screen love in 2002’s Die Another Day, and the K800i was rereleased in silver for Casino Royale. Look for this one on the shelves come November.

[Via GSM Arena]

Via Mobilecrunch

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Verizon Wireless has announce dates and premium content for its Projekt Revolution summer tour featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, Atreyu, Hawthorne Heights and more rock. The tour will kick off this Thursday at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion in Phoenix, Ariz.

Along with a chance to see their favorite band, fans will also have an opportunity to meet Linkin Park and take a photo with the band, (have your camera phone handy).

Verizon Wireless will also have V CAST Song ID stations set up along the tour to demonstrate how to use the service. The first 200 fans to participate in the demonstration of V CAST Song ID and identify Chris Cornell’s new song “Long Gone” will be given wristbands to an exclusive autograph signing where fans will have a opportunity to meet Cornell the day of the show.

For a Verizon statement, Cornell said:

“I am very excited to be working with Verizon Wireless to connect with my fans in innovative new ways via their mobile phones and look forward to sharing some of my new music exclusively with the fans attending Projekt Revolution tour first.”

For the full Projekt Revolution tour dates, hit the jump.

Date Location Venue
August 7 Phoenix , Ariz. Cricket Wireless Pavilion
August 9 San Francisco , Calif. Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 10 Irvine , Calif. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
August 12 Denver , Colo. Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
August 15 Cincinnati , Ohio Riverbend Music Center
August 16 Alpine Valley, Wisc. Alpine Valley Music Theater
August 17 Indianapolis , Ind. Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 19 Cleveland , Ohio Blossom Music Center
August 21 St. Louis , Mo. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
August 23 Dallas , Texas Superpages.com Center
August 24 Houston , Texas Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Via Mobilecrunch

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The LiMo Foundation, “the global consortium of mobile leaders delivering an open handset platform for the whole mobile industry”, announced this morning that 11 more members had hopped on the Linux-lovin’ party bus. With this latest addition, the Foundation has cracked the 50 member mark.

Joining the roster today are: Cellon, Esmertec, Freescale Semiconductor, Longcheer Holdings, MIZI Research, Movial Corporation, PacketVideo Corporation (PV), SK Innoace, Telecom Italia, VirtualLogixâ„¢ Inc. and ZTE Corporation.

[Via MobileBurn]

Via Mobilecrunch

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Motorola has appointed Qualcomm executive Sanjay Jha to head its flailing mobile phone business. Jha, who’s been with Qualcomm for 14 years, has been credited with “growing Qualcomm into the No. 1 wireless semiconductor supplier,” and apparently Motorola hopes he’ll be up to the challenge of turning the tables at its handset unit. Following the success of the Razor, Motorola has been struggling to make a positive impression on the mobile phone market, slipping to third place globally, with fourth place handset maker LG steadily gaining on its lead.

Since Greg Brown took over at Motorola and showed several top executives the door, the company has been searching for a new head of the mobile device unit, with rumors that some top candidates have refused the challenge. The job has become particularly important as the company still seems to be planning to split in two sometime next year. Jha will report directly to Motorola’s board. Board Chairman David Dorman said in a statement:

“Sanjay’s technical expertise and industry experience make him ideally suited to lead mobile devices.”

Brown, as co-CEO will continue to run Motorola’s newly realigned wireless entertainment and public-safety units.

Via Mobilecrunch

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