smartech

At last, after long expectations and some high hurdles standing in the way, Apple’s mobile star – the iPhone – finally lands in Israel and gets official across the state. It’s been over a month since we first started guessing about potential debut dates, optional packages and probable prices to be set. Back than it was just rumors, now it’s for real. Official release started exactly on midnight, December 10th, with both Pelephone and Cellcom organizing a huge event, while Orange deciding to go with a more restrained release, the day after.

Pelephone was the first company to officially publish their iPhone prices – fair or terribly expensive, it’s up to you to decide:

First package: includes an 18 month obligation with a monthly fee of 299NIS that includes 250 minutes of talk, 250 SMS messages, and 10GB data. The iPhones will cost in this package as follows: iPhone 3G 8GB 399NIS (one time fee), iPhone 3GS 16GB 799NIS and finally, iPhone 3GS 32GB will run for 1199NIS.

Second Package: Same as first package, includes an 18 month obligation, this time with a monthly fee of 349NIS that includes 300 minutes of talk, 300 SMS messages, and 10GB data. The iPhones will cost in this package as follows: iPhone 3G 8GB FREE,  iPhone 3GS 16GB 399NIS and finally, iPhone 3GS 32GB will run for 799NIS. Sells will start at the night between the 9th and the 10th of December, while first buyers are claimed to received some cool freebies. Checkout the table after the break (courtesy of Calcalist).

Turns out if you don’t want to get into a package and commit yourself to a cellular company for 18 months, you can buy the iPhone “on the go” (without any obligation) in the following prices: iPhone 3G 8GB at 2625NIS, iPhone 3GS 16GB for 3150 and iPhone 3GS 32GB will cost you in Pelephone 3675.

Orange came second to release the iPhone prices, and it seems their packages are more reasonable for average mobile users (despite the poor data capacities). For example, a monthly fee of 159NIS package will buy you 100 minutes of talk, 50 SMS messages, and 30MB data. Other alternative that Orange offers is “Air Time” packages which let you buy a monthly talking time for a fixed price. For example, 169NIS will give you 200 minutes to speak with your friends and family, send 200 SMS/MMS messages and consume 250MB of data. The third option that Orange has published is the “Fix Price” packages with permanent 19.9NIS fee fee and prices that start at 81.3NIS for 36 months for those who will take the iPhone 3G and up to 113.8NIS in the next 3 years, in case you decide to buy the iPgone 3GS 32GB edition. For more details about the packages hit the break and see the charts.

Cellcom was the last company to release the iPhone prices, among the three. Their first package includes a 249NIS monthly fee that will get you 300 minutes of talk, 250 SMS messages, and 1GB data. In this package iPhones will cost you 799NIS (iPhone 3G), 1299NIS (iPhone 3GS 16GB) and 1699NIS (iPhone 3GS 32GB). The second package is priced at 349NIS per month and includes 400 minutes of talk, 500 SMS messages, and 1GB data. In this package iPhone devices will cost you 399NIS (iPhone 3G), 799NIS (iPhone 3GS 16GB) and 1299NIS (iPhone 3GS 32GB). All packages involve 18 months contract and you can get the unlimited data for extra 60NIS a month. More details and upgrade plans are now available in Cellcom’s website.

Update: We’ve just added some photos, taken today while we were touring for iphone queues. So far haven’t found any. Last 2 images are courtesy of iPhones.co.il, while previous two came from Cellcom’s PR.

Read more…

While most info is scarce, we’ve managed to pick up some new unconfirmed details about the long awaited iPhone release in Israel. As reported, Apple has recently approached the Antitrust Authority in order to officially approve all of its activities with the local carriers in the country, and to make sure there are no legal issues left ahead of the coming launch, which initially supposed to take place back in August. Now we’ve been told, that the official debut will happen somewhere between the 25th to the 27th of November, in all large Israeli operators, contingent upon final approvals from the Ministry Of Communication. Additionally, we’ve just learned that the iPhone itself will be offered in the following forms:

iPhone 3GS 16GB – is priced around 4000 NIS, pay to go (prepaid), while contract packages will run you only 999NIS.

iPhone 3GS 32GB – is priced around 5000NIS, pay to go (prepaid), while contracted users will pay only 1499NIS.

iPhone 3G – we were told there’s a small amount of 3G devices, that may (or may not) go out for 599NIS .

In any case, all packages include a monthly fee, ranged between 200 – 300 NIS, and being delivered with A) 150 SMS text messages B) 200 minutes talk and C) 100MB of data.

From what we know, and specifically for this task, all carriers already recruited special salespersons, who suppose to take a two weeks course and learn about the iPhone machines during this period of time. The orders these people were given are very clear: “Sell only iPhones or don’t sell anything”.  Stay tuned for more info to come.

“Pay to go” = without a contract.

Update1: Mind you this info is relevant for today, as dates and details may vary.

Update2: Data packages will apparently cost 69NIS for 1GB, both in Cellcom and Orange, if you’re buying iPhone or Android devices.

Update3: As mentioned, 1GB of data will cost 69NIS, but those who exceed the limit will pay 10NIS for every additional 1MB they use.

Update4: Besides the 1 year warranty, it seems the carriers will not include any repairing insurance when buying an iPhone in Israel. That means you won’t be able to buy insurance for your iPhone in order to subsidize repairing beyond the first year.

Update5: After endless rumors floating around, the Cupertino team has officially announced that all three carriers can start selling the iPhone in Israel, starting from December 10. That of course happened after Apple has managed to clear up a few regulatory hurdles and received the final approval needed.

Update6: Read more updates about release day, packages and prices in here.

The “Never Ending Meizu Story” continues to make splashes around the globe, as we hear that Meizu’s M8 revolutionary/clone smartphone is making a debut in China nowadays, coming up with either 8GB ($348) or 16GB ($421) versions, a 3.4-inch 720 x 480 touchscreen, Windows CE 6.0-powered OS, Built-in 3.2MP Camera and wide range of codecs support, including MP3, WMA, AAC, Ogg, FLAC, APE, AMR, MPEG-4, WMV, Divx, Xvid, H.264, or FLV. Battery wise, you can expect getting up to 21.5 hours of Audio and 7 hours of video, while using the M8 as a multimedia device. Otherwise it’s just another cellular unit, supporting WCDMA (3G), GSM EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 standards that will allow any user to speak all over the world. Mind you, according to Meizu, the 16GB model is currently “out of stock”, so stay tuned for more tales to be told.

[Via DAP Review]

Apple has finally released firmware update 2.2, available for downloading via your iTunes software, right away. The new 246MB update brings some neat stuff to your iphone/ipod devices, including Google Street View, over-the-air podcast downloads (which lets you listen to podcast, either through wifi connection or 3G network), public transit and walking directions, more stabilized Safari browser and even the ability to share your location via email. In addition, you get some Bug fixes, together with toggling auto-text correction function, better sound quality in Visual Voicemail messages and a new App rating feature, that allows you to rank any Apple’s App Store application, once you delete it.  Stay tuned !

With so much disinformation floating around, we can’t be sure either these images are real or just a hoax, but you have to admit they look very reliable, with this nice black or white varnished cover and those colorful boxes, laying down next to the Meizu M8 manual and installation CD. But the most interesting thing is the new specs that jump out of the pile, featuring a strong ARM11 800MHz CPU, 3.4-inch 720 x 480 touchscreen, 4GB/8GB/16GB capacities, 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. According to the guys at Meizu News, the M8 is scheduled to be released in Asia around December, priced at 240 € / 284 € / 350 € respectively. Hit the link to see more pictures.

Specifications

• Price: 240€ up to 350€
• Size: 4GB/8GB/16GB
• Network type: WCDMA (3G), GSM EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• Touch screen: 16,000,000 colors, 3.4 “TFT VGA + (720 x 480)
• Ringtones: Polyphonic 64 tons
• Camera: 3.2m Pixels
• Operating system: Meizu OS (Windows Mobile Base CE6.0 amended by Meizu)
• Dimensions: 108 x 59 x 11.9mm
• CPU: ARM11 800MHz (Samsung 6410)
• Memory: 256 MB DDR-SDRAM
• Battery: 1200mAh
• WiFi: 802.11b and g
• Bluetooth: 2.0
• Internet: Web browser Opera version customized by Meizu
• Video playback: (720 x 480 30fps, H263/264 MPEG2 MPEG4 WMV, RM, RMVB)
• Other features: mp3 player, LINE OR, microphone, loudspeaker

[via Meizu News]

Read more…

NBC has decided to offer iphone and iPod Touch users free full streaming episodes to watch on their devices, without any disturbing ads, whenever they hit the hotspot. The content includes full episode of shows like “The Office”, “30 Rock” and “Battlestar Galactica”, all displayed in DRM-free Quicktime format. To do so, just load your Safari browser, goto NBC website and find the “Watch Video Online Now” link, to start streaming – 100% free. The only downside is once you exit the Safari, you’ll have to download the episode all over again from scratch, and these file are really big. My guess, it’s going to be very crowded, so be patient.

[via iphonealley]

After making a huge impact in the US and plenty of noise in countries like Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and France, the iPhone is about to arrive to 10 more places, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey, as Vodafone has signed an exclusive agreement with Apple to distribute the most desired handset to its customers in the aforementioned countries, later this year – Lucky them.

[via gizmodo]

E-TEN unveils its new Glofiish M810 GSM quad-band HSDPA at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The new handset is equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.8-inch LCD screen. The device features the following specs:

• Display: 2.8” LCD TFT, 65,536 colors (320 x 240).
• Processor: Samsung SC32442 500 MHz.
• OS: Windows Mobile 6.
• Memory: 256MB flash ROM, 64MB SDRAM.
• Camera: 2MP with auto focus.
• Connectivity: WLAN, Bluetooth2.0+EDR, WiFi.
• Other Features: microSD slot, GPS navigation system.
• Dimensions: 109.5×59×17.5mm, 179gm.
• Availability: unknown.
• Price: unknown.

[via Aving]

I guess it was just a matter of time for iPhone bands to start showing up, playing their own repertoire with their handset, now that the Cupertino phone received virtual piano and guitar applications. One of those bands is the iBand, presenting very impressive abilities, combined from 2 iPhone devices and 1 Nintendo DS. Check out the video:

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via gizmodo]

Alienware’s powerful machines are known for many years. Yet, only recently, has the concept of galactic designs been put into practice and inspired the company to join forces with Dell in order to create an alien phone concept, running an Android OS platform inside, with a blue glowing grill and a slider shape structure from the outside. Sensitive touch keys and navigation joystick are part of the deal as well, but prices and availability are still missing. Connection between galaxies seems imminent.

Samsung introduced the TouchWiz, a new OS interface, designed for its subsequent smartphones. The new UI supports touch features and will be embedded in the company’s upcoming finger-touch handsets. The following video from Phone Scoop, reveals a graphical interface with colorful icons and friendly menus, running fast and seamlessly. I guess the TouchWiz places Samsung in a good position, as the competition with Apple’s iphone becoming intensified.

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via engadget]

No doubt, Sony has big plans for its PSP game console. Turns out the company develops a new PSP-style phone, trying to play in the mobile court, as we read in Sony Magazine. So far, these are just speculations and Sony has denied any development of a PSP-based gaming cellphone, but we have learned that Sony is a fond of “hidden-exposed” sales promotions, as we flutter back to the day the PSP-Skype was initially unveiled. Don’t get us wrong, we like to play with the idea of a mobile gaming device with cellular capabilities, but this time we should take the word of Sony Ericsson’s VP, Merran Wrigley, for not believing his company “would be able to create a phone worthy of the PlayStation brand”.

[via phonemag]

I like the idea of a virtual orchestra inside the iPhone, allowing you to demonstrate your musical skills in front of the inebriate guests of the local bar. First, it was the virtual guitar, now it’s the virtual piano and i hope we’ll get the trumpet, next. With iAno, you can start practicing your fingers all the way up to the stages of Carnegie Hall, as a pianist. To do so, you will need a jailbroken iphone/ipod touch and some talent. Looks groovy.

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

LG Electronics unveils the next futuristic mobile phones concept at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The new “Watch Phones” lineup featuring cellular capabilities with voice recognition, SMS text messaging and Bluetooth connectivity for a full hands-free dialing. No info concerning price or availability.

[via aving]

Check out the next picture and the video after the break.

Read more…

Modu Mobile has launched the smallest cellular on earth, only 40.1 gm. The Modu is not just a regular phone, it is a modular cellphone with an interchangeable concept, allowing the device to be slipped into designated “Jackets”, changing the look and the identity of the handset without any further effort. In addition, the Modu can be slipped into “Modu mates” like digital cameras, GPS, car radio, photo frames or else and provide them cellular features. Modu mobile has already teamed up with giants like Kodak, Philips, Universal Music and SanDisk to launch the Modu with their supporting products In Italy, Russia and Israel around October 2008. The Modu features 1GB internal memory, a speakerphone, Bluetooth, SMS messaging and more. It is expected to be delivered with two bundled jackets for 280$.

[via modumobile]

More pictures and a video after the break.

Read more…

Sony Ericsson announces the release of the XPERIA X1 quad-band GSM/EDGE and 900/1700/1900/2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, combined with a full QWERTY keyboard for maximum Windows Mobile 6 operating system control. The XPERIA X1 multimedia mobile sports the following features:

• Display: 3″ TFT VGA touchscreen, 65,536 color (800 x 480).
• OS: Windows Mobile 6.
• Internal Memory: up to 400MB with microSD extension.
• Control: 4-way key plus optical joystick.
• Camera: 3.2MP with photo light and video recording.
• Internet: Internet Explorer Mobile, RSS feed.
• Connectivity: Modem, WLAN, WiFi, aGPS and A2DP Bluetooth .
• Microsoft Outlook Mobile, SMS/MMS and Video calling support.
• Music: Integrated Windows Media Player Mobile with PlayNow support and FM radio tuner.
• Video: Video viewing, Video streaming and 3D games.
• Other Features: Personal organizer, Java support, Speakerphone and more.
• Dimensions: Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7mm, 145gm.
• Colors: Silver, Black
• Availability: second half of 2008.
• Price: Unknown.

[Via engadget]

Check out the video after the break.
Read more…

Sony Ericsson has just introduced the new W980 quad-band HSDPA 2100 Walkman lineup, with nice rounded black shell design and “Walkman on Top” function, allowing full player control without opening the shell. The W980 sports the following features:

• Display: 262,144 colors (240 x 320).
• Storage: 8GB internal capacity
• 3.2MP camera with video recording.
• Features: HSDPA high speed connectivity, FM radio transmitter, Bluetooth A2DP, MP3/AAC audio compatibility, Shake Control Technology – shake your phone and change the song.
• Availability: Q3 2008.
• Price: Unknown.

[via gizmodo]

More pictures after the break.

Read more…

Fresh OTB iPhones are breakable, as the awaited 1.1.3 software unlock is finally here and available for download, thanks to Mr. GEOrge HOTz (Please pay attention to the risks involved in breaking your device). I wonder if this mouse-cat game between Apple and the hackers will continue or the unlocked iphone version will be released as rumored.

[via engadget]

GeoHot’s instructions after the break.

Read more…

Samsung unveils the Soul, a new 12.9mm quad-band GSM HSDPA slider, combined with a Magical Touch interface. The Soul sports the following features:

• Display: 2.2″ QVGA.
• 5MP camera with image stabilizer and Power LED flash.
• Features: FM radio, Bluetooth, microSD slot,Google search icon and Gmail accessibility.
• Availability: April 2008.
• Price: Unknown.

[via engadget]

This new USB mini-plug adapter from Novodio can easily connect your iPod player (or your iPhone) into the wall and charge it without other accessories. The tiny plug has a USB hub on one side and an outlet connection on the other side, for direct charging. Being so small, it takes no place in your luggage and costs around 22$.

[via gmp3]

Another picture after the break.

Read more…