Far from being the first dual-mode handset we've seen (heck, it's not even the first WiMAX-friendly dualie), Qsida's recently showcased slider is still quite intriguing. The currently unnamed cellphone supports both 802.16e WiMAX as well as GSM / GPRS / EDGE networks, and just in case you're hankering for another way to get connected, there's a built-in WiFi module too. Reportedly, the smartphone is a test device used in the M-Taiwan initiative to promote WiMAX, and aside from handling voice calls via (almost) any flavor of wireless protocol, you'll also find Windows Mobile 6.1 running the show. Granted, this particular unit wasn't down with 3G, but a spokesperson was adamant that such a handset would be added to its portfolio eventually.

While we first got wind of a EDGE Evolution rollout from Ericsson, Nokia Siemens isn't about to let one of those young upstart carrier equipment manufacturers steal its top-of-the-heap EDGE thunder, and has just announced the "launch" of its Dual Carrier EDGE software solution, marking the first steps of rolling out EDGE Evolution to the company's radio portfolio. The software upgrade doubles current EDGE speeds to 592kbps, and will be available from Q3 2008 onwards. Nokia Siemens won't stop there, though, EDGE is going to get another bump not too long after that to EGPRS 2, with download speeds of 1.2Mbps and uplink speeds up to 473kpbs. What's unclear at the moment is what existing phones (iPhone, we're looking at you) will be able to manage this with a firmware update, and which ones are going to be stuck in the past, but we're hoping for a good bit of the former.

[Via GigaOM]

Rogers seems set to sponge as much cake as they can out of your overtaxed mobile pockets with the announcement of two new HSPA data devices, the Novatel X950D and MC950D. We've seen the USB-friendly MC950D pop up before, but as a refresh: it rocks 7.2 Mbps triple-band HSPA, supports most popular OSes, quad-band GPRS / EDGE, and may well still be the world's smallest HSPA USB modem. The X950D, however, will be making its worldwide debut on the friendly Canadian provider's network, and we're sure a goodly pile of Canadians will be whooping it up at this news. Sporting triple-band HSPA, Mac and Windows-friendly, quad-band GPRS / EDGE, Novatel's newest express port product also features backwards compatibility with a handy PCMCIA adapter. Pricing on both is apparently the same: $49.99 on a three-year contract. Of course, with data rates what they are, that $50 is definitely gonna get you in a whole heap of trouble if you don't mind your bits.

For those of you who keep your iPhone connected via WiFi entirely more often than through EDGE, listen up. As of now, it appears that iPhone users can login to their AT&T myAccount page, surf on over to the "Add / Manage Features" section and opt out of the (previously required) monthly data plan. Making the change will save you a whole $20 per month -- or $240 per year, if you prefer that perspective. Granted, you'll also lose visual voicemail in the process, but at least you're now being presented the option, right?

[Via TUAW]

Well we're sold. T-Mobile looks to be prepping the Shadow as a launch-off point for a whole line of consumer-friendly fancyphones that can finally give the Sidekick some competition in T-Mobile's lineup, and this first Shadow certainly doesn't miss its mark. The HTC hardware itself is pretty much spot on in every aspect, with a bright screen, solid slider action, thumb-friendly tactile keypad, smooth scroll wheel and a pocket-friendly form factor. We can't say we're crazy about this copper color, but it's subtle enough, and it's really a question of taste. Typing was a breeze on the SureType-esque keyboard, and while we wish the soft keys were a bit bigger, that's about our only caveat. It is a bit of a chore to slide open the phone and close it without resting your thumb on the screen, so smudgephobia types might have some difficulty, but we're basically resigned to that fate with any phone this glossy. Unfortunately, while T-Mobile has done its best at wrapping up Windows Mobile 6 with a glossy interface, it's still Windows Mobile, and we found the whole interface a bit sluggish. The main screen is also a bit short on data, since T-Mobile has monopolized it with those fave five. WiFi was a snap to set up, but that doesn't mean we're entirely OK with EDGE data as 2007 is coming to a close, and the slow processor wasn't helping our browsing experience either. If those few foibles can be overlooked, this could be your ticket out of smartphone monotony when it hits on October 31st for $149.99.

We reckon this topic's going to heat up immensely as O2's EDGE and iPhone rollouts cross paths in the next few weeks, but at the moment, it's really only applicable to the privileged few sporting unlocked examples in their European pockets: what happens when you're covered by GPRS, not EDGE? AT&T's done a pretty good job of blanketing its entire coverage area with the so-called 2.5G tech, so we really haven't had an opportunity to test GPRS operation of the iPhone (thank goodness) here -- but tech.am is reporting that an unlocked unit on Vodafone Spain still shows the "E" symbol in the status bar with nary an EDGE signal to be found. Did Apple get the memo that the "E" actually stands for something?

Nokia's N95, like many phones in America, has been a consistent letdown to those hoping to rock any decent online content on their phone, mainly because of the prohibitive EDGE data speeds which currently dominate the GSM market here (a matter of fact, no matter how much Mr. Jobs may protest). Well, it appears that at least Nokia is feeling our pain, because according to a recent GigaOM rumor, the company is readying a 3G variation of the N95 -- presumably with a US carrier in tow -- due out this September, which makes sense considering some of the company's recent shenanigans. If (and when) this happens, it should make the do-it-all phone, which boasts a 5 megapixel camera, built-in GPS, WiFi, and all sorts of multimedia functions, considerably more attractive to consumers in the States, even with its $749 price tag.

Hoping to squeeze a little more life out of the world's legacy (read: non-3G) GSM networks -- and there are many -- Ericsson has announced that it will deploy the recently-ratified "EDGE Evolution" protocol by 2009. That in itself isn't terribly interesting; after all, 2009 is a long way off yet. What is interesting, though, is that EDGE Evolution will require nothing more than a software upgrade to existing Ericsson network hardware (much the same as the original EDGE) and promises downstream speeds as high as 1Mbps, making it speedy enough to hang with UMTS and EV-DO Rev. 0. Remember how quickly AT&T Wireless (the old AT&T Wireless, that is) and T-Mobile were able to take their EDGE networks national once they started deployment? If it gains traction, EDGE Evolution should be able to roll out every bit as quickly, bringing 3G speeds to areas that would otherwise go without for many years to come. Of course, compatible handsets are another matter entirely, but manufacturers have until 2009 to get the ball rolling. Let's get to work, folks.

[Via Phone Scoop]

On the heels of several other handset announcements from Taiwanese manufacturer Gigabyte comes the g-Smart i+ slated to launch this month. This slick 130 gram handset comes in a stylish piano-black finish -- which we are loving, by the by -- but appears to be mostly a refresh on last year's g-Smart i. Refreshes can be grand, but in this case, HSDPA was left out as was Windows Mobile 6. New features packed into this slightly smaller and lighter device include: triple-band 900 / 1800 / 1900 EDGE data, 192MB ROM -- up from 64MB on the last outing -- for storage, a built-in 12 button keypad -- no need for keys as baby has a touchscreen -- and support for 802.11g. Surprisingly, the battery has gone from 1300 mAh to a potentially measly 900 mAh -- we say "potentially" as there is no word on battery life. Also missing in action is infrared, but that isn't likely going to be sorely missed.

Seems the HTC design depot is kickin' out new handsets fast and furious of late and if you believe everything you read, the Vox's replacement -- the HTC Wings -- is coming before the proverbial ink has had a chance to dry on this page. The Vox is a treat -- and a tasty one at that -- with goodies like a quad-band GSM radio, EDGE, Bluetooth and WiFi data connectivity, 2 megapixel camera, 201MHz OMAP CPU, and according to what we hear, a killer display. Love your TyTn's keyboard but hate the size? No worries, the Vox is packing a QWERTY keyboard too. But sadly, while sweet in oh so many ways, there is no HSDPA or any other 3G goodness for that matter. While not a deal breaker, the extra-fast connectivity would have rounded out this otherwise exceptional little handset.

[Via Smartphone Thoughts]

We're all quite aware of just how proud Option is of its HSUPA offerings, and while it has raised the bar before in terms of sheer speed, the company is once again kicking out a new way to get your lappie connected to blazing fast internet without a WiFi hotspot in sight. The diminutive GlobeSurfer iCON HSUPA boasts a compact, USB stick design, and even includes a swivel connector as to play nice with just about every USB nook and cranny out there. Aside from touting 7.2Mbps of downstream capacity and 2Mbps on the upbeat, the GlobeSurfer looks to provide web access for those not already sold on the firm's ExpressCard options. Users can purportedly expect "plug 'n play" abilities, backwards compatibility with EDGE/GPRS/GSM data connections, tri-band / quad-band support, and a wide range of OS support that includes Windows Vista and OS X. No word just yet on price or availability, but we sincerely hope Option doesn't keep the USB brethren in the house waiting too awfully long for these high-speed luxuries.

Enjoying the Cingular BlackJack but finding that the batt life is really weak? Happy days are here my friends -- at least for a select bunch of you. If you haven't already rushed out and dropped $50 on the extended battery for your trusty Windows Mobile device, contrary to what everybody tells us, procrastination can indeed pay off. Apparently some things in life are free! Cingular is offering no cost extended-life love for any BlackJack purchased with only the two standard batteries in the package. Simply zip over here, enter your IMEI number, (this can be found by typing *#06# on phone keypad, or looking under the battery, and is even printed on your box) and mobile number in the handy dandy form. Apparently IMEI numbers between 352794010030189 to 352794012269959 are good to go, so hurry up and grab yours before the deal is done.

[Via i607blackjack.blogspot.com]