AT&T just released a new tool to help iPhone customers, traditionally the heavy users of their 3G network, to report connection problems. Whether you're getting spotty coverage, experiencing dropped calls or just can't connect, all you have to do is launch the Mark the Spot app to air your complaints. Well, at least, that's how it looks at first glance.
Once you think about it, though, an app that lets you "file" problems won't really do anything to correct it, unless AT&T is actively using this information to fix coverage in your specific area at that moment. Regardless, it should make you feel like something's being done to allay your concerns (even if the reality is, there may be nothing going on).
The app, which you can download free from the App Store, allows users to pick from one of five issues: dropped calls, failed calls, no coverage, data failure or poor voice quality. You can also choose how frequently you experience the problem: once, seldom, often or always. After you report a problem, you will receive an acknowledgement text.
According to AT&T, they are going to use feedback from this to better identify trends, so that they can maximize their ongoing network investments. In other words, they're really just collecting survey data, rather than providing a means for customers to report issues they're having. As such, don't count on the app to help you fix anything. If you have problems, call, complaint and scream, whichever you regularly resort to.
Mark the Spot is available for free from the App Store.
[via Wired]
AT&T Lets You Report Dodgy iPhone Connections With Mark The Spotunratednoel2009-12-09 12:28:23
NewsAT&T Lets You Report Dodgy iPhone Connections With Mark The Spot
Nokia has been making a concerted effort to gain better visibility in the US market and their latest release, the Nokia Mural 6750, pushes to do the same. Rather than highlight familiar music, camera or business features, though, the new handset boasts PTT and 3G.
Physically, the Mural is a decidedly old-school phone. Clad in a slim clamshell form factor, it resembles Motorola's efforts from a few years ago. Despite the dated looks, it is very light, pocketable and sturdy. The metal chassis (which is actually 80% recycled plastic) doesn't hurt either.
It uses a hidden front display that only becomes visible when the backlighting goes up. Three physical controls also sit on the lid for accessing the music player. The larger 2.25-inch internal LCD manages a 320 x 240 resolution, with a very bright display that's easy on the eyes. Both the navigation array and the keyboard are flush and spacious, making for a good time fiddling with the controls.
As a phone, the Mural comes with quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/19000) support and PTT, making it a pretty awesome world phone. Calls on the handset were clear with no distortion whatsoever, though volume was noticeably low. Speakerphone calls were largely the same. The 3G performance was above average, making it a very good phone for taking advantage of broadband services. It manages four hours of talk time, which should be good for a couple of days of normal use.
Basic phone features are naturally onboard, including a 1,000-entry phone book, full messaging (SMS, MMS, IM and POP3 web mail) and some simple software tools. There are also more advanced standards like stereo Bluetooth, USB mass storage and microSD expansion.
Available from AT&T, it comes with support for the carrier's full range of 3G services that include streaming video, music and all sorts of apps. Users can enjoy XM Radio, Music ID, music videos and much more. The onboard 2.0 megapixel camera is quite decent, with a good range of options (including multi-shot and quality settings) and pretty good stills (even in low light, which is impressive).
Overall, the Nokia Mural 6750 is an unremarkable phone. What it doesn't bring in "wow factor," though, it makes up for in solid performance. We would have appreciated a little more volume on voice calls. Other than that, it's a decent performer.
Nokia Mural 6750 Offers PTT, 3G And Quad-Band GSMunratednoel2009-10-20 22:34:03
Phone ReviewsNokia Mural 6750 Offers PTT, 3G And Quad-Band GSM
AT&T has announced an official change in policy that might signal the beginning of larger things for iPhone users under their wireless banner. In a filing to the FCC, the company has finally relented and will now allow customers to use VoIP services over their 3G network.
That means excellent news for Skype and Vonage users (along with all the cheapskates who want to place voice calls, without dwindling their available minutes), who were previously restricted to using the app over a Wi-Fi connection. Same for the multitude of VoIP providers who have been looking for ways to get in on the booming software sales on Apple's mobile platform.
AT&T's decision to open its infrastructure will be restricted to VoIP services, however. Other high-bandwidth applications, such as streaming video and the like, will continue to be barred from the network.
Since the filing was only recent, don't expect a spate of apps to show up immediately. Given development time, coupled with Apple's less-than-speedy approval process, it should be prudent to wait a couple of weeks before gauging how this taxes their system.
The decision came at a time after the FCC announced its plans to extend the "open internet" rules to wireless networks. Naturally, providers like AT&T are up in arms, arguing that intense network management is crucial to ensuring proper operation.
[via AT&T]
AT&T Relents, Allows VoIP On The iPhoneunratednoel2009-10-07 10:53:59
NewsAT&T Relents, Allows VoIP On The iPhone
AT&T is going live this week with two Sony Ericsson phones that are making their debut in the US market. The new releases consist of the Cyber-shot C905a and the W158a Walkman, both of which come fitted with their own specialized set of features.
The Sony Ericsson C905a Cyber-shot boasts a high-resolution 8.1 megapixel optics, with the usual set of the company's souped-up camera features that include a Xenon flash, GPS tagging, face detection and autofocus. It can shoot up to seven photos in succession (single click) and print directly via USB to PictBridge-compatible printers. Handset details include a 2.4-inch scratch-resistant display, slider form-factor, 3G connectivity and Memory Stick Micro expansion.
For those more interested in personalized media features, the Sony Ericsson W518a Walkman should fit the bill nicely. As you may expect, it boasts high-end music playback as Walkman-branded units have long delivered, along with a few new niceties, including shake control and gesture recognition. Phone details include a 3.2 megapixel camera module, aGPS, 3G connectivity and a unique Facebook interface.
Both handsets are available from AT&T beginning today. The Sony Ericsson C905a Cyber-shot is priced at $179.99 while the Sony Ericsson W518a Walkman comes in at $99.99 (both on contract, after $50 mail-in rebates).
Via IntoMobile
AT&T Releases Two New Sony Ericsson Models, Cyber-shot C905a And W158a Walkmanunratednoel2009-07-15 13:26:37
NewsAT&T Releases Two New Sony Ericsson Models, Cyber-shot C905a And W158a Walkman
AT&T leaked a ridiculous lot of their upcoming 2009 releases during the Memorial Day weekend. Judging from the huge list, it looks like the company will be very busy for the rest of the year. There were a few good surprises in there. Want to know what to expect?
Palm Eos. As reported earlier, Palm's next webOS handset will be available from AT&T.
HP iPAQ K3. Believe it or not, a brand new iPAQ, codenamed Obsidian, is apparently in the works for a November 30 release. It will sport full QWERTY keys, a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen and Windows Mobile 6.5.
Blackberry. A number of Blackberry handsets were listed in the leaks, including the Onyx, Gemini, Pearl 3G and Magnum. According to the slides, the Blackberry Gemini will use a touchpad, instead of the usual trackball on RIM's devices. The Magnum, on the other hand, will get the same processor as the Bold, along with higher built-in storage.
HTC. A trio of releases are up for HTC handsets. First is a Touch Pro (HTC Fortress) that sports a slide-out QWERTY keypad and a 3.6-inch 480 x 800 touchscreen display. Oddly enough, it hints at running Windows Mobile 7 by September. Next is the Touch Diamond 2 (HTC Warhawk), due for an August 4 release, and the HTC Lancaster, an Android-powered phone. The latter will feature side-sliding QWERTY keys and a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen, due for an August rollout.
Motorola. Two handsets from Motorola were included in the leak, namely the Heron and the Sawgrass (pretty sure the awful-sounding names will be changed before actual release). The Heron will run off Android and come with dual-band HSDPA/HSUPA and 3 megapixel optics. The Sawgrass, on the other hand, will be a typical feature phone with a full HTML browser, aGPS and a 2 megapixel camera module.
Nokia. Expect four AT&T releases from Nokia due for the rest of the year. The lone smartphone in the set is the Nokia Mako, an S60-powered side-slider with a 2.6-inch QVGA display and pretty standard specs. The remaining three handsets, currently monikered Thresher, Grouper and Snapper, will all run on an S40-based UI, sporting mid-range to entry-level specs.
Samsung. Rounding the leaks is Samsung, who will see three more AT&T-branded releases this year. First is the full-touch Infinity, which sports a 3-inch WQVGA display and is scheduled for a July 20 release. Next is the Pivot, a Windows Mobile QWERTY handset that is listed as the "successor of the BlackJack series", slated for an October rollout. Last is the Trinity, a two way slider that packs both a QWERTY and a T9 keypad, along with a 2.8-inch QVGA screen, HSDPA and the usual set of features. It's slated to hit stores in August.
Photo Credit: BGR
AT&T Leaks Upcoming 2009 Phonesunratednoel2009-05-26 18:32:49
NewsAT&T Leaks Upcoming 2009 Phones
