10/01, 9:50am
New Verizon handsets offer variety
Verizon Wireless has introduced three new handsets recently, including the Motorola Barrage, Verizon Razzle and Nokia Shade. The Barrage is the most unique as a ruggedized flip phone that meets the MIL-SPEC standard for resistance to submersion in water for up to 30 minutes as well as humidity, shock, vibration and exposure to sun. It otherwise has push-to-talk functionality and integrates a 2-megapixel camera.
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09/01, 3:10pm
Verizon UMW190 Modem
Verizon today added a new USB-based 3G modem intended for world travelers. The PCD-made UWM190 supports EVDO Revision A for its data in most of North America but also has tri-band HSPA for 3G in the Americas, Europe and much of Asia. Its unique trick is a sliding cover that protects the swiveling USB connector when it's not in use.
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02/23, 2:15pm
ATT Pulling Quickfire
AT&T is pulling its Quickfire messaging phone at least temporarily from shelves, Electronista can confirm through an AT&T spokesman. The company has issued a note asking stores to pull the PCD-made slider from shelves and demo booths due to quality concerns and hasn't said if or when it expects the device to return.
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11/10, 2:10pm
AT&T ships Quickfire
Announced roughly one month ago, AT&T's Quickfire started shipping on Monday. The PCD-made phone features a sliding touchscreen that reveals a full QWERTY keyboard to make text messaging and typing quicker, along with a 1.3-megapixel camera. The handset supports HSPA-based 3G data networks and can take advantage of AT&T's Napster Mobile and eMusic Mobile download services. The handset includes an aGPS sensor and can deliver driving direction via AT&T's Navigator service.
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10/14, 12:15pm
ATT Matrix QFire and Slate
AT&T today delved into messaging-focused feature phones with four new devices. The Pantech Matrix (pictured) is the spiritual descendant of the Duo and carries the same dual slider that switches either to a full QWERTY keyboard or a number pad. It also carries a similar 1.3-megapixel camera and supports 3G audio and video streaming plus the carrier's music store downloads. It comes in blue, green and red trim and is priced at $80 on a two-year plan or $280 while contract-free.
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10/10, 4:10pm
AT&T to get Quickfire
A new handset from PCD, the cellular phone division of UTStarcom, is coming soon to AT&T, now branded under the Quickfire name, according to a Thursday Engadget report. Previously unveiled as the Knick, the Sidekick-like handset hides a full QWERTY keyboard behind its sliding color screen, and will support HSPA 3G data networks. It will support mobile TV and have assisted GPS capabilities and can navigate via AT&T's Navigator service.
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09/10, 2:15pm
PCD Shuttle at Virgin
Virgin Mobile today bore the first fruits of its takeover of Helio by introducing the Personal Communication Devices (formerly UTStarCom) Shuttle. The device is Virgin's first 3G phone and uses the faster EVDO network for several features that are either borrowed from Helio or were previously inaccessible to Virgin's phones, including quick access to multiple social networks as well as Buddy Beacon for finding friends and YouTube for web video.
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