Sharp Hiptop 3 / Sidekick 3
T-Mobile to Offer Customized MySpace App for Sidekicks
T-Mobile announced a MySpace application today specifically for users of the Sidekick messaging device. The application has a new user interface that will allow T-Mobile subscribers to access their MySpace pages and see new messages, friend requests and comments. Users will also be able to view their home pages, access MyMail, blogs and perform searches, as well as update their profiles and send pictures from their Sidekicks to their MySpace photo galleries. T-Mobile will be rolling out the service gradually over the next six weeks, and all Sidekick iD and Sidekick 3 users should be able to download the application and subscribe to the service by the end of October.
T-Mobile To Buy SunCom
Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile USA, has announced it will buy regional carrier SunCom for $1.6 billion and $800 million in assumed debt. SunCom, like T-Mobile, operates a GSM network and also offers a version of the Danger Hiptop, known on T-Mobile as the Sidekick. The deal is expected to close in early 2008.
Update Adds My Faves To Sidekick 3
T-Mobile has begun pushing out an update to all Sidekick 3 owners that will make their devices compatible with My Faves plans. The update includes a My Faves application to choose numbers for the calling plan as well as other improvements to the software. Users will finally be able to quickly call or message contacts from the address book, save picture attachments from email to the phone's gallery, and see a character count in the SMS compose window. The updates begin today and will be pushed out to all Sidekick 3 users over the next month.
Sidekick 3 On Sale Next Week
T-Mobile today officially announced the Sidekick 3. The latest version is what was shown in FCC filings. New features include EDGE data, Bluetooth, a 1.3 Megapixel camera, music player and Mini SD card slot. Current T-Mobile subscribers will be able to purchase the Sidekick 3 via the web or in two select stores starting June 28. It will be available to the general public July 10. The handset will cost $300 with a 2 year contract, $350 with a 1 year contract, and $400 for prepaid subscribers.
New FCC Documents Unveil Sidekick 3 Features
The rest of the documents including pictures and user manual for the Sidekick 3 (the official name used in the manuals) were released by the FCC today. The manual is not complete but does reveal some new features. There is consistent mention of a "trackball" where the scroll wheel used to be. Additional physical changes include what appears to be a plastic keyboard instead of a rubber coated one, and a removable battery. The camera is confirmed to be 1.3 Megapixel unit and pictures can be stored either internally or on a Mini SD storage card. The storage card can also be used to hold music, as the Sidekick 3 now includes a music player. Few details were revealed about the included Bluetooth other than it can be used to send and receive vCards.
Sidekick 3 Revealed By FCC
The next Sidekick was approved by the FCC yesterday. Although a number of documents and pictures are still confidential, there are clear pictures of the front and back in the filing with T-Mobile branding present. The new body has a smooth face that uses resistive buttons hidden below the surface of the phone and trades out the scroll wheel for what appears to be the scroll nub from Apple's Mighty Mouse. The back shows a 1.3 Megapixel camera with flash, memory card slot and removable battery. In addition to these physical improvements the Sidekick 3 will have tri-band GSM (850/1800/1900) as well as Bluetooth.
