Mobiles reviews - 2

Fix for Samsung BlackJack II flaw - no more keypad number shortcuts in menu

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:32:33 +0000

The GPS-toting (now unlockable ) Samsung BlackJack II is surely one slick WinMo handset. If you’re the proud owner of a BlackJack II, we’re sure you’re enjoying all that the phone has to offer. That is, unless you enjoyed taking advantage of those number-shortcuts on those menus that Windows Mobile loves to use. The Windows Mobile 6.0-powered BlackJack II lacks the numbered shortcuts next to menu items. Check the picture above if you don’t know what we’re talking about. The handset on the left has number-shortcuts on the menu, while the handset on the right lacks those shortcuts. You can still use the letter-shortcut method, but the lack of numbered shortcuts can get annoying. But, there’s good news. Here’s a fix for the menu-issue. It requires some registry editing, so if you’re down with that, then here you go (from PocketNow ): Change the value “HasKeyboard” under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Shell ‘0′ will show 1-9 accelerators, and ‘1′ will show letter-based accelerators. If you have any problems or questions, leave a comment. [Via: PocketNow ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung Updates Blackjack System SoftwareSamsung SGH-i617 approved by the FCC; Is this BlackJack 2?Samsung SGH-i617 is the BlackJack 2Brief: Video unboxing of Samsung BlackJack IISamsung SGH-i617 BlackJack II confirmed with integrated GPS - available Black Friday

Brief: Video unboxing of Samsung BlackJack II

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:14:03 +0000

The Samsung SGH-i607 BlackJack II launched over the Turkey weekend and we’ve got an unboxing video for you guys to ogle - courtesy of WMExperts. If you like what you see, head on over to your nearest AT&T store and grab your very own BlackJack II for about $150 (after contract, of course). [Via: WMExperts ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung Updates Blackjack System SoftwareSamsung SGH-i617 is the BlackJack 2Samsung SGH-i617 approved by the FCC; Is this BlackJack 2?AT&T Samsung BlackJack slated for Windows Mobile 6.0 upgrade on September 17?Samsung working on a touchscreen-enabled BlackJack-like device?

Unlock your Samsung BlackJack II's integrated GPS receiver to work outside of TeleNav

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:13:02 +0000

The good news is that the new Samsung BlackJack II rocks a full-fledged SiRF III GPS receiver - none of that cell-tower signal triangulation stuff here. The bad news, unfortunately, is that the GPS hardware in the BlackJack II is locked-down to only work with the bundled TeleNav software (AT&T’s way of getting more TeleNav revenue). You see, there’s this driver, called GPS Intermediary Driver (GPSID), that Microsoft uses to serve as the communications middle-man between the GPS hardware and applications that need to access the hardware. While the GPSID driver seems to be configured to work with the TeleNav software and Windows Live Search, there’s no provision for any other application to make use of the SiRF III GPS module. Well, BlackJack 2 hopefuls will be glad to hear that the MoDaCo Smartphone GPS Activator will open up the GPS hardware on your Samsung BlackJack II (and probably the Motorola Q9h ) to a host of GPS-enabled applications. The MoDaCo hack will open up the COM4 port for GPS access, allowing you to use associate your favorite apps like Virtual Mobile Earth or Google Maps with the GPS unit. Turns out, the MoDaCo Smartphone GPS Activator also Application Unlocks your Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard handset. That means you can re-order the applications on your Start Menu - bonus! Oh, and if any Motorola Q9h owners out there want to give this utility a go, please drop us a line and let us know how it works. Over-The-Air install: Point your mobile browser to: http://modaco.com/gpsactivatorbj2 On-device CAB install: Run this CAB file from your handset: http://content.modaco.net/MoDaCo.SmartphoneGPSActivator.COM4.CAB Computer installation: Run this executable from your PC: http://content.modaco.net/Setup.MoDaCo.SmartphoneGPSActivator.COM4.EXE Props to Paul for this awesome hack! [Via: MoDaCo ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung SGH-i617 BlackJack II confirmed with integrated GPS - available Black FridayBrief: Video unboxing of Samsung BlackJack IITeleNav GPS Navigator 5.2 released; Adds social networkingSamsung Updates Blackjack System SoftwareSamsung SGH-i617 is the BlackJack 2

Alltel picks up the BlackBerry 8130 Pearl with GPS

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:24:57 +0000

It looks like Alltel’s keeping up with its larger wireless rivals. The recently launched CDMA BlackBerry 8130 Pearl with that glorious integrated GPS receiver will be making its way to Alltel’s network sporting an “amethyst” color scheme. Expect the Alltel BlackBerry 8130 Pearl to pack in all the same hardware as its Sprint and Verizon kin - which is to say that it’ll rock GPS, EVDO, 2 megapixel camera, microSDHC card slot, and that SureType keyboard. Alltel says they’ll be launching their BlackBerry 8130 Pearl in time for the holiday shopping season (which is quite literally upon us), so look for this new Pearl to drop fairly soon. Oh, and it’ll cost you $150 after a $100 rebate (2-year contract required, of course). Alltel ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Telus brings the BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 to CanadaVerizon's BlackBerry Pearl 8130 on pre-order - get your BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 nowSprint's BlackBerry 8130 Pearl for $199Sprint announces BlackBerry 8130 Pearl 2 for release next monthRIM announces CDMA BlackBerry Pearl 8130 - the BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 with GPS

Samsung SGH-i617 BlackJack II confirmed with integrated GPS - available Black Friday

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:23:15 +0000

We’ve just gotten confirmation that the new Samsung SGH-i617 BlackJack 2 (II) will be sporting an integrated GPS module. The SiRF III GPS receiver inside the Samsung BlackJack II is reportedly the real deal - not some cell-tower triangulation, faux-GPS. AT&T’s BlackJack 2 promo website reveals that the handset will sport “integrated GPS,” indicating that the GPS feature in the BlackJack II is hardware based. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the GPS hardware will be limited to the TeleNav software or if it’ll be free to make use of any GPS software on the market. We’re hoping for an un-crippled GPS module. As we all know, the Samsung i617 BlackJack II will be rocking a Windows Mobile 6.0 OS with a camera bumped-up to 2 megapixels. The quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM radio and US-friendly HSDPA (850/1900Mhz) should be pulling duty as the Samsung BlackJack’s successor come this Friday - that would be Black Friday, for the uninitiated. Of course, we’re all still left wondering where the hell is the Windows Mobile 6.0 upgrade for U.S. BlackJack users ? [Via: WMExperts ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung SGH-i617 approved by the FCC; Is this BlackJack 2?Samsung SGH-i617 is the BlackJack 2Samsung SGH-i780 hits London with GPS and WiFiSamsung SGH-i550 S60 GPS phone announcedSamsung SGH-i780 (Blackjack2) is the new undisputed champion of Windows Mobile Smartphones

Telus brings the BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 to Canda

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:42:59 +0000

It looks like our friends to the North are getting in on the BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 party. Telus has just made the BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 (we know it better as the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 ) official for maple-syrup lovers in Canada. The GPS-packin’ BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 is expected to hit the Telus network at $199.99 with a 3-year contract (we’re assuming that’s Canadian dollars, not like it matters now that the Looney is on par with the USD), or $499.99 free and clear. If you’re willing to sign away three years of your wireless life, $199.99 doesn’t sound too bad for a GPS Pearl. On the other hand, it’s going to be an obsolete handset in a year or so - that three-year commitment is pretty hardcore. [Via: MobileInCanada ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:BlackBerry 8120, the new Pearl?BlackBerry 8830 coming to TelusVerizon's BlackBerry Pearl 8130 on pre-order - get your BlackBerry Pearl 2.0 nowRed Blackberry Pearl and Palm Treo 680 announced by Cingular/AT&TDeal: Get a BlackBerry Pearl on T-Mobile for $-74.99!