Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

With Android hitting later this year, you’d think Google would be content with it’s place in the cellular phone market.  Apparently they aren’t satisfied with just an OS.  A Reuters report shows that Google is in talks with Verizon to use Google as the default search engine for Verizon cell phones.

This probably seems like a small move at first.  But, the plan as of now apparently means adding a Google search bar to the homepage of Verizon phones.  It’s not clear what that could mean, but if it is the main screen on the phone, it could make for quite a few extra dollars for Verizon when people with data plans accidentally use it.  The plan would also have Google and Verizon sharing revenue from search ads when it is used on a Verizon phone.

The only small thing that could be bad with the deal so far is Google want to save the information from cell phone charges.  Google wouldn’t use that information against us, though.  Will it?

Read [Reuters]

Verizon Wireless has just become the latest carrier to add some new pink BlackBerry models. The new additions to the Verizon lineup will be the Curve 8330 and the Pearl 8130. Features of both will be the same as their current silver counterparts and according to Verizon “the hip, pink colors give students added flair when they are at school or interviewing for an internship or job,” of course we would most likely suggest leaving your BlackBerry at home or in the car while interviewing, regardless of the color.

Anyway the pink Curve 8330 and the pink Pearl 8130 are currently available for order online, and will be in retail stores beginning August 15. The Curve 8330 will retail for $99.99 and the Pearl 8130 will be $79.99. Pricing for both models comes after a $70 mail-in-rebate and along with the standard two-year agreement.

Read [PR Newswire]

Visual Voicemail has proved to be an effective way of receiving and checking your voicemail, now instead of listening to every message you can listen to just the important ones, and save the rest for later.

This is a feature that we first saw on the iPhone with AT&T, however since then Sprint has also begun to offer it on the Samsung Instinct and now Verizon has become the latest with their LG Voyager.

The visual voicemail will come as part of a new software update and will be offered free of charge for current owners. It will also be included on a new model of the Voyager that has been dubbed the Voyager Refresh.

Verizon has also stated that the visual voicemail feature will be available for other models, but have not given any information on which will be included or when we can expect it.

Read [Verizon] Via [PhoneArena]

We first saw the UTStarcom TXT8010 hit the FCC back in mid-April using the codename of Elvis, since then it seemed to have disappeared, that is until now. The TXT8010 has resurfaced with Verizon and is now known as the Blitz.

The handset details are coming courtesy of a leaked Verizon Wireless Equipment Guide and what that means is we have some nice clean images, but lots of details are still missing.

The Blitz is a slider style phone that offers a full (albeit small looking) QWERTY keyboard, 1.3-megapixel webcam, stereo Bluetooth and a microSD card slot. It looks like the Blitz is headed for the prepaid market, and its expected to be launched at Wal-Mart on August 8 and Best Buy on September 28. No mention of pricing, however it does not look like a handset that is going to break the bank.

Via [Engadget Mobile]

Some will be sad to see it go, but at the same time many are wondering why its still around. According to a spokesperson from Verizon, the Palm Treo 755p will be phased out over the remainder of the year.

The first thing you will notice is the now much lower price, they have dropped it down to just $99, which of course comes along with a rebate and two-year contract. In addition Verizon will be removing the display units at many of their retails stores and also beginning to reduce the available inventory.

They were also quick to point out that while its being phased out the support will continue for those who either currently own, or purchase the device.

Personally, if I were looking for a Palm device at this point, this may be a good time to react, because as compared to the Centro, which is also $99, I would much rather have the Treo 755p.

Via [TreoCentral]

Mobile banking is slowly catching up as mobile carriers continue to integrate this technology in their system. Today, Verizon Wireless has announced that it is extending its mobile banking solutions to their customers who use a BlackBerry Curve 8330, BlackBerry Pearl 8130 or a BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone. Too bad I don’t own any of these devices!

These lucky guys and gals can easily use their BlackBerry devices to pay bills, check transactions, monitor account balances and transfer payments. A very convenient way indeed if you ask me, particularly if you’re always on the go.

However, I know that not all share the same sentiment. Security remains to be the biggest issue even though Verizon Wireless and other mobile carriers continuously advertise their safety measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption technology, and 6-digit PIN requirements. It reminds me of the same route traveled by online banking before going mainstream.

Other smartphones compatible with mobile banking app include LG Voyager, FlipShot, MOTORAZR, LG VX940, Samsung’s Juke and Alias. The app is free of course but data charges apply.

Read [PR Newswire]

It looks like those who are eagerly awaiting the release of the LG Chocolate 3 with Verizon will be able to get their hands on one a little earlier than expected. Verizon has announced that the Chocolate 3 will be available at Verizon retail stores, Circuit City and online beginning July 13, which is a full day ahead of schedule. The LG Chocolate 3 will be $129.99, which is after a $50 mail-in-rebate and comes along with a two-year agreement.

Via [Verizon Wireless]

We told you about the LG Chocolate 3 (VX8560), but since then, a pricing scale and release date have since surfaced.  To recap quickly, the 3rd edition of LG’s high selling Chocolate will be wrapped in a clamshell form factor, unlike the previous two iterations which were candybar-styled.  The LG Chocolate 3 will have 1GB of internal memory, with up to 8GB of additional space through microSD cards. The phone’s external display is 1.76-inch (176x220) and the internal display is 2.2-inch with a QVGA resolution. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, Bluetooth (with stereo support).  Finally, the Chocolate 3 will have an FM transmitter, so you can listen to your music on any FM radio.

The price is expected to be $129 after $50 rebate with a 2-year contact, $199 after $50 rebate with a 1-year contract, and $299 at full retail price.  The LG Chocolate 3 will drop on July 14th and will be available exclusively for Verizon. Keep reading for more pictures.

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It looks like Verizon will be introducing a third variety in their Q9 lineup, and as of now its being code named “Napoleon.” It does however have something special in store for worldwide business travelers as it will not only offer CDMA EV-DO Rev. A support but it will also include full GSM support, meaning you can take and use this worldwide.

The Q9 Napoleon will be running Windows Mobile 6.1 and feature a 320 x 240 display, 2-megapixel camera with flash, Wi-Fi, stereo speakers and ship with a 1500mAh battery. In addition to the added support on the inside, the new world edition Q9 has also gotten a little face lift with a new shiny bezel around the edges.

Also, just good measure they have included a fingerprint scanner on the back, I guess when traveling worldwide you should never have your data unsecured.

As of now, no pricing or release information has been let loose, but as usual we will keep you posted when we find something out.

Via [BGR]

Earlier today we saw what AT&T has in store for use device-wise for the remainder of 2008 and now it is Verizon’s turn, and it looks just as exciting as the AT&T lineup.

Beginning in August, it looks like we can expect to see the UTStarcom TXT8010. Also coming in August is the Nokia 2605 Mirage and the Samsung SCH-U440 which are both expected to be released on the 8th, then the Motorola VU30 is expected in mid-August and the Samsung SCH-U430 is expected in late-August.

Moving on from there we also have the Samsung SCH-U310, Nokia 7205 Intrigue and Palm Treo 800w. Finally we also have the Motorola Blaze ZN4, which has no specific date, however it is expected sometime before September 22.

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