Alltel Wireless, America’s largest wireless network, and Kyocera Wireless, a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, announced today that the Kyocera StrobeO is available at Alltel stores nationwide. The Strobe features a curved, stylish candybar design that opens lengthwise to reveal a second color display and a full QWERTY keypad inside. “QWERTY keypads make for super-fast instant messaging, e-mail and texting,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president for wireless product management at Alltel. “The Strobe from Alltel, which comes loaded with Axcess Instant Messaging right out of the box, proves once and for all that QWERTY keypads aren’t just for business users anymore. Younger customers are going to love this phone.” The phone’s hourglass figure and loop antenna combine to give it a unique appearance. Opening the clamshell reveals the keypad and a larger color screen ideal for viewing games and pictures. Users can alternate between the open and closed modes as many times as they like during a session without disrupting the phone’s basic functionality. The Kyocera Strobe features a VGA camera, built-in speakerphone and voice-activated dialing. It also has hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology, BREW 2.3.1, and Axcess Web capability. “Our consumer testing has shown a strong attraction to Strobe by the ever-growing youth market,” said Tom Maguire, vice president of global marketing at Kyocera Wireless Corp. “It’s combination of fun features and unique style make it ideal for young people on the go, whether for making a call, snapping a photo, or shooting off a quick IM or text message.” The Strobe is available from Alltel for $49.99 after a $40 mail-in rebate. This discounted price is available to new customers on two-year service agreements as well as to existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans. A complete line of Genuine Accessories by Kyocera™ is also available for Strobe, including a Sport Strap that’s perfect for tethering the phone to a backpack or belt loop. Axcess Instant Messaging from Alltel Wireless lets users chat while they’re on the go with AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. Alltel customers can use an existing IM account or sign up for a new one. Standard text messaging rates apply. Alltel is a customer-focused communications company with more than 15 million customers in 37 states and nearly $10 billion in annual revenues.
Mobile ESPN and Samsung debut the Samsung ACE
“Mobile ESPN and Samsung announced the debut of the Samsung ACE, the latest wireless device providing mobile users access to personalized sports news and information, fantasy sports team management and high-quality audio and video content exclusively from Mobile ESPN. The Samsung ACE features a slim design, measuring just over a half-inch thick and weighing only 3.53 ounces. Made of lightweight magnesium that is both durable and fashionable, the Samsung ACE features ESPN’s signature look and feel with a red and black keypad, complete with ESPN’s trademark logo and unique numerical font style.The Samsung ACE’s large QVGA display and stereo speakers are ideal for watching sports clips with full-motion video and rich sound quality. The user interface features easy-to-read icons that instantly link users to the Mobile ESPN sports application, downloads, digital camera features and messaging capabilities. With the convenient “E” button located in the center of the keypad, users can launch their mobile sports experience with the touch of a button. This exclusive Mobile ESPN feature takes sports fans directly to their personalized sports content, including ESPN BottomLine scores and headlines; favorite teams and player statistics; Gamecast – a live, graphical game representation; customized Mobile ESPN video clips and game highlights; ESPN commentary and analysis; real-time scores; sports alerts and fantasy team management. With the Samsung ACE, sports enthusiasts will be free to cheer on their favorite teams, thanks to a high-quality speakerphone and built-in Bluetooth wireless capability. The handset also includes enhanced voice recognition, voice memo and a personal calendar – ideal for meetings and reminders. ” More at phonemag.com