USC Hotline

Samsung Trill and Caliber Heading to US Cellular

uschotline — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:59:36 -0700

Engadget Mobile reports that Samsung is going to be launching two exclusive devices on US Cellular sometime in the coming months. The Trill is a music-centered slider that has internal storage of 1GB and supports MicroSD cards up to 32GB.

The Caliber is a touch-screen only device with a full HTML browser. This feature phone boasts a 3.2 inch WQVGA display, Samsung's TouchWiz interface, and a 3.0 megapixel camera.

Details on pricing and release are still unknown.

[via Engadget Mobile]

LG Helix Revealed on US Cellular's Website

uschotline — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:12:39 -0700

BigE4284 posted on HowardForums today that the LG UX-310 "Helix" is now displayed on US Cellular's website via the infamous URL trick.

This entry level clamshell sports a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as all of the other standard LG phone features.

[via BigE4284 @ HowardForums] (image credit gigantic prune at HoFo)

BlackBerry Instant Messaging Clients Upgraded to Version 2.5

uschotline — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:26:38 -0700

According to an announcement posted at the BlackBerry support forums, all BlackBerry IM clients have been updated to version 2.5 with the following new features:

Add dedicated icons to the Home Screen for one-click access to conversation boxes of specific contacts. The icon appears as the contact’s display picture or avatar.
Add contacts and display pictures or avatars to the address book to easily instant message, email, SMS, or call right from the address book or conversation box.
Search through saved conversations
Add dedicated emoticon icons in the conversation box

If you are interested in applying this update, head on over to this page from your BlackBerry's web browser.

[via CrackBerry]

Google Adds Push Gmail Support for Windows Mobile

uschotline — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:17:10 -0700

Google rolled out a new update to Google Sync today, allowing Windows Mobile (and iPhone) users to finally get real push Gmail on their devices.

The details and instructions are spelled out over on the Gmail blog, so check it out if you've been dying to get juicy Gmail messages pushed to your Windows Mobile device.

[via Google Mobile Blog]

USC Hotline Relaunches Sept. 21

uschotline — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:06:17 -0700

Great news everybody! USC Hotline will be officially relaunching on September 21 (which is also the 2-year anniversary of when we first started the site!). We have a lot of work to do in the meantime, including cleaning out spam comments, migrating to new servers, adding some new features, redesigning the entire site, and backdating important news stories.

For more details on the reasons why we went offline please see my personal blog at http://theforestburns.com/2009/09/usc-hotline-relaunches-on-sept-21/.

In the meantime, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates on the relaunch and more!

See you on the 21st,
David Strack
Editor - USC Hotline

LG UX-260 Patch Available

uschotline — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:21 -0700

We got a tip the other day from ii Candor ii letting us know that retail stores now should have a software patch for the UX-260. If you've been having any issues, head on over to your nearest US Cellular technician and get updated!

[Thanks again, Candor!]

Stores Have LG Glimmer Dummy Models (Pics)

uschotline — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:48:19 -0700

Once again coming to the aid of US Cellular fans everywhere, ii Candor ii sent us some pics of the LG Glimmer dummy models that have been shipped to US Cellular stores recently. As you can see, the touchscreen slider is downright handsome. This bad boy is rumored to come out sometime in June. See more pics after the jump.

[Thanks again, Candor! Nothin' beats good ol' fashioned pics!]

Photos of the New RAZR2 Color: "Antique"

uschotline — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:55:47 -0700

The ROKR isn't the only phone that Motorola is spicing up for US Cellular, the RAZR2 has been updated in an "Antique" color, or bronze to us normal folks. Some people think that the Antique RAZR2 will be u Once again, ii Candor ii sent us some hi-res pics of the phone. See 7 more pics after the jump.

A little birdy told us that pics of a certain LG are going to be posted tomorrow.

[Thanks again, Candor!]

More Pics of the Orange ROKR

uschotline — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:42:42 -0700

If the camera phone snapshot we posted yesterday did not satisfy your curiosity, ii Candor ii sent in handful of pics that are of much better quality. See all the pics after the jump.

[Thanks, Candor!]

Pics of Mandarin Orange ROKR Surface

uschotline — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:23:12 -0700

A week or so ago we posted about the Mandarin Orange ROKR that will soon be available to US Cellular customers. Today some agents received dummy versions of these phones. Giganticprune over at HowardForums evidently snapped a pic of the fruity device with a camera phone and you can (kind of) see it in all it's orange glory.

If you are one of the few who like the look of this phone (and it's okay if you do, don't be shy), it should be in stores within a week or so, presumably at the same price point as ROKR classic.

[Image source: giganticprune @ HoFo]

US Cellular Looking For New HQ?

uschotline — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:27:19 -0700

US Cellular is exploring Chicagoland for a potential new location of the company's headquarters.

Their current location at 8410 W. Bryn Mawr (near O'Hare international airport) has an expiring lease in 2011. US Cellular was mum on the subject, only declaring, “We are always looking for good office space.”

One possibility is that US Cellular will move to downtown Chicago or to the suburbs.

[Source: Chicago Business News]

Mandarin Orange ROKR Coming in May

uschotline — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:11:57 -0700

A reliable source informed us today that US Cellular stores will be able to begin ordering the ~~fruit~~ phone on May 8. If it looks anything like the picture above, we take back all of the mean things we said about Motorola releasing an orange phone.

[Thanks for the tip!]

EDIT: We should have made it more clear, but those pics are of the Z6, not the Z6m. Unfortunately, the Z6m doesn't look as cool, but it's not bad.

Get USC Hotline Updates Via Email

uschotline — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:49:44 -0700

Sick of checking this site every day to see if there is a new update? Now there's an easier way to find out! Click the "Email" button in the top-right corner to get an email every time that the USC Hotline is updated. This way, you can stay on top of your US Cellular news and only have to visit the site when there's new content to view.

We hate spam and privacy abuse, and you can rest assured that your email address will not be used for any other purpose. So go ahead, enter your email address and start getting updates today!

If you prefer RSS feeds, those are still available!

Stargazer: Motorola Q9c, Blackberry Curve, LG Glimmer, New Nokias, EVDO for US Cellular

uschotline — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:14:10 -0700

It's been over a month since we last analyzed some of the speculation around expected US Cellular devices. We've renamed the "Rumor Mill" feature to "Stargazer," but it's pretty much the same concept. This month, we have a lot of exciting news. First, US Cellular recently issued a press release announcing that they will carry the Motorola Q9c smartphone this summer. Let's take a closer look.

Motorola Q9c

The Motorola Q9c is an update to the current Motorola Q. US Cellular is going to carry the phone in a curious green color as well as a traditional black.

Main features

Windows Mobile 6.1
EVDO
32GB max removable storage
A2DP stereo Bluetooth

US Cellular has not revealed the cost of the phone yet, but we assume it will be similar to what the current Q went for when it was launched.

Blackberry Curve (8330)

Confirmed by multiple insider sources and US Cellular's rebate forms, the CDMA Blackberry Curve should be hitting stores by this summer as well. Somehow, BoyGeniusReport got a picture of the device in late March. The Curve is a very sexy device that will cater more to consumers and power-users. Like the Pearl, the BlackBerry Curve will feature a built-in camera - a feature typically not present on BlackBerry devices. Unlike the Pearl, the Curve will feature a full QWERTY keypad for those not comfortable with the Pearl's SureType.

Main features

QWERTY keypad
2.0 megapixel camera
3.5mm headphone jack for easy MP3 use
EVDO high speed data
QVGA display
Stereo Bluetooth
GPS capabilities

The Curve looks to be a stunning device. No release date has been revealed yet, but we will definitely keep an eye out.

LG Glimmer (UX-830)

The LG Glimmer is an exciting touch-screen slider. The model number "UX-830" is present on the current rebate forms, and that checks out to be the Glimmer. Alltel recently started carrying the phone (which is usually enough evidence in itself to say that US Cellular will get it), and it's beautiful to say the least. Check out her features:

Main features

QVGA+ touch screen optimized for fingers
Slider form factor
Stereo Bluetooth
MP3 player
EVDO hi-speed data

Word on the street says this will hit stores by June.

Nokia, EVDO, and dreams

Nokia announced in the past weeks that they will be re-entering the US CDMA market with two low-end flip phones. Nothing has even been confirmed for US Cellular, but this gives us hope that we can see Nokia return to our beloved carrier, and hopefully with some of their hotter offerings.

We've received several tips via email regarding the EVDO rollout this year. The most accurate answer we've gotten so far - fourth quarter 2008. There you have it. EVDO will still only be available in select markets, but it will be much more accessible than it is right now. Soon, folks all over the country will be cruising along at high speeds, and a great sign of relief will blanket US Cellular's online community.

That does it for our first Stargazer. Check in a few months from now for the newest phones and rumors for US Cellular!

A Brief BlackBerry History

uschotline — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:06:25 -0700

Ever wonder how the BlackBerry came to be? Did you know that it originally started out as just a super-pager? BBGeeks has written a neat article detailing the history of the BlackBerry from the first pager to the newest BlackBerry Curve.

[Source: BBGeeks]

US Cellular Chucking Some Moto's

uschotline — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:23:01 -0700

According to this post on HowardForums, the RAZR V3m (Red) and short-lived RAZR2 V9m are set to be discontinued within 30 days. As some might speculate, this could have something to do with Motorola's whole not being able to turn a profit after the RAZR thing, or perhaps the way is being paved for some new devices.

Stay tuned on the Hotline. It's a slow news month, so we will have some articles to keep us busy until the next major chunk of news!

Motorola Q9c Coming to US Cellular This Summer

uschotline — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:13:27 -0700

US Cellular announced today that it will be offering the Motorola Q9c this summer. The phone will be available in a traditional black color or a "lime" green. This is a surprising move by US Cellular, normally their upcoming phones are kept a secret until release date, but an official press release has been made.

The Q9c is an obvious upgrade to the already available MotoQ. Primary features include Windows Mobile 6, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, and increased memory.

Stay tuned for more updates.

[Source: CNet Crave]

J.D. Power & Associates Rank US Cellular Best Call Quality for 5th Time

uschotline — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:49 -0700

J.D. Power and Associates awarded US Cellular for highest call quality in the North Central region on Thursday. This is U.S. Cellular's fifth consecutive time winning this award.

"North Central Region: U.S. Cellular ranks highest for a fifth
consecutive time, with customers reporting fewer problems in initial
connection, dropped calls, static/interference and voice distortion
compared with the regional average."

Other recipients include Alltel, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

[Source: PRNewsWire]

HTC 6800 Delayed Until April 2nd for Some Markets

uschotline — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:06:38 -0700

HabanoJim at HowardForums posted in the already massive HTC 6800 thread, stating that due to logistics issues the PPC-6800 will not be released until April 2 for those living in the Midwest and East markets. The phone has been received in other markets and should still be available for purchase tomorrow, March 28. Send us your reviews and feedback on the phone!

First Look at US Cellular's HTC PPC-6800

uschotline — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:20:15 -0700

Delav3 posted a plethora of hi-resolution images of the HTC PPC-6800 for US Cellular. We'll post a few here, but there is a link to a zip file with all of the images at the bottom of this post. Read the entire article to see all of the images.

First images by Delav3:

Hi-Res Images:

[[Download these images in high resolution]]

[Source: Delav3 and Candor at HoFo]

UT Starcom PPC-6800 (HTC Mogul) Launches on March 28 for US Cellular

uschotline — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:37:19 -0700

US Cellular has posted their latest smartphone on the company's website, replacing the teaser that has been there for about a week. Although not available for purchase until Friday, many stores are beginning to receive the WiFi-enabled smartphone. BigE4284 over on HowardForums noticed it first, so I'll give him credit.

Primary Features

Windows Mobile 6 Professional
Touchscreen
Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
WiFi 802.11b/g
Up to 6GB removable memory
Bluetooth with A2DP stereo audio streaming
2.0 Megapixel Camera
Microsoft Office Mobile to edit and create Word and Excel files

That list is really just a summary of what this phone can do. Remember, because the phone runs Windows Mobile, tons of 3rd party software is available. The opportunities are endless.

One thing is certain. This blogger is getting a new phone.

US Cellular Awards Five Year Contract to Nortel

uschotline — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:39:47 -0700

CNN Money reported that US Cellular and Nortel signed a five year contract today to "provide advanced wireless capabilities that deliver high-quality mobile voice and data services while easily supporting addition of new subscribers." US Cellular will be using Nortel's CDMA switching stations, software, and other solutions, according to CNN.

Specifically mentioned in the news article are the addition of new data services: let the EVDO rumors fly.

[CNN Money]

USC Hotline User Accounts Are Probably Going to Be Deleted

uschotline — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:36:09 -0700

Sometime this week or next week, the forums are finally going to launch. The reason this has taken so long is because we were trying to integrate the forums usernames and passwords with the USC Hotline usernames and passwords. It looks like our existing database of usernames is not compatible with the new one. If this is the case, all current members of the site (there are roughly 100 of you) will have to re-register in order to use the forums.

We apologize for any inconvenience, but rest assured that your former accounts did not include any valuable data.

If we are able to get the current database working with the forums by some miracle, then we will let you know. Otherwise, look forward to some neat new features at USC Hotline!

US Cellular Taunts Geeks With New Phone Teaser

uschotline — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:46:44 -0700

Jaytee sent in a link today to a page that US Cellular has updated. Normally USCC places new phones on the web a week or so before launch, but this time they uploaded a placeholder page with a seemingly taunting statement:

Coming Soon.. but it's not a RIM phone..

It seems that they have caught on to our little tricks of manipulating the URL and discovering unreleased equipment.

Everyone assumes this is the placeholder for the highly-anticipated UT Starcom PPC-6800 (HTC Mogul) smartphone that is supposed to arrive at the end of March.

[Thanks, Jaytee]

ROKR Doctor: Software Patch Available

uschotline — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:08:22 -0700

An anonymous reader sent in this message today:

"There is a known software problem with the ROKR and USCC has the fix now. All customers need to do is head into their local stores to have it sent out for a software flash. They will be issued a loaner until theirs returns in about two to three weeks."

Others say that the update can be performed by a technician in a retail store. We are waiting for confirmation on this matter.

Thanks, anonymous!

US Cellular and Others Sued Over Patent Infringement

uschotline — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:07:10 -0700

It was reported yesterday that US Cellular, T-Moblie, Virgin Mobile, and Helio were all being sued by Texas-based Intellect Wireless over a patent infringement.

According to Intellect Wireless in an 8-page filing, three 2007 patents were violated. The patents all seem to be related to MMS picture messaging.

[Source: RCR Wireless News]

LG Adds UX-260 and UX-565 to Website

uschotline — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:17:54 -0700

LG recently updated their website and added the US Cellular versions of the UX-260 and UX-565 to it. Some interesting info from these pages:

The UX-565 has an FM transmitter built-in to wirelessly transmit songs to your car radio (like an iTrip).
Both phones support a max of 4GB memory
Both phones have stereo Bluetooth and appear to support OBEX Bluetooth profiles (to send pictures and files via Bluetooth).

Check out LG's site for more pics and full specs.

[UX260 Product Page]
[UX565 Product Page]

LG UX-565 Launches - UX260 to Follow Shortly After Updated Pic

uschotline — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:59:10 -0700

Ian posted a comment on our recent Rumor Mill article. He says that the LG UX-565 will be coming in next week and the LG UX-260 is going to launch a week or so after that. He says the 260 will be black with a blue interior.

"I have ordered the 565 for our locations and we will have them next week. The 260 will be Black outside with a blue interior and is set to launch in a week or so.

The LG touchscreen in testing is nearly identical to AT&T's Shine."

That bit about an LG touchscreen phone is news to us here. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks, Ian!

US Cellular Signs Exclusive Deal with Milwaukee Brewers

uschotline — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:51:39 -0700

US Cellular signed an exclusive contract today with the Milwaukee Brewers to be the official wireless carrier of the team. US Cellular will be able to hang signs around Miller Park and set up a kiosk to sell service and equipment. Bernie Brewer was unavailable for comment.

[CNN Money]

Go Brewers!

US Cellular Launches Unlimited Nationwide Plan - $99

uschotline — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:06:26 -0700

US Cellular shocked us today when they announced they will be offering a nationwide plan with unlimited minutes, all for the fine price of $99. The press release also mentions that this will be for a "limited time."

Thanks for the email, Ted!

[US Cellular Press Release]

USC Hotline

Samsung Trill and Caliber Heading to US Cellular

LG Helix Revealed on US Cellular's Website

BlackBerry Instant Messaging Clients Upgraded to Version 2.5

Google Adds Push Gmail Support for Windows Mobile

USC Hotline Relaunches Sept. 21

LG UX-260 Patch Available

Stores Have LG Glimmer Dummy Models (Pics)

Photos of the New RAZR2 Color: "Antique"

More Pics of the Orange ROKR

Pics of Mandarin Orange ROKR Surface

US Cellular Looking For New HQ?

Mandarin Orange ROKR Coming in May

Get USC Hotline Updates Via Email

Stargazer: Motorola Q9c, Blackberry Curve, LG Glimmer, New Nokias, EVDO for US Cellular

Motorola Q9c

Main features

Blackberry Curve (8330)

Main features

LG Glimmer (UX-830)

Main features

Nokia, EVDO, and dreams

A Brief BlackBerry History

US Cellular Chucking Some Moto's

Motorola Q9c Coming to US Cellular This Summer

J.D. Power & Associates Rank US Cellular Best Call Quality for 5th Time

HTC 6800 Delayed Until April 2nd for Some Markets

First Look at US Cellular's HTC PPC-6800

UT Starcom PPC-6800 (HTC Mogul) Launches on March 28 for US Cellular

US Cellular Awards Five Year Contract to Nortel

USC Hotline User Accounts Are Probably Going to Be Deleted

US Cellular Taunts Geeks With New Phone Teaser

ROKR Doctor: Software Patch Available

US Cellular and Others Sued Over Patent Infringement

LG Adds UX-260 and UX-565 to Website

LG UX-565 Launches - UX260 to Follow Shortly After *Updated Pic*

US Cellular Signs Exclusive Deal with Milwaukee Brewers

US Cellular Launches Unlimited Nationwide Plan - $99

LG UX-565 Launches - UX260 to Follow Shortly After Updated Pic