Dialed In Podcast

Rocking out with stereo Bluetooth

Nicole Lee — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:16:00 PDT

Now that the iPhone OS 3.0 firmware has added stereo Bluetooth functionality to the Apple iPhone, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit stereo Bluetooth and what it promises.

Motorola Rokr S9 HD with iPod adapter

(Credit: Motorola)

Stereo Bluetooth, or A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), is essentially a Bluetooth profile that lets you stream music from one device to another without the use of wires. The technology has been around for years, and almost all music phones have this feature. In fact, it was quite a big letdown that the original iPhone and iPhone 3G did not have this built in when they first launched, considering the iPhone's iPod heritage. Still, it's better late than never. The iPhone OS 3.0 update also brought stereo Bluetooth to the iPod Touch 2nd gen. If you have a music player instead of a phone, you can also purchase additional stereo Bluetooth adapters, like this Motorola D650 iPod adapter.

Stereo Bluetooth headphones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some, like the Motorola Rokr S9 HD, are meant for active lifestyles, as it's shaped to hug the sides of the head. Others, like the Samsung SBH-600, are meant for serious audiophiles, especially with its promise of surround sound and bass boost. We also like the mono-to-stereo headsets, like the Plantronics Voyager 855, that can change from a mono headset to a stereo version simply by connecting an additional ear bud. One of the more popular stereo headsets among our readers is the Jabra BT3030, which isn't really even a headset so much as it is a pendant that you can use with any pair of 3.5mm-compatible headphones.

Samsung SBH-600 lets you listen to your tunes wire-free

(Credit: Samsung)

Most of these headsets have microphones, with the ability to both control the music player and handle phone calls. Sound quality differ from headset to headset, so be careful what you buy. For example, the Samsung SBH-600 is great for listening to music, but no so much for making calls--the outgoing call quality isn't so great.

A note about the music player controls: In order for you to manage your music player from the headset, your phone needs an additional Bluetooth profile called AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). This lets you use your headset like a remote control so you'll be able to play and pause songs, fast-forward through tracks, adjust the volume, and so forth. This is one of the few failings of the iPhone OS 3.0 firmware--it has a very limited form of AVRCP. We could play/pause music and adjust the volume from the headset, but we were only able to change tracks with the iPhone itself.

We've reviewed several stereo Bluetooth headsets here at CNET, and have compiled a simple Best Portable Wireless Headphones list, as well as a shorter list of the most recent stereo headset reviews. If you wish to learn more about Bluetooth, here's a link to our Bluetooth Quick Guide feature. As always, if you have more questions about this, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me.

Originally posted at Crave

Dialed In 85: BlackBerry Tour coming to a town near you

Bonnie Cha — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:28:00 PDT

Things are finally slowing down after a few busy weeks of cell phones news, so this week, we finally catch up on some neglected listener e-mails and questions. Plus, we talk about the RIM BlackBerry Tour that's coming to both Verizon Wireless and Sprint on July 12 for the same price (I smell a battle) and discuss the week's latest reviews. Unfortunately, Kent doesn't sing in this episode but hopefully, everyone will still have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

News
Verizon to offer HTC Ozone for just $50
Verizon RIM BlackBerry Tour to arrive July 12
Sprint BlackBerry Tour also coming July 12
Moto Clutch migrates to Nextel
Sony Ericsson unveils T715

Reviews
Samsung Axle
Samsung Exclaim
LG LX370
Motorola Rival
BlueAnt S1
T-Mobile Dash 3G
HTC Snap (Sprint)
HTC Touch Pro2

Upcoming reviews
Duet D8
Samsung Mantra
Samsung MyShot II
Motorola Rokr S9 HD
RIM BlackBerry Tour (Verizon Wireless)
RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 (Verizon Wireless)
HTC Ozone (Verizon Wireless)
Pharos Traveler 137

On Call: Apples and Androids

Kent German — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:11:00 PDT

The iPhone 3GS: What will it get you?

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

Q: What are the main differences between the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS? With the iPhone 3G being just $99, I'd rather not spend the extra $100 for the 3GS if I don't have to.
- James

A: The extra $100 for the iPhone 3GS gets you a few things. They aren't mind-blowing, but they are worth an extra $100, depending on your point of view.

Voice control: This is a welcome and nifty feature that performs well. Not only can you make calls using only your voice, but also you can use the iPod player. It's particularly useful if you'll be using the iPhone while driving.
Video recording: Another feature that was long overdue. The video quality is quite good and the editing tool is unique and very easy to use.
Accessibility options: The 3GS is the first iPhone to offer a broad range of accessibility feature, like Voice Over, which will read a description of the onscreen controls. Other options will further assist visually impaired users.
Compass: The compass and its integration with the Google Maps feature are neat, but I don't see myself using them that much, though you might feel differently.
Better battery life: The iPhone 3GS promises double the battery life of the iPhone 3G. We're still testing our iPhone 3GS, but it did seem to last longer than its predecessor did during preliminary use. I'm hoping that it lives up to expectations, as short battery life is one of the drawbacks of both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G.
Faster performance: We have found the the 3GS is faster than the iPhone 3G. It opens applications more quickly and turns on in half the time.

If price is your main issue, then I think you'll get a great iPhone experience with the $99 iPhone 3G. But, if money is third our fourth on your criteria list, I'd say that you'll enjoy the added features from the iPhone 3GS.

MyTouch 3G: Is it worth switching?

(Credit: T-Mobile)

Q: Though I love my iPhone, I'm not a fan of its call quality or AT&T and I'm thinking about bailing and going back to T-Mobile. I like the new HTC MyTouch 3G, but I'm really interested in the Google Android-powered Samsung i7500. Do you think that either handset will offer an iPhone-like experience?
- Rob

A: Android phones like the MyTouch 3G and the i7500 successfully rival the iPhone on many fronts. They won't offer exactly the same experience, but you'll find touch displays, full HTML browsers, multimedia features, and access to third-party applications. The hardware, of course, will be different, but that might be a good thing, depending on your personal preferences.

I also ran your question by our smartphone guru Bonnie Cha. Like me, she hasn't had any hands-on time with the Samsung i7500, but she says that if you're looking purely at specs, the i7500 offers more higher-end features--such as a 5-megapixel camera, more memory, and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack--than the MyTouch 3G. Yet, unlike the MyTouch 3G, we don't know if the i7500 will ever come to T-Mobile, so you run the risk of waiting for a phone that may never appear. We haven't heard anything about an availability date.

If you really want to switch carriers, I suggest that you seriously consider an Android phone. It will offer much of the same benefits as the iPhone, but you'll get to return to T-Mobile. When the MyTouch is available, be sure to evaluate it for your needs. And in the meantime, our Google Ion review will give you a taste of what's to come.

Q: I'll be traveling to Japan and Hong Kong for business, so I'll need a phone that will operate in both countries. While I know that my T-Mobile quad-band GSM phone works in Hong Kong, I'm not sure if it will work in Japan.
- Allen

A: As you note, your T-Mobile phone will work in Hong Kong without any issues. Hopefully, you can get it unlocked, which will enable you to use a local prepaid SIM card. Check out CNET's quick guide to world phones for more information on using your T-Mobile phone abroad.

Japan, however, is another story. Your T-Mobile GSM phone will not be compatible with the country's domestic cellular networks, so you'll need a handset that support's the country's 3G (WCDMA) technology. Such phones are not widely available in the United States, though you can rent one from T-Mobile. Alternatively, there are several U.S. companies that can make arrangements (try a Google search--I can't recommend any in particular) or you can rent a phone after you arrive in Japan.

Dialed In 84: iPhone 3G S review

Kent German — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:17:00 PDT

It wouldn't be a week in cell phone land if the Dialed In crew didn't have a lot to talk about. And since it's been two weeks since our last show, you can bet that this episode is chock full of cell phone news and reviews.

Leading off is the CNET review of the iPhone 3GS. We're still getting through the lab tests, but we've combed through the new features in depth. Meanwhile, Bonnie enthralls us with a long list of major smartphone news including Flash Player 10 beta and T-Mobile's second Google Android phone. And elsewhere in the podcast, Bonnie sighs, Kent sings, and Nicole laughs at them both.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

News
Android Atlas
HTC Hero Android phone announced
T-Mobile announces second Google phone
Flash Player 10 beta coming to most smartphones this fall
WebOS 1.0.3 update available now for Palm Pre and Palm WebOS SDK release planned for end of summer
Palm responds to Apple's warning
T-Mobile Dash 3G coming in July
RIM announces BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Sprint, Verizon Wireless
Samsung Omnia 2 coming to Verizon
iPhone gets AT&T Navigator app
V Cast Mobile TV finally comes to SF and FLO TV goes national
Finding iPhone OS 3.0's small changes
Motorola unveils Karma QA1
Sprint releases LG LX370 and Samsung Exclaim
15-year-old wins LG texting championship
Alltel nabs LG Tritan

Reviews
Apple iPhone 3GS
Nokia N97 RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 (Alltel)
Motorola Clutch
LG Neon
Samsung Gloss
LG Glance
Motorola Rival

Upcoming reviews HTC Snap (Sprint)
HTC Touch Pro2
RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 (Verizon Wireless)
Samsung Mantra
Samsung Exclaim
Duet D8
LG LX370

The 411: Transferring from a Razr

Nicole Lee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:29:00 PDT

Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Hi, I currently have a Samsung Glyde through Verizon Wireless. As with many owners I have had my share of problems with it, I'm on my third replacement. I have been looking for a new phone for some time and also considering a switch possibly to Sprint for the Palm Pre. The problem I have is deciding to switch or wait for a better phone on Verizon, the Storm2 and Omnia i8910 (HD) come to mind. I mainly use my phone for the internet, email, and messenging. Any suggestions? --Derek, via e-mail

Would you wait for the Palm Pre to come to Verizon?

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

I'm sorry to hear you've had so much trouble with the Samsung Glyde, though you did not specify what went wrong. As for possible replacements, the Palm Pre is certainly an attractive device, but do note that you might not have to switch to Sprint to get it. Verizon has already mentioned that it hopes to get its own version of the Palm Pre next year. Or, as you mentioned, you could also wait for the BlackBerry Storm 2.

Also, I think you confused the Samsung Omnia 2 with the Omnia i8910 HD---as far as we know, the Samsung i8910 HD is a GSM product and will not be going to Verizon. It sounds like you want a phone with a keyboard, which the Samsung Omnia 2 would not have. Since it seems like you're willing to wait for a new phone, I would suggest waiting around until the Palm Pre gets approved for Verizon and take a look at that.

Update: After some thought, you might want to consider the LG enV Touch as well. It is similar to the Samsung Glyde in that it has a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. You'll also be able to keep your current data plan without additional charges. It's definitely not as advanced as the Pre, the Storm, or the Omnia though, so it depends on your priorities.

I have to upgrade my ancient original Razr V3. I love the Razr's tiny form factor, but I need a new phone with a QWERTY keyboard. 1. What would be the smallest (thinnest?) QWERTY phone available now for existing AT&T customers? I guess some other priorities would be good voice quality and a good camera. The BlackBerry Pearl comes to mind, but I'm not sure that I could get used to its odd keyboard. 2. Also, quite honestly, one reason that I haven't upgraded before is that I don't understand how to get my contacts, calendar, and photos to a new phone. I have very extensive amounts of each of these on my old Razr, and no one at any of the AT&T retail stores has indicated to be that these can be transferred to a new phone. If it is true that I can't just transfer these to a new phone, is there a way that I can get them onto my computer and then take them from the computer to the new phone? Obviously I'm a bit of an idiot regarding phones, I hate change, and I want it to be as painless as possible. Many thanks. -- Kevin, via e-mail

I would say the thinnest QWERTY phone available on AT&T would be the Samsung Magnet. It only has a VGA camera though, which isn't very good. If you don't mind a bit more bulk, the Samsung Propel has a slightly better 1.3-megapixel camera.

How to transfer data from the original Razr V3 to the computer

(Credit: CNET)

Your second question is a bit more complicated. For contacts, you can transfer them to the SIM card on your old phone, which you can then load onto your new phone without any problems. I'm surprised that no one at the AT&T store told you that you could do that. For photos and calendar data, I would suggest downloading Motorola's own Motorola Phone Tools software that will help you transfer that information from your phone to your computer. If your Razr V3 has Bluetooth file transfer, you can use that, but if not, you'll have to get a USB cable to connect the phone to the computer. If this doesn't work out, there are a few third-party programs that can help with picture transfer--I found this step-by-step tutorial with a program called P2K Commander, for example. I haven't had the opportunity to try this though, so proceed with caution. Good luck!

Here's a silly little problem i can't seem to figure out: I have one jawbone, an iPhone personal, and a Blackberry for work. Is there any easy way to quickly pair and unpair? It seems very cumbersome and so much at times; I just defer to taking work calls on personal phone and vice versa, as its impossibly dangerous to do this when driving, for instance. Any pointer for this not so techy-gal, please let me know. Thanks! -- Leanne, via e-mail

Before I tackle your question, I think you may be confusing "pairing" with "connecting" when it comes to Bluetooth. Pairing is the initial process of getting the phone to recognize the headset and vice versa. After that, you can simply connect or disconnect the headset with the phone. The older Jawbones should be able to pair with more than one device at a time, though you still have to reconnect whenever you want to use a particular phone with the headset.

Since you seem to really want to do this quickly, in the car especially, I would recommend getting another Bluetooth headset with multipoint connectivity. Multipoint simply means the headset is able to connect with up to two devices at a time. The new Jawbone Prime has this ability, as does the Plantronics Voyager Pro and the BlueAnt Q1. After you pair the Prime with these two phones, there is no need to disconnect and reconnect every time you want to switch; it will do so automatically.

On Call: Enough with the 'iPhone killer'

Kent German — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:59:00 PDT

No, it's not the best phone ever.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

I cringe every time I hear the phrase "iPhone killer." And in a month like this, when we've reviewed the Palm Pre, the iPhone 3G S, and the next Google Android phone that is expected to land at T-Mobile, I've heard it way too many times.

My biggest issue with the phrase is not that's it's overused--though that's part of it--it's that it implies that the iPhone needs to be killed. Calling the latest touch-screen phone an "iPhone killer" automatically elevates the iPhone to a place that it doesn't deserve. Yes, it's an excellent, innovative device that does many things well, but it's not the best cell phone on the planet. And with the possible exception of its multitouch Web browser, it's not the ultimate pinnacle of cell phone development.

We need only to look at the iPhone's 3G's latest rivals to know that other devices can pose serious competition. No, they're not perfect either, but they're certainly innovative in their own way. And despite what some Apple fans may argue, they're not going anywhere.

Palm's innovative new WebOS is like nothing we've seen before. The Pre multitasks beautifully, its Synergy feature and notifications system are incomparable, and its multitouch browser almost beats the iPhone at its own game. We didn't love the Pre's hardware, but Palm will be coming out with more WebOS devices. Who knows what round two will bring?

Android handsets like the Google Ion/HTC Magic offer a fantastic interface, great integration with Google services, and a truly user-customizable experience. What's more, since Android will run on more than one device, consumers will have a real choice of hardware. Of course, that last point depends on Google and handset manufacturers actually introducing more Android devices. I'm impatiently awaiting the follow-up T-Mobile G1.

There will never be a "world's greatest phone," though people will find the best phone for their needs. We also should remember that competition and choice are good things. We should not desire a world where there is only one kind of cell phone, much like we shouldn't desire to drive one kind of car, drink one kind of soda, or wear one brand of shoes. There is plenty of room in this world for multiple brands of phones, whether they be flashy, multimedia handsets like the iPhone or simple candy bar models that just makes calls.

So, please lay off the "iPhone killer." It's not fair, it's not accurate and it's just not right.

Dialed In 83: iPhone 3G S, Palm Pre, and more

Nicole Lee — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:32:00 PDT

This is one of our busiest weeks of the year, with the announcement of a new iPhone, the launch of the Palm Pre, and so much more, which makes this show one of our longest yet.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

News
WWDC
iPhone 3G S First Take
iPhone OS 3.0 revisted
All things Pre
T-Mobile HTC Magic to be called myTouch 3G?
$700 for Nokia's new phone. Are they nuts?
Casio Exilim C721 is one tough camera phone
Sony Ericsson announces C901, Naite "GreenHeart" phones
Motorola Evoke comes to Cricket
LG Neon available from AT&T
Verizon launches the Motorola Rival
Pharos 137 Traveler now available
Verizon to get BlackBerry Pearl Flip June 19
iPhone apps for airline geeks
Senate introduces Mobile Wireless Tax Fairness Act

Reviews
RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (AT&T)
Palm Pre
LG enV Touch
Casio Exilim C721
Motorola Hint QA30
Samsung JetSet
Samsung SGH-A177

Upcoming reviews
LG Neon
Samsung Gloss
Motorola Clutch
RIM BlackBerry Flip 8230 (Verizon Wireless)
RIM BlackBerry Storm update
T-Mobile G1 update

The 411: Read the fine print

Nicole Lee — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:59:00 PDT

Palm Pre may be more expensive to existing customers.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

Hi, I currently have a samsung Instinct with Sprint and I qualify for an upgrade in July. I was looking at upgrading to the Palm Pre, but I was wondering if you have any idea how much it would cost to buy the Pre as an upgrade, because all Sprint is advertising is the $199 with the $100 mail-in-rebate for new customers getting a two-year contract. Thanks - Xavier, via e-mail

As is the situation with the recently announced iPhone 3G S, existing customers frequently don't get to take advantage of the low prices designed to cater to new subscribers. If you want to know if you qualify for the $199 price, you'll need to check with Sprint to see if you are eligible. According to the Palm Pre fine print, existing customers in good standing, who have kept the same device for 22 consecutive months, may be eligible. Also, the $100 mail-in rebate offer lasts only until July 11, 2009. Try signing into sprint.com/upgrade to check your eligibility.

I need your opinion on whether to buy the LG enV Touch or the BlackBerry. BlackBerry is free, Touch is $150, however, the BlackBerry is over 100 more a year in service fees. Using it for MP3, phone and e-mail. Will not be texting. - TC, via e-mail

LG enV Touch may have additional monthly costs associated with it.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

That's really smart of you to note the overall cost of the phone, not just the initial price. However, the enV Touch might also cost you a bit more each month if you opt for the $3 a month Visual Voice Mail or the $10 a month for corporate e-mail. It's also not as good as the BlackBerry when it comes to e-mail in general. For MP3 playback, though, I would opt for the enV Touch, simply because of the V Cast Music access. It also has great call quality. So, if your priority is e-mail, I would go for the BlackBerry, but if it's not, then the enV Touch will do just fine.

Hello Nicole; I am going to be doing an upgrade with Verizon in a couple of months (July). I had a Voyager, which I liked very much (although a little large), and had the visual voice mail and city I.D., but my wife has that one now and I have an LG Dare, which is very quirky, and does not have visual voice mail or city I.D. (even with the latest software updates). Do you know if the new enV Touch has these two features, City I.D. and visual voice mail? I mainly text and use the Internet, any other suggestions with Verizon? I don't wish to change carriers, although I would love an iPhone. I very much enjoy your video reviews!! Thanks!! - Jon, via e-mail

The LG enV Touch does indeed have Visual Voice Mail and City I.D. support, so you're in luck there.

Dialed In 82: LG, Sony Ericsson kick off summer of cell phones

Bonnie Cha — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:44:00 PDT

June is here and, as expected, the flood of cell phone and smartphone news has already begun. LG and Sony Ericsson kick it off with a handful of new phones and GreatCall releases a new Jitterbug model. Plus, we give a preview of what we might see at WWDC 2009, and oh yeah, there's a little thing called the Palm Pre being released on Saturday. Get all the info here on Dialed In Episode 82.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Rumor of the week
WWDC preview

News
Verizon releases LG enV3, enV Touch, Glance
Sony Ericsson W995a attractive, functional
Sony Ericsson makes Idou official; announces Yari and Aino phones
GreatCall unleashes the Jitterbug J
LG GD900 Crystal: A touch-screen phone you can see through
Boost Gets Moto Clutch
T-Mobile goes retro with Samsung T239
T-Mobile: New Android device in early summer
Verizon to roll out BlackBerry Storm update
Verizon: Expect Palm Pre, BlackBerry Storm 2 within six months
Sprint has Palm Pre exclusive through 2009

Reviews
Google Ion (HTC Magic)
Sony Ericsson W995a
Samsung SGH-T349
Samsung Jitterbug J
Nokia E75

Upcoming reviews
Motorola Hint
Samsung JetSet
Motorola Clutch
Samsung SGH-A177
LG enV3
LG enV Touch
LG Neon
Samsung Gloss
RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (AT&T)

Dialed In 81: AT&T speeds up (or at least promises to do so)

Kent German — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:07:00 PDT

It's never dull in cell phone land, and this week is no exception. As we gear up for the June 6 release of the Palm Pre and the start of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, there is much more to talk about.

Bonnie, for one, has amassed a roundup of AT&T smartphone rumors and gives her take on whether Sony Ericsson will adopt Android. Nicole chimes in with some Samsung Jitterbug news and Kent catches us up on AT&T's 3G expansion, Nokia's Ovi Store, and a possible release date for the new iPhone. Listen in to get the full scoop on all the latest mobile news, a taste of our latest reviews, and answers to your questions.

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)

Rumor of the week
A bonanza of AT&T smartphone rumors

News
First Sony Ericsson Google phone to run Android OS 2.0
AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8900 drops on May 22
AT&T plans to double wireless broadband speeds by 2011
Nokia's Ovi Store opens for business
Glitches plague Nokia's Ovi Store launch
Samsung goes square with U.S. Cellular
Sharp's sun-powered phone almost beach-ready
New HTC Android phone leaked
Palm Pre, Nokia N97 NAM clear FCC
New iPhone could go on sale July 17
Samsung recalls Jitterbug phones
Pantech Aladdin is yet another AT&T messenger
LG Glance revealed

Reviews
Samsung SGH-A167
Samsung Smooth
Kyocera Jax S1300
HTC Touch Diamond2
Samsung Jack
Spracht Aura BluNote

Upcoming reviews
Nokia E75
Samsung SGH-T349