Google's Nexus One phone looks very interesting. Especially for someone like me who is trying to decide where to go next (both hardware and provider wise) after spending countless years using Palm devices.
One bit of bad news (from my point of view) is over at Digital Life -- they posted an article today entitled "Google's Nexus One, not available in Canada" which, states that the unlocked Nexus One is not yet available in Canada. The exact quote is: "Google Canada representative Tamara Micner said no specific timing has been set for the release of the phone for Canadian consumers, but she added, ‘we’re hoping for soon.’"
Be sure to follow the link to read the whole story.
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Google's Nexus One Phone - Not Available in Canada
"Palm Pre is Fab" says WPG-SUN
In a Winnipeg Sun article entitled: "Pre is fab: Latest smartphone does it all elegantly" Steve Tilley gives quite a good (in my opinion) review of the Palm Pre which just recently became available here in Canada. Steve says "The Palm Pre smartphone is an attractive alternative to a BlackBerry or iPhone" and, in his 'verdict' at the end of the article, warns that "the Pre could cause gadget love at first sight".
The folks who ushered hand-held organizers into the collective consciousness have come a long way, baby. Heck, I remember when we used to call these things Palm Pilots.
-={snip}=-
It's the latest phone to be saddled with that tiresome "iPhone killer" label, but it's also one of the few that really can stand up to Apple's beloved little slab.
A chunky, squat black number, the Pre (pronounced "pree" and not "pray") lands in the crowded uber-phone market with a few secret weapons. One, it combines a very sharp iPhone-like touchscreen with a surprisingly functional BlackBerry-like keyboard, revealed by sliding the screen up. Best of both worlds right there, eh wot?
And two, it's a built-from-the-ground-up marriage of hi-tech silicon guts and cool, intuitive software. From e-mail to web browsing to memos to maps, the Pre does everything you'd expect a high-end 3G smartphone to do, and it does it with what can only be described as elegant grace.
-={snip}=-
When using the Pre, I felt like the folks at Palm didn't just sit down and cobble together a device with a touch-screen and a handy slide-out keyboard. It feels like they reverse-engineered the thing from the perspective of you, the user, to make it easy and fun to use. And it's even pretty decent at making phone calls.
-={snip}=-
Despite its faults, the Pre is an elegant device that doesn't try to mimic an iPhone or a BlackBerry, even though {it} offers some of the best features of each. It reminds me of how I felt the first time I used a Palm Pilot, way back in the day: An exciting, albeit not entirely perfect, glimpse at the future of gadgetry.
But hey, the Palm Pilot evolved, and so will the Pre. Stay tuned.
-={snip}=-
Verdict: While it has a few flaws and the battery life is mediocre, the Pre is packed with features that make it an attractive alternative to a BlackBerry or iPhone. And if you've never used either of those devices before, the Pre could cause gadget love at first sight.
Be sure to follow the link above (or this one) to read the whole article. It's definitely worth your time.
I have a couple of personal comments. Steve states that the Pre has an "iPhone-like touchscreen" -- when, because the Palm Pilot was the first commercially successful PDA with a touchscreen, it should say the iPhone has an improved Palm-like touchscreen. He also says that it includes a "surprisingly functional Blackberry-like keyboard", yet that style of keyboard was pioneered by the Treo smartphone, again made by Palm. In fact, it is widely acknowledged that RIM's Blackberry's (and most other PDAs for that matter) "acquired" their keyboards by openly emulating the Palm Treo.
However, all those personal nit-picky points aside {grin}, the review is a good one and well worth reading in it's entirety.
BW: Palm's Pre Is Trying to Live Up to the Hype
A recent Business Week article entitled: Palm's Pre Is Trying to Live Up to the Hype is definitely worth a read.
Here is a few brief paragraphs, just in case you need more convincing Wall Street is reducing forecasts for Sprint's sales of the smartphone. That doesn't bode well for Palm as it works to sign up new carriers for Pre
Palm's road to a comeback is hitting a few speed bumps.
When Palm (PALM) launched its Pre smartphone on June 6, expectations were high that the long-troubled company could have a hit with the device, the biggest launch by the new management team led by a former Apple (AAPL) executive. Now analysts estimate that Palm likely will sell just 300,000 to 500,000 Pres in their first three months on the market. That's not bad, but it's short of the outsize expectations ramped up by the phone's advanced technology and splashy debut.
...snip...
Competition with Apple's coveted iPhone is just one of Palm's challenges. For now, the Pre appears to be a niche product, with a particular appeal to Palm devotees. A spat with Apple over Pre's ability to gain access Apple's iTunes music store led to a complaint by Palm to an industry standards group. And Palm is still trying to persuade more software developers to write applications for its device, which could increase its appeal.
...snip...
Continue reading the full Business Week article . . .
Palm Pre available on 27 August at Bell Mobility stores
Here's some breaking (and long awaited) news from Palm about the availability of the Palm Pre here in Canada (finally!)
This is copied directly from the "Official Palm Blog"
It’s almost here! Bell Mobility announced today that Palm Pre will be available at its retail locations in Canada on 27 August for $199.95 (on a three-year contract with a minimum 500MB data plan). If you want to be sure to get your hands on Palm Pre ASAP, you can place an order online now at www.bell.ca/pre, at Bell stores and at Bell retail partners Best Buy, Future Shop, The Telephone Booth/La Cabine Téléphonique, WIRELESS etc. and Wireless Wave.
Bell smartphone clients can choose from a wide variety of voice and data plans, including Smartphone Combos that offer unlimited Internet browsing, personal email and text messaging. More details are available at Bell Mobility’s website.
Jon Zilber
While you're at the Bell site drooling (yes, admit it, drooling) over the new 3G Palm Pre, be sure to enter for a chance to win your very own 3G Palm Pre. The Bell Palm Pre give-away contest simply asks you to pre-register your interest in the new 3G Palm Pre and in return, they enter your name in the draw which ends midnight of 31 August. The official contest rules are in this pdf.
I hope you win (if I don't, that is
Treo™ Pro Now Available from Bell Mobility
Treo™ Pro by Palm Now Available on the Bell Mobility Network
The Treo™ Pro smartphone by Palm is thoughtfully designed for people who define their workday the way they see fit. You can respond to business and personal email, stay on top of appointments and contacts, and use Wi-Fi or GPS.2 All on a thin device that packs plenty of battery power for a life on the go. Treo Pro. Perfectly balanced.
1 For new customers on a 3-year term when activating a minimum voice and data plan combination or combo plan of $45 per month or greater. Bell reserves the right to limit the usage. Out of bundle rates may apply. Offer ends March 31, 2009.
2 Within wireless coverage area only. Email and GPS require data services from Bell Mobility at additional cost. Voice prompted as-you-go navigation requires an additional service plan, sold separately. GPS coverage not available in all areas at all times. Wi-Fi within range of 802.11b/g network only. Some Wi-Fi hotspots require fee for usage.
Palm® Centro™ Now Available on Bell Mobility
Here's some good news from Bell Mobility, and it's a darn sight cheaper than what Rogers wanted for a Centro last summer! If you're curious, my "rant" on Rogers' price gouging is here: "Rogers Cell Phone Pricing Madness!"
Palm® Centro™ Smartphone
Now Available on Bell Mobility for as low as $49.951
(with 3-year service agreement)
The Palm® Centro™ smartphone gives you voice, text, email, and web,2 all with the power of a touchscreen and full keyboard. Which means it’s easy to keep up with friends in so many ways. Touch the screen to quickly share a photo. Use the keyboard to send a text. Even find friends using Facebook® for Palm.3
Centro. Let’s go.
Link Your Mobile and Home Phone Services
Here's a really neat product line from a Canadian company that links your mobile (cell) and home (wired) phone services. I'm definitely intrigued and I'll have to do more research into the XLink. Read on to learn more:
XLink Communication Hubs -- The World's First and Still the Best Multiple Cellular Bluetooth Gateway
Finally your cell phone can be accessed from anywhere in your home or office!
The XLink family of products makes it possible to send and receive cell phones calls using regular telephones. No more searching for your cell phones; just use regular phones at home or in the office.
Any cell phone with Bluetooth wireless technology will work with XLINK™.
The XLink can simultaneously connect to three different cell phones; one for each family member! As many regular telephones as desired can be plugged into the back of the XLink. Whenever any of the connected cell phones ring, all the telephones ring also!
XLink can be used with or without landline phone service. Now you can decide whether or not to keep your landline. Either way - all your telephones can keep functioning!
XLink products work right out of the box. There are never any extra cables or modules to buy. You get everything you need in this one cost effective solution.
There are two models in the XLink family, the XLink BT and the XLink BTTN. The XLink BT can connect to three cell phones. The XLink BTTN can connect to three cell phones and a regular telephone line or Voice Over IP adapter box.
XLink BT - $99.99 CDN
If you have already abandoned your traditional phone line and currently use one or more cell phones then the BT model is for you. It will connect your cell phones to as many regular telephone sets as you wish. Connect up to THREE cell phones.
XLink BTTN - $129.99 CDN
If you want to connect one or more cell phones to your regular telephones but want to keep your standard telephone service or want to use a VOIP adapter box then the BTTN model is what you need. You can connect up to THREE cell phones to the BTTN model, as well as, one regular telephone input. This input can come from a regular phone line or from a VOIP (internet telephony) box such as Vonage or MagicJack.
Save Money with XLink
XLink was created for your convenience and to allow you to save money!
If you have a cell phone that you use almost all the time and a landline, it might be possible for you to cancel your landline and exclusively use your cell phone. This will save you money every month.
One reason people do not like to cancel their phone line is because then all their phones throughout their house stop working. The XLink BT was created to address this issue. Now you can cancel your phone line but keep on using your telephones like nothing has changed!
Coming Soon: Skype Link
Receive incoming Skype calls with your cell phone or regular phone.
Do you also use Skype to communicate with people? XLink will shortly connect your Skype calls to your home phone system as well.
Incoming Skype calls will ring your house phones and you will be able to dial your Skype speed dials from any phone connected to the XLink.
And best of all this will work with your exising XLink hardware!
About Xtreme Technologies
Xtreme Technologies is a Canadian (based in Calgary AB) electronics design and manufacturing company and the leader in Cellular Gateways and Bluetooth Docking Stations.
Win 1 of 7 Palm Centro Smartphones from Sync
Win 1 of 7 Palm Centro Smartphones
sync, "the tech and gadgets blog" has added a new feature to their blog, and to celebrate, they're giving away 7 (count-em seven) new Palm Centro's!
You will have to provide your email address when you subscribe: "You will receive a daily email from Sync with the latest stories and you can unsubscribe anytime." but they state "We don't sell email lists."
Here's an excerpt from their blog. Be sure to follow the link to read the whole article and don't forget to read the entry rules etc. eh!
Win 1 of 7 Palm Centro Smartphones
Posted by Simon Cohen at 11:59 PM
Today we launch a new feature on sync - the option to have our RSS feed delivered automatically to your in-box. To help us celebrate, Palm Canada has kindly given us 7 of their new Palm Centro smartphones to give away.
[snip]
. . . if you sign up between now and March 3, you'll automatically be entered into a draw to win 1 of 7 Palm Centro smartphones.
[snip]
The Palm Centros up for grabs are:
- Black in colour
- Exclusively for the Bell Mobility network. Check rate plans.
- Equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen interface
- Preloaded with apps like Google Maps, Facebook and a web browser
- Perfect for capturing images with an on-board 1.3 megapixel camera, with 2x digital zoom and movie capture
- MP3-friendly with 128MB of internal memory and expandable with MicroSD cards up to 4GB
- Bluetooth equipped
Pretty sweet huh?
RIM Executives Fined $77 Million Dollars
The top executives of Research In Motion, the hugely successful Canadian company of Blackberry fame, have been fined $77 million dollars! This story is all over the news, but most are treating it as some minor slap on the wrist because, I guess, it's been labelled as "negligence" and not "fraud". I don't know about you, but if I was one of the 3 people who have to pay the majority of this fine (roughly $20 million dollars each), I doubt that I would consider it as a slap on the wrist, or some bit of minor news!
Here's an excerpt from a CTV article. Be sure and follow the link to read the whole story.
RIM executives slapped with $77 million in fines
TORONTO -- The leading executives who helped create the internationally renowned maker of the BlackBerry smartphone will pay the brunt of about $77 million in fines and restitution to settle allegations they participated in a practice known as stock option backdating.
The settlement Thursday is one of the biggest in the history of the Ontario Securities Commission, and marked a rare occasion where some of the country's most prominent executives appeared before the commission for alleged wrongdoing.
Under the settlement, Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis, co-CEOs of BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion Ltd., as well as former chief financial officer Dennis Kavelman will contribute the bulk of the fines.
Also included are several other executives and directors from one of the most successful companies in the history of Canada.
The allegations surround stock option backdating, a practice that was once commonplace in the technology sector. The provincial stocks regulator said the executives were negligent in overseeing the option backdating, but did not commit fraud.
Mobile Phone Companies Must Upgrade 911
Digital Home (Canada’s leading independent source for CE News and discussion) has a good article on the new demand from the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Television Commision) who are demanding that all Mobile phone companies must upgrade 911 services to ensure that emergency services can actually locate the caller. For phones that don't support GPS, the new system must use triangulation etc. in order to provide as complete a location as possible.
Here's a preview, but please be sure to follow the link to read the entire article:
Mobile phone companies must upgrade 911 services
The CRTC announced this week that it would give Canada's wireless phone company's one-year to implement new technology which would allow emergency responders to determine the location of a person using a cellphone to call 911 with much greater precision.
The new regulatory policy would require Canadian wireless companies to deploy "wireless Phase II E9-1-1 service" by 1 February 2010.
In an emergency situation where the caller is unable to speak or cannot identify his or her location, the ability to provide emergency responders with more accurate information of the cellphone’s location can make the difference between life and death.
Centro Now Available on Bell Mobility
Here's the latest news on Palm smartphone availability here in Canada:
Palm Centro Now Available in Canada on Bell Mobility's High-speed Mobile Network
Centro for Bell Offers Power of a Smartphone at Very Affordable Price
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, 02 Feb 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Palm, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:PALM) small and lightweight Palm(R) Centro(TM) smartphone is now available in Canada on Bell Mobility's high-speed mobile network (1xEv-DO).(1) Centro, which has sold more than two million units worldwide, comes in soft-touch Midnight Black with 128MB of available memory, Facebook(R) for Palm(2), and Google Maps(TM) with the My Location feature(3).
"Centro is the best example of a user-friendly smartphone that's both fun and easy to use," said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. "Centro's sleek and lightweight design makes it perfect for first-time smartphone users who want voice, text, email, web, contact and calendar capabilities all wrapped into one compact device."
"Bell Mobility is pleased to add the Palm Centro to our industry-leading lineup of smartphones, all of them with access to the fastest and largest network across North America," said Adel Bazerghi, Bell Mobility's senior vice president of Products. "Clients who choose the affordable Palm Centro will love the instant access to great mobile applications like Facebook for Palm and Google Maps."
Centro has a stylish look that feels comfortable in the hand, and discreetly fits in a pocket or clutch. It helps users manage email and text messaging, keep track of their schedules, stay up-to-date on the latest news, capture and share pictures, and get maps with Google Maps with the new My Location feature(3) - all in one small smartphone. Facebook for Palm lets users connect with friends, respond to messages, upload photos and videos, receive status updates, browse friends' profiles and send out new friend requests.(2) Centro's full keyboard also makes it easy to quickly type text messages and emails with complete thoughts and ideas.
Additional Centro Features and Benefits
- Superior Phone - Centro's touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard make it easy to use, with key features such as one-touch speakerphone, conference calling, ignore a call with text messaging and Bluetooth(R) connectivity.
- Easy Messaging - Centro's full QWERTY keyboard with comfortable gel-soft keys makes typing complete messages fast and easy. Plus, Centro keeps all conversations in a chat-style view, just like Instant Messaging, so users can see the entire conversation unfold.
- Personal and Work Email - New users to the smartphone world now have an easy mobile email solution. Personal email is simple to use and, if users have to check their work email, Microsoft Direct Push Technology gives users access to their corporate email, as well as the ability to automatically update work calendars and accept or decline meeting invites, all on the go.(1)
- Web Browsing - Centro offers web access over the largest and fastest network across North America. The full keyboard and touch screen make navigating, reading, and viewing pages easy.
- Multimedia - Pocket Tunes(TM) on Centro lets users manage music, audio books and videos easily.(4) Users can also shoot pictures or videos with the built-in digital camera. The Midnight Black Centro from Bell has 128MB of available memory and the ability to add up to 4GB more with a microSD card (sold separately), so there's plenty of room for playlists, photos and videos.
- Productivity - Centro enables users to easily create, edit and view Word and Excel compatible documents, as well as view PowerPoint and PDF files. Get one touch access to your phone, applications, calendar and email with four dedicated shortcut keys.
Palm Centro for Bell also comes with a variety of out-of-box software, including Bluetooth, Calculator, Calendar, Camcorder, Camera, Contacts, Documents To Go(R) Professional Edition 10, Email (VersaMail(R) 4.0), HotSync(R), Memos, Messaging, My Centro, Phone, Pics and Video, Pocket Tunes(TM), Quick Tour, Tasks, Voice Dial, Voice Memo, Web (Blazer 4.5), and World Clock.
Treo Pro by Palm (Unlocked), Now Available in USA
We received the following Press Release this afternoon via the Palm Canada News distribution list. However, all of these links will point you to the Treo Pro at the Palm USA online Store. The Treo Pro isn't listed at all on the Palm Canada site. In fact, the only Treo listed at the Palm Canada Store is the Treo 750. As far as the they are concerned, none of the following even exist: Treo 680, Treo 755p, Treo Centro, Treo 800 and Treo Pro! I for one am glad to see we have such a good neighbour as Palm USA is to Palm Canada.
Treo Pro by Palm, Now Available, Offers True End-to-End Enterprise Solution
Enterprise Support Programs -- Including a Two-Year Limited Warranty -- Available for Unlocked Treo Pro
SUNNYVALE, Calif., 26 Sep 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced that the unlocked Treo(TM) Pro smartphone is now available in the United States. With its unmatched blend of Palm's ease-of-use innovations, Windows Mobile 6.1, and enterprise support in a sleek new design, Treo Pro is a world phone built end-to-end for the global enterprise. It allows businesses to simplify their IT infrastructures while lowering costs and keeping their users productive and happy.
Treo Pro balances simplicity and productivity -- including email, Wi-Fi, GPS, web and UMTS/HSDPA network capabilities(1) -- to meet the needs of businesses and end users alike. Its thin design blends a flush, high-resolution color touch screen, one-touch buttons and a full QWERTY keyboard. The removable battery packs up to five hours of talk time and enough strength for the business user's needs, offering a powerful yet effortless mobile experience.
Treo Pro is unlocked, giving end users the flexibility to simply insert their existing active SIM card and immediately start using their Treo Pro anywhere there is GSM coverage, without a new contract.(2) Worldwide travelers using the Treo Pro can cut costs on international roaming charges by popping in a local country SIM card wherever they go.(3)
Because Treo Pro runs Windows Mobile 6.1, it is compatible with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, which Microsoft launched earlier this year. Adding value to mobile enterprise solutions, Mobile Device Manager allows IT professionals to manage Windows Mobile phones similarly to how they manage PCs and laptops.
"More than 33 million Converged Mobile Devices [CMDs] will ship in the U.S. in 2012, representing a growth of 37 percent, and we expect Windows Mobile device shipments to grow by nearly 48 percent in the U.S.," said Sean Ryan, Research Analyst, with the Mobile Enterprise practice at IDC. "Businesses want tools that enable their mobile workers to be highly responsive to customers and make better decisions. Rapid innovation around capabilities, connectivity, and performance is making converged devices increasingly attractive to enterprises looking to give their mobile workers an edge."
Treo Pro Support and Service
An enterprise product deserves enterprise-caliber support. Total cost of ownership is critical to Palm's business customers, and IT hardware cycles often exceed typical 12-month consumer warranties. Palm therefore is offering a 24-month limited warranty for qualifying business customers who deploy Treo Pro within their organizations. Should their smartphone require repair, customers can feel confident that they are protected from unforeseen costs and that Palm-authorized technicians will repair it or replace it with genuine Palm parts. The 24-month limited warranty lets companies extend the life of their investment, lowering the total cost of ownership and removing the burden from IT in the second year.
There are also a variety of support programs available for business customers, designed to be scalable to customers' needs and budgets. Palm's support services help businesses plan, deploy and support their mobile workforces, whether that means simply augmenting current capabilities with specialized support services or completely outsourcing the management of mobile solutions.
"For Treo Pro, we're approaching support with our heaviest users in mind," said John Moses, vice president of Customer Relations at Palm, Inc. "These international business customers often have the highest expectations and need assistance on important setup tasks, like safely migrating valuable calendar and contact data, configuring multiple email accounts and installing productivity software. We're here to ensure that their first moments with Treo Pro and their overall support experience exemplify Palm ease of use."
More information about Palm enterprise support is available at http://www.palm.com/enterprisesupport.
Pricing and Availability
Treo Pro is now available for a suggested retail price of $549 through the Palm online store (http://www.palm.com/store). Treo Pro, along with partner-provided services and support, also is available from Palm's extensive reseller network of Internet, retail and corporate resellers, including CDW, Dell, PC Connection, PC Mall and Enterprise Mobile.
The Treo Pro smartphone comes with a power charger, microUSB cable and a stereo headset (3.5mm). Other accessories designed exclusively for Treo Pro (sold separately) include a vehicle power charger, leather side case, travel microUSB cable, cradle, extra battery, TTY audio adapter, and replacement styli.
More information about the Treo Pro smartphone is available at www.palm.com/TreoPro.
Treo Pro Supporting Customer Quotes
Ohio State University Medical Center:
"Offering Treo Pro as an unlocked device is a very good business move on Palm's part," said Wasif Malik, senior systems consultant, Student Educational Services & Mobile Solutions, Ohio State University Medical Center. "A phone is a personal statement, and people want the flexibility to use it where they want without contract requirements and pricey roaming charges. Selling unlocked phones has been a very popular business model in Europe and globally this has been the trend."
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream:
"Palm did a really nice job getting Treo Pro to the right size," said Mike Corby, director of Business Excellence, Sales and Distribution at Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream. "It's significantly thinner, yet the keyboard is still easy to use. The design is very intuitive, so there's no steep learning curve, and the screen brightness is the best I've seen -- especially outside. People who see me using it keep asking me about it -- they love the look of it."
About Palm, Inc.
Palm, Inc. is a leading mobile products company, creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage their lives on the go. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) and Centro(TM) smartphones and Palm handheld computers, as well as software, services and accessories.
Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).
More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.
(1) Within wireless coverage area only. Wi-Fi within range of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network. Some Wi-Fi hotspots require fee for usage. Email, web, and GPS require an account and data services at additional cost. GPS application not available from all carriers. Third-party software may be required. GPS coverage not available in all areas at all times. More than 860 GSM networks provide coverage in 220 regions worldwide. Within UMTS/HSDPA data coverage area only. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design. Requires data services at additional cost.
(2) Users should refer to their existing contract for any possible restrictions.
(3) Within GSM/UMTS data coverage areas only.
Palm, Treo and Centro are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.
SOURCE: Palm, Inc.
Rogers Cell Phone Pricing Madness!
:CAUTION: This is a rant! :CAUTION:
I can’t believe Rogers phone pricing. In fact, I’m sitting here shaking my head!
OK – so here’s what happened. A friend of mine wanted “one device” that included all the things she has to carry around right now;
- MP3 Player
Calendar/Scheduler
Camera
Cell Phone
So I told her about the Palm Centro from Rogers and, of course, we discussed the iPhone. That took the discussion into the “cost” arena. I told her I thought that Rogers was charging $300 or $400 for the new iPhone 3G, while the Centro would only be $99. And either one of them should be able to take advantage of the current “special offer” from Rogers which bundles a $35 business plan with a $30 for 6Gig data plan (half their normal price) – (NO – I refuse to talk about how much higher wireless voice and data plans are in Canada than they are anywhere else in the world!)
Since it was after normal store hours, I went on the Rogers website to confirm pricing. Rogers has the iPhone 3G 8Gig for $199 and the 16Gig for $299. These are the exact same prices as AT&T in the USA. Not bad. I’m impressed. At least the hardware is not way over priced. Even if you do have to sign a minimum 3 year contract – NOOP (No Other Option Possible!) in order to get one.
Then I checked the Palm Centro. Rogers lists it as being available for as low as $299.99! Are they out of their minds? I double checked AT&T – yes they carry the Palm Centro in a wide range of colours, all for $99 for a 2 year contract (they actually list the retail price of the Palm Centro as $319). Yet Rogers has the Centro listed at only $20 below AT&T's Retail but requires you to sign a 3 year contract to receive this very special low (locked in) rate offer.
And they wonder why Canada has such a low rate of “adoption”. There’s a reason that 35% of Canadians don’t have a cell phone, and I’m willing to bet it has nothing to do with available cell phone features and everything to do with the ridiculously high prices! OK - so I ended up mentioning how much more expensive wireless voice and data plans are in Canada!
Palm and Rogers Wireless Bring Centro to Canada
We received a Press Release today stating that the Palm Centro is going to be available in Canada today, but the Rogers site didn't have any information, nor did the on-line help/chat lady.
The Rogers branded Centro is listed on the Palm site.
Palm Centro Smartphone Offers Touch Screen and Keyboard to Traditional Mobile Phone Users
TORONTO, Jun 16, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For individuals and traditional mobile phone users who want to stay connected with friends, family and co-workers, Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Rogers Wireless today announced the Canadian launch of the popular Palm(R) Centro(TM) smartphone, available at Rogers Wireless, the country's most reliable wireless network. The Centro is Palm's smallest and lightest smartphone and has sold more than one million units worldwide.
"Traditional cell phone users are stepping up the Palm Centro in droves because of its cool design, full keyboard and ease of use," said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. "More and more people need voice, text, email, web, contact and calendar capabilities all wrapped in one compact device so they can stay connected with everyone who is important to them. Centro delivers all that and more."
Centro has a modern, stylish look that feels comfortable in the hand, and discreetly fits in a pocket or clutch. Centro helps users manage email and text messaging, keep track of their schedules, stay up-to-date on the latest news, capture and share pictures, and get maps and directions with Google(TM) Maps(1) -- all in one small phone.(2) Its full keyboard also makes it easy to quickly type text messages and emails with complete thoughts and ideas.
Additional Centro Features and Benefits
- Superior Phone - Centro's touch screen and full keyboard, combined with the simplicity of Palm OS(R), make it easy to use, with key features such as one-touch speakerphone, conference calling, ignore a call with text messaging and Bluetooth(R) connectivity.
- Easy Messaging - Centro's full keyboard makes typing complete messages fast and easy when sending text, pictures, audio and video clips. Plus, Centro keeps all conversations in a chat-style view, just like Instant Messaging, so users can see the entire conversation unfold.
- Personal and Work Email - New users to the smartphone world now have an easy mobile email solution. Personal email, such as Gmail and Yahoo!, is simple to access right out of the box.(2) And, if users have to check their work email, Microsoft Direct Push Technology gives users access to their corporate email, as well as the ability to automatically update work calendars and accept or decline meeting invites, all on the go.(3)
- Web Browsing - Fast and easy web access on EDGE networks.(2) The full keyboard and touch screen provide quick access to online information.
- Multimedia - Pocket Tunes on Centro lets users manage music, audio books and videos easily. (4) Users can also shoot pictures or videos with the built-in digital camera and share them with friends.
- Productivity - Centro enables users to easily create, edit and view Word and Excel compatible documents, as well as view PowerPoint and PDF files. Centro also can be used as a modem for connecting a laptop to the Internet via Bluetooth, so users can stay connected anywhere within wireless coverage.(5)
The Palm Centro from Rogers Wireless also comes with a variety of out-of-box software, including Bluetooth(R), Calculator, Calendar, Camcorder, Camera, Contacts, Documents To Go(R) Professional Edition 10, Email (VersaMail(R) 4.0), HotSync(R), Memos, Messaging, My Centro, Phone, Pics and Video, Pocket Tunes(TM), Quick Tour, Tasks, Voice Dial, Voice Memo, Web (Blazer 4.5), and World Clock.
More information on Centro in Canada is available at www.palm.com/ca or www.rogers.com/centro.
Palm Canada Newsletters Special Offers
Palm Canada Newsletters Special Offers -- Through Wednesday June 4, 2008
______________________________________________________________________
Save on Smartphones
Save on Handhelds
Save on Software
Save on Accessories
______________________________________________________________________
Free Palm(R) Wireless Keyboard (with purchase)
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Save on cables, chargers, cradles for your Palm(R) smartphone or handheld.
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Save big on headsets, keyboards, speakers with Bluetooth(R) wireless technology.
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Offers available exclusively from canadastore.palm.com
Palm Special Offers 1.866.676.7256
Prices and Savings based on MSRP. Prices and availability subject to change. We reserve the right to substitute an item of equal or greater value. Not responsible for typographical errors. Limit one per customer. Unless otherwise noted, all email specials are offered only at the Palm Web Store.
Last Canadian Music Chain Closes
ET Canada has posted a Vancouver Sun article on the last Canadian Music Chain closing it's Brick-and-Mortar Store and moving on line.
Essentially, I see this as a sign of the times... while studies have shown that P2P downloaders buy more CDs because of their wider exposure to all the artists out there, the CD publishers are still charging way too much for physical music albums.
Last Canadian Music Chain Closes
Music World shutting its doors, but new owner says business will move online
Music World, the last Canadian-owned national music store chain, is under bankruptcy protection and will close its stores, the latest victim of a rapidly changing music business.
...
Music World has 72 stores and was previously owned by the Pindoff family, which founded the business more than 30 years ago and sold it to a group of investors last week.
An "orderly wind down" of operations is planned by Music World's new owners, according to court documents, including the immediate liquidation of inventory in order to take advantage of the holiday shopping season.
All 648 employees will be laid off by Jan. 31.
HMV Canada is interested in buying some of the Music World stores, said president Humphrey Kadaner in an e-mail, but has not yet determined how many or which ones.
The U.K.-based HMV is the last chain standing, with more than 100 stores across the country.
...
Canadian sales of CDs, music DVDs and other physical music formats (such as cassettes) have fallen about 20 per cent since last year, according to the Canadian Recording Industry Association.
...
It's a shame to see the market slim down like this, but I don't agree that only the 'chain' stores are to blame. Although, I must also admit that I rarely 'handle' my CDs any more. I have the majority of them ripped into MP3 so that I can listed them on my Palm (or my new MP3 player).
Make sure you click through to read the whole article, it's an interesting read.
Manitoba Chiefs Want Air Use Money
Want a shock? Read the full CBC article via the link below. And in this case it doesn't matter if you are using a Palm OS Treo, Pocket PC Treo, or a dumb old cellphone from who-knows-who. This one will effect us all if the First Nations have their way. Here's my reaction:
On Wednesday, 30 May 2007 CBC News online carried a story about the Manitoba First Nations wanting to be paid every time some one uses one of their natural resources. They feel that this should include the air above their land, so that every time a cellphone radio wave crosses through, someone (in this case the provincial telephone company) should be paying the First Nations a 'cut'.
Personally, I think this is a ridiculous concept! How far do you think I (or any one else for that matter) would get if I went to Air Canada and demand a payment every time they flew over my land? After all, I own property (and live) near an International Airport, and they are making money traveling 'through' my private property! There is satellite signals to consider too... they carry billions of bits of information and communication signals, and they do it by flying over my house for a measurable amount of time! They owe me! What if I tried to charge for each radio wave (AM and FM) passing over my back yard? They owe me too! Lets not forget television signals, and the hundreds of thousand (if not more) of hand held Family Radio Sets in use by kids today. I'm sure those kids can afford a buck or two out of their weekly allowance so they can pay up every time they want to talk to their friend on the other side of my block. They ALL owe me... after all, it is my land, it is my air to tax!
Back to the First Nations / MTS thing. Besides being preposterous... It's not like we have cellphone charges that are reasonable when compared to the U.S.A., for example. Canadians already pay much higher prices for cellphone service than our neighbours to the south. This type of 'air use' fee, which, if enacted, will undoubtably be taxed tacked on to our already high cell bills, is far from 'fair use' in my books!
Here is a link to the full CBC article.
Manitoba Chiefs Want Cellphone Revenue
Manitoba First Nations are seeking compensation from Manitoba Telecom Services for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land, saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water.
'When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to do.' — Ovide Mercredi, Grand Rapids First Nation
At a recent economic development summit, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs resolved to negotiate revenue sharing with MTS for transmissions signals that cross the land, water and air space of their reserves and traditional territories.
"[The request is] based on the understanding that we do have some fundamental rights as indigenous people to land, water and airspace," said Chief Ovide Mercredi of the Grand Rapids First Nation.
Palm(®) Canada Special Offers
The latest Palm Canada Newsletter is out and it includes a long list of special offers at the Palm Canada Store. Check them out below... there are some significant (at least as far as buying direct from Palm is concerned) savings available until Wednesday, 25 April 2007.
:: Palm(®) TX Bundle
Palm TX handheld $399.00
1GB MiniSD Memory Card with SD Adapter $54.95
$399.00 CAD Save $54.95
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Qzs0Gv
:: Palm Tungsten(™) E2 Bundle
Palm Tungsten E2 handheld $299.00
512MB MiniSD Memory Card with SD Adapter $44.95
$299.00 CAD Save $44.95
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0QNz0GK
:: Drive more safely.
SAVE on "hands-free" accessories
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0XuD0GC
Accessories:
:: Palm(®) Ultralight Wireless Headset Bundle
Palm(®) Ultralight Wireless Headset $149.95
Palm(®) Vehicle Power Charger $39.95
$149.95 CAD Save $39.95
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Ulh0Ga
:: Palm(®) GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition 3
$359.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0ZVX0G2
:: Rand McNally Mobile Find
$22.95 CAD Save $10 (after $10.00 instant rebate)
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Zzr0G4
:: Palm(®) Comfort Plus Hands Free Car Kit for Treo(™) 700p/650
$324.95 CAD (after $25.00 instant rebate)
Plus FREE Palm(®) Anti-Glare Screen Protectors ($20.95 value)
$324.95 CAD Save $45.95 (after rebate)
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Ulj0Gc
:: Palm(®) 2 in 1 Stereo Headset Pro Bundle
Plus FREE Palm(®) Anti-Glare Screen Protectors ($20.95 value)
$59.95 CAD Save $20.95
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a350Gy
:: iGo Pitch Duo
$309.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0QN20G7
:: Scrabble(®), Monopoly(®), Battleship(®) & Yahtzee(®)
$54.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0YSJ0Gj
:: Palm Air Case with Holster for Treo(™) 680/700p
$29.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a360Gz
:: RexRegina Crocodile-Leather Treo(™) Case
$54.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a370G1
:: eNOVO Treo(™) 680/750 Leather Case
$74.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a380G2
:: Pocket Money
$32.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0ZVZ0G4
:: Universal Car Cradle
$41.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a4A0GD
Software:
:: Dataviz Dose-A-Day Golf
$29.99 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a4B0GE
:: Sudoku Deluxe CD
$24.95 CAD Save $3.00
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a4C0GF
:: HLC Soft PocketLingo College Software
$34.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a4D0GG
:: Novii(®) Wedding Channel On The Go
$84.95 CAD
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0a4E0GH
:: Check out our complete accessory collection. Visit the Palm Store.
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Ow80Gr
Prices and Savings based on MSRP. Prices and availability subject to change. Not responsible for typographical errors. Limit one per customer. Unless otherwise noted, all email specials are offered only at the Palm Web Store.
http://News.palmnewsletters.com/cgi-bin13/DM/y/ek7F0P4GdZ0Hih0Oxi0Gh
Palm Releases Daylight Saving Time Updates
After months of complete silence on the topic, Palm has released Daylight Saving Time updates for those devices that "know" about Daylight Saving Time.
Beginning this year (2007) Daylight Saving Time (DST) for most of the U.S. and all of Canada, starts on the second Sunday in March (11 March 2007), and changes back to standard time on the first Sunday in November (4 November 2007). These dates are NEW and a change from the current start/end date that is built into some Palm devices.
Palm devices, both smartphones and handhelds, need to be updated so that they reflect the correct time when the new DST changes take effect. Without the Daylight Saving Time Updates, calendar events and email messages will indicate an hour off the actual time in locations that observe DST.
Things get really interesting if your Palm knows about the new dates, but your OS or application doesn't. For your information, the only two Microsoft OS's with the proper Daylight Saving Time corrections are Windows XP Service Pack 2, and Windows Vista. None of the other versions know of the DST change, nor will Microsoft be making a fix available.
Affected Palm devices: (every Palm that knows about DST)
Palm OS
* Treo 700p
* Treo 680, 650, 600
* Treo 300, 270
* LifeDrive
* Tungsten T5,T3, T2
* Tungsten C, E2, E, W
* Zire 72, 31, 21
* TX, Z22
Windows Mobile
* Treo 750
* Treo 700w
* Treo 700wx
Palm has full instructions and download links available here.
Java creator named to Order of Canada
James Gosling, a vice-president of Sun Microsystems Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., has been named an officer of the Order of Canada, the office of the Governor General announced on Monday.
Gosling was responsible for the original design of the Java programming language and implemented the original compiler for the so-called Java virtual machine. Java programs are compiled or converted into machine code by a program called a compiler when they run.
[snip]
The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contributions to society and the country by Canadians from all walks of life.
You can read the full CBC News article here.
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