cdma

Sprint blames HTC Arrive sales performance, returns on ‘user experience’, may be hinting at timeline for Apollo roll-out

January 11, 2012 | By Surur

sprintarrive A few months ago Sprint was encouraging their users to recycle their 6 month old HTC Arrive’s for an iPhone. I guess the hint then should have been pretty strong that Sprint did not think much of Microsoft’s new OS.

PCMag has been able to confirm that much in an interview with Sprint’s VP of product realization David Owens.

"We have a Windows device in our lineup, but honestly, it hasn’t done well enough for us to jump back into the fire. We told Microsoft: You guys have to go build the enthusiasm for the product. We’ll train our reps on why it’s great…[but] the number-one reason the product was returned was the user experience," he said.

The HTC Arrive on Sprint has a 4.5/5 star rating from 232 reviews on Sprint’s website, with 89% of users willing to recommend it to others. This rate is higher than the 16 GB iPhone 4S, which scored 4.4 stars and an 85% recommendation rate from 170 reviews.

Sprint director of product development Lois Fagan blamed perception and awareness in part.

"We want to participate in the market, but we can’t build that brand by ourself," he said. "We’re cautiously optimistic, but [Windows Phone] just hasn’t taken off."

Implying it might in fact be too late, he continued:

"There’s a tremendous market momentum that Apple has…and I think Ice Cream Sandwich, and what Android’s doing, will continue to have momentum. It squeezes down to such a small subset what’s left."

Giving somewhat of a hint at the timing of Microsoft’s “Superphone” Apollo release, David Owen noted Sprint is looking at giving Windows Phone another stab in the "August-September time period," but he couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for the platform.

Other CDMA carrier Verizon is also expected to sit out this round of Windows Phone 7 handsets until the arrival of Windows Phone 8 in Q4 2012.

Thanks Brianna for the tip.

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US CDMA/LTE Windows Phones coming at CES 2012?

November 7, 2011 | By Surur

LTE-symbol PCMag reports from Microsoft’s New York event that the delay in new CDMA Windows Phone 7.5 handsets was a timing issue.

Andy Lees said the lack of CDMA is "no limitation of the OS, it’s a timing thing between the operator and the OEMs."

What may be keeping CDMA Mango handsets back however may be lack of LTE support, but Greg Sullivan notes other manufacturers have access to the same LTE Mango update that Nokia does.

Nokia has already committed to building LTE Windows Phones, but other manufacturers are expected to follow soon.

"I don’t think there’s any kind of head start [Nokia] gets, but I think Stephen [Elop} was more aggressive in terms of getting out there with the news," Sullivan said.

PCMag, without noting a source, claimed Verizon Wireless is expected to announce a Nokia Windows Phone at the CES trade show in mid-January. The phones will likely support LTE also.

PCMag also tried to probe for a launch date for the next version of Windows Phone, but notes “Lees demurred, but couldn’t resist the hint of a smile when someone mentioned the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona in late February.”

Verizon Wireless showing up for the Nokia Lumia launch

October 26, 2011 | By Surur

nokia-world-vzw-badge1

There has been rumours of a release of a new Windows Phone 7 handset on Verizon, with Nokia being a front runner candidate.

This Verizon employee, identified by his badge, floating around the Nokia World conference, adds further fuel to the fire.

Hopefully we will see a better CDMA Windows Phone 7 handset on Verizon soon.

Via thisismynext and WindowsphoneDaily.com

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New Verizon (Nokia) Windows Phone on the way?

October 26, 2011 | By Surur

verizonwp7

Perennial leaker MS_nerd has just tweeted that a new Verizon WP7 handset will be announced “real soon”.

Verizon only has a lone Windows Phone 7 handset, the HTC Trophy, so is certainly overdue for an update. If announced today it is likely to be a Nokia Windows Phone 7 handset, with FierceWireless posting yesterday that a CDMA handset is coming from the company.

Of course it may also be another WP& OEM trying to steal Nokia’s thunder, which would still be all good

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Microsoft hints at LTE Windows Phones in 3-6 months

October 20, 2011 | By Surur

lte Andy Lees, President of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Division, recently spoke widely about Windows Phone 7 to the Seattle Times.

Most answers were pretty standard, but one particular comment did strike me. When asked about 4G support in Windows Phone 7 he said:

"All the phones in the U.S. are 4G. What’s interesting with this release, instead of all the phones coming out on the same day, there will be a season that will carry on into the next year that will include LTE phones as well."

Presumably the first part of the sentence refers to HSDPA+, which AT&T and T-Mobile calls 4G. This will obviously not fly on CDMA networks, hence their rush to LTE.

Andy confirmed that LTE phones will be coming, and that they will be part of this wave of Windows Phone 7 handsets, which will extend into next year.

Now I may be over-interpreting, but with the Tango release, rumoured to bring LTE support, supposed to drop early next year, I suspect we will likely see a CDMA handset sport LTE first, likely on Verizon, in the first 3 months of next year. A season can not be 9 months long after all?

Are we parsing a bit too much into a throw away statement? Let us know below.

Via WPCentral.com

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Sprint encouraging WP7 HTC Arrive users to dump their phones for an iPhone 4

October 16, 2011 | By Surur

sprintarrive

The HTC Arrive is less than 6 months old, and Sprint has already decided to throw the device under the tires of the oncoming iPhone 4. The device’s page on Sprint features a pretty large Windows Phone 7 display, encouraging users to recycle their “old” phone for as much as $240, presumably to buy the iPhone 4.

Of course the HTC Arrive was introduced little more than 6 month ago, which would make for a very interesting definition of old.

The ad is still there to be seen, but if I were Microsoft or HTC I would get on the blower straight away and see about getting the ad, which is rather disrespectful to both the OEM and the OS, removed ASAP.

Via WPCentral.com.

Thanks Figure 8 Dash for the tip.

Update: Adriel asked Sprint what’s going on, and got this reply:

Original Question: Enter what you are looking for

Question: Why did you guys use the HTC Arrive as the poster child for your Go-Green program? Why not one of your countless Androids. I only just purchased the Arrive and I love it and want more people to know about it but I believe what you did will retard it’s growth.

Sprint Customer Solutions ecare3@cc.sprintpcs.com ecare3@cc.sprintpcs.com responded:

Dear [Name Removed],

Thank you for contacting Sprint.

It is our policy at Sprint to make advertising decisions based on the demographics of the audience and not on the nature of the associated event or media broadcast, provided it does not promote racist, sexist or other offensive views. Our goal is to reach our current and prospective customers through this venue; our advertising is not an endorsement for or against any particular cause, candidate or political viewpoint.

Your feedback is important and we appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions. Please reply to this email or visit sprint.com if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Scottie G.
Sprint

So basically a form letter response, but I suspect a few more complaints on their contact page will get things moving.

Thanks Adriel for the tip.

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LG LS831 is a Windows Phone 7.5 handset for US CDMA carriers

October 5, 2011 | By Surur

The LG LS831 has just passed through FCC. The device is known to be a Windows Phone 7.5 handset as it has shown up before in WP Bench Benchmarking rankings. The FCC entry now reveals the handset is a CDMA device, meaning it is likely heading for Verizon or Sprint in the USA.

The information should be some reassurance to CDMA users in USA, many who have been complaining that they appear to be left out of the new wave of Windows Phone 7.5 handsets coming this fall.

HTC Trophy, HTC Arrive running Mango start showing up on Verizon, Sprint shelves

September 24, 2011 | By Surur

We know the Mango update is rolling our pretty soon in US, with current rumours pointing to September 27th for both Verizon and AT&T. Now we have reports that new handsets will be sold with the OS already installed.

Via WPCentral.com we have pictures taken at the Verizon store at Broadway & 17th Street, New York of a HTC Trophy running Mango, and similarly an HTC Arrive running Mango showed up at a Sprint Store in Vegas.

Of course what we are all hoping for is brand new handsets running Windows Phone 7.5, but as usual we suspect the CDMA carriers will be last on the list to receive these.

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Is the Samsung Omnia 7 coming to USA with a front-facing camera in tow?

September 8, 2011 | By Surur

The Samsung Omnia 7 is one of the most attractive Windows Phone 7 handsets, and so far could be found mainly in Europe.

Now a dual mode GSM/CDMA version of the handset, the SGH-i708, has just passed though the FCC sporting a front facing camera.

The handset sports an extra button on the left of unknown purpose, and has a 2000 mAh battery, but otherwise seems to be the same Samsung Omnia 7 we know and love.

The handset may be coming to Verizon or Sprint, where I suspect it would have done well earlier in the year. However, despite the handset never being available in USA, we are in a global village, and I believe most potential Windows Phone 7 users will know it is an old design, which rather suggests either laziness on Samsung’s side or a massive delay.

Would our CDMA-using readers still buy the handset? Let us know below.

HTC Trophy rated ahead of all Android phones on Verizon

July 14, 2011 | By Surur

We have already seen some research saying Windows Phone 7 handsets have great customer satisfaction rates, and we can see this in action even more directly by looking at Verizon’s phone store, when phones are listed by customer rating on their website.

The HTC Trophy scored a solid 4 1/2 stars, ahead of all Android and Blackberry phones and the 16 GB black iPhone 4.

Given these real world customer satisfaction rates I think recommending a Windows Phone 7 phone to a friend or relative is as safe as an iPhone, and certainly better than subjecting them to the bugginess of an Android phone.

Thanks Guy for the tip.

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And then there were three: Sprint drops the HP Pre3

July 10, 2011 | By Surur

dead-pre_1_270x182 According This is my Next’s trusted sources Sprint has refused to carry the HP Pre3, Palm’s latest webOS handset. The carrier has apparently been burned by high support costs for webOS handsets, which has suffered from very high hardware failure rates and a laggy OS.

While the CDMA carrier is still carrying the low profile Palm Pixi , which it is giving away for free, this does in fact spell the death knell for the OS on USA’s 3rd biggest carrier. WebOS is not being offered on T-Mobile at all.

While This is my Next contends that Sprint will be concentrating on Android instead, the effect will be that if one is looking for a device which is not Android on Sprint, the choice will be between the waning Blackberry and an increasingly competitive Windows Phone 7, which already has much higher customer satisfaction rates than both Blackberry, webOS and even Android.

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U.S. CELLULAR LAUNCHES FIRST WINDOWS PHONE 7 HANDSET®

June 13, 2011 | By Surur

HTC 7 Pro a Draw for Multi-taskers; Multi-media and Gaming Enthusiasts

CHICAGO (June 13, 2011) – The happiest customers in wireless have one more reason to smile. On June 14, U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) will expand its device portfolio with the addition of the HTC 7 Pro, the carrier’s first Windows 7 smartphone. The handset is available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate along with a data plan purchase.

The HTC 7 Pro is ideal for those who want to complete tasks on the go while getting their fill of entertainment too. One glance at the start screen tells you what’s going on. Animated live tiles can show pending messages and appointments, news and weather, or game and friend status all refreshed wirelessly via the Web. Users can also easily view, edit, share and sync Office® documents thanks to superior integration of familiar Office applications. Texting, e-mailing and social media updates are made easy with the HTC 7 Pro’s 3.6-inch tilted touchscreen and slide out QWERTY keyboard.

“We have the phones that our customers want to help simplify their busy lives and have fun too,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular also get new phones faster without having to continuously sign contracts.”

The HTC 7 Pro boasts other cool features like a digital compass, GPS and a 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera with flash. Gaming enthusiasts can score big with the Xbox LIVE® integration, while movie and music lovers will appreciate the built-in FM radio and access to NetFlix®, Zune® and thousands of other applications.

Several of U.S. Cellular’s value-packed national plans are a perfect fit for smartphone users. The $79.99 Primary Plus Plan is the best value in wireless and offers 5GB of data with unlimited text, picture and video messaging. The plan also comes with 450 voice minutes, free incoming calls, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls.

A family of four who switches to U.S. Cellular and joins the happiest customers in wireless can save more than $1,000 a year with the company’s Premium Plus family plan. The whole family can get the latest smartphones to download apps and keep up with friends, the latest news and favorite social networks.

U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and all devices are backed by the carrier’s high-speed nationwide network. For more information about all of

U.S. Cellular’s deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

The HTC 7 Pro is available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply.

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Cellular South getting the HTC 7 Pro on Monday

June 12, 2011 | By Surur

Around 2 months ago the HTC 7 Pro showed up on Cellular South’s internal systems, and according to Clarion Ledger the handset should be arriving in stores tomorrow.

Cellular South is a smaller CDMA regional carrier in USA and the handset will be their first Windows Phone 7 handset.

With the news that US Cellular is also getting an HTC Windows Phone 7 handset soon, and AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon now on board, it seems very few subscribers in USA will not have access to at least one Windows Phone on their carrier, which will also hopefully result in improved sales in the region.

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