Universal UK or USA release date? [Archive]

superseagulls

25-07-2005, 01:55 PM

SaltyDawg

25-07-2005, 05:54 PM

There will be a USA release eventually. HTC would be stupid to not make a version of the Universal that worked well in the USA.

There's lots of speculation on various message boards that HTC has already created a USA version of the Universal. Supposedly, it's being called "Apache" while it's still in testing.

There are lots of people in the USA using HTC devices right now. I can't imagine HTC deciding not to accept anymore money from those USA customers.

Pretty much everyone with an HTC device (or any other brand of Pocket PC for that matter) will give the Universal serious consideration when it's released. If HTC just ignored them, well that would not be a sound business decision.

Expect a version of the Universal to be released in the USA for use on the new EVDO networks (Sprint and Verizon).

Now Sprint and Verizon may decide not to carry the device, but I fully expect HTC to at least offer it to them.

fone_fanatic

05-08-2005, 02:41 AM

do sprint and verizon even offer gsm(sim) cards? i bought my jam from dubai when i was over there for summer vacation and now i'm using it with cingular. and if the device is released in the US it would be a while after its released in the UK and rest of the world. If you haven't noticed USA is really behind in the cell phone market.

SaltyDawg

05-08-2005, 02:53 AM

USA may be behind in the cell phone market, but all of the previous HTC products were released in the USA, so I don't see why the Universal would be any different.

The Wizard will be released in the USA, so why not the Universal? I could definitely see HTC ,aking a version for the USA. And probably making a CDMA version as well.

phamoui

05-08-2005, 03:34 AM

Sorry Guys, But Cellphone Networks in USA sux! Your mobile phone carries got the "older model" planns to sell devices. Europe and Asia is at leats 5 years advanced than USA.

Here in Brazil GSM Networks are since 2002 so we got euro carriers with new terminals, 3G is already here.

HTC is preparing a special edition for you guys :)

[]s'

pH

SaltyDawg

05-08-2005, 04:22 AM

What are you talking about? USA networks may be behind, in general, but both Sprint and Verizon have EVDO networks. That is pretty up to date technology.

HTC may very well be preparing a special version, but I highly doubt Brazil is getting anyting more technically advanced than the USA (from HTC at least)...

HTC sent the same Harrier and Blue Angel to the USA that they sent everywhere else. HTC is also sending the same Wizard to the USA that they sent everywhere else. Why should the Universal be any different?

Well, it might be a little different (hopefully it will be made for CDMA/EVDO).

jaythemagician

05-08-2005, 11:02 AM

your carriers are well behind the uk and most of the rest of the world-maybe not 5 years though!the universal will be the same as the jam release wise-asia then europe then the us.just a shame your carriers are so slow that they cannot utilise the new technology the universal brings;)and what is with using a different frequency (850) is it just to be awkward?!lol.l have no doubts the universal will be available everywhere including the us;)

Poke_N_PDA

05-08-2005, 02:14 PM

First off, I have to say that the Apache is not a CDMA version of the universal. Rather, it is a CDMA version of the wizard.

Second, yes the USA networks are a little behind the rest of the world. It sucks that we have to wait for new devices months after they have been released to the rest of the world. However, that may be changing. Check out the last couple pages of this thread.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=22813&start=125

It is looking more and more like the new 6700 sprint will be releasing is the Apache. Right now the target release date is sometime from August to October. This would be amazing because it would be (as far as I know) the first 5.0 device released anywhere. It would be released in the US before Europe and Asia, and it would even be release before the wizard was released anywhere.

So maybe the US is catching up. Here's hoping :)

SaltyDawg

05-08-2005, 02:43 PM

The USA networks are not lagging behind Europe and Asia. At least not all of them. Again, both Sprint and Verizon have EVDO networks. That is not lagging in any way. EVDO is a 3G technology, and it fully supports all the features on any of todays cell phones (even the Universal). The only thing is the networks are CDMA. But CDMA is not lagging behing the rest of the world either.

Poke_N_PDA

05-08-2005, 03:04 PM

Actaully saltydawg, only verizon has EV-DO right now. Sprint won't be lauch there's till the end of the year. We should start seeing EV-DO phones coming out soon though.

As for what I said abou the USA being behind, that was mainly in reference to the delay in getting new phones to the US.

Zach

Poke_N_PDA

05-08-2005, 03:05 PM

***Double post removal***

SaltyDawg

05-08-2005, 03:12 PM

Sprint does have EVDO right now man. Currently the only devices that officially support it are laptop data cards. People have got it working on their PPC-6600's as well though.

But yes, we should start seeing lots more EVDO devices released soon...

dmc874

05-08-2005, 04:02 PM

You have got to be kidding me if you think US networks do not lag behind European networks. By the time we get something new, Europe is already moved on to the next best thing. We are at least 2-3 if not 5-7 years behind.

Poke_N_PDA

05-08-2005, 06:30 PM

SaltyDawg,

That makes more sense. I guess they just aren't really promoting that. It's pretty cool that some of the 6600s have got that to work though. There is supposed to be an official sprint update for the 6600 coming out in october I think.

Zach

bigblk150

06-08-2005, 02:15 AM

We can argue all day about whether or not the US lags behind in mobile network technology. Whan I can say is that when US carriers decide to go with a technology, it does take awhile to rollout.

HOWEVER, let's think about this. All of the countries we're being compared to are approx 10% of the size of the US. Individual European countries and their respective carriers have NO IDEA what a rollout in the US takes in terms of material, resources, and most importantly, money. Even the whole of Europe doesn't compare in size to the Continental USA.

Cut us a break, guys... :)

difensore

06-08-2005, 02:38 AM

well, you can argue all day about this but i would say that the US is way behind but we've been catching up some how ... the three main countries which keep on using CDMA is the US, Japan& Korea ... so if anybody really wants a really good phone for the verizon and sprint networks just look at what's available in japan ... they actually have 8.0Mp camera phones out ... while everybody's working on catching up here in the US ... Verizon is actually owned by VODAFONE that is why verizon was first in coming out with 3G with the help of their cousins across the pond ... which i am wondering why t-mobile doesn't use their connection being t-mobile ... the largest global wireless company (they have service in most of the countries in the industrialized world ... they even have dibs on singtel which is one of the powerful wireless carriers in asia) ...

t-mobile usa and t-mobile uk don't even work together (as per comment by one of the tech support people from t-mobile usa) ... i was trying to set up blackberry connect on my Sony Ericsson P910i which was from T-Mobile UK but our friends from T-Mobile US told me that they can't assist me ... so i ended up doing it myself ... as usual ....

hopefully the US gets hold of more phones, marketing somewhat sucks y'know ... i guess it's all about the blackberry over here in the US .... which, personally has an ugly interface and worse conventional phones which are almost as expensive as Palm, Pocket PC, and Symbian devices ...

SaltyDawg

06-08-2005, 04:07 AM

Well the bottom line is not all USA networks a lagging way behind Europe and Asia. At least not anymore. Sprint and Verizon both have EVDO. EVDO is a 3G technology. So no way can anyone say Sprint and Verizon are lagging way behind Europe and Asia.

Now the phones they release on those networks may be a different story. But again, that has nothing to do with HTC. HTC releases the same phones in the USA that they release in Europe and Asia. So anyone saying HTC won't release the Universal in the USA is not looking at the recent history. And anyone saying all USA networks are lagging behind Europe and Asia is not looking at the present. Sprint and Verizon, with their EVDO, specifically.

hwjoplin

06-08-2005, 04:38 AM

All I can say is soon, as in September/October UMTS will be deployed in 9 major cities in the US. The carrier in question already has a re-branded BlueAngel for sale. Word from marketing is that shortly after UMTS is deployed they will start carrying one of the re-branded HTC Universal devices . :D

Mikee4fun

06-08-2005, 05:02 AM

Here is the deal, Cingular right now is the only company in the USA that has a test market on UMTS/3g UMTS networks on 1900 and it is in a small area of San Franciscoas to the best of my knowledge. Not the city in whole! It is not public because it was for show for a big investment backer in Cingular which in return was suppost to deploy UMTS/3g over a year ago. T-mobile usa its network in the San Francisco Bay area on GSM 1900 so it will work for me. I am going to import from Germany, so can buzz please work on a translation of German to English :P

Pyrofer

08-08-2005, 09:39 AM

I phoned O2 uk to cancel my contract yesterday.

When I tried, they connected me to "customer retentions" and started offering stuff. I liked this and queried new phones i could get.

When I asked about the new Universal the woman on the phone seemed to actualy know what I was talking about, and in fact admitted that it has just appeared in the new catalogues they have.

Ie, within the next couple of months, O2 uk will have it.
I confirmed this from her description of the device, with no prompting that it was indeed the universal she was talking about.

Yay.

AdmiralAK

08-08-2005, 07:06 PM

T-Mobile in the US will be able to use the universal as a GSM phone (900/1900/1800 GSM and UMTS @ 2100).

Cingular will be able to use the universal as a GSM phone in some areas. I live in Boston and I am using a triband 900/1800/1900 phone for the time being (granted that quadband gives you better coverage)

T-Mobile is rumored to be waiting for the 2100 spectrum auction that will be going on in 2007 - T-mobile could use the universal in its current form for UMTS when they build out (but by then it will be old lol)

Cingular has some test markets (inherited from AT&T) that use UMTS @ 1900. They will be building out another 20 top markets by end of year in the 1900 (and possibly in the 850) spectrum. - Cingular will not be able to use the universal in its current form for UMTS

Sprint and Verizon are CDMA carriers - the universal would not work-period. I was really hoping that vodafone would get the controlling stake in the company and switch them over to HSDPA from EVDO....oh well :)

cbrow51

09-08-2005, 04:34 AM

Stumbled across the Universal on pre order with Expansys USA today... Expected delivery date is quoted as September/November. Branded as the T-Mobile MDA, so I am assuming it will work (and probaly be locked to) the T-Mobile network in the USA...? Shame about only being tri band, but since the Cingular buy out of ATT, I have noticed that you can actually use a Cingular SIM in the triband phones, where Cingular are now making use of the non 850Mhz ATT infrastructure.

Regards

Chris

mavrik64

09-08-2005, 07:54 AM

Ie, within the next couple of months, O2 uk will have it.
I confirmed this from her description of the device, with no prompting that it was indeed the universal she was talking about.

I recon your right ya know. I checked the O2 website yesterday for the XDAIIi, its down to £99 on any contract. Must be something new and exciting on the way ..... <GRIN>

rick83

09-08-2005, 05:21 PM

Im from singapore and wondering when will the beast come to my shores...

NinjaDonkey

12-08-2005, 02:19 PM

I've just been down the town and popped into the local O2 and Orange shops and asked them about it... surprisingly they knew what I was talking about.

The guy in the O2 shop said that it's probably going to be 3 months until they get the universal in.

The guy in the Orange shop said September for them... I also asked about the M600 and M3000 names but he didn't know anything about them.

Just thought I'd let peeps know.

Pyrofer

12-08-2005, 03:28 PM

Orange are famous for bringing out phones 6 months after everybody else, and crapping up the firmware on them in the process.

I seriously doubt that the orange shop will get it that early. O2 have typicaly been quite good with XDA releases, I doubt they will let orange beat them this time.

If its 3 months for O2 (about what I was told on the phone last week) then its 6 months for orange. Or did they mean NEXT september?

However, anyone from O2 reading this, I will get this phone from whoever gets it first, if its Orange then im cancelling my O2 contract.
The O2 people on the phone said I was in the highest spending band and would get a good deal on this as an upgrade, so be warned, dont lose your customers!

On another note, no matter WHO i get it from, Ill be wiping out all the provider customisations like O2 active menu etc asap. So why do they bother? it just messes up the phone.

Hannibal

12-08-2005, 04:17 PM

Orange are famous for bringing out phones 6 months after everybody else, and crapping up the firmware on them in the process.

Can I direct you towards the M500....AFAIK the XDAmini isn't out in the UK yet...

H

saldous

12-08-2005, 05:40 PM

Neither is the O2 XDA II Mini (AKA Magician / Imate JAM)

Pyrofer

12-08-2005, 06:24 PM

"Neither is the O2 XDA II Mini (AKA Magician / Imate JAM)"

Pardon? I have one on my desk, I bought it in the UK, its a UK model...

If you are suggesting the Magician isnt available in the UK then clearly you need to do better research, its been available for a LONG time here.

"Can I direct you towards the M500....AFAIK the XDAmini isn't out in the UK yet... "

Um, what I said was that Orange is usualy late bringing out a phone, so saying it isnt out in the UK can only agree with my point? Or am I totally misunderstanding you?

Anyway, I thought the XDAMini WAS the Magician/Jam ?

jaythemagician

12-08-2005, 06:38 PM

I have my vpa compact from uk vodafone too-another version of that jam.Oranges version has been out a while too

xiasma

13-08-2005, 10:42 AM

Well, I popped into my local O2, Orange, T-mobile and Vodafone stores on Wednesday.

O2 now list the Exec in their new catalogue. From £free to £179.99 to £229.99 iirc, depending on contract. Release date September.

The guy in the T Mobile shop said "definately september, when we properly launch 3G"

The chap in the Orange shop, who last week had never heard of the device, tells me that on that very morning they received a "Display backing card" for the M5000, but don't yet have the fake device for display.

Vodafone are going to get back to me.

xiasma

13-08-2005, 11:01 AM

Just heard from Vodafone. They have it down as the VPI 640 and have pencilled in a release date of 28th October.

mjames_84

13-08-2005, 06:34 PM

Well this should make everyone smile, just been to my local O2 store to enquire about the XDA Exec.

Whilst they didn't give me any more information other then a vague September release date, the salesman seemed positive that it was an inferior product to my XDA II....guess they're not that well informed afterall, because we all know differently right guys :D

rick83

13-08-2005, 06:48 PM

yeah.. this is the part i hate... the waiting part... :x

Hannibal

14-08-2005, 02:48 PM

"Can I direct you towards the M500....AFAIK the XDAmini isn't out in the UK yet... "

Um, what I said was that Orange is usualy late bringing out a phone, so saying it isnt out in the UK can only agree with my point? Or am I totally misunderstanding you?

Anyway, I thought the XDAMini WAS the Magician/Jam ?

Er, yes, you misunderstood. I agree with you that Orange is usually the last network to release a new phone, however in the case of the Magician (XDA2mini on O2, M500 on Orange) it's the other way round.

H

saldous

15-08-2005, 08:52 AM

Pyrofer

15-08-2005, 09:52 AM

OK, I wasnt being operator specific, the Jam IS out in the UK, but under what brands/labels I have no idea.

Anyway, good news people... I looked at a real printed O2 catalogue, and it had the Universal in it!!!

Its called the XDA Exec. Claimed date, September.
Carphonewarehouse knew nothing about it and denied its existance, however go into any O2 shop with the latest catalogue and its in there.
Some of the staff even know what it is!

mavrik64

15-08-2005, 10:14 PM

Is this catalog avilable online?
Can't get to an O2 shop at the moment.
:D

ccsnet

15-08-2005, 10:26 PM

I'd be intrested in seeing one of these but I am not sure how pratical no display would be in a car situation... if you see what I mean.

Terran

Tekguru

16-08-2005, 05:31 PM

Check out this thread (http://www.tekguru.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6833&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10) to see the catelogue. You will have to be logged in I think........

ccsnet

16-08-2005, 10:18 PM

Here is a question for you call... lid closed with the screen facing you - will you get a dial pad etc ? Comes back to my Car Kit question above....

Thanks

Terran

EDIT thought of a prob here... in the car - how do you charge it ? The USB port ? Then it would need to be in a land scape mode holder... a bit strange if you ask me.. should have been at the bottom..

http://www.eprice.com.tw/news/?news_id=2913

T

Tekguru

17-08-2005, 06:10 PM

Dial pad automatically no - but you can press the phone button, or do you mean if a call comes in?

ccsnet

17-08-2005, 09:11 PM

Dial pad automatically no - but you can press the phone button, or do you mean if a call comes in?Thinking of both really.... ie in a Car situation how pratical is it.

What I mean is that the MDA3 etc seem to be the best shape - the connectors at the bottom and easily acessable in a car holder.

The MDA 4 ( or Universal ) seems to be a little impractial not having a screen on display for the most part so I'm wondering in a real life enviroment how well would it work both dialing and receiving calls... apart from how do you charge it etc. ( connectors on the side )

I can see this been a business tool and most business people ( inc me ) spend a lot of time in the car.... to me it seems this very basic thing might have been forgoten and been replaced by design hence the sort of strange questions.... if you see what I mean.

Terran

bosjo

17-08-2005, 09:32 PM

Yep, car cradle would have to be in Landscape with connection to USB.
The cradle would have to be shaped in a way that would allow you to activate the call buttons.
Not for incooming calls, as a dialog box will appear on screen [Answer | Ignore | (And the missing) Mute Call]
But for showing the Phone application, so you don't have to Start->Phone.
But then again, what if we are able to change the layout of the two soft keys

elkay

17-08-2005, 09:50 PM

Why not a 90 degree rotatable base/holder? Seems kinda elementary to me. :)

bosjo

17-08-2005, 09:58 PM

ccsnet

17-08-2005, 10:09 PM

Why not a 90 degree rotatable base/holder? Seems kinda elementary to me. :)

Well as I se it; I hate using two hands when putting the phone in the car cradle ( As I'm doing now with my BA (http://www.handnav.co.uk/product_details.php?id=313) )
If the cradle where to rotate 90 degree, you would need arms to hold it, so it won't slide out of the cradle in an upright position.
No i'd like a landscape model that the universal would slide down into, and sit secuerly. Only using one hand!!!And with that I think my point ( or question ) is prooved - its not very pratical in a car.... like I say if this is a business machine then surley this must be a boo boo in design ? Can you see the exec how spends hours on the road not been able to make calls or see the screen - let alone charge it ? And if your using it via BT surely it would not last long with out a charge in a day if been hammered ?
I have to say this convo has basically made me decide to wait for the magition as that seems a little more car friendly as such.

Terran

EDIT - makes you wonder what the Universal really offers over the side kick apart from corprate functions....

elkay

17-08-2005, 10:11 PM

Why not a 90 degree rotatable base/holder? Seems kinda elementary to me. :)

Well as I se it; I hate using two hands when putting the phone in the car cradle ( As I'm doing now with my BA (http://www.handnav.co.uk/product_details.php?id=313) )
If the cradle where to rotate 90 degree, you would need arms to hold it, so it won't slide out of the cradle in an upright position.
No i'd like a landscape model that the universal would slide down into, and sit secuerly. Only using one hand!!!

Don't need 2 arms. Just 2 sides that the phone can "rest" on. In landscape mode, you simply slide it straight down and in. In portrait mode, you rest it on the bottom (what used to be the side), and slide it to the side to engage the USB connector that holds it into place. Simple and functional one-handed design. :)

elkay

17-08-2005, 10:15 PM

EDIT - makes you wonder what the Universal really offers over the side kick apart from corprate functions....

A non-proprietary development platform that allows you to install your own applications and has more than 32MB of RAM? I had an SK1 and SK2. Trust me, you don't want it. :roll:

bosjo

17-08-2005, 10:23 PM

Can you see the exec how spends hours on the road not been able to make calls or see the screen - let alone charge it ?

You just fold it so the screen is visible, then cradle it.
Power is supplied via USB.
Would work as anyother car cradle.
I don't se any problem in this, other than the missing Hardware keys.
But thats what the new two Soft keys are for, ain't it :?:

bosjo

17-08-2005, 10:27 PM

Don't need 2 arms. Just 2 sides that the phone can "rest" on. In landscape mode, you simply slide it straight down and in. In portrait mode, you rest it on the bottom (what used to be the side), and slide it to the side to engage the USB connector that holds it into place. Simple and functional one-handed design. :)

Sorry but I just don't se how this would work without some kind of moveable arms, and then you'd need both hands to cradle it.
I'm not using car cradle that don't secure my device 100%, and the way I see your description, there is no way to do it without moveable arms :cry:

xiasma

19-08-2005, 07:41 AM

Orange and now saying September too. Can anyone find out about T Mobile? then we'd have dates for all four networks carrying the Universal

Anton.Valleyman

19-08-2005, 09:39 AM

Regards o2, I sent an email to Staff Accounts asking

Would I be able to upgrade within the 12month period for my XDA2i?
Does it involve a fine?
When is it likely O2 SA will have the Exec? (there was a small delay when the 2i came out to SA selling it)

I got this reply:

Thank you for your email.

I have been in touch with our marketing department to try and get some information regarding the release of the new XDA but unfortunately they cannot provide me with anything at this time. They have advised that (Subject to network testing) that more information will be available in the middle of September so I would prefer not to commit to any comments regarding upgrading and costs at this time until we know more.

I am sorry I cannot provide anything further and I hope you understand our position at this time.
Please let me know if I can help further.

Kind regards

Maybe an October launch? Do we know for sure it's September? It is O2, remember!

Cheers
Ant

Pyrofer

19-08-2005, 02:08 PM

From a story on TheRegister,

"The carrier (Orang) confirms the device will support Bluetooth and tri-band GSM/GPRS connectivity in addition to its 3G support. The Universal is also expected to support Wi-Fi, but there's no mention of it here - possibly Orange has asked HTC to disable the feature in the M5000."

Hmmm, doesnt sound very promising, but given the quality of their reporting....

Anyone have actual reliable facts on this?

Tekguru

19-08-2005, 04:14 PM

The Exec does have WiFI :)

wamatt

24-08-2005, 03:10 AM

And it's usefullness in the USA wil be somewhat limited.
It only has Tri band GSM so will be incompatible with some networks, also the 3G radio is a different standard in the USA to the Euro 3G - CDMA V W-CDMA I believe, but I'm sure someone will highlight what the acronym is. Thats why no USA networks have expressed any desire to release the Universal - maybe there will be another model bought out for the USA markets...

This makes no sense. Why would the Universal only be triband if the Blue Angel is quad? I'm holidaying in the USA at the moment and TMobile works like a charm on my PDA2k. If its aimed at a business traveller it has to be quad or even 5-band.

AdmiralAK

24-08-2005, 03:40 PM

There are only 4 GSM bands = 800, 900, 1800, 1900 (GSM 450 was never accepted)

UMTS has for the moment two bands = 1900, 2100 and the 800 band is up-and-coming.

The XDA IIi is only Triband, so is the Jam (I believe).

The Universal will only be triband from the indications that we've seen thus far.

If you pick T-Mobile as your carrier in the USA, you cannot go wrong. Their network is purely 1900 with some 800 roaming but the 800 roaming is "extended coverage" that not all phones get ;)

And it's usefullness in the USA wil be somewhat limited.
It only has Tri band GSM so will be incompatible with some networks, also the 3G radio is a different standard in the USA to the Euro 3G - CDMA V W-CDMA I believe, but I'm sure someone will highlight what the acronym is. Thats why no USA networks have expressed any desire to release the Universal - maybe there will be another model bought out for the USA markets...

This makes no sense. Why would the Universal only be triband if the Blue Angel is quad? I'm holidaying in the USA at the moment and TMobile works like a charm on my PDA2k. If its aimed at a business traveller it has to be quad or even 5-band.

elkay

24-08-2005, 04:08 PM

TMo is HORRIBLE in our area (Connecticut). I had dead spots and roaming all over the place. Gave it over a year and no change. Switched to Sprint, problem solved!! No more dropped or missed calls, and I never enter roaming. :)

wamatt

24-08-2005, 04:16 PM

Yeah the XDA IIs was the only quadband. I reckon its just a cost saving move.

Also some countries still use 450/400

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_ranges

The reason I mentioned it is I think I saw a press release about a large European operator going 450mhz but it could have ben CDMA come to think of it.

What I would really want is a XDAIIs with 3G support and a VGA screen, XGA camera, Quadband, 802.11g, and a 600mhz processor. :) That would totally dominate.

ccsnet

24-08-2005, 09:20 PM

No release date or price but this is the same place that is expecting a stock of the Wizard soon having good relations with Qtek.

http://www.buymobilephones.net/store/prodimg/mdaprolarge.jpg_copy.jpg.jpg

http://www.buymobilephones.net/store/merchant-4-34-423-Phones.ihtml

PS Its not on the UK Tmobile site yet - I just checked ... mind you they admited to me once they are not that quick at getting it updated.

Terran

wamatt

24-08-2005, 09:31 PM

Interesting - thats the first pic I've seen where its in "Normal" phone mode. IE with the screen on the outside.. it looks good.

Anton.Valleyman

30-08-2005, 07:41 AM

Interesting...

The 2i was £99.99 last week, I'm sure of it.

Now it's £69.99

http://shop.o2.co.uk/cgi-bin/o2uk/jsp/handset/SelectHandset.do?page=2&manufacturer=all

Soon be Exec time!!!

Rudegar

30-08-2005, 08:57 AM

European operator going 450mhz but it could have ben CDMA come to think of it.

huh i've never seen CDMA in europe
i believed that along with 800/1900 it was only used
in usa

xiasma

30-08-2005, 01:39 PM

O2 have pushed back their launch date to 3rd October, but T Mobile are confident of a september release. They'll be launching it with 3G services, some tie in with Google (who recently bought Android and Dodgeball - mobile phone s/w and wireless service providers respectively) and a whole host of new tariffs. But I reckon it'll not happen before 1st October.

Poke_N_PDA

30-08-2005, 03:40 PM

It's official, T-mobile germany is going to be launching the Universal (mda pro) on September 1st. This is great news to everyone, because it means that the other European carriers can't be far behind (too bad I'm in the US). I think that this will also mean that the other WM5 stuff will start to come out soon as well (wizard, apache, smartphones, ect.). Here is the link to the story.

http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4200.html

Zach

AdmiralAK

30-08-2005, 04:36 PM

European operator going 450mhz but it could have ben CDMA come to think of it.

huh i've never seen CDMA in europe
i believed that along with 800/1900 it was only used
in usa

CDMA exists in Europe in Western Europe and Russia. These operators were using NTM at 450Mhz. They experimented with GSM 450 - but that never took off, so they went with CDMA 1x 450. These CDMA networks utilize RUIMs (SIMs).

In Asia CDMA runs on 800 Mhz (like some parts of north america)

joebongo

30-08-2005, 05:43 PM

Coming second week of October on O2 UK - got it from a store manager today when I returned my BA due to the irritating faint static on the mp3 playback.

Rudegar

30-08-2005, 08:13 PM

well i just never seen or heard of cdma being used in europe
here when gsm came along everybody here changed to it
and payed nmt users to change and gave them a gsm phone

of cause i know little of the other countries usage of nmt or cdma

xiasma

31-08-2005, 07:10 AM

http://www.t-mobile.net/CDA/uk_-_must_have_gadgets,20,,newsid-4111,en.html?w=1280&h=866

"MDA Pro: For the trendsetter and city slicker. A highly desirable all-in-one device on sale from September. This groundbreaking ‘mini-laptop’ offers PDA and mobile handset functionalities in one super compact device. The MDA Pro also has Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities, as well as a mini Qwerty keypad and unique swivel screen design, making it this year’s hottest gadget. "

xiasma

31-08-2005, 07:17 AM

Also, the Google tie-in, probably called "web’n’walk", will likely include 30mb of data for £10/month with additional data in the ballpark of £1.50/Mb. A voice tariff is needed in addition.
The MDA Pro should cost under £300 with a web’n’walk tarrif.

Pyrofer

31-08-2005, 09:50 AM

"Coming second week of October on O2 UK - got it from a store manager today"

The Catalogues clearly state SEPTEMBER in them, and the staff I spoke to on the phone all say the same, have O2 dropped it back already????

Ill start beating people with pointy sticks if they have.

I cant stand this waiting. Argh. ARGH.

saldous

31-08-2005, 10:53 AM

Southern_Man

31-08-2005, 11:38 AM

I guess September will be the official launch date, but stock availability in stores won't happen until October.

This site: http://www.smartdevicesdirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=927 has changed to say availability of the Wizard is now 5th October where as a week ago it said September. So I guess there is supply issues getting stock to the outlets for both of these new devices.

This is quite funny, but a lot of these guys do the same thing year on year. When the CARRIERS go to market, then you can trust the dates Expansys and co have. CARRIERS have the power here....

Xda Exec is 1st to 2nd week of October depending on where you are.... London will get it first, Scunthorpe probably not... :wink:

gavinfabl

01-09-2005, 08:21 AM

Well I'm buying my device at 10.00am 12th September 2005 from 02 for £149.99.

Dial 02 from handset. Upgrade etc. This was confirmed yesterday. You cant buy it until after 10am 12th Sept 2005..

£149.99 is an upgrade cost. I believe it £249.99 full price

Pyrofer

01-09-2005, 09:55 AM

What number did you call?

I just phoned them on the upgrades department from a landline and was told "That is NOT something we will be stocking here, at all."

They even suggested I try Carphone Warehouse !!!!!

This is the same dept that said yes they are getting it and to call back in Sept. Man, this sucks. I want some concrete info that stays the damn same!

I dont mind so much the waiting, but its the not knowing what the hell is going on, IF YOUR FROM O2, PLEASE SORT THIS OUT!!!!

Ill just cancel my contract if I cant get it sorted soon, because its available already in other places now.....

Anton.Valleyman

01-09-2005, 10:35 AM

Staff Accounts don't have that kinda info, though at least it was promising in that the woman actually knew what I was on about...unlike when the 2i was out.

Ant

gavinfabl

01-09-2005, 10:38 AM

As I high user I have been given a special number. 402 for all customer orders. This also gives me a discount supposedly. They verify your mobile number etc.. when you call.

My info is 100% correct. Period.

I am not responsible nor do I work for O2. So your comments in capital letters were offensive.

Why dont you check my sister website out http://www.justinelaymond.com (and if you're kind enough leave a message of support in her guestbook), or think of the suffering in the US and around the world before moaning about a materialistic item and/or making an assumption of where I work.

Perha

Pyrofer

01-09-2005, 01:25 PM

Firstly, sorry. I was not talking directly to you when I said about working for o2.

What I meant to say was,

Anyone reading this who works for O2, sort it out!

I shortened it to "if your from o2" meaning the person reading it, I wasnt refering to you directly and am sorry.

But, the fact that you say you have to be a "high" user with a special direct line to the REAL customer support department just shows how much of a crappy joke o2 customer support actualy is, when they admit that for real information you need a different number!

It doesnt cost anything to give your staff correct information, in fact id say its essential business practice! You shouldnt give artificialy inflated service to premium users by making normal service worse by deliberatly mis-informing staff.

Thanks for your information, Rest assured ill be chasing o2 every day now.

mzaslam

01-09-2005, 01:52 PM

This is my post on this forum but I have been following the news on the HTC Universal closely. I have had both a XDAII and XDAIIi in the past.

I have been checking all the UK Network websites on a regular basis in the hope that the release date and pricing would be confirmed.

I just wonder why O2 and other Network Providers are so hush hush about it all. Other than the fact that it could hurt sales of existing products, I can't really see any reason why they refuse to disclose any concrete details about the release date, or price. Maybe each Network is waiting for the other to show their hand?

Especially, when you consider i-mate, Orange UK and T-Mobile (Germany) all have the Universal listed on their website.

Gavinfabl - I popped into an O2 store at the weekend and the O2 assistant told me that it was due to release in August but had now been pushed back to Spectember. I picked up a brochure and it does indeed say September as being the release date - price upto £229.99.

Roll on September 12th...

gavinfabl

01-09-2005, 02:17 PM

Thanks for apology.

Tomorrow I will be with Microsoft and will be able to obtain a number of WM5 devices.

However, they will be unlocked but cost more than the price quoted by O2.

If I get one, I will reveal all, and answer all, although Im sure many of these devices are already in operation.

chrisford101

01-09-2005, 04:34 PM

gavinfabl

01-09-2005, 05:21 PM

just a quick post to further blaze o2 and the info they give out. Rang today on normal customer service number and when I pressed her for info she stated that she said the first batch will be available in their warehouse for the 3rd of October (according to her computer) stating that the release had been delayed due to problems in their testing process. She also pointed out that this would be the EARLIEST possible date it would be available. It would be really nice if people who rang o2 could get the same answer twice!

so i rang o2 again.

and now the price is still the same after a haggle explaining my conversation yesterday.

and now the date is not confirmed as 12th Sept.

So i'm really gutted . Still I could get an imate jasjar tomorrow.

Pyrofer

01-09-2005, 07:30 PM

gavinfabl

01-09-2005, 08:17 PM

Well, I called the 402 number, got given an 0870 number, called that, held for aaages, finally got a nice bloke who confirmed the 3rd October date.
He said there was no product code or pricing so I have to wait untill that happens. Basically, thats 2 of us that got the 3rd Oct date, so id assume the september date is out the window now :(

The only thing could be the date is brought forward due to other carriers releasing device and the lady I spoke to told me info she shouldnt.

She knew the Exec and all the pricing etc without looking it up.

Im still going to ring on the 12th. But October does look more releastic. There is a code for it though. This was confirmed in my second call,

xiasma

01-09-2005, 08:39 PM

Pyrofer said
Basically, thats 2 of us that got the 3rd Oct date

:evil: errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

On Tue Aug 30, 2005 13:39, xiasma said

O2 have pushed back their launch date to 3rd October

HTH :roll:

marcelol

01-09-2005, 09:17 PM

work out a deal with someone from the US to get a Universal via your upgrade path ?

If anyone's up, I'd be very interested, and make it worth person's time.

After all, it's not like the USA carriers ARE PLANNING ( are you listening TMobile ? ) to bring out that unit over here anytime soon.

Marcelo
PS> Sorry for raising my voice

Pyrofer

02-09-2005, 10:09 AM

Xiasma> sorry for missing you, I should have said "at least 2 of us with the 3rd of Oct date"

Anyway, the 3rd looks to be a pretty reliable date now :( A bit more waiting I guess.

Marcelol> I dont think there are going to be many people who would be willing to get a Universal and pass it on! I know if i get the chance to own one I will keep it! If they do it will be via ebay and extremely high prices.
You could try Expansys as they have a US site that sells the Universal I beleive.

Good luck to everyone trying to get one!

One other thing, If people are going to get it by whatever route they can most people will want to unlock it for all carriers right?

Does anybody know if the unlock tool works on the Universal or is it too early to tell yet?

xiasma

02-09-2005, 10:43 AM

Does anybody know if the unlock tool works on the Universal or is it too early to tell yet?

O2 assure me it'll be unlocked, but I'm not inclinded to believe them (through experience)

If anyone sells it unlocked, it'll be Vodafone, as the VPi 640 in October.
I'm starting to doubt whether or not I'd be better off with a normal phone and a tabletPC (Motion LS800 or ES1600 for example) or even a Wince 4.net ultra portable. We'll see :shock:

xiasma

02-09-2005, 01:15 PM

Latest from T-Mobile UK - should be with us "within 14 days"

No prices though

cbrow51

02-09-2005, 01:59 PM

Based on past experience in the US and the UK, I would bet these devices will be locked to the carrier that provides them...

Rudegar

02-09-2005, 02:03 PM

i dont think qtek and imates are sim locked at least non of my qteks were

whtrbt7

02-09-2005, 07:47 PM

The HTC Universals coming from mmO2 Asia will be unlocked and will be coming from Australia. As far as I know I-mate brand doesn't lock their devices and Qtek has nearly the same policy. I'm waiting for the newest firmware plus O2 Active on the XDA Executive. The initial version had close to nothing on it.

efjay

02-09-2005, 08:30 PM

pics from a user http://msmobiles.com/news.php/4218.html

cbrow51

02-09-2005, 10:01 PM

Well I certainly hope you are all correct about the unlocking, but I can't really see why O2 or T-mobile as carriers would sell you a low price upgrade unit and then watch you walk to another carrier. If you pay full price for imate or Qtek, then I would expect them to be unlocked...

Regards

chris