As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Monday, May 9th, 2011.
Microsoft to unveil ‘next major release of Windows Phone’ on May 24th
What’s next for Windows Phone? Well, we’re hearing a couple of things – multitasking, Bing Audio (a song naming service, think of this as Microsoft’s rival to Shazam), Bing Vision (barcode scanning and other camera-based search features), Bing Maps turn-by-turn navigations, and speech recognition just to name a few. All of these have yet to be confirmed, and it’ll most happen later this month as Microsoft has already sent out invites to a May 24 event, which will give a preview on “the next major release of Windows Phone.” Excited? We sure are.
BGR
Samsung Gets 3 Million Pre-Orders For The Galaxy S II
It looks like ol’ Sammy’s got another runaway hit on their hands, as the upcoming Galaxy S II has already received 3 million pre-orders as of April. That’s already roughly 1/3 of total sales for the Galaxy S line in 2010, and it still hasn’t even been released yet. This 1.2GHz dual-core powered Gingerbread phone is confirmed coming to Canada, though we’re still waiting on specific launch details to be revealed.
MobileCrunch
Upcoming TELUS Fascinate 4G price plans revealed, $529.99 no-contract
If the Galaxy S Fascinate 4G is more your cup of tea, here’s how much you’ll have to fork over once it released: $99.99 on a 3-yr contract (promo pricing), $249.99 on a 2-yr deal, $479.99 on a single year contract, or $529.99 outright purchase. It’s no Galaxy S II, but this baby is definitely no slouch when it comes to data as it can provide up to 21Mbps HSDPA 4G connectivity while on the go. Telus is set to launch the Fasincate 4G this week, on May 12th to be exact.
Mobilesyrup
WatchESPN app is now on Android, go-anywhere live TV streams still restricted to just a few providers
The title, I guess, already says it all. After debuting on the iOS platform last month, the WatchESPN app is now available at the Android Market as well. It’s free to download, but only those subscribed to ESPNNetworks enabled providers can enjoy streaming of all ESPN channels. Those who only have FiOS internet access are limited to ESPN3. Also, your device needs to be running at least Android 2.2, and Adobe AIR should also be installed on it. It’s a great complementary service for ESPN subscribers, but for everyone else, feel free to pass on this one.
Engadget
TELUS 72-hour sale is back… offers Bold 9700 for free on 1-year
Yes, Telus’ 72-hour sale is back. Up for grabs for $0 on a 1-year contract are the LG Cookie Plus, Samsung Advance, BlackBerry Pearl 8230, and yes, again, the BlackBerry Bold 9700. I guess Telus still has quite a number of Bold 9700 units in their inventory to clear out as this is already the second time they’ve featured the this particular RIM smartphone in their now traditional 72-hour sale. That said, we’re pretty sure those who missed out on it in the previous 72-hour sale are happy that it’s back.
Mobilesryup
