Here’s what T-Mobile is saying:

T-Mobile will begin rolling out Mobile Backup for Sidekick LX 2009 customers via an Over The Air (OTA) process. All Sidekick LX 2009 customers should receive the OTA in the next few weeks.

What is Mobile Back up?
Mobile Backup is a free service via My T-Mobile that allows you to avoid manually re-entering contacts into a device in the event you need to replace it or in the event it’s lost or stolen.

How will I know I have it?
T-Mobile will send an Over The Air (OTA) update in phases over the next several weeks. You will receive a message that says “System Update Notice”. Once you receive the message, please accept it. Upon successful receipt of your OTA, you will receive a T-Mail confirming that you have Mobile Backup.
Another way to verify receipt of the OTA is to navigate to your device’s Address Book and select Menu. Under the drop down you will see Mobile Backup.

What if I don’t have it right now?
Don’t worry. T-Mobile is rolling this update to our customers in phases. All LX 09 customers should have it by Dec 10, 2009.

So am I at risk of losing my data again until I have the update?
Microsoft/Danger has taken steps to help ensure all data is readily available. This is an additional enhancement to backup your contact data should you change your device in the future.

For more info on Mobile backup check out http://support.t-mobile.com/doc/tm23951.xml

- D Pad – directional button/keys for navigation
- Easy to hold and type
- Audible sounds when navigating
- Unique, recognizable form factor
- Home key that jumps to the homescreen
- Controls on both the left and right sides
- Phone’s menu is in a “ring” format on the homescreen
- Visual notification of messages and alerts
- Easy to remember shortcut and jump keys
- Big, high definition screen
- QWERTY keyboard
- Unique, recognizable opening mechanism that reveals a keyboard
- Audible opening (aka Hinge sounds)
- Personalizable shells
- Distinctive “look”/silhouette when open
- Flashing/Colorful lights for messages or alerts
- A screen that swivels open to reveal keyboard
- “Best in class” gaming experience
- Fun to use
- An integrated messaging experience (IM, SMS, E-mail)
- Intuitive to use features and functions
- Access to social networking apps
- Ability to have multiple conversations at once
- A download catalog for applications, themes, music
- Desktop PC-like web browsing experience
- Touchscreen
- The ability to quickly navigate through various features and functions
- The ability to “open” the phone with one hand
- Outside dialing without opening the phone
- Wide variety of free and/or paid apps available for dowload
- Single, unlimited data plan
- Secondary display that shows a preview of messages
- Ample storage for messages
- Ability to use a WiFi Internet connection to make phone calls
- Reliable back up of all information on the phone

What do you guys think? Which of these features defines a Sidekick? Which features are important to you? Which ones could be dropped/added to the next Sidekick? If you want to check out all of the pages in the questionnaire, check out the gallery:

[Show as slideshow]

Want to take a peek at Danger’s official Sidekick LX 2009 manual?

How does the keyboard feel?
-It’s a harder rubber than the LX. Same style, feels nice. There’s definitely a difference though.

How does the OS look/perform?
-It looks gorgeous on the new LCD (everything does though.) It performs really well. I haven’t noticed any slowdowns yet.

How does it compare to other sidekicks in all areas?
-It’s much lighter than the LX was, It feels more sturdy than the 08 in the few times I played with it. I haven’t tested battery life yet, so I can’t comment on that. The speaker is significantly louder than the LX’s, which is nice.

If you had ringtones on a previous sidekick, were they transferred over?
-Not sure, I never bought any ringtones.

Can we use sounds as ringtones saved from emails?
-Yes, as long as they are 100kb or less. So to get any length in the mp3 the quality will be pretty crummy. You can record on the device up to 20seconds.

Can he take a picture of the text messaging screen? is it the same as the previous sidekicks?
-Yes, it’s the same messaging app since the 2.3 OTA of the Sidekick 2. Nothing new like message threading.

Since we can stream radio, can we stream mp3s through the browser too?
-No.

What does the battery look like?
-It’s small in size. The capacity seems to be lower than the LX (The 09 is 1250mAh and my LX is 1540mAh) What the battery life is yet, I’m not sure.

Is the speaker really a big difference?
-Yes, it’s much louder. Almost as loud as the Slide was.

Do the applications and ringtones transfer?
-No.

Is ringtone recording on the official to the public phone?
-Yes.

Are the keys on the keypad the same material as the ones on the Sidekick LX?
-They are a harder rubber than the LX. Feels really nice.

What are the new “face/mood” icons in the messengers.
-AIM and MSN are the same as the LX with the 4.6 OTA, Yahoo has new icons I think. Screenshot

What is available in the catalog? anything free or different? is it full of items or a limit due to the new O.S?
-The catalog is pretty bare for now, I’m sure they are working overtime to get more apps/games ready. The free apps are; Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft Live Maps, and MySpace.

Is there any way to get around the 100+30 limit on text messaging?
-No

can you post pictures to twitter from the twitter app? ie. twitpic
-No

How does the web browser compare to the LX’s web browser?
-Larger space for viewing sites, faster. That’s pretty much it.

When did you preorder? i am so jealous! i want mine right now!
-The night it was available.

What does the Carrying Case look like??
-It’s just a case. It doesn’t have any belt loops or anything, so if you want to use on your belt you’ll have to buy a 3rd party case.

Can We plz get some pix of the acessories if thats not 2 much 2 ask thanx and how do u feel to b the 1st normal person 2 have one and how do u think u got it early?
-The included accessories are Wall charger, Headphones, USB cable for your computer, and the carrying case.

How solid does the phone feel? Can you take some comparison shots vs whatever phone you were using prior to today so we can get a feel for the size?
-The phone feels really solid. I thought the 08 felt like a cheap piece of plastic. This feels much nicer than the 08, and the LX. (Mostly thanks to the rubberish coating) I was using a LX before this, See the new post for comparison shots to the LX and Slide.

How is the quality like the weight, design, quality, and ease of use compared tot he oiginal thanks!
-It’s much lighter than the LX and Slide (I can’t compare to the 08, sorry.) and I think the build quality is much better than before. It’s got a great feel to it. The design kind of has a BWSK/CSK feel to it with the raised up screen. I like it.

How does the video quality look when watching a video on youtube?
-It’s… watchable. The videos are highly compressed for mobile viewing (iPhone has access to higher quality videos)

when watching a recorded video, is it clear? or do u see the pixels just like the LX?< ?strong>
-Recorded video isn’t bad. It’s definitely not on par with a Digital Camera, or something like a Flip. But it’s usable, and hey.. it’s unlimited length now.

Do the mood lights light up different colors?
-Blue only.

How fast is the internet? is it much more faster then the LX and previous sidekicks?
-When you’re on 3G, the Internet is fast. Very nice.

Can take a screen shot of AIM and MSN?
-Sure, attached. http://www.flickr.com/photos/travis_l/sets/72157617497236492/

Can you show a pic of the sms?
-Sure http://www.flickr.com/photos/travis_l/sets/72157617406252227/

Can you speak on the phone and IM and browse the web at the same time?
-Yes, However… only if you’re connected to 3G. Otherwise, no.

Can you take a screenshot of the AIM and MSN icons? I’ve been using an SK3 since it came out
I presume this is what you mean…
-AIM: http://www.flickr.com/photos/travis_l/3487127765/in/set-72157617497236492/
-MSN: http://www.flickr.com/photos/travis_l/3488094196/

Also, can you view animated gifs the new one? That’s the one thing I wish it could do…
-No.

What about the blog management tools that were listed? or is it just describing twitter?
-I presume just Twitter, but I wouldn’t rule out seeing any other apps (blogger, etc) in the future.

Do you know if you can use voice activated dialing?…like when you say a name and it dials it?
-No voice dialing

Is the flash better than the old lx?
-Not sure. I haven’t tried it yet.

what do the Monkeys, Bird & Evils look like in AIM & in Yahoo?
-The same, just larger versions for the new screen.

Can you play a converted DVD video? I heard it can play one at native resolution! how clear is it at 30fps?
-I have not been successful in converting any video for the new device yet. (Hell, the old device too.)

What does the music player look and sound like
-Music player is the same. Sounds much louder than before.

Is the video recording screen still a little box or has it gotten bigger?
-It’s gotten bigger, It’s now doing 320×240 as opposed to 176×144

Does the camera application have a self- timer?
-No. (This would be cool though)

Does the the Face Book application allow you upload cel-pics to your personal Face Book page?
-Yes, you can even tag friends in photos you upload.

Is there a weather app built in or is it like the old sidekick where it cost 3 dollars a month to get the weather?
-It will be a recurring fee app I suppose, I’m not sure as it’s not in the catalog yet.

How is the swivel? Is it sturdy or flimsy? Thanks
-Sturdy. The magnets are a lot stronger that hold the screen closed so it takes a little extra oomph to open the LCD.

does it have flash on it? do other websites beside youtube that use flash do they work like hulu?
-It does *NOT* Have flash. I want to make this very clear. Just because you can view Youtube videos does not mean it has flash. YouTube has a mobile version where they have the videos available in very small, very compressed streaming format (RTSP if you’re interested.) and that’s how you’re viewing YouTube on your device.

Do you know if the SKLX09 has the hearing aids codes?M2-5?Cause I wear aids in both ears.
-I Have no idea. Not sure how to tell either, sorry. Maybe T-Mobile can be of help.

can u send pictures in messages through aim to ppl who have older sidekicks?
-No.

also i seen in one of the pix u can go invisible so now u can appear offline while really online?
-Yes.

also can u have more aim conversations open at one time kuz i believe it was always limited to 10?
-Nope, still 10.

also did/does ur autotext carry over bekuz i have alot of it lol?
-Yes.

i just wana know is it still 100 messages in the phone
-Yes, still 100.

can you send pics to ppl on aim?
-Yes.

Can you send pictures to other ppl on aim with who have the sidekick LX?
-Yes, only the 09 though. Older devices (LX 07, Sidekick 08, Etc) won’t work.

i just wana know is it still 100 messages in the phone
-Technical reasons.

Is the battery life better?
-I took mine off the charger at about 3am last night. It just died at about 10:50pm (With GPS on and playing with it, Twitter refreshing every 5 mins, and Facebook. Along with my normal IM/Text/Browser/Phone usage)

Do you know if there are any mood light Tricks?
-Not sure, sorry.

what is the video recording format on the new lx is it still 3gp
-In the new “High Quality” mode it’s recording in MP4 at an unlimited length. In the lower quality it’s 3GP.

Do your bookmarks transfer over from the old device?
-Yes.

On the MySpace app, can you update mood/status?
-I don’t know, I don’t have a MySpace account and I’m not making one, sorry. You can on the Facebook app though.

What’s your favorite feature so far?
-The new screen. It’s amazingly crisp and gorgeous.

How is the GPS. Does it track you in real time?
-I haven’t really played with the GPS much. It picked me up pretty quick when I was outside. The Microsoft Live Maps application has a “Track Me function” I assume this is what you’re looking for.

how’s the camera?? does it take good pictures in the dark??
-It should. The flash is significantly brighter than the LX.

Keep an eye on this post, we’ll update it as new questions come in.  If your question hasn’t been answered yet, drop it in the comments.

There’s also the video of this guy using it:

If you’re one for soundbites too, then there’s also these videos from Emily Blair, the T-Mobile Sidekick Manager talking about the features of the Sidekick LX 2009:

According to the rep for T-Mobile:
- Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are built in automatically downloaded and installed. Technically they’re actually catalog apps so you can uninstall them if you don’t want them later though.
- YouTube video streaming looks smooth
- You can capture any length of video, but MMS is limited to 30 seconds

http://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss259/appletech_pbd/?action=view&current=MVI_1944.flv

• No Shells like the 2008
• 3 mood lights – new locations: 1 on top and bottom of the keyboard

http://www.poweredbydanger.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1332&d=1240058761

and 1 long one on the top edge of the screen when opened (bottom of screen when closed)

http://www.poweredbydanger.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1333&d=1240058814

• Actual Screen Shot (click for full size)

• no animated gifs
• SDHC Memory – no limit – just what is available on the market (16gb – OK!!)
• Speaker is louder than before
• Video Mode – Low Res is a 176×144 resolution meant for sending via email/mms. This resolution is limited to something like 4 minutes.
• Video taken from an SK09 (Hi-Res Mode – no recording limit!!):

http://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss259/appletech_pbd/?action=view&current=VID00002.flv

• Photo App  Max size: 2,048 x 1,536

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8283/img00061h.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2281/img00062l.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7992/img00064l.jpg

• You can Geotag photos with your GPS location.
• It’s a 3.2MP camera with Auto Focus and flash (no zooming).
• There’s an auto focus mode with options distant and macro mode. There’s white balance controls, and B&W, Sepia, Negative effect options.
• Available resolution options are:
  • 2048 x 1536
  • 1600 x 1200
  • 1280 x 960
  • 800 x 600
  • 640 x 480
• YouTube videos work.
• m.break.com videos work (but not smooth)
• Seesmic does not work
• Facebook app seems to be a souped-up mobile version. No videos, apps, etc.
• Internet Radio Works!! (Ex: ShoutCast):
  http://poweredbydanger.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1342&d=1240089939
• Yahoo Messenger supports animated buddy icons.
• AIM and Yahoo Messenger now support photo sharing
• You can also upload videos to youtube (or photobucket or myspace) directly
• Web Browser still does not support Flash
• You cannot roam on AT&Ts 3G Network due to the ranges being different:
  The LX09 supports UMTS Bands 2100, 1700, 850.
  T-Mobile uses 1700 and 2100 for 3G, while AT&T uses 1900. So you won’t be able to roam on AT&T 3G.
  As for “Other networks”, it depends on what 3G band they are using.
• Still has chrome around the USB/Charger, but appears to be more sratch-resistant:
  http://poweredbydanger.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1338&d=1240087896
• Data plans are grandfathered. T-Mobile will not raise your rates
• When GPS is on, the battery drains faster. (there is an option to turn it on/off)
• Browser is overall the same as the last OTA on the LX. But you have a LOT more room:
  http://poweredbydanger.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1319&d=1239974010
• Still 6MB limit on email/ 100+30 limit on SMS (both same as before)
• No confirmation as to “Free Ringtone downloads” still basing it on info already published.
• Themes can still be user-generated like before
• Social apps (Twitter, Myspace, Photobucket, and Facebook) are all FREE – no monthly charges!!!!

Get Ready for the New Sidekick LX

T-Mobile is preparing to launch the thinnest Sidekick ever, with blazing fast 3G connectivity for customers to connect with friends quickly and easily. The new Sidekick LX will come equipped with GPS enabled Live Search, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and free bundled social networking applications including Facebook, My Space, and Twitter. Customers will also be able to watch and download You Tube videos directly from the device. The new Sidekick LX comes equipped with the features that customers love including a full QWERTY keyboard and an enhanced swivel screen that is larger and sharper than any other Sidekick.

Additional information regarding launch dates, pricing and availablility will be available on the Retail Communication Home Page on April 17.

Action Steps
Check the Retail Communication Home Page on April 17 for additional information regarding the Sidekick LX launch

It basically says what we’ve been saying for months now about the new Sidekick LX 2009. It’s nice to see things confirmed though. It looks like T-Mobile is going to stick the new device under the Sidekick LX line though. So like the Sidekick 2008 is officially just the “Sidekick” then based on this memo the Sidekick LX 2009 will be the “Sidekick LX”. Hopefully we’ll hear more in the way of official news on Friday!

Alright gang, we’ve got some Sidekick 2009 info for you. Here’s the details on the camera that we’ve been able to find out so far.
* It will take photos up to a resolution of 2038 x 1536, meaning 3.2 megapixels.
* There’s a flash, so those grainy shot-in-the-dark photos will be possible.
* There is a new auto-focus feature, so you shouldn’t have to use the jewelry loupe/magnifying glass trick to get up close shots of things.
* Video recording sounds like it’s set to 15 frames per second for now. But might be possible for 30fps.
* You will be able to upload directly to MySpace, Photobucket, and YouTube
* It will support geotagging

All pretty much straight-forward information. For those that don’t know what geotagging is, it means that you can embed location information in the photos you take. So if you take a photo at your friends house and then upload it to a site that supports the geotagging info, it’ll show up on a map at the location you took it. This uses the GPS that’s coming in the Sidekick 2009. It’s all pretty good info, and about what we’d expect from a Sidekick camera.