Wow, shortly after posting the announcment it looks like some people are already getting the OTA! As normal, it is being rolled out to a pioneer group of 1000 people for testing. There’s no way to tell if you’re one of those few, it’s random. R-A-N-D-O-M. So don’t bother sacrificing that chicken, it won’t help. So far it looks like no significant changes, and yes the themes are still intact.

discussion on hiptop.com/forums

The Sidekick 3 online manual has been updated to reflect the 3.1 Over-The-Air update of the Sidekick OS. While the Suncom Hiptop 3 is supposedly running on 3.1 already, all the TMobile Sidekick customers are currently stuck with OS 3.0 with the battery issues. This update will fix the common battery issues but hopefully not lock off the Sidekick themes. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!

From the manual:

Release 3.1 Over-the-Air Update for Sidekick 3 Users

This update arrives in two parts: first the operating system, then the firmware. Together, the update delivers overall performance enhancements to your Sidekick 3, including a correction to the battery charge readings.

Mark/Space on Friday announced that it’s discontinued development of its Missing Sync for Hiptop, the software that lets Mac users exchange data with Danger Hiptop devices — commonly known to T-Mobile users as the Sidekick.

“It is unfortunate, but the market for this product does not support continued development,” said a company spokesman in a statement.

Read for more info on refunds and cross-upgrades

In a recent spectrum auction by the FCC, T-Mobile scooped up a large portion of the 1700 and 2100Mhz bands. For the wireless geeks that want to know all the details, you can check out the FCC page. For the rest of us, what does this mean? In short, faster downloads for supported devices in the future. T-Mobile has dropped hints that they’d be rolling out UTMS next year. This acquisition puts them right on track to set up a 3G network with speeds up to 1920 kbit/s. To compare, currently EDGE is only 180 kbit/s.

Via Gearlog

Both Gizmodo and Engadget posted about a new smartphone from Pantech that looks like a Sidekick on steroids. This thing is loaded with a 3megapixel camera, a DMB receiver (for TV) with TV-out, QVGA screen, PictBridge for printing straight to supported printers, MP3 player with built-in FM transmitter, has a screen that pops-up to a 30 degree angle for easier viewing, and we think it might actually be able to make phone calls too. It’s supposed to be hitting Korea in a month or so, but who knows if we’ll ever see anything like it here in the States.

First off, THESE PROBABLY WON’T WORK WITH THE EXISTING SIDEKICK 3. There, now that that is out of the way: Mobility Site is reporting that SanDisk announced a new 4gb miniSD card at the CTIA Wireless show.

The 4GB SanDisk miniSDHC card will be able to provide the fast speed and large capacity required to support increasingly popular but storage-intensive applications such as digital imaging, music and video record/playback functions as well as mobile television and videogames. The 4GB capacity can store more than 2,000 high-resolution pictures, more than 1,000 digital songs or up to 8 hours of MPEG 4 video.

The downside of this is that the miniSDHC cards are not compatible with existing miniSD card readers. But the good news is it sounds like all that will be required is a firmware upgrade to support these. This could be delivered in an Over-The-Air update (OTAu) to the Sidekick 3 quite easily one would expect. And Danger has until 2007 to get that update ready, as that is the projected release of these cards in the retail world.
More detailed info can be found in the press release here.

We’ve done a lot of thinking the past few weeks in regards to custom themes/backgrounds on the Sidekick 3. Everyone and their brother knows about the undocumented but easily accessible custom themes feature on the Sidekick 3 now. We’ve even gone as far as to put up a site with with 4000+ Sidekick 3 themes submitted!

At the same time that we’re enjoying this customization, there’s a lot of talk about how the next OTA may disable this feature in order for TMobile to sell Sidekick users premade wallpapers. In all honesty, we’re hoping they’ll realize that for every custom made theme, that’s one more Sidekick 3 that will be pulled out of a pocket to show off to a friend. One more custom hinge sound that noone has ever heard on a phone that will draw the attention of strangers when you flip the screen.

Is it wrong to think that custom themes are a good thing, both for users of the Sidekick 3 as well as TMobile? With the new themes, we all get a chance to make the phone “ours” whether it means loading a background of Jay-Z, a pair of Nikes, Mariah Carey, Tron, or our geeky favorite, a light saber sound for the screen. In our opinion, this makes us even more devoted and attached to the glossy little gadget.

Is the Sidekick 3 too expensive for you? Haven’t scored a “FREE SIDEKICK 3” from one of the ads yet? Don’t need the fancy camera, mp3 player, web browsing, etc but just need an organizer and a way to text message one other person? Got $34.95? Go get a Slide Click!

We first heard about these from Rockstarr after she spotted them in a Limited Too store. Sounds like they’re trying to start training those Sidekick thumbs early! She made sure to point out: “Oh and NO YOU CANNOT MAKE YOUR OWN RINGERS!”

From a site we found selling them:

Today’s cyber kids have a new language—instant messaging. Set of Two Slide Click SMS Text Messenger/Organizers are handheld devices that simply send and receive wireless text messages instantly, up to 50 ft.! They’re also organizers that store information and important phone numbers, addresses, emails and memos. Secret password functions keep it all private. Uses 2 AAA batteries (sold separately). Each 2 1/2″ x 4 3/4″. Ages 7+.

Don’t miss the Sidekick 3 party in your town! If you’re going to one, post in the forum and meet up with some of the other members of this site! Here’s the schedule that was posted on www.sidekick.com as of the posting of this:

Atlanta

August 19, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Road #2405, Atlanta, GA 30346
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

August 19, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: MetroPark: Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road, NE, #2036A, Atlanta, GA 30326
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

September 3, 2006: Q100 “The Bert Show Fall Singles Carnival”
Location: TBD
Win tickets for you and three friends to the exclusive Sidekick 3 VIP lounge at this matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
Q100

Chicago

August 18-19, 2006: Teen People Rock N’ Shop
Woodfield Mall: Comcast Connections Court 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173-5012
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

September 21, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
The Great Hall @ Chicago Union Station: 210 S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Dallas

July 28-29, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
The Shops at Willow Bend: Center Court, 6121 W. Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75093
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

August 11, 2006: 106 KISS FM “Sidekick 3 Soiree”
O Bar: 1602 Main St. Suite B, Dallas, TX 75201
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
106.1 Kiss FM

Las Vegas

July 28, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Pure Nightclub: 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

August 26, 2006: Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 2290, Las Vegas, NV 89109
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

Los Angeles

July 8, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Iconology: 353 South La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

July 21-22, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
Brea Mall: Center Court, 1065 Brea Mall Way, Brea, CA 92821
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

August 4, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Element: 1642 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

Miami

July 15-18, 2006: Miami Swim Week
Raleigh Hotel: 1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
See how the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 captured the Shay Todd 2007 Collection @ Miami Swim Week.
Shay Todd

August 3, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Studio LX: 5814 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

New York

July 20, 2006: Power 105.1 Singles Soiree “The Official Sidekick 3 Pool Party”
Hotel QT: 125 W 45th St., New York, NY 10036
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
Power 105.1 FM

July 22 & 29, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2006: Mercedes Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge
Two Trees Farm: Hayground Road, Bridgehampton, New York
Beat the summer heat at the Sidekick Lounge with a game of polo and high-class excitement.
Mercedes Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge

August 2, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Guest House: 532 W 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

August 11-12, 2006: Teen People Rock N’ Shop
Westfield Garden State Plaza: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

September 12, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show (showcase featured all month)
Shecky’s: 489 Broome St., New York, NY 10013
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
Shecky’s

October 10-12, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
The Puck Building: 295 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Palm Beach County

August 4-5, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
The Mall at Wellington Green: The Grand Court, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

Philadelphia

August 10, 2006: 93.3 Rock “Painfully Single Mixer” Singles Soiree
The Lagoon (nightclub on Delaware Riverfront): 101 Taylor Ave., Essington, PA 19029
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
93.3 WMMR-FM

San Francisco

August 5, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Loft 11: 316 11th St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

October 26, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
Nob Hill Masonic Center: 1111 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Seattle

July 14-15, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
Westfield Southcenter: Center Court, 633 Southcenter, Seattle, WA 98188
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

July 29, 2006: KUBE 93.3 “Sidekick 3, Summer Jam Launch Party” Backstage BBQ
White River Amphitheater: 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Road, Auburn, WA 98092
Win tickets for you and three friends to the exclusive Sidekick 3 Backstage BBQ at Summer Jam and a chance to meet some of today’s hottest stars.
KUBE 93 Summer Jam

Washington DC

August 20, 2006: DC101 WWDC-FM “Eliot’s Singles and Sidekicks Party”
Fur Nightclub: 33 Patterson Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
DC101

September 13, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Demin Bar: 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20024
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

What’s going to happen on August 11th? www.sidekick.com says to check back for more on August 11th. We haven’t heard anything about what this means. It may just be goodies on the websites, more flash fun or something. Maybe they’re releasing a Game Boy emulator? Or just an OTA? Some people are speculating video playback, although we doubt it. What do you think?