TeleNav GPS Application for the Sidekick

August 17th, 2009
TeleNav GPS Navigator

You’ve probably already noticed this if you’ve been in the Download Catalog lately, but there’s a new GPS app out there in addition to Microsoft Live Bing. Everyone is always clamoring for turn-by-turn navigation on their devices so they can use them while they drive. TeleNav delivered a solution for the Sidekick LX 2009 in the form of “TeleNav GPS Navigator”. For $9.99 a month you’ll get “voice-guided and onscreen turn-by-turn driving directions”, automatic re-routing, 3D maps, traffic alerts, business information, weather, and even speech recognition so you don’t have to type while driving! Most of the time when I see an application with a recurring fee, I’m instantly turned off by it. But if I was driving regularly, I imagine this app would be incredibly useful! If you’re using this app, let us know how it is in the comments.

Here are some screenshots from the catalog:

TeleNav GPS NavigatorTeleNav GPS Navigator

Official announcement

Exchange Support for the Sidekick

July 28th, 2009

Exchange support for the Sidekick LX 2009

T-Mobile announced earlier today that Exchange support for the Sidekick has finally arrived! It comes in the form of an application named Sidekick Sync, which you’ll need to grab from the Download Catalog. It’s not live yet, but when it is, it will have a recurring fee of $4.99/month and of course requires a data plan. It will support “real time push email, attachment viewing, full sync capabilities, full read and respond functionality and configurable sync schedules”. In addition to all the email handling it will also sync contacts and calendars from an Exchange server. Like some of the other new software features of the Sidekick LX 2009, this one was outsourced to another company, this Remoba was behind development of the Sidekick Sync app.

T-Mobile says that Exchange support was requested by a number of users and I’m sure this will please the handful of you out there that want to get your corporate email on your Sidekick, but how many of you guys out there are actually using a Sidekick for corporate work that requires an Exchange server? How many people actually know what Exchange is? 🙂

RadioShack and T-Mobile Teaming Up

July 24th, 2009

Looks like in the near future you’ll be able to walk into RadioShack and pick up a new T-Mobile phone. They’ve announced a “retail agreement” where in RadioShack will be selling T-Mobile phones at over 4000 stores in the US and Puerto Rico starting later this summer. Guess the “radio” in RadioShack now means 3G radios? The full press release is below:

RadioShack and T-Mobile USA Announce Retail Agreement

RadioShack to Offer T-Mobile Products and Services in Stores Beginning This Summer

FORT WORTH, Texas and BELLEVUE, Wash. — July 23, 2009 — RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) and T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced a retail agreement to offer T-Mobile® products and services in more than 4,000 RadioShack stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico beginning later this summer.

The relationship expands RadioShack’s postpaid wireless offerings, and enables RadioShack to offer its customers a selection of T-Mobile’s most innovative, in-demand handsets – including the highly anticipated T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G with Google™. For T-Mobile, the agreement nearly doubles the number of national retail partner stores offering its postpaid products and services nationwide, and makes RadioShack T-Mobile’s largest national retail partner. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“RadioShack is focused on growing our mobility category and is committed to providing our customers with a broad selection of the best wireless products and services in the industry,” said Peter Whitsett, executive vice president and general merchandising manager at RadioShack. “The ability to offer a full line of T-Mobile devices, including the hottest exclusive T-Mobile handsets, reinforces RadioShack’s leadership in wireless.”

Doug Chartier, senior vice president of sales at T-Mobile USA, said, “Through our milestone partnership with RadioShack, T-Mobile’s presence in national retail stores expands nearly twofold, giving millions more people the opportunity to readily access our products and take advantage of the tremendous value T-Mobile provides its customers. By combining T-Mobile’s innovative devices and great value with RadioShack’s knowledgeable sales representatives, we expect customers to have an excellent in-store experience.”

With 4,450 company-operated locations, RadioShack offers one of the largest selections of wireless phones. RadioShack’s knowledgeable sales associates are committed to helping customers choose the best technology solution to meet their needs and the company was named one of the top customer service retailers in the nation in the fourth annual National Retail Federation Foundation/American Express Customer Service Survey.

T-Mobile is dedicated to providing the best experience in wireless, and has achieved the “Highest Ranked Wireless Customer Service Performance” in J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Wireless Customer Care Performance StudySM – Volume 1,* which ranked T-Mobile higher than all of its competitors for overall customer care performance. T-Mobile continues to expand its retail footprint, bringing this award-winning customer experience and the company’s wide array of innovative products, such as the iconic T-Mobile Sidekick® and groundbreaking Android™-powered devices, to more people nationwide. T-Mobile currently has more than 1,900 company-owned retail locations and distribution agreements with a number of large national retailers.

For more information on RadioShack, please visit https://www.RadioShack.com. For more information on T-Mobile products and services, please visit https://www.T-Mobile.com

Free Sidekick Ringtones

July 23rd, 2009

Ever since the Sidekick LX 2009 came out I’ve been working on a site where you can share ringtones, much like the Sidekick Theme Sites. Well the site is mostly up and running now, there are still some features I’d like to add, but I figured I’d let everyone know where they could get free ringtones for their Sidekick. The name of the site is “Skringers” (get it? SK + ringers) and you can find it at www.skringers.com. Go check it out, there are already somewhere around 400 ringtones uploaded and people keep uploading them. If you want to know as soon as a ringtone is uploaded, you can also follow the official Twitter account: @skringers. Let me know what you guys and gals think of the site!

Note: You’ll only be able to add these ringtones to the Sidekick LX 2009, or if you’re lucky and are running a non-TMobile Hiptop.

T-Mobile Sponsoring Blink-182 Tour

July 16th, 2009

blink-182

Press release for you sir!

Tour Also Launches ‘T-Mobile Sidekick Live the Rock Life Sweepstakes’ Offering Music Fans a Chance to Win the Ultimate Rock Star Experience

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 16 /PRNewswire/ — T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced today the details of the exclusive partnership with punk band, blink-182, by supporting the group’s first concert tour in five years. The nearly sold-out T-Mobile(R) Sidekick(TM) Presents blink-182 Summer 2009 Tour will go coast-to-coast bringing an energetic rock show to the masses and unique meet and greet experiences for dedicated fans with a national sweepstakes opportunity, T-Mobile Sidekick Live the Rock Life with blink-182.

As the title sponsor for blink-182’s reunion concert tour, kicking off on July 23 in Las Vegas and culminating October 3 at The Borgata in Atlantic City, T-Mobile will give Sidekick fans the chance to text to win seat upgrades, attend meet and greets with the band, as well as enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize – all without leaving their spot in the pit to check out the band.

“We love that T-Mobile recognizes that the fans are a huge part of the music for us,” said Mark Hoppus, bassist and singer for blink-182. “They are a great partner to help make the tour happen and we’re going to go out there every night and give our fans exactly what they came for, an amazing concert experience.”

Along the way through the tour, Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom Delonge will keep fans on their toes with Twitter scavenger hunts, a virtual guessing game for fans to win tickets to shows, band merchandise and T-Mobile Sidekick LX devices. The scavenger hunt and trivia Q&A will lead fans on searches through concert venues, local landmarks and T-Mobile retail stores via clues given by the band members on their personal Twitter accounts using their T-Mobile Sidekicks.

In addition to the headlining blink-182 set, the tour will also feature a full line-up of supporting acts on select dates including Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, The All-American Rejects, Taking Back Sunday, Chester French and Asher Roth.

For more information on blink-182’s concert tour or how to obtain tickets, please visit www.blink182.com/tour. For more information on the T-Mobile Sidekick family of devices, please visit www.sidekick.com. Follow us on Twitter at @ TMOBILE_USA, @markhoppus, @trvsbrkr, and @tomdelonge.

Sweepstakes – T-Mobile Sidekick Live the Rock Life with blink-182

For fans who have always wondered what is was like to be a rock star, the T-Mobile Sidekick Live the Rock Life with blink-182 national sweepstakes promotion will offer one lucky winner and their five friends the chance to experience it firsthand. The grand prize package features a VIP trip to Los Angeles for the entire group with first class airfare and luxury accommodations at a private estate and an exclusive meet and greet with the band. To truly live in luxury, the winner will also receive $20,000 spending cash, $1,820 shopping spree at Barker’s Los Angeles store (The Fast Life), a ride on the official blink-182 tour bus, and the exclusive opportunity to be onstage with blink-182 at the band’s Los Angeles concert.

“T-Mobile Sidekick users have a real affinity to music, and our partnership with blink-182 is giving them an exclusive music experience that only T-Mobile can provide,” said Mike Belcher, vice president of brand communications and experience marketing. “This sweepstakes is giving one lucky fan the opportunity to live out their rock star dreams – and best of all, they’ll be able to share their one-of-a-kind experience with five of their friends.”

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the winner and their guests will have the chance to attend a sound check with blink-182 and take home their own complete set of autographed band gear including Barker’s drum kit, DeLonge’s guitar and Hoppus’ bass. The winner and their faves will be able to capture and share photos, videos and messages about all of the weekend’s events on their new 3G T-Mobile Sidekick LX devices.

From July 24 until September 27, fans can enter the sweepstakes by texting ROCKLIFE to 95495 or by visiting www.sidekick.com. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. For official rules, eligibility details, and additional information, please visit www.sidekick.com.

The Future of Danger and the Sidekick?

July 10th, 2009

Sidekick LX in Pink

When Microsoft bought Danger, the speculation of the future of the company and the Sidekick began. It seems like over the last couple of months we’ve started to see some of the direction things may go in. We do know that a lot of the old Sidekick crew has left Microsoft, but we also know that Microsoft was hiring to replace those positions, but nobody really knew for what purpose. Would there be a new Sidekick? A completely different device? Would the technology get rolled into something else? Well, we’ve got some more clues.

According to ZDNet, Microsoft has selected an ad agency for their codenamed project known as “Pink“. From the ZDNet article:

Pink — last I heard — is the codename for a Microsoft-branded phone and set of accompanying premium consumer services being developed largely by the Danger team that Microsoft acquired last year. Pink will build on top of the core Windows Mobile 7 platform, my sources have said, but will look different from other third-party Windows Mobile 7 phones.

They also say:

Microsoft has been keeping close to the vest details about Pink. I’ve heard from my tipsters that there will be one Pink phone manufacturer. Some are saying it’s Motorola or possibly Sharp, both of which have manufactured Danger-based phones. Pink’s “user experience”/user interface, which is codenamed “Purple,” is meant to appeal to an audience not so different from the traditional Sidekick audience.

We can’t imagine how the Windows Mobile will appeal to the “traditional Sidekick audience” but we’re hoping Microsoft does pull it off. What do you think? Would you use a Windows Mobile device if it was similar enough to the Sidekick we know and love?

Sidekick LX Tattoo

June 9th, 2009

Sidekick Tattoo

Some of us really love the Sidekick. We wear Danger shirts, put stickers wherever we can, show off features to friends, and are probably considered “fan boys/girls” to most people. But some people really, really love the Sidekick. So much so that they want it to be a permanent part of them. First there was the Sidekick II tattoo, then Volcom got his Danger symbols tattoo, and now we bring you Wanda, who is the proud owner of a charm bracelet tattoo that includes a Sidekick LX.

Mike, one of the Hiptop3.com writers, had a chance to ask her a few questions:
What made you decide to get a sidekick tattoo?
I wanted a charm bracelet tattoo and all the charms had to represent me in some way. Everyone who knows me, thinks I’m obsessed with my phone, and maybe I am a little. I fell in love with the sidekick back when they came out with the sk color, but I couldn’t afford one just yet. No matter what phones come out, none of them compare (in my eyes) to the sidekick. So, it was a given that IT had to be one of the charms. Even if they never make another sidekick, it’ll always be with me. Plus, my bracelet would look kind of silly with only four.

Who designed the artwork?
The tattoo artist. I told her what kind of phone it was and she did the rest. She actually drew the whole bracelet for me.

When did you get your first Sidekick?
2005 (the sidekick 2)

How many sidekicks have you owned?
Four, the sidekick 2, sidekick 3, sidekick lx and sidekick lx 09

Tell me more about the Sidekick User Group (Geezers) you are in:
I started out as just a member, then I became the owner. Its a group for us “older” folks who just happen to have sidekicks. Although some of our members have crossed to the dark side and gotten other devices. We’re a mature crowd and talk about pretty much anything, without the vulgar language that sometimes comes with online groups. Anyone with a mobile device can join, as long as you’re 25 or older and willing to behave :-).

If someone over 25 wants to join SidekickGeezers, how do they sign up??
Go to this link https://groups.google.com/group/SidekickGeezers?hl=en and request membership. They have to first sign up with their mobile address.

Nice tattoo Wanda and thanks for taking the time to answer some questions! If you want to see the rest of the chram bracelet, check out the gallery:

Want to see other Geek Tattoos?

How To Create Sidekick Ringtones

June 8th, 2009

UPDATE: If you’re looking to just download Sidekick ringtones for the Sidekick LX 2009, you can get them over at Skringers.com!


Wondering how to create your own ringtones for your Sidekick from songs or audio clips you already have? crazyforkicks (you might remember him from his double unboxing of the Sidekick LX 2009) has a full walkthrough for you in his second volume of “kicktips”. Check it out above. If you’ve got any tips to add, drop them in the comments!

Did you miss his first episode? It’s not as informational, but it’s still an entertaining approach to making it easier to kick your screen:



Sidekick Survey About What’s Important

June 8th, 2009

T-Mobile has hired a third party research firm to question current Sidekick users about what they feel a “Sidekick” really is. The questionnaire asks what defines a Sidekick, what features could or could not be included, and what features/capabilities would be the most satisfying on a device. The features/capabilities in question seem to be:

– 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:

InvisibleSHIELD for the Sidekick LX 2009 Released

May 28th, 2009

Sidekick LX 2009 Screen Protector

If you’re like me, you’ve been taking extra special care of your brand new Sidekick while waiting for the InvisibleSHIELD to come out so you can protect it.  Well wait no more, the InvisibleSHIELD for the Sidekick LX 2009 is out!

For those that aren’t in the know, InvisibleSHIELD makes the best screen and full phone coverage protectors on the market.  They’re super thin, clear, and easy to apply.  They say they’re made out of military grade plastic and I’ll vouch that none of my devices have ever gotten a scratch on them when I had an InvisibleSHIELD on them.

Go grab yours now over at Sidekick Shopper and get a 15% discount for HIptop3.com readers:

Sidekick LX 2009 Screen Protectors @ SidekickShopper.com

If you need any proof to it’s effectiveness, check out this iPhone abuse video: