AT&T loves the iPhone

After releasing their 4Q results, it’s apparent that everything in AT&T land isn’t as peachy as they let on.  Recently they spent a considerable chunck of change, ($453 million) to upgrade their craptacular 3G network…uh guys, why did you stop, keep going because it could sure still use some work.  It’s also no surprise that AT&T’s saving grace was the iPhone 3G.  Without it, AT&T’s numbers would have most certainly been much lower.  Big Blue ended up activating 4.3 million iPhone 3G’s since it’s July release, 1.9 million in the fourth quarter alone!  Nothing to shabby guys.  Around 40% of new users were switchers from the other carriers who came to get a piece of the iPhone 3G pie.   Another interesting note is that the subscribers AT&T did lose were usally peeved about the crappy network and service, not because they had issues with the iPhone.  All in all, even though the 4Q was a wash out for practically every company, the iPhone and AT&T are still in a fairly good position.

3G toting Sidekick LX 2009 leaked?

The Sidekick line refuses to die.  With every year that goes by one thinks how can the bricks still sell?  Well apparently they do as they keep making them.  The latest Sidekick in question is the Sidekick LX 2009.  However, a quick look over the specs reveal that this is unlike all other sidekicks.  This beast if you will, brings to the table some higher end features that are sure to please.  The features…you didn’t think I was going to post it on the front now did you?

In flight texting coming to British Airways

One of the oldes “myths” is that cellphone signals will turn your plane into a charred mangled piece of aluminum.  Sadly, most of the general population believes this.  Thankfully, other countries have come to their senses and started loosening the bans on cellphone use in air.  British Airways is joining the growing group of airlines that are approving certain types of cellphone use.  If you are planning on flying from London City Airport to New York Cities JFK Airport you’re in luck.  On the twice daily flights between those two destinations occupants will be able to text while in route, voice is still prohibited.  (Good, the last thing I want to listen to is some person sqwaking in my ear for 12 hours).  Pricing for this modern service hasn’t been released yet but shouldn’t (hopefully) be too much extra.

Source: Crave

Opera Mini for Android comes into the limelight

So your Chrome browser on your G1 just isn’t working for you.  Or,  you just like choices.  Good news folks.  Opera Mini 4.2 available today in the Android Market updates the older beta version by allowing you to now upload/download and save files on your G1!  Double-tap zoom in/out ala iPhone is also supported in this release.  Unfortunately video still isn’t supported but cut them some slack, they’ve been working really hard.  Rounding out the updated browser are several bug fixes and performance improvements as well as the ability to enter URL’s directly into the address bar without having to use the phones native text input method.  Head on over to the Android Market place, grab a copy, then come back here and tell us how it is.

Source: The Download Blog

House backhands the Senate: Shoots down DTV transition bill!

In what seemed like an almost certain coast through both the senate and the house, the bill that proposed delaying the DTV rollout from February 17th to June 12th failed to pass in the House!  How close was it?  Try 258 for an 168 against.  Thankfully the House has some common sense.  Supporters of the bill complain that the money set aside for the government funded vouchers for the digital boxes has run dry (which it has), but fails to address the issue that the date has been broadcasted for years!  Plus, people need to take some personal responsibility…really.  If you aren’t ready by now, you might never be, but don’t hold back the rest of the country because you’re too technologically illiterate or too cheap to spend a few bucks of your own.  Today is a good day folks!

Source: Engadget, Crunchgear *pic*

Worst laptop deal of all time. Brought to you by: Circuit City

The death of Circuit City has saddened some while making others giddy like little school girls.  Why?  When any store goes out of business usually a fire sale marks the last few days to week of the stores existence.  In the case of Circuit City, many have been greatly disappointed as the “deals” have been rip offs.  Take for example this current “bargain” at Circuit City.  An HP DV4305US on sale for a mere $705.46…down from $829.96!  Talk about a deal.  It gets even more ridiculous when the specs are known.  Continue on…

Confirmed: iPhone firmware 2.2.1 breaks yellow sn0w!

If you have unlocked your precious iPhone 3G and been looking to upgrade to 2.2.1…DON’T!  Yellow Sn0w, the unlocking software that unshackles the iPhone 3G gets reshackled in Apple’s latest update.  However, jailbreakers can take a breather as jailbreaking is not harmed.  So if tricking out the theme or using PDA net is your thing, don’t worry, you’re still in business.  Unlockers will want to hold off until the Dev Team has a chance to release an update to yellow sn0w before upgrading.  You’ve been warned!

Source: iPhone Alley