Telstra

It looks like Microsoft has thrown all of us for a loop now that Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer has announced the current generation of Windows Mobile, 6.1, will be replaced by Windows Mobile 6.5 and not 7 as we previously reported.  Over the past few days some rumors began stirring regarding WM 6.5, but now the man behind Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, went on record to say that a new OS will come in 2009, followed by Windows Mobile 7 (2010?).

The news hit during the Telstra Investor Briefing 2008 in Australia where Microsoft’s CEO said, “With releases we’ll make this year - releases we’ll make with 6.5 next year, Windows Mobile 7 - I think we have a pretty interesting roadmap”.  The unfortunate twist to this news is that Baller did not mention what changes will separate Windows Mobile 6.5 from the current version, 6.1.  If you are interested in watching the full Telstra Investor Briefing 2008, you can view the webcast here.

Via PhoneScoop

Today Telstra confirmed our earlier reports that the Treo Pro would be launching on the carrier’s website with a mid-September release date.  The other big news is that the Treo Pro will be the first device from Telstra on the Next G  network to be accredited with Telstra’s Blue Tick of approval showing that it is recommended for handheld use in metro, rural and regional areas.  While the Apple iPhone 3G currently suffers from widespread reception problems it seems that Palm’s new Treo Pro delivers the best in reception and 3G data.

The Treo Pro combines the benefits of wider coverage on the Next G™ network with the added functionality of a smartphone. Customers will be able to stay connected to their work and personal lives with access to email, calendar, contacts and the web in more places across Australia.

With a thin design, 2MP camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and a flush screen, the Treo Pro should do well on Telstra’s network where it will be available for as little as $0 on the Telstra Business phone plan for 24 months ($929 retail, ouch).  What we found most interesting about the news is that reception and Windows Mobile devices have always seemed to fall second place to any BlackBerry device we have used, but it looks like HTC has come through in the clutch for Palm this time around.

Telstra Press Release

Doubt over the launch of the BlackBerry Bold in Australia on the Telstra network has ended.  Today, Telstra announced that the BlackBerry Bold will be offered for Australian customers starting in late September.  Telstra Business Group Managing Director, Ms Deena Shiff said BlackBerry devices were an increasingly popular and important device business customers, and customers could now pre-register the new BlackBerry Bold smartphone.

Telstra will be offering the new BlackBerry Bold smartphone for $0 upfront to business customers from late September and customers can register their interest from today via our website or by calling 1800BUSINESS.” Ms Shiff said.

With the growing success of the BlackBerry in Australia it comes as little surprise that Australia will be joining the ranks of Rogers Canada, Vodafone UK, T-mobile Germany, At&t and O2 UK as a ‘Bold’ carrier.  The release dates have been shifting constantly so we will give you a recap of what we currently have gathered through various sources, but as usual take this with a grain of salt.

• July 29 - Rogers business customers
• August 1 - Vodafone UK
• August 4 - T-Mobile Germany
• August 8 - Rogers for general availability
• September 1 or later - AT&T
• In September - O2 (UK)

Update from APC: 

Optus is first off the mark, with the Bold available from August 20 on their standard $79 plan (which includes unlimited BlackBerry data and $300 worth of calls and text) for an additional $10 per month on a 24 month contract - in other words, $89/month.

Telstra says it will have the Bold for “$0 upfront to business customers from late September”. However, don’t get too excited — Telstra also pre-announced that it would offer the iPhone on plans as low as $30 a month, but forgot to mention “just as long as you never want to actually use the device.” Given a large number of existing BlackBerry customers would be with Telstra, hopefully it will offer pricing that isn’t in the same fairy-land league as its iPhone pricing.

When we think of prepaid cell phones we rarely imagine purchasing a smartphone and having our way with the network of our choice, but Australian carrier Telstra is redefining the auroa of prepaid.  Telstra will be offering the Palm Centro with a no obligation fee of $299 AUD ($286 USD) to deliver a solid option for those looking to hop on the carriers prepaid plans without the commitment or credit check commonly assigned to cell phone use.  What is rather interesting is that Telstra has taken a page from At&t’s books by releasing the Palm Centro on prepaid in White, but thankfully they have killed off the green set of buttons (number keys) that we despised on At&t’s release.  Instead of green number keys you will find the much more subtle gray buttons, but other than that we are looking at an identical device to the Palm Centro we have grown to love stateside.  If you are need of a decent prepaid cell phone and going to be traveling through Australia, the Palm Centro is worth a look and at $286USD it’s a bargain.

[Source: Palm Infocenter]