(Click For Full Resolution, (c) ‘NeoRicen Over At MacTalk.com.au)

OPTUS is offering iPhone users unlimited data - but only for the first month.

Optus released its iPhone plans yesterday and, unlike Telstra, has also unveiled the all important data allowance. For an 8GB iPhone, the post-paid capped plans start at $19 per month for $50 worth of calls and 100MB of data, going up to $149/$179 for $1200/$1500 worth of calls and 1GB of data. The phone is $0 upfront for the $79 plan and above. Customers who sign up before the end of August get a month’s worth of unlimited data. Those prices are for 24 month contracts, but 12 month contracts are also available.

The pre-paid plans offer the 8GB phone for $729 and the 16GB phone for $849, and Optus throws in $400 worth of call credits and 1GB of data for the first month. Recharges then range from $40 with 50MB of data to $100 with 1GB of data (or a $30 top-up with no data). Actually, Optus tells me it’s unlimited data for pre-paid users until August 31.

As no other carriers have released there full plans yet besides Telstra who have only released halve of the details this seems quite reasonable. But not everyone is happy with people on various forums calling the prices ‘ludicrous’ and ‘absolute rubbish’. 

Over at Techno-Boy.com we are still deciding between the $81 for the 16 gigabyte model or the $66 cap for the 16 gigabyte. Hopefully the other official Australian carriers Vodafone and Telstra release full plans soon or do they have a strategic reason behind the plans not being released yet? All will be revealed July 11th! 

Optus iPhone Pre-Paid Pricing

Optus iPhone Post-Paid Pricing

After months of speculation today Australia’s leading telco ‘Telstra’ has announced it will be releasing the iPhone 3G alongside Optus & Vodafone who’s pricing details are yet to be confirmed, Telstra have now even setup a preorder page which can be found at telstra.com.au/iPhone alongside this shock announcement the pricing details have been release as opossed to the first two original carriers who are yet to shed the light on any prices.

‘Telstra’s also announced some details on its pricing plans. According to Telstra prices start at $279 for the 8gig model and on a $30 plan, while the 16GB will be sold for $399. On the $80 plan there will be no cost on 8GB iPone, while on $100 plans either the 8GB or the 16GB will be at no cost. The contract length on plans will be 24 months.

The press release makes no mention of data pricing but does reveal that free WiFi access will be available to Telstra iPhone customers at Telstra hotspots.’

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With the newly released iPhone SDK 8 Beta, Apple also released the new version of iTunes (7.7) that is avalible for download by paid iPhone developer account holders. Apart for ‘MobileMe’ support and a new “Applications” tab that can be found in the iPod/iPhone sync screen, In the readme file included with new software earlier speculation of a remote control feature for iPhone 3G/iPod touch that allows iTunes to be controlled via the application was confirmed after this was found in the readme.

“Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home—a free download from the App Store.”

at this stage there is no other information regarding this new application that should be in the AppStore on launch.

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Unfortunately us Sidekick Slide/Aussies are yet to here any information on whether the device will be getting the new features like video, bluetooth sending/receiving, video recording and a few OS changes that have been bundled in a OTA package for Sidekick LX  users that’s being rolled up nationally now! These features defiantly should be included with the factory model for a phone which its standards hopefully we will get some confirmation soon on whether or not to expect one. (For all the features that were included in the Sidekick LX OTA update click more below!

Email we got from Danger

“We are always working to improve the applications and services for our customers, and this effort requires careful research, development, and testing time. When the next software release has met all release criteria, you will receive the update “over-the-air”. (With over-the-air updates, a notification appears on your device that asks if you would like to activate the update now, or later. Choosing Activate Now will reboot the device to complete the update installation.)

At this time,  we do not have any information for Telstra users in regards to any updates. When more information is known I’ll be sure to contact you.

(Clint Labson from Danger)”

+ The rumored Sidekick Gekko/Aspen that is  being speculated for release soon, could it possibly be released by Telstra in the near future?

Complete List Of Updates In The Sidekick LX OTA

Jump Menu & Settings Features
-Backgrounds menu renamed to “Themes”
-Quick Find item searches across device apps
-Empty Trash across device apps
-Spell Check
-Alarm Clock

Web Browser Features
-View Web pages in two layouts: fit-to-screen and full-page-width
-View and save images on Web pages
-Copy selected text on Web pages (method change)

Instant Messaging Features
AOL Instant Messenger
-Group chats
-Find a buddy
-Set a status message and still chat (We think this means an Available message.)
Yahoo! Messenger
-Find a friend
Windows Live Messenger
-Find a contact

Email
-See if message recipient is online
-Send/receive video attachment

Phone Messaging Features
Multimedia Messaging
-Number of slides increased to five
-Send/receive videos
-Audio recording time increased to 60 seconds
Text Messaging
-Auto-discard messages when mailbox is full
-Multi-select messages

Address Book
-Assign 50 “favorite” contacts that appear in their own tab
-Activity Log for each favorite contact
-Online Now tab shows all contacts who are online
-In Browse Contacts screen, Send key places call to highlighted contact
-Send vCard via MMS (in addition to Email, SMS, and Bluetooth)
-Select multiple contacts in Browse Contacts screen.

Bluetooth
-Transfer photos, videos, music files
-Listen to music/videos with hands-free stereo devices
Printing is subsequently missing from this list, but IS in the 4.6 Manual for the LX.

To Do
-New task priority icons

Camera
-Record and send video
-Selection method change
-Crop a photo
-Manually control slide show
-Space remaining shown in title bar
-Send photos/videos via Bluetooth

Media Player
-Play videos

Catalog
-Installing an application or game does not require a device restart
-More space for ringtones (Ringtones are now allocated 2560K rather than 10 slots. Since ringtones are around 100K each, you have room to store approximately 25 ringtones.)
-Assign a default theme/background or ringtone at purchase time

And last but not the least the Sidekick/Hiptop Slide or Sidekick LX not what you want? then never fear the Sidekick Gekko is here! (well not here yet!)  We found these posts over at one of the most viewed websites whirlpool.net.au forum in regards to the new device that is rumored for release in the very near future.

And finally the posts found on whirlpool a short time ago!

Hiptop LX - Mobile Phones - Whirlpool Broadband Forums

“That is undeniably a picture of a Sidekick LX with Telstra branding.

Unfortunately to answer your question. No we are not.

We are however getting a newer, Better version! So stay tuned!”

“In Approx 1 month, we have been told the new model will be ready for Telstra testing… (They need to make it have to BS “Telstra” links, like My Place, Bigpond etc…)”

“Didn’t ask for a code name. It seems to be very hush.

A Hiptop LX does exist, just not officially, and there are no plans to reproduce such a device.

Will we see the new device before the USA? More then likely, depends on software

As for GSM, no date has been set, 2010 is a bit optimistic, maybe 2012-2015… To many GSM users exists”

“A few 3.2’s come to mind.

Testing varies on handsets, I would say the new device will be out before Christmas assuming all is good to go”

“Think Camera and Display

Device is meant to be a bit slimmer/Lighter then the LX but with a ~1500mAh battery

EDIT: As with most things, spec can change, and blah blah blah… so take all I have said as a grain of salt until the device is offical :)”

“Could very well do, I’ve been told its slimmer then previous version :)”

“No Idea I’m afraid, as stated, the device isn’t even in testing yet (From what I’ve heard)

But keep saving, I can imagine it being at a similar if not slightly more expensive price point as the current slide.”

“When something’s official I’ll let you guys know :)”

INTRO

We have received our free Hiptop Slide from Telstra this week for review (and we get to keep it YAY!) . The all new Telstra Hiptop Slide the latest from the hiptop line apart from the ‘Sidekick LX’ which has been officially confirmed that it will not be coming to Australia unfortunately as it seems like the ultimate upgrade from the HipTop3 with the larger screen and the latest features upgrade from the OTA that’s now getting officially rolled out through the US. The Hiptop Slide is probably the most drastic upgrade for the Hiptop line as it features the all new slider screen contrary to the swivel screen seen on previous devices. Its also the first device manufactured by Motorola as all the past devices and the Sidekick LX were manufactured by Sharp Inc despite the manufacturer all the devices still share the same OS – Danger 4.0 which may change in the near future as the rights for danger have been purchased by Microsoft.

DESIGN

In terms of design the device looks like a slimmer version of all the other devices and noticeably smaller than the previous Hiptops/Sidekicks. The device is offered in two colors either Californian Dream (As shown in photos) or a special limited edition Scarlett Red. The Californian Dream is very bright and a cross between a glossy purple/blue used for the keys, buttons and sides the rest of the device is a glossy black that becomes fingerprint infested very quickly similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch.

KEYBOARD: Because of the design style heading for a more thinner, smaller and sleeker look the keyboard and screen dimensions were sacrificed.  My previous Hiptop (Hiptop3) had a fantastic well spaced rubber QWERTY keyboard that was very efficient and great to use allowing me to type at a fast speed with no worries but after receiving the Slide the keyboard has been a major put off for me as a decent keyboard is essential to a phone like a Hiptop were SMS/MSN/BROWSER services are they key features. The keyboard now has round circular keys with a plastic coating that are defiantly noticeably smaller.

Overall Rating: 4 - 1/2

SCREEN: Probably one of the biggest upgrades for this device as it flaunts a much more vibrant and 65,000 colour display so that now you feel like your using a modern day device rather then your typical old school pixel gaming device. The screen itself measures 4.6 inches wide and 2.6 inches high with a 320×240 resolution. After using the slide then turning on the old hiptop3 you can’t stand looking at it its like comparing your old TV to your new HDTV you wouldn’t want to go back!. Possibly the biggest advantage over previous hiptops the screen is just brilliant! but as to why don’t danger use it too its full potential and add video/online streaming is beyond me.

Overall Rating: Size: 8/10, Screen itself: 10/10

OS: The slide uses the latest danger software 4.0 which is not overly any different from 3.4 etc except for a few new icons for some applications, new system hinge sounds along with all new sound effects for jump, menu, x and go buttons. Another small update i have noticed with the 4.0 is your regular MSN logo behind your contacts when you sign in on MSN and also a new feature has been added on ‘Quick Jump’ which allows you to view recently opened applications/messages which I personally dont see the point in. The default game on 3.4 ‘Rockets’ has now been replaced for a newer game called ‘Bobs Journey - Centre Of The Earth’ which quite a fun addictive game feautring a set of mazes and a little cartoon ball. Apart from the updates listed above the OS hasn’t changed from its older version it still uses the very simple and effective trackball controlled menu where the icons enlarge as you hover them (similar to the dock effect on OSX except its curved).  The Danger OS is something that particurly makes the Hiptop enjoyable as its very simple yet still very conveniant.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Features:

Apart from the design on the slide being reconstructed along with the new screen quality the features have carried on from the previous predececessor the Hiptop3 which includes some downgrades like a smaller screen, no flash on the camera and still shares the same 1.3 resolution but with upgraded lens. It still has its typical built in messaging applications MSN & Yahoo now with the feature to create new user which can be only accessed from Yahoo unfourtantly as MSN seems like a more popular service. Still no support for AIM. The device still sticks to the basic with GPRS/EDGE but with many mobile phones today supporting 3G (such as upcoming iPhone 3G) i think adding 3G to future models would be very effecient. The device still has its sonicboom application which is a basic MP3 player supporting AAC & MP3 format but to take advantage of this feature you need to purchase a micro SD storage card which also is used for the photo application which you have the option of taking photos in (1,280×1,024, 640×480 or 320×240) and two exposure settings (normal daylight or night/lowlight). The camera works fairly well in a well lit area but if your in a more darker settings its pretty much useless so maybe if you want a phone with a good camera the slide wont be for you.

(click for full 1280×1024 resolution)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Overall Review: The Hiptop Slide is hot, trendy and very stylish that would be considered a tween blackberry the device comes on a great $30 P/M - 24 Month unlimited data plan add on for just $30 you get unlimited SMS, MMS, MSN, Browser and also the 24/7 option that lets you call any designated number (telstra mobile or any landline) for the first 3 minutes of the call free! Another great add-on is the MySpace Mobile application that can be obtained via the Bigpond Catalouge on the device for $5 AUD per month you can access a mobile application version of one of the biggest communities on your device allowing you to check mail, read, view profiles, upload, message and all the other MySpace features you know and love. The slide is a great device but we found that it seems like only a slight upgrade from the old Hiptop3 with only a better screen and slide mechanism. With the 1.3 camera and no flash? whats with that motorola it still has no video playback/recording, still cannot send anything via its intergrated bluetooth, the keys are horrible, the screen is smaller but the device is still very addiciting with its great I.M, email and even its browser BUT we couldn’t help but love it but I think its safe to say that the LX should of been the device to release instead of the slide with video playback/recording, bigger screen, useable bluetooth and nicer design etc it would of been great but in saying that the slide is also a great device to use and very easy to operate and with the cheap data plan its sure to sell like hotcakes the phone on every teens wish list!

RRP: $679 with a $30 unlimited data plan OR $28 MRO (Monthly Repayment Option) + $30 unlimited data plan.

DEVICE RATING: 6/10

www.telstra.com.au/hiptop for complete information. Review brought to you by techno-boy.com your daily source for everything technological.

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Welcome to Techno Boy! Your daily source for anything technological! Here you can find reviews, photos, rumours, tutorials and sumbit a question! Enjoy your stay and be sure to bookmark! If you wish to enquire about anything general inquries, adverstising etc please contact me at luke@techno-boy.com.

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