Hey Guys, Guess What? WE MOVED!

My apologies for not coming back and saying something sooner but we've managed to move the site to a new location under Wordpress.com. We also changed the name of our site as well. We are no longer going under "Mobile Kombat" but we are now The Tech Messenger! Come check out the new look and everything and let us know what you like, don't like, and what you would like added. Here's a link for you guys to come on over and check us out:  http://thetechmessenger.com/

Please let us know what you think of the new look and everything. We are still making some more changes because of the move but if you have any tips or advice please be sure to drop us a thought or two in our mailbox in our contact page. Thanks for the support guys, and when we finish the updates to the site we will be shutting this one down. Please also check out our fan page @ facebook.com/The-Tech-Messenger and become a fan. We update the site on a weekly basis so come check that out as well. Thanks for all the support and stay tuned as we make more updates and changes.

Overview: The HTC Inspire 4G

I can honestly say that I can never get tired of hearing about more Android phones popping up all over the place. HTC especially has been cranking out phone after phone with no stopping in sight. Their latest is the HTC Inspire 4G. This is another smartphone packing a lot of heat in the specs department and I must say that HTC is impressing me very much as of late.

 Its running Android 2.2 and has a 1ghz Snapdragon Processor meaning that you definitely won't have an issue with speed. Its been released on the AT&T network and its been priced at $99.99 with a two year contract. It's also coming equipped with a 8 mega pixel camera with LED flash and a 720p camcorder for HD recording. Here's a few pictures and a full spec release from HTC after the break.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Coming Soon

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play aka the Playstation phone is coming! This could very well be a big deal in the smartphone world. The Xperia Play is a true gaming phone and the specs on this phone are pretty impressive. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play has the following specs:

Microsoft and Nokia Elop(e)!

We now pronounce you, Phone and OS. On February 11th, CEO's Stephen Elop and Stephen Ballmer announced that both Nokia and Microsoft have entered into a cellular partnership. Nokia will begin to use WindowsPhone 7 as the primary OS for their smartphones, in place of Symbian. Gradually, through 2011 and 2012, Symbian phones will be completely phased out. Nokia's development of Meego will become an "open source project" with an emphasis on exploring future market opportunities.

Motorola XOOM priced at $1,199.99?

Seems a bit much for a tablet expecting to go toe to toe with the iPad, but Best Buy has posted that the price tag is accurate for the new Honeycomb powered tablet. Android 3.0 is the premier OS that will be featured on the tablet and its hoped that the Android tablet will be in direct competition with the Apple's iPad.

AT&T offering 1,000 Rollover minutes to loyal iPhone customers

Competition is a great thing. The Internet is atwitter with reports that AT&T is, without provocation, offering its loyal iPhone customers an additional 1,000 Rollover minutes via text message. What makes you worthy of this offering? We’re not quite sure. What we do know is that texting the word “yes” to 11113020 will help expedite the process… if you know what we mean. Give it a try and cash in, you deserve it.

Source: Engadget.com

- DezHuez

Good News: HTC Thunderbolt Gains Root Access

If your looking for another reason to use your upgrade from Verizon or use all the lunch money you saved to prepare for the release of the HTC Thunderbolt, then here's another definitely good reason to get it. The good folks at XDAforums have managed to do something that most of us Android users have been hoping for since we got wind of all the new phones coming out this year. They have rooted the phone!

iPhone 4...Mini??

Apple is said to be working on a new smaller, less expensive version of the iPhone, according to a new report from Bloomberg today. This new model would be in the $200 range and be about a third smaller than the current iPhone 4. With a lower price point, cellular providers could then give customers the choice of either paying for the phone at full price without a contract or give the phone away for free with a two-year contract.

Currently, Apple has 16 percent of the global mobile market share, while rival Google’s market share has more than tripled to 32.9 percent in the fourth quarter. With a new low-cost iPhone, Apple hopes to increase its overall market share worldwide and surpass Google in the process.

Verizon iPhone Unleashed...and No One Showed Up To Get One?

Verizon finally got what they had been striving for, jumping through hoops and over hurdles with the giants at Apple to gain the fantastic device known as the iPhone...and no one came out to get one. A lot of reports have been circulating that the retail stores that have the iPhone device in stock, didn't have the swarm of crazed iPhone fans and AT&T jumpers that they thought they were going to have. If you think about it though, there are some really good reasons that people would not rush out of their houses to gang up on stores to get the device.

Overview: The Blackberry 4G Playbook

In the world today, tablets are starting to take over in the realm of new technology....and its definitely not a bad thing. These powerful devices are making headlines left and right and the newest one to enter the ring is none other than the Blackberry Playbook. The device is definitely looking to make an impact in the tablet arena and I think it just might be able to do that with the specs that this thing is pushing out. Check out the specs on this machine:

Verizon's First Call Over LTE Successful!

Hooray! Good news indeed to all Verizon/Android users. Now we have another reason to laugh at iPhone users still trapped on AT&T. 02/08/2011 is that date that marks the first successful call made over the Verizon 4G LTE network. The place, Basking Ridge, NJ, is the location. Two Verizon employees in the area placed the call and it was successful!

VZW Says No Take Backs, Delays Thunderbolt

The HTC Thunderbolt has been the hot topic for the past few days, especially with its imminent release date being chucked around like nobody's business as of late. Many rumors have surrounded why the device has yet to have a steady release date most recently being that the 4G Mobile Hotspot feature wasn't ready and that Skype's video chat wasn't ready on launch day. Now while these don't seem like big deals because they could be added with OTA updates, a new one has hit the ground, but I think this one is a little more believable.

Possible Antenna Problems On Verizon iPhone 4's...dum, dum, dummm!!

You'd think that after protracted debacle of the AT&T iPhone 4's attenuation problems, Apple would have made absolutely certain to fix the issue completely before the Verizon version hit. But iLounge may be proving otherwise. Antennagate 2.0?

To be fair, this hasn't been a widely reported issue either in reviews or by word of mouth. So let's take this video—convincing demonstration though it is—with a grain of salt. Like you needed another reason to wait for iPhone 5 anyway. Follow the link after the story.

Source: iLounge.com


- DezHuez

Big Red Sold Either 100K or 500K iPhones On "Soft" Presale Day

The game of guesstimating sales. Or what we should refer to as analysts offering an educated guess in terms of how many units a company has sold when that particular company is vague in terms of numbers. Of course, by that we are referring to Verizon and their “most successful first day sales” announcement for the iPhone 4.

VZW 4G Pricing: $29.99 For Unlimited Plan

Finally some news on the data plans! Droid-life broke this wide open with a reliable source on their end coming in with some good news on the subject. The good news is that the plan could come in at $29.99 which is great news for Verizon customers. Remember also that the current data plan for 3G is also $29.99, so there may be no real change. They also mentioned that this could change when the 4G network finally gets to be fully nationwide. Any changes could happen once everything is up and running with the new phones hitting the market and going 4G.

Drop Your Droids....For iPhones?

Now for all you guys out there on Verizon, don't get upset. If you were smart then you already knew that this was going to happen. Why? Well for starters, the iPhone is a brand that will sell in the market at a fast pace. Remember, the main draw to the iPhone on Verizon is the network. A reliable network with one of the powerhouse phones that have had lots of success despite being plagued with network problems on AT&T. With the release of the iPhone on Verizon, it was only natural that everyone would hop on the iPhone bandwagon and try to get an iPhone despite some having to pay way out of pocket to get one.

Verizon iPhone Broke All To Pieces

"You didn’t think the jailbreak community would leave the Verizon iPhone be did you? BlogsDNA and lots of others have posted the Verizon iPhone with Cydia running nicely over the last few hours." Thats what we got from the good folks at 9to5Mac. Looks like the iPhone community wasted no time cracking the Verizon iPhone, huh?

Source: 9to5Mac

- DezHuez

Naked Verizon iPhone...Rated XXX

Wait...the kids asleep??? Great...lets see what she has going on under the pretty glass:

Well what do we have here. A fresh iFixit tear-down of the Verizon iPhone has yielded a surprise: Apple included the Qualcomm MDM6600 chip; a chip that supports high-speed HSPA and CDMA frequencies.

AT&T's "Answer" To Verizon's iPhone Ad

No this isn't a new Allen Iverson shoe ad. AT&T released their first iPhone ad directly targeting the Verizon iPhone. It's appropriately titled "Answer" and shows a husband having forgotten to make dinner reservations for their anniversary. The man does a search for "fine dining" while on the phone with his wife. The commercial concludes with:
"Only AT&T's network lets your iPhone talk and surf at the same time."

A BlackBerry Minus the Qwerty Keyboard Equals the Curve Touch?

BlackBerry’s low end entry to the CDMA smartphone realm, the Curve Touch, while yet unofficial (this phone was leaked to CrackBerry.com under the codename “malibu”) is further evidence that RIM is taking a new approach to it’s hardware; an approach much more in line with companies like HTC, Motorola and Apple.

HTC Thunderbolt Launching with Hotspot Capabilities ? Rumored Release Date: February 24t

According to sources at AndroidGuys, the HTC Thunderbolt release date on 24th February 2011. There are also rumors about an earlier release, on Valentine’s Day but we will have to wait and see if that is true. It is speculated that the price will be around $249 with a contract, which is a bit on the higher side. However, I believe that it is quite reasonable for a phone which offers 4G speed along with hotspot capabilities.

Source : FreePCGuides

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Moto XOOM tablet Coming February 24th?

The Motorola Xoom has made the rounds to various events, but Moto has yet to reveal the price or release date. But a Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Buy might have just ruined the surprise party. According to a post on their Facebook page, the tablet will hit their store on the 2/24. Now this doesn’t specifically mean that the Xoom’s official release date is the same as Verizon stores could get it a bit earlier, but at least it’s coming this month. For how much, though? Don't know.

It was first shown at CES where it was the headliner for all things Android 3.0. Then just earlier this week, Google used a few Xoom tablets during the Honeycomb developer’s event. Yet Motorola kept to themselves, not stating when the tablet was coming or how much it would cost. Chances are the former of those two would be determined by suppliers and manufacturers while the pricing could still be a game-time decision since Motorola knew the Xoom wasn’t dropping immediately after its debut. They wanted to see what others were going to do.

MY THOUGHTS: it looks beautiful. I hope it performs the same.

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Sprint hires illusionist David Blaine for mysterious press event

.... Now why would they do that?
On Monday, promises the Overland Park-based wireless carrier, illusionist David Blaine “will show you that the impossible is possible” with an “industry first.”The company won’t say what Blaine intends to do at its press event. Sprint has been deliberately coy about what it expects Blaine’s show to promote. Actually, the invitation e-mailed three weeks ago to technology-obsessed journalists doesn't specify that Blaine will even attempt a stunt. But why else bill him above company CEO Dan Hesse?

Could it be an iPhone mated to Sprint’s 4G, or WiMax, high-speed wireless network? Maybe. What about a glasses-free 3-D cell phone? Or a tablet — much like the iPad — with a 3-D screen? This sounds great but in the end could just be a big hype.

Blaine’s Manhattan magic is scheduled the day before Verizon Wireless starts to sell its version of the iPhone. (The Apple gadget has previously been exclusive to AT&T customers.) It wouldn’t be the first iPhone, but it would be the first on a faster 4G network.

MY THOUGHTS: It could be Sprint's way of taking the shine from one party and say " Hey come to my party I am gonna have a magician and he's gonna do tricks and we are gonna have cake and ice cream." I hope they actually have something big to review time will tell.
SO WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FROM SPRINT?

SOURCE : Kansascity.com

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Google's Official Blogger App Released

Google has kept the little blogger in all of us in memory and have released an official Blogger app. It still even has that new app smell too.

I want to say that this app is a little bit on the vanilla side. Alot of the features that were in the Blogger-Droid version of Blogger are not there. Hopefully the developers will try and add those features like custom picture sizing but remember this app was just released. Maybe there will be more add-ons in the coming updates. The UI on this app looks very nice and has some pretty good features starting out.

Untethered iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak released as Greenpois0n R5 (Mac Only for now)

Follow link below for full instructions:

Link: Redmondpie.com-Jailbreak-How to Guide, iOS-4.2.1-Untethered-iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

- DezHuez

I Told You To Wake Up At 2:55!

As of shortly after 8:00PM EST on Thursday, Apple and Verizon Wireless have each stopped taking iPhone 4 pre-orders on their respective websites. Neither company has indicated specifically that pre-orders are sold out — only that pre-sale orders are no longer being accepted. Pre-orders became available for current Verizon Wireless subscribers at 3:00AM EST on Thursday, and Apple and Verizon Wireless had each previously indicated that inventory would be limited. No official details have been made available with regard to how many iPhone 4 units were sold today.

Source: BGR

- DezHuez

Say it Ain't So: Verizon To Slow Download Speeds on Massive Data Users

The guys from Androinica dropped a bomb today when they mentioned that Verizon may be slowing down there download speeds against some of the users that use an "extraordinary" amount of data. Once again, in preparation for the masses that will come from AT&T to Verizon for their chance to get the iPhone on Verizon's network, Verizon is trying to find other ways to get ready for the onslaught of data users that the iPhone will bring. Remember, the data monster that is the iPhone is one of the main reasons AT&T has been regarded as one of the worst network services out there.

They go on to mention that the "top 5%" of data users may be hit with this slow down in data but no one has said  just what the amount of data you have to use to be considered in this 5%. They also go on to say that there could be a way to avoid the data slow down. The document that was reported on stated that, "If you subscribe to a data plan or feature on Feb. 3rd, 2011 or after...." so you may have some time if you are trying to get into Verizon's network with no stipulations. 

Verizon also make thoughts on compressing data when being hit with heavy traffic from other data users. This might actually not be a bad idea when thinking in terms of data because a better compression of data could take away the major hurting iPhone's could put on the network if left unchecked. Anyone else thinking that the iPhone coming to Verizon is starting to be more of a head case then a blessing? All these changes are coming from the "Coming of the iPhone". First Verizon customers lost the "new every two" discount, then Verizon is planning to slow download data. What could be next? Are they going to take away your blankets off your bed while your sleeping too? Just seems like a lot to go through just for one phone that isn't even going to get the 4G goodness that the next level phones that should be arriving shortly will have....but that's just my thoughts. What do you think? Is Verizon changing too much?

Tweetdeck Gets a Upgrade, Now With Longer Tweets

Tweetdeck recently got a new update that now allows the users to make longer tweets. This is great considering that other apps have already had this feature (Tweetcaster, Plume to name a few). But its good to see that there is still work being done to make this a good app. The new upgrade puts Tweetdeck at version 1.0.7 and seems to be as smooth as ever. The feature named Deck.ly is what Tweetdeck uses to make the tweets you post through the app longer. When you go past your preset of 140 characters, the Deck.ly feature kicks in and creates a link so that the followers and other Twitter users that view your tweets can continue to read the rest of your tweet. The update also included some bug fixes for both Gingerbread and Honeycomb. Check out the link below if your looking to download this app and give it a try.

Link: TweetDeck App

-FlashSama

I Don't Know...You Might Want Wake Up At 2:55am (EST) If You Just Have To Have A Verizon iPhone

Verizon is once again reminding their employees and family members to put the customers first and refrain from buying a Verizon iPhone themselves, at least for the time being. An email memo sent out today to all employees says:

Focus on Customer Is Key to Verizon iPhone Launch

To help ensure we meet customer demand for iPhones, Verizon is urging employees and their families to postpone purchases of the popular smartphone, whether online or in retail stores, for the time being.

“Customers and non-customers alike have waited for years to see this product on America’s most reliable wireless network,” notes Verizon Wireless Chief Operating Officer John Stratton. “Demand will be unprecedented.

“Now it’s here. This is our chance to show those millions of people what it means to be a Verizon customer — providing them the best network, joined by the very best customer service and support, all adding up to a world-class customer experience.

“Part of that experience is ensuring we’re able to meet our customers’ needs in the midst of what will surely be unprecedented customer demand.

“I know customers aren’t the only ones who are excited – employees are, too. While I share your excitement, over the coming weeks we all need to do our part to meet our customers’ needs — this means putting our customers first.

“After all, that’s the way we do business. That’s the Verizon Credo in action.

“This is an historic moment in time to rally together and show our loyal customers and new ones what our culture is all about.”

Are you happy Verizon brass is putting your Verizon iPhone first, or are you just wondering how many Verizon employees or family members will sneak off to Apple Retail Stores on February 10 to snag a Verizon iPhone on the sly?

Sounds to me like Verizon & Apple are expecting their to be a shortage of the new iPhone. You might want to set that alarm a few hours early if you're a early adapter, such as myself.


- DezHuez

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Early Reviews In On Verizon iPhone

Photo from Macworld

On the evening before the launch of the Verizon iPhone, the embargo for early review units has been lifted. This early set of reviews provides a look at the early verdict on the Verizon iPhone. Reviews and some highlights are listed here.

Macworld
- "With a few minor variations, it looks, feels, and works just like the AT&T iPhone 4"
- iOS 4.2.6
- Good distance on mobile Hotspot
- "if you're using the Internet and your phone rings, your Internet connection immediately drops"

TechCrunch
- "This Verizon version of the iPhone 4 seems to have none of the same antenna issues [as the AT&T model]
- Much better with signal / lack of dropped calls than the AT&T model (in San Francisco)
- "the iPhone 4 can give you a solid 4 hours of hotspot/tethering time"

All Things D
- "the Verizon model did much, much better with voice calls"
- "AT&T's network averaged 46% faster at download speeds and 24% faster at upload speeds."

Engadget
- "Calls were consistently connected and uninterrupted, far more often than our AT&T calls in the same time period in similar locations."
- "data rates on the Verizon iPhone 4 we tested were dramatically slower than those on its AT&T counterpart."

Overall, there seem to be few surprises. Lack of simultaneous voice and data has been known and those in weak AT&T are having much better luck with Verizon, but data speeds are better on AT&T.

- DezHuez

Oops...You Didn't Forget, Did You?!

Apple has reminded the 94 million existing Verizon Wireless customers that they will have an exclusive opportunity to preorder the new iPhone 4 starting Thursday.

Apple issued a press release Wednesday noting that the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4 will be available on Feb. 3 through the Apple online store, as well as Verizon's store online at verizonwireless.com/iphone. Orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis "due to high demand," the company noted.

Apple's press release makes no mention of the initial time of availability on Thursday, though Verizon revealed that information over the weekend with a countdown clock on its site. The preorders will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern, midnight Pacific, making sales available to customers of all continental U.S. timezones on the advertised Feb. 3 start date.

On Wednesday, Feb., 9, all qualified customers will be able to order an iPhone 4 on Verizon through the Apple online store for delivery, or reserve for in-store pick-up beginning Feb. 10.

The Verizon iPhone will be available to all qualified customers at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 10. The new CDMA handset will also be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communication Stores across the U.S.

Verizon held a press conference in January to announce that it had secured a deal with Apple to sell the iPhone 4. Apple is building a new version of the handset with a CDMA radio inside, making the phone compatible with Verizon, the largest wireless provider in the U.S.

Apple has steadily prepared for the launch of the Verizon iPhone 4, with an iTunes update and iOS software download released for compatibility with the new device. For its part, Verizon has said that it is prepared for the iPhone 4 launch, and believes its network will be able to handle an influx of new smartphone owners.

- DezHuez

Dear AT&T Customers...Baby Please Don't Go

In a new advertising campaign, which I'm sure has nothing to do with pre-orders for a certain device
beginning tomorrow, AT&T is putting forth a last-ditch effort to attempt a mass exodus of iPhone users to Verizon.

The e-mail, sent to customers, bluntly states that only on AT&T could you "make a call" while you read this email." It is true, AT&T's GSM network does allow for simultaneous voice and data, where Verizon's CDMA technology does not, but AT&T is clearly worried that official end of iPhone exclusivity will see many customers flocking to Verizon for their iPhone 4.

Meanwhile, as Verizon prepares to allow current customers to order iPhones as early as 3:00 AM EST, the idea of a shakeup and a change of customers is certainly not out of the question. It makes sense for AT&T to highlight it's only major advantage over the CDMA iPhone 4, but as AT&T has struggled to offer consistent call quality after an influx of customers during the time of their iPhone exclusivity, many customers who have the option may opt for the promise of better phone service, and choose to give up this feature.

Electronista is quick to point out that an exodus might actually help improve service for AT&T. If enough people leave for Verizon, particularly in heavily congested areas, it ironically could improve call reliability for customers who stay on AT&T, wouldn't that be a strange turn of events…

Alas, time will tell whether a wave of customers move their iPhone allegiance from AT&T to Verizon, and whether it will be immediate or a slow process. Interestingly enough, the simultaneous voice/data will become a non-issue, as both companies launch and expand their 4G LTE service.

Source: Electronista.com

- DezHuez

THE DELL STREAK 7 TABLET

The Dell Streak 7 tablet offers dual-core processing, 4G network compatibility, Adobe Flash 10.1 support, front and rear cameras, and an inventive reimagining of Android 2.2.
But Dell's Stage interface doesn't make up for the stale operating system. Screen quality and responsiveness are not as good as they could be. The Dell Streak 7 polishes Android 2.2 to a tablet-worthy shine, and is the first to deliver 4G compatibility--but it's not enough to distract us from the incoming wave of Android 3.0 tablets.

The Streak 7 is the tablet we've been waiting for Dell to make. It's a device that's worthy of the company. It couples solid, refined hardware with a creative spin on Android 2.2. Granted, we've seen similar 7-inch Android tablets come and go, but this time around Dell is raising the stakes by making the first 4G-compatible tablet (courtesy of T-Mobile), priced at a tantalizing $199 with a two-year contract ($450 without).
SOURCE : WWW.CNET.COM

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New iOS 4.2.1 Jailbreak Soon...

The news today is that it appears GreenPois0n RC5 will be bringing untethered jailbreak to iOS 4.2.1 sooner rather than later. Twitter user @JHackstar tipped the net off to a Wiki showing that GreenPois0n RC5 is ‘coming VERY soon’ and will support all devices.



The reason for the new movement is that Apple has now closed the loophole hackers have been using up until iOS 4.3. Now there’s obviously no point in waiting for the new update to be released it’s been decided that GreenPois0n will go ahead as-is, with a new attempt at 4.3 to be made later. iPhone hacker Pod2g has also confirmed this on Twitter:

The good point is that because of this (and the fact that Apple fixed the kernel exploit in 4.3), we’re all working back on releasing gp.

That’s great news on 3 levels. First, I’m sure plenty of you have been waiting for an untethered jailbreak on 4.2.1 for a long time now. Second, the new GreenPois0n will work on ALL hardware. It’s great to hear that nobody will be left out in the cold this time around. Thirdly, it’s good to hear a release isn’t too far away.

More info coming as soon as we get it, so stay tunes folks!

You can follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook fanpage to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google and Apple.

- DezHuez

Rumor: Web Based Android Market? Yes Please!

Image Source

Apparently Google might be releasing a browser based Android Market tommorrow. Seeing how Google will have their Honeycomb press event on Wednesday this can turn into more than just a rumor.

Source Android and Me

Personally I think this would be a really nice addition to a already awesome OS. I know I use AppBrain like a crackhead and recently with the newest updates Google has been blogging functions like web-install. And if its true that Google Music might be bundled into this its all the more reason to be happy.

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You Don't Know BlackBerry Bold Touch

You think that this is just your ordinary, run of the mill BlackBerry. Just a variation on nothing special. That’s probably because you don’t know that this phone has a capacitive touchscreen to go with it’s qwerty keyboard. That it also has a 1.2GHz Qualcomm CPU processor. You didn’t know that this phone was packing 768MB of RAM with 8gigs of internal storage, and up to 32GBs in it’s MicroSD slot. You didn’t know about the NFC capabilities, the 5GHz mobile hotspot capability, the 2.4GHz b/g/n wi-fi, the 720p HD video recording with image stabilization. You didn’t know it will be RIM’s thinnest BlackBerry to date. And you certainly didn’t know that it will be released as a CDMA and GSM device to various carriers. You thought this phone was normal. You didn’t know it was epic. Well, if you don’t know, now you know.

Source: CrackBerry