solstice

Samsung Solstice II, a midrange touch-screen phone (full review)

There's no shortage of AT&T quick messaging phones, but relatively few of them boast touch screens. The compact (almost too compact) Samsung Solstice II has a 3-inch touch-screen display, just like its predecessor, the Samsung Solstice. While it does get some touch-ups, the Solstice II adds very little and even does away with a small feature.

Be sure to read all about it in our full hand's-on review of the Samsung Solstice II for AT&T.

Also check out other cell phones with sequels to see which rock, and which bomb.

The 404 606: Where Mondays are the longest days of the year (podcast)

Today is the first day of summer, also known as the Summer Solstice, which also happens to be the longest day of the year, but everyone in the New York podcast studio this morning agrees that it's just way too hot to be outside right now.

If you're suffering, too, we recommend getting out of the sun to check out "Splice," a new sci-fi horror movie featuring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley.

Directed by Vincenzo Natali of "Cube" fame, "Splice" tells the twisted story of two overzealous genetic scientists who set out … Read more

AT&T presses play on new music service

LAS VEGAS--AT&T launched a new service on Wednesday that enhances the music experience on its cell phones and brings the ability to stream radio and download music, among other things.

Developed by PacketVideo, the AT&T Music application combines an array of services into one app, including:

The ability to preview, purchase, and download songs or entire albums right from the phone

Access to 40 commercial-free radio stations based on genre

Music/artist identification services, either by searching by lyrics or holding your phone up to a radio or TV

Customization of unlimited personal radio stations… Read more

Samsung Omnia 2 coming August 23?

Since we posted a First Take of Samsung's Omnia 2 back in June, a lot of readers have been asking when Verizon would actually begin selling it. Well, according to the good folks over at the Boy Genius Report (who have a "trusted mole" at Best Buy Mobile), the much-anticipated iPhone pretender will be launching August 23, along with several other phones from different carriers.

Here's the complete list that leaked:

Omnia 2 (Verizon) Global AirCard G2 (Verizon) Samsung Rogue (Verizon) LG Chocolate Touch (Verizon) Samsung u450 Intensity (Verizon) Samsung Gravity 2 (T-Mobile) Samsung Solstice (AT&… Read more

Samsung Solstice debuts for AT&T

When Samsung introduces a cell phone, usually we can say that we've seen it somewhere before. And that's definitely the case with the new Samsung Solstice for AT&T.

Also called the SGH-A887, the Solstice sports a touch-screen design with few physical controls. It shows characteristics of several previous Samsung models, but its closest relative is probably T-Mobile's recent Samsung Highlight.

Features include a 2-megapixel camera with video recording, a music players, a speakerphone, a personal organizer, stereo Bluetooth, an external memory card slot, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard. It also offers Samsung's TouchWiz interface. … Read more

Photos: New Pontiac models in New York

Pontiac showed off a renewed vigor at the 2008 New York auto show, unveiling three models. The Solstice Coupe is a hard top version of Pontiac's roadster while the G8 GXP puts massive performance in a Pontiac sedan. The sport truck version of the G8 is, as yet, unnamed.

Click here for photos of Pontiac's new models.

Click here for more 2008 New York auto show coverage.

Video: Partial eclipse on the Solstice

GM is one of a growing number of automakers that is using the SEMA show to debut modified or concept versions of existing production models. One of the stars of the GM booth is the Pontiac Solstice SD-290, a modified version of the popular roadster. The SD-290 features a covered passenger cockpit, some sharp body styling, and a turbocharged 2-liter Ecotec power plant good for 290 horsepower (hence the designation). This Solstice also sports a custom front fascia, hood and front fascia, and grille inserts.

Performance upgrades include 3-piston, 13-inch stainless-steel caliper brakes, a custom exhaust from Solo Performance, and … Read more

Blue-sky driving in the Saturn Sky Red Line

While much of the county is suffering blizzards and ice storms, we counted our sunny stars today and hit the dry, open road for a first look at the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line. Like the Pontiac Solstice, with which it shares its platform, the Sky soft-top roadster exudes bold body styling. Sleek lines, a bulging hood, and aggressively arched front fenders all give the Sky a mini-Batmobile character, an impression underlined by the fact that our tester came in onyx black (that's black to you and me).

As its name suggests, the Sky Red Line is a performance-tuned … Read more