Wilson breaks some Sprint and Palm Pre information, based on an interview he did with CNET News reporter Maggie Reardon and Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. This makes Jeff infinitely jealous, because Wilson got to hold a Palm Pre before Jeff did.
(Credit:
Jitterbug)
Dan Hesse denied that Verizon and AT&T would be getting the Palm Pre in six months time, saying that the reports had the facts wrong. Wilson thinks that Sprint probably has the option to extend its exclusivity in six months. Wilson also thinks that the Palm Pre is a little too small and a little too thick. Reminds us of something we'd rather not say or write.
In more phone news, Jitterbug has released a new version of its Jitterbug cell phone. Remember the one last week that couldn't even dial 911 in some cases? Well, Jitterbug has added text messaging to this new model. Yeah, we don't really think that grandma is going to be really into T9 text messaging.
Plus, we think Jitterbug is opening up itself to the worst deluge of tech support calls on the planet by having direct tech support access built-in to the cell phone. Our grandparents drive us crazy enough when they ask us to set up their VCRs. Imagine if that was your job!
Grandpa:
Why doesn't my son call me any more?
In more puzzling economic recession news, we find it pretty interesting that the tattoo removal business is booming. Apparently, that face tattoo was a great idea when the economy was booming. Now, you'll be hard pressed to find a job doing much of anything that doesn't require a face mask if you've got one.
Finally, in the big news of the day, we let the world know that musician and inspirational speaker, Andrew W.K., will be coming to guest on The 404 on June 18. Be sure to get your iPods, Zunes, iTunes, and RSS readers all fired up to check out this interview. For those of you who don't know, check out any party scene in a movie released in the last decade for his hit "Party Hard." He'll be on to promote his new show on the Cartoon Network, and Justin will be dedicating his life to the man. We're serious. We think Andrew W.K. should bring bodyguards. Take care and have a great weekend everybody!
EPISODE 357
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(Credit:
Bonnie Cha/CNET)
Apple iPhone aside, it's pretty safe to say that there hasn't been so much hype and anticipation over an upcoming smartphone as the Palm Pre. The tech community was all abuzz on Tuesday when Sprint and Palm finally announced the pricing and release date, but could there already be rough waters ahead?
Speaking at an investor conference on Tuesday, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse warned of likely Pre shortages:
"We don't intend to advertise it heavily early on because we think we are going to have shortages for a while. We won't be able to keep up with demand for the device in the early period of time."
There aren't any concrete numbers as to how many units will be available, but some sites like Precentral.net are estimating that it may be around 375,000, which will be distributed nationwide to Sprint, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Walmart stores. Now, I'm not the best with numbers but even I can tell that's not a lot of phones to spread around.
What's worse? Sprint and Palm may be doing this on purpose. In a report by Bloomberg, some analysts say the companies may limit the supply to make the Pre look more appealing to potential customers. Now, there's no confirmation of this but if true, I have to agree with fellow blogger Don Reisinger in saying that this is just wrong. This is such a pivotal moment for both Sprint and Palm that 1) you would think they'd want to sell as many phones as possible and 2) you don't want to piss off your customers.
We'll see how it all plays out when the smartphone goes on sale on June 6, but let's hope there's plenty of Pre love for everyone. Out of curiosity, does anyone plan on lining up early to get the Palm Pre on opening day?
(Source: PCMag.com)
Hesse is ending his role as Sprint pitchman.
(Credit: Sprint)The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Sprint will soon end the ad campaign featuring Dan Hesse. Produced by San Francisco-based agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, the black-and-white spots show Hesse in various New York City locations from Central Park to the back seat of a taxi on the Brooklyn Bridge.
I've never been a fan of the ads, mainly because I don't see how Hesse talking about the need for communication in our society really sells Sprint and its services. Sure, he does mention Sprint's Simply Everything plan, but even then I just don't get it. So while I'm hard-pressed to name a wireless carrier commercial that I have liked, I won't be sorry to see the ads go.
According to the Journal, Sprint is ending the campaign because, as Hesse put it, "I'll wear out...they'll get tired of seeing that guy." Yet, a pushback from viewers is also cited as a reason. Apparently, some viewers thought the taxi was a limo--not a great image in an economy when wealthy CEOs don't have the best reputation.
It's unclear what or who the Sprint's next campaigns will feature. But I'd say the Palm Pre is a good bet.
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