Twitter drops SMS service in Canada

Ouch!  I have recently been getting into Twitter and was using SMS to update my status and receive updates but it looks like Twitter has had to put the brakes on the service.  You can still send messages to Twitter but will not receive updates.

Unexpected changes in our billing have forced us into a difficult situation with our Canadian SMS service. We can’t afford to support this service given our current arrangement with our providers (where costs have been doubling for the past several months.) As a result, effective today we are no longer delivering outbound SMS over our Canadian shortcode (21212).

The ability to update Twitter over SMS will still be supported over 21212. But we know that this is only part of the experience and we want to make Twitter work in the way folks want … regardless of where they live.

There is a realistic, scalable SMS solution for Canada (and the rest of the world.) We’re working on that and will post more details on the Twitter blog as we make progress

My guess (knowing Canadian carriers) is that they sent a WHOMPING bill to Twitter.  They just don’t seem to get the fact that by making "tweeting" accessible and unrestricted they are promoting the need for more expensive texting add-ons. /shrug

If anyone is interested you can follow my tweets here.

Source: twitter status

3G iPhone In-Store Activation Explained

Looks like the supposed procedure for the launch of the 3G iPhone has been anonymously posted to an online discussion forum according to a post from Gear Diary.

Included is a link to what is said to be an advanced version of iTunes v7.6.3b4 that will allow the stores to “unbrick” the iPhones for in store activation. Apparently the new version of iTunes 7.7 due to be released on July 11 will include this activation mode.

If you are interested, there are a few launch week rules that you might want to check out here at Gear Diary

Rogers Wireless gets the HTC Shift

I just got my chance to play with the Sprint Version of the Shift last week. I am in love. I think Steven Borders likes it as well. We’ll soon find out, his review will drop here any day now. In the meantime, Rogers Wireless, a Cell company in Canada, announced that they will be carrying the HTC Shift as well.

Today, HTC and Rogers Wireless announced the HTC Shift, the world’s first mobile PC with push email, will be released in Canada. Harnessing the power of Windows Vista and Microsoft Origami Experience 2.0, the HTC Shift blends advanced wireless connectivity through the high-speed of Rogers’ 3G HSPA network.

Featuring a sleek design that is half the size and a fraction of the weight of a standard notebook, the HTC Shift incorporates HTC’s innovative new SnapVUE™ technology. SnapVUE provides instant access to emails, calendar, and contacts, without the need to fully boot up the device, which helps conserve power and extend battery life. Also a great multimedia companion, the HTC Shift utilizes Windows Media Player® 11 to provide easy access to music, videos and photos.

[Read more]

Rogers Canada is Racking up on Phones - iPhone & N95

Looks like Rogers, a Canadian GSM carrier, is getting their hands on the Nokia N95 and the Apple iPhone. In two separate tips in the same weekend, MobileinCanada has info that takes the “Rumor” out of these.

“Ted Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Communications Inc. today issued the following statement: We’re thrilled to announce that we have a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada later this year. We can’t tell you any more about it right now, but stay tuned.”

The Nokia N95 rumor still appears to be a rumor, but I got to believe these guys :)

We have received many information about Nokia will announce officially the Nokia N95 for Rogers Wireless. This information are very sure and we have make research on the Canadian Nokia web site and we have found many tips for confirm this information.

Congrats Canada, if you can get a better rate on Data, you guys will be all set.

Source: MobileinCanada

GPS-enabled BlackBerry Curve 8310 Smartphone in Canada

Rogers Wireless and Research In Motion introduced today the BlackBerry Curve 8310 smartphone, complete with built-in Global Positioning System and mapping software.  The smallest and lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry handset is packed with powerful and convenient features for both business and personal use and can now pinpoint its location through built-in GPS.

 The new BlackBerry Curve 8310 from Rogers features: 

• A small and stylish design with smooth edges, titanium toned finish and chrome highlights. It measures 107mm x 60mm x 15.5mm and weighs approximately 111 grams.
• Built-in GPS, BlackBerry� Maps, and TeleNav� Navigator, for accurate turn by turn directions.
• A 2 megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom, built-in flash, self-portrait mirror and full screen viewfinder. The camera can capture images in up to three picture quality and size resolutions that can be quickly shared via email, MMS, BlackBerry� Messenger or Bluetooth�.  Photos can also be set as a unique caller IDs or Home Screen image.
• EDGE/GPRS/GSM connectivity operating on Roger’s high speed nationwide network, with roaming in 200 countries for voice and 127 countries for data.
• Premium phone features including noise cancellation technology to offset background noise, Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), dedicated ’send’, ‘end’, and ‘mute’ keys, low-distortion speakerphone, and Bluetooth (2.0) support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits and Bluetooth peripherals.
• A microSD expandable memory slot for additional data storage.
• A built-in spell checker with user-customizable dictionary to help ensure accuracy of emails and other text entries.
• A powerful new media manager application included with the BlackBerry� Desktop Manager software.  The Roxio� Media Manager for BlackBerry�, which was developed with Sonic� and based on the award-winning Roxio Easy Media Creator� 9, introduces a new level of simplicity, allowing users to easily search for media files on their computer, view and organize them, create MP3 music files from CDs, add audio tags, create playlists and automatically copy or convert pictures, music and videos for optimal playback.
• A 3.5mm stereo headset jack, support for Bluetooth stereo audio profile (A2DP/AVRCP), and dedicated volume controls.
• Support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI and RealTrax ringtunes.
• Support for instant messaging with BlackBerry Messenger, Google� Talk and Yahoo!� Messenger pre-loaded.
• BlackBerry� Internet Service support that allows access to up to 10 personal and corporate email accounts, including most popular ISP email accounts.
• BlackBerry� Enterprise Server support for enterprise deployments, enabling advanced security and IT administration within IBM� Lotus� Domino�, Microsoft� Exchange and Novell� GroupWise� environments.
• Support for downloading music directly to the device using Rogers Music Store.

Accessories for the BlackBerry Curve 8310, including premium leather holsters and totes, an automotive charger, and Bluetooth� headsets, are available at www.shopblackberry.com.

The BlackBerry Curve 8310 will be available in Canada from Rogers Wireless in retail and business channels beginning September 11 for $299.99, with activation of a minimum $40 voice plan and data plan for a three year term.

Source: Blackberry press release