Wind Mobile and Mobilicity Release Samsung Nexus S - Wind Opens up WindTAB for Existing Customers!!!

The first great piece of news is that Wind Mobile and Mobilicity have released their first GOOD android phone. The official google developers phone (i.e. gets new releases of google android first, and no lengthy waits experienced by other phones) the Nexus S is now available for $500 from Mobilicity, and $525 from Wind. This news was pretty disappointing considering that Koodo Mobile (owned by Telus) is selling the exact same phone for $425 (different frequencies folks, so not compatible with Mobi/Wind).

http://shop.windmobile.ca/ProductCatalog/Handsets/HandsetDetails.aspx?id=Google+Nexus+S(WINDCA)&color=green

The Nexus S is a great phone that is sure to give you a stream-lined and problem-free vanilla android experience (no customizations or overlaps like HTC's sense UI), but some people are already looking to the new generation of dual core phones coming out. Unfortunately the hardware in the Nexus S is already dated (single core last generation CPU), making a lot of people hesitant to purchase.

One way that I could personally justify getting a Nexus S, in light of all of these new dual core phones coming out for the same price as the Nexus S ($525 or less), would be to get the phone on a WindTAB. Wind has just opened up it's WindTAB program to existing customers on credit approval, which means that you don't have to be a new customer to get this deal anymore. Now existing customers can upgrade their phone for $150 off, making the Nexus S $375. I'd really like to see Wind drop the Nexus S down to $500 and match Mobilicity, but the WindTab makes it bearable.

Rumour has it that the new WindTAB for existing customers will start May 1st, 2011.

WIND Mobile Offer Free Sim-Card to ANY Unsatisfied Mobilicity Customer

It seems that WIND has been really trying to keep ahead of Mobilicity. First they released their 'Holiday Miracle' plan that was essentially everything unlimited (including data) for only $40 per month (competing with Mobilicities similar unlimited promotional plan). Following this, Mobilicity continually extended this promotion, and each time WIND countered by also extending their promo. Now, WIND is really trying to bring you over from Mobilicity by offering a free SIM card. This means if you own a Mobilicity phone (they are all compatible with WIND) all you need to do is buy an unlock code online and you're set. WIND charges $25 for a SIM card without a phone (they are free with the purchase of a phone), so this will essentially cover your unlocking fee for your Mobilicity phone (usually around $10-25 depending on the phone and the unlocking website used).

Is this enough to make you switch from Mobilicity to WIND?

http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/01/22/wind-offering-a-free-sim-card-to-all-unsatisfied-current-mobilicity-customers/

Good News For T-Mobile / Wind / Mobilicity Customers - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Vibrant Updated to Android 2.2

Great news for customers of T-Mobile / Wind / Mobilicity, because the Vibrant is getting an official update to Android 2.2 froyo TODAY. This is wonderful news for Canadians as well, because the Vibrant can be purchased from Ebay for around $350-450 (typically used for this price range) and unlocked for use with WIND Mobile and Mobilicity.

http://www.phonedog.com/2011/01/20/t-mobile-vibrant-update-coming-very-soon-but-iphone-isn-t/






UPDATE - It is now available through Samsungs Kies Mini PC app. See link below for full story at Engadget.


http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/samsung-vibrants-android-2-2-update-now-available-it-seems/

Mobilicity Launching Google Nexus S in March, Blackberry Playbook When Released

Mobilicity CEO Dave Dobbin announced at a press meet-up today that they will be launching the Google Nexus S (official Google Android developer phone) in March alongside other major carriers, and they will also be getting the Blackberry Playbook whenever RIM decides to release it. This is great news for Android fans and Wind Mobile customers, because Mobilicity and Wind phones are compatible with each other and use the same AWS frequency bands. I personally find the timing to be non-ideal, because by that point there should be quite a few dual core Tegra 2 Android handsets on the market. 

http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/01/11/want-to-meet-mobilicity-ceo-dave-dobbin/

Wind Mobile Extends Coverage in Vancouver Area

I just received a text message from Wind Mobile informing me "Great news! Your Vancouver WIND Zone has extended its coverage to Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Whistler."

I never frequent those zones, but hey, less roaming is good right?