AT&T goes “full Tilt” with HTC
The day has finally come, friends. All the rumors, speculation, unboxings, and other hints on a release date have all been put to silence…Officially announced now and available in stores tomorrow (Friday, the 5th, though we’ve heard reports of some stores getting stock already) — the AT&T Tilt is sure to mess up the game! We got to experience the HTC TyTN II, known as the HTC Kaiser back then, and we had a glowing review based on our hands-on sessions. The great part, in our opinion, after using the AT&T Tilt, is that besides removing the front-facing camera, they have not locked the device down — GPS is not disabled, and to be honest, we kind of dig the AT&T customizations. These are little things like MP3-playing controls on the home screen, organized icons in folders, BlackBerry Connect, TeleNav, all chrome buttons, Push-to-talk, and others. All in all, you put a super Windows Mobile device with HSDPA, a 400MHz processor, 3 megapixel auto-focus camera, tilting screen, and full QWERTY keyboard on AT&T, and you’ve got something really solid in our opinion. Also, the AT&T Tilt has HSUPA; remember that when the rumored network upgrade happens in the next few months…Click on for the full press release and head on over to our hands-on gallery below!
Click on over to our AT&T Tilt hands-on gallery!
AT&T GOES FULL TILT WITH THE MOST FEATURE-PACKED 3G SMART DEVICE AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES
AT&T’s First Windows Mobile 6 Device, The AT&T Tilt Features Groundbreaking Angled Screen, Global 3G Capabilities, Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 4, 2007 — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced that the AT&T Tilt™, the most feature-packed smart device available in the United States, will debut exclusively through AT&T beginning Friday, Oct. 5. The AT&T Tilt is the first AT&T-enabled Windows Mobile 6 smart device and features an innovative slide-out QWERTY keypad design, a 3-megapixel camera, 3G data speeds from AT&T’s UMTS/HSDPA-based BroadbandConnect network and complete global connectivity.
Designed by HTC (TSEC:2498), the AT&T Tilt features a 2.8-inch color screen that slides back to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, then tilts up to position the screen perfectly for reading and creating e-mail, browsing online, using applications or just playing videos and games. The AT&T Tilt supports Bluetooth® 2.0, which allows for up to six Bluetooth devices to be wirelessly connected simultaneously to the device and also supports Bluetooth Stereo.
“The AT&T Tilt is the most comprehensive wireless device on the market today,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Business Voice/Data and wireless products, AT&T. “In addition to its innovative design, there is no device on the market that packs the number of features that are available on the Tilt.”
The AT&T Tilt features the latest version of TeleNav GPS NavigatorTM which provides GPS-enabled turn-by-turn voice and on-screen driving or walking directions, colorful 3-D moving maps and traffic delay alerts with one-click rerouting. New features debuting on the AT&T Tilt include address sharing, which allows users to share their current locations or the location of their favorite businesses with other mobile users. The new version of TeleNav GPS Navigator also includes reviews and ratings for nearby restaurants and allows customers to rate them directly from their AT&T mobile phone. Business users also can use TeleNav Track™, a mobile workforce management solution that includes GPS-enabled tracking, time sheets, wireless forms, navigation, job dispatching and bar code scanning.
Inside the AT&T Tilt, users will have a wireless powerhouse at their disposal. With 3G broadband speed connectivity across the globe and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA capabilities that allow the Tilt to operate in Japan and Korea, customers have access to the more than 135 countries in which AT&T offers UMTS, EDGE or GPRS international data roaming. Customers also can use AT&T’s industry-leading international wireless roaming coverage to make or receive a phone call in more than 190 countries
At home, the AT&T Tilt provides access to AT&T’s BroadbandConnect network in more than 170 major metropolitan areas across the U.S., and coverage outside of 3G service areas is available via AT&T’s nationwide* EDGE network, the largest national high speed wireless data network in the U.S. AT&T’s EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns, and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Users can also connect for an additional charge to Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the U.S. — including any of the more than 10,000 AT&T-owned or branded hot spot locations in the U.S. and tens of thousands more abroad — through the built-in Wi-Fi functionality, supporting the 802.11b and g frequencies. They also can use the AT&T Tilt to link to corporate wireless local area networks or home Wi-Fi networks.
Users will also find the highest-resolution camera available on any AT&T mobile phone today, with 3-megapixel resolution and auto-focus. The device also accommodates 4GB MicroSD flash memory cards and is capable of supporting up to 32GB MicroSD cards to expand storage for pictures, video, music and more.
“The AT&T Tilt represents the ultimate in high speed connectivity, functional design and Windows Mobile power,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC. “The AT&T Tilt provides today’s mobile professionals and consumers with the ability to work and be entertained while they’re mobile.”
Windows Mobile 6 Experience
Windows Mobile 6 provides AT&T Tilt users with the familiar look and feel of their desktop computers at home or in the office. Windows Mobile 6 delivers the ability to view
e-mail in their original rich HTML format with live links to Web and Microsoft Office SharePoint sites, which means text and images are displayed as they would be on a Windows PC with pictures, fonts and colors.
"Around the world, a Windows Mobile phone has become a companion for people that want to do more while on the go,” said Scott Horn, general manager, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. "The AT&T Tilt brings a wide variety of options for staying connected to colleagues, friends and family with a familiar and easy-to-use experience and a stylish form factor suited for both the office and a night out on the town.”
All Windows Mobile 6 devices include Microsoft’s Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. Windows Mobile 6 also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way. AT&T has the broadest portfolio of Windows Mobile devices of any U.S. carrier.
E-Mail Options
In addition to Microsoft Direct Push, the AT&T Tilt will be the first Windows Mobile device in North America to include BlackBerry® Connect™ v4.0 software, which provides BlackBerry e-mail service, security and device management for IT administrators and the benefit for users of wireless synchronization of e-mail, calendar, contacts, task list and memo pad information. BlackBerry Connect v4.0 supports push e-mail for Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and personal e-mail through the BlackBerry Internet Service.
Customers can also use the AT&T Tilt to access their personal e-mail through AT&T’s popular Xpress Mail service. By completing just five easy steps, AT&T customers can set up their Xpress Mail account and begin getting personal e-mail from most major POP3/IMAP personal e-mail services pushed to their AT&T Tilt at preset intervals. They also can perform two-way wireless synchronization of their calendars, access contact lists and view attachments.
Unique Force
The Johnson City Police Department, located in Johnson City, Tenn., has been using AT&T smart devices for two years and plans to be one of the first organizations to implement the AT&T Tilt later this year. With AT&T smart devices, Johnson City’s 148 officers can verify identification, search criminal databases, issue citations and submit reports from the palms of their hands. Since implementing the smart devices, arrests for criminal activities and revoked drivers licenses in Johnson City have increased, and the time saved handling and processing incidents is equivalent to having five additional officers on staff, according to the police department.
“The AT&T Tilt provides a new level of wireless field support,” said Sgt. John Hames, Johnson City Police Department. “The embedded GPS will help us track officers’ whereabouts, identify the fastest route to incidents and download mapping data for on-site traffic reports. AT&T Tilt’s angled screen and high-resolution camera are attractive for people taking and reviewing images in the field and Windows Mobile 6 Professional will allow the department to more efficiently perform office applications on the mobile handset.”
Multimedia Features
Beyond enterprise functionality, the AT&T Tilt is made for fun and games as well. The device is preloaded with free and premium games and applications including Ms. PAC-MAN, Brain Challenge, Bubble Breaker, Midnight Pool, Solitaire (MS), Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, MobiTV, and MyCast.
The Tilt provides access to AT&T Mobile Music — an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers "your music, your way" by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Radio Mobile, which comes pre-loaded on the device and is available for $8.99 a month. The AT&T Tilt will also feature AT&T’s CV streaming video service. Customers can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including hit HBO programs and exclusive mobile content from World Wrestling Entertainment.
Pricing and Availability
The AT&T Tilt will be available for a promotional price as low as $299.99** beginning Oct. 5 at AT&T retail stores nationwide, online at http://www.wireless.att.com, at select national retailers and through AT&T’s business-to-business sales organizations. Unlimited monthly data plans for corporate e-mail are $44.99 with a voice contract***. Personal data plans for personal e-mail, begin at $29.99 a month for 20 MB of data***. AT&T also offers an international data plan for the AT&T Tilt — 20 MB in nearly 30 countries — for an additional $24.99 a month. TeleNav GPS Navigator is available for additional monthly charges of $5.99 for 10 trips and $9.99 for unlimited trips. TeleNav Track service plans range from $12.99 to $21.99 for each device.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com
Yes, I wish it were thinner as well – and bet most people do as well.
I have yet to see pictures comparing the Tilt/Kaiser with a Treo 750 (which is what I currently use).
Anyone have pictures?
How much did you all pay for it? I have a premier account through GE and also discount from Northeastern University and both are offering the phone for $399.99. What happened to the $299 price? Also the data plans after discount are 33.59 for GE or 37.99 for NU for the 4mb blackberry data plan or 40 something for the unlimited blackberry plan!
Hmmm… Called At&t and the launch date has been moved to monday (they’ll be availabe in stores on the 8th the rep said). I also get the feeling they aren’t going to stick to the $299 because they didn’t want to release any pricing info. Anybody out there know for a fact when its going to be available and at what cost? I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for $399 through At&t as well.
Seeing that this is my first PDA phone ever…I already having problems….it won’t sync with my wi-fi and I keep getting an error when I link it up (USB) to my computer it gives me a number but does not offer a solution. All my music is in non protected ACC form so I guess I am screwed as far as adding ringtones. And maybe its just me but I hate the frontpage…does anyone know a PDA/Smartphone 101 website for n00bs?
@Terence: $299 is AFTER all rebates, etc.
@Teejay: Install any software from the CD, you most likely don’t have the drivers for USB. As far as wi-fi make sure you are entering in the key correctly – if you aren’t used to using the keypad it’s likely that your numbers may be characters and vice-versa.
@Jas
Fist thing I did was install the CD. Of course ATT does not have a help page for the tilt yet. I am going to go over the book with a fine comb today at lunch so hopefully all the ansewrs will be there
Hey Jas, It didn’t list any mail-in rebates and the price was $399 after all discounts with 2yr contract. I even tried choosing new customer to see if that mad a difference but it was still $399 regardless. Is there a mail-in rebate form somewhere? Thanks
@Tee Jay: One other option is to check HTC’s site for Tytn/Tytn II support – I’d guess that’d be better than ‘ol blue for support!
@Terrence
I went to the store to get mine and they gave me two different rebate sheets for $50 each
Well, I’m hoping to find a rebate form on the consumer site when they update the page for the official launch. I too want to get in on a rebate!
If you get it from the store… do they force you to sign up for the data plans? I have the option of upgrading my device only online so I can decide on the data plans later. Hmm… like Jas said, maybe they’ll have the rebates in pdf available online soon?
Actually I see one of the $50 rebates listed on the 8525 price that applies to the Tilt as well. The rebate requires activation of a PDA data plan or unlimited data plan 39.99 or higher!
Yeah I had to sign up for the plan. But I wanted the plan
@ Tee Jay
Woah.. Where do you live and how did you pull it off? I’ve called two stores already and still nothing. The best response I’ve gotten is “we may get a shipment this afternoon”. And of course nobody knows the price.
I live in the OKC and most places got them in the back of there stock rooms they are just lazy and don’t want to process them. The store I got it from had only 6. I asked my friend to go in the back and look at the shipment that they got in yesterday. And BAM! I had one. I had to wait close to close time to get it. But it should not be a problem to snatch one up today. Also doesn’t hurt that one of the main warehouse is based out of Texas…
@ Tee Jay
Man.. Wish I had a few friends in the business. So just to make sure I understand it correctly, you got yours for 299, but you had to sign up for a data plan to get $50 off then the other $50 is what at&t is offering.
So for those of us “non data plan” people we’re probably going to pay $350?!?
Thanx in advance for the info
how is it that u guys are getting them from the stores. im in NY and i called three of them this morning and they all thought i was speaking another language
@Pwortlandbwoy2
No I had to pay $399 upfront
I got two $50 mail in rebate forms (Two different ones)
It seems for the non data folks its going to run you the full 399 with a 2 year contract.
@ mat
Are you certain you’re calling an actual “AT&T” store and not some 3rd party retailer?
There are only about two (2) actual AT&T stores near my work, all the others are just “authorized” retailers who, in general, have no clue about new phones and/or services. Now that’s not a slight against the people working there, just that they don’t have the most up-to-date info.
I called my 2 local ATT stores today but they said they don’t have it. Said it might be in their afternoon shipment today, but they have no idea.
@Jas
yea at least i think i did. i actually called a couple more and they said that they got in some shipments but they have to wait for their manager to receive them to find out whats in them. hopefully they will have it.
The AT&T store in Wilmington, DE was selling them on the night of the 4th! They had one this morning and were going to hold it for me – only to find out the way my Premier account is set up, I can’t get the discount in-store, I can only order through my rep. Sucks.. I was soooo close!
@ Tee Jay
I had a problem with sync, and it turned out that my computer was looking for a different “name”, (not personal, but device name).
>start
>settings
>system (tab)
>(tap) About
>Device ID (tab)
make sure the “device name” on your phone matches what the activesync program says on your computer.
Also as a side note, you must have Microsoft Outlook to sync your contacts and calendar.
My wifi is fine, so make sure you enter the protection stuff correctly such as password and what type of encryption…
I think I’ll just get it for $399 and then I have till Dec to decide if I want the data plan since the rebate must be postmarked by then…
Would someone please comment about the ability to use this phone one-handed…….holding it and dialing at the same time. I’m in the car/truck an awful lot, so my current bar phone format works fine, but I need the broader PDA/Web browsing capability, but not if my main focus of using the phone while on the go will be compromised. Thanks for some input.