∞ T-Mobile Sidekick reborn as '4G' Android phone

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T-Mobile and Samsung on Tuesday unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by Samsung, a rebirth of T-Mobile’s popular phone and messaging device. The phone was previously announced by T-Mobile USA CEO Philipp Humm at a press breakfast in January. Pricing was not announced; T-Mobile said the device will be available this spring. A Web page for the new device enables users to sign up for more information.

[ad#Google Adsense 300x250 in story]The new Sidekick, manufactured by Samsung, is built on Google’s Android 2.2 operating system. It features a 3.5-inch touch-sensitive display that slides out using a “pop-tilt” hinge to reveal a five-row QWERTY keyboard underneath.

T-Mobile is emphasizing features like “Group Text,” which lets users create and manage group messaging conversations. “Cloud Text” lets users text each other across platforms, between computers and Sidekicks. The device includes Facebook and Twitter applications, and, of course, integrated Google services – Gmail, Google Maps, and access to applications through the google Market.

The original Sidekicks proved particularly popular with teen mobile users, and to help curb teen texting and driving, the Sidekick 4G comes with “DriveSmart,” which provides incoming call and message management while the user is driving, to help avoid distractions. A “DriveSmart Plus” service automatically activates while the Sidekick 4G is in a moving vehicle.

The original Sidekick – originally a mobile communication device called the Danger Hiptop – made a big impact with mobile users when it first came to market earlier in the decade


  • Anonymous

    Goody, another T-Mobile Android phone filled to the brim with crapware. Apple…PLEASE save us from Android and bless T-Mobile with the iPhone. I don’t even care if it’s one you’ve discontinued. An old iPhone is better than no iPhone.

    • Anonymous

      I’m sure if it made sense for Apple to do so financially, they would. I suspect Apple is still able to command a premium by being semi-exclusive. Based on the T-Mobile commercials, it’s clear they want the iPhone.

      • Peter Cohen

        “I suspect Apple is still able to command a premium by being semi-exclusive.”

        Possibly. T-Mobile is GSM just like AT&T, but works on a different part of the spectrum than AT&T does. So there’d be some (I assume minor) reengineering but that’s it.

        Having said that, Apple also made clear that its deal with Verizon is non-exclusive, so one wonders how long it will be before a Sprint iPhone appears.

        I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see both Sprint and T-Mobile join the iPhone club when the next iPhone appears, perhaps this summer.

  • Anonymous

    i am pleased to see this release. Cause when folks gripe about the iphone being an exclusive as if Apple is the only one to do it. Or about Apple refusing to unlock iphones I can still point to the Sidekick, which has been on T-Mobile for like 20 years.

  • http://twitter.com/Moeskido Moeskido

    I know people who liked their Sidekick very much. It looked like a solid piece of kit. Glad to see it back.