What is a Tek-onition™, and what does it have to do with T-Mobile? It is my little cute reference to a premonition of tech things to come. This particular TEK-onition™ is regarding a potentially new feature on T-Mobile’s 3G network. Peaked your interest? Details after the click.
OK, let’s get to stating, and making the probability case for the current TEK-onition™:
TEK-onition™ 1 of ∞
My techie sense leads me to believe that when T-Mobile USA releases, or announces, their version of the HTC Touch Pro 2, they will also be announcing a new feature for their 3G network…3G video calling.
The Case for Probability
- FACT: There appears to be a front facing camera on the most recent leaked images (courtesy of http://d474rpr.com) of the TP2 slated for T-Mobile USA:
- FACT: This apparent camera is in the SAME position as the known camera in the HTC unlocked version of the TP2, which one can plainly see here (image courtesy of http://www.gsmarena.com):
FACT: Then there is the only other WM device to be released in the US which is designed for the T-Mobile 3G network, the Pharos Traveler 137. This device also has a known front facing camera, as seen here in an image from http://www.pharosgps.com:
UPDATE I: It appears, as one of the commenters has pointed out, that the Traveler 137’s FF camera is not designed specifically just for T-Mobile’s 3G network. It is also designed for the European 3G network which would explain the FF camera on that device w/o any implication regarding a T-Mobile 3G video calling service. Therefore, I am striking this fact from the list, and have removed the associated image of the 137’s FF camera. Thanks to Alex for pointing this out.- FACT: The T-Mobile USA counter parts in Europe already have had this feature working for several years now on their existing 3G network.
- OBSERVATION: The addition of 3G video calling seems like a natural compliment to their whole “Stick Together” slogan.
Taking in all the facts, and the obvious observation, it should be quite clear that the probability not only exists, but is also relatively high that T-Mobile will be sporting 3G video calling service this year or soon after.
Conclusion
In conclusion, considering that the facts, and observations support the notion of T-Mobile announcing 3G video calling service, it seems quite probable it will happen, therefore I am making the call now.
There are some who have stated that T-Mobile’s focus should be solely on expansion rather than feature sets. To that I suggest taking a look at T-Mobile’s 2008 Q4 report where it clearly shows they are expanding, and picking up new customers at quite a comfortable rate. Given this fact, it is not unreasonable to suggest that adding the tried, and true service feature is being done in a way which does not grossly interfere with the growth of T-Mobile USA’s 3G network.
Regardless of all this evidence, I do acknowledge that it is still possible that T-Mobile will NOT get 3G video calling service. My money is just currently on my aforementioned TEK-onition coming true more than not.
So, let’s have it. Post thoughts, and please cite verifiable evidence of any factually asserted claims.
Ain’t Gonna Happen (AGH) UPDATE:
Well folks, sadly for US consumers, it looks like it Ain’t Gonna Happen. Current unboxing pics, and a recent conversation with a couple of T-Mo reps has revealed that the T-Mo USA version of the TP2 is NOT coming with the front facing camera. In addition, there is no 3G video calling service announcement. It was fun while it lasted, but alas it shall not be at this time.
Veracity Nation 
[…] Guest Post by Evangelist aka Physboy from his place VaracityNation […]RoTP
Looks like we are starting out with the Ad-Hominems early today. lol
Can i take a one small pic from your site?
Bodyc
Very interesting.
Indeed. lol
Interesting, I`ll quote it on my site later.
veracitynation.com – da best. Keep it going!
AnnaHopn
Thanks, I appreciate your support!
I believe that is a light sensor and not a front facing camera
That is a good point, and I did think about that as many have stated they suspect it would be a light sensor too. However, that is why I compared it to the TP2 pics of the model released in UK, for which that particular space is being used exclusively for the FF camera not sensors.
Now that you know why I do not think it is a light sensor, can you tell me what leads you to believe it is?
I don’t see that happening. There’s not that high of demand for it here like there is overseas. It would be something good to have, but I don’t see it happening for atleast another year.
That is true too, but as a mfr. why would Pharos be putting the FF cam on with their current device offering (Traveler 137) which should be out by June 19th?
Incidently, it is confirmed, from Pharos’ website specs, that their Traveler 137 has a FF cam.
Hi, good post. I have been pondering this topic,so thanks for writing. I will definitely be coming back to your posts.
Pharos has the FF camera in it because it is not designed just for the Tmobile USA and if you look at the specs it does support almost all the Euro 3G band. They are already selling it unlocked so it makes sense for them to add that FF because its established in Europe already and the consumers from there can buy the phone and use that feature and for US customers its just another cam in their phone which makes it convenient to take own picture.
Not being and @$$ but why didn’t you think that AT&T would launch that when almost all of the Nokia and SE models from Europe started to sell here in US with the AT&T 3G band support, pretty much they all have the FF camera on them right?
Well i do get it that you are pointing at the TP2 that will be subsidized and launched by T-Mobile here which does make us curious why the second cam in it but I still think this is not happening.
Alex,
I am glad you mentioned those points, as I did not get to it in the article. Bringing up contrary points does not qualify as being an @$$. It’s all good as long as you don’t start with the flaming and baiting.
Firstly, I agree with you on the FF of the Traveler 137, they do make the same FF cam for the unlocked 3G phones for AT&T as well as apparently the 137 for T-Mo. So, by itself this is not conclusive evidence that T-Mo will be getting the service. In addition, keep in mind that I did mention in the article the feasibility that this may not actually happen. I never contended that it will happen for certain as I have not come upon enough reliable evidence to conclude that notion with certainty.
As you also pointed out, the fact that the T-Mo device appears to have one, is where the interest lies. It is possible that it will not be for the video calling even if it does come with the camera when it gets here. It may be for some video teleconferencing app.
As far as why AT&T is not doing the video calling already…they are. It is just their version of it, and it is called Video Share service which allows you to use the back camera for the same thing. T-Mobile needs to put out something along those lines to catch up, this may be exactly what the Dr. ordered.