Casio
FCC Outs Updated Casio Commando for Verizon
Documents seen on the Federal Communications Commission web site reveal details about an unannounced handset from Casio. The Casio C881 Gz'One Commando appears to be an update to last year's C771. The FCC confirms that the C881 supports the CDMA bands and LTE bands used by Verizon Wireless, in addition to NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Images of the C881 - which appears somewhat similar to the Type-V Casio revealed for Japan earlier this year - show it to be a ruggedized smartphone with a large screen, camera with flash, a memory card slot, and buttons that are typically paired with the Android operating system. The photos include Verizon branding. The photos also show an optional battery cover that supports wireless charging. The draft user manual refers to mil-spec ratings. Neither Casio nor Verizon Wireless has announced the C881 Commando.
FCC Outs Casio G'zOne Smartphone for Verizon
Documents seen on the Federal Communications Commission web site provide details about a previously unannounced device from Casio. The FCC confirms that the Casio C811 runs on an LTE frequency used by Verizon Wireless, in addition to Verizon's CDMA frequencies. The FCC shows that the C811 also runs on international GSM spectrum bands. Other features revealed by the FCC include a microSD slot, Wi-Fi, and NFC. A drawing of the C811 shows G'zOne branding, which is used for Casio's rugged line of devices. Given the presence of LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, and international GSM support, it is likely that the C811 is an Android smartphone bound for Verizon Wireless. Neither Casio nor Verizon Wireless has provided any details about this device.
Casio's G'zOne Commando Gets Hefty Maintenance Update
Verizon Wireless has announced the details about a system update for the Casio G'zOne Commando. The update, which can be downloaded over the air, installs a broad range of bug fixes and performance improvements. In particular, the push-to-talk function has improved Bluetooth compatibility; GPS and VZ Navigator have been stabilized; and the Wireless Alert System has been added, among many other improvements.
Casio G'zOne Commando Update Adds Push-to-Talk
Verizon Wireless has made a system update available to the Casio G'zOne Commando that adds support for free push-to-talk services. The update also makes improvements to security, replaces the V CAST Video app with Verizon Video, adds new system alerts, and fixes a variety of bugs. The update can be downloaded over the air.
Verizon Announces the Casio Gz'One Ravine 2
Verizon Wireless and Casio today announced the Gz'One Ravine 2, a mil-spec rugged flip phone. The Ravine 2 meets mil-spec 810G for protection against immersion, water, shock and dust, vibration, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, altitude, and low and high temperatures. It is global phone and can roam on overseas GSM networks, has push-to-talk capabilities, and comes preloaded with the Opera Mini browser. Other specs include a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash and camcorder; GPS and VZNavigator; dual displays; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. The Ravine 2 will be loaded with Casio's Gz'Gear software, which includes a compass, pedometer, tides, and data on the phases of the moon, sunrise/sunset, and the night sky. The Casio Gz'One Ravine 2 will be available online November 17 and in stores November 23 for $149.99 with a new agreement.
Verizon Wireless Pushing Gingerbread to Casio Commando
Verizon Wireless has begun distributing the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update to the Casio G'zOne Commando. Aside from adding the standard list of Gingerbread features, the update also improves the speed/performance of the device itself and provides a fix to its proximity sensor. The update will be distributed over the air during the next few days, though users can also pull the update down via their settings tools.
Casio Goes Commando with Rugged Android Phone
Verizon Wireless and Casio today announced the Commando, a new mil-spec 810G Android 2.2 smartphone that can withstand a wide range of abuse from the elements. The Commando will be loaded with Gz'Gear software, which allows it to operate in eight different modes. It has a compass that interacts with GPS to show nearby landmarks; a pedometer for measuring distances; adventure training software; trip memory for storing travel data; tide charts; thermometer that can access weather data for multiple locations; sun/moon rising and setting charts; and GPS-aided star-gazing and constellation-spotting. The Commando also has a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, LED flash and video capture; and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile hotspot. The Casio Commando will be available starting April 28 for $199.99 with a new contract.
Opera Gives Verizon Feature Phones an Encore
Verizon Wireless and Opera Software today announced the availability of the Opera Mini browser on a number of Verizon's feature phones. The alternative browser is available to the the LG enV2, enV3, and enV Touch; the Samsung Alias 2; and the Casio G’zOne Ravine and G’zOne Rock via the Verizon Media Center / Get It Now content store. Verizon said that the browser will be available to additional handsets in the months ahead, and will eventually be pre-loaded on select handsets. Opera Mini is free to download and use, though users are cautioned to make sure they have a data plan.
