Audiovox CDM-8900 Camera Phone

[Ioman]

Verizon Wireless and Audiovox Communications Corporation (ACC) announce that the CDM-8900 camera phone will be available on Friday, December 12, 2003.

The Get It NowSM-enabled CDM-8900 is a compact handset (measuring just 3.3 x 1.6 x 0.9”) with a built-in 300-pixel high-resolution digital camera and color screen. This sleek handset has a self-timer, brightness control and self-portrait reflector. Customers simply snap a picture with their camera phone, enter a Verizon Wireless phone number or any e-mail address, and hit send to share the photo fun with another Verizon Wireless customer, any e-mail address or virtual photo album.
Customers have the option of paying for each picture message, $0.25 for each message sent or received, plus airtime, or select from bundled picture messaging Pix Paks:


$2.99 per month for 20 messages, and only $0.25 for each additional message sent or received, plus airtime
$4.99 per month for 40 messages, and only $0.25 for each additional message sent or received, plus airtime
For a limited time, customers can sign up for two of Get It Now’s most popular selections, TXT Messaging or Picture Messaging, for $4.99 monthly access with unlimited use through March 31, 2004. Customers who choose both will be billed $7.99 monthly access, a $2.00 monthly savings through March 31, 2004.

Customers can also choose from over a hundred pay-as-you-go downloadable applications that range from ring tones to games to maps and other productivity tools from Get It Now, the Verizon Wireless virtual mall. With its 65K-color, TFT, primary interior display serving as its range finder, the clamshell-styled CDM-8900 also features 32 polyphonic ring tones, a blue keypad backlight and two-way short messaging service (SMS).

“Our new CDM-8900 camera phone meets the needs of today’s mobile lifestyle and provides a compact, full-featured, reliable solution for personal and business applications,” said ACC President and CEO, Phillip Christopher.

The Audiovox CDM-8900 is offered for $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement and is available in more than 1,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, at participating RadioShack locations and on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. For more information on picture messaging from Verizon Wireless and to view a flash demo of the service, visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow.

[miscetc]

Considering purchase. Anyone used one yet? Know any sources for reviews? ZDNet doesn't list it yet. Want to know quality of speakerphone, photos, any mechanical or led quirks, etc. Thanks a million & happy holidays!

[digijoel]

I've had the 8900 for about a week now. I'm happy with it so far...especially considering the price (after mail-in rebate) $69.00. My list of pro's would be extremely lenghtly due to the fact that the 8900 replaced my cdm-1500, so i'll list a few cons. The speaker phone is not loud enough even at max. level, the camera lens is positioned in such a way that your index finger is usually in the way, and upon closing (i.e. folding) the phone it kind of slams... may have long term wear and tear issues.
Other than those menial gripes it's pretty dope! A flash would be nice but hey, sixty nine bucks! I say ya cant beat it.


peace in the middle east,
(seriously!!!)

digijoel

[Jacobinder]

digijoel, where did you get your 8900 for $69? Thanks:confused:

[IronSerif]

I work for Verizon Wireless, and we've had the phone since the begining of the month.

It actually came out in mid-december, but then was recalled because of a display problem. So far I haven't found any problems in the phone. It's definitely a feature packed phone that I actually like...and since I work here, I'm very picky.

The manager and I have been talking about disconnecting our Push-To-Talk service and getting rid of our v60p's and replacing them with these camera phones.

But so far, I like this phone :)

[YWW]

Without using the camera nor any of the special features of this phone, I can only get 1 to 1.5 hrs out of the talk time making just local calls in a digital network. I haven't even tried using it in a roaming or analog area. The spec says it should be good for 3.2 hrs. Verizon says the only solution is to get an extended battery pack but it adds weight and the leather case won't fit with the extended battery. There's no problem with standby time. For those of you with this phone, suggest you time how long the standard battery will last with local calls (don't use the camera nor take it into a roaming or analog area which can drain the battery very quickly). I have heard from 4 different people all have this same complaint of very short talk time. If you can put up with this extra short talk time, this phone is good.

[IronSerif]

THats interesting, thanks for the info YWW.

I haven't talked to a single customer that has purchased this yet that has complained about the talk time.

A friend of mine had his phone with him at dinner last night, and the battery seemed to last all day, but I'm not sure how much talking he did on it yesterday.

[broadway00]

okay, i have a quick question.
i just got the audiovox cdm 8900 about two weeks ago, and i love it, but there's one little problem that's annoying me.
i entered the phone numbers of my contacts into the phonebook without the area codes, since they were not needed because they were not long distance. however, when there's an incoming call, it shows their phone number with the area code. therefore, the name of the incoming caller isn't shown because it does not match the one i entered into the phonebook. is there any way that i can fix this so that the area code doesn't show up? thanks very much. :)

:confused:

[IronSerif]

Good question, I've never ran across that problem because I, along with everyone else I know, store our numbers with the area codes.

But I think if you want the name of the person in your phone book to appear, you have to save the area code as well because the caller ID's wil always show the area code (from what I know)

Good luck!

[JACanapp]

Is anyone else having problems with accessing all of Verizon's Get It Now services on the 8900? I wouldn't have known better, but my wife's phone (an older model) has dozens of more options when accessing Get it Now.

Any ideas?

JC

[IronSerif]

Yep! That problem is definitely verified, but I can't tell you why we are having that problem.

when compared to other Get It Now capable phones, the 8900 isn't able to access all of the features that the other Get It Now phones can access. Everyone with the 8900 is having this problem though :(

I'll see what I can find out

[JACanapp]

Thanks for checking. It's not a major problem; the phone is actually very nice. It's just a strange, frustrating problem. I know little about the software technology behind these phones, but I assume that's where the problem lies. If this is the case, what are the chances of being able to get a software upgrade? If this can happen, can it be done without losing all of the other data already stored in the phone?

JC

[IronSerif]

IF it is a software issue than you should be ok through a software upgrade. I'm not sure if there are any available or not, you could always call your local Verizon Wireless store and ask. Most of the software upgrades are for free.

you "shouldn't " lose any data already stored on your phone, but definitely ask them first before doing the software upgrade :)

[ebayguy]

I just got this CDM-8900 phone for Verizon Wireless, indeed a very nice phone!!! I love this phone so much. In my opinion I think it is the best phone that Verizon have to offer at a decent price plus I think this is the best phone Audiovox released yet.

I have not had any kind of problems with this beatiful piece.

But I do have one concern that is just irritating me so much that I had to email Audiovox today. That "Verizon Wireless" stupid slogan is just piece of crap on the outside LCD screen .... very annoying that thing has to go. I can not see who is calling or what date or time it is without seeing that dumb "Verizon Wireless" slogan on that outside LCD screen, that slogan stays there for good amount of time until it switches to Date and Time format like all other phones.

I really hope somebody finds a way to do something about this, it's just unacceptable.

Somebody please help me!!!

[IronSerif]

Nope, no one has found a way to get rid of that yet...

we're still on it though lol! Very annoying :-P

[m0ses]

Originally posted by YWW
Without using the camera nor any of the special features of this phone, I can only get 1 to 1.5 hrs out of the talk time making just local calls in a digital network. I haven't even tried using it in a roaming or analog area. The spec says it should be good for 3.2 hrs. Verizon says the only solution is to get an extended battery pack but it adds weight and the leather case won't fit with the extended battery. There's no problem with standby time. For those of you with this phone, suggest you time how long the standard battery will last with local calls (don't use the camera nor take it into a roaming or analog area which can drain the battery very quickly). I have heard from 4 different people all have this same complaint of very short talk time. If you can put up with this extra short talk time, this phone is good.


I couldn't help but comment on this post... I didnt even bother to check to see if anyone else caught it or not.

First thing, I'm not attacking you in anyway shape or form, I'm not questioning your tech-like skills; but did you properly welcome the battery into this world?

The new "space-age" lithium-ion batteries are quite dependable and last at pretty darn close to spec, if not longer (which in my case is usually the problem). ;)

I've been peeking at this phone for sometime now and I've heard nothing but good and the few comments I skimmed through made my decision even easier.

Just a little food for thought to those that are ignorant on the topic and to those that actually read my post and take any of it into consideration; but a new battery needs to be completely discharged--whether it's running the phone off the battery until termination or even better, running a "parasitic-leak drain" of the battery such as a minute-wattage lamp if you have one powered off the battery using leads. After the battery is completely discharged, charging must take place. Battery cells have "memory," if you leave them in an uncharged state they will be quite satisfied to remain in that state even after "charging". A rapid charger is not suggested for initial charge. If thats all you have, then it'll have to suffice. If you have a 'standard' charger for the batter/phone in question, USE IT! You'll be happier later, I promise. Using a non-'rapid' phone charger essentially extends the life of the battery, overall and single-usage.

I just now noticed I'm getting a little carried away and if any questions arise, please let me know, search, or ask around.

P.S. As soon as my phone arrives I'll will promptly post my thoughts and views. Thank you for your time.

-- m0ses

[ebayguy]

I just got a response from Audiovox about that stupid Verizon Wireless Slogan on the outside LCD screen flashing from date/time to Verizon. Here is a response from Audiovox:

Response (DPRATT) - 02/17/2004 03:39 PM
Unfortunately the Verizon logo is embedded in the software that comes from
Verizon when you do an Over the Air Activation. That came from Verizon and there
is nothing we can do about it.


Guys lets team up and atack Verizon Wireless about that stupid logo that is very annoying and it does not belong there, there are enough Verizon logos over this phone.

This is a Nice phone and lets keep it like that, lets contact Verizon so they can change their software on this phone or something!!! I am pissed off every time I look at that outside LCD screen!!!

[IronSerif]

actually all is not lost ;)

It seems that you can modify that banner....

The bad news it that you might have to modify an actual file .bin in the phone. Could get kinda messy :P

[not a Techie]

Hi, I'm new to this place, and since I have been having a really hard time finding info about my supposed "problem" with the Audiovox 8900 phone, I decided to ask here.

ANYWAY...I got the phone a few weeks ago and noticed that some calls I make do NOT register in the recent calls display on my 8900. For example, I'll call XYZ and it will not show up as me having made that call at 4:00 pm on 3/30/04. It will list say only 6 calls on my recent calls list, when I really have made 7. YET, when I scroll to the call timers, it will show me having 7 calls, and show the total time for 7 calls. I

I spoke to the technical service ppl about it and they told me I had a software problem, so I had to return my 1st phone for a new one. Now, its happening AGAIN on my new phone.

just don't get it!!


AM i doing something wrong?


If you have any idea I'd really appreciate some help here, or at least a suggestion as to what to do. I am not thrilled about haveing a phone that only works 99% of the time.

THanks in advance

[rushman]

I just got this a few days ago, and have the same general complaint plus 1.

The alternating verizon wireless logo on the sub screen has to go, and, I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but neither display will show the time when you are out of service range. You have to go to the world clock to find the damn time. This is a complete pain in the butt as I use my phone as a watch also.
How hard would it be to keep the time on the sub screen?

Hopefully there will be a software update to fix our quams since there really don't seem to be that many.

Does anyone know where we can make suggestions?

[IronSerif]

Alright crew, good news. I just got this phone this week; we got rid of our v60p's and the push to talk service. So hopefully I can help answer some questions. Even though we've been selling this phone for months, I'm slowly starting to get familiar with the phone

Originally posted by rushman
I just got this a few days ago, and have the same general complaint plus 1.

The alternating verizon wireless logo on the sub screen has to go, and, I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but neither display will show the time when you are out of service range. You have to go to the world clock to find the damn time. This is a complete pain in the butt as I use my phone as a watch also.
How hard would it be to keep the time on the sub screen?

Hopefully there will be a software update to fix our quams since there really don't seem to be that many.

Does anyone know where we can make suggestions?

As far as removing the alternating verizon wireless logo on the sub screen, I heard two things

-you could go to a verizon tech and see if they can disable that

OR

- I read in another forum that there is a way to edit a file with a data cable. Haven't tried that yet but I may.

[rushman]

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=343996

I know its a different forum, don't know what rules are here, feel free to delete this post, I'm new..... but I just did that and it works like a champ

[IronSerif]

Yep! Howard forums would have been my first reference. They have very knowledeable and experienced phone users there.

Many of them already own the data cable and have tried different things already :)

[rushman]

I picked up the cable for the LG VX6000, which works at this point with bitpim to access the file structure. At this point you can download pictures and ringtones off the phone with it, haven't been able to get them on to it just yet.

[IronSerif]

Yeah it seems that they have the cable at radio shack for around $20 and on eBay for around $10-15.

It doesn't look like our store can get the same cable that radio shack gets. We can get the mobile office kits though, but I'm nto sure if it will allow us to do the same thing.

Might be worth it to pick up the cable from radio shack. Where did you get yours from?

[rushman]

I got mine from radioshack, and I also found a way to add midi and [b]MP3[b] ringtones as well using bitpim and a hex editor. Aparently the only cable as of now that works is the futuredial cable with the little box inline with the cable, the straight one doesn't work. The one at radio shack (part# 17-792) has the box, although the picture of it on the web does not.

[IronSerif]

Right, thats what I heard so far too. As far as I know, the only cables we can get are the ones included in the mobile office kits; they don't have the inline box to them.

I might hafta go to radio shack and drop down $20 then :(

[Roseanne]

just got my 8900 2 weeks ago and was ready to exchange it for the LV6000 just because of the irritating verizon wireless text on the outside of the phone. I already missed calls because by the time i got my phone to see who called "verizon wireless" was displayed and by the time the number came on, it shifted to voice mail. It is really annoying! the tech at verizon said there is nothing he could do. so please, please let me know if you can resolve this problem.

[rushman]

Read the whole post, I posted a link to the solution.

Oh, and as an FYI, its looks like bitpim won't support this phone until a more stable software version comes out. Check out there site on sourceforge. I wasn't happy when I read that.

[heriberto14]

I also have this phone but have had to replace it twice. The first time it was with sending Pix's. It was not letting me. So I took it in to Verizon and it was replaced. And now it was doing the same and then it just froze! All that appears now when it turns on is the initial Splash Screen "Verizonwireless". I have to take it in again.

Its a nice phone but I feel its missing many features compared to other phones.

But overall I must say I have been happy with it except for the problems I have had with it.


Heriberto Huizar

[rushman]

Ive had it for about a month now and have only 1 complaint after fixing the subscreen problem, which is when it is out of service range you have to go all the way into the world clock to tell what time it is.

[coffinnail]

Im locked out of my phone and in serious jam. Ireally need help. I tried 0000 1234 my last 4 . nothing works . is there another way. HELP MEEEEEEEEEEE.

[ECA]

Coffin,
Ummm,
you passworded your phone???
Locked out...EXPLAIN plz...

Wouldnt it be a bit MEAN of us, to tell someone HOW to get into a phone that has been stolen. or lost??

[coffinnail]

Coffin,
Ummm,
you passworded your phone???
Locked out...EXPLAIN plz...

Wouldnt it be a bit MEAN of us, to tell someone HOW to get into a phone that has been stolen. or lost??


Im glad that one of the polite forum helpers responded when I am in dire need of help and accused me of being a thief. Tell ya what why dont go **** yourself and after that I you get butt****ed by several neanderthas No one call sme a thief dumb **** fo evryone lse... I am aforeman for my dads company. Bettencourt Transport. My phone is the backbone of daily work schedule, currently my phone is locked and I cannot get iit open.Without my phone Im nothing thanks 4 the help


Coffinnail.

[ECA]

I would like to comment...
What would you do, IF, someone stole your phone and wanted the info inside of it...
NEW cell phones are PDA's, Camera's, mini comps, and phone numbers...
AS you say, you are a foreman for Betten corp. What is this info WORTH to you, and what could it do for others if they could get the information out of it...EVEN tho they DONT know whats in it, they are hoping to find your CONTACTS, and any other info they can get.

Yes, I know betten corp... Got many family members that drive truck. I know companies that also work for you, and those that DEAL with the corp.

There are ALOT of ways to STOP your phone from working. Including NOT paying your bill, as they can shut your phone OFF.
IF you passworded your phone, and you had good reason, then you should be using it at least one time aday, and SHOULD remember it, unless this ISNT your phone, or you have memory problems, which may NOT make you a good foreman.

And if you wish a critic of your last Post. You really cant spell well(and neither do I) and the words you use do NOT inspire good meanings or understanding.
Im trying to find OUT how you lost a password. they are unique in only the person has reason to make one. A NAME, A pattern, A DATE, are the most common.
Untill someone is willing to tell you how to RESET the phone, and this may lose ALL your data and phone numbers as a security prevention, you may be stuck with me.

As a precaution, DID YOU...backup ALL your data on the phone?? Write it DOWN someplace, have a Duplicate copy...ANYTHING.
IF you know your password, and its NOT working, and theres LOTS of these phones around(sometimes companies have THIS) are you SURE its the right phone?

[Ioman]

Im glad that one of the polite forum helpers responded when I am in dire need of help and accused me of being a thief. Tell ya what why dont go **** yourself and after that I you get butt****ed by several neanderthas No one call sme a thief dumb **** fo evryone lse... I am aforeman for my dads company. Bettencourt Transport. My phone is the backbone of daily work schedule, currently my phone is locked and I cannot get iit open.Without my phone Im nothing thanks 4 the help


Coffinnail.

Whoa there you need to come down. Language like that is not tolerated here.

Have you tried calling the phone provider or the service provider? That would be the first thing I would do if I was locked out of my phone.

[She Lurks]

Hello. The blonde is here with a few questions for you technological geniuses. My goal is to be able to upload pictures from the phone to the computer and vice-versa. I've succeeded in uploading pics from the phone to the computer now that I have the picture cable and software kit, but in the software that came with the USB cable, there doesn't seem to be an option to upload pictures to the camera from the computer.

Do I have the wrong cable or do I just need better software? From what I've heard, this should be possible. I also would like to be able to upload ringtones and such to the phone from the computer. Where have I gone wrong? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

[meeg 310]

Ifound A Way To Get Free "song Tones Into The Cdm 8900

Step1: Tools (8) Voice Memos
Step2: Record Ur Favorite Song
Step3:save The Message
Step4:send The Message To Ur Phone
Step5:open Message And Save Media
The Song Will Be Automaticaly Save To Ur Ringtone Downloads
You Have Try A Couple Of Time Recoding The Song Beacause Of The Volume But When U Get It Right Not To Loud It Would Be Pretty Clear

Meeg310<-- Not Paying 2$ For The Same Old Ring Tone , Got My Own "song Tones"

[ECA]

Theres also a program that converts Midi to ring tones...

[StillHere]

Where are the 32 ringtones?

[llbbl]

Talk TIMES

STD 1000 mAh:

DCS: 190m
PCS: 200m
AMPS: 80m

EXT 1700 mAh

DCS: 310 m
PCS 350 m
AMPS 130 m

[llbbl]

That's from the manual ... You might want to buy the extened battery if so you don't have to recharge it as often.

[computerfreak]

does anybody know how to change the sound or pix (baloons) when the phone is turned on or off?

thanx in advance

[IronSerif]

naa unfortunately there is no actual real way to do it.

I haven't had any experience with modifying some of the files on the phone like the guys over at howardforums...but from what I know of selling the phone there is no built in way to change that stuff :(

[computerfreak]

ok well that stinks
thanx anyway

[IronSerif]

ok well that stinks
thanx anyway


yeah Work issued me a v710 a few months ago to replace my 8900...ever since then I haven't had too much interaction with the 8900

BUT...I just bought my mom an 8910 (updated version of 89100) so maybe i can start playing around with it omg:

[rlphrss]

Um, hi I'm new and desperate for HELP!!!!!!!!!
I also have the CDM 8900 phone, and need help with the "mobile web" thing. Everytime I go to it, it says "BAD GATEWAY". What does that mean and how does it actually work???? Do you gotta pay???

[IronSerif]

Hmm...Bad Gateway....I never got that message from the manufactured settings..

I did receive that message once when I was fiddling around with the web settings (you need to go through long programming to get to this).

The only reason I can think of that you received that message is because you aren't paying for the actual service.

Rates might vary from area...but the standard price for mobile web is about $5 a month. When you browse, it just takes off of your minutes. but if you do it on the nights and weekends it will be free (assuming that you have free nights and weekends).

Its a pretty decent service, I mostly use mobile web for horoscopes, sports scores, and some other stuff.

[rlphrss]

Hmm...Bad Gateway....I never got that message from the manufactured settings..

I did receive that message once when I was fiddling around with the web settings (you need to go through long programming to get to this).

The only reason I can think of that you received that message is because you aren't paying for the actual service.

Rates might vary from area...but the standard price for mobile web is about $5 a month. When you browse, it just takes off of your minutes. but if you do it on the nights and weekends it will be free (assuming that you have free nights and weekends).

Its a pretty decent service, I mostly use mobile web for horoscopes, sports scores, and some other stuff.

Really? Because I have a metropcs service. But isn't the money taken from your metroconnect account. I have money in it, but it always shows that message.

[Ballistic]

aloha-
i recently purchased a CDM 8900 online and did not receive a manual for it, so as u can tell there are many features that i do not know how to work, such as the speakerphone...anyone know where i could possibly get a manual for this phone...id be willing to pay for it...

[IronSerif]

rlphrss - honestly I'm not sure with your service. I was just speaking for Verizon Wireless' Wireless Web service. I believe billing and connection issues are dealt with seperately depending on the service provider that you use. So that might be the case for you and metroconnect

Ballistic - congrats on your purchase! As far as the manual goes, you should definitely call around or stop into any Verizon Wireless store or authorized retailer. Each stores inventory is different...but I can tell you that we get in extra manuals every once in awhile.

Not from the warehouse/manufacturer, but from trade-ins and what not. WORST CASE, you could contact Audiovox and they can send you a manual. So at least you have two alternatives :-)

[ECA]

they should have the manual online also..

[IronSerif]

they should have the manual online also..

yep good call, most manufacturers will have their products manual online in pdf format :thumb

[ECA]

Except for sony..
They're a REAL hassle to find ANYTHING on there sites..

[daveh1010101]

I hope these help someone out there.

Heres a link to AUDIOVOX cell phone manuals in PDF format:
http://www.cellphones.ca/resources/manuals/audiovox.cfm

Heres the link to download BITPIM to "talk"to your phone:
http://unc.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/bitpim/bitpim-0.62-setup.exe

Ringtones, info & Images:

http://www.howardforums.com/archive/topic/480777-1.html

http://www.ringtones4all.com/index.php?catr=t&cnt=0&page=freetone&letr=m

http://stt2.smashsworld.com/

http://www.allformp3.com/polyphonic-ringtone-converter/polyphonic-ringtone-converter.htm

Hope this helps atleast 1 person out there.
Dave :thumb

[daveh1010101]

I forgot a few,,,,,,

Heres one for CHEAP STUFF, its cheap, but it lasts awhile and they send what you see.
http://www.cellphoneshop.net/audac.html

This site might help with programming:
http://www.cellphonehacks.com/index.php?sid=61f4bb704435d024662d6ca381182f85

Program a Audiovox 8910:
After booting up the phone press the following keys

##20022002 END
then enter the sec code 000000
You'r now into the programming mode so BE CAREFULL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(write everything down BEFORE you make ANY changes)

Once again I hope this helps