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UnderLoK: I wonder how many people lost their jobs over this? It's an oddity how many IT folks preach about backups, disaster recovery, and the like yet walk b... more »
Duckspwn: This makes me angry. No, I'm not mad at the companies involved. I'm mad at the massive toddler bitchfit that resulted from this outage. Give me a brea... more »
Kaiser-Machead: That's provided all of those SK owners out there haven't already gnawed their phones in half. #sidekickdatarecovered more »
fuchikoma: And the backup tapes? So... assuming that was technically possible, part of the timebomb then looked and functioned like the backup software, but eras... more »
SigmundTheSeaMonster: Aha! I see the same folks that wrote the Guest Login Erase bug for Snow Leopard, work at a Microsoft Data Center! more »
axiomatic: I Can't Stand It, I Know You Planned It Ima Set It Straight, This Watergate I Can't Stand Rockin' When I'm In Here 'Cause Your Crystal Ball Ain't So C... more »
UnderLoK: As others have touched on; more likely the backups were garbage and they had a failure which they couldn’t recover from. This kind of thing happens... more »
DrunkenOstrich: I call BS. A service with this many users and this much historical data would likely be spread across MANY backup tapes. So the timebomb not only wi... more »
zaghy2zy: ahuh? erased backup tapes? and how exactly could that happen? as far as i know, backup tapes are to be kept off site once backup is complete. Or at l... more »
dimes: Hahahahha, don't ascribe to Evil what you can easily be explained by stupidity and negligence....or however the saying goes. It doesn't have to be so... more »

#sidekick

Hurray, Sidekick Owners, You Can Get Your Contacts Back Now
In today's edition of the "steady progress" being made in recovering the data lost in the Great Sidekick Out(r)age of 2009, contacts—and just contacts—are back, after you run a retrieval tool. The rest's coming! Eventually? [Yahoo]
#tmobile

Microsoft "Making Steady Progress" On Sidekick Data Recovery
Last week it seemed the Danger/Microsoft team was on the verge of sorting out the fiasco that saw widespread data loss for Sidekick customers. Unfortunately, completing this process is taking longer than expected: More »
#cellphones

The Inevitable Sidekick Data Loss Lawsuit
BTW, a sidekick user has started a class action lawsuit against T-mobile over Microsoft/Danger's loss of all Hiptop personal data. I wonder what will happen now that Microsoft is promising most if not all data will be restored. [Inquirer]
#tmobile

"Most, if Not All" Sidekick Data Recovered
Good news: It looks like Sidekick data fiasco is finally coming to an end. Over on T-Mobile's Sidekick forums, an official Microsoft statement confirms "most, if not all, customer data" will return "as soon as possible", starting with personal contacts. More »
#blockquote

The Cause of the Great Sidekick Fiasco? “All Signs Point to Sabotage”
This past week's Sidekick data disaster was so extraordinary, you would think that either T-mobile or Microsoft would issue an explanation. There's one insider who might have the reason why one hasn't come yet: it was an inside job. More »
#sidekick

Microsoft's Project Pink Probably Killed Off the Sidekick and Itself
The crazy Sidekick data mess might be the least troubling thing to happen to fans of the platform. The latest rumors, which build off of previous Pink rumors, say that the platform is pretty much dead. Dead, dead, dead, dead. More »
#rumor

T-Mobile Lets Furious Sidekick Users Ditch Their Contracts for Free
T-Mobile's initial apologia to Sidekick users grieving their lost data was a joke. A month of free data service? To access what? Now they've manned up, giving affected customers something they might actually want: A way out of their contracts. More »
#rumor

How Screwed Up Is Microsoft Pink? Hint: It's Named After Pink the Singer
Another alleged insider has starting spilling—flinging?—beans about Microsoft's Pink project, enthusiastically piling the hate atop earlier claims that the project was under dire threat of cancellation, for sucking. This time, the rumors come via AppleInsider, and they get personal: More »
#pink

Danger For Microsoft's Project Pink?
A anonymous source told MobileCrunch that Microsoft's Pink phone project might be in trouble. More »
#sidekick

The Great T-Mobile Sidekick Data Outage of 2009 Could End Monday, Maybe
Apparently, every T-Mobile Sidekick user from sea to shining sea has been without data access on their mobiles this weekend. Unfortunately, word on the wire is access should have returned yesterday (but it didn't). More »
#rumor

Turtle and Pure Pink Phones May Be Just Next-Gen Sidekicks
Cnet's Ina Fried says the Microsoft Pink phones leaked yesterday are "more the evolution of the Sidekick" using Windows Mobile as the core OS, and in addition to Microsoft's main phone push. What's interesting is the reason Microsoft bought Danger. More »
#texting

Archbishop Cautions Texting, Email Could Lead to Suicide
He stopped short of calling texting and social networks the devil's playground, but nevertheless Archbishop Vincent Nichols warned us all in an interview today that these "dehumanizing" practices can often lead to suicide. More »
#sidekick

3G Sidekick PV300 Earns FCC Approval
According to an FCC filing, we should see the legendary 3G Sidekick popping up sometime soon. The new device from Sharp supports the 1700MHz spectrum...the same band used by T-Mobile 3G. The GSM handset also supports Bluetooth, but other than the FCC, there's been no official confirmation that the 3G Sidekick exists yet. [FCC via Phone Scoop]
#space

ISS and Discovery In Debris Collision Danger, NASA Thinking About Course Change
I told you we needed lasers up there: The ISS is again in danger of colliding with the orbiting debris. And space shuttle Discovery is headed into it too. Cue in the Bruckheimer movie's soundtrack. More »
#microsoft

Microsoft Trimmed Zune/Xbox/WinMo Division Because Its R&D Costs Were High
Microsoft cut the Entertainment & Devices division's budget because the group's R&D costs had skyrocketed in the preceding months—to twice as much as the Windows group, said TechFlash. Will this hurt the group's great products? More »
#danger

Repairing High-Voltage Cables from a Helicopter is One Badass Job

You've gotta have serious balls to repair high-voltage cables from a helicopter while wearing a faraday cage suit. Not only are you dealing with heights, but tons of electricity as well.
More »
#zune

CNBC: Zune Phone Is Real, Codenamed "Pink"
One of those rumors that won't ever die—the Zune phone—is now being touted by a reputable, legitimate news organization, CNBC. Jim Goldman (the guy that interviews Steve Jobs on CNBC after every Apple event) says that according a "good source," Microsoft is "ready to give a major facelift to the company's Zune music player that could mean its evolution into a new smart phone from the company." The project is codenamed Pink and "will combine the company's Zune and technology from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Inc." Update: If this rings a bell, it's because others have, in the past, referred to Microsoft's mysterious consumer smartphone initiative as "Pink" or "Purple and Pink" More »
#xbox360sidekicklx

Xbox 360 Special Edition Sidekick LX Shown Off By Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy claims that he has the only Xbox 360 Sidekick LX in the world, something that we believe him on, seeing as Danger is a huge fan of doing limited runs of designer Sidekicks for special people. Does it mean that Soulja Boy will have the only Xbox 360 Sidekick LX forever? Tough to say, but we're hoping there's some kind of tie-in seeing as Microsoft and Danger are more than just BFF. In the meantime, head over to Gamertagradio to see him fiddle around with it on video while mumbling incoherently. [Gamertagradio via Engadgetmobile]
#clocks

Delay Clock Tells Time, Looks Pretty and Pointy
The Delay Clock looks complex and threatening, but if you take a look at where the three circles (hour, minute and second) meet near the middle, you can find the time pretty easily. This arty Dutch clock is made from stainless steel and aluminum, and its cogs are a more essential part of the design than others we've seen. I really hope it doesn't have an alarm, because smacking this thing in the morning would be the rudest wakeup ever. This danger to life, internal organ, and limb from Studio Bloomm is priced at a hefty $1,962. [DVICE]
#ouch

Epic Blob Jump Proves That Fun and Adventure Aren't Without Consequences
This video shows a girl getting absolutely launched into the air from an inflatable "blob" on a lake. She lies on one end, while what has got to be a much larger man jumps down onto the other. It looks like both the most fun thing ever as well as one of the most painful when she lands. Where can I get me one of these? Seriously, holy crap. More »
#microsoft

Ballmer Hints at Zune Phone in Memo to Microsoft Employees
In a giant memo to Microsoft employees laying out strategy and changes for the next fiscal year, Steve Ballmer spends a paragraph comparing their way of doing things (choice) versus Apple (end-to-end). Unexceptional, except he says that More »
#sidekick2008

Sidekick 2008/Gekko Coming July 30th
Boy Genius has word that T-Mobile's Sidekick 2008 is coming out on July 30th. The phone has Sidekick like features, and a 2.6-inch WQVGA screen, A2DP stereo Bluetooth streaming and those interchangeable faceplates we've been hearing about. The phone's OS should feel appropriately aged but at the right price, as the Sidekick's always been a crowd-pleaser. I'm just not sure if that crowd is this crowd. [Boy Genius]
#sidekicklxupdate

Sidekick LX OTA Getting Updated Starting June 25
The promised update for Sidekick LX is going to start rolling out over the air come June 25, adding video capture, video sharing, IM enhancements and various other upgrades. You might not get updated until a few days after June 25, however. Hit the jump for the full listing courtesy of Boy Genius. [Boy Genius Report via HipTop 3] More »
#cellphones

Cellphone Use While Pregnant Causes Kids To Go Haywire, Study Says
Pregnant women should probably add cellphones to the list of things they need to avoid, along with alcohol, sushi and cat poo. A giant study that surveyed over 13,000 children found that women who used mobile phones when pregnant were more likely to give birth to kids with behavioral problems. More »
#sidekickslidescarlet

Sidekick Slide Scarlet Available Now For $199
The rumored Sidekick Slide Scarlet (read: red edition) is available now from T-Mobile. It's just about the same as the regular Sidekick Slide, with myFaves support, QVGA display, microSD slot, 1.3-megapixel camera and all the Sidekick features that kids love. The phone's only major difference is the color Scarlet, and unlike the similarly-named actress, can be yours for just $199 with two-year contract. [T-Mobile]
#nojoke

Youth Killed By a Helicopter While Getting His Mail Sparks Debate About Headphone Safety
Seriously guys, you just can't make this stuff up. A 23 year old Canadian college student was killed when a crashing helicopter struck and dragged him as he was walking to his mailbox. Apparently eyewitnesses noticed that the youth was completely unaware of his impending doom and a friend told reporters that he often listened to music through earbuds underneath the hood of his sweatshirt. Naturally, reaction was swift. If he had not been listening to music perhaps he could have nimbly sidestepped the helicopter and gone about his business as if nothing had happened. After all, this sort of crap happens everyday right? More »
#zunephone

Zune Finding Ways to Work with Danger = Zune Hiptop?
After a presentation at Microsoft's Zune media event, Chris Stephenson, GM of Marketing for Zune, offhandedly mentioned that they're finding ways to integrate and work with Danger's 250-man staff. As a reminder, Danger, who Microsoft bought, is strictly a consumer handset OS maker. No one has officially confirmed the Zune Phone project's existence until now, without a retraction. But this is a step in the right direction.
#sidekick4

Sidekick Aspen/Gekko Screenshot Leaked
Danger fans Hiptop3.com have managed to get a screenshot of the Sidekick Aspen/Gekko, the company's replacement for the teen-friendly iD. It seems like the newest addition to the Sidekick family will be a cheaper option to the more upmarket LX, and will feature web browsing, a 2-megapixel camera with video capture mode, and "highly customizable features." It's not completely clear what "highly customizable" means, but looking at the picture, it might have to do with the ability to switch colored bumpers. Also not clear: why there were two different release dates for the Apsen and Gekko if they turned out to be the same product. [Hiptop3]
#rumor

Rumor: Next-Gen Sidekick Prototype Details
In a Q&A with the Sidekick maker Danger's CEO, Financial Times asks him about what he's got in his pocket. Surprisingly, Hank Nothaft tells. More »
#business

It's Official: Microsoft Has Acquired Danger
It looks like Microsoft's acquisition of Sidekick-maker Danger is complete and official. Whether or not this is good news or bad news for fans of the Sidekick has yet to be seen, but we'll try to stay positive and keep an open mind. Hit the jump for the full press release. More »
#cellphones

Fire Red Sidekick Slide Coming May, Juneish
We know how much you kids love the Sidekicks, which is why you'll be excited at getting a completely new color: fire red. Boy Genius has the image above, plus gives the estimated release date on T-Mobile at either late May or early June. It's no Sidekick 4, but it'll do for now. We're still wondering how much they had to pay Michelle Yeoh to pose for their promo shots. [Boy Genius]
#rumor

How Much Did Microsoft Shell Out for Sidekick Maker Danger?
$500 million. Says Om Malik, who's about as reliable as they come. A lot for the assimilation, but nothing compared to what they're throwing at Yahoo. [GigaOM]
#cellphones

Microsoft Absorbs Sidekick Maker Danger Inc.
Out of left field, Microsoft has bought Danger Inc.—best known as the Hiptop/Sidekick's daddy—for an undisclosed hunk of cash. Fear not, Sidekick fans, it'll be business as usual on that front. But this pretty much confirms that Microsoft's new growth strategy in areas it's obsessed with but weak in is simple, ill-fitted assimilation. Obviously, the goal is to grab Danger's mobile expertise, but I'm not really seeing the mesh here. Well, two words, maybe: Zune Phone. The full, official details below. More »
#danger

PSP Spontaneously Combusts, Burns Hole in Kid's Pants
A PSP residing in the pocket of a Michigan elementary school student caught fire in the kid's pants and caused burns to the boy's inner leg. The boy escaped serious harm, only being treated for minor burns at the hospital. But maybe Chen should start considering what he puts or doesn't put in his pants. [Click On Detroit via Kotaku]
#gameoftelephone

Nokia Sniffing Around Sidekick Territory with New Patent Application
Sneaking a peek at a patent application by Nokia shows the company slipping into me-too territory, doodling an application to the U.S Patent Office that looks surprisingly like a T-Mobile Sidekick. Supposedly sidestepping any danger of patent infringement is one notable difference: an odd crank-like device on the side that must be turned to open up the screen, with a half-turn revealing the QWERTY keyboard nestled underneath. Too much like a sidekick to be a separate patent? Nokia knows what it's doing, but this could still end up more as a court decision than an actual product. [Unwired View]
#sizemodo

Sidekick Slide Super Sizemodo
First you get a taste of what the two sexy new Sidekicks, the LX and Slide, look like side by side. (Can someone please tell me why the logos are all oriented for "portrait" when there's never been a more "landscape" phone? I need an explanation.) That, my friends, is but the appetizer. Your main course is a smorgabord of Sizemodology, pitting the new little Sidekick Slide against the roughest, toughest "consumer" smartphones around: the T-Mobile HTC Shadow, Sprint's Palm Centro, the BlackBerry Curve, and of course the iPhone. You will find that deluxe second gallery after the jump. More »
#cellphones

Sidekick Slide Slides Out of the Box
While there isn't a lot to say that we haven't already said, it's nice to finally get the thing in the box and have a look. As Blam mentioned last week, it's sturdy and slim, with a nice bright screen—though not the biggest. It's definitely the most comfortable Sidekick for the pants... pocket. (I won't comment on the other pants attributes, as I do not have a degree in pantsology like Chen.) The interface is all too familiar, but the smaller form factor makes me happy. From what we can tell, the $199 phone is still slated to arrive at T-Mobile locations on November 7. Now, enjoy the gallery and stay tuned for one serious Sizemodo. [T-Mobile] More »
#sidekick

Sidekick LX Unboxing Gallery and Sidekick Sizemodo
The FedEx man just made us happy by dropping off a Sidekick LX, which will be available to T-Mobile customers tomorrow, and will be "widely available" on October 24th at T-Mobile stores and at t-mobile.com. Here's a look at its classy exterior, definitely more of a grown-ups Sidekick than any we've seen before. Notice the WQVGA screen with "high-definition" LCD technology, as well as the "mood lights" on the ends of the phone. Sizemodo gallery after the jump. More »
#sidekick

Sidekick LX Interface Walkthrough
Boy Genius has a walkthrough of the Sidekick LX, which you still can't buy now, but will be able to get soon. They take you through the phone, myFaves, AIM, music playback, MSN, and Emailing screens, you can take a look at below. Kick on over to Boy Genius to see the entire gallery. [Boy Genius Report] More »
#cellphones

Sidekick LX Gets Release Date and More Grainy Shots
Following up on the previous grainy shots of the Sidekick LX, Hiptop 3 has more shots plus a release date. The date is supposedly October 24, which is far enough away from the holidays to make for a nice present. The LX looks a bit thinner/wider than the ZANTE, also known as the Sidekick Slide (we think). The sound you hear is 5 million teenagers smashing open their piggy banks in preparation for the 24th of October. Not so fast kids, this is still unconfirmed. [HipTop3]

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