AT&T Introduces Celebrity 'Ringtone A-List'

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) announced today the launch of the 'Ringtone A-List', a new Web site that unveils the sounds found on the wireless phones of today's top stars. Currently listed on the site are Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge of MTV's hit reality show "The Hills" as well as Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and actor Mario and international pop vocalist Leona Lewis.

(Editor's Note: I must be getting old because I didn't know who any of these "stars" were but I did recognize the ringtones they like...)

"We are excited to be able to bring fans the opportunity to find out, listen to and even purchase the ringtones found on the wireless phones of today's hottest actors, musicians and athletes," said Rob Hyatt, executive director of Premium Content for AT&T's wireless operations. "For us, the Ringtone A-list is just one more way that we're able to connect people to their world."

Each month, the Ringtone A-List will feature a selection of stars from TV, film, music and sports. Fans will have the opportunity to learn which tones each celebrity has downloaded to his or her wireless phone, preview an audio clip and, if they wish, purchase the tone directly from the Web site.

Featured talent, which will be updated monthly, has included members of Panic at the Disco, Webbie, James Otto and Justin McBride.

If you're interested in finding out what ringtones the general public is downloading to their phones, check out Billboard's list here.

Watch the Instinct Defeat the iPhone

Back in April, Sprint announced they would be selling one of the first iPhone killers - the Samsung Instinct. The device is supposed to hit the market in June and it looks like Sprint is taking the gloves off and going to head to head against AT&T and the iPhone with their marketing campaign.

Click here to go to www.nowisgood.com and you can watch 5 videos that show how the Instinct performs better than the iPhone for GPS, Live TV, downloading music, surfing the Internet and shooting video.

"Finally, an amazing touch screen phone with a network to back it up"

AT&T and Microsoft Holding Mobile Game Developer Contest

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), HTC Corp., and I-Play are hoping to discover the next breakthrough mobile game with a newly-launched AT&T Game Development Contest for Windows Mobile. Starting this week, independent game developers can submit their homemade Windows Mobile games to AT&T for a chance to win a large cash prize and a publishing contract with I-Play. The contest is designed to bring new talent and ideas into mobile gaming and also increase consumer awareness about the mobile gaming market.

AT&T claimed in a press release that Windows Mobile games are the fastest growing segment of the AT&T gaming business. "AT&T has a strong commitment to deliver more wireless choices to our customers -- in terms of products, services and applications," said Mark Collins, vice president, Consumer Data, for AT&T's wireless unit. "One way we reinforce this commitment and demonstrate that we are open to innovation is by working closely with the developer community so that we can bring visibility to their creativity, while ensuring that our customers have access to the most advanced, compelling and fun products and services -- now and in the future."

To submit your game, click here to access the online entry form.

The winner will receive a mobile game developer contract with I-play, prime placement of the finished game on AT&T MEdia Mall's game portal and a cash prize of $25,000. Prizes will also be awarded to three finalists and ten semi-finalists. Games will be judged on the basis of gameplay value and quality, uniqueness and creativity, and marketplace potential. The deadline to enter is July 31, 2008, and the winner will be announced at this year's CTIA mobile conference in September.

Congrats to Com2uS

Two of Korean publisher Com2uS' mobile games have been listed in the Best of 2007 category on the AT&T Media Mall site. Role playing game Tower Defense was named Best Strategy Game of the year, and Super Action Hero was named the Most Visually Innovative game of 2007.

IGN gave Tower Defense a solid review in December and Super Action Hero was reviewed by IGN back in October. Both games can be downloaded directly from the Com2uS by clicking here.

"Capturing two of the top 15 categories in the Best of 2007 from AT&T is further proof of how games like Super Action Hero and Tower Defense can be both creative and innovative and still be widely appealing," said Don Lim, general manager, Com2uS America. "Some of the best is yet to come with a full line-up of innovative new titles from Com2uS in 2008."

Relief on ETFs

Good news for Sprint & T-Mobile subscribers who want to get out of their contracts early and get an iPhone from AT&T. Today, Sprint Nextel Corp. announced it will pro-rate its early termination fees (ETFs) for customers, the last of the four national wireless carriers to do so. T-Mobile announced yesterday that it too will begin to prorate early termination fees next year.

“T-Mobile is widely recognized as the undisputed service leader in wireless. We want to do everything possible to create a great experience so customers want to stay with us for years,” said Sue Nokes, senior vice president, Sales and Customer Service, T-Mobile USA. “This announcement builds on our heritage of listening closely to our customers and always striving to meet their needs.”

Though exact details will not be announced and introduced until the first half of 2008, ETFs will decline over the course of a Sprint and T-Mobile contract. When they become effective, the terms will apply to new customers as well as current customers renewing contracts. Sprint and T-Mobile join Verizon and AT&T, both of which introduced pro-rated ETFs earlier this year.