14 DAY TRIAL // Rumors about a top-tier Sidekick smartphone that T-Mobile is planning to release have aroused the fans of the series ever since they first appeared back in May 2010. Based on new facts that just came to light, it seems that the carrier hasn't totally given up and will continue with the Sidekick series.
Previously dubbed as Project Emerald, the new Sidekick device was supposedly manufactured by HTC, but re-branded by T-Mobile and retailed as “Sidekick Twist.”
Original specs leaked last year included features such as: Android OS 2.1, a 1 GHz processor (possibly Snapdragon), 4.3-inch Super AMOLED touch screen, as well as a front facing camera.
Furthermore, Sidekick Twist was said to have 16GB of onboard storage space, as well as some builtin T-Mobile software labeled as “preloaded active lifestyle oriented apps.”
It took the carrier almost one year to resurrect the project, which will probably be named “Sidekick 4G” and will be fully compatible with T-Mobile's HSPA+ network.
According to TmoNews, the manufacturer of the new Sidekick device is still unknown, but it will feature a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a swivel display and Android 2.3 along with a touchscreen that will double as a keyboard as well.
Information about the phone's hardware specs is scarce at the moment, but rumors say that Sharp might be the one to manufacture the device.
If the device is real, then “Sidekick 4G” will be the first Sidekick to run on the Android platform and the sixth handset of the series.
The Sidekick series debuted with T-Mobile Sidekick 3, which was launched way back in June 2006 and has since been discontinued.
Four other Sidekick phones have been released until 2010: T-Mobile Sidekick LX, T-Mobile Sidekick, T-Mobile Sidekick Slide and T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009.
Fans of the Sidekick lineup should stay tuned for more updates on the matter.