We first learned about T-Mobile's intent to launch a new 4G-capable Sidekick nearly two months ago, but today both they and Samsung came together to make the handset official. The new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G features a 3.5-inch 800x480 touchscreen with a "pop tilt" hinge, 1GHz Hummingbird core, 3 megapixel camera, VGA front-facing camera for Qik video calling, five row physical QWERTY keyboard, 21Mbps connectivity, and Android 2.2. There's also a special "jump key" that allows users to switch between running apps or assign keyboard shortcuts to functions or apps. Expect the new Sidekick 4G to launch later this spring in both "matte black" or "pearl magenta" for an undisclosed price. Check out the full press release below.

It's been a while since the Sidekick was in the spotlight, but the mix of the traditional Sidekick form factor and Android 2.2 could help attract users that grew up with the original Danger Sidekicks as well as a newer generation of smartphone users looking for a messaging-centric handset. Normally I'd say we could expect the Sidekick 4G to arrive at around $199.99 with a two-year contract, but after T-Mobile recently increased the price of all of their 4G-capable handsets by $50, that may not be such a safe bet. Whatever the price ends up being, we'll keep you updated.

T-Mobile Sidekick Is Reborn

New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub,
Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS — March 15, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and
Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider
in the U.S., today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4G™ by Samsung. The new
Android™-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a
killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile’s
fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G Network™, the new Sidekick 4G is
capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the
Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a
touch screen and its sturdy “pop-tilt” hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row
QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status
as an exceptional messaging device.

The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group Text™ and
Cloud Text™ to redefine messaging. Sidekick’s Group Text feature lets customers create,
name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead
their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of
the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share
the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In
addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms,
whether from the comfort of their PC’s large screen and keyboard, or from their new
Sidekick 4G.

“Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile’s 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers
customers both speed and style,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product
management, T-Mobile USA. “We’ve reinvented the messaging experience that made the
Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment
experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network.”

Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, “We are proud that T-Mobile selected
Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and
device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class
hardware, combined with T-Mobile’s 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and
unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal
Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners.”

The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and Twitter™ applications, and
provides easy interaction with customers’ social networks by allowing them to update their
status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the
ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone’s address book, which lets them post
to their friends’ walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with
the Sidekick 4G’s jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to
quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard
shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications.

In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With
speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go
is a breeze. Sidekick’s Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies,
YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the
source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across
all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or
purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub,
which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV
Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now
have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill.

Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped
with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™,
to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and
a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their
favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to
their next destination — all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer
dynamic media features and integrated Google™ services, including Gmail™, Google
Maps™ and access to thousands of applications on Android Market™.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmart™ from T-Mobile, a first-of-its
kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated,
DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a
customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and
will respond when it’s safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added
capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as
advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the
wheel.

Offered exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be
available later this spring in two stylish colors — matte black or pearl magenta. Customers
can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information.