AT&T has announced it is offering customers a variety of holiday deals starting this Friday.

Exclusively at att.com, starting Friday, November 25 through Monday, November 28, customers can enjoy select Windows 7, BlackBerry and Android devices starting at only a penny.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, November 25, the savings will be a series of rotating promotions for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday online shoppers while supplies last. Free shipping and waived activation is included.

Here's a look at this year's deals:
Friday, November 25, 12:01 a.m. ET
-- Touchscreen devices, including tablets, at "unbelievably low prices", whatever that might mean.
Saturday, November 26, 12:01 a.m. ET
-- All Windows 7 and select Android devices, for just $.01
Sunday, November 27, 12:01 a.m. ET
-- BlackBerry 9860 for only $.01, HTC Red Inspire for $29.99
Monday, November 28, 12:01 a.m. ET
-- A lineup of some of AT&T's most popular smartphones- -Motorola Atrix, Samsung Infuse, BlackBerry 9810, HTC Inspire and LG Thrill -- all for only one cent!

"We're proud to continue to offer incredible value and savings in this economy," said Phil Bienert, senior vice president, ATT.com. "We want to show our customers that we appreciate their loyalty-especially during the holiday season."

All offers require a two-year service agreement. All smartphone offers require AT&T voice and a minimum of $15 per month data plan; quick messaging devices require a minimum $20 per month messaging plan. Some restrictions and other charges may apply.

Customers can visit http://www.att.com/shop/special-offers/ for more information on AT&T holiday offers.

By MATT MYFTIU
Of The Oakland Press

Most phones are pretty much genderless — just black slabs that could be used by male or female without any issue.

The HTC Rhyme, a new phone from Verizon Wireless, is the rare phone that is somewhat gender specific: Between its plum shade, the alert charm that comes with it and its petite look, it’s pretty clearly aimed at women, a rarity among today’s smartphones.


This is a risky strategy, as you’re effectively eliminating half your buying public with this kind of design, but if even of the target group like it you could have a hit on your hands.

LOOKS

As I said, this phone screams feminine with its look. Your only color choice is plum (actually three shades of plum to be more specific). It’s smaller than most new smartphones, which is good for people with more petite hands. This also means it weighs in at a light 4.77 ounces.

And, of course, there is the charm, which is designed to hang out of your bag (presumably a purse) and will blink when someone calls or messages you.

Overall, I thought the phone felt very good in the hand, especially its textured backplate.

To read the full review, click here.

HTC and Verizon Wireless have announced the HTC Rezound, the only phone in the United States with Beats Audio integration. A result of the recent partnership between HTC and Beats, the HTC Rezound delivers a powerful entertainment experience, highlighted by a 4.3-inch true HD 720p display. The HTC Rezound, which includes the latest HTC Sense experience and access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, will be available exclusively from Verizon Wireless on Nov. 14.

“HTC is dedicated to delivering the latest in sight and sound innovation and we’re excited to be introducing the first U.S. smartphone featuring Beats Audio technology,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. “Paired with Verizon Wireless’ blazing-fast 4G LTE network and a robust multimedia experience, the HTC Rezound enables customers to enjoy their favorite music and entertainment on-the-go like never before.”

The HTC Rezound enables customers to hear music with unique audio tuning by Beats that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs. Unique to HTC, the HTC Rezound also includes new lightweight Beats headphones, created exclusively to integrate with the Beats’ audio profile on the device. Hands-free calling is easy with the built-in microphone and the on-cable remote to pause, advance or rewind and answer a call mid-track.

Availability

The HTC Rezound will be available beginning Nov. 14 at Verizon Wireless and at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores for $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers who purchase the HTC Rezound will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data. Customers canvisit www.verizonwireless.com/Rezound to sign up for more information.

To read more about the HTC Rezound, including full specs, click here.