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| Best Buy-sponsored survey shows that Americans want smartphones even though they don't understand them |
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Do you understand your smartphone... really understand it? Know its moods, its wants, its desires? A survey hosted by Best Buy Mobile shows that half of people don't, with 47 percent saying the things confuse the heck out of them, while 60 percent of those aged 35 - 49 feel that people with smartphones spend too much time working and not enough time playing Wii Sports Bowling. Those feelings of confusion and ire doesn't stop a "sizable segment" of the rest of the 1,000 people surveyed from wanting a handset with brains, with most desiring access to the sort of apps you can't get on dumbphones, and 14 percent of women saying that playing games was "very important" -- only nine percent of men said the same. Sadly, there was no figure indicating how many people enjoy paying too much for text messages and signing their lives away on lengthy contracts.Filed under: CellphonesBest Buy-sponsored survey shows that Americans want smartphones even though they don't understand them originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/01/2009 4:23 PM (2d 9h 28m ago) |
| BlackBerry Tour hitting Verizon on July 12 for $199.99? |
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You know what'd sell like a cold glass of water in hell? A $199.99 BlackBerry Tour on Verizon, that's what -- and it looks like that might be what the carrier's planning to unleash. Boy Genius Report has what seems to be a promotional graphic advertising the release of the Tour on July 12 -- just over two weeks from today -- which has the potential to make it the first Tour release anywhere, beating Telus' July 15 date and Sprint's nebulous "later this summer" window. Who's camping out in line with us?Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Tour hitting Verizon on July 12 for $199.99? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/29/2009 5:40 PM (4d 8h 11m ago) |
| Nokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe |
| | While the free-market works pretty well when, uh, left alone to be free, sometimes it needs a push from a visible hand. Case in point, phone chargers; at the moment some 30 different types of chargers are used with handsets throughout Europe. Today, the European Commission received industry backing of its phone charger standard that relies on a micro-USB socket. The standard is now backed by all the majors (representing 90% of the European mobile market) including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Apple, LG, NEC, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung and Texas Instruments with compatible devices starting to appear in Europe next year. Or course, the micro-USB charger standard already has the blessings of CTIA, OMTP, and GSM Association which implies a broader adoption beyond Europe, someday. One charger for any mobile phone... where's the catch?Filed under: CellphonesNokia, Apple, RIM and others agree on micro-USB phone charger standard for Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/29/2009 5:28 PM (4d 8h 23m ago) |
| HTC Hero running Android and Sense UI leaks from HTC's own website (updated, official, video) |
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var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Official_HTC_Hero_runs_Android_with_new_Sense_interface'; As we prepare for HTC's official launch event today, we're starting to see some details appear on HTC's own website of the much rumored Hero. Through some URL trickery, we've managed to unearth several details that confirm the previous rumors. Hero includes the new HTC Sense widget-based interface that puts at-a-glance info right up front on the home screen where it belongs. A new Scenes profile feature lets you transform your phones focus from business to weekend mode. Viewing your contacts shows the usual data in addition to the interactions you've had through social networking status updates and photos from the likes of Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and Twitter. A dedicated search button searches the phone as well as services like Twitter. In fact, like Palm's Pre, the HTC Hero seems ready to fully integrate your local data with all your subscribed social media sites. The biggest deal here, however, might just be that HTC is touting this as the first Android device to support Flash out of the box.Inside you'll find Qualcomm's MSM7200A proc running Android at 528MHz, 512MB/288MB ROM/RAM, 3.2-inch TFT-LCD with 320 x 480 pixel rez, 900/2100MHz HSPA and Quad-band GSM, trackball, GPS, 802.11b/g WiFi, 3.5mm audio jack, G-sensor, compass, and 5 megapixel auto-focus cam with microSD expansion. It's all there baby. The White version of the device has an industry-first Teflon coating (right, just like your pans) to keep things clean and grime free. Multi-touch and anti-fingerprint coating too. Hero arrives in Europe in July with T-Mobile and Orange, Asia later in the summer, and North America even later in 2009. Stay tuned for a full hands-on, but for now, enjoy the press shots in the gallery below and the new video after the break!Other HTC Hero coverageRead - Adobe demos Flash on the HeroRead - Hero hands-on and impressionsRead - Product pageRead - Official PRGallery:... |
| | 6/24/2009 6:20 PM (9d 7h 31m ago) |
| T-Mobile myTouch 3G announced, starts shipping late July |
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The good news is that T-Mobile USA has finally gotten around to announce its second Android handset, the myTouch 3G; the bad news, though, is that you can't have it just yet. The carrier-customized version of the HTC Magic that has already shipped in parts of Europe, Asia, and Canada features a 3.2-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen, AWS 3G for use on T-Mobile's high-speed network paired with quadband EDGE for global roaming, WiFi, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Exchange support, and -- of course -- Android 1.5 with all the virtual keyboardin' you can handle. Better than the G1? Other than the larger internal memory common to all Magics, that's strictly a matter of personal taste -- but don't worry, you'll have a while to sort it out, because T-Mobile won't even start taking preorders from current customers until July 8 for $199.99 on a two-year contract. Those orders will start shipping in late July, with full national availability following on in early August in your choice of black, white, or "merlot."
Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsT-Mobile myTouch 3G announced, starts shipping late July originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/22/2009 8:33 PM (11d 5h 18m ago) |
| RIM announces BlackBerry Tour 9630 for Sprint, Verizon Wireless |
| | RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630(Credit: RIM)
On Monday, Research in Motion unveiled its newest device, the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630, a 3G-enabled world phone that will be available from Sprint and Verizon Wireless later this summer. In addition, the smartphone will be sold in Canada through Bell Mobility and Telus.
... |
| | 6/19/2009 6:19 PM (14d 7h 32m ago) |
| Nokia N86 8MP and N97 launching in UK today |
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Most of us have our sights squarely fixed on the iPhone 3G S launch today, but in the UK, there are a couple of other heavyweights that are finally hitting retail: the N86 8MP and the N97. All About Symbian is covering the launch live, though it looks like there isn't much chaos and bedlam outside the Regent Street store -- maybe it has something to do with that other flagship store reflected in the window?Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsNokia N86 8MP and N97 launching in UK today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/19/2009 6:12 PM (14d 7h 39m ago) |
| SciPhone shocker! N12 handset features 'genuine' Android OS |
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It looks we don't have ol' SciPhone to kick around anymore. Sure, we had some laughs -- mainly due to the fact that the irony-resistant handset manufacturer was ripping off an open source OS -- but now it looks like all that has changed. The SciPhone N12 (apparently) runs genuine Android, sports both quadband GSM and WCDMA (3G), and packs a 3.2-inch touchscreen, WiFi, a GPS module, CMMB TV support, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and a 624MHz Marvell processor under the hood. Listed for CNY $1,600 (roughly $234), this bad boy should be out June 25. Check out a couple more pics after the break.[Via PMP Today]
Continue reading SciPhone shocker! N12 handset features 'genuine' Android OSFiled under: CellphonesSciPhone shocker! N12 handset features 'genuine' Android OS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/19/2009 6:12 PM (14d 7h 39m ago) |
| Augmented reality: iPhone 3G S' killer app? |
| | Layar running on Android, but the iPhone 3G S could up the augmented ante.(Credit: SPRXmobile.com)
While video recording, more storage space, faster processor speeds, and better games have been the main calling cards for the iPhone 3G S, the biggest reason to upgrade may be yet to come--and it has to do with the seemingly most innocuous feature of all, the magnetometer.
Imagine a browser in which you view the real world through a camera lens and an HUD picks out interest points amid the living cityscape. This type of augmented reality has been the stuff of science fiction, but the cell phone browser Layar by Dutch software developer SPRXmobile claims to make it real. See the video for yourself.
Layar takes the sort of GPS POI data in current map-based apps, like ATMs, houses for sale, or nearby hotspots, and displays them overlaid on the landscape as seen through the camera lens.
It's debuting later this month for Android phones in the Netherlands--not exactly a huge starting demographic, but if it works, this could be the start of something big.
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| | 6/17/2009 4:23 PM (16d 9h 28m ago) |
| Keepin' it real fake, part CCXVI: HiPhone F06-Slim is brewing up a Storm |
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Oh hi, HiPhone. Not much of a surprise to see you here, again. The latest masterpiece, the HiPhone F06-Slim, is a Frankenstein amalgamation of KIRF favorite iPhone and RIM's first foray into the world of touchscreen phones, albeit with a slightly smaller, 3.2-inch display. We're also looking at a 1.3 megapixel camera, FM radio, microSD support, GPRS, Bluetooth, dual SIM card slots, and "TV phone" capabilities, which we're taking to mean a mobile receiver of some sort. Looks like it forgot the refresh button on the bottom of the device, but with any luck, it left out SurePress as well. If you hang out with the kind of friends who respect a good knockoff, the price of raising your street cred is just a penny under $190 before shipping.[Via PMP Today]Filed under: CellphonesKeepin' it real fake, part CCXVI: HiPhone F06-Slim is brewing up a Storm originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/17/2009 4:16 PM (16d 9h 35m ago) |
| Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones |
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This one's been a long time coming but it looks like Dutch company SPRXmobile has launched the world's first Augmented Reality browser. Layar, as it's called, runs on Android and aggregates the data from the cellphone's compass and GPS coordinates to understand where you're standing and what you're looking at. A "radar view" then applies a visual information layer on top of the camera display as you pan around your environment. Content partnerships including a local bank, social networking site, and a realty company allows Layar to identify houses for sale, nearby ATMs, and local clubs and bars all laid out visually on your cellphone's display. Layar will be available this month in The Netherlands via the Android Market for phones such as the G1 and HTC Magic. It will launch in the US, Germany, and the UK sometime later this year with the iPhone 3G S listed as a primary target platform. Looks great with plenty of data populated in the video sample (posted after the break) but we have to wonder how well it works in day-to-day reality.Continue reading Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphonesVideo: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/17/2009 4:15 PM (16d 9h 36m ago) |
| Palm and Verizon looking to take shine off Apple and AT&T |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPhoneIn a minefield of failed "iPhone killers" one is making some headway on fulfilling that murderous promise: the Palm Pre.
Perhaps it's no surprise: the Palm Pre was conceived by a team that includes plenty of Apple alumni, including Jon Rubenstein, who was made Palm's CEO yesterday to replace Ed Colligan. (John Gruber reminds us of one of Colligan's more famous quotes.) Rubenstein used to be the general manager of Apple's iPod division.
Not only that, but Fred Anderson, Lynn Fox, and Mike Bell are all connected (if not employed by) the re-energized Palm. Valleywag's Ryan Tate says it's no wonder, then, that the Pre syncs with iTunes right out of the box.
Competition is good, though, right? We'll see improvements to both the iPhone and the Pre because of the products' competitive relationship with each other. Look at the rivalry between Canon and Nikon: The result? Awesome cameras both. In the end, the customer wins.
This is true with carriers, too, as exclusivity agreements begin to expire. There were rumblings that the Pre would be released on the Verizon network around Christmas, but blowback from Sprint CEO Dan Hesse pushed the rumor mill's schedule back a month to January 2010, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Watercooler talk suggests that the iPhone's exclusivity agreement with AT&T expires around the same time for U.S. customers, but the Magic 8 Ball says that we might not see an iPhone for Verizon until both they and AT&T finish their LTE networks.
If you're using a Pre with your Mac, especially if you're taking advantage of the iTunes sync capability, let us know in the comments how it's going.TUAWPalm and Verizon looking to take shine off Apple and AT&T originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/15/2009 3:12 PM (18d 10h 39m ago) |
| Sprint CEO says Pre deal is longer than six months |
| | The Palm Pre will be in consumers' hands starting Saturday.(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)
Update 7:55 a.m. PDT: Comments from Dan Hesse's presentation at the press event here have been added to this story.
NEW YORK--Verizon Wireless's claims that it will be offering the Palm ... Originally posted at News - Wireless |
| | 6/05/2009 3:53 PM (28d 9h 58m ago) |
| Palm Pre designers sit down to talk, reminisce and revel |
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By now, you know precisely what the Palm Pre is capable of. You know the ins and outs of the user experience, and you've probably got a solid idea of whether or not you'll be lined up come June 6th to claim one as your own. But here's a side you probably haven't heard: the voice of the design team. At long last, the masterminds behind Palm's comeback phone have finally sat down to talk about the build process and what drove them to create both the Pre and webOS. Not surprisingly, most of it came from the desire to truly revolutionize the mobile experience, one that's been generally poor for far too long. In separate (but equally awesome) interviews, Michelle Koh and a gaggle of design engineers (including Matias Duarte, Mike Bell, Peter Skillman and Michael Abbott) have opened up to spill their soul on rejuvenating the company with a single product. We won't issue any spoilers here, but we'd argue that the read links below are required reading if you're even remotely interested in this handset.Read - Michelle Koh interviewRead - Design team interviewFiled under: CellphonesPalm Pre designers sit down to talk, reminisce and revel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/05/2009 3:41 PM (28d 10h 10m ago) |
| Energizer expands Energi To Go charging line with more solar, iPhone options |
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We've seen Energizer dabble in portable charging solutions before, but we've yet to see it go all out like this. Thanks to a newfound partnership with XPAL Power, the company famous for making drum-toting bunnies famous has issued several new wares in its Energi To Go line. The rechargeable power packs and emergency chargers -- over ten of 'em in all -- will all ship by July of 2009 and will include devices for PMPs, PNDs, portable DVD players, netbooks and digicams. There's even an AP Charger that mounts your iPhone (à la mophie's Juice Pack Air), and the SP line consists only of solar-driven power packs designed to rejuvenated your iPod, camera and pretty much any other handheld device. There's no mention of price just yet, but as with anything Energizer, you can go ahead and brace for sticker shock.Filed under: Cellphones, PeripheralsEnergizer expands Energi To Go charging line with more solar, iPhone options originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/03/2009 4:23 PM (30d 9h 28m ago) |
| T-Mobile: New Android device in early summer |
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Just got an interesting little e-mail from T-Mobile USA. The note was short and sweet--and vague--but the carrier has announced its plans to release its next Google Android device in early summer. The handset will be a "follow-on" device to the T-Mobile G1, so we're guessing it's the ... |
| | 6/02/2009 5:31 PM (31d 8h 19m ago) |
| Nokia N97 hitting 75 countries in June (updated) |
| | If you had any doubt about the reach of Nokia, the world's leading mobile handset maker, then check this: Nokia just announced the simultaneous June launch of its flagship N97 in more than 75 countries. We already had hints of this for the US and Western Europe but it's good to have it official. And with N97 chatter on the uptick recently, we're expecting to see this 3.5-inch QWERTY touchscreen slider running S60 5th sooner rather than later.Update: Available June 19th for £500 sim-free in the UK or June 26th if you want it bundled with a contract. Anyone else seeing local launch dates?Filed under: CellphonesNokia N97 hitting 75 countries in June (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/02/2009 5:28 PM (31d 8h 23m ago) |
| Sprint has Palm Pre exclusive through 2009 |
| | (Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)Just after Verizon Wireless revealed that it would offer the Palm Pre in the next six months or so, Sprint has pushed back and asserted that it will have the exclusive on the Palm Pre through 2009.
The confirmation came on Thursday afternoon from Sprint spokesman ... |
| | 6/01/2009 8:47 PM (32d 5h 4m ago) |
| The 411: Waiting for the Pre |
| | Welcome to the 411, my new Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.
Should you get the Palm Pre? Wait and see.(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)I am currently have an old Samsung phone and am with Sprint. I also have a Palm Zire and a 4gig iPod. I'd like to combine them if possible and stay with Sprint. The phone part is most important. Next comes an organizer/calendar and then a web browser. The MP3 player is really secondary. I'm leaning toward a keyboard as opposed to a touch screen. I've been looking at the Pre and some of the BlackBerrys and I keep hearing a rumor that Sprint is going to come out with the BlackBerry 9630 (Niagara). Do you have any suggestions? -- David, via e-mail.
Since you're familiar with Palm, you might want to consider giving the Palm Pre a shot. It's a different operating system from the older Palms--WebOS instead of Palm OS--but it seems to fit your requirements, and since you're already with Sprint, there's no need to worry about service transfer. Of course we can't tell if the Pre is any good or not yet, but if you can wait around until the second week of June, I definitely suggest doing so. BlackBerrys are also a good option, and I've also heard the same rumor about the BlackBerry 9630, but since I've heard positive things about the Pre's Web browser and media player, I would suggest waiting to see how the Pre shakes out before making a decision.
... Originally posted at Dialed In Podcast |
| | 5/29/2009 8:15 PM (35d 5h 36m ago) |
| AT&T plans to double wireless broadband speeds by 2011 |
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AT&T announced Wednesday plans to double the speed of its wireless broadband network by 2011. The move to HSPA technology, and eventually LTE networks, will begin later this year.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson outlined the carrier's plans at the D: All Things Digital conference in Carlsbad, Calif. "... |
| | 5/29/2009 8:14 PM (35d 5h 37m ago) |
| Google's Idol-like Android challenge |
| | Android 1.5 on Google's brand-new 'Ion.'(Credit: CNET/Photo by Stephen Shankland)
To encourage gifted developers to give iPhone programming a rest, most mobile platforms have built app stores that lure with the promise of a cash-positive distribution. But not Google. It baits with cash.
Sure, Google installs ... |
| | 5/29/2009 8:13 PM (35d 5h 38m ago) |
| A sneak peek at Android 1.5 apps from Google I/O |
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Perhaps because the Google Android operating system is already a year old, because the Android Developer's Challenge will be kicked off after Google's I/O developer conference instead of before, or because the platform differences between Android 1.0 and Android 1.5 aren't as dramatic as ... Originally posted at The Download Blog |
| | 5/29/2009 8:12 PM (35d 5h 39m ago) |
| Sprint affirms Palm Pre exclusivity "through 2009" |
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Ready for your daily dose of obvious? Good. After Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam proudly proclaimed that America's largest mobile operator would be painting the Palm Pre red "in about six months," Sprint has come forward to make sure we know that said statement is probably right on the money. According to Sprint spokesman James Fisher: "We have the Pre through 2009." Short, sweet and chock full of pent-up rage. 'Course, six months after the Pre's launch on Sprint lands us in December, giving VZW just enough time to cripple the phone's hottest features and push it out before Valentine's Day. Sounds pretty reasonable, no?Filed under: CellphonesSprint affirms Palm Pre exclusivity "through 2009" originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/29/2009 7:59 PM (35d 5h 51m ago) |
| Verizon finally releasing BlackBerry Storm update this weekend |
| | An incredible way to start the weekend, Storm owners: Verizon is finally pulling the trigger on a firmware update, which will be available to all comers starting on Sunday at 3PM Eastern time. If that's too much trouble, you'll alternatively be able to sit back, chill, and wait for the over-the-air version to hit, which should follow on at 10PM. Verizon tells us that it'll be releasing 4.7.0.148, as rumored -- just a tiny bump from the failed build 141 that had been rumored before that, but all told, far, far too long since the last official update was rolled out. We can only assume this has been tested better than a NASA launch at this point, so you're on notice, guys.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsVerizon finally releasing BlackBerry Storm update this weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/29/2009 7:55 PM (35d 5h 56m ago) |
| iPhone nabs 59% of smartphone 'net traffic, 43% of mobile web traffic |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, Internet, iPhone, iPod touch
Fortune has the results of an AdMob survey up, and they're pretty surprising -- Apple has apparently taken over 59% of smartphone traffic on the Internet, and in the mobile category in general, they've got a giant 43% of 'net traffic surveyed. But there's another side here: the report doesn't just point out that Apple accounts for the lion's share of mobile 'net traffic, but it states that smartphone traffic, and specifically the iPhone in general, hugely overshadows the actual sales numbers. The iPhone has 8% global market share, but accounts for 65% of HTML traffic. And smartphones in general overshadow their sales to a lesser degree: smartphones represent about 12% of mobile device sales, but AdMob calculates them at around 35% of their traffic last month.What does this mean? AdMob suggests it's a phase -- right now, because we're so early in the development stages of this platform, mobile web makes up the main chunk of traffic. But in the future, we may go through applications to get data, or use push notifications, and/or come up with other, more streamlined ways to get information out to mobile devices. But for now, iPhone and iPod touch users are still browsing the web, and as a result, they are accounting for way more traffic than their sales hint at.TUAWiPhone nabs 59% of smartphone 'net traffic, 43% of mobile web traffic originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/29/2009 7:52 PM (35d 5h 59m ago) |
| Faster AT&T 3G network on the way |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, WirelessAT&T today announced that it will begin upgrading its network to the faster High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology later this year. The 3G network upgrade will not be completed until 2011, at which time AT&T plans to start deploying the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. This is contrary to previous roadmaps, which showed HSPA+ (20+ Mbps) deployment occurring prior to the move to LTE.
Devices compatible with HSPA 7.2 3G networks are capable of a theoretical peak download speed of 7.2 Mbps (megabits per second), or almost a megabyte per second. While the current iPhone 3G does not support HSPA 7.2, many of the rumors circulating about a next-generation device include HSPA 7.2 compatibility. AT&T's press release also noted that "multiple HSPA 7.2-compatible laptop cards and smartphones" will be available later this year.
The AT&T network is currently undergoing other upgrades, to the tune of over $17 billion of capital investment. AT&T is still deploying more 850 MHz spectrum for better coverage and in-building 3G reception. The 'Death Star' is adding fiber-optic connectivity and more capacity to many cell sites in anticipation of the higher bandwidth required by HSPA 7.2 and LTE, and the plan is to add almost 2,100 new cell sites in 2009.
AT&T also noted that they're working on customer trials of AT&T 3G MicroCell, using femtocells to improve in-building wireless coverage.TUAWFaster AT&T 3G network on the way originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 27 May 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/28/2009 4:14 PM (36d 9h 37m ago) |
| AT&T expects to sell Palm Pre when Sprint's exclusivity ends |
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We've heard in the past that the Palm Pre would be available at other carriers "next year" sometime after Sprint's exclusivity period is up, and now we have a vague verbal confirmation from AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson that he "sees" AT&T grabbing hold of the Pre once it's available. The remarks were made today at the D7 conference. If this pans out, it fits with rumblings we've heard of the Eos being AT&T's low-end, Centro-style webOS device, with the Pre snapping up the higher end.[Via Phone Scoop; image courtesy of PreCentral.net]Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsAT&T expects to sell Palm Pre when Sprint's exclusivity ends originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/28/2009 4:11 PM (36d 9h 40m ago) |
| AT&T announces 7.2Mbps HSPA rollout plans |
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We knew AT&T had an HSPA upgrade in the works, and now the company has announced its plans, with initial rollout beginning later this year and reaching completion in 2011. That will overlap only slightly with LTE, which AT&T plans to put into trials in 2010 and start melting our faces in 2011. The HSPA upgrade takes the network from 3.6Mbps to 7.2Mbps in theoretical speed, and AT&T also plans to nearly double the amount of wireless spectrum it dedicates to 3G in metropolitan areas -- which should come as a relief to city dwellers who haven't managed more than a couple minutes of sustained conversation since mid-2008. To support the increased bandwidth of HSPA, AT&T also plans on adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections, while also rolling out 3G service to 20 new metro areas and deploying 2,100 new cell sites in total. HSPA-sporting mobile data cards and smartphones will be available "later this year."Filed under: CellphonesAT&T announces 7.2Mbps HSPA rollout plans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/27/2009 4:44 PM (37d 9h 7m ago) |
| Sony Ericsson drops clues on Android 2.0-based smartphone |
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Sony Ericsson's finance team may figure that it needs a wheelbarrow full of cold, hard cash in order to steamroll through the next decade, but we know better than that. What it needs, friends, is Android, and in the worst possible way. At a launch event over in Taiwan this week, SE Asia-Pacific's vice president of marketing Peter Ang was quoted as saying that the outfit's first Android-based smartphone would actually be humming along on Android 2.0. So, there are two ways to take this: one is that Android 2.0 is just around the bend, which would totally rule, but is absolutely unrealistic to believe. The other, more feasible possibility is that SE's first Android-based phone won't hit the market until your next grandchild is born, which definitely doesn't bode well for a handset maker that can't possibly reinvent itself soon enough.[Via Slashphone]Filed under: CellphonesSony Ericsson drops clues on Android 2.0-based smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/22/2009 5:05 PM (42d 8h 46m ago) |
| T-Mobile USA starts pushing Android 1.5 to G1 owners |
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That delay wasn't too painful, we suppose. After slipping the US release of the Cupcake-rich Android 1.5 by just a handful of days, T-Mobile USA is starting to push it out to G1 users in the field. The company estimates everyone will have it by early June, so if you haven't gotten the notification yet, hang tight, shake your fist at the sky, and scream a few choice obscenities for us. One more screencap is after the break, and it's a real treat for the anti-Apple crowd.[Thanks, Raymond and Jamie]Continue reading T-Mobile USA starts pushing Android 1.5 to G1 ownersFiled under: Cellphones, HandheldsT-Mobile USA starts pushing Android 1.5 to G1 owners originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/22/2009 5:00 PM (42d 8h 50m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm 2: the official unofficial hands-on |
| | digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/BlackBerry_Storm_2_the_official_unofficial_hands_on';
We've been bumping into the new BlackBerry Storm 2 for quite a while now on the so-called "information superhighway," but we've finally had a chance to escalate those encounters and spend a few sweet moments with a live unit in the flesh. First off, let's confirm the huge news: RIM's abandoned the original Storm's SurePress click-screen and gone with a traditional fixed capacitive display for the sequel. It's over, guys. Unfortunately, the Verizon-branded dual-mode GSM / CDMA unit that we played with has a bug preventing us from getting past the license screen so we couldn't dive deep into the OS (and yeah, we tried scrolling to the bottom of the agreement -- no dice), but we can tell you what we do know: the Storm 2's sleeker style and more heft combined with the newly-stable screen collaborate to make everything feel a wee bit higher end than the original. Follow the break for more impressions!
Gallery: BlackBerry Storm 2: the official unofficial hands-on
Continue reading BlackBerry Storm 2: the official unofficial hands-onFiled under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Storm 2: the official unofficial hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/21/2009 10:37 PM (43d 3h 14m ago) |
| Ad impression report proves the Palm Pre is out there, somewhere |
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With just over a fortnight to go before Sprint starts selling Palm's Pre, it stands to reason that a few of the units have made their way out into the wild. According to Millennial Media, that's absolutely what has happened, with this month marking the first in which it recorded "initial Palm Pre [ad] impressions." In other words, those lucky few Pre owners (or "testers," if you will) are really just goofing off online rather than testing tactility and radiation output. Good to know.[Via mocoNews]Filed under: CellphonesAd impression report proves the Palm Pre is out there, somewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/21/2009 4:09 PM (43d 9h 42m ago) |
| FLOW is like the Ikea bookshelf of Android phones |
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"You know, I could build a better phone than this." We've probably all uttered something to that effect in our past in a fit of frustrated rage -- some more than others -- but are you ready to put your money where your mouth is? If so, you can now part with some cash and cobble together a bunch of modules to create a do-it-yourself Android phone called FLOW -- just be aware that it's probably not going to solve your troubles. At nearly $500 for the bare minimum hardware, you're not saving any money over a phone expertly manufactured by an Asian OEM, and no offense, sport, but something tells us the OEM's craftsmanship is in a different league. Putting away the practical concerns for a moment, the project seems like it'd be a blast -- so the only trick is finding someone willing to use a phone that looks like this clunky and geeky day in and day out. G1 owners, care to step forward?Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsFLOW is like the Ikea bookshelf of Android phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/21/2009 4:08 PM (43d 9h 43m ago) |
| Samsung i7500 to be renamed Galaxy, released in France in early July |
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Speaking of Samsung touchscreen handsets, Bouygues Telecom's announced that they expect to ship the company's first Android handset -- the i7500 -- in early July, making it the first carrier to snag it. The French company will rebadge the device, calling it the Galaxy, which is certainly sexier than the numeric moniker. The quad-band GSM, tri-band 7.2Mbps HSDPA (900/1700/2100MHz) handset has a 3.2-inch, 320 x 480 pixel AMOLED touchscreen, WiFi, GPS, a 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of storage with MicroSD expansion for up to 32GB more. We're still expecting this bad boy -- which recently passed through the old FCC -- to make a possible T-Mobile debut this fall. [Via Talk Android]
Filed under: CellphonesSamsung i7500 to be renamed Galaxy, released in France in early July originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 May 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/19/2009 4:47 PM (45d 9h 4m ago) |
| Microsoft's beta My Phone service for Windows Mobile now free to all |
| | Go 'n get it! Microsoft's My Phone service is now ready for all Windows Mobile users to test. The beta service syncs any Windows Mobile 6+ phone to Microsoft's 200MB per person cloud. That includes contacts, calendars, tasks, photos, text messages, music, videos, and more. In essence, anything on the My Phone website is on the phone and vice versa. Hey free is free and this is a goodie.[Via SlashPhone]Filed under: CellphonesMicrosoft's beta My Phone service for Windows Mobile now free to all originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/19/2009 4:45 PM (45d 9h 6m ago) |
| Poll: Are you buying a Palm Pre? |
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So... it's official. Palm's wonder-device, the Pre, is hitting shelves on June 6th for $199 (after mail-in rebate). That begs the most important question of our generation (or of the week, at least): are you going to get one? Go ahead, cast your vote in the poll below, we'd love to hear what the Engadget crew thinks!View PollFiled under: CellphonesPoll: Are you buying a Palm Pre? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/19/2009 4:40 PM (45d 9h 11m ago) |
| Nokia N97 NAM launching June 2nd? |
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The Nokia Blog's got it on good authority that the Finnish phone maker's giving its North America distributors the heads up to expect the N97 to arrive on June 2nd for $699, although that price might end up lower. We've been hearing an expected June launch for some time, so it's definitely not out of the question. This does, however, serve as both an exciting and somewhat painful reminder that, should a couple other rumors pan out, June's gonna be a busy month for smartphones.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Filed under: CellphonesNokia N97 NAM launching June 2nd? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 May 2009 23:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/18/2009 5:06 PM (46d 8h 45m ago) |
| Expect at least two more HTC Android handhelds this year |
| | The HTC Magic and HTC Dream: we could see more HTC Android handhelds soon. (Credit: HTC)
Here's some news straight from the horse's mouth. At Thursday's launch of the HTC Magic in Singapore, Executive Vice President Jason Juang told CNET Asia in an aside that the company ... |
| | 5/15/2009 7:45 PM (49d 6h 6m ago) |
| Leaked pictures of the LG enV3 and enV Touch |
| | Left to right: LG enV3 closed, LG enV3 opened, and LG enV Touch opened.(Credit: Phone Arena)
The rumors of a new LG enV3 and a LG enV Touch are becoming hot and heavy now, especially with these new leaked pictures on Phone Arena. The LG enV3 is, as expected, ... |
| | 5/15/2009 7:44 PM (49d 6h 7m ago) |
| Verizon Wireless to light up LTE in 20 to 30 markets in 2H 2010 |
| | Looking for some LTE news that's harder than those wishy-washy vibes you've been getting thus far? Listen up. On a recent conference call, Verizon Wireless President and CEO Lowell McAdam (shown) stated that its LTE network would launch commercially in around 20 to 30 US markets during "the second half of 2010." He continued by noting that a "nationwide buildout would be complete in late 2013 to early 2014," but failed to elaborate on the whens, whos and whys in between. For those locked into the 4G movement, you'll notice that these dates are slightly different than ones tossed out in April by the outfit's CFO, which leads us to believe that we could hear something else in just a few month's time if things don't go perfectly to plan. At any rate, McAdam did confirm that a tiny group of VZW testers would have access to 4G this year, with one "pre-commercial" network per US coast being activated during 2009. Bring on the bytes, baby.[Via phoneArena]Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessVerizon Wireless to light up LTE in 20 to 30 markets in 2H 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/15/2009 4:56 PM (49d 8h 55m ago) |
| App Store success encourages others to take the field |
| | Fueled by the success of the App Store — which recently reached an amazing milestone, exceeding 1 billion app downloads — Microsoft, Nokia, and other vendors apparently hope that if they “build a mobile app store, cellphone customers will come,” reports Jenna Wortham (nytimes.com). But, Wortham wonders, “the real question is, will any of it help these companies grow market share?“
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| | 5/14/2009 4:34 PM (50d 9h 16m ago) |
| HTC Snap snapped with larger battery, Sprint insignia, June 7th launch date? |
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Looks like HTC's giving Sprint its own version of the Snap, albeit with some slight modifications compared to the T-Mobile variant. According to the snapshots from PPCGeeks, all specs are pretty much identical except for a 1500mAH battery in place of the 800mAH, a revived Inner Circle, and a potentially nonexistent WiFi component. It also looks like the middle unit has been changed to a more traditional d-pad configuration. The forum poster who uploaded the pics claims it'll launch for a hair under $150 on June 7th, which would be rather odd should another high-profile release date rumor pan out. [Via WMPoweruser]Filed under: CellphonesHTC Snap snapped with larger battery, Sprint insignia, June 7th launch date? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/14/2009 4:07 PM (50d 9h 44m ago) |
| Samsung Jack comes to AT&T on May 19, $99.99 on contract |
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The BlackJack II's been looking a little long in the tooth for a while now, and it's been made pretty clear that the Epix isn't the direct replacement -- so what is? Behold the i637 Jack (not to be confused with the... uh, Jack), which has just been made official with a 3.2 megapixel camera and video recording, AGPS, WiFi, microSD expansion, 256MB of RAM, triband HSDPA / quadband EDGE, and the all-too-typical QVGA display. Like its forebears, the Jack naturally features a full QWERTY keyboard; it'll launch with Windows Mobile 6.1 but will be fully upgradeable to 6.5. Look for it in stores on May 19 for $99.99 on a new two-year contract after rebate. AT&T's already got a unit (not to say that should come as any surprise) and they're showing it off on video -- check it out after the break.Continue reading Samsung Jack comes to AT&T on May 19, $99.99 on contractFiled under: Cellphones, HandheldsSamsung Jack comes to AT&T on May 19, $99.99 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/14/2009 4:05 PM (50d 9h 46m ago) |
| Verizon puts the kibosh on BlackBerry Storm update? |
| | (Credit: James Martin/CNET)Verizon Wireless might win over new subscribers with its largest 3G network claims, but the carrier could be facing some backlash from current customers, more specifically BlackBerry Storm owners, if it doesn't take some action soon.
We're, of course, talking about a firmware update ... |
| | 5/13/2009 3:28 PM (51d 10h 23m ago) |
| Acer's DX900 and X960 WinMo smartphones now available |
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They're no F1, but Acer's rolling out a whole slew of Windows Mobile- and Android-powered smartphones this year -- and another gruesome twosome of the bunch is now hitting store shelves around the world. First up we've got the WinMo 6.1-based DX900, which really isn't much of a looker but packs the powerful punch of twin SIMs underneath its homely shell. Most dual-SIM devices top out at EDGE, but the DX900 takes it to the next level with triband HSDPA on top of quadband EDGE; you've also got a 2.8-inch VGA display, WiFi, 3 megapixel AF camera, and GPS, so if you're a two-line kind of individual, look for this one now around Europe and Asia. Next, the X960 ups the ante with HSUPA and 7.2Mbps maximum on the downlink, a revised 3D user interface, and a 3.2 megapixel cam -- it too should be populating Europe and Asia as we speak. Neither unit is going to be blowing minds, granted, but if it's any consolation, we're sure there are a few good hacked 6.5 and Android ROMs waiting for 'em.
[Via Engadget Spanish]
Read - DX900
Read - X960Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsAcer's DX900 and X960 WinMo smartphones now available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/13/2009 3:21 PM (51d 10h 30m ago) |
| Motorola's first Android phone to be the T-Mobile G1 v2? |
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Okay, so T-Mobile confirmed on Saturday that it's launching "multiple" Android devices from "three partners" later this year, and since most people assume the HTC Magic / Sapphire / myTouch / whatever and the Samsung I7500 are pretty much locked in, speculation has generally centered around that mysterious G1 v2 and the identity of the third partner -- and it looks like it's going to be Motorola. Not only did commenter Someperson notice that the button labels on the alleged G1 v2 are basically identical to those on other recently-launched Moto phones, Boy Genius Report says today that they can "more or less confirm" the v2 will be Schaumburg's first Android set -- a development that lines up perfectly with last month's rumors of a slider QWERTY piece. Yep, it all fits together nicely, except for the fact that HTC is oddly out of the loop on the sequel to the G1 -- but since T-Mobile owns that particular trademark, it can do whatever it wants, you know? Hopefully we'll find out more soon -- if that sketchy leaked roadmap is correct, we'll be seeing this guy in the fall.Update: Or... the G1 v2 could really be the Samsung Bigfoot. It's a mystery for now, we'll let you know.Filed under: CellphonesMotorola's first Android phone to be the T-Mobile G1 v2? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 May 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/12/2009 4:45 PM (52d 9h 6m ago) |
| Microsoft: 'June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers... hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre' |
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var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/microsoft/Microsoft_June_important_for_Zune_don_t_buy_iPhone_or_Pre'; Microsoft has a new twitter account in support of its Office 2010 product launch. What's strange though, is that the people behind the account seem to care more about the future of the Zune than Office. Two tweets (of five) from this account have caught our attention. The first says, June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers.Then as a followup to the barrage of questions received, @officethemovie adds, New product launch, that's all I'm allowed to say. Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre. Naturally, we're expecting the launch of the Zune HD and/or the unveiling of project Pink. Whatever happens, the month of June is going to be historic with Apple's WWDC scheduled to kick off on June 8th and the Palm Pre rumored for release on June 5th or June 7th.Update: It's worth mentioning that the big E3 gaming expo kicks off on June 2nd (press events on the 1st) -- could be important if there's any truth to the new Zune HD supporting some form of Xbox game integration.[Via Neowin, thanks Anthony S.]Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable VideoMicrosoft: 'June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers... hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 04:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/12/2009 4:41 PM (52d 9h 10m ago) |
| BlackBerry "Onyx" in the wild |
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We've obtained pictures of a device that we're told is the "Onyx," a 3G-enabled GSM BlackBerry that looks like a slightly sexier, smaller version of the Bold with some Niagara / Tour genes thrown in for good measure. We'd previously heard that this phone is ultimately destined for AT&T (while a UMA-enabled version might come to T-Mobile as the Driftwood), which definitely takes the edge off of the impending 8900 launch over there -- but then again, this is a prototype, and it'll be many moons (at best) before this thing gets launched. Every time we look at the Bold, it looks more out of proportion -- and sexy beasts like this one certainly aren't helping matters. Keep on keepin' on, RIM.
Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry "Onyx" in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 May 2009 23:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/11/2009 3:42 PM (53d 10h 9m ago) |
| RIM CEO confirms a new Storm is brewing |
| | It's not like we're surprised to hear this, but RIM CEO Jim Balsillie just told Reuters that the company is hard at work on a successor to the BlackBerry Storm. According to Jim, the consumer market is "large and untapped," and the current Storm is a "huge success in terms of sales and adoption." Sure, sure -- it's hard to scoff at a million units sold, after all -- but with rumors of an entirely new approach to text entry flying around, we'd say there's a good chance the Storm 2 doesn't so much build on the Storm formula as start over entirely. Thoughts?[Via PhoneScoop]Filed under: CellphonesRIM CEO confirms a new Storm is brewing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:41 PM (59d 10h 10m ago) |
| Gmail gets pushed to select BlackBerries |
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There's a new push purveyor on the mobile scene, come to show the competition what's what -- despite being completely dependent on that competition, at least for the moment. Hot on the heels of RIM adding a push API, Google is enabling some BlackBerry users to get their Gmail and Google Calendar goodies shoved straight to their handsets. However, there are a number of shortcomings here that make this addition somewhat limited in usefulness. For one thing users have to be connecting to BlackBerry Enterprise Server instances, and furthermore those instances have to be backed by Microsoft Exchange. Additionally, only 250 users per Enterprise Server instance can get their mobile Gmail on, changes made to appointments on a handsets cannot be pushed back to Google Calendar, and to top it all off searching for Gmail messages still requires a separate app. Updates and improvements are coming, but until then it's caveat emailor.Filed under: CellphonesGmail gets pushed to select BlackBerries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:37 PM (59d 10h 14m ago) |
| BlackBerry Curve 83XX overtakes iPhone 3G in US smartphone rankings |
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The handset might've been surpassed in functionality and looks by its Curve 8900 successor, but nothing's got an edge on the BlackBerry Curve 83XX series in smartphone sales. According to NPD, the handset overtook the erstwhile champ iPhone 3G in the category for the first quarter of 2009, while BlackBerry's own Storm and Pearl handsets took the third and fourth slots, with the T-Mobile G1 rounding out the ranks in fifth place. Overall the smartphone market has grown from 17 percent of handset sales in Q1 2008 to 23 percent in Q1 2009. Compared to the previous quarter, RIM's gained a whopping 15 percent share of the US market -- owning nearly half of the entire scene -- while Apple and Palm both dropped 10 percent as they prep for their heroic mid-year launches.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Curve 83XX overtakes iPhone 3G in US smartphone rankings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/04/2009 4:46 PM (60d 9h 5m ago) |
| J.D. Power says iPhone tops smartphone ratings |
| | Filed under: Odds and ends, Surveys and Polls, iPhoneGiven all the other good publicity the iPhone has been getting, it won't come as any great surprise that the J.D. Power survey released today says:Apple ranks highest among smartphone manufacturers with a score of 791, performing particularly well in ease of operation, operating system, features and physical design. LG (772) and Samsung (759) follow Apple in the rankings.Other interesting findings are that smartphone users send an average of 17 emails a day, and 82 percent report that they use things like address books and to-do lists to stay better organized.The survey included 2,648 smartphone users who owned their phone for less than 2 years. In general, smartphone users are increasingly satisfied with their purchase, compared to prior surveys. Users queried listed these attributes they wanted in a smartphone, in order of desirability: ease of operation, operating system, features, physical design and battery function.TUAWJ.D. Power says iPhone tops smartphone ratings originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/01/2009 4:25 PM (63d 9h 26m ago) |
| How I got my BlackBerry Bold for $30 |
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Welcome to affordability, BlackBerry Bold.(Credit: Research In Motion)
I'm now the proud owner of a BlackBerry Bold.
For a while, I was trying to decide if I wanted to ditch my iPhone 3G for the Bold. After some research and hands-on time with Research In Motion's beauty, I decided that it was in my best interest to escape from Apple's grips.
But there was a problem: the BlackBerry Bold is expensive. If you're not eligible for a two-year upgrade, the Bold will set you back $550 at the AT&T store. If you're new to AT&T or eligible for the upgrade price, you pay $399.99.
I didn't want to spend that much on a mobile phone that replaced another expensive gadget. Plus, I wasn't eligible for an upgrade. So I decided to head down to the AT&T store to talk with a representative to figure it all out. And much to my surprise, he and I determined that I would end up paying just $30 for the Bold.
Here's how it worked:
... Originally posted at The Digital Home |
| | 4/28/2009 6:32 PM (66d 7h 19m ago) |
| Rumor: AT&T distributes anti-Pre cheat sheet |
| | Filed under: Rumors, iPhoneLike soldiers before a battle, AT&T and others are preparing to meet Palm's Pre. According to Pre Central, AT&T has begun distributing a memo to employees that points out key differences between the iPhone and the forthcoming Pre. The memo lists talking points and key comparisons for employees to keep handy when talking to customers. While some of the comparisons are noteworthy, like the iPhone's metal and glass body vs. the plastic Pre, others just aren't. For instance, the Pre's 3.1-inch display vs. the iPhone's 3.5 inch screen. I don't know who's going to be dissuaded by 4-tenths of an inch. Plus, the Pre is a whole two grams heavier that the iPhone. Yowsa!Of course, these stats are based on the current iPhone model. Rumors suggest that a new one will be introduced this summer. In any case, prepare for a fight.[Via Macworld]TUAWRumor: AT&T distributes anti-Pre cheat sheet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/26/2009 4:21 PM (68d 9h 30m ago) |
| Windows Mobile 6.5 to officially "launch" on May 11 |
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Well hey -- it looks like Windows Mobile 6.5 will arrive a little earlier than expected. A post on the WinMo team blog says that the update to Redmond's smartphone platform will officially launch on May 11, the first day of the Tech Ed conference. We're figuring that could mean we'll see the gold build demoed for the very first time, seeing how the version showed off at the glamorous MWC launch was described as an "alpha" cut. Of course, after that it's all up to the carriers and handset manufacturers as to when we'll actually see the OS loaded onto devices, but we're sure the hacking community will find a way to satiate the impatient until then -- or until Windows Mobile 7 comes out. [Via Electronista]Filed under: CellphonesWindows Mobile 6.5 to officially "launch" on May 11 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/18/2009 1:05 AM (77d 46m ago) |
| Bluetooth 3.0 to be official end of April |
| | (Credit: Bluetooth)It's official: Bluetooth 3.0 is coming. The Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group) will officially announce Bluetooth 3.0 on April 21. It'll be significantly faster and will enable the transfer of entire media libraries at the touch of a button. It also promises a new ... |
| | 4/16/2009 11:29 PM (78d 2h 22m ago) |
| Sprint releases cameraless BlackBerry Curve 8350i |
| | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)
Sprint, you're a sneaky one. Without much fanfare or, frankly, even a peep, the carrier released a cameraless version of its RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i.
The smartphone is available now for $149.99 with a two-year contract and comes without the ... |
| | 4/16/2009 11:27 PM (78d 2h 24m ago) |
| Verizon to release firmware update for BlackBerry Storm? |
| | Might help finally be on the way for the RIM BlackBerry Storm?(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)We're not really sure why Verizon Wireless has been so slow to release firmware updates for the buggy RIM BlackBerry Storm, but it looks like help might finally be on the way.
According ... |
| | 4/16/2009 11:26 PM (78d 2h 25m ago) |
| Unlocked HTC Touch Pro2 to retail for $880, Touch Diamond2 for $725 |
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HTC's been pretty coy with pricing on the Touch Pro2 and Touch Diamond2, but now that units are starting to trickle out overseas, the numbers situation is getting slightly clearer. HTC's just announced that an unlocked Pro2 will set Singaporeans back S$1,328 ($887), while a Diamond2 will hit 'em up for S$1,088 ($726) -- a little more than in Taiwan, but probably close to what we'll see off-contract in the States. A little rich for our blood, though -- let's hope T-Mobile cleans the goo off soon.[Via Unwired View]Filed under: CellphonesUnlocked HTC Touch Pro2 to retail for $880, Touch Diamond2 for $725 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/16/2009 10:45 PM (78d 3h 6m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm 2 with Wi-Fi, new screen? |
| | The next BlackBerry Storm may have a new screen and Wi-Fi, according to reports.(Credit: CNET)
Research in Motion's next BlackBerry Storm might come with a tweaked touchscreen in hopes of alleviating complaints about the first edition.
Several publications including Unwired View have picked up on an interview given ... Originally posted at News - Wireless |
| | 4/09/2009 9:11 PM (85d 4h 40m ago) |
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| | 4/09/2009 9:09 PM (85d 4h 42m ago) |
| NYT: T-Mobile to release Android-powered home phone, tablet PC next year |
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var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/tech_news/T_Mobile_to_release_Android_powered_home_phone_tablet_PC'; According to documents obtained by the New York Times, T-Mobile's set to release a home phone early next year, and a tablet PC after that, both of which are said to be powered by Android. We're a bit light on details, but we do know the phone itself has a docking station and will come with another device for synchronization. That device's supposed resemble a small, keyboard-less laptop with a 7-inch touchscreen and could check the mail and manage data for devices across the house. Here's hoping T-Mo's been taking notes watching its AT&T HomeManager / Verizon Hub predecessors.Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCsNYT: T-Mobile to release Android-powered home phone, tablet PC next year originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/06/2009 3:51 PM (88d 10h ago) |
| BlackBerry App World has landed |
| | The rumors and speculations that Research In Motion would launch its anticipated BlackBerry App World application store at CTIA were dead on. On Wednesday, the Canadian smartphone and software maker will make BlackBerry App World available for download. RIM's application store seems to enjoy a logical layout, sharing some ... |
| | 4/02/2009 3:53 PM (92d 9h 58m ago) |
| Samsung touts TouchWiz phones, opens UI |
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In addition to the Samsung Mondi and Instinct s30, Samsung announced its plans to add mobile-connected applications to future TouchWiz cell phones and smartphones at CTIA 2009.
The company said it has been working with Yahoo, Google, and AccuWeather.com to bring one-touch access to Yahoo OneSearch, Google search, and ... Originally posted at CTIA show |
| | 4/02/2009 3:53 PM (92d 9h 58m ago) |
| Palm announces webOS SDK availability, Palm OS emulation for Pre, new cloud services |
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Well, it's not quite the release date and price you were hoping for, but it's definitely something. Today Palm -- via a short keynote at the Web 2.0 Expo -- announced that the company would begin taking names and numbers on the webOS dev site for potential developers who will receive an "early look" Mojo SDK. And that's starting right this moment... as in now. That news alone would be big, but reps we spoke with said that the SDK would be made available to developers that the company will be cherry-picking as early as tomorrow. So if you were looking to get into the Pre app game, here's your first big chance.In addition to the SDK news, Palm is introducing a new set of "integrated cloud services" for developers (called Mojo Messaging Service) which will use a standardized publish / subscribe system to allow data to be bounced from the "cloud" to devices. Basically, it looks like this is Palm's play for some of that push buzz -- though the indication is that this service can and will be used for bigger tasks as well.Finally, the company announced that third-party developer MotionApps will be making a Palm OS emulator available for purchase to coincide with the launch of the Pre. The application will be utilize the mass storage mode of the device to allow for drag-and-drop of PRCs, though according to the press release, the emulator "won't be able to leverage core webOS functionality," meaning that you probably can't expect pure bliss across all of your applications, particularly those with roots that go deeper into phone databases and the like. What's interesting to note about this app is that it's being built on more than just the standard webOS SDK -- an event which Palm called "unique." They went on to assure us that this was a one-off to allow for emulation, but we're thinking they might want to reconsider that policy by factoring in the clamor for serious gaming on a device like the Pre. You can check an image of the emulator after the break.So, no pricing, no... |
| | 4/02/2009 3:45 PM (92d 10h 6m ago) |
| CTIA Roundup, Day One |
| | #saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 4px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; }
Pandora, Amazon, other third-party apps demoed on Palm PreDovetailing dreamingly with the company's SDK announcement today, Palm's chosen CTIA to show off a round of third-party apps for the Pre.
HTC Snap hands-onWhat the Snap lacks in flair, it makes up for in sheer, unadulterated function -- and having an utterly awesome keyboard certainly helps in that regard.
AT&T's Samsung Propel Pro hands-onAT&T's Propel Pro ups the ante not only in build quality and material, but the new set is also reborn as a proper smartphone thanks to the inclusion of Windows Mobile 6.1.
AT&T's Samsung Impression hands-on with videoWith AT&T's Samsung Impression packing things like quad-band GSM, dual-band HSPA for the Americas and a supremely useable QWERTY keypad, we're suitably impressed.
Sprint's Samsung Instinct S30 hands-on with videoWe had a few minutes with Sprint's Samsung Instinct S30 at CTIA this evening and while we couldn't dive in to find its deepest darkest secrets, we did get in a quick tour.
Also check out:
AT&T's Samsung Magnet hands-on with video
Samsung Mondi WiMAX hands-on with video
Nokia E71x graces us with its presence
CTIA Roundup... |
| | 4/02/2009 3:42 PM (92d 10h 9m ago) |
| Why There's a Bunch of Cellphone News This Week [Cellphones] |
| | Expect to see a whole bunch of new cellphones—and stuff for cellphones, like Skype on iPhone and new Opera Mobile—splattered all over Giz this week.
That's because the spring CTIA... |
| | 3/30/2009 4:43 PM (95d 9h 8m ago) |
| Google Voice Search comes to BlackBerrys |
| | (Credit: Screenshot by Bonnie Cha/CNET)
Delivering on its promise, Google released a new mobile application on Wednesday that brings its Voice Search feature to BlackBerrys, much like it did for the iPhone and Android-based T-Mobile G1.
The Google Mobile App is available now as a free download and allows ... |
| | 3/30/2009 4:42 PM (95d 9h 9m ago) |
| AT&T attracts Nokia E71x, Samsung Propel Pro |
| | Nokia E71x(Credit: Screenshot by Bonnie Cha/CNET)
Getting a jump-start on CTIA 2009, AT&T Wireless announced on Sunday night the upcoming availability of two messaging-centric smartphones, the Nokia E71x and Samsung Propel Pro.
The two devices are expected to be in stores and online in the coming ... Originally posted at CTIA show |
| | 3/30/2009 4:40 PM (95d 9h 11m ago) |
| AT&T lights up lineup with LG's Xenon, Neon |
| | LG Xenon(Credit: LG)
LG Neon(Credit: LG)
AT&T let the cat out of the bag a little ahead of the CTIA conference, introducing to its upcoming offerings two LG handhelds with slide-out QWERTY keyboards, the LG Xenon and the LG Neon.
Both handsets have touch-screen displays, and ... |
| | 3/30/2009 4:39 PM (95d 9h 12m ago) |
| BlackBerry App World to launch April 1, says BusinessWeek |
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Mark your calendars, BlackBerry fans: BusinessWeek says RIM's going to launch the BlackBerry App World April 1 at CTIA. What's more, the company is apparently planning on going after Apple by courting developers with higher profit margins and the relative sophistication of the average corporate BlackBerry user, which explains that minimum $2.99 paid app price we saw a few weeks ago. An interesting move to position the new service, but we'll see if it takes hold with users -- anyone ready to blow their budget on 'berry software?[Via Boy Genius Report]Filed under: CellphonesBlackBerry App World to launch April 1, says BusinessWeek originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/27/2009 4:03 PM (98d 9h 48m ago) |
| SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry exits beta, iPhone version submitted to App Store |
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Get ready, BlackBerry users, because your days are officially about to become less productive (or, at the very least, your mass transit commutes). You too, iPhone types -- not to say you didn't already have enough time-wasting apps cluttering that 8 to 16GB wasteland you call "storage" in your pocket -- because SlingPlayer Mobile is destined for both of these platforms. BlackBerry's already had it since December in beta form, but they're now at a stable 1.0 release; and speaking of 1.0 releases, that iPhone version Sling's been talking up for a while now has now been submitted to Apple's App Store for approval, so we hope we'll be seeing that on the open market shortly. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some Dora to watch on the Bold.[Via TUAW, thanks Digitac]Read - BlackBerryRead - iPhoneFiled under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Portable VideoSlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry exits beta, iPhone version submitted to App Store originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/27/2009 3:58 PM (98d 9h 53m ago) |
| Palm posts net loss of $95 million for Q3, reaffirms that Pre is on schedule |
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Palm's third quarter earnings earnings report for 2009 has dropped, and it's looking pretty rough for the old boys. The company posted a net loss of $95 million dollars in the quarter, and sold 482,000 units where it sold 833,000 in the same quarter last year. Palm's total earnings for the quarter fell 71 percent over last year, from $312 million to just $90.6 million. Palm stock fell a net 53 cents quarter over quarter, though it's made some recent significant gains. CEO Ed Colligan was quick to point out, however, that its much-touted and anxiously awaited Pre (with the new webOS) is on target for its release date in the "second quarter." The heat is officially on.
Filed under: CellphonesPalm posts net loss of $95 million for Q3, reaffirms that Pre is on schedule originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/20/2009 5:12 PM (105d 8h 39m ago) |
| Pandora Released for BlackBerries [Software] |
| | We've heard that BlackBerry users aren't supposed to care about music, only typing on full QWERTY keyboards during marathon power lunches. In case we've been lied to, you should know that Pandora v1... |
| | 3/18/2009 3:07 PM (107d 10h 44m ago) |
| RIM names its app store 'BlackBerry App World' |
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What's bigger than a store, a market, or a catalog? A whole frigging world, that's what. A sign-up page to be notified when the BlackBerry App World is available -- which we've linked -- will go live at 10PM tonight.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsRIM names its app store 'BlackBerry App World' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/04/2009 7:51 PM (121d 6h ago) |
| RIM, Lenovo sync up BlackBerrys, ThinkPads |
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Lenovo and Research In Motion make different devices, but have one thing in common: their target audience.
Seeing that, the Canadian smartphone maker and the Chinese PC vendor have teamed up on Constant Connect, a new service that will make it easier to link ThinkPads and BlackBerrys.
The BlackBerry just ... |
| | 2/24/2009 9:01 PM (129d 4h 50m ago) |
| Bye bye Barcelona and Mobile World Congress 2009 |
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Another MWC is done and we're on one hand happy we were there to cover it for y'all, sad to see it gone, but relieved we can start eating normally and sleeping again. So what did we see? Well, so many things that made us laugh, smile, and scratch our heads that we can barely remember them all. Notable things from Barcelona this year include Sony Ericssons' first 12 megapixel camera phone, Windows Mobile 6.5's launch, Palm Pre for the GSM market, A smile pile of Android unveilings -- including the T-Mobile Magic's launch -- INQ's INQ1, Sonar, and a really creepy mannequin that never failed to freak every single one of us out as we walked by her. If you're finding the list of links overwhelming, check our daily podcasts from the show and hear all about it instead of reading all about it. Check the links below for a quick rundown of some highlights.Read - Sonar hopes to power social featurephones, we get a demoRead - Texas Instruments and Wind River do up Android rightRead - HTC Magic is official, bringing Android to Vodafone sans keyboardRead - HTC Magic first eyes-on!Read - Nokia N86 hands-on with video!Read - Samsung OmniaHD hands-onRead - First hands-on with the HTC Touch Diamond2 (with video!)Read - First hands-on with the HTC Touch Pro2 (with video!)Read - Nokia E55 hands-onRead - Windows Mobile 6.5 walkthrough with Engadget (now with video!)Read - INQ¹ wins "Best Mobile Handset or Device" at MWC, golf clapsRead - Stantum's mind-blowing multitouch interface on video!Read - Amosu hands-on: pink, pricey, and plenty of diamondsRead - Toshiba TG01 hands-on and video walkthroughRead - modu hands-on with the set, jackets, and some far out visions
Filed under: CellphonesBye bye Barcelona and Mobile World Congress 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 2/21/2009 9:23 PM (132d 4h 27m ago) |
| T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8900 now available to the masses |
| | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)
Good news for all T-Mobile customers. Starting Wednesday, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 is now available to everyone for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after a mail-in rebate. The Curve 8900 was initially released on January 27, but only ... |
| | 2/13/2009 4:28 PM (140d 9h 23m ago) |
| Google beta of Sync for mobile contacts & calendar is live |
| | Filed under: Internet Tools, iPhone, iPod touchThat thudding sound you're hearing is the head-to-keyboard collision of everyone who, for the purposes of wireless PIM sync to an iPhone, renewed a MobileMe subscription last week. Google announced today that the beta Google Sync for Mobile capability, long a feature on the Blackberry, has now been extended to iPhones (via Microsoft's ActiveSync), and also to other devices that support the SyncML standard. You can sync your Google-side calendar and contacts to your device of choice, free, bidirectionally, starting today. There are a few caveats with this beta, as one might expect: the main one is that you cannot use the sync capability if you already synchronize with an Exchange account, as there can be only one ActiveSync config on the iPhone or iPod touch at any time. Setting up sync with Google will also nuke your local contacts and calendar on the device, so back up before you proceed. Still, this represents a big step forward in the delicate dance of Google services in cooperation with Apple's mobile gear. If you configure sync for your device, let us know how it goes! Early comments note that the lack of multiple calendar support is a showstopper -- if that applies to you, check out the NuevaSync option. Update: You can apparently sync up to five calendars to the phone, see here for details. [via Engadget]TUAWGoogle beta of Sync for mobile contacts & calendar is live originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 2/10/2009 5:21 PM (143d 8h 29m ago) |
| Obama has high hopes for keeping BlackBerry |
| | President-elect Barack Obama checks his BlackBerry while riding on his campaign bus in Pennsylvania last March.(Credit: Pete Souza/ Rapport Press)
President-elect Barack Obama is sure to face his share of hurdles over the course of his presidency. But when it comes to one of them--the possibility that he might have to give up his beloved BlackBerry--he is waxing optimistic that he will overcome.
In an interview with CNN on Friday, Obama expressed confidence that he would be able to keep his smartphone, despite well-publicized concerns over the possibility of eavesdropping by hackers and other digital snoops. While Research In Motion offers encryption, the U.S. government has stricter requirements for communications security.
As my colleague Declan McCullagh reported, some handheld devices, such as General Dynamics' Sectera Edge, have been officially blessed as secure enough to handle even classified documents, e-mail, and Web browsing.
But Obama seems determined to hang on to his device of choice.
... |
| | 1/21/2009 4:07 PM (163d 9h 43m ago) |
| February 11 launch date for T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8900? |
| | (Credit: TmoNews)
Monday seems to be the day for BlackBerry rumors. First it was the BlackBerry Bold for Sprint and now the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 for T-Mobile. The folks at TmoNews believe T-Mobile, which is in serious need of a BlackBerry update, will release the new BlackBerry Curve 8900 ... |
| | 1/06/2009 6:56 PM (178d 6h 55m ago) |
| Sprint finally releases RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i |
| | Finally: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i.(Credit: Sprint)First introduced at CTIA Fall 2008, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i is finally available through Sprint. The Curve 8350i can be purchased online and through telesales now for $149.99 with a two-year contract; the smartphone will be in stores starting January 11. ... |
| | 12/17/2008 5:05 PM (198d 8h 45m ago) |
| Two BlackBerry Storm updates imminent, handset unlocked for use on T-Mobile |
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Here on Thanksgiving Eve, we've got two juicy Storm tidbits sure to make your Turkey Day that much more interesting. For starters, one fellow over on HoFo has purportedly unlocked his touchscreen BlackBerry for use on T-Mobile's GSM network. Hot, right? The process involved sourcing a SIM unlock code from VZW, then updating the phone with software intended for the Bold. If you're not confused yet, you'll also need a dash of Elvish magic and a bit of luck, but you should know that you can't tap into T-Mob's 2G voice network and Verizon's 3G data network at the same time. Next up, the Boy Genius has it on authority that two firmware updates are but weeks away, both of which will target some of the many issues that early adopters have been harping on since launch day. Hit the links below for more details on everything.Read - Storm unlocked for T-Mobile [Via SlashGear]Read - Storm updates [Via SlashGear]Filed under: CellphonesTwo BlackBerry Storm updates imminent, handset unlocked for use on T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/27/2008 7:22 PM (218d 6h 29m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm: the aftermath |
| | With day zero of the Age of the Storm (well, Verizon's day zero, anyway) now behind us, it's probably a good idea to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and reflect on what just went down. First and foremost, we're hearing that stock levels are pretty bleak at the moment in many areas; in some cases, stores didn't get as many Storms as they'd been expecting, leading to speedy sell-outs. Some of those that were able to snatch a scarce unit were met with activation issues, Verizon's servers seemingly meeting the same fate as AT&T's and Apple's on iPhone 3G launch day. Will the situation improve? We can only imagine -- but it's hard to say just how long it'll take before you'll be able to stroll into the store (or shady mall kiosk) of your choice and score a Storm sight unseen, especially in light of the firmware drama unfolding before our very eyes. In the meantime, owners (and hopefuls, too), keep sending in your reports from the field![Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Storm: the aftermath originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/24/2008 5:45 PM (221d 8h 5m ago) |
| Samsung Gravity touches down |
| | The Samsung Gravity in lime.(Credit: Samsung)
As we warned you two weeks ago, T-Mobile's Samsung Gravity goes on sale Monday.
The messaging phone is a dead ringer for the LG Rumor, in both features and design. Highlights include a slide-out alphabetical keyboard for rapid messaging, a 1.3-megapixel ... |
| | 11/19/2008 5:21 PM (226d 8h 30m ago) |
| LG Incite is LG's first U.S. smartphone |
| | LG Incite is LG's first U.S. smartphone.(Credit: AT&T)LG and AT&T just introduced the Incite, the first-ever LG smartphone for the U.S. market.
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/LG_Incite_is_LG_s_first_U_S_smartphone';
Equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the Incite comes with a host of ... |
| | 11/19/2008 5:19 PM (226d 8h 32m ago) |
| Mobile Browser Battlemodo: Which Phones Deliver The Real Web [Battlemodo] |
| | digg_skin = 'compact'; digg_bgcolor = '#f1f8fa'; digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Mobile_Browser_Battle_Which_Phones_Deliver_The_Real_Web'; Before 2007, using the internet on your phone would make you want to kill yourself, if you were dumb enough to believe the crap splattered across that tiny screen even was the "internet." But the combination of increased bandwidth and better mobile software means that more phones really are promising to deliver the real internet, in living color. We tested eight different browsers, and while some put smiles on our faces, others proved that rendering HTML correctly is a far cry from actually giving you an awesome web experience. And what about 3G vs. Wi-Fi? Everything the carriers have told you is a lie. This is the true state of mobile web. Before we give you the rundown of each of the most prevalent mobile browsers, here's how they all stacked up in a timed test of how fast (and how well) they could render websites, chosen for their diversity and particular challenges: CHART KEY: Number value is time for complete page load in seconds; page rendering is rated from "Fail" to "Excellent" for each; and the color (red, yellow, green) indicates overall performance taking into account both speed and rendering accuracy: Green = good overall, Red = fail overall. This second chart runs through the same procedure with all of the phones that had Wi-Fi options: It's a pretty daunting pile of numbers, so let's break it down into standard prose, rating each browser as we go: Android A fast, smart mobile browser based on WebKit. It tackles most sites with (almost) unrivaled grace and speed. Panning and zooming could be smoother and more responsive, but with a ton of options for getting around a page—various touch methods and the trackball—few sites will be challenging to zip around. The only thing we really miss is multitouch for zoom. Buttons just aren't a very elegant or precise solution, and while the whole-page magnifying... |
| | 11/19/2008 5:16 PM (226d 8h 35m ago) |
| BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 |
| | The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 is Research In Motion's first ever flip phone. The Pearl Flip was released in the United States on October 13th, 2008 over the T-Mobile network and in Canada on November 4th, 2008 over the Rogers Network; it retails for $50 in both countries with a 3-year voice and data plan. The Flip Pearl features two high-resolution, light sensitive LCD displays; a larger 240 x 320 internal display for browsing the web, and a smaller external display to view incoming calls when the device is closed. The device can browse the web over WiFi and cellular data networks,...
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| | 11/18/2008 5:41 PM (227d 8h 10m ago) |
| FCC has a relaxing Friday |
| | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900(Credit: Boy Genius Report)
It's another slow week at the FCC as we creep toward the holiday season. Aside from the new BlackBerry Curve 8900, nothing looks terribly exciting.
Because the FCC has to certify every phone sold in the United States, not to mention ... |
| | 11/15/2008 6:38 PM (230d 7h 13m ago) |
| Study: BlackBerry has twice failure rate of iPhone |
| | (Credit: SquareTrade)
Apple's iPhone has half the failure rate of RIM's BlackBerry in the first year of use, a study carried out by a mobile-phone warranty firm has found. The SquareTrade study, released Saturday, looked at more than 15,000 handsets that were covered by the company's policies. It found iPhones had a malfunction rate of 5.6 percent in the first year, compared to 11.9 percent for Research In Motion's BlackBerry smartphones. Palm's Treos fared even worse, with 16.2 percent having some sort of malfunction in the first 12 months of use.
Figures from the analyst firm Canalys, released last week, showed Apple has now overtaken RIM in the global smartphone sales stakes.
... Originally posted at News - Wireless |
| | 11/11/2008 11:17 PM (234d 2h 33m ago) |
| BlackBerry tattoo wins man a real Storm |
| | BlackBerry enthusiast site CrackBerry organized a contest titled "What would you do for a BlackBerry Storm?" urging readers to do something extreme to win one of the 10 touch-screen e-mail handsets it's giving out for free.
The first winner, T.J., has been picked, and boy, was it over ... |
| | 11/11/2008 11:14 PM (234d 2h 37m ago) |
| Analyst Confirms Apple Moves Past RIM for Number Two Smartphone Vendor |
| | So apparently Apple knew what it was talking about after all. Research firm Canalys says that Apple stole the rug out from underneath RIM in the third quarter to become the world's number two pusher of smartphones, taking a hearty 17.3 percent market share compared to RIM's 15.2 percent and Windows Mobile's 13.6 percent. For what it's worth, the firm says RIM could very well bounce back in the fourth quarter with the Bold, Storm, and Pearl 8220 all ramping up in time for the holidays, but either way, number one platform Symbian needn't sweat any time soon; Nokia's baby managed to lose 21.5 percent share year over year, but they're still sitting pretty with 46.6 percent.How'd Apple manage to steal so much BlackBerry thunder (pun painfully intended)? Part of the evidence might lie in J.D. Power's just-released 2008 Business Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study, revealing that suits adore their iPhones, like their BlackBerrys just alright, and despise their Palms. Amusing to us was the iPhone's rating of a 5 out of 5 in the Features category -- the only contender to get a perfect score there -- despite the fact that virtually every other smartphone platform continues to outstrip it for raw capability. Usability, though, well... that's arguably another story altogether. |
| | 11/07/2008 3:20 PM (238d 10h 31m ago) |
| Blackberry Bold shows up for free on contract at Walmart |
| | Filed under: Cellphones
Well hell, that Blackberry Bold decision just got a lot easier if you're, uh, bold enough to sign a two-year contract with AT&T -- it's now free after rebate at Walmart. Yep, it's only been out for two days and Wally's already handing 'em for free -- somehow we don't think that's gonna happen with the Storm. Still, this is the one you want if you double-heart keyboards with itty-bitty keys -- just make sure you actually mail in the forms, okay?Update: The deal is through LetsTalk, so if you and Sam aren't getting along you can order direct from them.[Thanks, Barry and Jedidiah]Blackberry Bold shows up for free on contract at Walmart originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/05/2008 10:02 PM (240d 3h 49m ago) |
| AT&T BlackBerry Bold Review: Best BlackBerry Yet [Blackberry Bold Review] |
| | We reviewed the BlackBerry Bold months ago when it was available everywhere in the civilized world except for the US, because it looked like it would arrive here shortly afterward. It didn't. Held up... |
| | 11/04/2008 12:41 AM (242d 1h 10m ago) |
| Red BlackBerry Pearl Flip now available at T-Mobile |
| | (Credit: T-Mobile)
A short, but sweet, news bulletin for BlackBerry fans: on Wednesday, T-Mobile announced the immediate availability of the red RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 smartphone. It joins the black version, which has been on sale since October 13. You can get either colors for $149.99 with a ... |
| | 10/30/2008 4:00 PM (246d 9h 51m ago) |
| BlackBerry Bold up for pre-order at Best Buy: $680 smackers |
| | Filed under: Cellphones
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/BlackBerry_Bold_up_for_pre_order_at_Best_Buy_680_smackers'; We already knew RIM's BlackBerry Bold would sell for a stiff $299.99 on contract with AT&T, but if you're one of the many AT&T users who'd rather not sign a new agreement (or renew your current one), you've probably been patiently waiting to hear an unsubsidized price. Here is it, but we're warning you, you might want to sit down. The contract-free Bold is listed at $679.99 at Best Buy, and fittingly enough, the product page offers a convenient link for seeking financing. At any rate, it also tells us that pre-orders will typically ship out within one to two weeks, though we'd be hesitant to bet the farm on that. After waiting for, like, ever, for this handset to finally hit shelves, are you still so anxious to drop nearly seven bills to claim one as your own?[Thanks, Christen]BlackBerry Bold up for pre-order at Best Buy: $680 smackers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 10/29/2008 6:00 PM (247d 7h 51m ago) |
| BlackBerry Bold, iPhone 3G, and BlackBerry Storm Compared in Video |
| | The new BlackBerry Storm touch-phone from Verizon Wireless is expected to be released in the U.S. in November (Nov. 4th, 9th, or 16th?) so now is the time to check out some comparisons with a few other hot smartphones, specifically...
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| | 10/28/2008 6:05 PM (248d 7h 46m ago) |
| BlackBerry Bold gets official release date, pricing |
| | RIM BlackBerry Bold(Credit: RIM)
This is it! This is the news we've been waiting for since May. On Wednesday, Research In Motion announced that the long-awaited RIM BlackBerry Bold will finally be available starting November 4 at AT&T for $299.99 with a two-year contract and ... |
| | 10/27/2008 7:51 PM (249d 5h 59m ago) |
| RIM Announces New Developer Tools for BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Pearl Flip |
| | New Versions of BlackBerry Java Development Environment and BlackBerry Smartphone Simulators Support Innovative Mobile Application DevelopmentWaterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the availability of new developer tools for creating and testing innovative, mobile-savvy applications for the BlackBerry® Storm™, BlackBerry® Bold™ and BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip smartphones.The developer tools include new versions of the BlackBerry® Java® Development Environment (BlackBerry JDE) that enable the streamlined development of mobile applications, as well as desktop simulators for the BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphones that accelerate mobile application testing. The new BlackBerry JDE versions and simulators are available as free downloads at www.blackberry.com/developers and will be showcased at the BlackBerry Developer Conference (www.blackberrydeveloperconference.com) on October 20-22, 2008 in Santa Clara, California.BlackBerry JDE v4.7, available today in public beta, enables mobile application development for BlackBerry Device Software v4.7 which runs on the new BlackBerry Storm smartphone. It includes the ability to develop an application that works seamlessly on both touch-screen and keyboard based BlackBerry smartphones. New APIs available with BlackBerry JDE v4.7 that enable developers to take advantage of the new features of the BlackBerry Storm smartphone include: Touch-Screen Support – Allow applications with custom user interfaces to receive input from taps, slides and other gestures on a BlackBerry Storm smartphone. Orientation and Rotation Support – Enable an application to support portrait and landscape orientations and re-draw the screen when the BlackBerry Storm smartphone is rotated. Accelerometer Support – Enable 360 degree motion sensing for advanced gaming applications and other motion-sensitive applications. Virtual Keyboard Control – Control when a virtual keyboard... |
| | 10/08/2008 2:09 PM (268d 11h 42m ago) |
| BlackBerry Takes the World by Storm with Verizon Wireless and Vodafone |
| | BlackBerry Storm Delivers the Full Power of the BlackBerry Platform on the World’s Leading Networks with the World’s First “Clickable” Touch-Screen SmartphoneBASKING RIDGE, N.J., NEWBURY, England, and WATERLOO, Ontario - Verizon Wireless, Vodafone Group (NYSE and LSE: VOD) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® Storm™ will be available later this fall, exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers in the U.S. and Vodafone customers in Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand.Designed to satisfy the needs of both consumers and business customers, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone combines the powerful communications features, global connectivity and personal productivity advantages of the BlackBerry® platform with a revolutionary touch-screen technology that dramatically enhances the touch interface and enables easy and precise typing. The world's first “clickable” touch-screen responds much like a physical keyboard and also supports single-touch, multi-touch and gestures for intuitive and efficient application navigation. Read the completeBlackBerry® Storm™ press release. |
| | 10/08/2008 1:54 PM (268d 11h 57m ago) |
7 more news items (107 total); click to see all >  |
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| Survey: Wi-Fi becoming smartphone must-have |
| | More and more people expect Wi-Fi from their cell phones, according to a survey released Wednesday by ABI Research.
The survey was conducted in February, with more than 1,000 U.S. mobile-phone users between the ages of 18 and 59 participating.
A Windows Mobile smartphone with Wi-Fi connectivity.(Credit: ... |
| | 4/02/2009 3:52 PM (92d 9h 59m ago) |
| LG Neon hands-on |
| | LG Neon(Credit: Nicole Lee/CNET)
LG Neon hands-on photos
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| | 4/02/2009 3:51 PM (92d 9h 59m ago) |
| BlackBerry Niagara 9630 reviewed in all its prerelease glory |
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Most of us are going to have to wait until at least May to get our hands on a 9630, but for well-connected individuals whose blogs rhyme with "Soy Beanius Report," patience isn't in the vocabulary. BGR's gone and landed a 9630 and put it through its hybrid CDMA / GSM paces, and in short, it sounds like it's a phone worth waiting for (not to say you've got many other options if you're tied to Sprint or Verizon anyhow). Voice quality is described as "the best phone we've ever used," battery life seems to be enough to get through a full day of use (and we wouldn't be surprised to see this get better as the firmware continues to get tweaked ahead of launch), the screen is as good as the Bold's amazing example, and the keyboard is "just right." What's amazing is that RIM's managed to package all of this action into a device considerably smaller than the Bold -- and if only they'd manage to throw in WiFi, it seems like we might be looking at the closest thing to BlackBerry perfection here. Verizon, Sprint, your move.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Niagara 9630 reviewed in all its prerelease glory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/24/2009 7:50 PM (101d 6h 1m ago) |
| T-Mobile's RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 review |
| | RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)
T-Mobile teased us at CES 2009 by introducing the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 but denying us any details on its availability date and pricing. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait too long as the carrier released the final details on ... |
| | 1/30/2009 12:04 AM (155d 1h 47m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm buyer's remorse? You're not alone! |
| | We tried to warn you, but you just didn't want to hear it. "How bad could it be?" you muttered to yourself, as you handed over a summer's worth of lawn mowing money for a shiny new BlackBerry Storm. Pretty bad, as it turns out. Based on a pile of anecdotal evidence and hearsay, numbers as high as a 50% return rate have been bandied about. The software update certainly helped the situation, but there are still a lot of disappointed thumbs out there. So, how'd it go down on your end? |
| | 12/18/2008 5:08 PM (197d 8h 43m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm's clickable screen (and the rest of it) dissected, exposed |
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So you've read our extensive BlackBerry Storm review and, despite feeling disappointment about it not living up to the hype, can't help but wonder just what makes the thing tick click. While we were a bit too squeamish to rip one of ours apart and find out, phoneWreck felt no qualms about turning this week's hottest handset into a pile of bits, exposing (among numerous other things) the Qualcomm MSM7600 processor that's blamed for the phone's sluggish performance. As to how the clicky screen works, it's rather simple: just a plate behind the display (pictured above) with a dimple to push a button on a circuit board. Never dissect your heroes, kids; it just takes the mystery out of life.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsBlackBerry Storm's clickable screen (and the rest of it) dissected, exposed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/23/2008 4:26 PM (222d 9h 25m ago) |
| Eve of the storm: RIM BlackBerry Storm reviewed |
| | RIM BlackBerry Storm 9350(Credit: James Martin/CBS Interactive)
It's been a little over a month since the RIM BlackBerry Storm was officially announced for Verizon Wireless and ever since then, we've all waited with baited breath for the first touch-screen BlackBerry to arrive. Well, dear friends, the ... |
| | 11/20/2008 3:14 PM (225d 10h 36m ago) |
| BlackBerry Storm review |
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digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Engadget_reviews_the_BlackBerry_Storm'; By now most of us have heard this story in one fashion or another: when Steve Jobs and Apple were in the planning stages of the iPhone, the first carrier they brought the device to America's largest network, Verizon. Even if you haven't heard how the tale ends -- Verizon refused and Jobs took his multi-billion dollar ball to AT&T -- you surely know the outcome. The iPhone has soared to become the ultimate smartphone, the must-have accessory that everyone from celebrities to your mom wants -- nay, needs -- to have in their pocket. It's changed the landscape of modern cellphones, put a serious dent in the sales of competing devices (just recently overtaking the venerable RAZR as the best-selling domestic handset), and unquestionably raised the bar when it comes to expectations for features in new handsets. It may seem unfair to open up the review of RIM's latest BlackBerry -- the Storm -- with a history lesson on the iPhone, but if you understand the market which Verizon and RIM hope to capture, then you understand the Storm, and it helps put this critique in perspective. The Storm, a widescreen, touchscreen, device boasts many of the same features as the iPhone, but adds innovations like a clickable display, and comes packed with RIM's legendary email and messaging services. Mainlined into the biggest (and some say best) network in the States, the Storm is an almost deafening blast to the competition at first glance, but does it hold up on closer inspection? Read on to find out.Gallery: BlackBerry Storm in picturesContinue reading BlackBerry Storm reviewFiled under: CellphonesBlackBerry Storm review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/20/2008 3:00 PM (225d 10h 51m ago) |
| SquareTrade Study: iPhones more reliable than BlackBerry, Treo |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, iPhone
Independent warranty provider SquareTrade has released a report showing that iPhones are more reliable than either BlackBerry or Palm Treo devices.The report, titled "iPhone More Reliable than BlackBerry, One Year In", analyzes failure rates for more than 15,000 new cell phones covered by SquareTrade warranties. SquareTrade found that after one year of ownership, iPhone owners were half as likely as BlackBerry owners to have a phone failure, and one-third as likely as Treo owners. After 12 months, slightly over 16% of Treo owners had experienced a failure, while just less than 12% of BlackBerry owners had their smartphone die on them. Only 5.6% of iPhone owners had a critical failure.SquareTrade's report also shows the types of failures most common for the various devices. The iPhone's Achille's Heel appears to be the touchscreen, while other devices saw problems with keyboards, software, and call quality.When it comes to problems not caused by handset malfunctions, the iPhone is much more prone to accidental damage. 12% of iPhone owners reported failure due to dropping accidents, which SquareTrade attributes to the small size and slippery case of the iPhone. Apple has made no comment on the report.TUAWSquareTrade Study: iPhones more reliable than BlackBerry, Treo originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/09/2008 5:08 PM (236d 8h 43m ago) |
| UPDATE: Jawbone 2.0 |
| | I wrote a few weeks ago about the coming launch of the Jawbone 2.0 Bluetooth earpiece from Aliph. Well, I've had a few weeks with it now and am extremely impressed with the product.It's smaller, lighter, more comfortable and definitely much cooler looking. Now I look less like the drive-thru person at the In 'N Out and more like a high powered Silicon Valley Executive on the cutting edge of new tech. Seems to have a better volume range than v1.0, and the buttons work/feel more solid as well. And, yes - the earloop is still removable! I'd definitely recommend this over any other BT earpiece I've tried...not that the list of earpieces I've tried is exhaustive, but I'm pretty sure it would hold it's own against anything out there.In terms of sound quality on the other end of the conversation, my anecdotal surveys tell me that's better too.So what are you waiting for, go get one!Uni II Wireless Headset for Bluetooth-Enabled Cell Phones - Black - 30543BBR(Other) |
| | 6/09/2008 9:40 PM (389d 4h 11m ago) |
| PC World 100 Best Products of the year :59. RIM BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series (smart phone, $250 with two-year AT&T wireless contract) |
| | Research in Motion's Curve line delivers both a QWERTY keyboard and RIM's increasingly popular smart-phone operating system -- the best of its kind for handling corporate e-mail -- in a compact and chic handset.PC World RIM Blackberry 8300 Curve reviewPC World RIM Blackberry 8320 Curve review |
| | 6/02/2008 5:12 PM (396d 8h 39m ago) |
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| Motorola "Morrison" rounding out T-Mobile's 2009 Android offerings? |
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Okay, we think we're starting to get a good picture for how T-Mobile's Android plans for the year are going to play out (naturally, this is all subject to change -- we doubt the manufacturers know precisely when they'll be ready with this stuff, much less the carrier). That seemingly leaked roadmap has now revealed its final Android-based treasure, a Motorola "Morrison" that looks a heck of a lot like the device we'd seen leaked through some Wal-mart docs. Granted, there's a silver bar at the bottom here that isn't present in the earlier picture, but they could easily be different generations of rendered mockups, so we're not putting too much weight on that discrepancy. The roadmap currently has the Morrison pegged for the holiday season, so there'll be plenty of Android devices available to you before you get a crack at this one -- which probably isn't how Moto would like to see it work out, but hey, them's the breaks.Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsMotorola "Morrison" rounding out T-Mobile's 2009 Android offerings? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/21/2009 4:13 PM (43d 9h 38m ago) |
| Rumor: HTC, Motorola messaging smartphones bound for Verizon |
| | Motorola A4500 (Credit: PhoneScoop)While the Verizon Wireless and Apple talks are dominating headlines these days, the iPhone isn't for everyone and it looks like there might be two other noteworthy devices that are headed Verizon's way. More specifically, two QWERTY smartphones from HTC and Motorola.
The first ... |
| | 4/28/2009 6:38 PM (66d 7h 13m ago) |
| Touchscreen, Trackball-Less BlackBerry Bold Leaked [BlackBerry] |
| | That rumored BlackBerry Bold with a touchscreen was just a whisper before, but now we've got a shot of the packaging to prove its existence. Let's see what we know about this new hybrid. We'd known it as the Pluto, but now it's been given a traditional RIM numeric identification as the 99xx series. It's got just about the same form factor as the Bold, including the QWERTY keyboard, but with one notable addition and one notable feature missing: It's got a touchscreen in place of the trackball. This blurry shot shows a Rogers-branded 99xx (a major Canadian carrier), and the 3G device is allegedly due for a late 3rd quarter release up north. "Late 3rd quarter release" is code for "don't bank on this until the 4th quarter", but we're excited nonetheless. We'll continue with updates as we get more info. [CrackBerry]
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| | 3/15/2009 9:25 PM (110d 4h 26m ago) |
| BlackBerry 9900 "Pluto" spotted in leaked Rogers documents? |
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What's this little gem? According to a confidential / potentially dubious Rogers document landed by CrackBerry, it might be the BlackBerry 9900 -- or Pluto for you codename-loving types. Interestingly enough, this devices happens to look just like a Storm / Bold / 8900 Franken-Berry that we first caught wind of in October, packing a full QWERTY and a SurePress touchscreen like the one found in the Storm. We can't say for sure this is anything more than a clever Photoshop -- and that little "see page 99" bit on the bottom seems a bit too convenient of a number for our tastes. The trackball's noticeably absent from the four main navigation buttons, so we're already getting a little afraid of having to retain our BrickBreaker skills, but if any of you RIM insiders want to send over photos, video, or even the device itself before the "Late Q3 2009" presumed release timeframe, we'd be mighty glad to be proven wrong.Filed under: CellphonesBlackBerry 9900 "Pluto" spotted in leaked Rogers documents? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/14/2009 5:09 PM (111d 8h 42m ago) |
| Verizon Wireless prepping for BlackBerry Storm? |
| | (Credit: Engadget Mobile)
OK, folks. Here is your smartphone rumor for the day: The touch-screen RIM BlackBerry Storm is headed for Verizon Wireless. Several sources have reported on this news after a "talking points" sheet for Verizon employees was leaked, highlighting some of the key features of the smartphone. According ... |
| | 9/16/2008 4:27 AM (290d 21h 24m ago) |
| BlackBerry Bold hitting AT&T on October 2? |
| | Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds
With hope of a summer release fading with the passing of each and every day, Boy Genius Report cites a "pretty solid bit of info" that the BlackBerry Bold is now pegged for launch on AT&T on Thursday, October 2. So if you see a throng of three-piece suits starting to gather around your local store around September 28 or 29, yeah, that's probably why.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/29/2008 10:30 PM (308d 3h 21m ago) |
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| CTIA: Phones that clean up "apps clutter" |
| | At CTIA in 2008, the wireless-world trade show was abuzz with cell-phone applications and the cool things they enabled. This year's show had more cool apps, such as Skype for iPhone, though the emphasis was on new tools for more efficiently sifting through the jungle of applications that now clutter cell-phone desktops. Many new phones, like Instinct S30, Omnia, Delve from Samsung employ customizable widgets, icon-like applications that show you information gathered or produced by another app. So instead of launching your e-mail or text-messaging application, a widget on your phone will monitor those apps, and alert you about new messages and who sent them. Other widgets combine several key functions, such as managing all of your phone's wireless connections. Others, like Nokia's new Intrigue, $180 from Verizon with a two-year contract and rebates, take a more novel approach. This phone (Click on the image for a closer look.) has a feature called "Habitat Mode," a home screen that presents your contacts in the order in which you last communicated with them. Touch the icons to communicate with your contacts again or to review the history of your interaction. Also, as we reported at CES, Palm's upcoming Pre, available soon from Sprint for an undisclosed price, kicks those conveniences up a notch with a highly intuitive interface that to aggregates all the relevant elements pertaining to contacts, calendars, and messaging. For example, if you have information on Jane Doe in Outlook, Google, and Facebook, it will put details from those normally unconnected sources under Jane's name. Ditto for calendars and messaging. HTC's upcoming Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2, which will be running Windows Mobile 6.5 when it's available, will have similar features, as will new phones (still under NDA) from AT&T and T-Mobile.—Mike Gikas |
| | 4/06/2009 4:02 PM (88d 9h 49m ago) |
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