Engadget Mobile http://mobile.engadget.com Engadget Mobile http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/mobile.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget Mobile http://mobile.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Jaxbot's Windows Phone 7 Series Theme now available in beta (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/jaxbots-windows-phone-7-series-theme-now-available-in-beta-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/jaxbots-windows-phone-7-series-theme-now-available-in-beta-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/jaxbots-windows-phone-7-series-theme-now-available-in-beta-vid/#comments
Even if your handset of choice won't be eligible for upgrade to Windows Phone 7, there's no reason you can't enjoy the look and feel of Microsoft's latest and greatest with a well-executed skin, right? Looks like Jaxbot's Windows Phone 7 Series Theme is available in passable beta form -- great news for any and all of you jealous WinMo 6.5 users who might be reading this -- and it can be had right now (as in now!) at the XDA Developers forum. Want to see it do its thing? Peep the video after the break.

Continue reading Jaxbot's Windows Phone 7 Series Theme now available in beta (video)

Jaxbot's Windows Phone 7 Series Theme now available in beta (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaxxbotmicrosoftmicrosoft windows phone 7 seriesMicrosoftWindowsPhone7Seriesskinthemeuiwindows mobilewindows phonewindows phone 7windows phone 7 seriesWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7SerieswinmoXDA DevelopersXdaDevelopersSat, 13 Mar 2010 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego-borne BlackBerry Tour probably still lacks WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/lego-borne-blackberry-tour-probably-still-lacks-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/lego-borne-blackberry-tour-probably-still-lacks-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/lego-borne-blackberry-tour-probably-still-lacks-wifi/#comments How do you know you've reached status as an internationally-recognized icon? When someone decides to make a Lego representation of you, that's when -- so our hats go off to you, BlackBerry Tour, for this distinguished accomplishment. Well-traveled Lego artist Nathan Sawaya was recently tapped to turn RIM's global CDMA traveler into a life-sized monolith of plastic bricks, though with an unusual twist: his unnamed patron wanted a working video display, too, which required some "trial and error" to integrate. It might not fit in a pocket, but we reckon you could still find a belt holster that could swallow this thing. Follow the break for video!

Continue reading Lego-borne BlackBerry Tour probably still lacks WiFi

Lego-borne BlackBerry Tour probably still lacks WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrylegonathan sawayaNathanSawayarimtourSat, 13 Mar 2010 21:54:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone app hits 1.3, gains real-time traffic and Google local search]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/#comments
 Here lately, Navigon has been crushing it on the iPhone GPS front. Every couple of weeks, it seems that MobileNavigator is getting yet another fantastic update, all while TomTom's lackluster offering hangs back in the land of complacency. Thankfully for us all, the outfit has just pushed out the v1.3 update, which adds real-time traffic (an unfortunate $19.99 add-on), Google local search, updated roadways, automatic music fading between text-to-speech instructions and the ability to add locations from other apps and websites. We'd still recommend Navigon's software if you're looking to buy into iPhone GPS for the first time, but this is certainly a boon for those already locked into the TomTom alternative.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

TomTom iPhone app hits 1.3, gains real-time traffic and Google local search originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappleAppStoregooglegpsiphoneiphone appIphoneApplocal searchLocalSearchnavnavigationReal-Time trafficReal-timeTrafficsoftwaretomtomTomTom 1.3tomtom iphoneTomtom1.3TomtomIphoneupdateSat, 13 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Slider undergoes further undercover inspection, side shots emerge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/blackberry-slider-undergoes-further-undercover-inspection-side/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/blackberry-slider-undergoes-further-undercover-inspection-side/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/blackberry-slider-undergoes-further-undercover-inspection-side/#comments We're still no closer to finding out whether this is the next iteration of the Bold, Storm or some other BlackBerry line, but the unofficially coined BlackBerry Slider continues to pique our interest. Here in the third round of spy shots, we're seeing the elusive RIM-branded device from a few new angles, namely a round of side shots and a side-by-side with Curve 8900. You'll notice that the new guys is a bit thicker and longer, and you'll also see a complete lack of labeling beside the camera. There's a fair chance that hitting that Source link will simply lead to increased frustration and stress in your life, but c'mon, anything to keep you from finishing up those 2009 taxes is worth a look.

BlackBerry Slider undergoes further undercover inspection, side shots emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9700aBlackBerryblackberry sliderBlackberrySliderboldbold 9700aBold9700aleakleaked photosleaked picsLeakedPhotosLeakedPicspicspicturesresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimrumorslidersmartphonespeculationstorm 3Storm3Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Vivaz available on Vodafone, Satio looks on with envy]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/13/sony-ericsson-vivaz-available-on-vodafone-satio-looks-on-with-e/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/13/sony-ericsson-vivaz-available-on-vodafone-satio-looks-on-with-e/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/13/sony-ericsson-vivaz-available-on-vodafone-satio-looks-on-with-e/#comments If you don't have a need for a physical keyboard -- or you're just not willing to wait long enough for the Vivaz Pro to come to market -- then you might want to take a gander at Sony Ericsson's plain-Jane Vivaz now that it's available from Vodafone in the UK. The Symbian-powered slate features a 3.2-inch WVGA display, 8.1 megapixel still camera, and 720p video capture with continuous autofocus -- a truly unique feature for a cameraphone at any price. As is usually the case with these guys, you're able to score the Vivaz for a big, fat naught on contract as long as you're willing to pony up at least £30 (about $46) a month on your plan.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz available on Vodafone, Satio looks on with envy originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonukvivazvodafonevodafone ukVodafoneUkSat, 13 Mar 2010 07:14:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC Fridays]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-fridays/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-fridays/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-fridays/#comments We here at Engadget Mobile tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there, we've gathered up all the raw info you may want (but probably don't need). Enjoy!

Phones
Read - ZTE F160
Read - ZTE E520
Read - ZTE CS200
Read - Huawei U3100
Read - Fujitsu F-07B
Read - Samsung S5510T
Read - LG GD570
Read - LG VX8370

Peripherals
Read - LG HBM-240

FCC Fridays originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:48:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Nokia's N900?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/how-would-you-change-nokias-n900/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/how-would-you-change-nokias-n900/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/how-would-you-change-nokias-n900/#comments Maemo 5 didn't stand on its own for long before being mashed together with Intel's Moblin, but Nokia's N900 still stands as one of the best handhelds for web browsing. It's hardly the world-beater that Nokia (may have) hoped it to be, but that's not because the internals aren't impressive. We're guessing that only a handful of you made the effort to fork over wads of cash in order to pick an unlocked version up, but if you did, you no doubt have some opinions post-purchase. Is the display living up to your expectations? Are you and Maemo getting along alright? How's that keyboard? We're eager to know how you'd tweak the N900 if you had the keys to the design kingdom, and with MeeGo already being announced, we're forbidding you from suggesting the obvious. Or you can, but we'll be plugging our ears, closing our eyes and humming annoyingly.

Filed under:

How would you change Nokia's N900? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n900nokianokia n900NokiaN900smartphoneFri, 12 Mar 2010 22:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint picks up ESPN Mobile TV programming]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/sprint-picks-up-espn-mobile-tv-programming/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/sprint-picks-up-espn-mobile-tv-programming/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/sprint-picks-up-espn-mobile-tv-programming/#commentsSprint got punked a bit when Verizon swooped in and scored mobile programming from the NFL, but they were awfully quick to hit back today with the announcement that they've just added ESPN Mobile TV into the Sprint TV mix -- granted, they're just playing catch-up to Verizon's VCAST TV service, but Sprint TV's got considerably wider distribution through the lineup, so this could be perceived as a bigger win. The companies are touting over 100 live events in March and April alone, and more than 800 during 2010 -- enough to ensure that you won't get a thing done as long as you've got your phone (and a spare battery or three) handy. The new channel's available immediately to Sprint TV subscribers.

Sprint picks up ESPN Mobile TV programming originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espnespn mobile tvEspnMobileTvmobile espnMobileEspnsprintsprint tvSprintTvFri, 12 Mar 2010 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia C6 is actually a 5230-ish landscape slider?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-c6-is-actually-a-5230-ish-landscape-slider/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-c6-is-actually-a-5230-ish-landscape-slider/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-c6-is-actually-a-5230-ish-landscape-slider/#comments We hate to turn your entire world -- nay, your very belief system -- on its end, but it's at least conceivable here that the so-called Nokia Mystic with the portrait QWERTY keyboard may not be the upcoming C6 after all. Instead, Tom's Guide is submitting this bright white exhibit as the device lucky enough to wear the C6 name, a phone that looks a whole hell of a lot like a 5230 with a QWERTY slider tacked on for good measure. That would make sense considering Nokia's goal of turning the freshly-introduced Cseries into a midrange, consumer-friendly brand; this phone could easily slot in below the N97 Mini, for example, particularly in light of rumors that the phone will lack the N97's beefy internal storage. Word is the C6 is pegged for a European release by Summer, so start cleaning off those 5800s and 5230s for eBay right now, why don't you?

Nokia C6 is actually a 5230-ish landscape slider? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c6nokiaqwertyrumorFri, 12 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon's Nexus One to be sold only through Google, have Sense UI (or not)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/verizons-nexus-one-to-be-sold-only-through-google-have-sense-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/verizons-nexus-one-to-be-sold-only-through-google-have-sense-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/verizons-nexus-one-to-be-sold-only-through-google-have-sense-u/#comments This doesn't come as much of a surprise, but Android Central seems to have obtained a screen shot from a deep, dark, top-secret Verizon system that indicated that the upcoming CDMA version of the Nexus One will be "available only through www.Google.com/Phones." That, of course, matches T-Mobile's strategy of quietly letting Google do its thing -- and Verizon's strategy of keeping its network "open" -- so you'll just have to remember to not line up at your local store at 8PM the night before the launch, otherwise you're going to come away very, very disappointed. What's a whole lot stranger, though, is a mention that it runs HTC's Sense UI, which means one of a few things: Google's allowing carriers and manufacturers to have their way with the Android builds sold directly through its own store, the Verizon-branded Nexus One is the Incredible, or the document is just sorely confused. The way we see it, there'd simply not be enough differentiation between the Nexus One and the Incredible for them to come to market as separate products if they were both running Sense -- and besides, isn't variety the spice of life?

Update: That was quick -- it seems Verizon has already updated its specs to remove the reference to Sense and change the URL from google.com/phones to google.com/phone -- no plural. Thanks, ninjalex76!

Verizon's Nexus One to be sold only through Google, have Sense UI (or not) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhtcnexus oneNexusOnerumorsensesense uiSenseUiverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's de la Vega: HSPA+ coming 'in certain locations']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/atandts-de-la-vega-hspa-coming-in-certain-locations/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/atandts-de-la-vega-hspa-coming-in-certain-locations/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/atandts-de-la-vega-hspa-coming-in-certain-locations/#commentsAT&T hasn't been quite as forthcoming with the exact details of its next-gen network plans as T-Mobile and Verizon have been recently, but FierceBroadbandWireless appears to have wrested a tidbit from wireless boss Ralph de la Vega in a recent interview. Though the standard HSPA 7.2Mbps deployment is still AT&T's short-term focus, HSPA+ -- which can theoretically take HSPA to 21Mbps and beyond -- is clearly still on its radar prior to LTE. "We will also deploy HSPA+ in certain locations," de la Vega said on no uncertain terms -- without revealing even a hint about where those "certain locations" might be, unfortunately.

Speaking of LTE, the 4G tech still seems to be on AT&T's back burner for the moment with the first commercial markets not scheduled to light up until 2011, a strategy that seems pretty difficult to argue with considering HSPA's considerable room to grow from its current speeds and the lack of LTE devices in the pipeline. Of course, that could end up really hurting these guys a few years down the line when the first generation of LTE is in its prime and they've given Verizon about a year's head start, but -- and this is a huge "but" -- if they can save up some cash by rolling cheaper HSPA upgrades now and really dump unheard-of levels of cash into the network when they're good and ready, it's conceivable that they'll be able to build out a big footprint in short order. Ralph, can we recommend you look to Bell and Telus for inspiration on how to pull that off?

AT&T's de la Vega: HSPA+ coming 'in certain locations' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g7.2mbpsatthspahspa+lteralph de la vegaRalphDeLaVegaFri, 12 Mar 2010 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia asks court to dismiss part of Apple patent lawsuit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-asks-court-to-dismiss-part-of-apple-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-asks-court-to-dismiss-part-of-apple-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/nokia-asks-court-to-dismiss-part-of-apple-patent-lawsuit/#comments How do we know we're years away from a final resolution to the Nokia / Apple patent lawsuit? It's been six months since Nokia first filed its complaint, and the two parties are just now starting to argue about which specific substantive claims they're eventually going to argue about. Let's do a quick refresh: at the heart of the lawsuit is a conflict over Nokia's wireless patents, some of which are almost certainly essential to how cell data and WiFi operate. As a member of the ETSI and the IEEE licensing groups which oversee GSM and WiFi, Nokia's required to license its patents to anyone who asks on fair terms, but those terms aren't set in stone -- Nokia can negotiate separate licenses as it sees fit, and it apparently wanted Apple to cross-license its touchscreen patents as part of the deal. Apple said no, and now we're all in court, with both sides alleging patent infringement in three different lawsuits (one of which is on hold) and Apple claiming that Nokia is also liable for breach of contract, because it promised fair licensing terms and didn't deliver. Got all that? Right.

So that brings us to yesterday, when Nokia asked the court to dismiss all of Apple's contract-related claims, saying that they're simply a distraction from the real issue, which is patents, and that its license offers aren't unfair simply because Apple doesn't like them. In short: Apple and Nokia's patent lawsuit is currently not really about patents at all, but about whether or not it should also be a fight about contract terms in addition to a fight about patents, and that question won't be resolved for months. And that's why vigilante justice is the future of America's tarnished civilization something like 90 percent of patent cases eventually settle out of court.

P.S. Oh, and in case you're wondering, today Reuters reported that the first trial date isn't expected until 2012. So, yeah.

Nokia asks court to dismiss part of Apple patent lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreach of contractBreachOfContractlawsuitlegalmotion to dismissMotionToDismissnokiapatentFri, 12 Mar 2010 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC comes through with a Consumer Broadband Test app for iPhone, Android and the home]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-comes-through-with-a-consumer-broadband-test-app-for-iphone-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-comes-through-with-a-consumer-broadband-test-app-for-iphone-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/fcc-comes-through-with-a-consumer-broadband-test-app-for-iphone-a/#comments We talk about the FCC a lot here, but usually the ways ye olde Commission affects our lives are indirect. A little extra spectrum here, a nice leaked image there, that kind of thing. Not this time, though, as the FCC is getting involved directly with its own Consumer Broadband Test app, designed to probe network latencies and download speeds on your home connection or mobile device. Part of the hallowed National Broadband Plan, this will furnish the FCC will useful data to show the discrepancy between advertised and real world broadband speeds, and will also -- more importantly perhaps -- serve as a neat way for users to directly compare network performance in particular areas. It's available on the App Market and App Store right now, with versions for other operating systems coming up, so why not get with the program and give it a test drive?

FCC comes through with a Consumer Broadband Test app for iPhone, Android and the home originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g coverage3gCoverageandroidandroid appandroid osAndroidAppAndroidOsappappleappsbroadbandbroadband testBroadbandTestconsumer broadband testConsumerBroadbandTestcoveragefccfcc broadband testFccBroadbandTestgoogleinternetiphoneiphone appIphoneAppnational broadband planNationalBroadbandPlanwirelesswirelss broadbandWirelssBroadbandFri, 12 Mar 2010 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[TeliaSonera already upgrading LTE network, 'practical speeds' of up to 80Mbps promised]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/teliasonera-already-upgrading-lte-network-practical-speeds-of/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/teliasonera-already-upgrading-lte-network-practical-speeds-of/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/12/teliasonera-already-upgrading-lte-network-practical-speeds-of/#commentsThere's no rest for the wicked -- and perhaps nothing in the world of wireless describes "wicked" better than Nordic carrier TeliaSonera, which holds the distinction of having deployed the world's first commercial LTE network last year. Thing is, the network's been taking a little heat for being effectively no faster than some of the recent HSPA+ deployments around the globe, but no worries -- they're already working on it. It seems that central Stockholm is the first area to benefit from upgrades that will take the LTE airwaves to a theoretical max of 100Mbps with "practical" downlink throughput alleged to be down around 80Mbps, still a fine upgrade from the real-world peaks of 40Mbps that folks have been seeing so far. If you're outside Stockholm, TeliaSonera expect to upgrade the rest of the LTE network in Spring. Where's the carrier suddenly finding all this extra bandwidth? It's said to be more of a backhaul upgrade than anything else, which sounds kind of familiar.

TeliaSonera already upgrading LTE network, 'practical speeds' of up to 80Mbps promised originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbackhaulltestockholmswedenteliasoneraupgradeFri, 12 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Milestone with Android 2.1 hitting Bulgaria by March 20th, rest of Europe to follow?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/motorola-milestone-with-android-2-1-hitting-bulgaria-by-march-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/motorola-milestone-with-android-2-1-hitting-bulgaria-by-march-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/motorola-milestone-with-android-2-1-hitting-bulgaria-by-march-20/#commentsWe'd had some indication that Europe would be seeing Motorola Milestones running Android 2.1 roughly around this time, and it looks like we are now finally starting to get a few more specifics. According to Mobile Bulgaria, that country's leading carrier, Vivacom, will begin selling Milestones equipped with Android 2.1 "by March 20th," which should no doubt be just part of a broader European rollout in the coming days / weeks (that will hopefully extend to Canada as well). Unfortunately, things still aren't any clearer for Droid users in the US, but you can be sure we'll be watching every development on that front.

Motorola Milestone with Android 2.1 hitting Bulgaria by March 20th, rest of Europe to follow? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1bulgariadroideclairmilestonemotomotorolamotorola droidmotorola milestoneMotorolaDroidMotorolaMilestonevivacomFri, 12 Mar 2010 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone's Wayfinder is first victim of free smartphone navigation services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/vodafones-wayfinder-is-first-victim-of-free-smartphone-navigati/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/vodafones-wayfinder-is-first-victim-of-free-smartphone-navigati/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/vodafones-wayfinder-is-first-victim-of-free-smartphone-navigati/#comments Back in January 2009, as Vodafone was preparing to close a £20 million ($30 million) deal to buy Swedish mapmaker Wayfinder, it was seen as a bold move from a carrier intent on entering the apparently lucrative market for location based services. Fast forward to the present day -- past the bit where free Google Maps Navigation destroyed TomTom and Garmin share prices, and past the introduction of free turn-by-turn navigation to Nokia's Ovi Maps -- and you'll find Wayfinder gently sobbing into a handkerchief as it permanently closes up its doors. Vodafone's Anna Cloke gives us the reason for it with devastating concision:
"We could not charge for something that others gave away for free."
So there we have it, the paid navigation services deathwatch has its first fatality, and it's the unfortunate nature of the beast that plenty of others will be following suit, unable to resist the destructive effects of the free and ubiquitous services now on offer.

[Thanks, Chris]

Vodafone's Wayfinder is first victim of free smartphone navigation services originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpslocation based servicesLocationBasedServicesmapmapping softwareMappingSoftwaremapsnavigationsatnavsmartphonessoftwareswedenturn-by-turnvodafonewayfinderFri, 12 Mar 2010 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[First Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series devices to boast 480 x 800 pixel displays, HD2 owners sigh]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/first-microsoft-windows-phone-7-series-devices-to-boast-480-x-80/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/first-microsoft-windows-phone-7-series-devices-to-boast-480-x-80/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/first-microsoft-windows-phone-7-series-devices-to-boast-480-x-80/#comments Even though Microsoft's big MIX event is still days away, the Windows Phone 7 Series development platform is already pretty well defined. It's also clear that Microsoft wants to keep things tidy for developers by requiring all WP7 phones to meet a certain base-level spec. Now, thanks to a post from Microsoft's Shawn Hargreaves, we know the display resolution for the first batch of Microsoft's next generation phones: 480 x 800 (WVGA) pixels at launch, with a future update that will introduce a 320 x 480 (HVGA) native resolution. Dedicated hardware will ensure image scaling across all those pixels without taxing the GPU. That allows game developers, for example, to write to a lower resolution (requiring less horsepower) and then scale up as required while remaining compatible to a variety of screen resolutions.

Now, for those playing along at home, the HD2 getting ready to launch on T-Mobile in the USA is also WVGA and it features a 1GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, Microsoft's WP7 silicon partner. So we can assume (but not guarantee) that it meets the image scaling hardware requirements described by Hargreaves. Man, if only the HD2 had three-buttons.

[Thanks, Cytrix]

First Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series devices to boast 480 x 800 pixel displays, HD2 owners sigh originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd2htcimage scalerimage scalingImageScalerImageScalingmicrosoftqualcommscalingsnapdragonwindows mobilewindows phone 7windows phone 7 oswindows phone 7 seriesWindowsMobileWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7OsWindowsPhone7Serieswpwp7wp7swvgaFri, 12 Mar 2010 04:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Android's American market share soars, WinMo pays the price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/androids-american-market-share-soars-winmo-pays-the-price/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/androids-american-market-share-soars-winmo-pays-the-price/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/androids-american-market-share-soars-winmo-pays-the-price/#comments Mobile manufacturer and platform market share stats for the US are in for the month of January thanks to comScore, and as usual, they tell a fascinating (and somewhat unpredictable) story of what's actually going on at the cash registers. Motorola -- which has long since fallen off its high horse on the global stage -- still maintains a commanding presence in the American market by representing some 22.9 percent of all subscribers, though that's down 1.2 percent from October 2009; that's particularly interesting in light of the Droid's success, and a possible sign that smartphones still aren't on the cusp of dominating the phone market overall. Samsung recently touted the fact that it had held onto the States' overall market share crown, though Sammy was undoubtedly referring to sales, not subscribers -- in other words, there are still a ton of legacy RAZRs out there inflating Moto's stats.

Turning our attention to smartphone platforms, BlackBerry OS, iPhone, and Android all saw gains, while Windows Mobile and Palm both saw significant downturns. You might use Palm's loss of 2.1 percent of overall market share in a single quarter as a big nail in webOS' coffin, but we're inclined to believe this includes legacy devices -- and considering the huge installed base of Palm OS-based handsets (Centros, for instance) that are coming off contract these days, it's neither surprising nor alarming to see that kind of drop. Android's gain, meanwhile, likely comes in large part from WinMo's whopping four percent loss -- it's no secret that WinMo 6.x is well past its expiration date with customers leaving in droves (even before Windows Phone 7 Series announcement), and our informal observations lead us to believe that many of those folks are heading for Android. After all, it's kind of convenient that Android gained 4.3 percent and WinMo lost about the same, isn't it? BlackBerrys still dominate the American smartphone landscape, and the iPhone market looks like it might be mature for the time being -- Apple added just 0.3 percent to its market share in the quarter, possibly a sign that folks are holding out for whatever Cupertino brings us come Summer. Is this a sign that Palm needs to step up its game yet again? Undoubtedly -- but at the same time, we wouldn't call the loss of those Palm OS subscribers a death knell just yet.

Android's American market share soars, WinMo pays the price originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleblackberrycomscoregoogleiphonemarket shareMarketSharemicrosoftrimwindows mobileWindowsMobilewinmoThu, 11 Mar 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobiado's 712GCB: 'your choice of yellow or rose gold' is really all you need to know]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/mobiados-712gcb-your-choice-of-yellow-or-rose-gold-is-really/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/mobiados-712gcb-your-choice-of-yellow-or-rose-gold-is-really/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/mobiados-712gcb-your-choice-of-yellow-or-rose-gold-is-really/#comments Were you up late at night trying to imagine what a Mobiado 712ZAF might look like were it covered in 8 microns of 18-karat gold? Well, an honest night of peaceful slumber might finally be within reach now that the Canadian company has answered the call with the 712GCB. The pricey candybar carries over everything you love (or hate) about the 712ZAF, including the 2.2-inch QVGA display, 5 megapixel camera, AGPS, and tri-band 3G, but swaps out the plebeian bits of colored steel for your choice of yellow or rose gold. Price is, of course, unlisted -- but you were just planning on putting it on the black card without asking any questions anyway, weren't you?

Mobiado's 712GCB: 'your choice of yellow or rose gold' is really all you need to know originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>712gcbcandybarluxurymobiadoThu, 11 Mar 2010 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Talkin' Windows Phone 7 Series gaming with Microsoft at GDC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/talkin-windows-phone-7-series-gaming-with-microsoft-at-gdc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/talkin-windows-phone-7-series-gaming-with-microsoft-at-gdc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/talkin-windows-phone-7-series-gaming-with-microsoft-at-gdc/#comments
We already got a look at Microsoft's little XNA show-and-tell as relates to Windows Phone 7 Series, but our colleague Andrew Yoon over at Joystiq had a chance for longer sit-down with Xbox Live general manager Ron Pessner and XNA Game Studio manager Michael Klucher at GDC today, and he's been kind enough to share the interview with us. The main topic of conversation was the company's plans regarding Xbox LIve and, specifically, how it would be integrating it into Windows Phone 7 Series. And believe us, there was plenty to discuss -- including the sweet science of porting games from Zune HD to 7 Series phones ("it's 90, 95 percent code reuse... in an hour or couple of hours, we're taking games that were written for Zune HD and putting them on the phone"), the importance of maintaining a consistent gameplay experience amongst different hardware, and the reasoning behind limiting devices to asynchronous multiplayer. What are you waiting for? Hit the source link to embark on this miraculous journey of discovery.

Talkin' Windows Phone 7 Series gaming with Microsoft at GDC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgamingGDCgdc 2010Gdc2010Michael KlucherMichaelKluchermicrosoftRon PessnerRonPessnerwindows phone 7 seriesWindowsPhone7Seriesxbox liveXboxLivezune hdZuneHdThu, 11 Mar 2010 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 3 up and running on webOS, and we've got video!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/unreal-engine-3-up-and-running-on-webos-and-weve-got-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/unreal-engine-3-up-and-running-on-webos-and-weve-got-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/unreal-engine-3-up-and-running-on-webos-and-weve-got-video/#comments Palm just showed us the Unreal Engine 3 running on webOS, which apparently took a couple weeks to port over to the platform using that fancy new PDK. It runs at a pretty smooth clip, with just a tiny bit of artifacting in our enemy's death animation. As an added bit of wow factor, Palm has it currently setup to demonstrate the game at 1 fps when in card view. Like most touchscreen shooters, this doesn't really solve the problem of simulating dual analog sticks, but it's still a fun and good looking engine for a mobile device. We're still unaware of any games that have been built for the mobile engine, which has now been shown for iPhone, Tegra 2, and will be headed to the iPad as well, but we have to assume we'll be seeing some before too long. Check out the webOS video after the break.

Continue reading Unreal Engine 3 up and running on webOS, and we've got video!

Unreal Engine 3 up and running on webOS, and we've got video! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onpalmpalm prePalmPrepdkunrealunreal engineunreal engine 3UnrealEngineUnrealEngine3webosThu, 11 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone SDK 3.2 showing first hints of multitasking for third-party apps?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/iphone-sdk-3-2-showing-first-hints-of-multitasking-for-third-par/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/iphone-sdk-3-2-showing-first-hints-of-multitasking-for-third-par/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/iphone-sdk-3-2-showing-first-hints-of-multitasking-for-third-par/#comments Naturally, we need to first disclaim this noise by saying that rumors of third-party multitasking capability in the iPhone are as old as the iPhone SDK itself. That said, it's hard to ignore a new reference to a "multitasking dialog box" buried deep within the iPhone SDK 3.2 beta that -- while not new to beta 4 specifically -- we're told didn't exist in 3.1.3. Now, the wildest possible speculation would have us believing that this is the very first by-product of a new multitasking system for developers that's being developed for the platform, presumably destined for an appearance in OS 4.0 when it's introduced along with new hardware this summer -- but it's just as likely that Apple will continue to keep the iPhone's multitasking capability to itself, a function it uses liberally among the phone and music apps, just to name a couple. For what it's worth, AppleInsider is citing a tipster claiming that Apple's got a "full-on solution" to multitasking that would properly address its main concern -- battery life issues -- for release this year, so maybe we'll be able to chuck those awful push notifications before we know it. Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be over here in the corner running a few dozen apps on our Pre Plus.

iPhone SDK 3.2 showing first hints of multitasking for third-party apps? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleipadiphoneiphone sdkiphone sdk 3.2iphone sdk 3.2 betaIphoneSdkIphoneSdk3.2IphoneSdk3.2BetamultitaskingrumorsdkThu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iDongle hardware iPhone jailbreak tool makes hacker life a little simpler]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/idongle-hardware-iphone-jailbreak-tool-makes-hacker-life-a-littl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/idongle-hardware-iphone-jailbreak-tool-makes-hacker-life-a-littl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/idongle-hardware-iphone-jailbreak-tool-makes-hacker-life-a-littl/#comments If you needed any more proof that Apple's lame cat-and-mouse game with the iPhone jailbreak community has only served to increase the scene's resourcefulness and creativity, look no further than the iDongle, a slick piece of hacker-made hardware that can jailbreak and activate an iPhone 3GS or iPod touch running OS 3.1.2 just by plugging it into the dock connector. What's more, it allows a jailbroken iPhone to be rebooted away from a computer, which is currently a problem for on-the-go hackers -- just stick this guy in your bag and you'll be good to go. There's only a dozen prototypes right now, but pre-orders are being accepted to raise funds for production -- we've got a feeling quite a few people are going to be interested. Video after the break.

Continue reading iDongle hardware iPhone jailbreak tool makes hacker life a little simpler

iDongle hardware iPhone jailbreak tool makes hacker life a little simpler originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledongleidongleiphoneiphone 3gdiphone 3gsIphone3gsipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakjailbreakingThu, 11 Mar 2010 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellphone inventor Marty Cooper uses a Droid.... and a Jitterbug]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/cellphone-inventor-marty-cooper-uses-a-droid-and-a-jitterbug/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/cellphone-inventor-marty-cooper-uses-a-droid-and-a-jitterbug/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/cellphone-inventor-marty-cooper-uses-a-droid-and-a-jitterbug/#commentsSure, you read reviews and take recommendations from friends before you buy a new cellphone, but have you ever stopped to consider what the inventor of the cellphone uses on a daily basis? C-SPAN has, and recently took the opportunity to ask the man himself, Marty Cooper, that very question during a wide-ranging interview. While Cooper said that he has used an iPhone previously, he recently passed it on to his grandson in favor of a Motorola Droid, which he says he chose because he wanted to get more experience with Android. But that's not all, Cooper also revealed that he carries a Jitterbug as well for when he just wants to make phone calls. Surprising for a pioneer of mobile technology? Not exactly, as Cooper actually co-founded Jitterbug with his wife, who he credits with inventing the phone. Head on past the break to watch the complete interview.

Continue reading Cellphone inventor Marty Cooper uses a Droid.... and a Jitterbug

Cellphone inventor Marty Cooper uses a Droid.... and a Jitterbug originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcellphone inventorCellphoneInventordroidjitterbugmartin cooperMartinCoopermarty cooperMartyCoopermotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidThu, 11 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA looking to develop iPhone and Android apps, App Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/darpa-looking-to-develop-iphone-and-android-apps-app-store/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/darpa-looking-to-develop-iphone-and-android-apps-app-store/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/darpa-looking-to-develop-iphone-and-android-apps-app-store/#comments
Sure, in the past we've got a hearty chuckle out of initiatives that involved Redfly terminals and Clippy variants, but the question remains: how can we get cutting-edge tech into the hands of soldiers faster? We've recently come across some RFIs for DARPA projects aimed at developing apps and an App Store for Android and the iPhone OS, with two in particular -- Mobile Apps for the Military (DARPA-SN-10-27), and Transformative Apps (DARPA-BAA-10-41) -- catching our eye. The agency is calling for apps for battlefield, humanitarian, and disaster recovery missions, including command and control, mission planning, surveillance, reconnaissance, and language translation. Of course, if you start taking commercial smartphones out to the field there's the small matter of network coverage -- if you thought that getting a reliable connection in midtown Manhattan was an issue, what about downtown Kabul? Looks like DARPA also has plans for a military that brings its own towers with them, light-weight mobile base stations that could create a "secure mobile tactical network ... compatible with commercial smartphones." What do you think? Looking to help your country out, make a bit of money, or maybe a little of both? Check the links below to start your lucrative career as a military contractor. And tell 'em Engadget sent you.

[Thanks, Sriram]

DARPA looking to develop iPhone and Android apps, App Store originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapp storeAppStoredarpadefenseiphonemilitarywargadgetThu, 11 Mar 2010 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Incredible out in the wild once more, Verizon color scheme alive and well]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-incredible-out-in-the-wild-once-more-verizon-color-scheme-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-incredible-out-in-the-wild-once-more-verizon-color-scheme-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-incredible-out-in-the-wild-once-more-verizon-color-scheme-a/#comments Android Forums is alight today with fresh HTC Incredible chatter -- a phone every Android fan on Verizon is desperately waiting for -- and we've managed to glean a few more pictures and possible specs out of the mess. It looks like we can expect a half gig of RAM with about 320MB available (roughly the same as what you find on the Nexus One) and an 8 megapixel cam, but interestingly, the phone's Snapdragon core is apparently underclocked to 768MHz, almost certainly a battery-saving measure on HTC's part; fortunately, the Sense-powered Android 2.1 firmware is still said to be "blazing fast." It measures 117.5 x 58.5 x 11.9mm -- just a hair narrower, shorter, and thicker than its Nexus One doppelganger, small enough of a difference so that we think it'll be virtually indistinguishable in person. As shots go, we're seeing now that HTC has moved from the brightly-colored glossy shell to a soft-touch black one while keeping the strange contours; we think there's at least a chance that this is final ID, too, since the Verizon logo is silkscreened at the bottom. Inside, the entire thing (including the battery itself) is a shockingly loud shade of red, mirroring an odd design trend first seen on the HD mini. We definitely dig it. If the stats over on the forum hold up, the Incredible's on track for a launch in April or May, so it's still a few weeks off -- in the meanwhile, we encourage you to check out more of the new shots after the break.

[Thanks, Matt and EBBY]

Continue reading HTC Incredible out in the wild once more, Verizon color scheme alive and well

HTC Incredible out in the wild once more, Verizon color scheme alive and well originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhtcincredibleverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 11 Mar 2010 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Novothink rolls out Solar Surge iPhone / iPod touch charging case]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/novothink-rolls-out-solar-surge-iphone-ipod-touch-charging-cas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/novothink-rolls-out-solar-surge-iphone-ipod-touch-charging-cas/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/novothink-rolls-out-solar-surge-iphone-ipod-touch-charging-cas/#comments
It's not November '09 as originally promised, but Novothink has now announced that its Solar Surge charging cases for the iPhone and iPod touch are finally available. Those will run $79.95 for the iPhone 3G/3GS version and $69.95 for the iPod touch version (second gen only, it seems), which are each available only in black or white at the moment (additional colors are "coming soon), and should add between four and eight hours of talk time, or up to 20 hours of additional audio playback. That's, of course, when the charger is fully charged, but Novothink says you can still expect to get between 30 and 60 minutes of talk time after two hours of exposure to direct sunlight.

Novothink rolls out Solar Surge iPhone / iPod touch charging case originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecharging caseChargingCaseiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone caseIphone3gIphone3gsIphoneCaseipod touchipod touch caseIpodTouchIpodTouchCasenovothinksolarsolar chargersolar charging casesolar powerSolarChargerSolarChargingCaseSolarPowerThu, 11 Mar 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Casio G'zOne Brigade now officially available on Verizon]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/casio-gzone-brigade-now-officially-available-on-verizon/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/casio-gzone-brigade-now-officially-available-on-verizon/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/casio-gzone-brigade-now-officially-available-on-verizon/#comments It's no mere coincidence that folks have been able to pick up Brigades this week, because Verizon's chosen today to officially light up retail availability of its latest in the long-running G'zOne series from Casio. The landscape QWERTY clamshell features a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with video capture, microSD expansion, EV-DO Rev. A data, mil-spec 810F compliance for resistance to just about all the bad stuff you could possibly come in contact with during an average day, and a pair of displays: WQVGA on the inside paired with a 128 x 96 monochrome OLED up front. It runs $249.99 on contract after $50 rebate and it's available today, so start planning your next dusty, wet, cold, rocky activity where you can put this thing to the ultimate test.

Casio G'zOne Brigade now officially available on Verizon originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brigadecasiogzonegzone brigadeGzoneBrigadeqwertyruggedverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 11 Mar 2010 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile webConnect Rocket available March 14, already blowing minds in Philly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/t-mobile-webconnect-rocket-available-march-14-already-blowing-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/t-mobile-webconnect-rocket-available-march-14-already-blowing-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/t-mobile-webconnect-rocket-available-march-14-already-blowing-m/#comments
It looks like T-Mobile's webConnect Rocket USB modem will be released right on schedule, even if you currently have to be in Philadelphia to enjoy those HSPA+ speeds (then again, if you're in Philadelphia you probably deserve a break). Accordingly, folks jumping on that March 14 release date can expect to pay $99 with a two-year contract that entitles you to monthly charges of $50 for 5GB or $20 for 200MB -- with a $0.20 / megabyte overage charge. Fun! Additionally, the kids at Mobile Burn got their hands on a unit for a review and were generally quite impressed with consistent download speeds ranging from 1780Kbps to 2797Kbps "on a couple of [DSLreports.com] East Coast servers." Hell, after moving to a location with "prime, perfect signal (-51dbm)" things picked up considerably, with, on average, 6480Kbps downloads and 2160Kbps uploads. Not bad, eh? Hit the source link to get into the nitty gritty. PR after the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile webConnect Rocket available March 14, already blowing minds in Philly

T-Mobile webConnect Rocket available March 14, already blowing minds in Philly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hspa+t-mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsawebconnectwebconnect rocketWebconnectRocketThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-on-android-mini-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-on-android-mini-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-on-android-mini-review/#commentsOpera Mini 5 on Android mini review Opera's Mini 5 beta finally hit Android in the wee hours of this morning and, while writing about what it looks like is nice, we thought a little walk-through to demonstrate the impressive speed of the thing was worthwhile. So we have a short video for you below, with a comparison against the stock Android browser, plus some impressions of just how it is to use. So, click on through, won't you?

Continue reading Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review

Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbrowserfeaturefeaturedfeaturesmini reviewMiniReviewmobile browserMobileBrowseroperaopera miniopera mini 5opera mini 5 betaOperaMiniOperaMini5OperaMini5BetareviewThu, 11 Mar 2010 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch Pro2 gets a new lease of Android life, loves it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-touch-pro-2-gets-a-new-lease-of-android-life-loves-it-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-touch-pro-2-gets-a-new-lease-of-android-life-loves-it-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/htc-touch-pro-2-gets-a-new-lease-of-android-life-loves-it-vide/#comments Android for Windows phones -- simple concept, simple enough installation, but awesome results. The good people behind the XDAndroid project have been working hard to allow you to get your Google juices flowing nice and freely on your WinMo device and the latest build looks to have all but completed the task. Demonstrated on a Touch Pro2 -- a phone that recently got itself Ubuntu-ized -- the Android installation experiences no difficulty in making calls, sending SMS or email missives, or browsing the web. There are still limitations, mind you, with GPS, Bluetooth and "other key functions" not yet available, but for the most part you're looking at the full Android experience on devices that weren't initially meant for it. Check it out on video after the break or hit the source link for detailed instructions on how to load this up on your own phone.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Seems the Touch Pro2's keyboardless cousin has no intention of getting left out of the party -- m8cool has a little exposé on HTC's Touch Diamond2 dual-booting WinMo with Android. Thanks, stagueve!

Continue reading HTC Touch Pro2 gets a new lease of Android life, loves it (video)

HTC Touch Pro2 gets a new lease of Android life, loves it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1android for windowsandroid osAndroid2.1AndroidForWindowsAndroidOsgooglehtchtc touch pro 2HtcTouchPro2microsofttouch pro 2TouchPro2tp2windows mobileWindowsMobilexdandroidxdandroid projectXdandroidProjectThu, 11 Mar 2010 04:56:00 EST<![CDATA[PRS Guitarbud jacks your axe, ego into iPhone / iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/prs-guitarbud-jacks-your-axe-ego-into-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/prs-guitarbud-jacks-your-axe-ego-into-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/prs-guitarbud-jacks-your-axe-ego-into-iphone-ipod-touch/#comments Whatever happened to that dreamy Line 6 / Apple tie-up? Who knows, right? While those two sort out their future behind the scenes, Paul Reed Smith Guitars is stepping up to take advantage of an obvious market opportunity. The newly announced Guitarbud is a simplistic accessory that allows axe slingers to jack their guitar into an iPhone or second-generation iPod touch, all while providing a headphone output in order to keep the noise making to yourself. We're told that the device works with pretty much any recording-supported app (even Apple's own Voice Memos), though PRS obviously recommends that you check out its JamApp guitar amp simulator / tuner / training tool. Best of all, it's available today for £29.95 (or $29.95 here in the States), putting you just a few yard mowings away from securing your own personal aural sanctuary. Too bad the reviews from early adopters aren't so promising...

PRS Guitarbud jacks your axe, ego into iPhone / iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryappleaudioguitarGuitarbudiphoneiphone accessoryIphoneAccessoryipodipod accessoryipod touchIpodAccessoryIpodTouchmusicpaul reed smithPaulReedSmithperipheralPRSprs GuitarbudPrsGuitarbudukThu, 11 Mar 2010 04:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon promises first 4G handset for next summer, foretells end of unlimited data plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/verizon-promises-first-4g-handset-for-next-summer-foretells-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/verizon-promises-first-4g-handset-for-next-summer-foretells-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/verizon-promises-first-4g-handset-for-next-summer-foretells-end/#comments Alright, you ultrafast mobile broadband zealots, whip out your calendars and draw a big red tick around the middle of 2011. Verizon's CTO Anthony Melone has identified next summer as the carrier's release window for its first LTE handset, which should be preceded by the 4G service being rolled out by the end of this year. If you're wondering what you'll be using on that "faster than 3G" network while waiting for the vanguard handset, we saw plenty of LTE-equipped gear at CES and let's not forget about that 1080p-decodin' NVIDIA tablet that was teased during the show. The one bit of bogus news from Melone was the statement that contracts with "as much data as you can consume is the big issue that has to change." Verizon seems resolutely set on introducing some type of tiered or metered price plans, which is unfortunately the same path AT&T is headed down. The message from the networks is therefore clear: with great (downloading) power comes great (bill-paying) responsibility.

Verizon promises first 4G handset for next summer, foretells end of unlimited data plans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4ganthony meloneAnthonyMelonebroadbandctolong term evolutionLongTermEvolutionltemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 11 Mar 2010 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Symbian^3 UI demonstrated in detail, seeks multitouch devices (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/symbian-3-ui-demonstrated-in-more-detail-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/symbian-3-ui-demonstrated-in-more-detail-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/symbian-3-ui-demonstrated-in-more-detail-video/#comments Nokia VP, David Rivas, was in San Francisco yesterday touting Symbian^3 improvements. While we've heard and seen plenty about Symbian Three's enhanced user experience already, it's still worthy of another look considering Symbian's dominant marketshare. Besides, David provides a very detailed look as he walks us though elements like the customizable (and more finger friendly) homescreens meant to provide quick access to call features and at-a-glance data. Rivas also reiterates speed improvement claims over existing S60 5th devices (about a 3x improvement in graphics performance) that should "very very pleasantly surprise" users. Naturally, a faster UI coupled with a Symbian device running on something better than ARM 11 will also help here -- Nokia's only Cortex A8 device is the N900 running Maemo, not Symbian. David takes a veiled shot at Microsoft's new WP7 platform when discussing Symbian's true multitaking capabilities without any "tricks" -- apps are actually running in the background, not just freezing their state until you return. Multitouch screen control on capacitive and resistive (really?) touchscreen displays with Cover Flow-like album art navigation? Yup, it's all in there, as are hundreds of usability improvements (and fewer nags!) that should bring Symbian^3 up to the level of what everyone expects from a modern smartphone, according to Rivas. In other words, we'll have to wait for S^4 on early 2011 devices to see any real innovation. While the live demo was run on a laptop, we suspect it won't be long until Nokia starts showing off its live OS on a production handset. Until then, check the video after the break -- it's all we've got.

[Thanks, Rafael C.]

Continue reading Nokia Symbian^3 UI demonstrated in detail, seeks multitouch devices (video)

Nokia Symbian^3 UI demonstrated in detail, seeks multitouch devices (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david rivasDavidRivasnokiasymbiansymbian 3symbian threeSymbian3SymbianThreevideoThu, 11 Mar 2010 03:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera Mini 5 beta comes to Android]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-beta-comes-to-android/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-beta-comes-to-android/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/11/opera-mini-5-beta-comes-to-android/#comments Though its pure Java and BlackBerry counterparts had gone live late last year, Opera's Android version of the Opera Mini 5 beta has been missing in action -- until now. As far as we can tell, the new cut is a dead ringer for its cousins on other platforms, bringing all of 5's new features including the so-called "speed dial" bookmark browser, tabbing, and an integrated password manager. We've had just a little bit of time to check it out so far, and our initial impression is that it's wicked fast and renders just like you'd expect Opera Mini to, but the downside -- and this is a big one for Android users on newer devices -- is that it doesn't appear to support multitouch. The new version is available for download today.

Opera Mini 5 beta comes to Android originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbetabreaking newsBreakingNewsbrowseroperaopera miniopera mini 5opera mini 5 betaOperaMiniOperaMini5OperaMini5BetaThu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google pushes YouTube app to version 2.4 for S60 and WinMo devices]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/google-pushes-youtube-app-to-version-2-4-for-s60-and-winmo-devic/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/google-pushes-youtube-app-to-version-2-4-for-s60-and-winmo-devic/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/google-pushes-youtube-app-to-version-2-4-for-s60-and-winmo-devic/#commentsHey, who needs Flash anyway? Google's had dedicated YouTube apps available for both S60 and Windows Mobile for a solid year now, and today they've announced re-upped versions with a handful of new features that help 'em keep pace with their built-in Android and iPhone counterparts. The biggest change is the addition of support for your individual user account, meaning you can check your favorite videos, subscriptions, and playlists on the road. You've also got a new home screen layout that's supposedly optimized for larger screens -- a trend that's certainly picked up steam since these apps were initially introduced -- and search suggestions as you type (the suggestions for "engadget" are rather fascinating, by the way). Both versions are available for download now.

Google pushes YouTube app to version 2.4 for S60 and WinMo devices originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s60windows mobileWindowsMobilewinmoyoutubeWed, 10 Mar 2010 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola partners with Microsoft, will use Bing search and maps on Chinese Android phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-partners-with-microsoft-will-use-bing-search-and-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-partners-with-microsoft-will-use-bing-search-and-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-partners-with-microsoft-will-use-bing-search-and-maps/#comments Uh, whoa. When we heard Google's threatened pullout of China had prompted Motorola to seek out an alternative search provider for its China-bound handsets, we can't say we were expecting a partnership with Microsoft to result. But here we are, staring at a press release announcing the Bing search and Maps will be the default on Moto's Chinese Android phones starting in Q1 -- and the partnership is described as "global," so there's a chance it could spread. That's just one more slap in Google's face from Moto, following the release of the Yahoo-powered AT&T Backflip -- and another step away from the tight relationship that produced the Droid. And does this mean Motorola might yet build a Windows Phone 7 Series device, despite a very public commitment to Android? We'd say Eric and Sanjay have some unresolved differences to work through.

Motorola partners with Microsoft, will use Bing search and maps on Chinese Android phones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbingbing mapsbing searchBingMapsBingSearchbreaking newsBreakingNewschinagooglemicrosoftmotorolaWed, 10 Mar 2010 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Andro-1 is a GW620 with a Korean keyboard, funnier name]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-andro-1-is-a-gw620-with-a-korean-keyboard-funnier-name/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-andro-1-is-a-gw620-with-a-korean-keyboard-funnier-name/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-andro-1-is-a-gw620-with-a-korean-keyboard-funnier-name/#comments Before this fancy-sounding LU2300 that we've been hearing about rolls in, LG's got another Android-powered phone in mind for its domestic market -- but we would've never guessed it'd be a rehash of a tired model that's been sold internationally for several months now. Indeed, the KH5200 "Andro-1" is little more than a remix of the GW620 QWERTY slider -- a phone known as Eve to its Canadian buyers -- with a 3-inch HVGA display and 5 megapixel cam on board. It's said the phone could launch on KT as soon as next week for around 600,000 won ($531), but what might make it more palatable is chatter that they'll get the sucker down to a nice, round 0 won on plans of 45,000 won or higher. If true, that would make the Andro-1 KT's first free-on-contract smartphone, ushering in an exciting new era of indentured servitude for Korea's wireless subscribers. Welcome to the club, guys!

LG Andro-1 is a GW620 with a Korean keyboard, funnier name originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andro-1androidevegw620kh5200Korealgsouth koreaSouthKoreaWed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/motorola-i1-gets-clearer-5-megapixel-cam-opera-mini-default-br/#comments We've been slipped some additional information on Motorola's imminent Android-powered i1 for iDEN networks today -- actually, one correction and one interesting note. First, the correction: we're now being told (by the same tipster as before) that it's actually got a 5 megapixel camera on board, a nice upgrade from the 3 we'd previously been told to expect. More interestingly, though, we're also hearing that Opera Mini has been tapped as the i1's default browser -- a move that Moto is more than welcome to make since this is a Blur-powered, non-"Google Experience" device. It's also a possible admission that third-party Android browsers are currently outperforming Google's own, something Microsoft has long dealt with on Windows Mobile as companies like HTC ultimately ended up bundling Opera Mobile with virtually every model they sold. So, Sprint Direct Connect and Boost Mobile customers, you getting excited about this thing or what?

Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidexclusivei1idenin the wildInTheWildmotomotorolaoperaopera miniOperaMiniopus oneOpusOnerumorWed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[LG shows off Cookie Music, Viewty Smile, other goodies to Dutch press]]>http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-shows-off-cookie-music-viewty-smile-other-goodies-to-dutch/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-shows-off-cookie-music-viewty-smile-other-goodies-to-dutch/http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/03/10/lg-shows-off-cookie-music-viewty-smile-other-goodies-to-dutch/#comments Unwilling or unable to wait for the next major trade show (CTIA in two weeks), LG showed off a king's ransom worth of new devices to a bunch of journos in the Netherlands this week; most of it appears to be pretty low-end fare, but there were a few notables in the lot. First up, the Cookie Music extends the Cookie brand with Dolby Mobile tech on board (something LG's been doing pretty frequently lately), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a tweaked design that looks a little more futuristic than Cookies of old. Viewty was starting to feel like a forgotten marque, but not so -- we've now got a GT400 Viewty Smile here featuring a 5 megapixel cam and scratch-resistant display. As QWERTY dumbphones go, we'd thought that the GT350 was the KS360's true successor, but not so -- there's a new KS365 in the mix with revised styling but seemingly very little in the way of upgraded specs. The rest of the lot looks like pretty forgettable stuff -- and seeing how LG operates, they'll all be forgotten and replaced with revised models within a few months' time anyhow. You know, Circle of Life and all.

LG shows off Cookie Music, Viewty Smile, other goodies to Dutch press originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookiecookie musicCookieMusicgm205gt405ks365lgpureqwertyviewtyviewty smileViewtySmileWed, 10 Mar 2010 17:19:00 EST