Engadget Mobile

Engadget Mobile Podcast 125 - 02.11.2012

Trent Wolbe — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:48:00 EDT

This week, we're judging all the books by their covers: flashy coatings, sporty colors, spring-like demeanor, even if it is a couple months early. Come, get superficial with us, and delve slightly more than skin-deep, as we chat about fashion, ROMs, and releases on the Engadget Mobile Podcast.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guests: Sean Cooper
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:07 - White Nokia N9 hands-on: behold the last unicorn (video)

00:09:00 - Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works

00:17:35 - Nokia accidentally reveals white Lumia 900

00:18:00 - Samsung confirms Galaxy Nexus White arriving in UK mid-February, misses the snow

00:32:40 - Motorola Droid 4 review

00:41:25 - AT&T and Verizon lobby for less FCC spectrum control, Sprint and other carriers respond

00:49:20 - LG teases Optimus Vu Android smartphone with 5-inch screen, 4:3 aspect ratio (video)

00:53:30 - Could LG's Fantasy be an outright Miracle?

01:08:30 - Telus flipping switch on LTE, network goes live February 10th

01:13:58 - AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed)

01:21:40 - Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)

01:26:25 - HTC's first ICS update rolls out in late March, Sensation and Sensation XE call first dibs

01:28:20 - Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible

01:30:00 - Android 4.0.4 ROM leaks for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

01:33:30 - Belle update arrives for compatible Nokia Symbian phones (video)

01:34:30 - Nokia Astound owners face a Belle-less future, no update coming

01:38:15 - Nokia 801 adds one part Belle, one part polycarbonate body for 100 percent possibility

01:40:52 - Engadget Giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, courtesy of MHL!

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 125 - 02.11.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Provisioning for prepaid Google Wallet cards on hold while PIN-related security hole gets fixed

Joe Pollicino — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:34:00 EDT

Remember that Google Wallet exploit from a few days ago? The one that would allow 'brute-force' PIN attacks, but only on rooted Android devices? Well, another PIN-related security hole was discovered soon after, putting even non-rooted Androids at risk. As Android Central points out, should your phone make its way into the wrong hands, your Google Wallet PIN number could be reassigned, allowing access to the prepaid account attached to the phone itself -- yikes. As such, the folks at Mountain View have taken action, shuttering provisions to prepaid cards until it finds a permanent fix for the problem. Despite the troubles, Google is sticking by its original tune, stating that Google Wallet offers multiples levels of protection (when used on official builds of Android) that go beyond traditional plastic cards, including your phone's lock screen. There's no estimate on when things will be back to normal, but you'll find Google's assessments and assurances about this situation at the source link below.

Provisioning for prepaid Google Wallet cards on hold while PIN-related security hole gets fixed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Central | Google | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012

Zachary Lutz — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EDT

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we've learned that T-Mobile is offering some of its best phones free after rebate (today only), and we've also spotted a new power management feature that seems destined for BlackBerry 7.1 OS. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 6th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotify iOS app update brings 320kbps music to mobiles

Richard Lawler — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:10:00 EDT

Enjoying your Spotify tracks on the go just got a little better, at least on iOS, where an app update to v0.4.23 gifts users "very high quality" 320kbps music streaming (for Premium subscribers) and syncing, up from the previous max of 160kbps. Enabling the higher quality streams -- though heavy listeners may want to mind those bandwidth quotas -- is as simple as ticking the "Extreme" box in the settings, as shown above by The Next Web to join in a quality that was previously only available via the desktop app or in the living room. If you're just signing up or setting up the app again the one-tap Facebook log-in should also be a convenient addition (or not, if you don't use Facebook and insist on telling everyone you don't at every opportunity -- we heard you the first ten times). There's no word on updates for the other mobile platforms yet, but we'll keep an eye out.

[Thanks, Pete]

Spotify iOS app update brings 320kbps music to mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foursquare adds NFC support for Android 4.0, wants to touch base

James Trew — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EDT

We knew the folk at Foursquare had been trying NFC out for a while, and Symbian's had it since November, but now tap check-ins are available for Android 4.0. Okay, so that means it's pretty much limited to Galaxy Nexus owners at the minute, but the chosen few can now share their Venue, Lists, Me pages, initiate friend requests and, of course, check-in at the touch of a phone. Foursquare claims it'll save vital seconds when checking in, but we're just glad there's another way to use Andoid Beam.The update's available now, so if you're snacking on an Ice Cream Sandwich, head on down to the source link and get your download on.

Foursquare adds NFC support for Android 4.0, wants to touch base originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Droid 4 advertises 16GB internal storage, only reports 8GB -- here's why

Richard Lawler — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:04:00 EDT

After the numerous leaks that preceded the Droid 4's launch, you'd think we'd have a handle on every detail (read the review here) but some day one buyers have one more question. While the spec sheets indicate 16GB of internal storage, a few readers noticed their units only report 8GB. So why the variance in what's being reported and what the phones actually show? While Android vets may be used to this, not all are aware of how some phones are partitioned, and Motorola has opted to go with an 8GB for the user / 3GB for apps / 5GB for OS and updates split (just like the Razr). So the phones do have the 16GB you were promised, it's just how it's being used that may not be immediately evident -- and now you know.

[Thanks, Chaz]

Motorola Droid 4 advertises 16GB internal storage, only reports 8GB -- here's why originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday

Zachary Lutz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:40:00 EDT

Just one year ago, HP officially introduced the TouchPad, Pre 3 and Veer to its lineup. Much has happened in the 365 days since that time, which marked the end of the Palm brand, the discontinuation of the company's webOS hardware development and the decision to open source the crown jewel, webOS. Today, we hope you'll join us after the break as we bow our heads, sing some praises and remember the final three members -- for now, anyway -- of HP's webOS lineup. We'll have fireworks at the end.

Continue reading HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday

HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Droid 4 review

Joseph Volpe — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EDT

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. For a phone that single-handedly resuscitated the business prospects of its parent company, gave a much-needed boost to Google's fledgling Android and finally added a compelling product to Verizon's lineup, the Droid can't get no respect. Initially billed as the anti-iPhone, the OG flagship embodied an aggressively tech for tech's sake design ethos, with its masculine, hard-edged build, geeky OS and Lucasfilm licensed moniker.

That was all once upon a time. Now, two years later and sucked of its disruptive significance, the only legacy remaining for the red-eyed Droid franchise is its brand equity and QWERTY slider appeal. Aside from BlackBerry addicts, most consumers appear none too chuffed to see those slide-out keypads become the stuff of mobile lore, and instead prefer those increasingly ubiquitous slabs (namely, of the 4.3-inch-and-up persuasion). So, where did it all go wrong? Why is the Droid 4, now imbued with LTE, getting the B-list treatment? Does a $200 price tag and a host of minor spec bumps (a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1.3 megapixel front-facer and beefier 1,785mAh battery) merit another spin around the two-year contract pole? Head on past the break to see whether this former trailblazer can still do what it's namesake robot supposedly does.

Gallery: Motorola Droid 4 review

Continue reading Motorola Droid 4 review

Motorola Droid 4 review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed)

Dante Cesa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:52:00 EDT

What do you do after reporting "blow-out" earnings and instituting larger, pricier, data plans? If you're AT&T, why not go for the jugular by doubling upgrade fees? Per the above leaked memo, that's exactly what Ma Bell plans to do come February 12th, upping the existing $18 fee to a new high of $36. That might sound familiar, as it's much in the same vein as cross-town rival Sprint, who went through the same kerfuffle back in September. We've pinged AT&T about the price hike and will update when we hear back.

Update: AT&T sent us the following statement confirming the increase:

Wireless devices today are more sophisticated than ever before. And because of that, the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased and is reflected in our new upgrade fee. This fee isn't unique to AT&T and this is the first time we're changing it in nearly 10 years.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple sues Motorola over Qualcomm license, makes us dream of a world without lawyers

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EDT

There are literally no words (at least no family-friendly ones) to describe the insanity that is the ongoing legal war between practically every player in the mobile scene. You can't lay the blame entirely at Cupertino's stoop either -- Motorola, HTC and Samsung all deserve plenty of our ire as well. The tablet and smartphone industry appears to be trying to sue itself out of existence, and Apple's filing today against Motorola Mobility in the US District Court of Southern California is just latest in a long line of legal ploys likely to inspire you to slam your head against a wall. The purveyors of all things "i" has accused Moto of breaching a licensing contract with Qualcomm when Moto hit Apple with four patent claims in Germany. That license covers wireless technology Qualcomm uses in its MDM6610 chip, and also purportedly covers Qualcomm's customers who purchase and use said chips. Naturally, that bit of silicon is a component in the iPhone 4S, so Apple argues that it's safe under the terms of the contract. Furthermore, Cupertino claims Motorola is barred from suing under the doctrine of exhaustion -- which is a legal defense that once a patented item is sold (i.e. when Moto licensed its technology to Qualcomm), the patentee's control over that item is exhausted and it can't sue anyone else for infringement.

So, this new suit filed in San Diego seeks to prevent Motorola from enforcing its claims in Deutschland. It also aims to keep Motorola from suing Apple for its use of Qualcomm components incorporating licensed Moto technology anywhere else. Confused? We won't lie, we are a little bit too, but all is revealed in the complaint found at the source link below.

Apple sues Motorola over Qualcomm license, makes us dream of a world without lawyers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!

Brad Molen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EDT

Another week has come and gone, and another Engadget Mobile Podcast is ready to begin. Myriam Joire, Sean Cooper and Brad Molen are ready for the latest round of weekly mobile news and will get you caught up to speed... LTE speed. Join us at 5PM ET!

February 10, 2012 5:00 PM EST

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag

Mat Smith — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EDT

Sometimes, you're just so darn full of pride you can get lost in the moment. We assume that's what Acer's done, having revealed possibly its trump handset weeks before the global mobile event, MWC, even starts. Its CloudMobile has won the iF design award for 2012, and the company just wanted everyone to know. So what can we expect to see later this month? Well, the phone will pack a 4.3-inch high-definition touchscreen, with a Dolby-branded speaker plate on the back, all wrapped in a sub-10mm "Sleeve DNA" contoured shell. Expect the device to be tightly integrated with Acer's cloud technology -- we grabbed a hands-on with this just last month -- using peer-to-peer connectivity to sync pictures, music and other files, while also offering up printer functionality. Pocket-Lint believes we'll see the device running Android 4.0 on arrival -- it's currently posited for a Q3 release. We'll be scouring the show floor for it when Mobile World Congress kicks off in earnest.

Continue reading Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag

Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET | Pocket-Lint, Hexus | Email this | Comments

Apple seeks injunction against Samsung in California with newly acquired patents (update: Galaxy Nexus targeted)

Donald Melanson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:07:00 EDT

You can now add one more case to the long list of disputes between Apple and Samsung. As PaidContent reports, Apple filed a lawsuit against Samsung in the Northern District of California federal court on Tuesday, seeking a temporary injunction on the basis of two patents it obtained in December. One of those reportedly concerns the autocorrect feature found on iPhones and iPads, but details on the case otherwise remain a bit light as the complaint itself is still under seal. We'll keep you posted as we get more information.

Update: Some additional details from the complaint have now come to light, and it turns out Apple is citing two additional patents in addition to the pair acquired in December (one of them related to the slide-to-unlock feature). What's more, it's also been revealed that Apple is targeting one specific device in this case: the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Given the patents, however, it's pretty clear that Apple taking aim at the Android 4.0 operating system rather than the phone's hardware, as it has in earlier cases against Samsung.

Apple seeks injunction against Samsung in California with newly acquired patents (update: Galaxy Nexus targeted) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Withings Smart Baby Monitor drops through FCC's chimney

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EDT

Baby monitors. If you're in the market for one (er, congrats) and you run an Apple-flavored household, then this Withings device looks sufficiently over-specced for your needs. It's been out in the UK for a couple of months already priced at £269 ($425), and judging from the FCC filing it's coming to the US too, where it'll face sibling rivalry from the likes of Samsung, Evoz and the Exmobaby bodysuit. The base station fixes to the side of the crib, hooks up over WiFi or Ethernet, and streams audio and three-megapixel video (with night-vision mode) over the web, so you can access it via the iOS app using 3G or any good internet connection -- not only when you're within range of your router. It's even said that if you turn the mic's sensitivity right up, you'll hear the sounds of your old life, calling to you.

Withings Smart Baby Monitor drops through FCC's chimney originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Droid 4 available on Verizon today for $200

Donald Melanson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:11:00 EDT

It can be tough to keep track of which Droid is launching when these days, but those waiting patiently for the Motorola Droid 4 will be glad to know that the QWERTY slider is available on Verizon today for $200 on-contract. That of course buys you a pass onto Verizon's LTE network, along with a 4-inch qHD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a 8-megapixel camera (paired with a lower-res front-facing cam), 16GB of storage and Android 2.3.5 for an OS. An Ice Cream Sandwich update is promised, but there's unfortunately no date for its release just yet. We'll have a full review of the phone shortly, but in the meantime you can check out our hands-on with the device from last month.

Motorola Droid 4 available on Verizon today for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available)

Richard Lawler — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EDT

Now that Netflix is available on most Android devices and even sporting a fresh tablet interface, what's there left to tweak? Plenty actually, and the company just pushed a new 1.7 version of the app that adds Facebook sharing and discovery in the countries where those features are enabled (read: not the US). Also new is a software volume slider for tablet users as shown above by Android Community, as well as tweaks for AV sync and resolution of some other tablet incompatibilities. HD streaming support for tablets will have to wait for another day, but for now users can grab the latest version from the Android Market at the link below.

Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Community | Android Market | Email this | Comments

Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible

James Trew — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:17:00 EDT

What's this we have here? Well, clearly it's an HTC phone, but it looks different to what we've seen before. If the pictures are to be believed, we're looking at an Android 4.0 device with HTC's Sense 4.0 on top. There's LTE on board, and what looks like Verizon's splash-screen, meaning there's every reason to believe this is destined for the US. The rest of the specs suggest it's packing a dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, backed up by 1GB of RAM, Beats Audio and an 8-megapixel shooter. Given that the Rezound already purrs along on a 1.5GHz chip and that embossed backing looks oh-so familiar, it doesn't seem out of line to wager this is the next-gen Incredible with a bump in clock speed. What also catches our eye is the inclusion of hardware buttons, leaving open the possibility that this might just be a prototype after all. We're too not hopeful we'll learn much more before MWC, but we'll keep our eyes on the trail all the same.

Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week

Mat Smith — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EDT

It was mere weeks since we saw NEC's last smartphone that will probably never take the plane ride away from Japan, but contrary to its recent financials, the company doesn't appear to be letting up. The NEC Medias LTE N-04D, arriving on NTT DoCoMo, is a little chunkier than its predecessor, but that 11.6mm shell manages to squeeze in 4G connectivity and a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor Along LTE credentials, the specification reads like the majority of Medias phones we've already seen recently. This includes a waterproof shell, 4.3-inch 720p LCD screen, mobile wallet and TV tuner. It'll also join the handful of smartphones compatible with Casio's Bluetooth-connected G-Shock, adding mail and call notifications to your wrist. The phone will arrive February 15th in the tangy orange and black guise seen above. Japanese residents can now preorder theirs (while the rest of us gaze on wistfully) at the source below.

NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Akihabara News | NTT DoCoMo | Email this | Comments

Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price

Daniel Cooper — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 EDT

Britons! Dedicated followers of fashion! If your clothes are loud (but never square) and you've just gotta keep up with the latest trends, then Phones 4u should be your next stop. The independent phone retailer is offering customers JUMP (short for "Just Upgrade my Phone"): a 24-month deal that'll let you upgrade your handset every six months. Rather than signing a vanilla deal with your carrier, you plump for a cheaper plan and then rent-to-buy the handset from the store. It's a little more complicated -- and costly -- than your average contract, so keep a calculator handy as you try to follow the math (sorry, 'maths') after the break.

Continue reading Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price

Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak Egypt

Christopher Trout — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:15:00 EDT

Nearly one year ago, dictator Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down after 18 consecutive days of protest by Egyptian citizens. Those demonstrations were organized largely through the use of social networking, cell phones and banned TV channels, a greater trend that permeated the revolutionary period now known as the Arab Spring. To mark the anniversary of Mubarak's ousting, Sharif Sakr traveled to Egypt to speak with five Egyptians about the role that technology plays in their lives today. This issue of Distro also features reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, Motorola's Droid RAZR Maxx, Sony's Alpha NEX-7 and a Q&A with the founder of the Ubuntu Project, Mark Shuttleworth. If you've been looking for a good reason to download an issue of Distro, look no further.

Distro Issue 27 PDF
Distro on the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Android Market
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak Egypt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works

Myriam Joire — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:37:00 EDT

This above is the first glimpse of Android 4.0 running on the Nokia N9. Yes, it looks like Ice Cream Sandwich is in being ported to the company's iconic handset by no other than Alexey Roslyakov and team NITDroid -- the folks who previously put Android on the Nokia N900. The project, which is still in its early stages, made significant progress after recently overcoming a framebuffer driver/HAL hurdle, allowing ICS to be displayed on the phone. In addition, a dual-boot solution is in the works letting Meego and Android 4.0 coexist on the device. We certainly can't wait to experience using Ice Cream Sandwich on some of the hottest white hardware around. Can you?

Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Steve Troughton-Smith (Twitter), Netbooknews | Alexey Roslyakov (Twitter), talk.maemo.org | Email this | Comments

Rogers One Number service offers free computer-based calls and texting, unified inbox

Donald Melanson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:33:00 EDT

Got a Rogers wireless account? Then you can now take advantage of a new service that, for a change, won't cost you anything extra. While it's not quite a full-on Google Voice alternative, the company's new Rogers One Number service will let you make phones calls, video calls, and send and receive text messages for free from your computer (Windows or Mac), as well as let you maintain a unified inbox and contact list across all of your devices (assuming you use Gmail or Yahoo Mail). You're also able to switch a call from your cellphone to your computer without hanging up, and then turn that voice call into a video call if you choose, but your options are otherwise a bit limited on the mobile end; you can manage your contacts and such, but not use one number for multiple devices, or take advantage of free calling or texting. Rogers' demo video can be found after the break, and you can get a more in-depth look courtesy of MobileSyrup's hands-on at the link below.

[Thanks, Adam]

Continue reading Rogers One Number service offers free computer-based calls and texting, unified inbox

Rogers One Number service offers free computer-based calls and texting, unified inbox originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Rogers One Number, Rogers RedBoard | Email this | Comments

Sprint launches early upgrade promo, wants you to stay and chat awhile

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EDT

In an industry where customer churn can be likened to the fearsome troll under the bridge, Sprint has launched a program designed to keep its favored subscribers around for another two years. While not everyone is eligible -- those who've upgraded less than eight months ago, corporate outfits and those in collections need not inquire -- the program lets customers buy their way out of their current commitment and become eligible for a new, subsidized handset. The promotion begins February 12th and is set to run through the 14th of April, where the amount you pay correlates to the time since your last upgrade. So if you're currently pining for the Epic 4G Touch or the iPhone 4S, just give your local Sprint store a call this Sunday. They just may be able to hook you up.

Continue reading Sprint launches early upgrade promo, wants you to stay and chat awhile

Sprint launches early upgrade promo, wants you to stay and chat awhile originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Astound owners face a Belle-less future, no update coming

Brad Molen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:41:00 EDT

So this is where the road ends for the Nokia Astound. After getting a hearty helping of Symbian Anna in November, owners of T-Mobile's first (and only) Symbian^3 device became hopeful that -- despite the fate of the OS being sealed -- the US counterpart to the C7 would remain relevant throughout the course of their contract. Sadly, it was not to be: the phone maker tweeted that the Astound won't receive an update to ~~Symbian~~ Nokia Belle. What of the original C7, you ask? Oh, the latest refresh is already rolling out to users worldwide, but the Astound doesn't appear to be invited to the party. Why? It would need to undergo an additional bout of carrier testing, which involves precious time and money that T-Mobile simply appears unwilling to dole out. This is speculation, of course, but we wouldn't find it surprising in the least to see a US carrier shun a ten-month-old device running an OS with a less than promising future.

Nokia Astound owners face a Belle-less future, no update coming originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC's first ICS update rolls out in late March, Sensation and Sensation XE call first dibs

Brad Molen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:58:00 EDT

Ice Cream Sandwich is slowly trickling out to the masses, but we're still waiting on the major phone vendors to come out with their own tweaks of the latest Android dessert. We've known that HTC's busy plugging away at its Sense-ified version of Android 4.0, but the company's finally ready to start discussing specifics. According to the outfit's UK Facebook page, the update will begin rolling out to the HTC Sensation and Sensation XE by the end of March, with the Sensation XL following suit. Additionally, owners of the EVO 3D, Incredible S, Desire S and Desire HD still haven't been forgotten, but their long-awaited upgrades to Ice Cream Sandwich will come sometime "later this year." That sure narrows down the timeframe. Hopefully we won't have to wait until the end of March to officially cast our eyes on the new Sense, as we're keeping our fingers crossed that we'll see some ICS love in new devices at Mobile World Congress later this month.

Update: HTC's US Facebook page also announced the update, and added the Rezound, Vivid, Amaze 4G and EVO Design 4G to the list of devices that should receive ICS later this year.

[Thanks, Willy]

HTC's first ICS update rolls out in late March, Sensation and Sensation XE call first dibs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Facebook (UK), (US) | Email this | Comments

Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EDT

Dell's teamed up with Fongo to offer Dell Voice, a VoIP app that's available exclusively in Canada. It's currently available for Android, iOS and Windows (Desktop), enabling everyone to shoot the breeze about Dustin Penner without charges. You'll get a local phone number that'll let you call all the big cities (and most of the smaller ones), caller ID, voice-mail, 911 service and long-distance calling for no additional charge. Call credit costs 2c per minute, with each call averaging out to 1MB of data. Canadians clutching to their BlackBerries will be relieved to know that the app will roll out on RIM's handsets next month.

[Thanks, Steven]

Continue reading Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians

Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telus flipping switch on LTE, network goes live February 10th

Edgar Alvarez — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EDT

After the competition got a head start, Telus has finally announced it's ready to flip the switch on its fresh LTE network tomorrow. Though it's certainly taken the longer road, its 4G waves are hitting several more markets on launch day in comparison to Rogers' solo-city debut. Among the selected 14 markets for the rollout are major cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa and Montreal. In the process, the carrier's also managed to stamp a release date on that LTE Note, which will arrive just in time for Valentine's Day. That said, it won't be the only Samsung Galaxy device on Telus' 4G lineup, the carrier's also bringing along the Tab 8.9, as well as the LG Optimus -- all of which will be up for grabs on on February 10th. Those of you in Maple Leaf Land can hit up the PR below to find out if your city made the first cut.

Continue reading Telus flipping switch on LTE, network goes live February 10th

Telus flipping switch on LTE, network goes live February 10th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DoubleTwist update brings podcast support to auditory Android users

Amar Toor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:11:00 EDT

A fresh version of the DoubleTwist media player hit the Android Market this week, offering a whole new world of podcast possibilities -- for a price. With the in-app upgrade, users can search for and subscribe to a variety of podcasts from the comfort of their own handsets. It's pretty simple. The app will automatically download the latest episodes, too, though there's an option to restrict all downloads to WiFi, in case you're worried about eating into your data plan. You can also choose to either stream or download each file, and manage all your feeds straight from your device. It's available now as an update to the DoubleTwist Pro package, though it'll cost you $4.99 to make the jump. If that seems worth it, you can upgrade at the coverage link below.

DoubleTwist update brings podcast support to auditory Android users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink GigaOM | DoubleTwist Blog | Email this | Comments

PSA: Google Wallet vulnerable to 'brute-force' PIN attacks (update: affects rooted devices)

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:07:00 EDT

Security hounds over at zvelo have discovered a vulnerability in Google Wallet that means your precious PIN can be "easily revealed." Digging through the app's code and using Google's open resources to reveal its contents, they uncovered a piratical treasure trove of data: unique user IDs, Google account information, and the PIN stored as a SHA256 hex-encoded string. Since this string is known to carry four digits, it only takes a "trivial" brute-force attack involving a maximum of 10,000 calculations to decode it. To prove their point, the researchers made a Wallet Cracker app -- demoed after the break -- that does the job quicker than you can say "unexpected overdraft."

Google has been receptive to these findings, but its attempts at a fix have so far been hampered by the need to coordinate with the banks, since changing the way the PIN is stored could also change which agency is responsible for its security. In the meantime, zvelo advises that there are some measures users can take themselves, aside from putting a protective hand over their pockets: refrain from rooting your phone, enable your lock screen, disable USB debugging, enable Full Disk Encryption and keep your handset up-to-date.

Update: Google has responded by emphasizing that it's only users of rooted devices who are at risk. In a statement to TNW it said: "We strongly encourage people to not install Google Wallet on rooted devices and to always set up a screen lock as an additional layer of security for their phone."

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

Continue reading PSA: Google Wallet vulnerable to 'brute-force' PIN attacks (update: affects rooted devices)

PSA: Google Wallet vulnerable to 'brute-force' PIN attacks (update: affects rooted devices) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T and Verizon lobby for less FCC spectrum control, Sprint and other carriers respond

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:26:00 EDT

Since 1993, the FCC has held the ability to restrict bidders' participation in spectrum auctions based on their current spectrum holdings, needs and dominance in the marketplace. Given that wireless spectrum is a public resource, the current law tasks the FCC with the responsibility to ensure competition in the marketplace and prevent monopolies and duopolies from forming. A new proposal contained within the JOBS Act, H.R. 3630 -- a sweeping bill that primarily addresses the extension of unemployment benefits -- threatens to strip the FCC of this authority and return spectrum auctions to the freewheeling wild west era. The bill is so controversial that former FCC chairman, Reed Hundt, recently called this proposal "the single worst telecom bill" he'd ever seen, and, "a repudiation of the smartest auction theorists in the world." Today, the CEOs from many of the US's smaller telecoms -- which include Sprint, T-Mobile, Cricket, C Spire and Bluegrass Cellular (among others) -- officially lodged their objections to this proposed bill based on the notion that, left unrestricted, AT&T and Verizon Wireless could start bullying smaller carriers in the race to acquire more spectrum.

While the majority of the bill deals with making additional spectrum available, Section 4105 of Title V -- the controversial bit in question -- is ostensibly the work of lobbying efforts on behalf of AT&T and Verizon. Are the nation's top two carriers legitimately concerned that the FCC will limit their ability to participate in future auctions? Sprint contends that the current law has worked rather well for both top dogs, which together control approximately 73 percent of the spectrum under 1GHz. There's no doubt that spectrum is the bread and butter of the wireless industry, but as a public resource, it deserves to be allocated in a way that promotes competition and best serves the citizens. Regardless of your gut reaction, it seems that the topic deserves some legitimate debate. If the proposed bill hits the Congressional floor and is mired down amongst discussions of unemployment benefits and flood insurance reform, just how much of this important discussion will fall on deaf ears?

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

AT&T and Verizon lobby for less FCC spectrum control, Sprint and other carriers respond originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | CEO's joint letter to Congress (PDF), H.R. 3630 (PDF) | Email this | Comments

Tweetbot hits 2.0, heads to iPad with new features and UI in tow

Edgar Alvarez — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:54:00 EDT

The dev folk over at Tapbots have just unleashed a major overhaul to their famed Twitter client. Tweetbot 2.0 not only sees the addition of a few new traits and a design refresh, but it's also on the receiving end of some welcomed iPad compatibility (iOS 5 only). Though, it's worth mentioning the app isn't universal -- so you'll have to cough up three bucks for the slate variant, even if you've already got the iPhone edition. Amongst the new goodies is a renovated timeline view with pic thumbnails, an optional New Tweets bar, auto-refresh, and a one-tap system for links. If you're still rockin' the official birdie app, but are looking for something a bit different, then hit up the source link below to scan through the rest of the features and see if it's enough to make you fly the coop.

Tweetbot hits 2.0, heads to iPad with new features and UI in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TNW | Tweetbot (iTunes), Tweetbot | Email this | Comments

Verizon's double data deal returns this Friday, prepare yourselves accordingly

Amar Toor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EDT

It looks like Verizon's about to double up on double data. According to the Los Angeles Times, Big Red is about to reintroduce the double data promotion that first rolled out in November, and came to a close at year's end. Under the offer, customers signing up for a 4G plan will receive double the amount of monthly data (at no extra charge) for the duration of their contracts, as long as they sign up for two-year deals. Unfortunately, though, the promotion only applies to first time 4G subscribers (or those looking to upgrade from a non-4G plan), and is restricted to smartphones, leaving tablet owners in the dark. As with its original campaign, the redux will only be available for a limited time, though Verizon has yet to announce a closing date. It all kicks off this Friday, when, not coincidentally, the carrier will officially welcome the Droid 4 to the fold, as well.

[Thanks, Tyler]

Verizon's double data deal returns this Friday, prepare yourselves accordingly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear | Los Angeles Times | Email this | Comments

Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users

Billy Steele — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:12:00 EDT

Looking to save some coin on those international calls to your mates in Brussels? Vonage has just rolled out new Android and iOS apps that do just that. The Vonage Mobile app offers free talk and text for corresponding with fellow app users worldwide by way of WiFi or data connection. Need to update app-less Auntie Em while backpacking through the Swiss Alps? The outfit says it'll save you 70% over major carriers and costs 30% less than Skype. For calls to folks without the app, users can add calling credit in either $4.99 or $9.99 increments right from the iTunes store or Android Market. The software also makes use of your existing number and extensive list of contacts without the need to create another username. Right now, calls to any phone in the US of A, Canada or Puerto Rico are free from the app for a limited time -- so long as you stay under 3000 minutes per month, of course. Hit the source link or PR below for more information before heading to your app repository to snag the free download.

Continue reading Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users

Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft celebrating leap year right by launching Windows 8 Consumer Preview at MWC

Brian Heater — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EDT

Perhaps celebrating a push toward the mobile space with its traditionally desktop-bound OS -- or maybe just doing its best to further confuse the similar naming conventions with its forthcoming smartphone operating system -- Microsoft today sent out invites for a February 29th Mobile World Congress event that will see the launch of its Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Details are scarce about the two-hour event, but you'd better believe that we'll be there in Barcelona with bells on.

Microsoft celebrating leap year right by launching Windows 8 Consumer Preview at MWC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could LG's Fantasy be an outright Miracle?

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:09:00 EDT

If you ask us, miracles are pretty hard to come by, and it would take a great amount of gusto for a smartphone manufacturer to bestow such a weighty name upon a rather middling handset. The crew at Pocketnow claim that's exactly what LG's done with its latest Windows Phone, however, which was previously known as the Fantasy. That's right, folks, you're looking at a purported Miracle -- weren't you expecting more? The phone is said to contain a 1GHz (naturally single-core) Snapdragon SoC, a 4-inch NOVA display (that we can safely assume to be WVGA), 8GB of storage and a five megapixel primary cam that shoots video at 720p, along with a run-of-the-mill VGA front-facer. As connectivity goes, we're told to expect a 14.4Mbps HSPA radio and 2.4GHz / 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and -- get this -- NFC. Whether this Miracle comes to fruition is anybody's guess; perhaps it was just a Fantasy all along.

[Thanks, Mark]

Could LG's Fantasy be an outright Miracle? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia: 'We don't have a Plan B'

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:45:00 EDT

Wander into Nokia's corporate HQ and, if Victor Saejis is to believed, you'll be hard pressed to find any manilla folder bearing the legend "Plan B." The handset maker's European Manager told Swedish financial daily Dagens Industri that the company has no contingency plan in the event that Windows Phone loses out to Android and iOS saying that "Plan B is that Plan A is to succeed." It's a pretty unequivocal statement that Espoo's betting the farm on consumers embracing Microsoft's OS. Commenting on the company's recent troubles, the winding down of Symbian and the demise of MeeGo, he said "it's like starting all over again. But we must succeed in the U.S. if we are to succeed in the world" -- pretty honest, if a little disappointing to anyone who hoped there was an Android-powered white N9 lying in a Finnish skunkworks.

Nokia: 'We don't have a Plan B' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Slashgear | DI.se (Translated) | Email this | Comments

Baidu-powered Dell Streak Pro D43 gets hands-on treatment

Mat Smith — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:22:00 EDT

Dell's dual-cored Streak Pro D43 has arrived in the hands of our colleagues over at Engadget Chinese. In a detailed tour of the first Baidu Yi smartphone, they've unearthed a built-in battery and perused the Super AMOLED Plus qHD display, tempered with Gorilla Glass. The casing is little thick (10.3mm) but by no means a deal-breaker, with a rubberized texture apparently helping to protect the phone if you're a little rough and ready with your devices. The Baidu platform is another Chinese interpretation of Google's feature-set, so you get the likes of email, maps, cloud services and voice input search -- in Mandarin, naturally. If you're intrigued by that Baidu base, scope out the full hands-on (and video walkthrough) over on our Sino sister site.

Baidu-powered Dell Streak Pro D43 gets hands-on treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Engadget Chinese (translated) | Email this | Comments

Nokia ends European, Mexican production: it's all Asia now (Updated)

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EDT

Nokia's wielding another axe to its operations, cleaving away a further 4,000 employees from its operations in Finland, Hungary and Mexico. It follows a shedding of roughly 10,000 employees and a troubled withdrawal from Romania as the company pushes more operations towards Asia in an attempt to compete with its competitors. Whilst no more phones will be assembled in Europe, the company isn't closing the facilities outright, they'll be retained for "high value activities" (presumably R&D and other big-ticket projects). Whatever comes of Steven Elop's reign of the world's number one handset maker, it's clear to see that he's got a plan and he's sticking to it.

Update: Nokia got in touch to clarify that the factory in Manaus, Brazil is unaffected by these cuts. The three factories mentioned (in Salo, Reynosa and Komarom) will furthermore be used for the software-portion of production, including installing carrier-and-region-specific features in the Americas, Europe and Eurasia. Hardware assembly will now take place at the company's existing facilities in Beijing (China) and Masan (South Korea).

Nokia ends European, Mexican production: it's all Asia now (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 v4.10 update is live with an improved browser, Sony Entertainment Network nameplate

Richard Lawler — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:12:00 EDT

The latest update for Sony's PlayStation 3 is live and available for download from via your PlayStation Netw...oops, Sony Entertainment Network account. While we get used to the new branding (nothing we could see in the system UI has actually changed at all), there's a few tweaks included in v4.10, like some sorely needed upgrades for the web browser and the ability to set the time and date automatically upon each sign-in. A scan of the forums reveals a few who noticed problems with Netflix post-update (which may or may not be update related, deleting Netflix data from the Game Data utility section and/or installing the newest version seems to fix the issue), however most are just seeing significantly better scores in browser benchmarks like Acid3 and HTML5 Test, better compatibility with most webpages and improved YouTube playback (still 240p). Let us know if you notice any other changes, the system should prompt you the next time you log on for a quick round of Final Fantasy XIII-2.

PS3 v4.10 update is live with an improved browser, Sony Entertainment Network nameplate originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vodafone bringing LTE speeds to Germany, with the HTC Velocity

Amar Toor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:23:00 EDT

HTC has confirmed plans to bring its very first LTE handset to Germany, with the launch of the Velocity. The phone, known Stateside as the Vivid and in South Korea as the Raider, features a 4.5-inch qHD touchscreen and is fueled by a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU. The Gingerbread-laced device also boasts 1GB of RAM, 16GB of flash memory and an eight-megapixel camera, along with your standard 1.3-megapixel front facing sensor. As far as networking goes, you'll find support for quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE, dualband UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA at 900/2100 MHz and, most compelling, dualband LTE at 800/2600 MHz. Vodafone confirmed the news to Germany's Computer Woche, though it has yet to offer a price or release date.

Vodafone bringing LTE speeds to Germany, with the HTC Velocity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Unwired | Computer Woche (German) | Email this | Comments