Archive | Mobile
DUDE, YOU’RE GETTING A DELL SMARTPHONE! Maybe. If they’re real. And, you know, any good. It’s definitely not the first time we’ve heard this one before, but word around Rumormill Way is again indicating that Dell’s dabbling with the idea of getting into the battle for smartphone supreme. According to the WSJ’s sources, they’re tinkering with [...] DUDE, YOU’RE GETTING A DELL SMARTPHONE! Maybe. If they’re real. And, you know, any good. It’s definitely not the first time we’ve heard this one before, but word around Rumormill Way is again indicating that Dell’s dabbling with the idea of getting into the battle for smartphone supreme. According to the WSJ’s sources, they’re tinkering with more than one concept - a little bit of Android here, a bit of WinMo there, and maybe a pinch of touchscreen thrown in for taste. None of the involved parties are admitting anything, of course. Dell’s past attempts at branching out of the computer building biz haven’t been mindbogglingly successful, and with next month’s Mobile World Congress looking to be packed to the brim with Android (thereby crowding up the smartphone market for 2009) don’t be too shocked if these mobile experiments don’t make it out of the lab. Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies Source[Mobilecrunch]
Filed under: Misc, Apple Look out, world -- Apple's on the hunt for that number one spot in worldwide mobile market share! Of course, it's got like a bazillion miles to go before it gets there, but achieving that magical 1 percent is always a day worth tearing up about. According to data in a recent ABI Research study, iPhones now make up 1.1 percent of all cellphones, which is a pretty nice bump from the 0.3 percent share the original iPhone held in 2007. As expected, Nokia's still making everyone else look bad with 38.6 percent, while Samsung (16.2 percent) notched the silver and Motorola / LG tied for third with 8.3 percent apiece. Number lovers can dive into the links below for more where this came from, and feel free to dispute the facts 'til your heart's content down in comments.[Via Electronista]Apple crosses the magical 1% mark in global phone market share originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Software, Android It's tough to find someone who doesn't appreciate the amenities in Opera Mini, and we have to say, that hamstrung version that hit the Android Market in November just made us yearn for the real deal. Thankfully, that waiting window has finally closed. As of today, mobile surfers can suck down the non-beta version of Opera Mini 4.2 for Android, complete with easier URL entry, upload / download support and the ability to zoom in / out on double tap and handle multimedia files. Give it a go and report back with any praises / gripes, won'tcha?[Via phonescoop]Opera Mini 4.2 escapes beta, arrives for Android originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, Motorola So, there's good news and not-so-awesome news. As for the former, we've got four new Motorola handsets that look to be as good as definite. As for the latter, there's only a sliver of a chance you'll actually be interested in owning one. That said, those looking for a new dumbphone (and unwilling to wait for the bounties sure to unfold at Mobile World Congress) can have a gander at the VE465, ZN300, QA4 and VE66 Lux. Unfortunately, the only one which has bothered to show its whole self (and not just its face) is the above pictured VE465, which we already knew was on the way courtesy of the FCC. Prep your best yawn and hit the read link if you're ready for more.Motorola's VE465, ZN300, QA4 and VE66 Lux get one step closer to officialdom originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, Samsung, ATT, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, UMTS More spy shots from the net, eh? This latest set shows what's purported to be the Propel Pro, an update to Samsung's QWERTY that launched last October. There's a more streamlined interface under the screen, including a new optical joystick that according to Boy Genius Report's source is "worthless." The Windows Mobile 6.1 device also sports 3G and a camera of unknown quality, although we expect to at least match its 1.3-megapixel predecessor. Mum's the word on price and availability.Samsung Propel Pro in the wild, caught on camera originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Just as expected, the T-Mobile Shadow (Shadow 2, technically, but they’re dropping the trailing number for the sake of branding and confusing the hell out of everyone) is hitting store shelves today - and it’s bringing a friend! Tagging along on the Shadow’s coattails is the Nokia 7510, which we actually expected to see last [...] Just as expected, the T-Mobile Shadow (Shadow 2, technically, but they’re dropping the trailing number for the sake of branding and confusing the hell out of everyone) is hitting store shelves today - and it’s bringing a friend! Tagging along on the Shadow’s coattails is the Nokia 7510, which we actually expected to see last week. $200 bucks and a fresh contract will get you the Shadow in “White Mint” or “Black Burgundy”, while $49.99 after rebates works out to a Nokia 7510 in “Fatal Red”, “Emerald Green” or “Espresso Brown”. Specs after the jump. Shadow II Specs: Windows Mobile 6.1 Two-letters-per-key QWERTY WiFi 2.0 Megapixel camera QVGA Display 850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz 5.3 ounces, 2.1 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches Stereo Bluetooth Nokia 7510 Specs: 3 hour talk time, 12 day standby 2.0 megapixel camera (with video capture) FM Radio microSD support 850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz 4.4 ounces, 1.8 x 3.6 x 0.7 inches Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0 Source[Mobilecrunch]
After word got out that Britney Spears’ next tour would be sponsored by Virgin Mobile and the Helio Ocean 2, the estimated Ocean 2 launch date finally found it’s first deadline: March 3rd, the first day of the tour. We can now confirm that the Helio Ocean 2 will be coming over 3 weeks earlier, [...] After word got out that Britney Spears’ next tour would be sponsored by Virgin Mobile and the Helio Ocean 2, the estimated Ocean 2 launch date finally found it’s first deadline: March 3rd, the first day of the tour. We can now confirm that the Helio Ocean 2 will be coming over 3 weeks earlier, launching on Helio.com on February 12. The Specs: 2.6″ QVGA Screen Optical Sensor for touchpad-like navigation Dual slider (One QWERTY, one number pad), a la the original ocean 5 hours of talk time, 10 days of standby 2GB internal storage, microSD support 2MP Camera w/ video support, night shot, and geotagging Full HTML browser with tabbed browsing Upgraded Ultimate Inbox: Threaded text messages, Google Talk Access to all the Helio services: Connect, Buddy Beacon, WHERE, HelioUP Contrary to what we’ve seen in previously leaked images, the Ocean 2 will be launching in the “red limited edition” color scheme you see above, with other colors said to be coming “later in the year”. Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware. Source[Mobilecrunch]
Filed under: Verizon WirelessThings haven't been quite so rosy for some of its rivals, but it looks like Verizon is at least managing to keep its head above water for the time being, with the company now reporting that its fourth quarter earnings rose a relatively impressive 15%, which is being largely attributed to growth in its wireless and broadband units. In cold hard cash terms, that translates to a net income of $1.24 billion on $24.6 billion in revenue, which is just ever so slightly shy of the $24.76 billion analysts have been forecasting. In less positive news, however, the company says it netted just 1.4 million customer additions in the quarter, which is down from 1.5 million the previous quarter, and a full 2 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Hit up the link below for the complete rundown of the numbers.Verizon reports 15% increase in earnings, thanks wireless, broadband units originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Mobile VoIP and IM service fring, one of the more popular mobile communication services around, is experimenting with porting a bunch of third-party apps to the fring client and will be announcing a number of those in the course of this year. Today, fring is launching a custom mobile-optimized Last.fm music radio add-on that brings [...] Mobile VoIP and IM service fring, one of the more popular mobile communication services around, is experimenting with porting a bunch of third-party apps to the fring client and will be announcing a number of those in the course of this year. Today, fring is launching a custom mobile-optimized Last.fm music radio add-on that brings a lot of the music recommendation service to the fring client but also integrates with the latter’s social and communication features. Fring users (also referred to as fringsters) are now able to fire up streamed music radio channels, including their own Last.fm library, tag favourites, ban disliked tracks, view album artwork and basically take their Last.fm music account mobile. In addition to getting those features into the client, fringsters can also opt to view in real-time what their contacts are currently listening to, with the help of a friends list embedded into the Last.fm add-on. Read the rest of this entry >> Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies Source[Mobilecrunch]
Filed under: Sprint"Lean and mean" is one thing -- but Sprint's really swinging the axe at full force today, announcing that it'll eliminate some 8,000 more jobs from its arsenal of 60,000 mostly by the end of the first quarter on March 31. The move is expected to save the States' number three carrier about $1.2 billion a year in labor costs, and furthermore, the company will be suspending its retirement plan match, tuition reimbursement, and extending its salary increase suspension for another year. With any luck, the Pre will help turn Sprint's fortunes around -- but on the flipside, don't you need a healthy company to launch such a revolutionary (and likely overwhelmingly popular) device?[Via mocoNews]Sprint trimming 14 percent of workforce pre-Pre originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, Palm, Sprint, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA Thanks, Best Buy -- we owe you one another. Yet again, we're getting our first real live look at a recently unveiled Sprint handset courtesy of the big box retailer, and this time it's the CDMA version of Palm's Treo Pro. We're also being blessed with a look at the specs sheet, which shows Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 512MB of storage (300MB available to the user), a two megapixel camera (with a digital 8x zoom and video capture), removable 1,500mAh Li-ion battery good for five hours of talking, a microSDHC slot, microUSB 2.0 port, 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, WinMo 6.1 Professional, a 528MHz Qualcomm dual-core MSM7501A CPU, 320 x 320 touchscreen, EV-DO Rev. A support, 802.11b/g WiFi and built-in GPS (standalone and assisted). So, aside from the cell radio, it's pretty much the same Treo Pro we've grown to know and kinda-sorta love. No price was posted, but it's not like Sprint hasn't already told us -- have fun in the gallery below![Thanks, Roel]Gallery: Sprint Treo Pro spotted in the wildSprint Treo Pro spotted in the wild, specs and all originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, LG, ATT, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS Been itching for that CU515 replacement? Of course you have, and... well, here you go. The CF360 has now available for order by AT&T stores, which means we should all have retail access to it within a few days' time. It'll have a 1.3 megapixel cam, microSD slot, and AT&T Navigator support, so it's a solid low-ish midrange set that'll probably sell like hotcakes -- especially since it's coming in multiple colors. Thanks, LG, but we're holding out for the Secret, personally.[Thanks, Kal]LG CF360 for AT&T gets pictured, reminds us of Breakout for some reason originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink
Filed under: Handsets, Others Meizu's been on a tear since our last M8 update. Sitting atop a new 0.9.0.1 firmware release complete with working copy and paste, Outlook calendar synchronization, and a "full backup system," the M8 is now supported by a published SDK and licensed to ride the Chinese airwaves for what looks to be a March, mainland China release. With all the passion it could muster, Meizu posted the following announcement to its English website: Let's bear witness together, to the great moment of MEIZU formally entering the big stage of mobile phone industry!Currently, the M8 handset with its iPhone roots (but a WinCE core) is only available to an abiding Chinese press and die-hard Meizu fanatics -- a population said to rival the intensity of Apple's own sheeple elite. Having watched the M8 make the transition from art to part over the last few years, we're mighty stoked at the prospective launch to say the least. And while Meizu has clearly trumped Apple's spec sheet (not user experience) in terms of software (copy paste, background task management, video recording, and plenty more) and hardware (720 x 480 pixel display and beefier silicon), we'll bet there's still enough "inspiration" to get Tim Cook and Apple's legal counsel whipped up into a frenzy of Intellectual Property defense. Latest video after the break.Read -- Mobile license approval Read -- SDK release Read -- firmware 0.9 releaseContinue reading Video: Meizu M8 prepped for full-scale launch, IP battle with AppleVideo: Meizu M8 prepped for full-scale launch, IP battle with Apple originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink
Filed under: Handsets, Software, Nokia, Symbian, Misc We already heard Nokia's head man in charge, Mr. Olli Pekka Kallasvuo, gloat about how awesome 5800 XpressMusic sales have been, but what hasn't been mentioned yet is his take on S60 deployment and its future definition of a smartphone. He commented during the outfit's Q4 earnings call that "smartphones are not only for the high end," and he elaborated by saying that "internet services" and the like would soon be delivered at "a number of attractive price points." Which makes sense given that Nokia's planning to "expand its Symbian S60 investment relative to S40," wouldn't you say? Potentially most interesting was this tidbit: "[Nokia is] expanding smartphones to categories and form factors that have not yet been covered." Not yet been covered? Seriously? Way to make our imaginations work overtime here, Olli.Nokia aims to expand S60 deployment, or so says the boss originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Apple, OS X Ever walk through a crowd with your headphones on, only to find your music drowned out by the uproar? A recent Apple patent proposes dynamic volume adjustment based on your local surroundings. According to the filing, a sound sensor would be used to detect ambient noise and adapt accordingly. It says user volume controls are accounted for, so passing by a construction site likely won't cause your jams to be pumped up to an ear-shattering 11. Although it sounds more likely than some of the company's other patents, don't get your hopes up for seeing this any time soon. Hit up the read link for more details. [Via Electronista]Apple patents adaptive volume controls based on environment, not quality of your music originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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