Category: phones

Samsung i8910 HD runs 62 apps at once talk about multitasking

Posted by ts On 12.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Sean Hollister

While iPhone 3G owners and would-be Windows Phone 7 buyers sit in the corner, quietly weeping over their lack of true multitasking, webOS and Symbian continue to point and laugh. In mid-January, a Palm Pre Plus was seen cackling with joy over its rivals’ misfortune even as the device staggered under the weight of 50 simultaneous applications, and less than a week later, a Samsung Omnia HD performed the very same feat, despite having only half the Pre Plus’ RAM (i.e. 256MB) to work with. Now, in what we can only interpret as a large middle finger and “come here” gesture to all who aspire to the cell phone multitasking heavyweight title, we have a video of the i8910 running no less than sixty-two applications thanks to a custom ROM by HyperX. Watch in stunned silence as a finger scrolls through them, right after the break.

HTC EVO 4G accessories Sprint stores

Posted by ts On 12.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Chris Ziegler

So we just got handed some sort of Sprint “overview deck” going over some of the HTC EVO 4G’s finer points — and rest assured, there are many fine points — but all told, there’s not a lot new here; there’s no release date that we can see, and we’re already well acquainted with its 4G hotspot capability and the major features of Android 2.1 integrated with Sense. That said, our attention was drawn to the last couple slides, which reveal a bunch of accessories that’ll be available just in case the phone itself isn’t enough to max out the plastic. Specifically, there’s a dock with HDMI out (“likely” available after launch), a car mount, screen protectors, several kind of cases and gels in every color of the rainbow, and a couple different kinds of replacement shells — one multi-color kit with a handful of snazzy shades, and a custom design option that sounds similar to what T-Mobile has done in the past with some of its devices. Oh, and there’s another gem in here: a battery charging holster — something along the lines of a Case-Mate Fuel, from what we can tell — that’ll come after the initial launch.

That’s about it as accessories go, but we’d like to call your attention to the second slide in the deck, which calls out a mysterious “Segment 1” as Sprint’s primary target market for the EVO 4G, with “Segment 6” gaining importance after the phone drops in price — possibly around the holidays this year. From what it sounds, Sprint actually has all of its target demographics grouped into numbered buckets; we’d love to know what they all are, but needless to say, you can count us (and probably most of you) in this fun-loving, awesome Segment 1. You know, the cool kids.

HTC EVO 4G to get boatload of accessories in Sprint stores

[Thanks, Crimmage]

Zune HD 64 on sale

Posted by ts On 12.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Donald Melanson

Well, it’s not April 12th, but it looks like you can now order a Zune HD 64 nonetheless — straight from the Zune Originals website, at least. As expected, the device runs $349.99, and the 16GB and 32GB models have now also been knocked down to $200 and $270, respectively — all of which are naturally available in the usual range of different colors, and with custom designs for an extra $15. You’ll also, of course, get the latest v4.5 firmware pre-loaded on the device, which packs new features like SmartDJ that Microsoft was recently kind enough to demonstrate for us.

[Thanks, Henry and Jonathan]

Update: Turns out the Zune HD 64 won’t come pre-loaded with the v4.5 firmware — you’ll be prompted to download it when you connect the device.

iPhone OS 4.0 brings Multitasking

Posted by ts On 09.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ By Nilay Patel

You heard that right, people — iPhone OS 4 just brought multitasking to the platform! Apple says they’ve figured out how to implement third party multitasking without hurting performance or battery life, and they’re demoing it now — you just double click the home button and see a list of your apps, and you can just tap to switch between apps. The system actually runs the services apps need in the background — the apps don’t need to do them individually, so it’s not a “true” multitasking system, but it seems plenty effective. There are seven services: background audio, which allows you to use the standard pop-over iPod controls, Voice over IP, which can receive calls in the background, location services for GPS and social networking (there’s an indicator if any service is tracking you), updated push notifications with local notifications, task completion so you can finish things like uploads in the background, and fast app switching, which lets apps sleep and resume instantly. Notably missing? Anything for managing a conversation, like IM or Twitter, which is a big omission. Win some, lose some, we suppose.

Update: Here’s a big “lose some” — only the iPhone 3GS and 3rd generation (late 2009) iPod touch will support multitasking. The iPhone 3G and below won’t — Steve says the hardware doesn’t support it. Sad face.

Multitasking comes to iPhone OS 4.0!

Developing…
Make sure to check out the ongoing iPhone OS 4.0 liveblog!

LG LU2300 Android handset photos

Posted by ts On 07.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Joseph L. Flatley

Actual, honest-to-goodness photos of what is presumably the Korea-only LG LU2300 handset popped up on a site in the SK recently, and like a family pet that plays professional sports (guess who watched Air Bud last night?) it’s certainly captured the imagination of the Android-lovin’ world at large. The thing is said to sport a 3.5-inch (800 x 480) AMOLED capacitive touch screen, Android 2.1, landscape mode slide keyboard, support for DivX files, a 5 megapixel (720p video) camera with geo-tagging, WiFi, GPS, DMB tuner and — last but not least — a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The stats are consistent with what we’ve heard before, and now we have a possible release date: April or May. What we don’t have, however, is any reason to believe rumors that this is going to be released in the states as the C710 Aloha. Although we might be skeptical, we understand the inherent wish-fulfillment: this is one sexy phone, and we’d certainly like to see it become available here. See another photo for yourself after the break.

Seven iPad alternatives

Posted by ts On 06.04.2010

source – crunchgear.com/


We ran through the seven mainstream iPad alternatives a few weeks ago. You should know the list anyway.  They include the usual suspects of the ModBook, Notion Ink Adam, HP Slate and Dell Streak along with a few others. But there are a bunch more portables either currently available or coming out real soon that could also have made that list. Consider the following seven computers alternatives to the standard iPad alternatives.

Spring Design Alex Ebook Reader

While the Alex is really an ereader first, it’s still capable of a lot more with Android running on a 3.5-inch color LCD under the 6-inch e-ink display. Since it’s Android, everything works as it should so it can browse the web, send emails, and access the Android Marketplace via Wi-Fi or 3G. But the real magic is that the two screens can be linked so that content on the small screen can be pushed up for easier viewing on the large screen. It also handles book navigation and selection. Think of it as a suped-up Nook and instead of B&N, there’s a partnership with Boarders but any ebook standard will work. Available in either black or white at $399 and the company is taking pre-orders right now with an expected shipping date of April 14.

Advantages over the iPad

  • USB power charging
  • User-replaceable battery
  • Longer battery life with only the e-ink screen

Disadvantages

  • Smaller screens
  • Less storage

enTourage eDGe dualbook

One look at this thing and you can tell it’s something different. Two screens, combined with a hinge that also holds a speaker. It’s really not just an ereader with an Android netbook bolted on, either. It’s so much more and truly shows what the future of computer could hold for everyday joes, but more so for academia. Oh, and unlike the similar Microsoft Courier concept, this thing is real and available for $499 right now. Read our review here.

Advantages over the iPad

  • More touchscreen real estate
  • SD card slot
  • 2 USB ports
  • User-replaceable battery

Disadvantages

  • No 3G
  • Less storage

WePad

The WePad may be the most complete alternative to the iPad with Linux at the core and access to the Android Marketplace. It’s reportable going to be less expensive, as well, when it first its German retailers in the coming months.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Webcam
  • 2 USB ports
  • WePad App Store + Android Marketplace
  • Multitasking
  • Works with all ebook formats
  • Larger screen
  • Flash support

Disadvantages

  • None we can see

Lenovo Skylight Smartbook

Yes, it’s a netbook but give the Skylight a chance before scrolling down to the next iPad alternative. 10 hour battery life, 2 lbs weight, and a bright 10-inch screen are pretty standard noondays. But then throw in a 3G wireless into a thin and sleek package powered by a custom web interface and you have one tasty treat.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Full keyboard
  • USB ports
  • SD card slot

Disadvantages

  • Unproven OS (that’s a biggie)
  • No touchscreen

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid

It’s a tablet! No, it’s a netbook! No, it’s both! An Intel CULV processor handles Windows 7 while in netbook mode and an ARM CPU takes care of the Skylight OS when the tablet is all by itself. It packs 3G, 128GB SSD all in a design that’s truly the best of both worlds. The U1 Hybrid slated for a summer 2010 release. See it in action here.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Windows 7
  • Two-in-One design
  • USB port
  • SD card slot
  • Larger screen

Disadvantages

  • No access to the App Store
  • It will probably be more expensive

ExoPC

It looks like an iPad, costs the same as an iPad, has similar tech specs as the iPad, but it isn’t made by Apple. The ExoPC might be the absolute best iPad alternative for Apple haters as long as they feel comfortable owning an obvious iPad clone. The ExoPC is supposed to be released sometime this spring.

Advantages over the iPad

  • SD card slot
  • User-replaceable battery
  • Supports Flash and Silverlight
  • Wireless and wired networking
  • Windows 7
  • 3 USB ports

Disadvantages

  • No access to the App Store
  • Shorter battery life at 4 hours

Your smartphone

And finally, your smartphone should really be considered an iPad alternative. Think about what the iPad can do and then compare it against your current phone. It could be a Palm Pre, Droid, HD2, or even iPhone. You can surf the web on these phones, edit photos, read sheet music, play electronic instruments, read comics, watch TV shows, play racing games and the list goes on and on and on. Sure, the iPad has that massive screen to further exploit those apps, but most of the functions are the same.

64GB Zune HD launching April 12th for $350, current models reduced $20

Posted by ts On 01.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Ross Miller

Let’s just be nice and feign surprise, okay? Good. With that out of the way, Microsoft has announced a 64GB version of Zune HD, due out April 12th via the Zune online store (and later via other retailers) with a handful of color options and a strapping $349.99 price tag. Not to be outdone, the 16GB and 32GB will each receive a $20 cut on the MSRP, to $200 and $270, respectively — whatever Amazon and Newegg slash beyond that is up to them. It seems “as soon as possible” is the motto for when the price drop is taking place, so if your favorite online / brick-and-mortar retailer isn’t yet honoring the extra Andrew Jackson in your pocket, have patience. So now we’re left with a v4.5 firmware release date as the remaining piece in this puzzle, but Microsoft promises to solve that riddle wrapped in an enigma “in the coming days.” Right. Press release after the break.

Show full PR text

We’re excited to share that Zune fans will be able to purchase a new 64GB capacity of the popular Zune HD device for $349.99 starting April 12th through ZuneOriginals.com. By increasing the Zune HD capacity to 64GB, users will be able take up to 16,000 songs, or 20 hours of high definition video from Zune Marketplace, or 25,000 pictures* on the go! Customers will be able to customize their Zune HD 64GB through ZuneOrginals.com, available in their choice of Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple and Magenta colors.

In addition to introducing the new 64GB capacity, we are also reducing the prices of the 16GB and 32GB devices. Starting today, price lists are being distributed to retailers, setting the Estimated Retail Price (ERP) for the Zune 16GB device at $199.99 and the Zune HD 32GB device at $269.99.

With its OLED multi-touch screen, built-in HD radio, HD video out capabilities and Internet browser, Zune HD is a full-function media player which has received accolades from press and consumers. We’ve also announced details of an upcoming firmware update which will add even more features to the device, such as Smart DJ auto-playlists directly on the Zune HD, ability to browse, stream and acquire music from Zune Marketplace on your TV (while the device is connected to a TV set through the A/V dock) and expanded codec support allowing users to play more video formats natively from the device.

We are excited to be offering a great range of storage capacities for the Zune HD at a competitive price point and will be sharing more news on the availability of the 4.5 firmware in the coming days.

*Music estimates based on 128 Kbps WMA files with length of 4 minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; video estimates based on 500 Kbps WMV files with 128 Kbps WMA audio tracks.

Samsung Galaxy S Pro with a QWERTY keyboard due in June

Posted by ts On 01.04.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Vladislav Savov

Those whispers you might have heard of a Pro version of Samsung’s delectable Galaxy S have just turned into a booming roar, thanks to Eldar Murtazin apparently confirming the existence and prospective arrival of the rumored handset. According to the legendarily loquacious mobile reviewer, Samsung will be strapping a QWERTY keyboard onto the already potent Galaxy S hardware and upping the pricing ante with an extra €50 (about $67) charge. He also manages to give us a June launch date, but pictures of this device are predictably not yet available. We’ll just have to let our imagination do the work until Mr. Blurrycam gets on the case. Screenshot of the relevant tweet after the break.

Sharp Snapdragon Android-with IS01 MID

Posted by ts On 31.03.2010

source – engadget.com by Donald Melanson

Sharp’s new IS01 MID for KDDI au proved to be something of a letdown when it was announced earlier today, partly due to raised expectations, and partly due to a lack of a decent look at it. Thankfully, Akihabara News has now come through on the latter point, and provided a fairly extensive hands-on look at the Snapdragon-powered MID. Anyone hoping for a bit more incentive to buy one may well still come away disappointed, however, as the site describes the device as fairly “cheap” feeling, and says that it doesn’t have multitouch support (although earlier reports have stated that the device has a multitouch display). That said, the Snapdragon processor does apparently ensure that the device is suitably speedy, and there’s always the possibility for some exciting things to emerge from its developer-friendly JN-DK01 counterpart. Hit up the source link for a closer look.

iPhone HD arriving this summer

Posted by ts On 30.03.2010

source – techcrunch.com/ by John Biggs

The rumor mill is churning today as news of a CDMA iPhone running on Verizon will be manufactured by Pegatron in China while a whole new AT&T model, made by Foxconn, will also drop in the summer/fall timeframe. the Journal notes that the two new devices will be exactly the same except, obviously, the CDMA version will lack a SIM card.

We’ve seen weird leaks of an iPhone 4G screen – something longer than the current iPhone screen with a front-facing camera – but nothing concrete. We also need to take this with a grain of salt. Asian manufacturers enjoy talking up their connections with certain companies because it gives them a slight boost in the equities markets, so this could be a pump and dump.

Read the rest of this entry »

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