info gadget: July 2011

Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN

We're guessing that this isn't the riveting Q4 announcement that Dan Hesse promised us last week at Sprint's Kansas headquarters, but it's a shock to the system nonetheless. The outfit's legacy iDEN network is still kicking around (and in turn, eating up valuable resources to run it), and while we're told that those push-to-talk users are some of the most loyal, it looks as if 2012 will be the year they're forced to try something new. The company's CDMA-based Direct Connect alternative is officially slated to launch this winter, with those who buy in treated to triple the square miles of the company's current push-to-talk coverage area, broadband capabilities and a smattering of new devices.

The Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore will be joined by an unannounced Motorola smartphone, all of which should be rugged enough to handle the expected field work. Furthermore, Sprint will be adding international push-to-talk (alongside "additional capabilities") in early 2012, and users should see a marked improvement in in-building coverage. Finally, we're told that voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint leverages its spectrum holdings in 800MHz, 1.9GHz, and -- through its relationship with Clearwire -- 2.5GHz. And with that, we'd say your iDEN handset stash just became quite the collector's item. Full details are tucked away in the PR just past the break.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/

Casio's Bluetooth 4.0 G-Shock is water and shock-resistant, FCC-approved

The latest G-Shock watch from Casio boasts the usual array of shock and water-resistant claims, and now it can add FCC acceptance to the list, having passed through that government agency's approval process. So, why did this wristwatch hit the FCC in the first place? Well, the rugged little timekeeper is packing Bluetooth 4.0 in its bag of tricks, which lets the wearable gadget communicate with your smartphone. No word on a release date, but Casio did mention a fairly broad "some time in 2011" window when it was first announced back in March. Here's hoping that its FCC debut will speed the shock-filled process along.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/casios-bluetooth-4-0-g-shock-is-water-and-shock-resistant-fcc/

Canon's second quarter profits dip 20 percent amid supply constraints, strong yen

Canon had some good news and some bad (but not unexpected) news in its second quarter earnings released today. On the upside, the company has raised its profit outlook for the rest of the year, and says that the recovery from the earthquake that forced it to halt camera production has been "quicker than expected." That halt to production did take a considerable toll on the company, however, and contributed to a 20 percent drop in net profits to ¥53.86 billion, or $685.7 million, compared to a year ago -- a figure that was compounded by a strong yen that further cut into its earnings overseas. That revised profit outlook comes in part from an updated shipment forecast for interchangeable lens cameras -- it now expects to ship 7.3 million instead of seven million, although its forecast for compact cameras remains unchanged at 20 million. Could that also include a few mirrorless models? Perhaps, although all indications are than an actual release will have to wait until sometime next year.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/canons-second-quarter-profits-dip-20-percent-amid-supply-constr/

Microsoft sued for patent infringement over Kinect controller tech

Microsoft is being sued for patent infringement over motion-sensing technology used in its blockbuster gaming accessory, the Microsoft Kinect. Ohio-based Impulse Technology has filed a complaint alleging that Microsoft’s Kinect controller infringes on seven of its technology patents. One patent referenced in the lawsuit covers "wide variety of games where the movement of a player is tracked in three dimensions…and certain exercise games where the motion of the player is tracked to effect movement of a virtual avatar, and the exertion of the user is monitored, including where the tracking of the player is done by the use of a camera.” A separate patent describes an "education system challenging a subject's physiologic and kinesthetic systems to synergistically enhance cognitive function.” Impulse Technology is seeking a permanent injunction to block the import and sale of Microsoft’s Kinect, and it is also suing Electronic Arts, Konami and Sega for developing Xbox 360 games that utilize Kinect and infringe on its patents. Impulse is seeking damages, treble damages, interest, and attorney fees from Microsoft as well. The Kinect motion-based video game controller has been a smash hit for Microsoft, having set numerous sales records since its launch. This past March, Microsoft announced that it had sold 10 million Kinect controllers since the device’s launch just before the holidays last year.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/microsoft-sued-for-patent-infringement-over-kinect-controller-tech/

Apple releases iOS 4.3.5, inches towards iOS 5

Less than ten days after iOS 4.3.4 parachuted in to fix that nasty PDF exploit, Apple's gone and dropped another. So what'll Cupertino's latest fix today? Build 8L1 -- or 8E600 on 4.2.10 if you're rocking CDMA -- apparently nixes a vulnerability with "certificate validation," or you know, Apple's just really fond of keeping all you hackers on your toes. Either way, time to fire up iTunes, unless of course, you're already living in the future.

Update: Turns out you can still (tethered) jailbreak with Redsn0w. Peep the more coverage link below.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/apple-releases-ios-4-3-5-gets-us-ever-so-closer-to-ios-5/

Apple’s Siri-based iOS voice controls dubbed ‘Assistant’

It has been about 15 months since Apple acquired Siri for a reported $200 million, and it looks as though we won’t have to wait much longer to see the deal bear fruit. In line with earlier reports, 9to5 Mac has been sent evidence that Apple will introduce voice controls in iOS 5. At present, the voice control features within iOS are lumped together in a service called “Assistant,” though this is not confirmed to be the launch name. A screenshot said to have come from an iPhone test unit shows a toggle to activate the Assistant service — and old style toggle rather than the slider from the new iOS 5 UI, interestingly — and 9to5 Mac claims to have verified the service by analyzing Apple’s latest iOS 5 SDK. “‘Assistant’ does not work only based on a user's voice inputs, but Apple will take information – securely – from user's devices like location, contact's information, and music metadata to formulate the best information to serve a user's request,” 9to5 Mac’s Mark Gurman writes. “Since Apple will be taking information such as phone contacts and location, we truly think that ‘Assistant’ will work just like the Siri iPhone application does; but fully integrated into the operating system.” The source of the screenshot says that the feature just went into testing, however, and it may not be ready in time for the initial release of iOS 5 this fall.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/apples-siri-based-ios-voice-controls-dubbed-assistant/

Redsn0w Can Jailbreak iOS 4.3.5 On iPhone 4, 3GS, iPad, iPod touch. Here’s How To Use It! [Tutorial]

Apple has unexpectedly pushed out an incremental update for iOS 4.3.x, and it is dubbed as iOS 4.3.5. This minor release is no more than a security update, aiming to patch issues with certificate verification.

iOS 4.3 WM

The good news is that we have tested it and can confirm that the current version of Redsn0w can jailbreak the just released iOS 4.3.5 on iPhone 4, 3GS, iPad 1, and iPod touch 4G/3G. But it will be limited to tethered boot, which means you will have to reconnect your device to your computer every time you reboot your iOS device. iPad 2 is obviously not supported. This has also been confirmed by MuscleNerd of iPhone Dev Team:

@zaone @m1ckey29 ah ok thanks for checking! So those who really do want tethered 4.3.5 can use redsn0w pointed at 4.3.4 (except iPad2)

4.3.5 Jailbreak[4]

Note: Those relying on a carrier unlock must stay away from Redsn0w.

How to Jailbreak iOS 4.3.5 (Tethered)

Step 1: Download iOS 4.3.5 and iOS 4.3.4 (required by this version of Redsn0w) firmware file for your device from the links given at the end.

Step 2: Download Redsn0w 0.9.8b4 for Windows or Mac. Also make sure you are running the latest version of iTunes, which is version 10.4.

Step 3: Now start Redsn0w, browse for the iOS 4.3.4 firmware file (NOT the 4.3.5) that you downloaded in Step 1 and point it towards Redsn0w. Refer to the screenshots below:

4.3.4-Jailbreak

4.3.2-Untethered-Jailbreak-2

Step 4: Once Redsn0w is done recognizing the firmware file, click Next and there you'll be taken to a new window. Simply check the "Install Cydia" box as shown below and leave other options as it is for now. Once done, click Next.

4.3.2-Untethered-Jailbreak-3

Step 5: On this screen, Redsn0w will instruct you to power down your device and plug it in to your computer. Follow the onscreen instructions and then click Next to continue.

4.3.2-Untethered-Jailbreak-4

Step 6: On this screen you will have to put your device in DFU mode with a combination of the Power button and the Home button for a certain amount of time, simply follow the onscreen instructions on how to do so. The combination is usually like this:

Hold down Power button for 5 seconds.
Now without releasing the Power button, hold down the Home button simultaneously with the Power button for 10 seconds.
Let go of the Power button but keep on holding the Home button for another 15 seconds.

If you performed the above mentioned steps correctly, then your device should be in DFU mode.

4.3.2-Untethered-Jailbreak-5

Step 7: Redsn0w will now jailbreak your device, don't do anything weird at this point, just let Redsn0w finish. We would recommend that you don't do anything with your PC or Mac at all during the process. Sitting idle and waiting for the process to end on its own is much advised.

Since this is a tethered jailbreak, therefore whenever your iOS device loses power, it will go into the dreaded Apple logo boot screen loop. To get out of that, simply start from Step 3 again and in Step 4, uncheck "Install Cydia" and instead check "Just boot tethered right now" option and hit "Next" with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch connected to your PC or Mac. And yes, you will have to do this every time when your device reboots or loses power.

Redsn0w-1

Source: http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-4.3.5-ios-iphone-4-3gs-ipod-touch-4g-3g-ipad-1-using-redsn0w-how-to-tutorial/

Download iOS 4.3.5 For iPhone 4, 3GS, iPad 2, 1, And Pod touch [DIRECT LINKS]

Just months before iOS 5 is released and ten days after iOS 4.3.4 came out, one wouldn’t expect to ever hear about iOS 4.3.5. It now turns out that yet another update for iOS 4.3 has been uploaded to Apple’s servers, allegedly fixing a critical security issue.

IPSW

No concrete information about this update has been provided about this update, other than it seems to fix an issue with certificate validation, as pointed out on Apple’s change log:

A security issue has been resolved with certificate verification.

iOS development has been on fire lately, with new updates being rolled out for both iOS 5 and iOS 4.3. Over the weekend, iOS 5 Beta was released, containing several enhancements to Apple’s upcoming iOS 5 as the release draws closer and closer. A week earlier, iOS 4.3.4 was released, which contained a security fix for Mobile Safari for a vulnerability that allowed a popular jailbreak method, JailbreakMe 3.0, to function. With 4.3.4 behind us, many has expected iOS 5 to be the next step for iOS but Apple has proven us wrong once again.

While it’s still unclear why Apple hasn’t stopped maintaining iOS 4.3 just several weeks before it’s fully replaced, the only possible explanation could be the gravity of the security vulnerability that was found. Although it might have been Apple’s intention not to update iOS 4 any further, the Cupertino company might have been forced to do it given the circumstances before hackers spotted the vulnerability first and started exploiting it.

If you have a jailbroken device, you are advised to stay as far away from this update as possible.

Non-jailbreak iPhone, iPad, iPod touch users are strongly encouraged to download this update as soon as possible. You can do so by plugging your device into your computer, locating it in the iTunes sidebar and clicking on the "Check for Updates" option. The update should then immediately begin downloading and installing.

Source: http://www.redmondpie.com/download-ios-4.3.5-for-iphone-4-3gs-ipad-2-1-and-pod-touch-direct-links/

HTC Bliss leaked image confirms our report of female-focused Android phone

We had a very strong feeling that the Bliss (or what the TIMN staff calls HTC's Lady Phone) was indeed a real handset when we first reported on it back in May, but we also had doubts that HTC would specifically design a phone for the XX chromosome set. Well, the picture above of the so-called Bliss, dug up by PocketNow, pretty much puts all our doubts to rest. Matching our initial description to a T, the phone in the leaked picture is adorned in a sea foam green (remember it's supposed to be "calming!") and is said to be released with a number of matching accessories. In this case, the phone seems to be in some sort of encompassing dock, and though there aren't any details on it, we'd venture to guess that it's the wireless charging dock that we detailed in our first report. Unfortunately there aren't any signs of that charm indicator, which still seems to be this phone's only addition for women.

Of course, there's always a chance that this image was an older render — however, PocketNow has also spotted some images with the name "HTC Bliss" noted in the EXIF data. We're pushing our own sources on additional details right now, but either way, it looks like HTC's really moving ahead with its effort to dress Android up for women.

Source: http://thisismynext.com/2011/07/25/htc-bliss-leaked-image-female-phone/

Mac mini review (mid 2011)

For those familiar with last year's Mac mini, what you're peering at above isn't likely to strike you as jarring. Heck, it may even seem somewhat vanilla at this point. In truth, Apple did exceedingly little in terms of design changes with the mid 2011 Mac mini, but given the relatively recent cosmetic overhaul, it's not like we were genuinely expecting anything above a top-to-bottom spec bump. And that, friends, is exactly what we've received. The mini remains quite the curious beast in Cupertino's line -- it's the almost-HTPC that living room junkies are longing for, yet it's still a country mile from being the headless mid-tower that Apple steadfastly refuses to build. It's hardly a PC for the simpleton (given that it's on you to hunt down a mouse, keyboard and monitor), and it's actually taking a giant leap backwards on one particularly important front. Care to hear more? You'll find our full review just past the break.

Gallery: Apple Core i5 Mac mini unboxing (mid 2011)

Continue reading Mac mini review (mid 2011)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/mac-mini-review-mid-2011/

PSA: Apple using slower SSDs in some MacBook Air models (video)

When you head to Apple's online store to configure your MacBook Air, you'll find options to increase processor speed or SSD capacity -- depending on the model you select, of course. There's no mention of flash drive speed, however, though it's now clear that not all SSDs are created equal at Apple -- not only when it comes to capacity, but also performance. Jonathan over at TLD discovered a fairly significant discrepancy when benchmarking both MacBook Air models over the weekend. The 128GB Samsung SSD in his 11-inch Air was able to achieve 246 MB/s write and 264 MB/s read speeds. When he switched to the 13-inch model, however, speeds dropped to 156 MB/s and 208 MB/s, respectively, using that notebook's 128GB Toshiba SSD. We compared speeds on two generations of 13-inch models, and confirmed Jonathan's findings. During our tests, the 256GB Samsung drive in our older model achieved 214 MB/s write and 251 MB/s read speeds, while the 128GB Toshiba drive in the new MacBook Air scored 184 MB/s and 203 MB/s during write and read tests, respectively. Overall, you're not likely to notice a significant difference during normal usage, though it's certainly an interesting find, nonetheless.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/psa-apple-using-slower-ssds-in-some-macbook-air-models-video/

HTC’s Chief Innovation Officer, Horace Luke, resigns for personal reasons

BGR has exclusively learned that Horace Luke, former Chief Innovation Officer at HTC, has left the company as of April 30th 2011. ”Horace Luke, HTC's chief innovation officer, has left HTC for personal reasons. Horace nurtured a culture of innovation at HTC and instilled a strong consumer design-focus among our employees who continue to raise the bar in designing products that capture our customers' imagination,” HTC told BGR in a statement. “We are grateful for Horace's many contributions to HTC and wish him well in his future endeavors. Scott Croyle, HTC's vice president of design, has taken over Horace’s responsibilities and will continue a tradition of design innovation at HTC.” Luke had been at HTC since November 2006 when he left his role as Creative Director at Microsoft to join the emerging Taiwan-based smartphone vendor. He was with Microsoft for a total of nine years, where he headed up the Creative departments for products including Xbox, Windows XP, Microsoft research and Windows Mobile.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/htcs-chief-innovation-officer-horace-luke-resigns-for-personal-reasons/

ASUS Eee Pad SL101 slides through the FCC, still misses promised May release

Sure, it's not unusual for gadgets to miss their shipping targets, suffering months-long delays as they jump through the varies hoops necessary before a release. Fortunately, ASUS can now check FCC approval off the Eee Pad Slider's to do list, with the Honeycomb QWERTY tablet receiving a green light from the feds late last week. ASUS has already confirmed August availability in the UK (after previously promising a May ship date), so we can only hope that the same timeframe applies stateside as well. We're also curious to see whether or not ASUS was able to use this unexpected delay to beef up supplies, so the Slide doesn't suffer a hangup similar to that of its Transformer cousin. The company has yet to confirm Slider pricing in the U.S., though we imagine those details will be revealed along with a shipping date within the next few weeks.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/asus-eee-pad-sl101-slides-through-the-fcc-still-misses-promised/

Apple releases iOS 4.3.5 for iPhone, iPad, more

Apple on Monday released iOS 4.3.5 for iOS devices to address a security vulnerability. The update comes just 10 days after Apple issued iOS 4.3.4 to address a security hole related to PDF support. The new update was released with the following notes:

iOS 4.3.5 Software Update

Fixes a security vulnerability with certificate validation.

IOS 4.3.5 is available immediately through iTunes for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad and the last two iPod touch models. Apple has also released iOS 4.2.10 at the same time for Verizon Wireless’ CDMA iPhone 4.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/apple-releases-ios-4-3-5-for-iphone-ipad-more/

Bring Web Apps To Your Desktop With WebRunner For Firefox (Windows & Mac)

While primary attention is still being given to desktop apps, we are slowly and steadily seeing focus shift to powerful web apps thanks to the advancement of web browsers and technologies like HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. This is evidenced by OS-level projects like Chrome OS and Joli OS as well as products like Mozilla Prism or the built-in feature on Internet Explorer 9 & Google Chrome which allows users to integrate web applications with the desktop.

While Mozilla Prism died sometime last year, its spirit lives on in the form of WebRunner (which was actually Prism's original name).

webrunner-300x178

The whole concept of bringing web apps to the desktop basically involves creating a shortcut of the web app's address in the form of an icon on the user's desktop. When a user clicks on the said shortcut, the web app opens inside a site-specific browser or SSB. This SSB doesn't have any of the original clutter that comes with opening the web app in a usual browser.

From Salsita Software's page for WebRunner:

There is a major shift underway in the software world, as applications move out of the web browser and onto the desktop. This is ironic since the last 15 years have seen ever growing popularity of web apps. The truth is that users want all the simplicity of a web-based user interface but with the bells and whistles that only desktop apps can offer.

WebRunner (formerly Mozilla Prism) is a platform developed by Salsita Software using the same technology that underlies the Firefox browser. It makes it easy to turn web apps into standalone desktop applications.

Firefox, despite its increasingly bloated behavior, is still a very popular browser. It's one of the three browsers which are most used for visiting Redmond Pie along with Safari and Chrome so we figured we'd cater to our readers who are Firefox fans.

Anyway, once you've downloaded and installed the WebRunner add-on from the link embedded in the end, you must open up the website/web-service you want to create a web app out of. Once that is opened, click on Tools > Create WebRunner App:

random

This will open up another window from where you can customize how your web app will work. We went with Show Menubar, Enable Navigation Keys and created a shortcut on Desktop:

dialogbox

Clicking on OK will create your web app on the previously selected location. Since we chose desktop, here's what we got:

redmondpiepage

Voila! The website/web-service of your choice can now be accessed in one-click from the desktop and then be enjoyed without any of the clutter that usually comes with the browser.

Web Runner is available on Mozilla Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Download WebRunner for Mozilla Firefox

Source: http://www.redmondpie.com/bring-web-apps-to-your-desktop-with-webrunner-for-firefox-windows-mac/

Download iOS 4.2.10 For CDMA Verizon iPhone 4 [Direct Link]

iOS 4.2.10 has just been released by Apple for CDMA based iPhone 4 running on the Verizon network. According to the official change log, this minor update fixes a security vulnerability with certificate validation in iOS.

Verizon iPhone 4 vs AT&T iPhone 4

This comes only about ten days after iOS 4.3.4 and iOS 4.2.9 was released to patch JailbreakMe 3.0 exploit found in Mobile Safari which was used to jailbreak iPad 2.

So if you are planning to keep untethered jailbreak on iOS 4.2.8, stay away from iOS 4.3.5/4.2.10 and iOS 4.3.4/4.2.9 as far as possible. Also make sure you install PDF Patcher 2 from Cydia which basically closes this PDF hole after untethered jailbreak, giving you the same effect of iOS 4.2.10/iOS 4.2.9 on 4.2.8 with full untethered jailbreak.

For those of you who want to update, simply connect your iPhone to your PC or Mac and start iTunes. When prompted for update, click on "Download and Install" (Mac OS X) or "Download and Update" (Windows) to get on to the new 4.2.10 firmware.

The last major update for Verizon iPhone was iOS 4.2.6, which was released back in February 2011, followed by a minor update iOS 4.2.7, released on April 14, iOS 4.2.8, released on 4th May 2011, iOS 4.2.9, released on 15th July 2011.

Source: http://www.redmondpie.com/download-ios-4.2.10-for-cdma-verizon-iphone-4-direct-link/

Gigabyte G1 Assassin motherboard is a last-gen gamer's dream come true

For a motherboard, the G1 Assassin from Gigabyte sure is gaudy and actually rather interesting. First off, that Killer E2100 networking solution from Bigfoot has been integrated into the board, as has Creative's X-Fi audio. The three-year-old X58 chipset at its heart is starting to look a little long in the tooth but, with support for three-way SLI or four-way CrossFireX, 24GB of RAM, and Intel's Extreme Edition processors, you probably won't miss Sandy Bridge too much. Starting at around $450 the Assassin isn't for everyone, but hardcore gamers determined to squeeze every ounce of performance from of their setup will not be disappointed. The one unfortunate fault of the G1 is timing -- the next-gen of high-end performance parts from Chipzilla are right around the corner. Though, that banana clip-shaped heat sink has to count for something. We know you like benchmarks, so check out the reviews below.

Read - HotHardware

Read - Legit Reviews

Read - Overclock 3D

Read - TechRadar

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/gigabyte-g1-assassin-motherboard-is-a-last-gen-gamers-dream-com/

Images of official Facebook for iPad app leaked

Images of Facebook’s unannounced iPad application have been leaked by TechCrunch. Reportedly, the official application has been hidden inside the iPhone app all along. We’re impressed by what we see in the leaked photos so far; there is clearly a robust gallery feature and the news feed is rich with profile photos and status updates. TechCrunch‘s MG Siegler, who has already tested the application, says that it offers an “HTML5-rich experience” and that Facebook for iPad is a vast improvement over the mobile Web interface currently available. Facebook for iPad is expected to launch soon but an exact release date is still unknown. At least we now know the social network didn’t just skip out on one completely. Read on for two more images and check the read link for a full gallery.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/images-of-official-facebook-for-ipad-app-leaked/

Motorola MOTOKEY XT, MOTOKEY Mini EX108 and WX294 hit Brazil

Motorola has released three new feature phones in Brazil - the TIM's exclusive QWERTY bars MOTOKEY XT EX118 and MOTOKEY Mini EX108 plus the dual-SIM WX294.

The two QWERTY bars MOTOKEY XT EX118 and MOTOKEY Mini EX108 are available only through the carrier TIM both on one-year contracts or with pay-as-you-go plans.

The MOTOKEY XT EX118 is the mightiest of the three, featuring a 2.4-inch capacitive QVGA touchscreen, a 3 megapixel camera, FM radio, a five-row portrait QWERTY keyboard and a microSD card slot. If you decide to get it on a pay-as-you-go plan, it will set you back R$336 (150).

Motorola MOTOKEY XT EX118

Motorola MOTOKEY EX108 is a cheaper version of the EX118 model with a mere 2-inch non-touch display of 220 x 176 pixels resolution, a 2 megapixel camera, FM radio and a microSD slot with 2GB pre-installed card. It costs R$252 (113) on a pay-as-you-go plan.

Motorola MOTOKEY EX108

The last Motorola phone is not a carrier exclusive and is available everywhere in Brazil. The WX294 is a dual-SIM, dual stand-by candybar with an 1.8-inch display with 128 x 160 pixels resolution, a VGA camera with LED flash, FM radio and microSD slot with 2GB bundled card. The WX294 doesn't come cheap though - if you want it, you'll have to pay R$249 (111).

Motorola WX294

As we mentioned above, all handsets are already available in Brasil and most probably won't be released elsewhere.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/brazil_gets_motorola_motokey_xt_ex118_motokey_mini_ex108_and_wx294-news-2923.php

Leaked Sprint release table bears a tablet: the unknown ZTE V55

There's a whole batch of previously unsuspected launch dates on this leaked Sprint document, but our looking glass is drawn to the very bottom of the list. Here you'll spot a red arrow, subtly added by us, pointing at the words "ZTE V55 TABLET." Could it be the very same 10-incher we spotted at CTIA? It certainly could, but there are two irksome discrepancies. Firstly, the CTIA slate was scheduled for the second half of this year, which is earlier than the 2012 date suggested on the leak. Secondly, the CTIA tablet was LTE compatible, whereas Sprint isn't -- at least not yet. Our attempts to make a connection must therefore be abandoned for the time being, leaving our intellectual appetites to dine on a weevil-infested question mark.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/leaked-sprint-release-table-bears-a-tablet-the-unknown-zte-v55/

MacBook Air review (mid 2011)

There comes a time when that giant, corporate-issued laptop stops fitting into your lifestyle. When dragging around a Kensington roller case just won't do. When you start to hear the siren lilt of something thinner, lighter, and maybe a bit more alluring. For years the MacBook Air has been that svelte temptress hollering your name, but it's always been a bit too slow -- all show and no go. It didn't have the power and the longevity to make it a serious contender for your serious affections.

No more. With its latest refresh, Apple has taken what was once a manilla-clad curiosity and turned it into a legitimate machine, not just a sultry looker. Good thing, too, because the death of the plastic-clad MacBook means the Air is now Apple's entry-level portable. Weary traveler looking for a laptop that will lighten your load and, it must be said, your wallet too? This might just be it.

Gallery: MacBook Air Review

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/macbook-air-review-mid-2011/

AT&T confirms Gingerbread coming to entire 2011 Android lineup (and Samsung Captivate)

The HTC Status was the only device with Gingerbread on AT&T's lineup for a small slice of time, but that's quickly coming to an end. The carrier has confirmed that Android 2.3 will be pushed to its entire 2011 postpaid lineup, beginning with an OTA rollout of the Motorola Atrix 4G today (though and the HTC Inspire 4G "in the coming weeks." In addition to the phones released this year, Samsung Captivate users will be able to enjoy the upgrade as well. There's no hard details on the timing for everyone else, but at least anyone with a 2011 model can breath a sigh of relief. Full press release can be found after the break.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/atandt-confirms-gingerbread-coming-to-entire-2011-android-lineup/

Unnamed Samsung Android slider headed for AT&T

If Samsung’s Android lineup is feeling a little sparse on AT&T, don’t worry… there’s about to be a new flagship in town. We have just exclusively received a photo of an unnamed Samsung device complete with sliding QWERTY keyboard that’s headed to AT&T in the coming months. While we don’t have much to go on, the device will sport the four-button Android layout as opposed to Samsung’s typical three-button layout at AT&T’s request, and the QWERTY keyboard even reflects that.

Source: http://www.bgr.com/2011/07/25/unnamed-samsung-android-slider-headed-for-att/

AT&T confirms LG Thrill 4G pricing, release 'in the coming weeks'

Pricing for the LG Thrill 4G popped up on Radio Shack's corporate systems a few days ago, at $80 with a two-year contract. AT&T just shared its official Thrill pricing, however, with the glasses-free 3D smartphone commanding a healthy $99 at the company's retails stores when it ships "in the coming weeks." That timeframe meshes nicely with the August 7th launch date that a pair of Radio Shack insiders shared with us last week, though until we receive confirmation otherwise, it's within reason to expect that devices will begin to ship before or even after that date. Either way, it doesn't look like you'll need to hold out much longer for your Thrill, with only a few more days of tranquility to go before the excitement begins.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/atandt-confirms-lg-thrill-4g-pricing-release-in-the-coming-weeks/

The Engadget Show returns today, July 25th -- win a ticket to the taping!

After a month-long slumber, the Engadget Show is back! We're taping today, on Monday, July 25th at 6:00pm ET! You can read up on what to expect right here, and if you're looking for plans in just a few hours, we've got a smattering of seats still available. Read below for all the nitty-gritty, and if you're angling to attend, drop an email to darren *at* engadget *dot* com with your name, how many guests you're hoping to bring (if any) and a contact number.

Here are the details if you win a ticket:

The event is all ages.
We'll open doors and begin seating at 5:15pm on July 25th, and the taping begins at 6:00PM. We'll be closing the doors at 5:50PM.
If you'd like a last-minute seat today, you have to email darren *at* engadget *dot* com with your name, how many guests you're hoping to bring (if any) and a contact number.
Please bring a photo ID with you to the taping.
The show length is around an hour.

If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/the-engadget-show-returns-today-july-25th-win-a-ticket-to-th/

Broadband claims another: France Telecom putting the kibosh on Minitel

'Tis a sad, sad day for fans of all things retro. In a developed nation dominated by high-speed connections, near-ubiquitous 3G and sub-$€300 computers, it's more than a little astounding that the Minitel is just now being axed by France Télécom. Originally, the aforesaid machine was ordered by the French government in the 1970s "as part of an initiative to get people to share information and, eventually, reduce the consumption of paper." In a bid to rapidly increase adoption, the terminals -- complete with a monochrome screen and bantam keyboard -- were actually doled out to denizens free of charge, with access billed on a per-minute basis. It obviously required a phone line, and things were kept understandably simple; users rarely did more than shop for train tickets, check the occasional bank account and peruse the phone directory. Astonishingly, France's precursor to the internet still raked in €30 million in revenue last year, but the time has finally come to push existing users onto more sophisticated solutions. As of June 30, 2012, "the Minitel will die." 'Course, the service itself will be the only thing shuttered -- those memories are bound to last a lifetime.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/broadband-claims-another-france-telecom-putting-the-kibosh-on-m/

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