HTC Clones Nexus One, Launches 3 New Phones

htc-legend21

It’s just the beginning of the year and already HTC is on a roll. The company has announced three new smartphones — two of those will run Google’s Android operating system — and a redesigned user interface that aggregates social networking feeds.

The three new HTC phones are HTC Legend, a Nexus One clone called HTC Desire and HTC HD Mini, the only one in the pack to run Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. The phones have been designed by One & Co, the San Francisco-based design firm that HTC acquired in December 2008.

“HTC Legend and HTC Desire take Android to another level in both substance and style,” said HTC President Peter Chou in a statement.

Thanks to its close partnership with Google, HTC has emerged as a powerhouse maker of Android devices. The company designed the first phone to run Android, the T-Mobile G1. In January, HTC’s Nexus One became the first smartphone to be sold by Google.

Last June, HTC introduced Sense, a user interface that allows users to set up profiles for work and play and has widgets that bring in data from different social networking streams such as Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

Since then, the idea of aggregating all those feeds and offering them to customers through a single window has popular among cellphone makers. HTC rival Motorola got a jump on the idea with MotoBlur, an interface that aggregates Facebook and Twitter feeds and debuted on the Cliq.

HTC has tried to mimic that with its HTC Friend Stream that organizes updates from different online sources into a single flow. Friend Stream also lets users organize their contacts into different social circles such as groups of friends, colleagues or even high school friends.

All three of HTC’s phones announced Tuesday at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona, Spain, will include the updated Sense interface.

HTC Desire Takes On Nexus One

htcdesire

Yet another Android phone from HTC, the Desire, with its 3.7 inch OLED display, is closest to the Nexus One in terms of its technical prowess and features.

The Desire uses the same Qualcomm 1-GHz Snapdragon processor that we have seen in the Nexus One phone. It has a 3.7-inch display and weighs about 4.7 ounces. It also runs Android 2.1, the latest version of the Android operating system, first seen on the Nexus One.

The Desire, formerly known as HTC Bravo, supports Adobe Flash 10.1. It has a 5-megapixel camera with flash and geotagging capability, digital compass, FM radio, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.

The phone has an optical joystick surrounded by a narrow button instead of a trackball in an attempt to ostensibly improve usability.

Desire will initially be available in Europe and Australia before the second half of the year, says HTC.

HTC Legend Builds on the Hero

htc-legend3HTC Legend ups the ante in terms of design, says the company. The smartphone’s design is an extension of what we have seen with HTC Hero. The difference is in the softer look and the smooth surface milled from a single aluminum block also known as unibody construction.

It includes a 3.2-inch, OLED display and weighs 4.4 ounces (compared to 4.8 ounces for the iPhone 3G S and 4.5 ounces for the Nexus One). The Legend’s 600-MHz processor, though, is slower than the 1-GHz processor seen in the Nexus One.

Otherwise, the Legend mimics the Desire in terms of what it offers: a 5-megapixel camera, flash, geotagging, digital compass, FM radio, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.

The Legend will also run Android 2.1 operating system.

The Legend will initially be available in Europe through Vodafone around April, says HTC.

HTC Mini Dials It Down

htcmini2

The HD Mini is the only device in the batch to be based on Windows Mobile 6.5, a signal that HTC, despite its focus on Android, is not yet entirely abandoning the Microsoft platform. With its 3.2-inch LCD screen and 3.8-ounce weight, the Mini is a compact phone that shares almost all the same characteristics as the Legend. What is missing is a digital compass, flash in the camera and geotagging.

There’s also an unexpected design twist that seems to be of questionable value. Once the battery cover is removed, the inside of the phone is a bright yellow.  The bad news is that the Mini might not support the newly announced Windows Mobile Phone 7 operating system.

The Mini will be initially launched on Vodafone’s network in Europe.

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Photos: HTC


MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700

MSI’s refreshed C-Series laptops appear to be quite boxy, but that may just be the sacrifice you make to own a seriously affordable Core i3 and i5 machine. The 15.6-inch CR620 models — which include the CR620-030, CR620-033 and CR620-031 — range from $650 to $750, and pack new Core i3 or Core i5 processors, Windows 7 Home Premium and six-cell batteries. Those wanting to spend even less have the $529 16-inch CR600, but despite its NVIDIA GeForce 8200M graphics it only has a Pentium Dual Core CPU. We had to do some digging of our own to see just how good these deals could be, and discovered that the CR620-33 with a 2.13GHz Core i3 330M processor, 4GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive is only $699 at NewEgg. Yeah, we just said $699. If you’re not looking at the gallery or the press release below, we’ll assume you went shopping.

Gallery: MSI C-Series

Continue reading MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700

MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All the Smartphone OSes: A Beginners’ Guide [Smartphones]

Windows Phone Series 7 is here, and it’s like nothing we’ve seen from Microsoft—or anyone else—before. But how does it measure up? And where does every other smartphone OS stand?

If you want to skip the gallery format, click here.

iPhone OS 3.x

The third major release of the iPhone’s software, and the second since the platform got its App Store, iPhone OS 3.x has succeeded on the strength of simplicity, intuitiveness and a tremendous selection of applications. It serves as the basis for the OS that will ship with the new Apple iPad.

Available: June 2009
Open Source/Free: No
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: No
Multitasking: No
Multitouch Interface: Yes
Browser/Engine: Safari/WebKit
Video Recording: Yes
Upgrades: Sync/Patcher
Syncing Software: Yes
App Store Size: 100k+
App Sideloading: No
Jailbreaking/rooting: Yes
Flash Support: No

Android 2.x

In just over a year, Google’s Linux-based Android OS has gone from a rough-edged software experiment to a smartphone powerhouse, running atop some of the most powerful hardware available. Version 2.1 is the software platform for Google’s own first phone, the Nexus One. Android phones vary in both hardware configurations and software versions, but are generally increasing in popularity.

Available: October ’09
Open Source/Free: Yes/Yes
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: Yes
Multitasking: Yes
Multitouch Interface: Yes
Browser/Engine: Chrome/WebKit
Video Recording: Yes
Upgrades: Over the Air
Syncing Software: No
App Store Size: 20k+
App Sideloading: Yes
Jailbreaking/rooting: Yes
Flash Support: Within six months

Palm webOS 1.x

Palm’s webOS represented a complete reboot for the company, whose aging Palm OS found itself outpaced by more modern, finger-friendly offerings from Apple and Google. At the core of the OS is a novel multitasking system, with which users can cycles through apps, or “cards.” Another webOS selling point is the deep integration of social networking directly into the OS, and an emphasis on messaging.

Available: June ’09
Open Source/Free: No/No
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: No
Multitasking: Yes
Multitouch Interface: Yes
Browser/Engine: webOS/WebKit
Video Recording: Coming soon
Upgrades: Over the Air
Syncing Software: No
App Store Size: 1400+
App Sideloading: No
Jailbreaking/rooting: Yes
Flash Support: Within six months

BlackBerry OS 5

RIM is known for issuing frequent updates for its mobile OSes, but they are minimal, and at heart, BlackBerry OS 5 is deeply similar to its early, decade-old predecessors. BlackBerry OS is inclined towards messaging—its inboxes feature prominently—with web browsing and apps as secondary focuses. RIM’s recent success with the consumer (as opposed to enterprise) market shows they’ve taken pains to improve the usability and aesthetics of the OS, though its corporate roots still show through.

Available: November ’09
Open Source/Free: No/No
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: No
Multitasking: Yes
Multitouch Interface: No
Browser/Engine: BlackBerry/Proprietary (WebKit forthcoming)
Video Recording: Yes
Upgrades: Sync/patcher/over the air
Syncing Software: Yes
App Store Size: 3k+
App Sideloading: Yes
Jailbreaking/rooting: No
Flash Support: Within six months

Windows Mobile 6.5.x

Windows Mobile 6.5 is the last predecessor to Windows Phone 7 Series, and it will coexist with WP7 for the foreseeable future, as a bridge for corporate customers. Its basic design and codebase harks back to the early 2000s, and while it featured multitasking, copy and paste and a significant number of 3rd party apps well before the iPhone or Android did, WinMo failed to keep up with its competitors. Even with version 6.5, which added new, finger-friendly interface elements and an app marketplace, success was not to be. Despite its successor’s seemingly related name, this is the end of the road for the WinMo OS.

Available: October ’09
Open Source/Free: No/Licensed
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: Yes
Multitasking: Yes
Multitouch Interface: No
Browser/Engine: Internet Explorer/Trident
Video Recording: Yes
Upgrades: Sync/Patcher
Syncing Software: Yes
App Store Size: Under 500 1000+, depending on handset
App Sideloading: Yes
Jailbreaking/rooting: No
Flash Support: Yes

Windows Phone 7 Series

Windows Phone 7 Series is a total revamping of Microsoft’s mobile strategy, drawing more on design philosophy of the Zune HD than of Windows Mobile. The interface is designed primarily for touch input, and eschews icon grids and menus for a series of paneled hubs. The unreleased OS features deep integration with Xbox and Zune services, as well as a completely new app store.

Available: Holiday ’10
Open Source/Free: No/No
Multiple Handset Manufacturers: Yes
Multitasking: No, probably! (With possible exceptions.)
Multitouch Interface: Yes
Browser/Engine: Internet Explorer/Trident
Video Recording: Yes
Upgrades: TBD
Syncing Software: Media
App Store Size: TBD
App Sideloading: TBD (Unlikely)
Jailbreaking/rooting: TBD
Flash Support: TBD (Probable)

Best Buy kicks off Motorola Devour pre-sale, no rebate required

You’ll still have to wait until February 25th to actually get your hands on one, but those not wanting to take any chances on missing out on the Motorola Devour can now head down to their local Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile store and reserve one starting today. The only catch is that you’ll have to buy a $50 Best Buy gift card to hold your spot for the phone, but the good news is that you won’t have to deal with any of those pesky mail-in rebates — just a simple instant discount at the check-out. Curiously though, while Best Buy will gladly sell you a $50 gift card, it’s still not saying exactly much the phone itself will actually cost — here”s hoping we hear more about that before you actually wind up in the check-out line.

Best Buy kicks off Motorola Devour pre-sale, no rebate required originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commodore PET caught running Windows Phone 7 Series?

We’re not sure what to think of this one, but it would be remiss of us not to pass it along to you. On one hand, pics like this can be faked pretty easily these days. Yet again, the tipster seemed pretty convincing: he used the term “datassette” like he knew what he was talking about. We’ll let you be the judge, OK?

Update: We have received one further image, which seems a little more… plausible? Not really — but you can scope it after the break nonetheless. Thanks, Lincoln!

Continue reading Commodore PET caught running Windows Phone 7 Series?

Commodore PET caught running Windows Phone 7 Series? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commodore VIC-20 prepares for first-ever tweet

Old-school computer lovers will be happy to know that the Commodore VIC-20 is coming back. Only this time, it won’t run simple programs; it will run Twitter. pOriginally posted at a href=”http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10454105-17.html” class=”origPostedBlog”The Digital Home/a/p

Oxyfit personal oxygen booster a bulky alternative to Perri-air

The Earth’s atmosphere. what with its twenty percent oxygen an’ all, has supported life for millions of years — but is there a better way? The kids at the Japan Trend Shop certainly think so, and they’re currently shilling something called the Oxyfit Mobile Oxygen Supply. Consisting of an electronic oxygen generation pack, a lithium-ion battery for up to 1.5 hours of runtime, oxygen tube, aspirator, and helpful instructions (which are really only helpful if you can read Japanese), this bad boy will ramp up your oxygen intake by half — and with all the breathing you do, that has to be a good thing. In addition to the nootropic and fatigue-busting effects of the device, the company claims that wearing it will help you lose weight. It remains unclear if this is due to the change in metabolism the extra oxygen brings, or because you’re walking around with a 3.3 pound device strapped to your back all day. Yours for a mere $2,681! Hit the source link to get started.

Continue reading Oxyfit personal oxygen booster a bulky alternative to Perri-air

Oxyfit personal oxygen booster a bulky alternative to Perri-air originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hard Candy Cases Announces New Cases for the iPad

Hard Candy Cases - iPad

Apple’s iPad may not be out yet, but that’s not stopping a number of manufacturers from developing cases that will fit the tablet when it hits store shelves. Hard Candy Cases, a new company with some very attractive Macbook and netbook cases, announced its new line of iPad cases that will be available alongside the iPad when it hits Apple Store shelves in March. 
The new cases come in a variety of colors and flavors. The iPad Sleek Skin and the iPad Rubber Protect both feature a form-fitting rubberized protective case with a snap-on screen protection for travel, and are available for pre-order for $34.95 and $39.95 respectively. 
The iPad Bubble Sleeve, Hard Sleeve, and Hard Shell all feature Hard Candy’s signature bubble-style and polycarbonate design. The iPad Hard Shell has a translucent snap-on screen lid to protect the display, while the other two models are slide-in sleeves designed to protect your iPad while you travel. They’re also available for pre-order for $44.95 each.

Engadget Mobile Podcast 035: MWC Day 1 – 02.16.2010

Four men in a Catalonian apartment talk about the weather and the future of telephones. Hilarity ensues.

Hosts:
Chris Ziegler, Sean Cooper
Special Guests: Joshua Topolsky, Thomas Ricker
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Daestro – Light Powered (Ghostly International)

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 035: MWC Day 1 – 02.16.2010 originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engage! Expo 2010: Will Wrights Keynote

Will-Wright.jpg

One of today’s biggest play trends is that virtual and toy worlds are merging. So it only makes sense that for the first time this year, Toy Fair and the Engage! Expo are co-exhibiting at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. And who better to kick off Engage! this morning than Will Wright, legendary video-game designer and creator of franchises such as SimCity, The Sims, and Spore.

The keynote presentation, titled “The Evolution of Entertainment, A Toy’s Place,” was a speculative and entertaining look at the root of human behavior, how we develop world concepts, and where toys and play fit in. His predilection for building model cars as a child, he said, informed his ability to design online. “My favorite toy was the VertiBird,” said Wright; at the time, for that time, it was a fairly complex toy, but now, tech toys are evolving on a Moore’s-Law track.

More on the keynote plus videos of Wright’s speech after the jump!