Hasta La Gadget!

Qik has lived up to its name in clarifying some leaks indicating that future EVO 4G owners on Sprint will be charged $5 a month to make use of its video chat services. As it turns out, that subscription fee will be for a new range of “advanced premium features,” which will be elucidated on June 4 alongside the EVO’s retail launch. The core two-way video calling will come absolutely free, we’re promised, and only those yearning for extra features will have to pay up. It seems clear from the wording of that statement that multi-party conversations will figure prominently in the premium set, though we’re left guessing at what other ways Qik has for seducing us to part with our cash. Either way, good news if you wanted to keep things simple… and cheap.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Qik two-way video calling on the Sprint EVO 4G is free, premium service is not originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 May 2010 11:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When you’ve got the world’s most desired** handset, you don’t keep people waiting. As such, Sprint is recommending that its “preferred retailers” open extra early on June 4th. That should give you a bit of time to grab the new EVO 4G on the way to the office for some good ol’ fashioned bragging rights in the cubicle farm. At least until you remember that one-third of your life is spent working inside of a beige box. Oh and here’s a pro tip: according to the official EVO 4G Launch Guide we’re staring at, the mobile hotspot functionality that turns your EVO into a WiMax hotspot for up to 8 devices will initially work without paying the $29.99 monthly fee if you’re happy with using it on 4G only (no 3G). Sprint expects to correct this sometime in July after which the Sprint Mobile Hotspot add-on will require activation. Read the details for yourself after the break.

** assuming you have WiMax coverage

Continue reading Stores open early June 4th for EVO 4G with mobile hotspot loophole

Stores open early June 4th for EVO 4G with mobile hotspot loophole originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 08:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last we thought, that mandatory $10 “premium data add-on” for Sprint’s EVO 4G would additionally include YouTube and Qik video chat, and well, we may have been only half right. The gang at Android Guys have what’s alleged to be a scan from Sprint’s training materials, and according to one image, Qik’s gonna cost you another $4.99 monthly via PayPal (not through the carrier) to use. We’ve reached out to see if we can confirm, but if true, it’s a bit of a bummer to see the premiums continuing to add up. At least Fring’s Skype video is still free, and as you can see in the video after the break, it works pretty well.

Update: We’re now privy to the official May 26th edition of the Evo 4G launch guide and can confirm the $4.99 fee. While Sprint hasn’t said anything publicly, it’s looking like that fee will stick saving a last minute call from the governor.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Qik charging $5 monthly for EVO 4G video chat (updated)

Qik charging $5 monthly for EVO 4G video chat (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint launches the HTC Evo 4G on its network next week. But most devices don’t come with much at launch, and peripherals like cases, holsters, and extended life batteries are usually weeks out from the release date. Seidio wants to be ahead of the curve and has unveiled a full line of accessories for the Evo 4G, including the Innocase Surface II protective case, holsters designed for the Evo 4G that can be used with or without the protective case, and the  Innocell 1750mAh extended life battery.

The Innocase Surface II case is designed to provide full protection for the Evo 4G and is made of firm plastic that protects the case without adding significantly to the thickness of the device. The case has two interlocking pieces that connect over the back of the device with spaces in the plastic for the camera lens, speakerphone, charging, and audio ports. The case also comes in six different colors to match your style.

The Innocell extended life battery can be used to replace the one included with the device to increase talk and standby time for the device, and Seidio has two versions of the Innocase holster: one designed for use with the Innocase Surface II and one for use without any case at all. 

Greetings people of Earth. The Engadget Show is back in a big way with this latest episode! First, Josh sits down with Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch to tackle a handful of thorny questions, from Flash vs. HTML5, to the smartphone revolution and his company’s relationship with Apple. Then Josh, Paul, and Nilay welcome editors Chris Ziegler and Laura June for a special editor’s Q&A, answering all your burning questions about news, culture, and what it’s like to write for Engadget. We’ve also got a tour of AT&T’s Global Network Operations Center (GNOC), which is essentially a war-room for networks that has to be seen to be believed. All that, and music from minusbaby and visuals from noteNdo. Okay that’s enough reading… time to watch!

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay Patel
Special guests: Kevin Lynch, Chris Ziegler, Laura June
Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm
Executive Producer: Joshua Fruhlinger
Edited by: Glenn Gapultos
Music by: minusbaby
Visuals by: noteNdo
Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec

Download the Show: The Engadget Show – 009 (HD) / The Engadget Show – 009 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted)

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Continue reading The Engadget Show – 009: Kevin Lynch, editor Q&A, AT&T GNOC tour, Sprint EVO 4G

The Engadget Show – 009: Kevin Lynch, editor Q&A, AT&T GNOC tour, Sprint EVO 4G originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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