Hasta La Gadget!

Sprint and ZTE decided not to hold a fancy get together to announce the Flash. Heck, there wasn’t even really proper PR. The ICS-sporting handset simply popped up in the online store and a spec sheet was sent out over the wire for those interested enough in mid-range Android devices to pay attention. The leak that caught our attention a couple of weeks back turns out to be spot on — the 4.5-inch phone is running what looks to be a pretty vanilla build of Ice Cream Sandwich on a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon and 1GB of RAM. There’s also plenty of little niceties included, like NFC (fingers crossed for Google Wallet!), Bluetooth 4.0, LTE and a microSD expansion slot to complement the reasonably paltry 8GB of internal storage. Oh, and that display — it’s IPS and HD, so expect nice viewing angles and crisp images. The two biggest bullet points here, though, are the eco-friendly design and that massive 12.6 megapixel sensor. You can pick one up now for $130 with a $50 mail-in rebate. The complete data sheet awaits you after the break.

Continue reading Sprint quietly launches ZTE Flash with 12.6MP camera and vanilla(ish) Android

Filed under: Mobile

Sprint quietly launches ZTE Flash with 12.6MP camera and vanilla(ish) Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC’s reassured us in a freshly updated FAQ that the One X and One S will continue seeing Jelly Bean updates as soon as carrier testing is finished, and it’s also given us some insight into how it decides which smartphones will get the Android 4.1 treatment. The word is mum on exactly which other phones will be graced with the flavor of Android in question and Sense 4+, but the firm is reviewing its 2012 handsets to determine which are eligible. Two phones that didn’t make the cut are the One V and Desire C, since HTC generally requires devices to pack more than 512MB of RAM in order to receive Jelly Bean. As for smartphones released in 2011, they’ll also be considered once this year’s hardware is evaluated. Chou and Co. also noted that they plan to post “generic development ROMs” of Jelly Bean for the One X and One S to its developer website as soon as they’re fully baked. For the full lowdown, hit the source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

HTC requires more than 512MB of RAM for Jelly Bean updates, One V and Desire C to stay on ICS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 04:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we wait for Google’s latest to hit the virtual shelves in our neck of the woods, Australian buyers have already seen the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 go on sale, appearing around noon locally. AusDroid reports the 16GB Nexus 4 went out of stock in just 22 minutes, followed by the 8GB version and 32GB Nexus 10. additionally, Android Central reports that official bumpers for the Nexus 4 have appeared in the Google Play store. We didn’t have problems with our review units but since the LG-built handset is rocking glass front and back they may be the difference between a close call and a sob story — friends who’ve smashed an iPhone 4 (or more than one) likely have relevant tales to share. Readers have emailed saying Google Play customer service reps indicated new Nexus sales will start at noon ET here as well, but without official word we’d probably just keep an eye on our inbox / clicking that refresh key to be safe.

Update: Sales appear to have gone live for customers in Europe, specifically UK and Spain, right about…now (3AM ET), those that can actually pull up the site at the moment may be able to get a purchase through.

Update 2: Google has confirmed that UK stock of the Nexus 4 has already been exhausted just hours after going on sale.

[Thanks, Jeffrey Powell]

Filed under: Tablets, Software, Mobile, Samsung, Google, LG

Nexus 4 and 10 hit Australian Google Play store first, $20 Nexus 4 bumpers appear (update: Europe too) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here’s a closer look at the Chinese phone-maker’s incoming premium smartphone, the ZTE Nubia Z5. While we’re already expecting quad-core internals, a 13-megapixel camera and a 5-inch screen, it’s nice to finally get a look at that Italian design broadly outlined by ZTE at the device’s unveiling in October, even if they are a touch familiar. The company aims to have the device out in Asia next month, when we should hopefully have a full spec sheet and more details on what sort of software is hiding beneath that glossy white shell.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

ZTE Nubia Z5 ‘high-end smartphone’ shows off back and circular camera detail originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft’s rebuilt Skype app is now available to download for those early Windows Phone 8 shoppers. While we already took a tour of the new app last month, you’re now able to do the same. New features include Skype contacts within the People Hub (and access directly from there), while you’ll be able to login to the service with either your Microsoft or Skype account — no option yet to merge the two. You will be able to send messages to anyone still using Messenger, but more importantly, receive both Skype calls and chat missives even when the app is whirring in the background. Incoming call notifications will appear on screen and its very own Live Tile will then notify you of any messages (though not calls) missed.

This is still a preview of a final product, however, and some issues with incoming calls meaning it could tap into your cellular data connection even if WiFi is hooked up after the call is accepted. At the moment, incoming calls when the app is closed will only be delivered through audio, even if the other person is trying to send video. Similarly, if you exit the app during a video call, the stream will be cut short. There’s also no ability to edit your phone contacts and there’s some missing Windows Phone integration links on this early build. Hit up the source for a full list of the early drawbacks and if you’re still in, the second source will send you to the download. We’ve also added our recent hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Skype for Windows Phone 8 official preview available now (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

Skype for Windows Phone 8 official preview available now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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