Hasta La Gadget!

Bummer. If you were planning to get your Streak pre-order in today, but were going to opt for the $549 off-contract version rather than the $249 on-contract version, we’re sad to inform you that it’s the exact same device in both scenarios. Not that we’re shocked or anything, but Dell’s own Lionel Menchaca has confirmed the tragedy via Twitter (shot after the break), noting that the $549 version of the Dell Streak “will not be SIM unlocked.” In case that needed any more clarity, he continued: “It is SIM-locked to AT&T.” Fairly lousy news for those hoping to snag one and pop a few international rental SIMs in as they headed off on their late-summer escapades, but it still makes us wonder whatever happened to that T-Mobile-ized version that sauntered through the FCC back in April. Angela Lansbury, we need you. Desperately.

Continue reading Off-contract Dell Streak is still SIM-locked to AT&T, wrongs still being done in the world

Off-contract Dell Streak is still SIM-locked to AT&T, wrongs still being done in the world originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like your Samsung Galaxy S with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a dash of WiMAX? Sprint’s website has finally spilled the beans: the Epic 4G will arrive Tuesday, August 31st for $249.99 on contract (after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate). Oddly enough, we’ve gotten a number of screencaps from readers who see an August 20th date, one that coincides with an upcoming Epic 4G promo we caught wind of, but the press release definitively lists the 31st. No way to pre-order at this point — reservations begin Friday, according to the press release — but feel free to sign up for reminders. Whew, glad that mystery’s finally solved. PR after the break.

Update: With Sprint now offering two Android-powered 4G smartphones, you’re probably wondering, Epic 4G or EVO 4G? Fortunately, Sprint’s got a video laying out the differences highlighting the Epic’s Super AMOLED display, keyboard, Samsung Media Hub movie store (available post-launch), and DLNA to wirelessly send pics and video to other DLNA devices in the home. Check it out after the break.

Update 2: Although reservations for in-store pickup aren’t set to begin until tomorrow, we’ve been tipped on a reservation link intended for premier customers. [Thanks, Miguel]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated)

Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s no question that gaming on the Android platform has heretofore been relatively underwhelming, but that looks like it’s all about to change. It seems that Sony Ericsson — a company that has yet to even introduce an Android 2.0 device — is at work on a project to redefine gaming on Google’s mobile platform. We now know (via a trusted source) that the company is actively and heavily developing a brand new gaming platform, ecosystem, and device (possibly alongside Google) which are already in the late stages of planning. And we’ve got the goods on it.

Continue reading Exclusive: Sony Ericsson to introduce Android 3.0 gaming platform and PSP Go-like smartphone

Exclusive: Sony Ericsson to introduce Android 3.0 gaming platform and PSP Go-like smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC’s Droid Eris phone is getting a second lease on life as a tour guide in a Disney amusement park. Disney has taken the smartphone, added a frame around it to turn it into a device running an app that shows wait times for rides, offers discounts and indicates show times at the park.

The repurposed Eris also gives out tips and tricks and coupons for use in the park.

HTC launched the Droid Eris in November as a $100 smartphone (with a two-year contract) on Verizon Wireless. The Droid Eris had a 3.2-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi and GPS capability. It also used HTC’s Sense custom skin for Android. In June, Verizon said it has retired the Droid Eris.

Meanwhile, last year Disney also launched its Mobile Magic app for mostly feature phones and non-Android smartphones. The app gives users detailed information about the different Disney theme parks in the U.S. Now with the Android version of the app running on the Eris, Disney hopes to connect with those users who are already at the park.

Check out the video to see the Mobile Magic app on the Droid Eris

Ultimately, the Eris phone running the app may be offered as a free or “low cost add-on” for visitors on the trip, says the MickeyUpdates site.

See Also:

• Now, a $100 Android Smartphone in the HTC Droid Eris
• Android 2.2 ‘Froyo’ Features USB, Wi-Fi Tethering
• Motorola Droid Rules Android
• Bloatware Creeps Into Android Phones

Photo: Mickeyupdates.com

[via Engadget]