Hasta La Gadget!

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates

• The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed]
• Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company’s fancy new dev site.
• Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile’s HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved “device reboots.” Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews]
• If you’re using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you’ll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It’ll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup]
• The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that’s Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral]
• Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It’s a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral]
• HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life]
• In time for today’s launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it — you’ll know what to do after that. [via Android Police]
• For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it’s supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed]

Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery

• This was fast — the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life]
• The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you’re interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips]
• We’ve seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an “official” update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It’s been told that this is not yet the final build, so it’s bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral]
• Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral]
• The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]

Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you’re walking through New York City today, you may notice that your AT&T phone just got a little bit faster. But you probably won’t. The carrier activated a new broadband cell site in Manhattan’s Turtle Bay area in Midtown — somewhere between Times Square and the Upper East Side — in a five-block area that few tourists ever visit. The company says the upgrades are part of a larger plan to enhance coverage across the nation and eventually roll out 4G LTE coverage, with help from recently acquired T-Mobile — that is if all goes well in court, of course.

Continue reading AT&T enhances network in part of Manhattan you probably won’t visit

AT&T enhances network in part of Manhattan you probably won’t visit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T’s killing their $10/1,000 text plan. Now, you’ll have to choose between $20 for unlimited, or forgo a plan and pay $0.20 per message. AT&T calls this “streamlining.” We call it what it is: an outrageous, gigantic scam. More »

AT&T confirmed today that it will slim down its text-messaging service plans, offering customers either unlimited messages for a flat monthly fee, or a pay-per-text service. The company is eliminating its middle-of-the-road option, a plan that allots customers 1,000 text messages for $10 monthly.

“The vast majority of our messaging customers prefer unlimited plans,” an AT&T spokesman said in a statement provided to Wired.com. “With text messaging growth stronger than ever, that number continues to climb among new customers.”

AT&T’s change in service, which was first reported by Engadget, will begin on Sunday. AT&T made a point to note that its existing customers aren’t required to make the switch if they’d rather stick with 1,000 monthly messages, the spokesman said, “even when changing handsets.”

Text messaging services are in a state of tumult, as a carrier-backed SMS (or short message service) is no longer the only texting option. Apps like Pinger provide free SMS to users through its ad-supported system. Facebook recently released its Messenger application, which allows users to send chat, text or e-mail messages to one another using the Facebook platform alone. RIM has offered its BlackBerry Messenger platform, which allows BlackBerry smartphone owners to trade text messages freely to one another using instant messaging protocols, skipping out on carrier fees. And Apple, of course, plans to introduce a similar service for iOS device users when iOS 5 launches later this year.

Still, the majority of the world’s mobile phones are still “dumbphones” — not BlackBerrys, not iPhones, and not smartphones that run Facebook’s app — so SMS isn’t going anywhere in the short term.

We’ve compiled a chart showing what other carriers are offering in the way of SMS. Check it out, and make sure you’re paying for the plan that works best for you.

AT&T says it will begin selling two new 4G products, the USBConnect Momentum 4G and Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G, Sunday.

Finally — ATT has some 4G hotspots.

For $50, customers will be allowed up to 5 gigs of data monthly. Every extra gig will cost you 10 bucks. According to the press release, the two devices are the only ones in the United States to default to 4G/HSPA+ if you move outside of an LTE coverage area.

AT&T will begin deploying its 4G LTE network in five markets (Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, & San Antonio) this summer. Its first 4G phone, the HTC Inspire 4G, had a successful launch in early February, but it soon became clear that AT&T’s HSPA+ 4G speeds weren’t up to par. The company has continued to expand its network, going so far as to proposemerging with T-Mobile to bolster its system.

So what did I mean by AT&T “finally” getting some 4G hotspotting action?

Other 4G hotspot options on the market include Clear’s WiMax iSpot, which runs on Sprint’s network for 3Mbps to 6Mbps down, for up to four hours. iSpot costs $100 plus a data plan with Clear that runs as little as 20 bucks a month. Clear also has a USB alternative, the Clear 4G+ Mobile USB, which can be had for $115 plus the price of a data plan.

Novatel also has a 4G WiMax MiFi hotspot that’s supposed to provide 30Mbps down and 10Mbps up, as well as MiFi units for LTE and HSPA networks.

And then there’s the Samsung LTE hotspot that works with Verizon’s speedy 4G network. And T-Mobile’s 4G hotspot will run you $125 to take advantage of their HSPA+ network.

AT&T’s existing hotspot, the USBConnect Adrenaline, will get an upgrade to support LTE on Aug. 26. You’ll be able to get the USBConnect 4G for $49.99 and the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G for $69.99 on Sunday, both with a two-year contract.

The USBConnect Momentum 4G modem and Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G will provide portable 4G access to AT&T subscribers.

Image: AT&T