Hasta La Gadget!

Just because next week’s joint Samsung and Google event has been postponed doesn’t mean the leaks have to end. A Sammy handset with the model number I9250, which matches up nicely with the baseband version in the Galaxy Nexus shots that popped up, just made an appearance at the FCC packing a GSM radio compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile’s HSPA networks. It’s also boasting dual-band 802.11n, Bluetooth and NFC. Despite suggestions that the next Nexus device would be a Verizon exclusive, we could be looking at the AT&T version or at least the unlocked GSM model. The fact that it doesn’t support T-Mobile’s 2100MHz band leads us to believe this won’t be popping up in T-Mo shops. It appears that T-Mobile AWS is included. Noticeably missing, however, is any mention of LTE — that particular feature could still be the sole realm of Big Red. Hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer to find out all the details. One more image after the break.

[Thanks, Samer]

Continue reading GSM Nexus Prime passes through the FCC, possibly heading to AT&T?

GSM Nexus Prime passes through the FCC, possibly heading to AT&T? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Between your bell, safety lights and cycling computer there’s probably not much room left on those handlebars for more stuff. But, if you’re tired of having to speak up to converse with your riding partner, perhaps you’ll clear a little real estate for the HIOD One. This Bluetooth communicator lets you talk to your fellow cyclists from up to 1,300 feet away and can be used to place phone calls and listen to music on your phone. The control panel mounts on your handlebars, but the “wireless” voice unit is a bulky box best worn on an armband or clipped to your chest. While the voice unit isn’t hardwired to the controller, it does require you to plug in an earpiece and microphone to use it. Though the HIOD One has officially launched, there’s no price yet as the company is still looking for retail partners to actually sell the device. If your curiosity still isn’t satiated, there’s a gallery below as well as a video and PR after the break.

Continue reading HIOD One is a Bluetooth communicator for gadget-hungry cyclists

HIOD One is a Bluetooth communicator for gadget-hungry cyclists originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It might look blessedly cable free, but things could get messy, fast

Cyclist? Incorrigible gadget freak? Do you still — miraculously — have space on your handlebars to clamp one more widget? Then I have just the thing for you, you bearded freak, only you’re going to have to make some friends if you want to use it: The HIOD One cycling communicator.

The HIOD One is a Bluetooth communication setup for up to five cyclists, and it looks to be a real pain to use. The communication part looks great: you can talk to one person at a time, up to 400 meters (1,300 feet) away via Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0, presumably). You can also use it to listen to music, and to talk on the phone.

But then we get to the practicalities. First, and most sensibly, is the bar-mounted head unit with a high-contrast OLED display. This is the control center. Then, there’s a wireless voice unit, clipped to wrist or chest or even helmet. And by wireless I mean wireless until you plug in the mic and the earphone, which you’ll need to actually use it.

For some, this will kill the deal right away. A lot of people don’t like to ride with headphones for reasons of safety. For me, a single earpiece drives me crazy with its asymmetry.

If you manage your cables properly, though, this is a nice hi-tech alternative to walkie-talkies. On the other hand, for anything but ultra-lightly equipped road racing, you might as well just buy some cheap walkie talkies, right?

The HIOD will eventually go on sale when the company has managed to find some dealers to sell it.

HIOD One product page [HIOD Sports via Andrew Liszewski]

See Also:

• Airdrives: Bike Headphones That Won't Kill You

JBL On Tour iBT Bluetooth speaker now available for $150, iPad stand included originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We waited nearly the entire summer for the Acer Iconia Tab A501 to break daylight. Now that it’s finally shone its uber-glossy face, we were anxious to see if the “4G” HSPA+ model is worth the extra coin (or two year ball-and-chain, should you go that route) over the standard A500. If you have little fear of commitment, signing the dotted line will get you one 16GB slate for $330 — plus the added cost of a capped data allowance or a pay-as-you go plan. Not down to hitch up to the contract wagon? Cool with us… but you’ll pay $150 more to get your hands on one of these. So is settling down for two of the Earth’s rotations with the same tablet a wise move? Are you better off sticking with the WiFi-only model? Read on to see what we discovered when we took the A501 for a spin.

Continue reading Acer Iconia Tab A501 for AT&T review

Acer Iconia Tab A501 for AT&T review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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