Hasta La Gadget!

We’d heard buzzing for some time now around the internet that Apple planned to sell its iPad in more than just its own stores, and usually the name Best Buy was mentioned in the same breath… but now we’ve got some photographic evidence. The above shot comes from what looks to be an internal memo from the big box retailer, not only stating that the stores will be getting the iPad, but that they’ll be getting the iPad on launch day. Now, there’s no way for us to confirm that is 100 percent the real deal, but we speculated this could be coming back in mid-February, and there’s lots of corroborating evidence to suggest this is no joke (such as COO Tim Cook explicitly mentioning the device would be sold at Best Buy) — we just didn’t expect to see it day one. We’re digging for more info on this story, so stay tuned.

Update: Best Buy’s iPad playbook is certainly looking legit at this point. Our tipster sent us another two screenshots (they’re after the break) showing off BB’s new retail display which includes the iPad. Interestingly, they also tell us that the iPads are set to be delivered to stores on the night of April 2nd, and that quantities will be limited to about five of each model on launch. TUAW has also just published more of the playbook if you want to head over there and check it out.

Continue reading Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy… on launch day

Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy… on launch day originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, look at this. If you’ve been desperate to know what your App Store experience would be like on the iPad, here’s a chance to live the dream. Apparently these shots were discovered while the App Annie folks (an app tracking and analytics site) were “searching for clues” on the device and this “actual feed” was stumbled upon. While that’s all very unclear, what isn’t unclear is that Apple will be using the HD moniker to denote applications that have either been tweaked in a special iPad version, or have had their resolution upped so they wouldn’t just be scaled standard apps. Additionally, we’re seeing some applications that aren’t even available on the iPhone right now, such as the $49.99 OmniGraffle, which we’re assuming will be very close to its desktop counterpart — a good sign that iPad apps are majorly upping the functionality. One more long shot after the break for your viewing pleasure.

Update: Looks like App Advice has even more screenshots for your viewing pleasure.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading iPad App Store screenshots leaked

iPad App Store screenshots leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everyone, stop what you’re doing. The day you’ve been patiently waiting for has finally come. That’s right, the Engadget app is now available for the Android platform… totally free, of course. Can you believe it? Owners of Android 1.5 devices and up will finally have access to the unedited, unrestrained application, which allows quick access to Engadget, Engadget Mobile, and Engadget HD, podcasts, the Engadget Show, galleries, and more. Just as in the iPhone and webOS versions of the app, you’ve got full support for commenting, options to tip us, and lots of ways to share news with friends, family, or mortal enemies. We’re also constantly updating, and we have plans for some changes right out of the gate — like a homescreen widget that should be coming in the next version, so you can always stay on top of Engadget news. Keep in mind, we’re still going to be cranking away on all our other versions too (the BlackBerry and webOS apps have just recently been updated) — so expect more good stuff coming your way. Okay, less talk more rock — the app, er… prog, is available for download right now from the Android Market. Go get it!

The Engadget app for Android is finally, really here! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hear that, kids? Tony Melone — Verizon Wireless’ Senior VP and CTO — confirmed to us during a one-on-one meeting after the company’s CTIA roundtable discussion that every last one of its data-only LTE WWAN devices (aircards, MiFi-type products and USB data sticks, for example) would also support 3G. Not too surprising given the natural ties between the two technologies, but it’s still refreshing to hear that every 4G data-only product that launches (at least initially) on VZW will also be able to hop onto the company’s 3G network if you just so happen to break away from an LTE area. Can’t say that for a smattering of existing WiMAX products. In related news, Tony also affirmed that Verizon would be “interested” in getting a smartphone on its LTE network that could double as a mobile hotspot, exactly how the Palm Pre Plus does now (but on 3G, obviously). As for pricing when it comes to LTE data rates? Tony wouldn’t give us any indication of the carrier’s plans, but if it’s anything similar to whispers we’ve heard in the past (not to mention rates already seen through Clearwire), it’ll probably be at least marginally more expensive than what you’re paying today for third-generation access.

Verizon Wireless: ‘all’ 4G WWAN devices will support 3G, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unless you’ve been in one of a few key test markets, you’ve been pretty much out of luck boosting your AT&T signal in the comfortable confines of your home since the 3G MicroCell first launched — until now. Starting in the middle of next month in a deployment that spans “several” months, customers across the country should expect to see MicroCells pop up in their local regions. The device itself will run a one-time fee of $149.99 before a $100 mail-in rebate (when purchased with a “3G MicroCell calling plan,” though we don’t yet know what that constitutes). Separately, there’ll be a $19.99 plan bolt-on that offers unlimited calling when connected to the device — and anyone tacking on a new U-verse or DSL line of 1.5Mbps or higher will get another $50 rebate. It’s not the end of AT&T’s spectrum or backhaul concerns, we’re sure, but it’s a start.

Update: We’ve just clarified — the $19.99 bolt-on is the only one that’s relevant for the $100 rebate; there are no other dedicated MicroCell calling plans, so that should make it a little easier to bring down the net cost of the unit since you don’t have to change into another base plan.

AT&T 3G MicroCell starting nationwide roll-out in mid-April originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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