T-Mobile G2 gets a teaser site, will be network’s first HSPA+ phone

It’s called the G2, it’ll run Android, and it’s T-Mobile’s first phone to ride those wannabe-4G HSPA+ airwaves. Those are the facts we have. As to the speculation, a previous roadmap leak and T-Mobile’s own reps indicate it’ll be a HTC-built handset set for a September release, while a careful eyeballing of that silhouette leads us to thinking it’s the same device as the purported myTouch HD we’ve been seeing around here lately. Whatever it is, it’s coming soon!

[Thanks, Daniel]

T-Mobile G2 gets a teaser site, will be network’s first HSPA+ phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceG2.T-Mobile.com  | Email this | Comments

We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system

Some things seem like they might never happen: man traveling at light-speed, AI that is truly sentient, a striped shirt that doesn’t make you look fat… and a respectable Engadget commenting system. Well folks, today you can cross one of those lofty goals off of the bucket list. Yes, you read that right. Starting today — right now — Engadget has a brand-spanking-new comment system powered by the dynamic and insanely flexible Disqus architecture. Even if you don’t know the name, you’ve probably seen Disqus in one form or another — it’s used on CNN, Mashable, All Things Digital, and a slew of other sites you likely frequent.

So what’s new with Engadget comments? Pretty much everything. For starters, the inner and outer workings of our system have changed substantially — for the better. We’ve added multiple, threaded reply levels (hello 1998!), real-time updating of new comments, image and video attachments inline, and yes… comment editing. That means next time you write “dandroid” instead of “fandroid,” you can actually make the fix (unless you were nicknaming your friend Dan — then carry on). Using Disqus also allows us to make commenting on Engadget easier than ever before (for new and old users alike) by providing login connectivity with Facebook, Twitter, and OpenID. That also means that you can tweet or post to your wall when commenting, and we’ve got future plans for all kinds of funky integration with the services you know and love. If you don’t want to use those pesky social networking services, you can create a Disqus account as well (you’ll be able to comment on other Disqus sites using that account too). We’re also scrapping the down- and up-ranking scheme we’ve had for voting on comments. If you like something, give it the +1 you’ve been talking about for years. And of course, if something is offensive or out of line, report it to us so we can deal with it properly. Which brings us to… moderation.

Switching over to Disqus in comments also means that our ability to moderate is dramatically and drastically upgraded, which is bad, bad news for the trolls and spammers who have made commenting life on Engadget a royal pain in the backside at times. Thanks to a set of pretty powerful tools we’ll be deploying, we’ll be better equipped than ever before to deal with rogue commenters — from minor pains to major trollbursts. From here on out, the editors’ and moderators’ ability to track, control, delete, and ban inside and outside of comments will be markedly improved, meaning that we’ll act quicker and more precisely to scrap the bad eggs and keep the conversation civil. Fanboys, you’re officially on notice. For those of you who love Engadget and are responsible commenters, keep up the good work, because we’re toying with moderator promotions for those of you who have what it takes to keep the troublemakers in check.

Active commenters — you should know that the one thing we leave behind along with our commenting system is your Engadget account. Starting with this post, you’ll need to either create a Disqus account, or use one of the aforementioned services to login and comment. Older comments and accounts won’t go away, but the ability to comment on older posts will cease after a short while. We think this is a minor tradeoff considering the benefits, and we know that a lot of readers who have had some trepidation about getting into the Engadget commenting pool will finally have a chance to get their feet wet. We know everyone is going to take a little time adjusting, but we’ll be on-hand to try and answer questions, and we’ll also be keeping a close watch on comments for rising stars and early abusers.

So, with that said, we think it’s a good time to remind everyone of what we think commenting should be like on the site, so we’re including our Human’s Guide to Commenting on Engadget below. Enjoy… and get writing!

Update: Just a note, if you see weirdness, don’t panic! We’re still working out a few kinks and tweaking stuff like the comment count and mobile app implementation.

Continue reading We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system

We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Xbox Live launch titles for Windows Phone 7 finally revealed, we’ve got the full preview

We’ve known that proper Xbox Live gaming (powered by XNA) was coming to Windows Phone 7 devices, but we’d yet to see any of that thumb-spraining goodness in action besides a brief demo and a few developer videos. Well, Microsoft has finally come clean with details about its launch strategy for the platform, and from where we sit, it’s definitely looking pretty promising. First off, the company has announced a full list of launch titles for WP7 handsets, including some familiar names and franchises like Castlevania, Halo: Waypoint, Star Wars, Crackdown, and Guitar Hero, alongside a handful of newer properties like the ultra-cute ilomilo, produced in-house by Microsoft Game Studios. In total, the company will launch with over 60 game titles, with new offerings appearing every week in the Xbox Live Marketplace, just like its big brother console version. We’ve got all the details, a full list of the launch titles, and our hands-on preview after the break — so read on to get the scoop!

Continue reading Xbox Live launch titles for Windows Phone 7 finally revealed, we’ve got the full preview

Xbox Live launch titles for Windows Phone 7 finally revealed, we’ve got the full preview originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

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

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.

Permalink   |  sourceSprint (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments

Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access

TiVo users, even with boxes provided by their cable company in the case of RCN and Comcast, have so far had to make a compromise: Choose their cable company’s video on-demand offerings, or bring their own DVR and access online video from sources like Amazon and Netflix — but that’s no longer the case. Cox and TiVo have reached an agreement — sound familiar? — that will see allow retail CableCARD equipped TiVo Premiere DVRs to access Cox’s VOD, as well as all that over the top internet video we’ve come to love. The SeaChange powered VOD will work similarly to RCN’s, but we’re waiting to see if this can give the new universal search an extra source to pull from as well. The deal also means Cox will cross promote the TiVo in its own marketing, and provide free installs for units purchased at Best Buy and other outlets including the TiVo website.

The only bad news here? While TiVo plans to start testing later this year, it won’t see a wide rollout (in “all major markets”) until 2011. Check out the press release for all the details before calling your cable company, why should Cox customers get to choose between two different modernized, integrated set-top box platforms while the rest of us are stuck with interfaces and access rules that have been around since before the X-Games?

Continue reading Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access

Cox to offer retail TiVo Premiere DVRs next year, first with cable VOD & Amazon, Netflix access originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

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

Digg this!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.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Plastic Logic kills QUE, ‘shifts focus’ to second-generation ProReader

And just like that, with the swing of a virtual axe, she’s all dead and buried. Plastic Logic has been stuck in a world of perpetual delays ever since wowing the universe with its QUE ProReader at CES, and rather than delaying it again, the company is simply cutting its losses and moving on. To quote CEO Richard Archuleta: “We recognize the market has dramatically changed, and with the product delays we have experienced, it no longer make sense for us to move forward with our first generation electronic reading product.” To that end, the company plans to “shift its focus to bring to market a second-generation ProReader plastic electronics-based product,” but absolutely no details regarding form factor, pricing or an estimated ship date are given. Wilder still, those rumors about a company sale have coincidentally (or not?) flared up again, with the Financial Times stating this go ’round that Plastic Logic could sell a “significant stake” of itself to Rusnano, a Russian state-owned nanotechnology corporation. We’re told that the two are currently “in discussions,” and that if a deal is reached, Plastic Logic’s production facility for this elusive next-gen product would have to be based in Russia. We can’t say we’re completely shocked at the outcome here, but we’re man enough to shed a tear at our loss. Rest easy, QUE — at least we had our times.

Continue reading Plastic Logic kills QUE, ‘shifts focus’ to second-generation ProReader

Plastic Logic kills QUE, ‘shifts focus’ to second-generation ProReader originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Good Reader  |  sourceFinancial Times  | Email this | Comments

Dell Streak on sale August 13 for $300 on AT&T contract, $550 without

After a brief delay in getting the ball rolling stateside, Dell’s finally ready to start selling its Streak this Friday to all comers. If you go for a new two-year contract through AT&T, you’ll be paying $299.99; if you value your freedom, though, you’ll be looking at $549.99 out the door — oh, and if you signed up for the pre-sale, you’ll be able to place your order a day earlier on the 12th. Unfortunately, we don’t have any indication that it’ll be launching with anything newer than Android 1.6, so let’s hope that juicy 2.1 update with 720p video capture wastes no time getting rolled out. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Dell Streak on sale August 13 for $300 on AT&T contract, $550 without

Dell Streak on sale August 13 for $300 on AT&T contract, $550 without originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Motorola Droid 2 (and R2-D2 edition!) finally official: Android 2.2, Swype, $200 on contract

All together now: “Finally!” At long last, the leaks are being plugged by none other than Verizon itself, who today confirmed that the Droid 2 is more than just a figment of everyone’s imagination. Shortly after hamstringing the Froyo update for the original Droid, Big Red is tossing a tempting upgrade all up in your grille, as the Droid 2 ships with Android 2.2, mobile hotspot (a $20 / month add-on), Flash Player 10.1 and a revised QWERTY keyboard. It also ships with Swype pre-installed, though we’d prefer Swiftkey thrown in for good measure. You already know the specs by now — a 3.7-inch multitouch display, 5 megapixel camera, DLNA streaming, 8GB of onboard memory and a 8GB microSD card — but what you haven’t known is the on sale date. VZW is putting this gem up for pre-sale tomorrow at $199.99 on a 2-year contract, with in-store availability locked for Thursday.

In other news, that R2-D2 edition Droid 2 we told you about last month is legit, and we’re having a hard time containing our excitement just dreaming about the design. Said phone will be available online only in September, and it’ll ship with “exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga.” We’re guessing these will sell out in no time flat, but there’s no price being divulged just yet. Oh, and if you’re wondering how on Earth you’re going to swing this upgrade, Verizon’s allowing any customer with a contract ending by December 31, 2010 to upgrade now (to any other smartphone, including the Droid 2) sans penalty. Sheesh guys, you shouldn’t have!

Update: The R2-D2 edition portal has gone live. And yes, if you click this link, you will hear R2-D2 say “Droid!” Too bad there aren’t any images of the handset, though. Thanks, Eric!

Continue reading Motorola Droid 2 (and R2-D2 edition!) finally official: Android 2.2, Swype, $200 on contract

Motorola Droid 2 (and R2-D2 edition!) finally official: Android 2.2, Swype, $200 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceDroid Does, Verizon Wireless, R2-D2 Edition  | Email this | Comments

Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1

Netflix streaming queue starting to look a little stale? It’s working on that, and has signed a deal that brings EPIX’s library of movies to Watch Instantly — just not that instantly. If you’re not familiar with EPIX, allow us to refresh you, it’s a network launched last year by Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate that brings their movies home (though often unfortunately cropped and zoomed to 16×9) through a linear channel, video on-demand or internet streaming. Under this new agreement, movies from those studios can come to Netflix 90 days after they debut on the premium pay-tv and subscription VOD services. While that means streamers won’t get access to Iron Man 2, The Expendables, or Dinner for Shmucks anywhere near day-and-date with their DVD or Blu-ray releases, those kinds of high profile flicks will show up and stick around with greater regularity than we’ve been used to. The companies haven’t released further details, but rumors reported by the L.A. Times suggest licensing costs could reach $1 billion over the next 5 years. The first movies covered by the new deal arrive September 1, likely with flicks from the Star Trek, James Bond and Indiana Jones series (hopefully not Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) among them.

Update: Analyst Dan Rayburn claims on Business of Video that Netflix won’t be getting any EPIX movies in HD, so we asked Netflix VP of Corporate Communications Steve Swasey whether we could expect HD streaming movies with Movie Parties or if they would have Starz-like restrictions. The answer? “HD over time and no restrictions on Party Viewing.” Take from that what you will.

Continue reading Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1

Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments