Nokia’s Chris Weber promises US-centric push for Windows Phone 7 devices

Nokia’s US prexy Chris Weber’s been making the media rounds lately, talking up the company’s Windows Phone near-future and offering a peek at the marketing blitz to come. In an interview with VentureBeat, Weber confirmed the death of Symbian and the N9’s North American release, but was much less straightforward when asked about the WP7 launch, saying only that a US focus is paramount to the OEM’s global success. The MS-blessed smartphones are set to debut “in volume” next year, at which point Nokia hopes to have ironed out its complex negotiations with carriers, bringing aggressively subsidized handsets to market. Nokia’s chief also engaged in a bit of mobile OS grandstanding, touting Microsoft’s live tile integrated approach as superior to the “outdated” app focus popularized by iOS and Android. And if you’re wondering just how the OEM plans to differentiate its hardware in this cluttered wireless market, expect to see phones with an emphasis on “state-of-the-art imaging technology and battery performance.” Here’s to hoping Weber’s words don’t come back to haunt him when his bet goes live next year.

Nokia’s Chris Weber promises US-centric push for Windows Phone 7 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meizu MX now aiming for end-of-September release, coming in dual-core and quad-core flavors

We weren’t expecting to hear anything about the Meizu MX so soon, but as always, CEO Jack Wong loves surprises. Earlier today, our main man quietly mentioned on his forum that his upcoming 4-inch Android phone will now be released in China at the end of September (around the same time as the next iPhone event?), meaning we won’t have to wait till the end of the year to see all the goodies. What’s even more interesting, though, is that there will be two MX variants: the 16GB version comes with a dual-core chip, while the 32GB version will sport a quad-core beast.

While it all sounds dandy, we’re not entirely sure which quad core chip gets to cuddle with the MX next month, as Samsung (a known buddy of Meizu), Qualcomm and even ARM aren’t expecting quad core chips until 2012 the earliest, whereas NVIDIA’s Kal-El is due to debut in tablets only this month. Well, we shall find out in a few weeks. As for the rest, Jack also confirmed that the MX will still have a removable back cover, though it’ll now sport a micro-USB port instead of the aging mini-USB socket — a bold move in a country where the latter is still commonly used. Anyhow, for now, enjoy the latest batch of MX patent drawings in the gallery below.

Meizu MX now aiming for end-of-September release, coming in dual-core and quad-core flavors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TabCo answers your tablet questions with more questions

How to differentiate your tablet in an already severely overcrowded marketplace? Well, you could simply launch the best device out there — or you could embark on a mystery campaign, answering a curious populace with cagey responses. Whoever is behind the TabCo tablet claims to have done both. The company, thus far best known for a series of befuddling YouTube videos, is set to make a full reveal on Monday. In the meantime, a representative has taken to gdgt to answer questions about the product — sort of. There are bits and pieces of information scattered here and there, but the responses are mostly attempts not to “spoil” anything, followed by a promise that more will be revealed on August 15th.

Here’s what the company will say, starting with the simplest first: TabCo is short for “Tablet Company,” a business set to launch a new tablet in the US this month, followed by a roll out in some European countries come September. The company won’t say whether the product is running some version of Android, but has promised that, whatever the OS is, the final form of the product will “offer a new way to interact with your device,” including a “predictive UI” that apparently knows what you want to search for and buy before you tell it. The tablet has an SD slot, 3G and WiFi, and a “unique” physical design and resolution. There’s no 3D or HTC Flyer-style pen functionality on the thing, however. Oh, and the build quality? TabCo says it’s “as good or better than Nokia and Apple devices.”

So, what is it? The new tablet from the people who brought you the Tabasco line of hot sauces? A big Improv Everywhere-style prank? An actual, you know, tablet? Lots and lots of viral-type videos for the international tablet of mystery after the break. And feel free to speculate your guts out in the comments

Continue reading TabCo answers your tablet questions with more questions

TabCo answers your tablet questions with more questions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDI 3D to ship new line of 3D projectors next year, we mortgage our homes

We were pretty impressed when we got the chance to gaze at HDI 3D’s silky smooth, 43-inch 3D LCD last year, which is why our eyes widened when the company announced that it’s begun producing a new line of 3D projectors, slated for release as early as 2012. First up in the awkwardly named Laser-Driven 2D/3D Switchable Dynamic Video Projector series is the LSS Pro 1 (pictured above) — a tank that’s powered by as many as two Laser-Drive Engines and capable of displaying both 2D and 3D images on HDI’s 300 inch Laser Silver Screen. A full 100 of the systems will be available on February 14th as part of a pre-production run, but they certainly won’t be cheap, with prices ranging from $55,000 to $85,000. As many as five similar models are expected to begin shipping by the end of next year, including the Industrial, Origami and Polygon. Beam past the break for more details in the press release, or check out our gallery to see the full lineup.

Continue reading HDI 3D to ship new line of 3D projectors next year, we mortgage our homes

HDI 3D to ship new line of 3D projectors next year, we mortgage our homes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included

Better dust off your finest pair of shades, because this Flame Red Nintendo 3DS is on its way to the States. The console, which launched earlier this summer in Japan as the Red Flare, will hit stores next month (alongside the new Star Fox 64 3D game), joining a 3DS lineup that already features Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue. The company will also be releasing two new games this winter — Super Mario 3D Land in November and Mario Kart 7 in December — in the hopes of rectifying its disappointing Q2 earnings report with a strong holiday campaign. Only time will tell whether or not it has any effect on Nintendo’s bottom line, but if you’re interested in adding a touch of Santa-like cheer to your yuletide gaming season, you can grab a Flame Red console on September 9th, for $170. Find more information in the full PR, after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included

Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia: the N9 isn’t coming to America

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting September 23rd so you can grab your very own Nokia N9 in America, the company’s first (and last) MeeGo smartphone may not be shipping in your region after all. We’ve been reaching out to Espoo in recent weeks in an attempt to nail down a US ship date for the drop-dead gorgeous handset, and much to our chagrin, we received a rather disheartening reply:

“After the very positive reception to the launch of the Nokia N9, the product is now being rolled out in countries around the world. At this time we will not be making it available in the US. Nokia takes a market by market approach to product rollout, and each country makes its own decisions about which products to introduce from those available. Decisions are based on an assessment of existing and upcoming products that make up Nokia’s extensive product portfolio and the best way in which to address local market opportunities.”

Bummer. Moreover, the folks over at The Inquirer were fed an eerily similar line regarding a ship date in the UK, leaving us to wonder where exactly this thing is planning to launch. Regardless, we’re still doing our darndest to get ahold of one for review, but it’s becoming all the more obvious that it’ll hardly matter to folks situated in the US of A. And that, friends, is a crying shame.

Nokia: the N9 isn’t coming to America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N9 countdown page goes live, 49 days to launch?

Google’s powers of awkward PR translation may have been right on the MeeGo-money, judging by this countdown page for the N9. The Swedish site, which just went live today, has begun its 49 days and counting creep to the Gorilla Glass-clad handset’s eventual overseas debut. We’d previously heard whispers of an impending September 15th release pegged for the OEM’s backyard, but we’ll err on the side of Nokia’s official launch clock. Head to the source to watch this tantalizing tease of time ticking by.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Nokia N9 countdown page goes live, 49 days to launch? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 shows up for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, ships August 11th

Back when we got word of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 making its British debut on August 4th, Samsung told us that our UK brethren could expect its elusive younger sibling, the 8.9, “later in the year.” Well, if its recently minted Amazon page is correct, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 will land across the pond just one week after its big brother, on August 11th. The 3G-sporting Android tablet carries a £605 price tag. Considering its stop off at the FCC in June, and the recent appearance of the Retail Mode app, we hope to see the 8.9 stateside sometime soon. Otherwise, it’ll be off to the UK for you die-hard Galaxy fans.

[Thanks, Jules]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 shows up for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, ships August 11th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG’s Thrill 4G rumored launch pushed back to August 21st?

LG's Thrill 4G rumored launch pushed back to August 21st?

Good old Radio Shack just can’t seem to keep its hands on internal memos. A little over a week ago, we were treated to a pair of leaked documents, slating an August 7th rollout for the LG Thrill 4G, and now another official looking missive has surfaced, pushing the release date back to August 21st. As per the document, customers will still be able to reserve their own 3D-enabled handset with the purchase of a $50 gift certificate before August 15th. Of course, we could still see this thrilling 4G phone pop up ahead of that date, perhaps from AT&T, but if you’ve already got a $50 gift certificate in hand, it looks like it’s time for another round of the waiting game.

LG’s Thrill 4G rumored launch pushed back to August 21st? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Streak 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1… fight!

Why look at this! Samsung’s very own Galaxy Tab 10.1 decided to stop by in Beijing to greet Dell’s latest tablet. As mentioned in our hands-on post, it’s clear that the Streak 10 Pro would need to go on a little diet to match the Korean tablet’s lovely figure and weight, though the latter won’t be released in the country until some time next month. Also, there’s no doubt that Sammy will continue to ask for a premium price in exchange for the better display and portability, so our wallets will be the final judge. For now, just enjoy our quick and dirty comparison photos in the gallery below. You’re welcome.

Update: It appears that some of our readers are missing the point: the 16GB WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1 is being sold for $499 in the US, and it’ll most likely be more expensive in China; whereas the Streak 10 Pro is priced at just ¥2,999 ($465). So again, you get what you pay for.

Dell Streak 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1… fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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