Hasta La Gadget!

If you’re a sucker for juicy handset rumors, then this one’s for you. A few months ago, a supposed Samsung roadmap leaked, revealing a slew of new Android, Bada and WP7 handsets on the horizon. Today, a picture purporting to be one of those phones, the GT-19220 (W43) surfaced, complete with some specs to further grease the rumor mill. Word on the web says that the Sammy will have a 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED Plus display that measures in at 5.29 inches diagonally — even bigger than the 5-inch Dell Streak tablet. If our observational geometry is right, we’d say that screen size is probably pretty accurate. Rather than taking tablet status like the Dell, however, it seems bound to be the Galaxy S II’s big brother, as sources claim it’s running Gingerbread with a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and packs an 8 megapixel camera. Of course, these specs can’t be officially confirmed until the phone is launched, but it’s safe to say it’s likely a part of the Android army taking on the iPhone 5 this fall.

Update: Alas, as many of you have pointed out in comments, there’s not a lot of truth to this story. First, both devices you’re seeing above appear to actually be PMPs, not phones — the Galaxy S players we’ve seen before. Secondly, we’re hearing the actual name of this supposed smartphone is GT-i9220, not 19220.

Samsung’s GT-19220 shows up in leaked photos, preps for battle with iPhone 5? (update: nope!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okay, there’s a possibility that our growing anxiousness for Google Wallet is distorting our perceptions. Or, perhaps we’re merely days from its debut. Let’s put it this way: new information from RadioShack suggests the retailer will begin accepting Google Wallet transactions on September 1st. While this fundamentally means that NFC readers will be in place — which isn’t earth-shattering news — The Shack is one of Google Wallet’s launch partners, and it seems the company is priming its employees for the revolution late next week. Like Fox Mulder, we want to believe. Worst case scenario, we now have proof that Google’s launch partners are gearing up for its arrival. Hey, we’re looking forward to handing over our phones to complete strangers. Aren’t you?

Update: We’re hearing this is more likely just another retailer ramping up for a launch later in the month, so don’t get too eager for something shocking to happen on 9/1. Also, of course you don’t need to hand over your phone to use Google Wallet. Customer-facing NFC readers mean it can stay very much on your person and out of the hands of sure-handed, dashing, and handsome retail workers.

[Thanks, Abed]

Mild-mannered RadioShack employee outs Google Wallet’s launch date? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Droid Bionic may be the most hyped phone in the history of gadgetdom. The latest round of spy shots come from a Best Buy flyer, a tips and tricks manual and a pic purported to come from Verizon’s Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) system — all of which lead us to believe launch is right around the corner. Most of the info here is not terribly surprising (an 8 megapixel camera, 1GHz dual-core processor, etc…), but there is one detail that threw us for a loop — the screen is only 4.3-inches. Rumor had it that the Bionic had been bumped to a 4.5-incher, and photos of it next to a Charge seemed to bear that out. Well, that was primarily an illusion created by the large bezel and a pair of very petite hands. This also means the Droid HD is packing a 4.3-inch screen, which may disappoint those hoping for a truly expansive 720p display. On the plus side, we can tell you the Bionic will support WebTop, wireless printing, and ZumoCast for streaming media from your home PC. And per Droid Life, it’ll be priced at $299 when it goes on sale September 8th. Now, we just have to wait for Verizon and Motorola to make it all official. Head on past the break for two images, and check the source links for even more.

Continue reading Droid Bionic gets 4.3-inch display, yours for $299 on September 8?

Droid Bionic gets 4.3-inch display, yours for $299 on September 8? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For those who’ve longed for Twitter integration and multitasking capabilities on your Windows Phone, the folks at xda-developers have a weekend project you’re bound to flip over: the final version of Mango has leaked, and it’s available for download today. Internally, it’s known as build 7720, and it requires the post-NoDo update dubbed 7392. Alternately, users of Mango beta versions 7661 and 7712 may hop on board, too. If you’ve got a couple hours to spare, a full list of instructions — along with the operating system itself — is included in the source. So far, the software has been confirmed to work on the HD7, Mozart, Trophy, Focus, Arrive, Venue Pro and Optimus 7. As always, proceed at your own risk, and best wishes for your tropical getaway.

[Thanks, Leonidas]

Windows Phone Mango RTM leaks into the wild, offers tropical sweets for the daring originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Ruby shows its T-Mobile skin, Android aspirations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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