Hasta La Gadget!

Samsung seems to be the go-to company these days when it comes to mobile OS acquisition rumors, but now it looks like HTC’s on the proverbial hot seat. According to an interview by The Economic Observer in China, chairwoman Cher Wang has affirmed that HTC is at least mulling the idea: “We have given it thought and we have discussed it internally, but we will not do it on impulse.” The report goes on to make strong mention of HP’s recently-backstabbed webOS platform, but stops short of suggesting that it’s the only OS in the running. Continuing on, Wang stated: “We can use any OS we want. We are able to make things different from our rivals on the second or third layer of a platform. Our strength lies in understanding an OS, but it does not mean that we have to produce an OS.” Of course, that’s a cheerleading session surrounding the outfit’s polarizing Sense overlay, and we’re guessing that webOS would eventually look a heck of lot different under HTC’s control. On second thought, maybe Wang’s actually trying to acquire iOS — she sure seems to love those Apple stores!

HTC chairwoman Cher Wang: we might buy a mobile OS, if it feels right originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So a regional carrier from the home of Palin and moose meat beat ’em to the punch, but AT&T’s at least showing signs that it’s ready to get the Samsung Galaxy S II train rolling. While it still looks like Sprint will be the first of the Big Four to bring its variant of the Android phone to the US, AT&T’s page for the handset is now live and sporting a nice big “Coming Soon!” That’s all she wrote for now, but if you’re dying to find out when Ma Bell will bring this Galaxy to you, hit the source link and sign up to get your email updates on.

Samsung Galaxy S II ‘coming soon’ to AT&T, sign up page goes live originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s no secret or surprise that AT&T is unhappy with the DOJ’s decision to try and block its merger with T-Mobile. But issuing public statements is one thing, officially filing papers in court is another. Ma Bell submitted a 25-page document arguing that the Justice Department’s claims represent a misunderstanding of the market and dismisses competition from “innovative upstarts,” like MetroPCS and US Cellular. AT&T’s lawyers point out that T-Mo, currently the fourth largest provider, has been losing customers for years and it’s German parent company may not be inclined to invest much in improving it. By contrast, AT&T has spent $30 billion over the last two years to boost network quality and capacity, yet still struggles to keep up with demand. We can’t say the arguments are without validity, but the government’s fear of a market dominated by just three companies with little incentive to innovate or drive down prices also seems well founded. Well, the pageantry officially gets underway on September 21st, when the US District Court hearings begin.

AT&T files response to DOJ suit, says regulators just don’t understand originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You heard right, film aficionados — Netflix has just updated its Android app in order to bring one major, major change: “expanded support for phones.” Previously, the app only worked on a smattering of smartphones, but as of today, v1.4 brings playback to “all Android 2.2 and 2.3 devices.” Congratulations — your weekend just got a lot better. Hit the source link to get your download on, or just visit the Market for an update if you’re already in the door. So much for those “hardware DRM requirements” we heard about at MWC, huh?

Psst… all is well at Engadget US, but our colleagues in Canada aren’t seeing the update yet.

Update: Seems T-Mobile’s G2x is left out of the “all.” Anyone else having issues with a particular handset?

[Thanks, 3vil and Brett]

Now showing: Netflix 1.4 brings playback to ‘all Android 2.2 and 2.3 devices’ originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At the International Broadcasters Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam yesterday, Adobe unveiled a slew of new software solutions, including Adobe Pass, Flash Access 3.0 and Flash Media Server 4.5. Pass allows cable operators and other content providers to provide streaming TV from multiple sources through a single sign-on solution, while Access is content protection platform that can now deliver streaming video to mobile devices. But, it’s Media Server 4.5 that has been garnering the most attention from the press, thanks to its support for iOS. Now don’t get too excited, you still can’t actually use Flash on your iPhone. But, the latest version of the software provides the option to stream video using the Apple-friendly HTTP Live Streaming format. So, still no Kongregate for iPhone users, but partners like MediaPlatform can now put live webcasts on your iPad. Check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Adobe unveils new software tools, adds iOS-compatible streaming video option

Adobe unveils new software tools, adds iOS-compatible streaming video option originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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