Sep 29

Sprint set to end Bill to Account program on October 5th, all equipment must be purchased outright

Posted in: lte, mobilepostmini, Sprint, Today's Chili
Sprint’s the last of the big four national carriers to offer a Bill to Account program, which allows equipment purchases to be billed directly to the customer’s account (provided they’re in good standing). Unfortunately, it’s likely going to be the next consumer-friendly policy to get the boot out the door, never to be seen again. According to the SprintFeed screenshot, Sprint appears to be concerned that too many people are taking advantage of the service by terminating their plans before the equipment’s actually paid off. We’re uncertain of how much money this practice was costing the company, but the Now Network is looking to shave dollars off its expenditures any way it can before the inevitable LTE launch comes around. Farewell, Bill to Account — we hope you come visit us again sometime.

Update: We’ve been hearing from our readers that Verizon still has a Bill to Account option.

Sprint set to end Bill to Account program on October 5th, all equipment must be purchased outright originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSprintFeed  | Email this | Comments

No Comments
Sep 29

HTC Sensation Z710t becomes first smartphone to offer ST-Ericsson’s NovaThor SoC

Posted in: dual-core, HTC, mobilepostmini, Today's Chili

There’s a new Sensation on the block that’ll be making its way to China Mobile, but rather than rehashing more of the same, this release marks the first smartphone to place ST-Ericsson’s NovaThor SoC under the hood. Unlike offerings from Qualcomm, the chip inside the Sensation Z710t offers a dual-core A9 processor along with connectivity to the carrier’s TD-SCDMA infrastructure. Other specs are expected to remain the same, which includes a 4.3-inch qHD display and 8 megapixel camera. Unfortunately, press photos weren’t released, which suggests its design hasn’t changed. You’ll find the full PR after the break, heralding this latest Sensation among the top-tier of China Mobile’s offerings. While pricing or a release date have yet to be announced, we’re inclined to agree.

Continue reading HTC Sensation Z710t becomes first smartphone to offer ST-Ericsson’s NovaThor SoC

HTC Sensation Z710t becomes first smartphone to offer ST-Ericsson’s NovaThor SoC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: ,
Sep 29

Huawei Honor gets video run-through, manages to hold the mobile court’s attention

Posted in: Android, mobile, mobilepostmini, smartphone, Smartphones, Today's Chili, video

Sure, it may not grab headlines like a new iPhone or Google phone but that’s not to say we’re utterly uninterested in seeing a bit more of Huawei’s forthcoming top-drawer handset. Now confirmed to play friendly with US radio frequencies, the single-core 1.4GHz Honor has been given a full video run-through. Techblog posits a December launch and a €300 ($400) price-tag — not exactly the bargain basement prices we’ve come to expect from Huawei, but with a 4-inch touchscreen, DLNA abilities, an 8 megapixel camera on the back and a substantial 1900mAh battery, it looks like you’ll get what you pay for. Catch the video after the break to judge for yourself.

Continue reading Huawei Honor gets video run-through, manages to hold the mobile court’s attention

Huawei Honor gets video run-through, manages to hold the mobile court’s attention originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceTechblog Greece (Translated)  | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , ,
Sep 29

Long live the Samsung Taylor: prototype device to receive Mango?

Posted in: developers, firmware update, FirmwareUpdate, mango, mobilepostmini, official, prototype, software update, SoftwareUpdate, Today's Chili, update, windows phone, windows phone 7, WindowsPhone, WindowsPhone7, Wp7
Keep looking at Microsoft’s “where’s my Windows Phone update” page, concerned that Mango may never make it to your WP7 device? You may be comforted to hear that even the Samsung Taylor — the beta device awarded to devs last summer that got left in the dark when NoDo came around — is reportedly receiving the refresh to Windows Phone 7.5, inferring that the range of devices covered by the annual overhaul is pretty wide. It hasn’t been made official, but the above screenshot was posted on the Facebook Wall of a Microsoft employee (which has since been taken down), offering a solid indication that the idea isn’t too far-fetched. If you’re one of the lucky few to have the prototype handset in your possession, be on the lookout and keep us apprised if Mango comes knocking on your door. Everyone else should feel at ease knowing that if the Taylor can get it, it’s likely that every other Windows Phone can too.

Long live the Samsung Taylor: prototype device to receive Mango? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink WMPowerUser  |   | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: ,
Sep 28

Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users

Posted in: Android, app, Apple, apps, bluetooth, Google, ios, mobilepostmini, pre-order, PreOrder, smartphone, Smartphones, Today's Chili
Along with providing hands-free convenience for mobile users on-the-go, Bluetooth headsets serve a fine purpose for crazies, giving them something to point to when they’re rambling incoherently to themselves. Now, the latest offering from Plantronics brings greater comfort and style to both types of users. The Marque M155 heralds the company’s smallest and lightest headset to date, which weighs in at just 7 grams — approximately the weight of a ballpoint pen. Designed specifically for Android and iOS phones (though widely compatible with more), the M155 offers voice-guided pairing assistance, customized apps and the ability to answer or ignore calls with verbal commands. What’s more, all purchasers will receive a one-year subscription to the company’s Vocalyst service, which offers the ability to send email, update Twitter, check the weather, listen to news feeds and more — all hands free. Available in jet black or arctic white, the Marque M155 will retail for approximately $60 and is available for pre-order beginning today.

Continue reading Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users

Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , ,
Sep 28

Disney launches two new Android smartphones, mouse ears not included

Posted in: Android, cellphone, cellphones, gingerbread, Japan, mobilepostmini, smartphone, Smartphones, tablet, tablets, Today's Chili

Mickey’s ditching the steamboat and giving up Fantasia in pursuit of all things mobile as Disney launches the DM011SH and DM010SH — joining the company’s other Android offering. The 4-inch 3D capable DM010SH handset will be Walt’s top-of-the-line variant with a 960 x 540 qHD touchscreen, 8MP camera and a 1GHz processor. Next in line is the DM011SH waterproof slider with a 3.4-inch touchscreen sporting 854 X 480 resolution and an identical processor and camera to its higher-end cousin. Both Android 2.3 phones come decorated with the signature insignia in tweentastic candy colors like pink and white, with a black version of the DM010SH available for more subdued Mouse House fans. Aside from the phones, Disney also outed the internet-enabled DM001Photo, a 9.4 x 5.6-inch digital picture frame for viewing pictures, videos and emails over 3G for ¥890 (or $11) a month. Although prices have yet to be finalized, the DM010SH is slated to hit the Japanese market in October, while the other two should appear on store shelves by December. Check out the full Japanese PR and product pages by hitting the source links after the break.

Disney launches two new Android smartphones, mouse ears not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Datacider, Land of Droid  |  sourceDisney Mobile (Japanese), Disney Mobile (PDF Japanese)  | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , ,
Sep 28

Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint’s Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70

Posted in: cdma, launch, mobilepostmini, Sprint, Today's Chili
All of the hullabaloo about Sprint’s new CDMA-based Direct Connect service was not for naught, as the Now Network has finally confirmed that it will indeed be launching in a limited number of markets this upcoming Sunday, with broader expansion coming in early 2012. To get things started, however, the network ought to have a phone or two that have the tech built in, right? The Kyocera Duramax will receive the honor of being the very first phone to work with the new plans and will be a certified 810G military-standard clamshell handset with a 3.2MP camera, stereo Bluetooth, a 2.5mm headphone jack (not a typo) and a Dura-Grip rubber casing. What about the Kyocera Duracore and the Motorola Admiral? They’re still forthcoming, but Sprint only mentions that both devices are coming out before the end of the year. The sooner the better here, because the lack of options can’t possibly be a selling point for the brand new service. The nitty-gritty details are in the presser after the break.

Continue reading Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint’s Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70

Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint’s Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags:
Sep 28

HTC Hero S coming to US Cellular next month alongside Wildfire S and Flyer

Posted in: cdma, gingerbread, HTC, mobilepostmini, Today's Chili

Guess what’s officially on its way to US Cellular in October? The headline probably gave you a pretty good clue — it’s the HTC Hero S. And it’s not coming alone: apparently the new device is big enough to warrant its very own entourage. Its brethren, the Wildfire S and Flyer, will both waltz into stores at roughly the same time. The Gingerbread-running Hero S will offer a 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 CPU, 4-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, a 1,520mAh battery and a 5MP CMOS rear camera accompanied by a 1.3MP front-facing cam. Add it to the lineup next to the Motorola Electrify, and we’d say the carrier’s got some good options for the getting. The Hero S will be available sometime next month for $200 after $100 mail-in rebate, while the Wildfire S (which will come in grey and purple) will go for $80 after rebate and the Flyer can be yours for $400 — once again, after rebate. Head below to find the full press release.

Continue reading HTC Hero S coming to US Cellular next month alongside Wildfire S and Flyer

HTC Hero S coming to US Cellular next month alongside Wildfire S and Flyer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceUS Cellular  | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , ,
Sep 28

Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders

Posted in: app, Apple, AppStore, bluetooth, ios, ipad, iPhone, mobilepostmini, skype, Today's Chili, video, VoIP

Skype‘s latest app upgrade brings a few substantial features, some good, one not so. Alongside a new anti-shake video call function (limited to the iPhone’s back-facing camera), you can now pair Bluetooth headsets with the VoIP calling service, something apparently “long requested” from Skype fans. However, users have to fork out for credit to avoid seeing advertising that’s also baked into the new version. The update’s now up for grabs on both the iPhone and iPad, though there are reports of a few teething troubles, including missing credit and account details. We’ve also been experiencing issues, with the app unwilling to play nice with our Bluetooth headsets, though oddly, we can still hear the Skype call ring through. Hopefully we’ll see another update that sorts this out soon — till then, tap the link below for more details, or ogle a bit of smoothed out anti-shake action after the break.

Continue reading Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders

Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Phone Arena  |  sourceSkype, iTunes App Store  | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , ,
Sep 28

MetroPCS takes a good look in the mirror, unveils the LG Esteem

Posted in: 4G, Android, gingerbread, LG, lte, mobilepostmini, phone, Phones, smartphone, Smartphones, Today's Chili

It’s easy to get caught up in the wireless major leaguers legal kerfuffles, but let’s not forget the little guy. MetroPCS is shipping out a “chic,” second LTE handset to surf along its contractless radio waves — LG’s Esteem. Formerly codenamed Bryce, the phone is pretty much the carrier’s repackaged version of Verizon’s Revolution — specs, and all that 4G jazz — but let’s not be the debbie downer at this network’s party, the handset’s packing some solid internals. In case you needed a refresher, the phone runs Android 2.3 with a sprinkling of LG’s custom UI atop a single-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and includes 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear shooter (capable of 720p video capture) and a micro-HDMI port. Your untethered hands can snatch this one up now for $250 after taxes and a mail-in rebate, of course, you still have to opt-in for one of those 4G LTE service plans. Official PR after the break.

Continue reading MetroPCS takes a good look in the mirror, unveils the LG Esteem

MetroPCS takes a good look in the mirror, unveils the LG Esteem originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , ,