Hasta La Gadget!

It’s only been a few days since Apple released iOS 5 beta 2, but we’ve already received a bevy of tips from developers who’ve spent some quality time with the update and uncovered a few of its more salient features. Here are some highlights.

• It looks like Apple has blocked Applenberry’s Gevey SIM software, which allowed users to unlock devices running iOS 4.3 or iOS 5 beta 1 without having to jailbreak. (Read)
• According to Dev Team member MuscleNerd, iOS 5 beta 2 can still be jailbroken using the RedSn0w 0.9.8b1 tethering tool, released earlier this month. (Read)
• The beta refresh also brings a few tweaks to iOS 5’s notifications system. Traditional alerts and reminders now pop up on the lock screen in larger typeface, alongside their appropriate icon. If left unattended, the notifications will eventually be added to the Android-like banner menu, at the top of the lock screen. (Read)
• Users can now create and curate photo albums directly from their iDevices, though the feature isn’t without its quirks. A tipster informs us that photos added to new albums remain in the original collection, as well. If you migrate an image from one album to another and delete the original, both pics will disappear.
• The next beta release might be issued over the air. When a tipster checked for updates on an iPad running beta 2, he received a “No updates were found” message, suggesting that users may be able to find future refreshes without syncing their devices with iTunes. (Screenshot after the break.)

Update: We’re hearing from many of you that the gallery functionality was actually a part of beta 1. But, you’re encouraged to continue enjoying it here, in beta 2.

[Thanks to everyone who sent these in]

Continue reading iOS 5 beta 2 blocks Gevey SIM Unlock, brings photo album curation to iDevices

iOS 5 beta 2 blocks Gevey SIM Unlock, brings photo album curation to iDevices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Iconia Tab A500, Acer’s “better choice” tablet, is set to join the ranks of Android 3.1 slates on the 5th of July, according to the company’s German Facebook page. That’s a little later than the June timeframe we’d initially been promised, but the precision of giving an actual date this time around inspires confidence that the OTA goodies will indeed be delivered. So far, we’ve only seen Acer announce this news on its German portal, so please keep your optimism in cautious gear if you reside outside the Bundesrepublik. The only certain Android update is the one that’s already on your device.

Acer Iconia Tab A500 to get Android 3.1 on 5th of July, at least in Deutschland originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boy, it sure has been a fun ride for Samsung Droid Charge fans. Since the beginning of this month, said LTE phone’s been plagued by a rather silly bug: its mobile hotspot feature only works if you set the date to some time in May. Thankfully, Verizon has now released an update that’ll bring the device back in time for some hassle-free hotspot action, so that TARDIS of yours can be stowed away for now. Also added in the package is a whole stash of enhancements here and there, including boosted battery life during voice calls, better browser performance, new email folder structure, improved GPS performance, and many more goodies. As usual, anticipating owners can keep an eye out for the OTA update notification, but feel free to chill in May if you’re enjoying the vacation.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Droid Charge update brings personal hotspot back in time, adds improvements originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, this was inevitable. After Sprint’s website snafu outing its Android 2.3 intentions for the EVO 4G, we’ve received evidence that points to June 6th as its release date. Better yet, if you’re willing to manually check for its availability, you might even find a happy surprise this Friday. In addition to Gingerbread, users will find SMS and Gmail fixes, along with a tweak to the phone’s power management software. Hopefully you’ve got WiMAX, because this update is coming over-the-air. Should everything go according to plan, users will have less than a week to say goodbye to Froyo. It’s a trusty companion for sure, but that spicy aroma is quite enticing. Hit the break for some corroborating clues.

[Thanks, Tone Bone]

Continue reading EVO 4G getting Gingerbread on June 6th (or Friday if you’re impatient)

EVO 4G getting Gingerbread on June 6th (or Friday if you’re impatient) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 2.3 hit the web for Droid X owners earlier this week, but that update previously required a tethered, manual install. As of today, the update is available over the air, so cable-free purists can finally start cooking with Gingerbread on their Droid X handsets. We first saw 2.3 popping up on the device in March, but if you opted out of rooting your handset for an early look at the new OS, you can now get your feet wet with speedy navigation, a customizable dock, and an overhauled camera app.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

OTA Gingerbread 2.3 update now available for Droid X originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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