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

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

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

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.

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Disney launches two new Android smartphones, mouse ears not included

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

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

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.

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PSA: Force Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to update, right now

Windows Phone 7.5 has officially landed, but unless you’re among a fortunate few, Redmond’s tropical getaway might seem like only a twinkle on the horizon. In a wild turn of events, we’ve now stumbled across (and confirmed) a method that promises instant Mango gratification, and if you’re so inclined, we hope you’ll find similar luck. Here’s the gist: something very special happens when you run the update and then promptly disable your internet connection — about one second seems to do the trick. We first checked for Mango and kept WiFi enabled; the Zune software dutifully reported that our phone was up-to-date. Then, we executed the process and disconnected the internet… and wouldn’t you know it, the update presented itself. Now, we’re happily frolicking through Microsoft’s latest delights on our Focus. If you’re willing to try your luck, you’ll find a full list of instructions in the source. Here’s one final tip: once it’s reported that an update is available, be sure to restore that internet connection.

[Thanks, Rohit]

PSA: Force Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to update, right now originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWPCentral  | Email this | Comments

MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012

The future of Meego has become a little clearer this morning, now that the Linux Foundation has announced that it’ll be replaced with Tizen — a new Linux-based, open-source OS. Samsung and Intel have been tapped to lead the development of the platform, in collaboration with the LiMo Foundation — a consortium of companies including Panasonic Mobile Communications, NTT DoCoMo and SK Telecom, among others. According to its stewards, Tizen will support HTML5- and WAC-based apps and will be designed to run across a wide spectrum of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, netbooks and in-car infotainment systems. The MeeGo project, for its part, already seems to be on board with the initiative, promising to “make sure that users of MeeGo can easily transition to Tizen,” while assisting MeeGo developers, as well. The new OS is slated for release during the first quarter of 2012, with the first Tizen-laced devices scheduled to hit the market around the middle of next year. For more details, hit up the source link below, or trek past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012

MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink This is my Next, MeeGo  |  sourceTizen.org  | Email this | Comments

TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video)

It’s pronounced “twerp,” but don’t mistake TeamWin’s Recovery Project for a run-of-the-mill chump. The software is intended as a touchscreen replacement for ROM managers such as TWRP 1.0 and ClockworkMod Recovery. In addition to the all-important backup, restore and install functions, the utility now provides a full GUI for touch input that’s fully customizable with XML themes. As a particular boon, developers will have the option to design custom installation processes unique to their particular ROMs, which is a lovely (though very metaphorical) cherry on top. As you’d expect, the software supports both phones and tabs, and if you’re interested to see more, just check the full demo video after the break. According to the developer, the utility still needs some work before it’s ready for prime time, but it’s rather nice to see the group stay productive as it matures.

[Thanks, Ian]

Continue reading TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video)

TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAndroid Central  | Email this | Comments

KDDI launches latest line of skinny big-screened smartphones for Japan

In addition to the already announced Fujitsu-Toshiba Arrows Z, HTC Evo 3D and Motorola Photon, Japanese carrier KDDI has now also confirmed a trio of new handsets. There’s plenty of similarities; they’re all Android, all waterproof and are each packing an eight megapixel camera. Kyocera’s Digno is a slimline offering available in three different colors, and puts some of Kyocera’s US offerings to shame looks-wise. Sharp’s AQUOS IS13SH has an IPS-rivalling ASV display, whilst the NEC’s Medias BR IS11 will arrive in a choice of pink, white and blue. Sadly, there’s still no sign of that mythical iPhone from KDDI. Check out the links below for all the full-fat details.

KDDI launches latest line of skinny big-screened smartphones for Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Engadget Japanese (Translated)  |  sourceau by KDDI (Translated)  | Email this | Comments

Telstra’s 4G LTE network goes live in Australia, new HTC handset coming next year

Telstra customers woke up to a sun shower of good news this morning, when their provider’s new 4G LTE network went live in Australia — or within parts of it, at least. After months of development and a soft launch in late August, Telstra finally flipped the switch on its broadband network today, bringing LTE coverage to capital cities, airports and other select areas. According to the company, its new infrastructure offers download speeds between two and 40 Mbps (a 25 percent increase over what its 3G network supported at launch), with upstream rates ranging from one to ten Mbps. For now, Telstra has upgraded its base stations in all eight capital cities and some 30 regional centers, though it plans to expand its coverage to 80 sites by the end of this year. Subscribers can hook up to the network with a new USB dongle from Sierra Wireless (pictured above), as long as they’re within a five kilometer radius from a capital city’s station, or within three kilometers of a regional center. Before long, however, Australians may not even need a dongle to bathe in LTE goodness, as Telstra is planning to launch a new 4G-enabled HTC handset by the first half of next year. At this point, details about the Android-based device (codenamed “HTC 4G”) remain fuzzy, though the carrier says it will boast a 4.5-inch screen, eight megapixel camera and dual-core processor. For more details, head past the break for a pair of press releases.

Continue reading Telstra’s 4G LTE network goes live in Australia, new HTC handset coming next year

Telstra’s 4G LTE network goes live in Australia, new HTC handset coming next year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Sydney Morning Herald  |   | Email this | Comments

LG Optimus EX gets official in Korea, sporting 1.2GHz Tegra 2 chip, 700 nits of brightness

So, about that LG Optimus EX we saw last week — it’s now gone official in South Korea and it’s looking slightly more alluring. Announced yesterday, this Gingerbread-coated handset is the first to ship with NVIDIA’s revamped 1.2GHz Tegra 2 processor, which means it’ll support 1080p video, much like the Galaxy S II. It also boasts a four-inch LCD with 480 × 800 resolution and a full 700 nits of brightness, along with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of onboard storage, a five megapixel camera and front-facing VGA shooter. Available in either black and silver or white and gold color schemes, the EX is slated to launch on Korea’s SK Telecom at an unspecified price, though plans for an international release remain unclear. As soon as we find out, however, we’ll be sure to let you know.

LG Optimus EX gets official in Korea, sporting 1.2GHz Tegra 2 chip, 700 nits of brightness originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceLG Mobile (Korean)  | Email this | Comments