Aug 31

Samsung Galaxy S II logs confirm NFC support for AT&T, none for Sprint

Posted in: 4G, att, exclusive, galaxy, galaxy s ii, GalaxyS, GalaxySIi, hspa, NeXus, nexus s, NexusS, samsung, Sprint, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili, WiMAX

What’s the point of investing $100 million in a mobile payment system if you don’t have the goods to back it up? AT&T may be adopting this philosophy, beginning with the Galaxy S II. With the aid of eagle-eyed Android dev François Simond, we conducted an extended analysis of Ma Bell’s latest gem and discovered it’s rife with NFC. In addition to containing kernel drivers and a pre-installed APK, the system files also indicate the device is running in a mode named NDEF — short for NFC Data Exchange Format. We haven’t been able to determine if the handset will be capable of making payments, but the presence of Near-Field Communications in the Galaxy S II is definitely a good sign. T-Mobile is keeping a tight lid on its variant for the moment, preventing us from getting an in-depth look, but FCC filings confirm it will contain NFC as well.

As for the third handset announced last night, the Epic 4G Touch contains no mention of NFC. Upon further analysis, we uncovered something else potentially more disturbing: it’s using the same WiMAX module (cmc732) as the Samsung Nexus S 4G, a handset that was plagued with performance issues when it was originally released (those concerns were eventually resolved in a later update). In this case, it’s hard to tell if that means we’ll relive the painful experience once again, or if it will come with improved firmware to ensure it doesn’t take the same path as its 4G brother. We’re starting to unravel the mysteries, folks, and will continue to fill you in as we learn more. If you’re considering one of these three lovely models, will these discoveries sway your decision in a particular direction?

[Thanks, François Simond]

Samsung Galaxy S II logs confirm NFC support for AT&T, none for Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 30

Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T

Posted in: 4G, Android, att, breaking news, galaxy s ii, GalaxySIi, Google, GoogleAndroid, mobilepostcross, samsung, Sprint, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili, WiMAX

Well, it’s been a long time coming, but you fine folks living in the good ol’ U-S-of-A are finally getting blessed with Galaxy S IIs to call your own. Conspicuously missing from the party is Verizon, but Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are all getting in on the Super AMOLED Plus action under the guise of the Epic 4G Touch on Sprint and just plain old Galaxy S II on AT&T and T-Mo. As we had heard earlier the Epic 4G Touch is sporting a slightly larger 4.52-inch screen as will the T-Mobile variant, while AT&T is sticking with the 4.3-inch panel found on the international model. Sprint customers will be first to get their shot at owning one on September 16th for $200, with AT&T and T-Mobile a little further down the road. Otherwise there are very few surprises here, with a 1.2GHz Exynos pushing Gingerbread and TouchWiz to each gorgeous screen. All are packing 16GB of internal storage and being pitched as 4G handsets — with WiMax on board the Sprint model and HSPA+ for T-Mo and AT&T. Ma Bell’s is specifically championing its variant as the “thinnest 4G smartphone,” which might have something to do with the smaller 1650 mAh battery inside (the Epic 4G Touch is sporting an 1800 mAh pack). Check back soon for some hands-on.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S II for Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T

Continue reading Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T

Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 26

Trio of US Samsung Galaxy S II models get together for a group photo?

Posted in: 4G, att, galaxy, galaxy s ii, GalaxyS, GalaxySIi, mobilepostcross, rumor, rumors, samsung, Sprint, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili
Gaze closely at the above picture. Is this classy-looking bunch of phones the actual trio of Galaxy S II devices we expect to see unveiled at Samsung’s press event this coming Monday? If so, our mouths are commencing salivation as we speak. From the looks of it, the Samsung Hercules, Epic Touch 4G and Attain are shown off hanging out together in full disclosure. Granted, we’ve seen the T-Mobile and Sprint versions before, so this image simply verifies what we’ve already seen. The big reveal, however, is the look of AT&T’s variant — a device that’s managed to do the best job at playing hide-and-seek — which appears to be eerily similar to a leaked render we encountered in June. We’re only a matter of days away from knowing for sure, but this will definitely get your weekend started off on the right foot.

Trio of US Samsung Galaxy S II models get together for a group photo? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 24

Huawei Sonic reappears at the FCC, ditches AWS 3G and NFC functionality

Posted in: att, mobile, mobilepostmini, nfc, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

If this is the same “T-Mobile Sonic” we saw a month back, it’s safe to assume Huawei took the Gingerbread slab back to the drawing board and away from a Magenta debut. Popping up, once again, over at the FCC, and bearing a different model number — U8652 — the new Sonic sports a similar rounded-edge design, although this current incarnation takes on a definite rectangular shape. Gone are both the formerly included NFC functionality and AWS bands, in favor of quadband GSM, UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 bands, 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera, WiFi and Bluetooth. The handset’s radios are tipping us in the direction of an AT&T destiny, but could also very likely indicate a bow on the networks to our north. Will this Sonic ever see the light of day, or will Huawei lob off more bands for an overseas-only birth? We’ll keep an eye out for any new developments, but in the meantime, jump past the break for a closer look.

Continue reading Huawei Sonic reappears at the FCC, ditches AWS 3G and NFC functionality

Huawei Sonic reappears at the FCC, ditches AWS 3G and NFC functionality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 22

Engadget’s back to school guide 2011: smartphones

Posted in: 4G, Android, att, froyo, galaxy s ii, GalaxySIi, gingerbread, hspa, HTC, LG, lte, motorola, nexus s, NexusS, samsung, Smartphones, Sprint, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili, verizon, Verizon Wireless, VerizonWireless, vzw, WiMAX, windows phone, WindowsPhone

Welcome to Engadget’s Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we’re here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we’re tapping away on our smartphones — and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they’re added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back — at the end of the month we’ll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides — and hit up the hub page right here!

Now more than ever, collegiate studies require a wide variety of devices to help you get that prized “A.” The thirst for knowledge you so desperately seek can strike at any time, and you’re not always going to have that desktop or laptop nearby to find the answer to a burning question. Perhaps you just need to hurl birds at pigs for a while to blow off your stress. Whatever the case, you’ll need something to help you study, store (and edit) all of your important term papers, keep you in touch with classmates or family, and everything in-between. What better way to get all of that than with a smartphone? We’ve picked nine respectable candidates that can help you through your upcoming semester — three for each budget level. Oh, and while you’re looking, we’re giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 lucky readers, and you can be one of them by simply leaving a comment below! So, which phones are most likely to help you get smart? Head past the break to find out.

Continue reading Engadget’s back to school guide 2011: smartphones

Engadget’s back to school guide 2011: smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 21

Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 – 08.21.2011

Posted in: 4G, Android, Apple, att, BlackBerry, Google, hewlett-packard, HewlettPackard, HP, HTC, lte, mobile, mobilepostmini, motoblur, motorola, palm, podcast, podcasts, research in motion, ResearchInMotion, RIM, samsung, Sprint, symbian, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili, Verizon Wireless, VerizonWireless, vzw, webos

We’re 100. 100! If you’re like us, you totally can’t believe it’s been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that’s just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we’ve brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And…a couple of other things. We’re old. It’s a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don’t sleep on it: before you know it we’ll be 200.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guests: Richard Lai, Noah Kravitz
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Daestro – Light Powered (Ghostly International)

00:02:45 – HP will ‘discontinue operations for webOS devices’, may spin off Personal Systems Group
00:21:55 – Google acquiring Motorola Mobility
00:42:45 – Motorola’s new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic
01:04:30 – BlackBerry Bold 9930 review
01:05:43 – AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor
01:15:00 – Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)
01:25:40 – Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-01
01:26:30 – Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)
01:30:57 – CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service
01:32:50 – Motorola Photon 4G review
01:36:53 – Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?
01:38:56 – Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots
01:39:38 – HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)
01:45:55 – Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?



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Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 – 08.21.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 19

AT&T enhances network in part of Manhattan you probably won’t visit

Posted in: att, hspa, mobilepostmini, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

If you’re walking through New York City today, you may notice that your AT&T phone just got a little bit faster. But you probably won’t. The carrier activated a new broadband cell site in Manhattan’s Turtle Bay area in Midtown — somewhere between Times Square and the Upper East Side — in a five-block area that few tourists ever visit. The company says the upgrades are part of a larger plan to enhance coverage across the nation and eventually roll out 4G LTE coverage, with help from recently acquired T-Mobile — that is if all goes well in court, of course.

Continue reading AT&T enhances network in part of Manhattan you probably won’t visit

AT&T enhances network in part of Manhattan you probably won’t visit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 17

Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots

Posted in: Android, canada, galaxy s ii, GalaxySIi, gingerbread, hspa, mobilepostmini, qualcomm, samsung, TMobile, Today's Chili

Looks like Sammy’s Android 2.3 demi-god is just about ready to touch down on this side of planet Earth. Spotted out in the wilds of Canada once again, the much anticipated Hercules handset — a confirmed Galaxy S II variant — has been captured in not-quite-Mr. Blurrycam form over on MobileSyrup. The device, shown here running on Telus’ network, is rumored to pack a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, 42Mbps HSPA+ radio and a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor — although that Quadrant score could very well indicate an Exynos chip. While we still lack any firm release dates for the phone’s Northern American debut, we’d bet that leaked T-Mobile October launch is a good yardstick for soon.

Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 17

T-Mobile announces deal to sell prepaid at Family Dollar, costs more than a dollar

Posted in: LG, mobile, mobilepostmini, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

A Radio Shack lost is a Family Dollar gained. Now that T-Mobile’s ended its allegiance with The Shack, the carrier’s looking for a few new companies willing to hoist its prepaid service up on a pedestal. Family Dollar, following in the footsteps of 7-Eleven, will be the next business to dole out the LG GS170 blister packs on T-Mo’s behalf. The phones will be sold for $30 and come with a $50 / month plan that consists of unlimited calls, texts, and 100MB data. With such a large emphasis now being placed on its no-contract offerings, we can’t help but wonder if this is the result of T-Mobile making an adjustment in its strategy. Any other companies want a piece of the prepaid pie? The press release can be found beneath the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile announces deal to sell prepaid at Family Dollar, costs more than a dollar

T-Mobile announces deal to sell prepaid at Family Dollar, costs more than a dollar originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 17

T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on August 31st, on presale to business customers today

Posted in: available, BlackBerry, mobile, mobilepostmini, release, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili


There’s a good chance you’ve already heard a thing or two (or a hundred) about the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series, so by now you have a good idea whether or not you’ll want to pick one up. So if you’re leaning toward “buy,” T-Mobile’s got one coming to a retail store near you on August 31st, with the phone on presale for business customers starting today. Procurers of the new device will need to shell out $300 after a $50 mail-in rebate. Early adopters, start your engines! The full press release can be found after the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on August 31st, on presale to business customers today

T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on August 31st, on presale to business customers today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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