Hasta La Gadget!

Um, okay? Hot on the heels of rumors that Kyocera’s Echo would see its first major Android update on August 1st, in flies an updated page over at the company’s own website detailing the impending changes. Unless someone at Kyocera’s pulling a fast one, it looks as if the imminent Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) update will bring a downright staggering list of new features, making an already unique handset capable of even rarer feats. Interest piqued? We’re told that the refresh will provide pinch-to-zoom support in the browser, gallery, Maps and Sprint Navigation, an improved downloads app and an upgrade to the Swype 3.0 virtual keypad, with Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice list.

But that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg — the real kicker is the addition of “internet calling over WiFi” as well as “an NFC reader to interact with posters, advertisements, products, etc.” You heard right, WiFi calling and a previously unmentioned NFC chip — hopefully of the UMA variety, rather than just SIP. As of now, the only major US carrier to support WiFi calling is T-Mobile, and neither Sprint nor Kyocera have mentioned any secretive Near Field Communications module to us. The luckiest of the early adopters should see their over-the-air update swing through as soon as a half-hour, so be sure to let us know if this all proves true in comments below. Naturally, we’ll be watching for the update on our own set and updating accordingly.

Update: Bah, humbug! A Kyocera rep contacted Brief Mobile and explained that the feature page shown here went up prematurely, and that the WiFi calling and NFC support in particular weren’t supposed to be listed. Consider our hopes dashed, and our dreams crushed.

[Thanks, Brain_ReCall]

Kyocera Echo Gingerbread update bringing WiFi calling, NFC support? (update: sadly not) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you love Gmail and need to access it on the go, you probably already know that Google’s Android platform is the best way to do so, and with the new v2.3.5 it’s getting even better. The top two new features this time around include the ability to sync only priority messages (saving battery life and keeping unimportant messages at bay) and the ability to individually set notifications and ringtones for any of the labels in your inbox. The Android Market website is still showing version 2.3.4.1, but we successfully upgraded via the Market on our devices. Also new are features like remembering “Show Pictures” for specific senders, a toggle for sticky message actions in all orientations as well as improved overall performance and TalkBack screen reader support.

Update: The website is now showing all the details for 2.3.5, hit the source link to update or just check the official list after the break.

Continue reading Gmail v2.3.5 for Android adds label-specific ringtones and sync priority mail only options

Gmail v2.3.5 for Android adds label-specific ringtones and sync priority mail only options originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No leaks this time around, but Eee Pad Transformer users don’t have to wait much longer to get their Android 3.2 fix. ASUS has now confirmed that the update will be rolling out tomorrow, July 28th. Unlike Galaxy Tab 10.1 owners, Transformer users shouldn’t expect too many surprises in store here considering ASUS is sticking with stock Honeycomb, although there will hopefully be a few fixes included in addition to the more general Android updates.

ASUS confirms Eee Pad Transformer will get Android 3.2 update tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fans of frozen, cultured dairy products and holiday cookies, it’s time to get your handsets ready — that new, not-so-shiny Android Market appears to be making its way to users now. Both our inbox and the Twitterverse are afire with news that the redesigned market is delivering, not just apps, but books and movies to Android phones across the US as you’re reading this. Of course, as we’ve already mentioned, you could just skip the waiting game and start perusing the Editor’s Choice section right now by downloading and manually installing the APK. If you don’t remember why you’re supposed to be excited, check out the video after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Android Market update reportedly rolling out to the dessert-themed faithful

Android Market update reportedly rolling out to the dessert-themed faithful originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Its evil cousin the Bionic may be lurking just around the bend, with its too-long sideburns and its crazy eyes, but that doesn’t mean the Atrix 4G is ready to hang up its hat just yet. AT&T’s wunderphone with the woven back is just now receiving a 2.3.4 update, bringing it all the sensuous flavors of Gingerbread and finally, finally, the ability to sideload apps. First, though, you’ll need to download the 161MB update, which is waiting for you at the other end of the source link below. No, really, it is — but it’s getting impatient. Go on, go say hello.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Atrix gets Gingerbread update, sideloading support, new outlook on life originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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