BLU has a growing reputation for admirable devices that cost very little, and its latest handset looks to continue that trend. The BLU Life One goes on sale at the end of this week, on July 17th and is currently available to pre-order for just $99 unlocked and SIM-free.
Android One has arrived in Pakistan at long last, and does so with the launch of the QMobile A1 smartphone. In a blog post this morning, Google announced that consumers will be able to snag one of these new handsets for just 11,500 PKR (around $110 USD) starting today. Expand
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We’ve previously seen AutoCAD models, but Ausdroid has obtained what it says are two press shots of the Sony Xperia Z3 due to be launched at IFA in Berlin on Thursday. It has also listed specs which tally with those we posted this weekend: a 4.7-inch display 720×1280 display, a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 and 3GB of RAM.
The photos show four colors: black, white, a kind of mint green and a fourth color that looks more like orange in one shot and red in another (below) … Expand
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Today, Samsung announced its newest processors, the Exynos ModAP. This new chip fuses an LTE-A modem with a quad-core processor, built on a 28nm process. Designed with efficiency in mind, Samsung’s new chip also maintains a cool temperature, which is why the company used a frosty image in yesterday’s teaser.
Barnes & Noble has announced that its next Nook ebook reader will be a co-branded Galaxy Tab 4.
The co-branded devices will combine popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 hardware with customized NOOK software to give customers powerful, full-featured tablets that are designed for reading …
About a year later than first expected, Samsung has finally announced its first smartphone running Tizen instead of Android, the Samsung Z.
While this particular handset is only launching in Russia initially (sometime in Q3), it’s notable in a couple of ways. First, the spec – while not cutting edge – is pretty decent. Powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM, it has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display (though only in 1280×720 resolution) and the fingerprint sensor that has so far been exclusive to the S5. It’s not the low-end spec many had expected from Tizen … Expand
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Out of the three smartwatches recently released by Samsung, the Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit seem to be questioned the most. Both of these device are priced at $199 and offer similar features, but which one should you buy? Take a look at our full comparison video between these two wearables to find out.
If you’re looking into the Gear 2, you may be surprised to find that the extra $100 will only get you a camera and a slightly different (metal) build quality on the face of the watch. When compared to the Gear 2 Neo, everything else is identical. With that being said, the best options you should consider are the Gear Fit and Gear 2 Neo.
We’ve got our hands on another one of Samsung’s latest smartwatch offerings. After taking a closer look at the Gear Fit, we’re checking out Samsung’s mid-range smartwatch option. The Gear 2 Neo is a slightly scaled back version of the Gear 2, but overall there aren’t many differences between the two.
Samsung Gear Patent Filing
Following a report from SamMobile last week sharing some specific specs coming in Samsung’s much rumored Galaxy Gear smartwatch, today GigaOm reports on a few more details from developers with prototypes of the device. On top of confirming a Sept.4 unveiling at Samsung’s events scheduled to take place in Berlin and New York, the report claims Galaxy Gear will include a 2.5 inch OLED display, dual core processor, an accelerometer, speakers, and built-in NFC:
It is said to be around 2.5 inches diagonally (and 3 inches diagonally including the case), is powered by a dual core processor and should have pretty decent battery life. In addition, we are told the watch has a camera that is integrated into the strap and even has tiny speakers in the clasp of the watch, plus built-in NFC to allow for bump-to-sync and authenticate. The watch uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE to connect with smartphones for connectivity… In addition, the watch has a built-in accelerometer that makes it possible to switch it on when it is moved up towards the eye. It could be a great way to wake the watch and also the apps and manage battery power. The watch screen will support the usual touch, swipe and select type gestures but will likely not have text-input.
The report adds that watch will work with a Samsung watch manager app on a smartphone and utilize apps from the Samsung App Store, not Google Play. GigaOm also claims that Galaxy Gear will support Facebook and Twitter integration at launch. The Samsung App Store integration could mean the device will only be available for Samsung device users: Expand
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The Samsung Galaxy Mega, the crazily-sized smartphone that was launched in Europe back in May, is arriving in the U.S. this month at AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular.
The ultimate option for those who really can’t work out whether they want a smartphone or a tablet, the device has a massive 6.3-inch screen, a 1.7Ghz dual-core processor, LTE, dual cameras (8MP on the rear, 1.9MP on the front) and is available with 8Gb or 16Gb storage (with a microSD slot supporting up to 64Gb). It is shipping with Android 4.2.2.
AT&T claims it will be the first U.S. carrier, offering the Mega for $24 per month with AT&T Next or $149.99 with a two-year agreement. Sprint will offer the Mega with unlimited 4G data on its Unlimited, My WaySM or My All-inSM plans. Full Samsung press release below …
If you love the HTC One but are not so keen on its price-tag, HTC may have the solution in the form of a lower-cost variant currently code-named the M4 (the HTC One was code-named M7).
Phone Arena says the handset is almost identical in appearance to the HTC One, but smaller, using cheaper materials and with a lower-spec – a similar approach to that taken by Samsung with its S III mini version of its then flagship S III. Or perhaps in the previous generation – where the HTC One S was the mini version of the One X.
M4 reportedly steps down the processing power, to just a dual core CPU, and storage is just 16GB, but RAM is still a healthy 2GB, and the camera also contains HTC’s lauded (but somewhat controversial) UltraPixel technology. With less powerful components come less stringent power needs, and in this case, HTC has allegedly opted for a 1700mAh, non-removable battery.
The handset is said to have a 4.3-inch 720p display, LTE and is expected to run Jelly Bean 4.2, a step up from the One’s 4.1.
From 9to5Toys.com:
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1SaleaDay.com has the Google Nexus 7″ Android 4.2 LED Tablet w/ 8GB Storage, 1.2GHz Quad-Core CPU, 9 Hour Battery & Bluetooth for only $140 Refurb.
Best deal we’ve seen by far. Expand
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This thing has the same specs as a laptop ‘shrunk’ to ‘phone’ size.
LG just announced its 2013 flagship phone the Optimus G Pro that was leaked last month. The ‘Pro’ stands for huge and fast here, with the first Qualcomm 600 quad core processor running at 1.7GHz. The screen bests even the Samsung Note II phablet screen with a 1080p IPS (not OLED) over 5.5 inches—which is going to look marvelous at 400ppi. Cameras? Yes. There is a 13.0 around back and a 2.1 up front that is HD for video conferencing. Also: 2GB RAM, huge 3,140mAh battery, and Android 4.2—all coming in under 9.4mm thin.
No word yet on when we can grab one stateside.
Optimus G Pro Key Specifications:
• Chipset: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm? Snapdragon™ 600 Processor
• RAM: 2GB DDR
• Memory: 32GB / microSD (up to 32GB)
• Display: 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels / 400ppi)
• Camera: Rear 13.0MP with LED Flash / Front 2.1MP
• OS: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
• Battery: 3,140mAh (removable / wireless charging capable)
• Size: 150.2 x 76.1 x 9.4mm
The press release and a larger picture are below.
If a new rumor is to be believed, the launch of HTC’s new flagship may be coming sooner than we thought. Prominent XDA Forum member Football4PDA tweeted that the One X+ successor, the HTC M7, may be announced at a CES 2013 event by HTC and not at Mobile World Congress. The M7 is rumored to feature “several industry firsts,” boasting a 4.7-inch display with a pixel density of 468PPI and a number of visual improvements. It will also sport a second-generation 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal flash storage, and LTE. There are also believed to be several camera improvements, with a 1080p, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and 1080p front-facing camera. A CES announcement may give the device a quicker launch, with Sprint and Verizon looking to be the destination stateside. We will cover CES from the show floor next week and will bring you the latest as we get it. Expand
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LG Optimus G (AT&T)
AT&T is officially launching the LG Optimus G, its first quad-core LTE smartphone, on Nov. 2 for $199. Not only is it the first quad-core device launching on the carrier’s LTE network, it’s also the device that many expect the yet-to-be-announced LG Nexus 4 to be based on. The carrier confirmed that pre-orders for the device start tomorrow on its website. Of course, the $200 price tag requires the usual two-year contract and approved mobile plan.
In the case of the LG Optimus G, the 1.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM and AT&T’s 4G LTE network means this phone can fly. Not literally of course, but tasks you perform on the phone will be much smoother. From loading web pages, to apps and games, it will get you to what you want, faster…So check out powerful yet elegant Optimus G in our stores on Nov. 2! We’re excited to put it in our customers’ hands so they can try it out for themselves.
We recently got hands-on time with AT&T’s LG Optimus G when the device was officially launched at a media event in New York City earlier this month. Sprint also announced earlier this month that it will add the LG Optimus G to its smartphone lineup, but it did not provide specific launch dates or pricing.
Update: Sprint has also revealed the Android handset will be available to the masses November 11th for $199. The Sprint version will be equipped with a 13-megapixel camera, unlike the AT&T’s 8-megapixel camera.
Tech website Onliner just posted a slew of alleged “LG Nexus 4” pictures.
If these images are the real deal, as The Verge noted, they will be the first clear shots of LG’s widely rumored Nexus handset. Onliner verified it is an Optimus G-inspired device, called the “LG E960”, and it features a massive quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB RAM, 4.7-inch 1,280-by-768-pixel display, and Android 4.1.2. Previous rumors indicated Android 4.2 would come on board, but Onliner suggested the mobile OS could change versions before the smartphone’s speculated Oct. 29 unveiling.
The “LG Nexus 4” moniker first appeared yesterday in the inventory system for mobile device retailer Carphone Warehouse, while French newspaper Le Figaro later ousted the launch date with an estimated December arrival for France. More rumors on the device previously pegged a mid-November launch for the United States, while additional leaked photos and specs have painted a decent picture as to what the Android-powered smartphone could potentially feature and look like.
A gallery is below.
Update: Cnet reports that it has learned from a reliable source that the LG Nexus will be introduced at the end of this month. It is also hearing that a final name for the device has not been decided, and there could possibly be other Nexus devices introduced by additional OEMs:
The phone will be announced at the end of the month, according to a person briefed on the matter. While it will run some of the same specifications as the Optimus G, it will be modified to fit into the Nexus program. Google and LG haven’t yet come up with a name for the product… LG, however, may not be the only company to unveil a Nexus phone, the person said.
Tech community MoDaCo, citing “various sources,” just revealed a list of hardware and software features for a yet-to-be-announced LG Nexus device.
The much-discussed pure Android device is supposedly Optimus G-based, but it will not look the same, and it boasts a quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB RAM, 8-megapixel camera, and 1,280-by-768 True-HD IPS display. According to MoDaCo, additional specs include:
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is now available to AT&T’s Pantech Burst and Pantech Element.
AT&T revealed the announcement this morning for the lower-end LTE-powered smartphone and tablet on its consumer blog, where the carrier further explained the mobile OS would add a bevy of new features to the dual-core processor devices.
A few of the software features include:
With this update, Pantech Element customers will have resizable widgets and an updated Setup Wizard with additional training information. Android 4.0 will provide support for Burst users with Native Sync for AT&T Address Book, as well as expanded camera options such as Self-Mode and Panorama Capture. Also featured is the new Recent Apps button, which lets users move directly from one task to another using the list in the System Bar.
Download the ICS update:
If the spec sheet above picked up by SamMobile is to be believed, we could be looking at the specs for a next-generation Nexus. The device in question is listed as the “GT-I9260”, which would put it between the Galaxy Nexus (I9250) and the Galaxy S III (I9300). As for upgrades, the document lists a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD display, a 1.5 dual-core A9, as well as better cameras like an 80megapixel main camera and 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera. Unlike the Galaxy Nexus, the I9260 is listed with an SD card slot. There is not any other information present in the report, but we will keep you updated when we find out more.
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OneSaleADay offers the “Google Android Pandigital Planet 7″ Touchscreen Tablet with Android 2.2 OS, 2GB & MicroSD Expansion Slot!” for just $49.99 with $5 for shipping. That’s a pretty insane price even if this thing is just a 2GB photoframe. But it isn’t. It is an Android 2.2 tablet with front AND BACK cameras, SD card slot (take that Nexus 7!), and 802.11N networking.
You are not going to love reading on this, with a 800-by-600 resolution, but it might make a good Google Hangout/web browsing/ general-use Android tablet for those without a lot of cash. Amazon’s reviewers were not very kind, but “you get what you pay for.” The full specs are below: Expand
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From 9to5Toys.com:
Staples now offers the Google Nexus 7 16GB 7″ Android Tablet, model no. NEXUS7/1B16, bundled with a $25 Google Play Credit for $249. Coupon code “99618” cuts it to $234. With free shipping, that’s the lowest total price we’ve seen. (It’s a current low by $15.) Sales tax is added where applicable. This 12-oz. tablet features a 7″ 1280×800 touchscreen display, scratch-resistant Corning glass, Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB memory, Bluetooth, GPS, front-facing camera, 802.11n wireless, Google Android 4.1 OS (Jelly Bean), and more
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You may have heard of the world’s thinnest Android phone, the Oppo Finder, when the company put it up for pre-order last month. At just 6.65mm, the company also wanted to show off how tough the device is, and it recently did so by using it to hammer nails into a piece of wood. We would not recommend doing this with any smartphone. Nevertheless, at $393, Oppo Finder packs some decent specs with its 1GB of RAM, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, Android 4.0, and 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display.
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There are reports today that Google’s 7-inch tablet made by ASUS has been delayed until July from an original release window in May.
I was told from the beginning that the tablets would be announced at Google I/O and shipping to the public shortly thereafter, so I do not know if this is a delay at all. The original source for May is Digitimes, so I am not sure how accurate the information is. Perhaps Google was hoping to bank on a little cushion in its delivery window.
What is the reason for the delay?
The Mountain View team plans to make some design changes and hopes to lower the price from the current $249. The tablet, made in partnership with Taiwan’s Asustek Computer, currently comes with a 7-inch screen, an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and is Wi-Fi-only.
Pictured above is the ASUS Memo370T shown off at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in January and due in the second quarter. It has some beefy specs including a Tegra 3 processor, 8-megapixel camera, and a 720P display. It has a retail price of $249, so I am not sure if Google really needs to get the price down too far. This is already a solid tablet.
If the release is pushed to July, it would mean that attendees will not get the tablet at the show (I have not heard this specifically) and would have to get a voucher/mail-in kind of thing like the Samsung ChromeBooks last year.
Verizon just knocked $150 from the HTC Rezound’s sticker price.
The carrier is now offering the Android-based smartphone for $49.99 with a two-year contract. That’s a great deal for a 4G device showcasing a 4.3-inch Super LCD screen, 720p HD display, dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with a dual LED flash, and Beats by Dr. Dre.
According to Droid-Life, the HTC Rezound is also eyeing an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade in the next couple of weeks, which is just one more reason to take advantage of today’s sale.
Go to Verizon’s website to check out the details (a zip code prompt is required).
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Toshiba unveiled the new 13.3-inch-display AT330 tablet in Germany, and it has one very unique feature: a TV tuner.
Techfokus said the Japanese electronics manufacturer showcased its latest device at Toshiba World 2012 in Bonn. The Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich slate employs a Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, but its most interesting highlight is a TV tuner and an antennae that extends from body…
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Coming on the heels of Samsung’s Galaxy Note, LG today is pushing its foray into the new Phablet market: The VU—a 5-inch 4:3 display device. The Vu will be shorter and wider than the Note due to the display ratio, and it seems to resemble the Nokia Lumia/older iPod Nano design.
LG today unveiled one of the most anticipated LTE devices, the Optimus Vu:. Equipped with LG’s advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus Vu: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is a multimedia lover’s dream device.
“The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smart-phone,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “By offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology, Optimus Vu: is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine our best technology with customer needs.”
Interestingly, this device is exactly one-quarter the size of Apple’s iPad with the same resolution. That means the screen resolution is likely the same as the likely upcoming iPad 3 with Retina Display.
One of the few downsides to the Galaxy Note was that it was hard to use in one hand. LG, making a wider version, will make it even harder.
The full-sized pictures and press release are below:
A new device called the “HTC Edge” leaked. It was the world’s first rumored quad-core handset. Fast forward to last month, and PocketNow reported that HTC renamed the HTC Edge to the “HTC Endeavor.”
A new report from MoDaCo, said HTC is announcing the HTC Endeavor at Mobile World Conference in Barcelona in less than three weeks. If you are not familiar, MWC is the CES for phones and tablets.
MoDaCo’s sources confirmed that the HTC Endeavor will ship with a 1.5GHz Tegra 3 based Quad-Core processor, 4.7-inch 720P HD screen, 8-megapixel camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0. The handset will also feature Beats audio experience onboard, as well as Sense 4.0…
There are two new reports today regarding the upcoming availability of the sleek Droid 4. Droid-Life, who is usually on-par, reported that Verizon Wireless’s latest QWERTY offering will launch for $199 on two-year contract and $549 full price, which has been confirmed in Verizon’s system (seen in the screenshot below). This certainly makes for one of the cheapest LTE offerings out there. Droid-Life also posted a second screenshot of Verizon’s internal system that reveals the Droid 4 will launch on Feb. 10 in all markets. Why Feb. 10, you may ask? It is the same day Star Wars in 3D hits theaters. As a reminder, the Droid 4 boasts a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 1GB of RAM, and dual-cameras. We will keep you updated as Verizon goes official with its launch date.
The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show is underway in Las Vegas, and Acer wrapped up the first press event of the week. Acer showed off its new Acer Aspire S5 laptop at the event, and —better yet— the Taiwan-based company teased its new Android tablet – the Iconia Tab A700. The new Acer tablet is a complete beast with its Tegra 3 quad-core processor, Android 4.0, and 1080p display. As of now, there is no more information besides those two specifications, but we will work on finding out the rest as the week rolls on.
Check out another image after the break or view the full gallery over at The Verge.
AllThingsD’s review columnist Walt Mossberg has graced us with his Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime review this evening, giving the device a pretty high score. Mossberg, a renowned reviewer, calls the Prime the best Android tablet he has tested. Mossberg compliments the Prime on its fast quad-core Tegra 3 processor and keyboard dock which can be purchased separately.
Just as Joanna Stern from The Verge said, Mossberg isn’t too happy with the software on the Prime. He calls it sluggish and not as complete as the iPad. For his final words, Mossberg says the iPad is still the best tablet out there, but if you’re interested in Android and a physical keyboard this tablet is for you. Be sure to read his full review.
I still believe the iPad 2 is the best overall tablet available. However, if you’re looking for a model using Google’s Android interface and are yearning for a well-designed, easily integrated keyboard solution, or want to play more power-hungry games, the Transformer Prime is a good choice, as long as you can tolerate its software limitations.
The Prime launches in the United States on December 15th. The 32GB model will be available for $499, and the optional keyboard dock will be available for $149. We look forward to getting our hands on this!
Engadget has leaked the specs of a new handset from HTC called the Zeta (rendered above). The HTC Zeta is rumored to pack a 2.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 720p 4.5-inch display, 8-megapixel rear camera (1080p HD), and 1.3-megapixel front camera. With specifications optimized for power, the HTC Zeta makes itself favorable over its previously leaked brethren the HTC Edge.
The 2.5 GHz S4 processor will be manufactured by Qualcomm, a competitor to Nvidia’s Tegra 3 that is finding its way into devices by next year. This device is sure to be a speed demon.
Engadget doesn’t say which version of Android the Zeta will run, but with the Ice Cream Sandwich source code released yesterday, we’re hoping the device will see ICS on launch day if not shortly after. HTC’s custom Sense UI will also most likely earn a spot on the Zeta. There is no word on pricing or availability, but Q1 or early Q2 of 2012 sounds about right.
From 9to5toys.com:
Buy.com via eBay Daily Deal has the Samsung Galaxy SII unlocked phone for $489.99 with free shipping. That’s the lowest price we could find by about $100. This 4.3″ screen, dual core Android 2.3.5 smartphone will work on just about any GSM network in the worldwith a SIM card. Expand
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp6MZupUq78]
ASUS just released a teaser for their next generation tablet (Honeycomb? ICS?) which should be released in the coming days. What’s inside? Perhaps a Tegra 3 Kal-El chip, which also got its own video below: Expand
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AT&T has announced five new Android phones to add to their portfolio bringing their total Android count for the year to 19. This round includes the anticipated Atrix 2, Samsung Captivate Glide, Samsung Double Time, Pantech Pocket, and AT&T Avail. These five new devices exceed AT&T’s expectations of 12 new Android devices this year by a healthy margin.
The big boy of these five devices is the Motorola Atrix 2, the successor to the Atrix announced at CES this year. The Atrix 2 features a pretty nice spec list: 4.3-inch qHD screen (960 x 540), 1 GHz dual-core processor, 4G, 8-megapixel rear-shooter (1080P HD), unspecified front-facing camera, and Android 2.3. The Atrix 2 features the same connectivity as the original Atrix: Motorola’s webtop application, HD station, and the Lapdock 100.
Also having a nice set of specs, AT&T has announced the Samsung Captivate Glide. Specs for the Glide include: 4-inch 480×800 display, 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, Android 2.3, 4G, HDMI playback, 8-megapixel rear-shooter (1080p HD), and 1.3 mega-pixel front-facing camera. Yeah, it is another Samsung Epic 4G type of device (not that there is anything wrong with that).
Check out the other three after the break:
Trying to get in before the October 4th flood perhaps, today AT&T announced their Galaxy S II varient would hit shelves on October 2nd. We’ve talked extensively about the Galaxy SII here (read). As a refresher, AT&T’s is closest to the international version with the same 4.3 inch display – contrasted with the 4.5 variety that T-Mobile and Sprint are carrying. Interestingly, it will also have NFC, which Sprint’s surprisingly doesn’t. Sprint is a partner in Google’s NFC-based Wallet initiative.
This is an amazing phone but it is interesting that AT&T is squeaking it in before the iPhone announcement. On the other hand, it says something that AT&T is going with the Galaxy SII moniker rather than something like “Captivate 2”. It seems like Samsung’s Galalxy S line can stand on its own. T-Mobile called its 4G Vibrant model the Galaxy S earlier this year so it appears to be a trend.
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Samsung has just unveiled the webpage for the Galaxy Tab 8.9, which reveals pricing and more specs for the unreleased tablet. The 16GB Wi-Fi only tablet will be going for $469, and the 32GB Wi-Fi only going for $569. Specs for the device are a 8.9” WXGA (1280×800) display, Android 3.1, 3-megapixel rear-facing shooter, 2-megapixel front-facing shooter, Wi-Fi, and a 6100mAh battery. Currently, the Tab comes in a Metallic Gray.
Interestingly, the 8.9’s price is $30 less than the 10.1’s. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 will be hitting Best Buy stores Thursday, so make plans to hop in line. Check out a few more shots after the break:
LG has teased their unannounced LU6200 this evening, which features spectacular specs close to the rumored HTC Incredible HD. The LU6200 (we’d prefer a nicer naming scheme) is rumored to be packing a 4.5-inch 720P HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Gingerbread, LTE, 8-megapixel back-facing shooter, 1.3-megapixel front-facing shooter, and NFC. Pre-orders are rumored to start September 26th. (via Engadget)
The Droid Incredible HD (known as the Vigor) by HTC is set to land on Verizon October 13th, according to a leaked document published by PhanDroid. Besides the launch date, the leak outlines some very impressive specs for the Incredible HD: 4G LTE, 720p HD screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM, Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, 8-megapixel back-facing camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and Beats by Dr. Dre earbuds. Sleek!
Check out the back of the device after the break:
At the Innovation Qualcomm event in Istanbul, Qualcomm outlined their new line of “S4” mobile processors (following their new naming scheme). The new single, dual, and quad-core processors will be able to pack up to 2.5 GHz’s in speed, almost doubling what’s available on the current market. Spec wise, the new processors will bring the ability for Adreno Graphics, 3D, 1080p HD, and 3G and LTE connectivity as a standard.
Qualcomm’s quad-core processor will compete directly with Nvidia’s “Kal-el” quad-core processor due out around the same time. CES and Mobile World Conference should be about the time we see phones announced with these processors underneath.Expect these phones to be fast! (via Pocket-lint)
Nvidia’s quad-core test tablet code named “Kal-El” is set to launch in s tablet this coming fall. Kal-El’s speed, named after Superman, is said to be 5x the speed of the Tegra 2, Nvidia’s current dual-core CPU on the market. Nvidia tells AndroidCentral:
“Project Kal-El-powered tablets are coming this Fall, and phones around the CES 2012 timeframe.”
That translates to phones in Spring or summer. Originally, Nvidia said at CES 2011 we were going to see the tablet in August, but we’ve learned to never go off a company’s timeframe. Will the Kal-El be dubbed Tegra 3?
Check out AndroidCentral’s video of the Kal-El below:
This is my next has unveiled an Android device heading to Sprint, which is said to be a beefed up Motorola XPRT with a dual-core processor. The device is code named the Motorola Pax, and is looking very Blackberry esque with its portrait keyboard. Besides the dual-core processor, the Pax is also believed to include Sprint’s new CDMA 1X Advanced push-to-talk system. There is no word on pricing or availability. Check out another shot after the break.
Android Central has gotten their hands on a table showing the Droid 3, Droid 2, and Droid X2 side-by-side. The Droid 2 and Droid X2 are already out on Verizon, but the image above sheds light on what the Droid 3 will be. There isn’t a release date quite yet; we know it’s coming to Verizon at the very least.
The Droid 3 will be sporting Honeycomb, a 4-inch touchscreen, 1GHz dual-core processor, 8MP rear-facing camera, and front facing-camera. The image above also reveals this will be a world phone. We’ll keep you updated about when this phone will drop. Expand
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As far as AT&T is concerned, the Atrix is about the best Android Smartphone you’ll find (no disrespect to the monsters Infuse and Inspire). In my February Fortune Review I called it the new”King of the Androids” for its qHD display and dual core processor while still being smaller than a Galaxy S. A lot has happened since then
Today, 9to5toys.com posts one heck of a deal:
With activation of a new 2-year contract, Amazon Wireless offers the Motorola Atrix 4G Smartphone for AT&T Wireless for 1 cent with free shipping. That’s $50 under our April mention and the lowest total price we’ve seen for this phone. (It’s also a current price low by $100.) Sales tax is added where applicable. Features include a 4″ 960×540 color touchscreen, 1GHz dual-core processor, 5-megapixel camera, 720p video capture, microSD card slot, 16GB internal memory, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, Adobe Flash 10, USB 2.0 connectivity, and Android 2.2 OS (FroYo). A $36 activation fee applies.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97REawPREH4]
We got a chance to take a look at the new MyTouch Slide last week and came away both impressed and yet slightly let down.
On one hand this is a rocket fast phone with a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor that is in both the Sensation and the EVO 3D but in a much smaller package. The screen size and resolution have also been pared down to more traditional standards (3.7-inch and 480×800 pixels) but it is still a great display with great angles. Being a ‘Slide’, it has a slide-out keyboard which is very nice to the touch – but only 4 rows. The phone is awfully thin for a slider and perhaps the thinnest slide keyboard device out there.
The show stopper however is the shooter. The Slide has the “most advanced” 8-Megapixel camera on the market with its hard (0 lag) shutter, f/2.2 lens, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor which can record 1080P video. It also has three new technologies:
• SweepShot™: for capturing panoramic shots by sweeping across an entire scene in a single
motion
• ClearShot™ HDR: for capturing objects in bright settings so your photos are not affected by
high-contrast lighting
• BurstShot™: for capturing multiple photos in a quick burst so you don’t miss the perfect
photo
This phone is on par with a mid-range point and shoot camera, yet it has all of the GPS/social/internet features fo a smartphone. Both video and still were as good as any phone I’ve seen. While pictures and movies look amazing on the little 3.7-inch screen, it will be interesting to see how those pictures translate to the bigger screen (TVs) and paper.
If your smartphone wishlist starts with best camera out there, this is your phone.
There’s just one thing… Expand
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyMfpJh3h4A]
Excellent commercial but not enough Galaxy S2.
From 9to5Toys.com:
MacMall via eBay Daily Deal offers the 1.69-lb. Acer Iconia A500-10S16u NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz 10.1″ Widescreen Android Table PC, model no. XE.H60PN.002, for $379.99 with free shipping. That’s the lowest total price we could find by $61. Features include an NVIDIA Tegra 2 250 1GHz dual-core processor, 10.1″ 1280×800 widescreen touchscreen LCD, 1GB RAM, built-in 16GB flash storage, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, microSD card slot, 5-megapixel rear facing camera, 2-megapixel front facing camera, miniHDMI output, 2-cell battery, and Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
We reviewed the Iconia Tab here.
Prepare to be impressed:
A few months back, we unveiled Project Kal-El – our next-gen Tegra super chip – as the world’s first mobile quad-core processor. Kal-El combines a battery-friendly, powerhouse of a quad-core processor with a 12-core NVIDIA GPU that supports 3D stereo.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvaDtshLY8&HD=1&w=670&h=400]
The first thing that strikes me is that the US is running out of names for Smartphones quicker than even IP addresses.
‘Within’?
Whatever.
The short of it is that the Samsung Galaxy S2, pretty much the most bad ass phone available today, is coming to Sprint, one of the most Android -friendly carriers and will be called the ‘Within’. They could call it the ‘Edsel’ and this would still be a sweet phone.
Top shelf specs include: 32GB internal storage with SD option. Dual Core processor, 4.27-inch display, 1GB RAM, Gingerbread and of course NFC which should make Google and its Wallet efforts pretty happy. Engadget said of this device:
It’s the best Android smartphone yet, but more importantly, it might well be the best smartphone, period.
No timetable for launch exists but we know S2s are already running around Europe and Sprint users want to get their hands on this thing. It would surprise me if this wasn’t out by the end of Summer.
