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UK 4G network auction delayed, spectrum sell-off pushed back to the end of 2012
The dizzying world of 4G speeds remains a distant prospect for Britons, with telecoms regulator Ofcom deciding to delay the auction for the next generation of mobile spectrum. It was looking to sell off two potent bands of wireless network by the end of this year, but those plans have been put on hold by some legal jostling and desk-banging from UK carriers, with the British equivalent of the FCC saying it received several "substantial and strongly argued responses." The sell-off delay might not affect any launch dates for 4G (already being tested in rural parts of the UK), as the bands up for grabs still won't be available until 2013. But eventually all of this to-ing and fro-ing will test even the Brits' stoic patience.
BlackBerry Curve Touch 9380 'Orlando' poses for the masses, invites you to look... but not touch
There's a new BlackBerry coming to town, and as you're likely aware, it's the first touchscreen-based Curve from Research in Motion. The folks at BGR happened to score a few still shots of the pint-sized companion, where it's situated next to its larger Torch sibling for comparison. The specs remain the same since we last checked in with the device, though as a quick point of clarification, its HD video capture is limited to 720p -- as if you really expected full 1080p. We can't include all the snapshots here, but it's rather obvious this isn't your father's BlackBerry. If you've got a burning desire for these curves, you'll find a full gallery in the source link below.
LG Optimus Hub officially outed as successor to Optimus One dynasty (video)
Well, LG's gone ahead and made the successor to the Optimus One all official-like. The device you've previously known as the Univa (E510) has been renamed as the Optimus Hub, and it's set to arrive in Italy next month for €199 off-contract. The specs remain the same since we first peered at the handset, though we're now able to fill in some additional gaps. First, the camera has received a bump to 5 megapixels, and while the phone's ability to record video still tops out at VGA (640 x 480), it'll now capture up to 24fps (rather than 18fps with the Optimus One). Sadly, an LED flash remains absent from the scene. This Euro version features quad-band GSM support, although its 3G connectivity is limited to the 2100 and 900MHz bands and HSDPA caps out at 3.6Mbps. HDblog (based in Italy) was fortunate to get some hands-on time with the device, and even if you don't speak Italian, it appears to operate quite well -- just take a peek after the break. How will it compare to offerings from Huawei and ZTE in the battle for your hard-earned coin? That folks, remains to be seen.
LG Univa pictured in the wild, may be the Optimus One's young Padawan
You, kid, have got what it takes. The LG E510 -- also known as the Univa -- may be the apprentice of the massively-popular Optimus One, learning the tricks of the trade and mastering the art of winning the hearts of millions across the globe. Norwegian site Mobili nabbed some quality hands-on time with the new device and gave it high marks. The Univa is rumored to feature an 800MHz CPU and Adreno 200 GPU, 512MB of RAM, a 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 1,500mAh battery, and will come with Android 2.3.4 installed. The spec sheet isn't enough to stand up to the Droid Bionics and Nexus Primes of the world, but it's certainly capable of holding up the lower end of LG's Android lineup for the next year, likely picking up right where the aging Optimus One left off. The device still isn't official, which means this is all pure speculation for now, but undoubtedly the manufacturer has something in mind for this newbie. Check out more pics in the gallery below. %Gallery-133005% [Thanks, Cato]
AT&T introduces Huawei Impulse 4G, available September 18th for $30
If the Impulse name sounds familiar but you just can't put your finger on it, allow us to break out the iron and get the confusion straightened out. Two weeks ago we reported that a rumored device called the Samsung Impulse 4G might be on its way to guide AT&T into its new era as a LTE powerhouse. Turns out it was partially true: this morning, the carrier announced the Huawei Impulse 4G, which in reality is a rebranded Ideos X5 that will act as an affordable ($30 on two-year contract) HSPA+ device cooking up faux-G speeds at a max of 14.4Mbps. Unfortunately, that's not exactly the LTE radio we were pining for. The Impulse also has a 3.8-inch WVGA display, an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 CPU, Android 2.2 and 5 megapixel image-snapper with 720p video capture. It'll be hitting stores on September 18, and we'd say the specs line up with what we'd expect from a $30 Android phone. Follow below for the full press release.
Kyocera Milano coming to Sprint September 9th for $50, looks nothing like Alyssa
The Samsung Conquer 4G may be appealing to a lot of folks craving a mid-range Android device with WiMAX, but what if that extra G just isn't all that important to you? Sprint has a little extra room to spare in the lower end of its lineup, so it's tossing in the Kyocera Milano. The device is rumored to run on Gingerbread and may include an 800MHz CPU with 512MB of RAM, a 3-inch display, a 1,340mAh battery, a 3.2 megapixel camera and a slide-out keyboard. It's likely to be hitting Sprint on September 9th for $50, just in case you've always wanted a phone with an uncanny resemblance to the cookie of the same name.
BlackBerry Curve 9360 going to Bell August 29th, T-Mobile September 14th
We have to hand it to Research in Motion. No matter what feelings you may have for (or against) the company, it's sure doing a great job staying in the news day after day. After unleashing a bevy of reviews for the Bold 9930, Torch 9810 and Torch 9850, now we're hearing whisperings about the latest Curve. The 9360, aka the Apollo, is ready to make its way to both sides of the northern border, beginning its North American tour with Bell on August 29th and swiftly making its way to T-Mobile September 14th. We're hearing that the 9360 will have a 2.4-inch screen with 480 x 360 resolution, an 800MHz CPU, and BlackBerry 7 installed. As is the case with most leaked screenshots, we can't know for sure that these days will actually stick, but at least it gives us a solid indication that the device is inbound sooner than we were expecting.
HTC Bliss spotted frolicking in the blurry wild?
We haven't heard much about the HTC Bliss since it popped up on a Verizon roadmap earlier this month, but the folks over at PocketNow have obtained photos of what could be the handset's first public appearance. The so-called "women only" smartphone, which recently passed through the FCC, is rumored to run on a 800MHz single-core processor and will reportedly sport a new version of HTC's Sense UI. It's also expected to run Android 2.3 and to rock a GSM 900MHz radio, though, as you can tell, it's a little difficult to glean any of that from the above blurry images. No word yet on whether it'll launch in September, as expected, or whether it'll look a bit more feminine when it does, but we'll keep you posted.
BlackBerry Curve Touch 9380 gets the silent video treatment, confirms NFC rumors (video)
Looking like the runt of RIM's newest BlackBerry litter, the Curve Touch 9380 has recently surfaced on a German site starring in its own silent movie. The video, taken by MacBerry.de, shows off the mini-BB handset -- née Orlando / Malibu -- running the company's OS 7 and confirming those NFC-capable rumors. A side-by-side comparison with a full-grown Curve and Storm gives you a true sense of just how wee the portrait QWERTY-less touch device actually is, with its 3.25-inch 480 x 360 HVGA display. The phone, purported to launch this Q4 in both GSM and CDMA versions, isn't going to snag the beast tag anytime soon, but falls in line with earlier reported specs, sporting a respectable 800MHz Qualcomm MSM8655 processor, 5 megapixel camera, 1GB Flash, 512MB RAM, microSD card slot, WiFi and Bluetooth. If you're in the market for a fashionable, Zoolander-approved smartphone, expect to pick up this little rascal on your carrier of choice later this year.
BlackBerry Curve Touch 9380 'Orlando' gets pictured, tourists not included
These Blurrycam images you see above? Nope, not the Torch 9860. It's actually the BlackBerry Curve Touch 9380, also known as the Orlando. The phone's popped up on our radar screen once before as a render, with a few midrange specs revealed: a 800MHz Qualcomm MSM8655 processor, 3.25-inch HVGA screen, 5 megapixel camera with HD video, 1GB storage with microSD expansion and 512MB of RAM, and NFC were getting kicked around as possible features. We don't have any updates on the specs yet, but the forum member responsible for the images claims it's scheduled for a Q4 release, it runs on OS 7, and has two variants: the Orlando is actually of the GSM flavor, while the Malibu represents the CDMA side. Regardless of which major carrier you're rooting for this device to land on, it'll have you pining for a place hot and humid -- which no doubt will come in handy later this winter.
MetroPCS intros the Samsung Admire to usher the young'uns back into school
Who needs clothes when you can ring in the new school year with a phone? That's the vision MetroPCS is aiming to instill in the hearts of parents everywhere, as the carrier has officially introduced the Samsung Admire as part of its Back to School promo. It packs some quality midrange specs, such as an 800MHz CPU, 3.5-inch HVGA display, 3.2 megapixel camera and Android 2.3 preloaded without a trace of TouchWiz UI. Hunting for the next superphone? Move along, nothing to see here -- first-time smartphone users and students are more likely to find the budget-friendly device right up their alley. No release date or pricing has been announced, though it's expected to hit shelves sometime next month in red and gray. Just remember, kids -- make sure it's put away when the teacher is looking, okay?
Samsung Galaxy Gio heads to Canada August 8th, $150 off-contract
Looks like the Samsung Galaxy Gio -- the poor man's Nexus S -- is headed for an August 8th launch in our neighbor to the north's backyard. The budget entry Android phone has seen an OS bump to 2.3 since its debut at Mobile World Congress but, alas, is still riddled with same old, mid-grade 800MHz processor and 3 megapixel camera. Slated to hit Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile on Monday, expect to snag this Galaxy handset for $150 outright, or free on a three-year contract -- but why do something crazy like that?
FCC hails spectrum alliances with Canada and Mexico, seeks to reduce border conflicts
It's not every day that the FCC enters into new multinational agreements, so you'll have to forgive us for getting excited over the latest communique between Chairman Julius Genachowski and his counterparts in Canada and Mexico. After much negotiation, the regulatory heads have created a framework to resolve frequency conflicts along our nations' borders. While the deal with Mexico only applies to the 700MHz spectrum, the agreement with Canada also covers the 800MHz range. By reducing interference and maximizing spectrum allocation, Genachowski believes "these arrangements will unleash investment and benefit consumers near the borders by enabling the rollout of 4G wireless broadband service and advanced systems for critical public safety and emergency response communications." Once the policies become official mandates, license holders must coordinate and implement techniques to mitigate signal interference or face some nasty regulatory intervention. If you're a sucker for policy, just leap the break for the full press release.
Motorola Domino+ says 'cheese' to the spy camera
Does the addition of a "+" to a phone's name make it any more exquisite? Perhaps not, but that isn't stopping Motorola from taking the symbol for a test drive. If nothing else, the Domino+ (aka XT531) at least earns the extra character in design alone, brandishing a unique-looking candy white shell in its candid photo shoot. Meant to be a budget Android handset, it packs an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227, 512MB of RAM, Android 2.3.4, a five megapixel shooter, and a 3.5-inch HVGA display. For a phone that's expected to sell for roughly $340 (off-contract, of course) in China, it has at least a few half-decent specs to carry around. It'll be available in both white and black at a yet-to-be-determined date. At the given price point, it'll be interesting to see if this Domino has an effect on the company's sales in China. Yes, we had to.
HTC ChaCha seemingly confirmed for AT&T, courtesy of leaked press shot
It got its passport stamped by the FCC just a few days ago, but the HTC ChaCha has apparently donned its AT&T costume and already had a photo shoot to commemorate the occasion. The leaked press shot above shows the same cutesy phone with the logo of its future carrier on top, but look even closer and you'll see a few other minor changes when compared to the European version launched at MWC this year. First, the Facebook button at the bottom of the phone is slightly modified, though we're not sure if this means there'll be any different features or functions to go along with it. In addition, a few other keys have been renamed or rearranged, and the screenshot shows a date of July 17; this could be the planned launch date or mere coincidence, but it's difficult to discern at this point. Our skeptical minds aren't certain this is the real dance yet, but at least the song appears to be next up on the playlist.
France to auction off 4G spectrum, carriers ready to get their bid on
If you have a few billion euros hiding in your couch cushion and you've always dreamed of owning a coveted sect of airspace, might we suggest a 4G auction? France has some 18 blocks of high-speed spectrum up for grabs this September in the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands, and wants at least 2.5 billion euros ($3.6b) in exchange for the whole enchilada. Expensive as it may seem, there's no reason to believe it shouldn't easily surpass that amount; the biggest competitors are definitely not lightweights by any stretch of the imagination, and -- as this will be the last of such spectrum to be sold for at least ten years -- we know each contender will be on its A-game. Fortunately the government has regulated the whole affair to keep spectrum-hogging to a minimum: no company can buy more than half of the "beachfront" 800MHz band, and no more than 15MHz of the 2.6GHz (out of 70MHz available). The most awe-inspiring regulation, however, is that victors will be required to build out their 4G networks in rural zones, ensuring that 90 percent of the population will have access to high-speed mobile broadband within 12 years. Could the US government learn a few things from this process?
UK 4G spectrum set to be auctioned off next year
Ofcom, the UK version of the FCC, is currently sitting on two fat bands of prime 4G spectrum, at 800MHz and 2.6GHz, but it won't be doing so for long. This morning has seen an announcement from the independent regulator that it's looking to sell off those airwaves to the highest bidder, as early as 2012, pending the conclusion of a consultation on how to ensure the auction helps promote, rather than stifle, competition. The 800MHz band comes directly from spectrum freed up by the country's transition to digital television, and together with the 2.6GHz is equivalent to three quarters of all the mobile spectrum the UK uses today. The usual suspects of O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere will be vying for prime position in the next wave of superspeedy internet ... we just wonder how 3G-centric network Three will react to the news. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung Galaxy Pro combines 2.8-inch touchscreen with a portrait QWERTY keyboard, modest specs
Samsung has just taken the veils off yet another Android handset in its rapidly expanding portfolio, this one targeting those BlackBerry-addicted portrait QWERTY keyboard lovers. The Galaxy Pro squeezes a four-row button array beneath a set of Android keys and a 2.8-inch touchscreen, while its insides are filled with an 800MHz processor of an unspecified variety and a 3 megapixel cam with autofocus skills. UK carrier Three has already confirmed it'll be offering this Froyo handset -- via an unlisted YouTube video we've embedded for you after the break -- and others should soon be coming out with their own announcements and, eventually, pricing. Update: Samsung has sent along its official press release and a full spec sheet. See them after the break. [Thanks, GeForce]
Confirmed: T-Mobile G2 will have Android 2.2, Flash and 800MHz CPU
T-Mobile is calling it "the fastest smartphone experience in America," but as it turns out, its Qualcomm Scorpion CPU is actually relatively slow -- the cellular carrier's insider newsletter T-Mobile Scoop says the phone's MSM7x30 chip will be clocked at 800MHz, rather than the 1GHz we'd hoped for. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that T-Mobile lying about speed, as anyone who's upgraded from Droid to Droid 2 very well knows -- bloatware can easily clog the pipes even on phones running Froyo, and we've heard that this particular HTC device is running a pure vanilla Android build. Speaking of delectable operating system revisions, T-Mobile confirms you'll indeed find Android 2.2 under the hood accompanied by Flash Player 10.1, as well as "one-touch quick keys" the carrier claims provide Speedy Gonzales-like access to apps and shortcuts. Still waiting to be confirmed: a $200 subsidized price, and the day we'll see it in stores. [Thanks, james_of_the_jungle] Editor's Note: It's important to keep in mind that the G2 seems to feature Qualcomm's next-gen MSM7x30 chipset, which can theoretically blaze. Of course, that all depends on firmware optimization, so let's keep our fingers crossed -- something tells us neither T-Mobile nor HTC have any interest in messing this one up.
UK prepping 4G spectrum auction for late next year
The wireless spectrum crunch isn't a uniquely American phenomenon; with smartphones now infecting most of the developed world, everyone's dealing with the very same limitations of physics, and the UK looks finally lined up for a late-2010 auction of two key slices of airwaves after wrestling with some bureaucratic garbage for the past year. Specifically, the 800MHz and 2600MHz bands are at play here, the former having come from the country's transition to digital TV; both will serve distinctly different roles, with 800MHz being better for building penetration and rural coverage and 2600MHz suiting urban areas better. Sadly, it means that we're moving even further away from global spectrum harmony, seeing how the US is using 700MHz and 2500MHz for 4G services so far -- so don't expect a single handset SKU capable of handling LTE anywhere in the world any time soon.
