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Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!

Brad Molen — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:01:00 EST

Get ready to be taken to a dreamworld of mobile podcasting as Myriam and Brad hit up the mics. Or is it a dreamworld of rants? Either way, it'll be magical.

May 25, 2012 5:00 PM EDT

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video)

Amar Toor — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST

Forget crosswords and Krugman, because the New York Times has created a new bathroom companion that looks infinitely more entertaining than either of them. Like some of its Snow White-style predecessors, the Times' "magic mirror" prototype uses Microsoft Kinect to detect and follow your movements, while deploying voice recognition technology to execute your commands. With this omniscient slab affixed to your wall, you can surf the web, flip through your wardrobe and send reassuring e-mails to your teenage daughter, whom you should have driven to school a good 30 minutes ago. An RFID reader, meanwhile, can recognize tagged pharmaceuticals or other products, allowing you to instantly access information on your prescription meds by placing them in front of the reflective LCD. You could also use the mirror to browse through the Times' full slate of articles and video content, meaning you can read about extravagant weekend getaways and urban gentrification from the standing comfort of your sink. Unfortunately for all mankind, the magic mirror is still in the prototype phase and the NYT's Research & Development Group has yet to offer a timetable for its release -- but you can see it in action for yourself, after the break.

Continue reading New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video)

New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deep Shot transfers open websites from desktop to mobile, sans wizardry

Zach Honig — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:03:00 EST

When we first read about Deep Shot, we were admittedly dumbfounded, but equally impressed. The "technology" allows you to "capture" the current state of a website on your desktop and transfer it to a mobile device -- taking a picture of a Google Map on your desktop with your smartphone camera will open the site in the same state on your phone, for example. Sounds like a pretty neat magic trick, huh? Well, it's not. In order to use Deep Shot, you need to install an app on your mobile, computer, and any other device you plan to use it with -- thus making it even less practical than Chrome to Phone.

It currently works with Google Maps and Yelp, but could theoretically be used with any site that uses URIs, or those lengthy URLs that contain search details, such as the origin and destination addresses you sent to Google Maps. You could also "transfer" a site in its "current state" by emailing the URI, or by using an app to seamlessly share it over WiFi or Bluetooth with a "send to mobile" button -- which is likely what Deep Shot is doing here anyway, just with an extra step thrown into the mix. Care to visit a land where you can swim with the Loch Ness Monster and ride a pink unicorn? Head past the break for Deep Shot's coming out video, which curiously makes no mention of the required desktop software.

Continue reading Deep Shot transfers open websites from desktop to mobile, sans wizardry

Deep Shot transfers open websites from desktop to mobile, sans wizardry originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marco Tempest's magic show uses iPods to deceive and delight

Jesse Hicks — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:44:00 EST

Marco Tempest calls himself a "technoillusionist" -- he combines magic tricks with the technological artistry (and occasionally the black-turtlenecked panache) of Steve Jobs. We last saw him hacking through an augmented reality illusion; this time he's using three iPods to enable his trickery, as he offers a video essay on deception, lies, and magic. It's sort of like his take on F For Fake, with more touchscreens: see him call out liars, declare himself an honest magician, and lift a smiley face out of the display and into real life, all in the video above.

Marco Tempest's magic show uses iPods to deceive and delight originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Magic / T-Mobile G1 gets Honeycomb port, Android past and future fused together (video)

Vlad Savov — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:34:00 EST

The original gangster of Android, T-Mobile's G1, just refuses to quietly fade into the annals of history. Even in spite of its long overdue end of retail life last summer, the handset continues to see support from grassroots modders and tweakers, with the latest project being the most ambitious of them all: an Android Honeycomb port. A pair of xda members have succeeded in splicing Android's most senior hardware with its very latest software and the results are available to see on video after the break. As usual with these builds, half of the phone's functions have still to be enabled and the UI lag seems like it'll be a permanent feature whatever happens, but still -- it's Honeycomb on the G1!

Continue reading HTC Magic / T-Mobile G1 gets Honeycomb port, Android past and future fused together (video)

HTC Magic / T-Mobile G1 gets Honeycomb port, Android past and future fused together (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Magic gets Froyo on Vodafone UK

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:18:00 EST

Sure, it might be half a year after the hackers did it, but cut 'em some slack: bureaucracy always makes issuing firmware updates difficult, so we're just happy to see that Vodafone has outed a Froyo update for the HTC Magic at all. The Android 2.2.1-based package appears to contain all the usual goodies -- including tethering support and the ability to move apps to external storage -- which should give these aging beasts a new lease on life. Don't get us wrong: the draw of a new Desire HD, Galaxy S, or Nexus S is probably strong for current Magic owners... but if this update is enough to keep 'em in use until mid-2011, we bet the patience is going to pay off.

HTC Magic gets Froyo on Vodafone UK originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobee Magic Charger review: wirelessly juice up your Apple Magic Mouse

Richard Lai — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:18:00 EST

Aww, look at that cute little mouse cuddling up in its nest. Wait a tick... an inductive charging mat for the Magic Mouse? You won't currently find the Magic Charger at the Apple Store (something that could change soon) but the good folks at Mobee are finally taking orders for this intriguing product on its website. To mark this occasion, the Swiss company sent us a review unit for some sweet wireless charging action. Read on for our full review after the break.

Gallery: Mobee Magic Charger review: wirelessly juice up your Apple Magic Mouse

Continue reading Mobee Magic Charger review: wirelessly juice up your Apple Magic Mouse

Mobee Magic Charger review: wirelessly juice up your Apple Magic Mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad Etch A Sketch case: can you handle more magic?

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:13:00 EST

If there's one sure way to get consumers to part with their hard-earned cash it's nostalgia. So check this, the official Magic Etch A Sketch iPad case licensed from Ohio Art. Made from ABS plastic, the case features rubber feet, felt backing, and retractable kickstands for laying the iPad flat or angling it for on-screen keyboard use. And those knobs? Decoration only son, they don't actually do anything. And while it promises to make you the "coolest kid in the conference room," it's more likely to confirm your boss' suspicion that he hired an overgrown baby -- such is the price for wistful affection. Oh, and the $39 required to take this home.

Gallery: iPad Etch A Sketch case: can you handle the magic?

iPad Etch A Sketch case: can you handle more magic? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers gets real with Android 2.1 updates for HTC Magic+, Samsung Galaxy Spica

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST

As promised, Rogers is now delivering an over-the-air update to Android 2.1 for customers of its HTC Magic+ alongside the Samsung Galaxy Spica, though we wouldn't exactly throw 'em a party for the occasion: internationally, of course, the Spica got its 2.1 update way back in March. Furthermore, though the Magic+'s update is OTA as we'd mentioned, the Spica's update process is a little more complex: you need to have access to a Windows machine and be willing to download a binary and cable up to get the job done. All in the name of keeping your beloved handset within earshot of Froyo, right?

Rogers gets real with Android 2.1 updates for HTC Magic+, Samsung Galaxy Spica originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyanogen Mod 6 -- the one with Froyo -- hits target list of devices, first stable release

Ross Miller — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:58:00 EST

If 6.0.0 RC1 just wasn't cutting it for ya, CyanogenMod-6.0 has released what's being touted as the "first stable release based on Android 2.2" and has hit the target number of supported devices, which by our quick count includes EVO 4G, Slide, Nexus One, Dream / Magic, Aria, and Droid -- and we might be missing a few.. You know the drill; if you need a bit of Froyo in your mobile life.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Cyanogen Mod 6 -- the one with Froyo -- hits target list of devices, first stable release originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's Magic Trackpad gets the iFixit teardown treatment, nothing terribly magical found

Laura June — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:17:00 EST

Well, we knew it wouldn't take very long, and it didn't: iFixit's gotten its hands on Apple's Magic Trackpad and ripped it to shreds. This is one operation they're not shy about calling delicate, folks -- this thing is seriously thin and its components packed in quite lovingly. So what's going on in there? Well, besides the magical dust, they found a Broadcom BCM2042 chip, which is the same one the Magic Mouse uses for Bluetooth connectivity, and a Broadcom BCM5974 touchscreen controller chip, which also powers the iPhone and iPod touch. There is plenty to be seen in the photos at the source, and there's one more below.

Continue reading Apple's Magic Trackpad gets the iFixit teardown treatment, nothing terribly magical found

Apple's Magic Trackpad gets the iFixit teardown treatment, nothing terribly magical found originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Magic Trackpad official, shipping now for $69

Vlad Savov — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:30:00 EST

It's not like Apple could very well keep it a secret anymore, so today we're being treated to the official unveiling of the Magic Trackpad. This wireless touch input receptacle -- already thoroughly leaked, trademarked, and FCC-approved -- has just made its debut in, of all places, Apple's Store app for iOS 4. It's basically exactly what you'd expect: a glass-covered, aluminum-shelled replicator of the glorious multitouch experience on offer in Apple's MacBooks, only for the desktop. The Trackpad is battery-powered, communicates via Bluetooth fairy dust, and is ready to ship out right this minute for a dollar under 70 bucks.

Gallery: Apple Magic Trackpad

Apple Magic Trackpad official, shipping now for $69 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyanogen squeezes Android 2.2 Froyo into G1, MyTouch 3G

Sean Hollister — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:20:00 EST

Earlier this evening, we took the plunge -- now, we're rocking Froyo on our formerly old-and-busted T-Mobile G1. That's because Cyanogen's team of ROM hackers has come through once again for the little handset that could, serving early adopters with HTC Dream and Magic phones (as well as the Nexus One) with the first fully-functioning, stable build of CyanogenMod 6. Based on Google's famous frozen yogurt, the release candidate's got more fabulous tweaks than you can shake a stick at, but sadly doesn't seem to include Flash 10.1, and though WiFi and the camera are working great (as well as SurfaceFlinger and Chrome to Phone) many would-be shoppers in the Android Market are finding themselves faced with the dreaded force close. As usual, you'll find instructions at the source link if you understand the risks -- if you're not careful, you can easily brick your phone.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Cyanogen squeezes Android 2.2 Froyo into G1, MyTouch 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iBuyPower's Magic makes any game playable through multitouch (video)

Darren Murph — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:55:00 EST

So, you just sprung for a multitouch-enabled Battalion CZ-11, eh? Too bad there's hardly any software out there for you to take advantage of. Er, was out there. iBuyPower -- a company most often associated with new hardware -- has just flexed its software muscle by creating a new system that will enable any game to played via multitouch, regardless of whether the game's creators gave it so much as a thought. Magic, which is short for Multitouch Advanced Gaming Interface and Control, is a proprietary piece of code designed specifically for the company's own touch-enabled laptops, and it works by linking a multitouch gesture to a command the game already understands, emulating multitouch commands by mapping keystrokes or mouse clicks. Best of all, it's available now as a gratis download, and we have little doubt that the hackers in attendance will have this working on Dells, Alienwares, Lenovos and HPs before you can spin around twice and add another smudge mark to your LCD.

Continue reading iBuyPower's Magic makes any game playable through multitouch (video)

iBuyPower's Magic makes any game playable through multitouch (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 2.2 wastes no time getting hacked onto HTC Dream and Magic

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:50:00 EST

Though we're not even a wee bit shocked to see a "usable" version of Froyo already available to owners of the G1 / Dream and Magic, we're definitely heartened to see that phones running 2008 specs can handily run a mid-2010 version of the platform. There's plenty of stuff that doesn't work yet -- WiFi and GPS, just to name a couple of biggies -- but we suspect that this is one dev community that won't give up until everything is working to their satisfaction. Motivation to hang on to otherwise outdated hardware for a few more months, perhaps?

Android 2.2 wastes no time getting hacked onto HTC Dream and Magic originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyanogen 5.0.7 experimentally brings Eclair to G1, myTouch 3G -- caveats apply

Sean Hollister — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:12:00 EST

After a brief delay, looks like CyanogenMod 5 is now out for the HTC Dream, Magic and Sapphire, also known as the T-Mobile G1 and myTouch 3G. The release is labeled as experimental, so take care not to flash it onto your work phone, and G1 owners should back up their data as they'll need to install a little something called the DangerSPL (which has phone bricking potential) and perform a full wipe. If you're the kind of individual who doesn't shy away from software explicitly labeled "danger," get cracking on that rooted Eclair at the source link.

Update: Can't get through? That's because the sheer willpower of Android early adopters is crushing websites hosting the CM5 ROM like so many stale pretzels. Cyanogen is retweeting alternative options if you simply can't wait for things to quiet down.

Cyanogen 5.0.7 experimentally brings Eclair to G1, myTouch 3G -- caveats apply originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 2.2 spotted in analytics data, running on Magic?

Vlad Savov — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:47:00 EST

Hero owners, look away now. Google's Froyo appears to be almost ready to exit the freezer and enter handsets on an official basis. Since April 7, Android and Me have noticed visits from devices identifying themselves as having Android version 2.2 on board, while German site MobiFlip.de has come across pictures of a T-Mobile myTouch 3G (aka HTC Magic) that is supposedly running the latest software. The images are certainly easy to spoof (including a wonky looking .2), but their timing and our eternal optimism invite some attention. They indicate a new option for automatically pulling down app updates from the ether, which would be kinda neat, while Android and Me have also compiled a list of other rumored new features for Android 2.2 and confirmed with "sources familiar with the matter" that the new OS is indeed being tested right now. Their tip is to gaze expectantly toward the Google I/O conference starting on May 19 when we're sure to learn at least a little bit more. Considering Android 2.0 got a full features demo at that meetup last year, chances are good that Froyo will be on show in just under a month's time.

Android 2.2 spotted in analytics data, running on Magic? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile says myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition now 'making its final encore'

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:08:00 EST

Greener pastures are likely on T-Mobile's Android horizon, but let's be real -- this is probably the first, last, and only opportunity you'll ever have to own a Fender-branded phone, which might just be enough of a draw to give you pause. T-Mobile's official Twitter account just belted out a tweet saying that the most unusual version of HTC's Magic to launch anywhere in the world, the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition, is "making its final encore" right now in "limited quantities," so interested parties probably want to high-tail it down to their local store -- especially since it's still showing out of stock online. Any takers?

T-Mobile says myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition now 'making its final encore' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vodafone Spain replacing microSD cards on 3,000 virus-infected handsets

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:49:00 EST

It looks like the virus-strewn HTC Magic that was recently purchased from Vodafone UK is only the tip of the iceberg. According to Vodafone Spain, some 3,000 users in all may have been exposed to Mariposa malware -- which used the handset's storage to make its way to customer's PCs via USB, leading the company to replace the microSD cards for infected customers. The company also says that the incident is "isolated and local," but with the number of infections rising from one in the UK to 3,000 in Spain in just over a week we wouldn't be surprised this story was just heating up.

Vodafone Spain replacing microSD cards on 3,000 virus-infected handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Customer greeted with malware on Vodafone-issued HTC Magic (good thing it's discontinued)

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST

Crapware's bad enough, but having your life torn asunder simply by plugging in that shiny new (insert USB-connected device here) is an exciting new trend -- viruses find their way into the darnedest places, don't they? It seems an employee at anti-malware firm Panda Research who'd ordered a new Magic off Vodafone UK's site was greeted with no fewer than three nefarious executables upon plugging the device into her PC: a bot client, a password stealer, and a Conficker variant, and running a network sniffer quickly confirmed that the virii were live and ready to do harm as soon as the autorun in the Magic's mounted mass storage was executed on her Windows machine. If this were a widespread issue, we'd certainly have heard about it in other places, so odds are good (as Panda points out) that this was simply a case of HTC or Vodafone doing an awful job of wiping a refurbished set -- but it gives you pause and kind of makes you wish you worked for an anti-malware firm, at least on days when you're plugging in a new phone for the first time. The silver lining, we suppose, is that Vodafone has recently discontinued the Magic, though that creates another problem: the only Android device it currently stocks now is the lowly Tattoo, so the X10 and Nexus One can't come soon enough.

Customer greeted with malware on Vodafone-issued HTC Magic (good thing it's discontinued) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple files for Magic Trackpad trademark

Nilay Patel — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST

This one slipped under our radar last week, but it's interesting nonetheless: Apple's filed for a "Magic Trackpad" trademark, which would seemingly indicate that there's a companion to the Magic Mouse in the works. That's all we know for now, but recall that John Gruber at Daring Fireball hinted that Apple was working on a "multi-touch trackpad gadget for desktop Macs" back in October just before the revised white MacBook was released. Obviously nothing's come of that yet, but it all seems to fit -- either that, or Apple's trademark attorneys are just trying to cover their bases. We'll see what happens.

Apple files for Magic Trackpad trademark originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For Rogers, HTC Magic + Sense = Magic+

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:44:00 EST

Thought that one of the first major Android devices in the world would go away without a fight? Think again! T-Mobile and Rogers have taken two very different roads to extend the lives of their HTC Sapphire-based devices. Big Magenta, of course, has opted to make a hardware tweak, adding a much-needed 3.5mm headphone jack and spitting out a faux wood limited edition; Rogers, meanwhile, rather suddenly updated the firmware with Sense. Oh, but that's not all -- it turns out that Rogers views the Sense upgrade as such a big deal that it's changing the name of the phone altogether, tacking a plus symbol on the end. Yep, that's right: meet the Magic+. Apart from Sense on 1.5 with a promise of 2.1 down the road, though, there's nothing materially new here, so don't feel too bad if you've been stuck with one of the plus-less models. No, seriously.

For Rogers, HTC Magic + Sense = Magic+ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Magic's Sense update ready for download

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:19:00 EST

You've waited long enough, now today's the day that HTC releases ROM Version:3.05.401.3 that brings the Sense user interface to Magic owners. Just be sure and heed HTC's warning to backup your data since this update will overwrite whatever it is you've been doing. Now hit that source link and get to updating, heroes.

HTC Magic's Sense update ready for download originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers rolls out fixes for 911 problems with Dream and Magic, cuts off data for non-upgraders

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:35:00 EST

So Rogers and HTC have worked with the kind of hustle you don't normally see from carriers or manufacturers to fix a rather dangerous glitch in their branded versions of the Dream and Magic causing calls to 911 to fail with GPS enabled -- and needless to say, you're going to want to apply the upgrade on the double. Why? Well, the problem's so dangerous that Rogers has taken the unusual step of vowing to disable internet access altogether for anyone failing to apply the "mandatory" patch by 6AM today (but don't worry, you should get it back as soon as you've upgraded) which actually allows emergency calls to go through. For their troubles, affected customers will be credited one month's worth of data -- and Magic owners will be delighted to discover that their phones have magically received HTC's Sense UI as a result of this whole ordeal. All's well that ends well, right?

Rogers rolls out fixes for 911 problems with Dream and Magic, cuts off data for non-upgraders originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Magic's user agent profile says it has a QWERTY keyboard, possible myTouch Slide for T-Mobile?

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST

We'd just heard the other day some hot rumors that HTC's aging Magic would see a new version on T-Mobile this Spring with a physical keyboard added into the mix, and now we've got some corroborating evidence: an official user agent profile for the Sapphire (HTC's original codename for the phone) that proudly boasts of its QWERTY capability. You might think that this doesn't mean much since even Android phones without physical keyboard still have access to QWERTY through software, but actually, the "prf:Keyboard" line in these bundles of XML typically reads "No" if there isn't an actual keyboard in tow. Ironically, the original myTouch just got reworked with a 3.5mm headphone jack, but who knows -- maybe T-Mobile's evil plan is to let the old one soldier on for another handful of months and offer a new model just above it with a whole bunch of extra keys?

HTC Magic's user agent profile says it has a QWERTY keyboard, possible myTouch Slide for T-Mobile? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers' HTC Magic having 911 call problems on Rogers, too

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:39:00 EST

Turns out it doesn't matter if you took up Rogers on its offer to swap your Dream to a Magic after all, because the bug's spreading: Canada's first keyboardless Android set is confirmed to be suffering from the same dangerous malaise as its older brother. Basically, neither model can complete emergency calls to 911 with location-based services enabled, and until HTC is able to spit out a patch, the only fix is to disable GPS altogether -- not exactly an awesome solution. In the meantime, a quick check of Rogers' site confirms that both the Dream and Magic have been pulled from retail, so let's hope this gets cleaned up on the double. And try not to have an emergency, of course. Ever... but especially right now.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Rogers' HTC Magic having 911 call problems on Rogers, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers HTC Dream upgrade plan is official, still free

Sean Cooper — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:52:00 EST

We smile when carriers do us a kindness, and we'd expect a few of you HTC Dream owners will agree that Rogers ~~momentary lack of reason~~ offer for a free upgrade to an HTC Magic is just that. So, the rub you ask? Well, that's the magic here, there all but isn't one, simply hop online or call customer care -- Rogers brick and mortar shops won't be doing this upgrade -- between the 12th and 26th of January, re-sign -- yes, to a new 3-year, but we're told that should be no more than 7 months for most users -- your contract and you walk away with a $599 handset for nothing. No added fees, administrative charges or anything, heck, Rogers is even eating the $79 upgrade fee and the $35 admin fee for the new set. Oh, but check this out, it gets better: it is an upgrade and as such Rogers doesn't even want your old set back, so you'll have a day phone and an evening phone, one 2.1 -- at some point, anyway -- and a nice 1.5 set with Sense. So, what are you waiting for? From any angle this just looks too fantastic to let slip through your fingers.

Update: Well, the good deal from Rogers just got better -- as if that could be possible. It seems the lucky upgrading masses are also receiving a bonus $50 rebate on checkout. So not only do you get a free Dream and get to keep the Magic, Rogers is now paying you $50 for the privilege.

Continue reading Rogers HTC Dream upgrade plan is official, still free

Rogers HTC Dream upgrade plan is official, still free originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Fender MyTouch 3G in the wild, due for launch January 20

Nilay Patel — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:34:00 EST

A lot's happened since T-Mobile first announced the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition, but if you're looking for last-gen Android hardware in the sweetest case around, your wait is almost up: test units are going our to T-Mobile reps, and that formal launch will occur on January 20th. No word on pricing, but we can't imagine it'll be cheaper than the current myTouch 3G, especially since it adds a much-needed 3.5mm headphone jack and has that fancy woodgrain finish, bundled 16GB microSD card, and preloaded music. Yeah, we'll still take the Nexus One, although we'd bet the myTouch 3G actually has... 3G.

Gallery: T-Mobile Fender MyTouch 3G in the wild, due for launch January 20

T-Mobile Fender MyTouch 3G in the wild, due for launch January 20 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers to offer HTC Dream owners 'limited time opportunity' to upgrade to Magic

Sean Cooper — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST

A couple days ago we covered news that Rogers and HTC were going to upgrade the HTC Dream and Magic starting with an enhanced version of 1.5 in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for Dream owners, the upgrade path for that device ends at 1.5, -- as it simply doesn't have enough memory to run 2.1 -- where the Magic will carry on to 2.1 and -- potentially -- beyond. We've now heard that Rogers is looking to offer HTC Dream owners an upgrade path to the HTC Magic, and while the details are unclear as to the when and the how, it seems the price for the hardware shift will be $free. So, now the issue will be if an OS upgrade is really enough to push you off a keyboard and onto a touchscreen, so, do fill us in on what you plan to do. Hopefully this all pans out as it seems it's going to, and if it does, all we can say is: well done Rogers, golf claps all around.

Filed under: Handsets

Rogers to offer HTC Dream owners 'limited time opportunity' to upgrade to Magic originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers and HTC give up: Magic will see Android 2.1, but Dream gets a pass

Sean Cooper — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:03:00 EST

Seems that all your cries out in Rogersland have forced somebody to rethink the official company line on updates from OS 1.5 for the Rogers HTC Dream and HTC Magic. The message was simple: there would be no updates for the devices beyond 1.5. MobileSyrup's now heard directly from HTC that there will indeed be upgrades to both devices, with the first scheduled in the next weeks. Bump one will apparently see "a number of benefits for these devices, including bringing the HTC Sense experience to the HTC Magic" though the OS version will stay at 1.5 -- in other words, you'll basically get a current-gen Hero. While that's cause for celebration, mid-year is when we'll get to the meat of the tweaks as we'll apparently see an upgrade to 2.1 for the Magic, but the lowly Dream -- due to "certain limitations," likely meager internal storage if we had to guess -- will stay at 1.5. So there you have it, your sets may get better in the near term and much better -- at least for some -- half way through the year.

Rogers and HTC give up: Magic will see Android 2.1, but Dream gets a pass originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC confirmed to be cooking up Android 2.0 update for Hero, other devices unclear

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST

Anyone with an existing Android device and a nasty case of DROID envy today might want to hold off before switching devices, emptying the bank account, and possibly switching carriers in the process, because HTC's got a little bit of information here to end our day on a high note. Here's the full quote:

"Yes, we are working on an Eclair update for the HTC Hero. Because Eclair is a significantly enhanced release, it will require some time to update Sense for this new version of the Android OS. Please be patient while we work to provide you with a tightly integrated experience like the one you are already enjoying on your Hero."

Bottom line, the Hero is signed up for Android 2.0 and it's just a matter of HTC getting Sense ported and tested -- makes sense (no pun intended), and we imagine Motorola will have to go through these same hoops with BLUR. The company went on to mention that it intends to bring the update to all versions of the Hero, though it's up to partners (like Sprint, for instance) to help coordinate how and when that's going to go down. We don't have any information on the sundry Dream and Magic variants around the world at this point -- but it's important to remember that the Hero uses the same processor as its older siblings, so at least there's hope for a good xda-developers port if nothing else.

Filed under: Cellphones

HTC confirmed to be cooking up Android 2.0 update for Hero, other devices unclear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC confirmed to be cooking up Android 2.0 update for Hero, other devices unclear

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST

"Yes, we are working on an Eclair update for the HTC Hero. Because Eclair is a significantly enhanced release, it will require some time to update Sense for this new version of the Android OS. Please be patient while we work to provide you with a tightly integrated experience like the one you are already enjoying on your Hero."

Filed under: Software, HTC, Android

HTC confirmed to be cooking up Android 2.0 update for Hero, other devices unclear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST

It's been far, far too long since we broke out the View-Master from the admittedly dusty toy chest, but now we're guessing it'll be at least a score before we get the urge again. Why, you ask? The View-Master 2009. These homegrown virtual reality goggles are surprisingly impressive despite their ragged look, and by utilizing some form of cardboard enclosure, an HTC Magic and Google Street View, the designer was able to mimic that "immersive" environment we've grown to know and never forget. Don't believe us? Have a look at the vid just past the break, and hang in there 'til the end if you're scouting a how-to guide.

Continue reading DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sense UI update for HTC Magic makes the scene in Taiwan

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST

If our ability to guesstimate Chinese website contents based on sketchy machine translation software is correct, it looks like HTC Magic owners in Taiwan are finally getting that Sense UI update they've been teased with since mid-August. Further blurring the lines between the aforementioned handset and the Hero, it is unknown whether or not the update will ever come to carriers besides Chunghwa Telecom, or how long that could even take. One thing we are fairly certain of, however, is that phones "with Google" will probably remain without this update, into perpetuity. Sorry, myTouch! If you're one of the lucky few, hit that read link to get started.

[Via Unwired View]

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Android

Sense UI update for HTC Magic makes the scene in Taiwan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sense UI update for HTC Magic makes the scene in Taiwan

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Sense UI update for HTC Magic makes the scene in Taiwan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SciPhone smells success with Android-powered clones, orders up an army

Paul Miller — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:34:00 EST

You know that N12 we were thrilling about back in June? After faking Android with the Dream G2+ as a skin over its regular OS, SciPhone decided to put real Android on the N12 much to our surprise. Now in the works are the N16 (a phone that looks so much like the Magic that SciPhone just stole the real Magic's press shot instead), the LG-styled N17, and a Storm-esque N19 (pictured). At least the N12 and N16 have 624MHz Marvell processors and 3G, while the N19 sounds to be a non-3G phone running a mere 400MHz chip and 128MB or RAM. The N12 is due this month wherever clones are sold, no word on when the rest will follow.

[Via PMP Today]

Filed under: Cellphones

SciPhone smells success with Android-powered clones, orders up an army originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android Battle: CLIQ edition

Ross Miller — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

	CLIQ	Galaxy	Tattoo	Hero	Magic / MT3G	Dream / G1
Carrier	T-Mobile	-- (GSM / HSDPA)	-- (GSM / EDGE)	Sprint	T-Mobile	T-Mobile
Manuf.	Motorola	Samsung	HTC	HTC	HTC	HTC
Price	--	--	--	$179.99	$99.99	$149.99
Released	--	July 2009	--	Oct 11, 2009	Aug 5, 2009	Oct 22, 2008
Keyboard	Slide-out	Virtual	Virtual	Virtual	Virtual	Slide-out
Android	MOTOBLUR	Standard	Sense UI	Sense UI	Standard	Standard
Processor	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz ARM11	528MHz MSM7225	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz MSM7201A
Screen	3.1-inch (est.), 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	2.8-inch, 240 x 320	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 480 x 320
Headphone	3.5mm	3.5mm	3.5mm	3.5mm	ExtUSB	ExtUSB
Touchscreen	Capacitive	Capacitive	Resistive	Capacitive	Capacitive	Capacitive
Still Camera	5MP with AF	5MP with Flash	3.2MP	5MP with AF	3.2MP with AF	3.2MP with AF
Bluetooth	2.0	2.1	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0
Exchange	ActiveSync	ActiveSync	--	ActiveSync	Depends on version	Depends on version
Storage	256MB, microSD	8GB, microSD	512MB, microSD	512MB, microSD	512MB, microSD	256MB, microSD
Battery	1400mAh	1500mAh	1100mAh	1500 mAh	1340 mAh	1150 mAh
Weight	163g	114g	113g	135g	116g	158g

It's been over 11 months since the Android first hit the scene with HTC's T-Mobile G1, and in that time we've come to the conclusion that, despite having more or less a clean slate on industrial design choices and specs, little progress has been made in the way of variation. Stacked up side-to-side, Motorola CLIQ manages to stand out with a slide-out keyboard and MOTOBLUR skin, but under the hood, it's pretty much as uniform as a netbook. Peruse for yourself in the chart above.

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile, Android

Android Battle: CLIQ edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android Battle: CLIQ edition

Ross Miller — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

	CLIQ	Galaxy	Tattoo	Hero	Magic / MT3G	Dream / G1
Carrier	T-Mobile	-- (GSM / HSDPA)	-- (GSM / EDGE)	Sprint	T-Mobile	T-Mobile
Manuf.	Motorola	Samsung	HTC	HTC	HTC	HTC
Price	--	--	--	$179.99	$99.99	$149.99
Released	--	July 2009	--	Oct 11, 2009	Aug 5, 2009	Oct 22, 2008
Keyboard	Slide-out	Virtual	Virtual	Virtual	Virtual	Slide-out
Android	MOTOBLUR	Standard	Sense UI	Sense UI	Standard	Standard
Processor	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz ARM11	528MHz MSM7225	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz MSM7201A	528MHz MSM7201A
Screen	3.1-inch (est.), 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	2.8-inch, 240 x 320	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 320 x 480	3.2-inch, 480 x 320
Headphone	3.5mm	3.5mm	3.5mm	3.5mm	ExtUSB	ExtUSB
Touchscreen	Capacitive	Capacitive	Resistive	Capacitive	Capacitive	Capacitive
Still Camera	5MP with AF	5MP with Flash	3.2MP	5MP with AF	3.2MP with AF	3.2MP with AF
Bluetooth	2.0	2.1	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0
Exchange	ActiveSync	ActiveSync	--	ActiveSync	Depends on version	Depends on version
Storage	256MB, microSD	8GB, microSD	512MB, microSD	512MB, microSD	512MB, microSD	256MB, microSD
Battery	1400mAh	1500mAh	1100mAh	1500 mAh	1340 mAh	1150 mAh
Weight	163g	114g	113g	135g	116g	158g

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Android Battle: CLIQ edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC posts firmware update for Rogers' Magic and Dream

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST

Have a Rogers-branded Magic or Dream lying around? Do you salivate at the mere thought of "several key enhancements"? Well, partner, mosey on over to HTC's website right this second where you'll find a link to a mysterious update that literally just popped up today. Let us know the gritty details of your experiences if you decide to take the plunge, alright?

Update: We just spotted a changelog when you click through:

Improves the overall device functionality and stability
Enables correct SMS timestamp
Enables Chinese character display for POP3 HTML Emails
Corrects E-mail client exchange Issues

We're digging the "Improves the overall device functionality and stability" part.

Read - Dream
Read - Magic

Filed under: Software, HTC, Android

HTC posts firmware update for Rogers' Magic and Dream originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC to offer Sense upgrade for Magic in October, might be free? (update: free, only coming to Taiwan so far)

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST

The spec gap between the Magic and the Hero is mighty small -- other than the entirely revamped Sense UI, the Hero's 5 megapixel camera is about the only thing the newer model has over the original, physical design notwithstanding. That gap is on the fast track to getting even smaller, too, now that HTC has issued a press release detailing a Sense upgrade for the Magic (assuming you haven't already nabbed it off xda-developers, that is). It looks like current owners will get hooked up some time in October for NT$1,500, which works out to about $46; what we don't know, though, is which Magics will be eligible for the upgrade. Just like HTC's WinMo wares, we're guessing that subsidized units are going to be at the mercy of their carriers, which means that T-Mobile, Rogers, and Vodafone customers (among others) should take a somewhat pessimistic view of this announcement until they've heard otherwise. Hey, we're just looking out for your mental health here.

[Thanks, Steve G.]

Update: Depending on how you interpret the press release, HTC could be saying that the upgrade is valued at NT$1,500, but will actually be free. We're working to get a clarification.

Update 2: Alright, we've gotten the skinny on this straight from HTC. The update will be free -- thing is, it's only coming to Taiwan's Chunghwa so far. The fate of Magics on other carriers remains unknown, but we do know that so-called "with Google" versions will definitely be left out (that includes you, myTouch 3G).

Filed under: Software, HTC, Android

HTC to offer Sense upgrade for Magic in October, might be free? (update: free, only coming to Taiwan so far) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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