Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sk-telecom-smart-learning-robots-add-twist-to-interactive-learni/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sk-telecom-smart-learning-robots-add-twist-to-interactive-learni/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/sk-telecom-smart-learning-robots-add-twist-to-interactive-learni/#comments They aren't quite up to Johnny Number Five's level of fame and stature, but SK Telecom's new "Smart Learning" robots have something it (he?) never could have dreamed of: the power of a smartphone. The mechanical critters are designed to be next-gen educational tools for our posterity, and only function thanks to a Bluetooth-connected Android handset which serves as both the brains of the operation and the interactive display. We saw the robots in action last week at Mobile World Congress in a few different scenarios: a board game, a reading comprehension tool and other clever learning activities. This is just scraping the surface, because an SDK is in the works that will allow developers to find plenty of ways to take advantage of the tech. The robots are still prototypes for now, but we should expect to see them arrive in Korea within the next six months. Check out a video of the little guys in action after the break.

Continue reading SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video)

SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbluetoothgooglehands-onkoreamobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012robotrobotssk telecomSkTelecomsmart learningSmartLearningvideoWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/engadget-interview-richard-yu-huawei-chairman-of-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/engadget-interview-richard-yu-huawei-chairman-of-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/engadget-interview-richard-yu-huawei-chairman-of-devices/#comments
Countless smartphones were announced at last week's Mobile World Congress, but Huawei's showing was one of the more intriguing at the event. The company has some incredibly lofty goals, intending to ditch its past reputation as an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) focused on budget devices and embracing an exciting future as an industry leader. Since such a thing doesn't happen overnight, what's the vendor's strategy to come out on top in the coming years? We briefly caught up with Richard Yu, Huawei's chair of devices, and picked his brain on some of his company's ambitions.

Continue reading Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices

Engadget Interview: Richard Yu, Huawei chairman of devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandhuaweiinterviewmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012namingrichard yuRichardYustrategyTue, 06 Mar 2012 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer Allegro hands-on at MWC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/acer-allegro-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/acer-allegro-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/acer-allegro-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/#comments We covered Acer's two Android devices at last week's show, but what in the world happened to its Windows Phone? It's easy to forget about the Acer Allegro because we haven't seen it show up beyond the reaches of Asia and France, but we hunted one down at Mobile World Congress and snapped a few shots for posterity. Intended to tempt bargain hunters, the device offers a 3.6-inch WVGA display, 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, 8GB internal storage, 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1,300mAh battery. It also features Fast Charge, which provides the Allegro with a full battery two and a half times faster than a standard Acer. On the unfortunate side, it's also 13mm thick and lacks a front-facing shooter, which may be enough for the hardcore Windows Phone fan to lose interest. But if you're still reading on, feel free to gaze upon our pics below.

Gallery: Acer Allegro hands-on



Sean Cooper contributed to this hands-on.

For more coverage of MWC 2012, visit our event hub!

Acer Allegro hands-on at MWC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer allegroAcerAllegroallegrofast chargeFastChargehands-onmangomobile world congressmobilepostminiMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012windows phonewindows phone mangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneMangowp7.5Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Adéu, Barcelona: Mobile World Congress 2012 comes to a close]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/adeu-barcelona-mobile-world-congress-2012-comes-to-a-close/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/adeu-barcelona-mobile-world-congress-2012-comes-to-a-close/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/adeu-barcelona-mobile-world-congress-2012-comes-to-a-close/#comments The mobile world's biggest players have exhausted themselves again, taking us with them in the process. While HTC and Nokia seemed to grab a lot of the attention, Samsung stayed quiet -- at least for now -- there was still a veritable pile of devices and news to cover from everyone else. Let's take a look at what caught our attention during the week.

Continue reading Adéu, Barcelona: Mobile World Congress 2012 comes to a close

Adéu, Barcelona: Mobile World Congress 2012 comes to a close originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012Highlightsmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012mobile+congress+barcelonamobilecongressbarcelonamobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 2012Mwc2012Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC unveils new APIs, opens Beats, lockscreen and more to devs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/htc-unveils-new-apis-opens-beats-lockscreen-and-more-to-devs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/htc-unveils-new-apis-opens-beats-lockscreen-and-more-to-devs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/htc-unveils-new-apis-opens-beats-lockscreen-and-more-to-devs/#comments HTCAPIs, as essential as they are to our modern computing experience, aren't the sort of thing we usually get too excited about. HTC is walking away from Mobile World Congress having announced four new application interfaces though, that have piqued our interest. First up, and the most spotlight hogging of the bunch, is Beats. Soon enough any music app, game or what-have-you will be able to take advantage of the bass-boosting software equalizer. Perhaps more interesting, if a little less headline grabbing, is the ability to integrate your app with the Sense lockscreen -- a feature we'd love to see come to stock Android. Now lockscreen widgets wont be limited to Google's own music app... so long as you've got an HTC. The manufacturer is also prepping a MediaLink API for streaming content over wireless HDMI. Now the One X is looking even better than before, huh?

HTC unveils new APIs, opens Beats, lockscreen and more to devs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapiapisApplication Programming InterfaceApplicationProgrammingInterfacebeatsdeveloperHTCmedialinkmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012sensesense 4.0Sense4.0Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/neonode-zforce-uses-infrared-leds-to-measure-pressure-replace-c/#comments Smartphone fanatics may recall the Neonode N2 -- a rather unique recall-plagued feature phone that ultimately resulted in the demise of the company's handset arm. Neonode is still a major player in the portable device market, but may be more familiar to OEMs that employ its infrared LED-based touch technology, rather than consumers that utilize it in e-readers, with tablets soon joining the mix. zForce offers several advantages over its capacitive-based counterparts -- it's incredibly responsive and accurate, and can now measure the intensity (or pressure) of your touch, and not just position. There's also a built-in proximity sensor that can be added to any device for a few pennies, which is considerably less than traditional offerings. However, because Neonode uses an array of infrared LEDs and photodiodes, a raised bezel is required to accommodate the additional hardware, making it impossible to integrate a flush display.

We went hands-on with an updated smartphone-sized embed of the company's zForce technology that not only works with any object, such as a finger, pen or a paint brush, but also recognizes both the pressure of your implement and also its size, so a larger paint brush has broader strokes than a smaller one, for example. Because the device can operate at 500Hz all the way up to 1,000Hz (refreshing 1,000 times per second), it appears to be incredibly responsive, with an almost unnoticeable delay between the time you touch the pad and when your input is displayed on the screen. A second demo unit, called Stargate, offers dual-layer touch with support for 3D control -- you can literally reach inside the unit to manipulate an object. There's no word on when this latest tech will make its way into devices, or how exactly we'll see it used, but you really need to see it in action to get a feel for how it works -- jump past the break for our video hands-on.

Gallery: Neonode zForce hands-on

Continue reading Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on)

Neonode zForce uses infrared LEDs to measure pressure, replace capacitive touch (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlcontrollercontrollerscontrolsdisplaydisplayshands-oninfraredinfrared LEDInfraredLedinput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDevicesLEDLEDsmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012mobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 12mwc 2012Mwc12Mwc2012neonodeneonode stargateNeonodeStargatenonode zforceNonodeZforcestargatetouchtouchscreentouchscreensvideozforceFri, 02 Mar 2012 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Instruments dual WiFi module lets your tablet connect to your TV and the web simultaneously (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/texas-instruments-dual-wifi-module-lets-your-tablet-connect-to-y/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/texas-instruments-dual-wifi-module-lets-your-tablet-connect-to-y/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/texas-instruments-dual-wifi-module-lets-your-tablet-connect-to-y/#comments Texas Instruments is helping to lead the way when it comes to mobile computing -- when we want an early look at what's to come months and even years down the road, TI is always one of our first stops. At this year's Mobile World Congress, the semiconductor leader wasn't shy about showing off its latest innovations, including those from its manufacturing and design partners. Today's demo focused on wireless video streaming -- a concept that engineers are approaching from every imaginable angle, and that is bound to make its way to consumers in a very big way within the next few years. TI's flavor is based on WiFi, and offers a dual-connection solution, letting you pair a tablet with a TV using peer-to-peer while also creating a second link between the tablet and a wireless router for Internet.

We took the tech for a spin using one of TI's development platform tablets and an external WiFi dongle (shipping versions will be integrated), and everything worked as described, though the video stream was noticeably choppy and compressed. TI reps explained that they dialed down the bitrate in order to maintain a connection at the MWC expo hall, which, as you might imagine, probably had a wireless signal density greater than any other room in the world. The tablet we saw was running a very slick context-aware UI that displays one of three home screens based on your current location -- there's one for work (that displays your calendar), one for home (media and home automation controls) and another for travel (restaurant reviews and weather). Pushing content from the tablet to the TV seemed to be seamless, and while both the UI and wireless functionality may appear to be ready to make their way into your home, TI isn't making any announcements about availability. There's no need to wait for a teaser, however, which you'll find just past the break.

Gallery: Texas Instruments dual WiFi module hands-on

Continue reading Texas Instruments dual WiFi module lets your tablet connect to your TV and the web simultaneously (hands-on)

Texas Instruments dual WiFi module lets your tablet connect to your TV and the web simultaneously (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0android icsAndroid4.0AndroidIcsgooglehands-onhdpostcrossice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmirroringmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012MobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 2012Mwc2012streamingtablettabletstexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingWHDIwifiwifi streamingwifi video streamingWifiStreamingWifiVideoStreamingwireless mirroringWirelessMirroringThu, 01 Mar 2012 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle gets an ICS update, we swing by for a taste (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/always-innovating-hdmi-android-ics-dongle-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/always-innovating-hdmi-android-ics-dongle-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/always-innovating-hdmi-android-ics-dongle-hands-on/#comments Always Innovating appears to be living up to its name, making significant progress on that clever HDMI Android dongle that we first heard of way back at CES. Now the company's TI OMAP4-based television companion is rockin' some Ice Cream Sandwich madness, drawing curious Mobile World Congress attendees into the Texas Instruments booth for a look. We happened upon the device on the last day of the show, and we couldn't help but be impressed. The premise here is quite simple: your "dumb TV" (i.e. one that isn't Internet-enabled) gives up one HDMI and one USB port (for power), in return connecting you to the wonderful world of Android 4.0. Think web browsing, tweeting, gaming (yes, even Angry Birds), video streaming -- that same experience you'll get with any Android tablet can now be had on your aging flat-screen TV.

Always Innovating isn't feeling inspired enough to take the lead on manufacturing, instead licensing the technology to third parties, but with some agreements signed and others on the way, this ICS solution on a stick may be hitting stores just in time to become this holiday season's ultimate stocking stuffer. Pricing is of course up to the manufacturers, but TI reps suggested that we might see these things pop up later this year in the $50-99 range, finally making Google on every TV a much more reasonable proposition. Care to take a gander at this stick-based wunderkind? Jump past the break for our hands-on.

Gallery: Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle

Continue reading Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle gets an ICS update, we swing by for a taste (video)

Always Innovating HDMI Android dongle gets an ICS update, we swing by for a taste (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterAlways InnovatingAlwaysInnovatingandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0donglehands-onhdmihdmi dongleHdmiDonglehdpostcrossice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012mobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 2012Mwc2012nxfomapomap 4Omap4set top boxset-top boxSet-topBoxSetTopBoxsmart tvSmartTvstbtelevisiontexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsusbvideoThu, 01 Mar 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More specs of the Acer CloudMobile revealed, we take a second look (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/specs-acer-cloudmobile-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/specs-acer-cloudmobile-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/specs-acer-cloudmobile-hands-on/#comments We can't say it was necessarily love at first sight, but a second passover certainly helped our heart grow fonder. In our first hands-on of the Acer CloudMobile, a phone with a product design award under its belt, we weren't completely convinced that it was worthy of such a prize. However, we were given the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with the device and previously unknown specs to go along with it. Here's what we discovered during our reacquaintance.

Gallery: Acer CloudMobile hands-on at MWC2012

Continue reading More specs of the Acer CloudMobile revealed, we take a second look (video)

More specs of the Acer CloudMobile revealed, we take a second look (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer cloudacer cloudmobileAcerCloudAcerCloudmobilecloudmobilegooglehands-onice cream sandwichicsmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012smartphonevideoThu, 01 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Polaroid Spectrum tablet family hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/polaroid-spectrum-tablet-family-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/polaroid-spectrum-tablet-family-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/polaroid-spectrum-tablet-family-hands-on/#comments Polaroid hasn't got much more than Lady Gaga going for it at the moment and even that partnership is questionably fruitful at best. So, when we stopped by the company's booth here at MWC to check out its Spectrum line of Android tablets, our bar was already set quite low. Turns out, there's room for it to drop even lower as that family of 7-, 8- and 9.7-inch slates seems more of a KIRF attempt than true product line from a former imaging heavyweight.

Which brings us to a very curious spec given the company's mission statement: the rear camera on what we presume is its 10-inch flagship is capable of a measly VGA resolution, despite indicating 2 megapixels. It's a baffling hardware miss and could've been the one bright spot amongst the cheap plastic build and software experience saddling these tabs. On a minor upswing, the OS across the capacitive tabs is stock ICS, with Froyo relegated to the resistive ones. Performance is sluggish and uneven at best considering the array of processors and clock speeds employed: from a 1.5GHz CPU in the auto-stereoscopic 7-incher to an 800MHz processor for the lower-end units to a 1GHz ARM11 in the 9.7-inch, TouchPad-like slab. It's a wonder the outfit even bothered with category, as the entirety of this lineup smacks of a half-hearted stab. You can check out the full array of lackluster tabs in our gallery below.

Gallery: Polaroid Spectrum family hands-on



Mat Smith contributed to this report.

Polaroid Spectrum tablet family hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.2Android 4.0Android2.2Android4.0Froyohands-onIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichMobile World CongressMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012PolaroidSpectrumSpectrum tabletsSpectrumTabletstabletsThu, 01 Mar 2012 07:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Schmidt yaks it up at MWC, talks about the future like it's 1955]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/eric-schmidt-yaks-it-up-at-mwc-talks-about-the-future-like-its/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/eric-schmidt-yaks-it-up-at-mwc-talks-about-the-future-like-its/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/eric-schmidt-yaks-it-up-at-mwc-talks-about-the-future-like-its/#comments

If you've been looking for an excuse to start using Chrome, Eric Schmidt is here to remind you, "it's free." Well, free, fast, secure and of course, on Android. After a quick demo of new Android Chrome app, Schmidt took the stage at Mobile World Congress to dream up a future of holographic projectors, driverless cars and a (Android powered) smartphone in every pocket. In short, Google's head honcho has technological expectations that make Back to the Future part II look modest. See the optimistic spiel for yourself up top, or hit the source link below to watch it on YouTube.

Eric Schmidt yaks it up at MWC, talks about the future like it's 1955 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androiddriverless carsDriverlessCarseric schmidtEricSchmidthologramskeynoteminipostmobile world congressMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc2012videoWed, 29 Feb 2012 22:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-ace-plus-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-ace-plus-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-ace-plus-hands-on-video/#comments Really, Samsung? The Ace 2, Mini 2, S Advance and now, the Ace Plus? It's a wonder anyone at the company can still keep track. Unfortunately, this particular Android offshoot is a bit of a stinker, saddled with a pitiful 3.65-inch 480 x 320 display that does the opposite of the usual, saturated OLED-impress, offering no other spec distraction from its lower pixel density. Like its aforementioned cousins, the device runs a TouchWiz skin atop Android Gingerbread 2.3.6, powered by a single 1GHz processor that does an acceptable job moving things along without that essential dual-core briskness. And while Sammy's plastic builds are normally balanced out by superior software performance, here the chintzy look and feel of the unit and its overgrown silver trim further confirm its place as a budget entry. For now, the phone appears to be an overseas-only affair, as it's already hit global markets this past January. Follow on past the break for a video tour of this forgettable pint-sizer.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus hands-on

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ace PlusAcePlusAndroidAndroid 2.3.6Android2.3.6Galaxy Ace PlusGalaxyAcePlusGingerbreadhands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SamsungTouchWizvideoWed, 29 Feb 2012 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-s-advance-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-s-advance-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-s-advance-hands-on-video/#comments It's getting so you need a map to traverse Samsung's mobile Galaxy, but that's not stopping the outfit from cranking out handsets -- no matter how minuscule the tweaks. Announced back in January, the Galaxy S Advance falls solidly on the middle of the OEM's consumer scale, delivering a speedy 1GHz dual-core experience on a build of Android 2.3.6. Naturally, the device comes outfitted with TouchWiz, but that skin doesn't get in the way of the apparent snappy performance, as we noticed navigation, transitions and browsing all carried on without a hiccup. As you might've guessed, the saturated, 4-inch 800 x 480 display is of the Super AMOLED variety, so you won't have much difficulty viewing the screen from a variety of angles. And while the construction is a typical plastic enclosure with subtly textured back, the combination of its light weight and thin profile conspire to make this one attractive purchase. A mostly global roll out's already underway, though sadly, the US isn't included on that select list. Peep the gallery below for some additional shots and, while you're at it, check out the video after the break.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Android 2.3.6Android2.3.6dual-coregalaxy s advanceGalaxySAdvanceGingerbreadhands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012S AdvanceSAdvanceSamsungSuper AMOLEDSuperAmoledTouchWizvideoWed, 29 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Acer Liquid Glow at MWC 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/hands-on-with-the-acer-liquid-glow-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/hands-on-with-the-acer-liquid-glow-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/hands-on-with-the-acer-liquid-glow-at-mwc-2012-video/#comments Given the phone's name, you'd think the Acer Liquid Glow would be best shown off in an infomercial, but in reality it's the next in line for the long-running smartphone series. The Glow hasn't been quite as popular as the CloudMobile at this week's MWC, and for good reason -- its bigger brother won an award in product design, after all. But that doesn't mean it should have to suffer the anguish of living in the shadows. The Liquid Glow is quite a bit smaller, offering a 3.7 inch WVGA display, 5MP rear camera, 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon S2 CPU and 512MB of RAM. The device will run on its own customized ICS ROM at launch, but it was using stock Android ICS this week. The UI, we've been told, will be lightweight with a homegrown tweaks to the lock screen, status bar, messages and the phone dialpad.

The Liquid Glow is just a tad thick, but we enjoyed how it felt when holding it as a result of the phone's curves matching the contours of our hand. If you have large hands or just crave a device with a bigger screen, this will probably be a little too small for you. In fact, the handset feels like it's smaller than it really is -- for those who prefer tinier phones but still desire as big a display as possible, this may be a rather good compromise. Its overall design scheme actually reminds us a lot of the CloudMobile, especially given those curves and Acer's signature arcs found on the top and bottom of the device. There are some major differences in terms of overall design, such as the inclusion of capacitive navigation buttons on the Glow as well as the lack of a soft-grip textured back, but the family resemblance is certainly there. We didn't notice any lags in software performance, but we'll need to check back when production-quality firmware is available at its launch. All in all, we think the Liquid Glow will wind up being a worthy competitor as long as it's reasonably priced. No availability date has been set, but we should expect to see it in stores sometime this summer. Our video and image gallery will guide you through the radiant goodness below.

Gallery: Acer Liquid Glow hands-on at MWC 2012

Continue reading Hands-on with the Acer Liquid Glow at MWC 2012 (video)

Hands-on with the Acer Liquid Glow at MWC 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer liquid glowAcerLiquidGlowandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0glowgoogleice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsliquidliquid glowLiquidGlowmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012videoWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/zte-pf-100-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/zte-pf-100-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/zte-pf-100-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-2012-video/#comments ZTE's been making some slow, but steady progress as it transitions from no name, white label manufacturer to more of a well-known brand. Aiding the company in that exact mission is one of its latest tablets, the PF 100, shown off by NVIDIA at this year's Mobile World Congress. The apparently stock Android 4.0.3 slate packs a Tegra 3 CPU inside and 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display. The unit we saw is far from a finished production model, given the fact that it was literally bursting apart at the seams and appeared as if it'd been roughly handled. We imagine the final product will be a bit more hardy than the one we had in-hand, but that shoddiness aside, it's still a hulk of a tablet.

Indeed you won't find the design at all charming; it's rough, thick and inelegant with a chunky bezel on front and mix of hard, grooved rubber and plastic on back. All of the ports and hardware keys are relegated to the top edge of the device with slots for both SIM and microSD covered by a single flap. There's also a dual camera setup, as well as stereo speakers and a proprietary dock connection on the base. As you might expect, performance on the tablet was incredibly fast thanks to its 1.5GHz quad-core processor and the one game we demoed loaded quickly, showcasing responsive controls. No further details about pricing, markets or availability have been announced at this time, but we expect those important tidbits to be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. You can check out a hardware tour of the tablet in the gallery below and be sure to jump past the break for a full video walkthrough.

Gallery: ZTE PF 100 hands-on

Continue reading ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)

ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0.3Android4.0.3hands-onIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSMobile World CongressMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012PF 100Pf100tablettabletsTegra 3Tegra3videoZTEWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Myriad Updates enables social networking via USSD (hands-on video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/myriad-updates-enables-social-networking-via-ussd-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/myriad-updates-enables-social-networking-via-ussd-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/myriad-updates-enables-social-networking-via-ussd-hands-on-vide/#comments Myriad Updates enables social networking via USSD (hands-on video)
You may not be familiar with USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) but there's a good chance you've used it before -- by dialing *225# (or something similar) to check the balance on your account. Just like SMS, it's a protocol baked into every GSM phone. Unlike SMS, it allows session-based, real-time communication between a handset and an operator's USSD gateway -- without the store and forward mechanism required for text messaging. Basically, it's a simple way to enable data connectivity on phones without deploying an actual data network and while it's pretty slow, it may be monetized.

We met with Myriad's VP of Business Development Olivier Bartholot at Mobile World Congress who gave us a demo of Myriad Updates, a solution based on the company's Xumii back-end that delivers social networking services like Facebook, Twitter and Flickr to any GSM handset via USSD. This means no data plan is required and there's no app to install or cumbersome SMS-based UI to deal with. Myriad's partnering with Vodafone, Orange and Mobinil to provide social networking access to customers in emerging markets who may be using very low-end devices (like the Nokia C1 above) with limited or no data functionality. Hands-on video and PR after the break.

Continue reading Myriad Updates enables social networking via USSD (hands-on video)

Myriad Updates enables social networking via USSD (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dataFacebookFlickrhands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostminiMobileWorldCongressMobinilMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012MyriadMyriad UpdatesMyriad XumiiMyriadUpdatesMyriadXumiiNokiaNokia C1NokiaC1Olivier BartholotOlivierBartholotOrangeSMSsocial networkingSocialNetworkingTwitterUSSDvideoVodafoneXumiiWed, 29 Feb 2012 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Tianyu K-Touch Treasure V8 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/tianyu-k-touch-treasure-v8-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-201/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/tianyu-k-touch-treasure-v8-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-201/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/tianyu-k-touch-treasure-v8-hands-on-at-mobile-world-congress-201/#comments Ever heard of Tianyu? You probably haven't, but that's why the Chinese manufacturer left most of the heavy PR lifting for its ICS-equipped, quad-core phone to NVIDIA at this year's Mobile World Congress 2012. Details on this Tegra 3-based Android handset are admittedly scarce for the time being, but from what we were able to glean, the 4.3-incher should be able to hold its own in the high-end smartphone market. Aside from an 8 megapixel shooter with single LED flash on its back and the aforementioned CPU clocked at 1.5GHz, there's not much else to divulge spec-wise.

In terms of build, the design is a mixed bag. From afar, the Treasure V8 appears sleek and even (dare we say it?) sexy, but once the unit's in hand, you'll notice the cheapness of the glossy, white plastic enclosure. A metal trim borders the device lending to the mix of high and low quality materials used in its construction, but actually makes the phone uncomfortable to hold. The screen also tapers in towards the edges, leaving a ridge to form that's unpleasant in the hand. It doesn't appear that this is the final build of the product and it could even wind up becoming sleeker as it approaches an indeterminate launch, so there's room for improvement. Of course, pricing and availability for China are also unknowns, but we have a feeling that could very well be resolved in the coming weeks. Check out the gallery below and head on past the break for a brief video tour.

Gallery: Tianyu K-Touch Treasure V8 hands-on

Continue reading Tianyu K-Touch Treasure V8 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)

Tianyu K-Touch Treasure V8 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0Android4.0Chinahands-onIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichK-TouchK-Touch Treasure V8K-touchTreasureV8Mobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCmwc 2012Mwc2012NVIDIAquad-coreTegra 3Tegra3TianyuTreasure V8TreasureV8videoWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Doro PhoneEasy 740 smartphone hands-on at MWC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/doro-phoneeasy-740-smartphone-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/doro-phoneeasy-740-smartphone-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/doro-phoneeasy-740-smartphone-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/#comments Don't recognize the name? If so, it's probably because Doro is a completely new player in the smartphone industry, as it doesn't necessarily quench the appetite of power users. The vendor primarily focuses on providing the elderly with simple handsets, which in the past equated to offering nothing but feature phones. Doro's got a few new tricks up its sleeve which may be the most ridiculously easy transition from old-school to new-school yet. Their creation, with a title nearly as simple as the device itself, is called the PhoneEasy 740. It's a phone running essentially a forked Android OS with an incredibly user-friendly launcher -- called the Doro Experience -- that consists of only a few major functions, such as phone, messages, email and pictures. As for the handset itself, you're looking at a meager spec sheet: 5MP rear camera, 3.2-inch HVGA shooter, four hours of continuous talk time, FM radio, 512MB of RAM and 4GB internal memory. The software itself isn't fully functional yet, so we were only able to scroll through the main menu. We're anticipating the device to be ready in time for a summer release in markets around the world.

Speaking of the Doro Experience, the UI's going to be available on tablets this spring as an optional Android launcher. Fortunately the software can be paired with a desktop-specific app -- the Doro Experience Manager -- that gives the user the ability to remotely customize and manage the device. This is actually quite ideal, due to the fact that it's not limited to a proprietary Doro-made tablet. We haven't heard details on pricing and availability, but we'll get that information as it comes in. For now, anyone intrigued by the idea should hightail it to our gallery below.

Gallery: Doro EasyPhone 740 hands-on

Continue reading Doro PhoneEasy 740 smartphone hands-on at MWC 2012

Doro PhoneEasy 740 smartphone hands-on at MWC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddorodoro easyphone 740doro experienceDoroEasyphone740DoroExperienceeasyphoneeasyphone 740Easyphone740forkedforked androidForkedAndroidhands-onmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/elviis-volvo-c30-ev-charges-from-any-standard-outlet-bills-the/#comments The electric vehicle is still a fresh enough concept that the issue of redirecting the bill when filling up at a public outlet or a friend's house is of little concern. But once EVs gain more traction and the cost of electricity during that monthly dinner party starts to run upwards of 50 bucks, you'll definitely take notice. ELVIIS, a research collaboration between Ericsson and the Viktoria Institute in Sweden, may be the solution. Instead of pulling power from the grid blindly and billing the outlet's owner, the system provides driver and vehicle information to a server before charging begins, then redirects the cost for power consumed to whatever account you've registered with the vehicle, alleviating any concern about unexpected electricity bills. ELVIIS can theoretically serve other purposes, allowing you to select the least-expensive energy source, for example, or set the car to wait to charge until late-night, when rates are lower.

We jumped into the passenger seat of one of five existing ELVIIS cars -- built around an all-electric Volvo C30 -- and poked around the charging interface. The project isn't fully operational just yet, and was running in demo mode so there's no way to verify that it works as described, but it definitely appears to be solid, with Ericsson providing financial and development support. Eventually, it will use the car's GPS to identify nearby power outlets -- for now, you need to enter a specific outlet ID. There's also an Android app that allows you to monitor and reschedule charging, so if you programmed your car to be completely charged by 7AM but realized that you need to leave at 6, you can make sure you're covered without getting out of bed. But you don't need to go anywhere to see it in action -- just click on past the break.

Gallery: ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV hands-on

Continue reading ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on)

ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingelectric carelectric powerelectric vehicleElectricCarelectricityElectricPowerElectricVehicleELVIISericssonevgridhands-onmobile world congressMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 12mwc 2012Mwc12Mwc2012powerpower gridPowerGridsmart chargingSmartChargingvideoViktoria InstituteViktoriaInstitutevolvovolvo c30volvo evVolvoC30VolvoEvTue, 28 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/t-mobile-htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/t-mobile-htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/t-mobile-htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/#comments You know that One phone announced by HTC on Sunday? Well, it's actually a series of three phones, and we already know that a couple of them (at least) are going to be landing on the shelves of your friendly American corner retail store. We got a look at one of them today -- specifically, the One S destined for T-Mobile. We conjecture that this will be offered as Magenta's premium device, and it's not hard to see why. Its owners will enjoy nearly all of the same privileges as every other user around the world: a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 (Krait) CPU, 1GB of RAM, a durable and scratch-resistant ceramic unibody build and 8MP rear camera with f/2.0 and LED flash.

In nearly every respect, the model we saw was the same as the global version we got acquainted with just two days ago. The only exceptions were found in T-Mo's choice of color (more of a gun metal grey flanked by light black on the top and bottom) and the obligatory carrier-branded bloatware. The apps aren't going anywhere, of course, but T-Mobile was quick to point out that the hardware and software aren't final. We believe it -- evidenced by the lack of any carrier branding on the phone -- but we can't be sure exactly how different it'll look by the time it comes hot off the press. Either way, we still captured a few images to keep your level of intrigue up to the max.

Gallery: T-Mobile HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012

Continue reading T-Mobile HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012

T-Mobile HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0Android4.0googlehands-onhtchtc senseHtcSenseicsmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012oneone sOneSsense 4.0Sense4.0t-mot-mobilet-mobile oneT-mobileOnetmoTue, 28 Feb 2012 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei Ascend G 300 hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/huawei-ascend-g-300-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/huawei-ascend-g-300-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/huawei-ascend-g-300-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/#comments
Huawei's all about the D Quad at this year's Mobile World Congress, but that's not everything in the manufacturer's arsenal. Having seen the first devices from its D (Diamond) and P (Platinum) series, we've been wondering how the third-tier G (Gold) handsets would turn out. Huawei's booth holds the answer to our lingering question in the form of the Ascend G 300, a predictably lower- to mid-range smartphone packing a 1GHz single-core CPU, 4-inch WVGA display, 5MP rear camera along with other modest specs.

While it's clear that Huawei's major focus is on bumping up its specs and becoming a major player in relevance and performance, we've only seen that strategy reflected on its top two tiers. The G 300, in contrast, doesn't feel any different in build quality than its older budget-conscious cousins; it employs the company's signature gray / white (or gray / black) look on the back. The edges and sides of the device are slightly different, varying by its color: the versions in black are soft-touch plastic, while its white counterpart is completely smooth, much like the rest of the phone. The battery cover felt rather flimsy, and one unit on hand looked as though it were coming apart, the cracks far too distanced for our comfort. The OS on hand is Android 2.3, accompanied with the usual MWC promise of being "upgradeable to ICS," and uses the same homegrown skin we saw a couple months ago on the Huawei Honor.

Of course, this one will likely hit at a low price point, so don't be tempted to compare this particular handset with some of the vendor's more premier options. It's not going to be as polished, but it's not meant to be. So while the 10.5mm-thick device will be perfectly reasonable for many, power users won't be waiting in line for this one to come out at a yet to be determined time. Still curious? Keep scanning your eyes below to find the gallery and movie.

Dana Wollman contributed to this hands-on.

Gallery: Huawei Ascend G300 hands-on

Continue reading Huawei Ascend G 300 hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)

Huawei Ascend G 300 hands-on at MWC 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendhands-onhuawei ascendhuawei ascend g 300huawei ghuawei g serieshuawei goldHuaweiAscendHuaweiAscendG300HuaweiGHuaweiGoldHuaweiGSeriesmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-hands-on-video/#comments Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-onIf you thought the Ace 2's compact design was charming, expect to be bowled over by the similarly-outfitted Mini 2. Stepping even further down the Galaxy food chain, this lilliputian Android handset retains the overall sensibilities of its slightly larger stablemate, but also tones down those already mid-range specs, accordingly. We were able to get some hands-on time with the 3.27-inch handset, so hop on past the break to see how it fared.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>800MHzAndroidhands-onMini 2Mini2Mobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SamsungSamsung GalaxySamsungGalaxyvideoTue, 28 Feb 2012 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-ace-2-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-ace-2-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-ace-2-hands-on-video/#comments Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 hands-onThe much-anticipated Galaxy S III this is not. What you are looking at above is the Ace 2, a mid-ranger from Samsung's stable of smartphones that's exclusive to the European market for the time being. Loaded up with a dual-core 800MHz CPU and a TouchWiz-skinned build of Android 2.3.6, the phone moves along smoothly, though the slight delay between touch recognition and transitions takes a bit of adjustment for those used to higher-clocked handsets. It's also a typical design for the OEM, encased in plastic and registering with a good balance of weight in the hand. We'd have hoped the unit would've felt much lighter, owing to the materials employed in its construction, but that extra bit of heft does help elevate it away from any sense of cheapness. As you can tell, we had an opportunity to spend some time with unit, so follow on after the break for a few more first impressions.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 hands-on

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>800MHzAce 2Ace2dual coreDualCoregalaxy ace 2GalaxyAce2hands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012Samsungsamsung galaxy ace 2SamsungGalaxyAce2videoTue, 28 Feb 2012 06:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel's Xolo X900 by Lava hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/intels-xolo-x900-by-lava-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/intels-xolo-x900-by-lava-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/intels-xolo-x900-by-lava-hands-on/#comments Intel's Medfield-based Android smartphones have been buzzed about for sometime now, but until this past CES, we hadn't actually seen one of these unicorns en vivo. No longer, as the chip manufacturer outed a trio of those very handsets today at its MWC event. Of particular note is the Xolo by Lava, a 4.03-inch, single-core unit running a mostly stock build of Gingerbread and destined for the Indian market. We spent time getting to know the device, so follow on past the break as we parse through its finer qualities.

Gallery: Intel's Xolo X900 by Lava hands-on

Continue reading Intel's Xolo X900 by Lava hands-on (video)

Intel's Xolo X900 by Lava hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3Android 2.3.7Android2.3Android2.3.7hands-onIntelLavaMedfieldMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012videoXoloXolo X900Xolo X900 by LavaXoloX900XoloX900ByLavaZ2460Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic Eluga hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-eluga-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-eluga-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-eluga-hands-on/#comments Well, Panasonic wasn't lying. Turns out, the company's Eluga smartphone is, as promised, quite elegantly designed. The stunning handset, which made its debut at this year's Mobile World Congress, isn't racing towards the finish line with Google's latest OS or even top shelf internals. Rather, this Android device places a heavy emphasis on style, durability and display tech much to the delight of our overloaded mobile-senses. We spent some quality time with device at the company's booth, so click on past the break to get the rundown on our initial impressions.

Gallery: Panasonic Eluga hands-on

Continue reading Panasonic Eluga hands-on (video)

Panasonic Eluga hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidElugahands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012Panasonic ElugaPanasonicElugaMon, 27 Feb 2012 08:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's Gobi modem chipsets combine 84Mbps HSPA+, LTE-Advanced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/qualcomm-outs-new-gobi-modem-chipsets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/qualcomm-outs-new-gobi-modem-chipsets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/qualcomm-outs-new-gobi-modem-chipsets/#commentsQualcomm Gobi chipsets support HSPA+, LTE-Advanced, carrier aggregationMultiple goodies on a single chipset? Yes, it's Qualcomm again, this time spreading word at MWC of its new Gobi modems. These will be the first to support both HSPA+ Release 10 (84Mbps on dual carriers) and LTE-Advanced, while two of the new Gobis (the MDM9225 and MDM9625) will additionally support true LTE Category 4 with carrier aggregation, for increased bandwidth across multiple radio channels and speeds of up to 150Mbps. The chips also boast lower power consumption thanks to their 28nm fabrication process, and are backwards compatible with older standards like GSM, EV-DO Advanced, TD-SCDMA and both FDD and TDD types of LTE. Hungry for more 3LAs? You'll find plenty in the press release below.

Continue reading Qualcomm's Gobi modem chipsets combine 84Mbps HSPA+, LTE-Advanced

Qualcomm's Gobi modem chipsets combine 84Mbps HSPA+, LTE-Advanced originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gobimdm8225mdm9225mdm9625mobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012mwc2012qualcommqualcomm gobiQualcommGobiMon, 27 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/#comments Nokia's stand at Mobile World Congress is more of a city than a dingy old booth -- it's absolutely massive, and full of Lumias and PureViews and Ashas (oh my!). As we continue to dissect the entire thing, our adventure has taken us to the Lumia 610. This particular handset is a bit of an anomaly in the mobile world: it's getting a lot of attention not because it's an amazingly powerful and highly specced device, but rather because it's considered a low-ender. It's not too often that this kind of thing happens, considering we often treat budget phones as non-influential, but we envision a device like the Lumia 610 having a dramatic impact on the scope of Windows Phone in global market share and public exposure.

Why could such a simple smartphone make waves at a show crowded with star-studded beauties like Nokia's own 808 PureView or the HTC One X? Because it's among the first to feature Microsoft's latest Windows Phone build. Contrary to our expectations coming into the show, it's not being referred to as Tango -- something that perplexed us during our liveblog of Nokia's event this morning -- but rather a minor refresh that will reach out to every Windows Phone. The update, still considered part of Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango), opens the door for devices running on 256MB of RAM and offers a few other goodies, such as allowing ringtones, videos, audio files and multiple JPEGs on one MMS. The update will also bring compatibility to Chinese mobile operators and plenty more regional availability. That's a major reason why the Lumia 610 is getting so much attention -- it may be the first Windows Phone experience for several regions that don't already have the OS.

It may be obvious that the specs are nothing to write home about. Quite opposite, in fact. But that's not what Nokia's gunning for with the 610, is it? Nay, this one is ever so humble, with its 800MHz Snapdragon S1 CPU, 5MP rear AF camera with LED flash, 3.7-inch WVGA TFT display, 1,300mAh battery and quad-band GSM / EDGE / WCDMA. The build is definitely inexpensive plastic, with chrome edges and a soft-touch back. In other words, keep a firm grip on it at all times. All in all, it feels rather comfortable to hold, though. Its overall performance is precisely on par with the intended price range here. But don't just read our words about the phone -- behold with your own eyes the Lumia 610 with the help of our photos and videos below.

Gallery: Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video)

Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>256MB RAM256mbRambudgetchinaemerging marketsEmergingMarketshands-onlumialumia 610Lumia610mangomobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwc 2012Mwc2012nokianokia lumianokia lumia 610NokiaLumiaNokiaLumia610snapdragon s1SnapdragonS1tangovideowindows phoneWindowsPhonewp7.5Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS outs lower-end Transformer Pad 300 tablet with 16GB of storage and a 1280 x 800 display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/asus-outs-lower-end-transformer-pad-300-tablet-with-16gb-of-stor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/asus-outs-lower-end-transformer-pad-300-tablet-with-16gb-of-stor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/asus-outs-lower-end-transformer-pad-300-tablet-with-16gb-of-stor/#comments Remember when we said ASUS was adding another tablet to its stable? Let's bump that number to an even two. ASUS just announced the Transformer Pad 300, a lower-end match to the new Infinity Series (and also made a quick appearance earlier this month). Hilariously (if rapidly aging gadgets can ever be funny), the 300 is, for all intents and purposes, a watered-down version of the original Transformer Prime -- until recently the most lustworthy tablet. So far as we can tell, the only differences are that it offers different color choices (blue, white and red), a slightly downgraded display and optional LTE. Also, the back is made of plastic. Once again, it has a Tegra 3 chip, 8MP / 2MP cameras, HDMI and a 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 IPS display. Interestingly, this guy has a regular 'ole IPS screen, not the 600-nit Super IPS+ panel used on the original Prime and the new Infinity tab. The 300 also comes with a fixed 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), whereas the original Prime packed 32GB at the lower end. Still, ASUS won't skimp on some things: it ships with ICS, like its brother, and promises up to 10 hours of battery life (that's 15 with the optional keyboard dock, which is an hour less than what the Infinity Series claims). No word yet on availability, so expect some further announcements in the coming months with pricing specific to different regions.

Gallery: ASUS Transformer Pad 300

Continue reading ASUS outs lower-end Transformer Pad 300 tablet with 16GB of storage and a 1280 x 800 display

ASUS outs lower-end Transformer Pad 300 tablet with 16GB of storage and a 1280 x 800 display originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300androidandroid 4.0Android4.0asusice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsipsltemobile world congressMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012quad coreQuadCoresuper ipsSuperIpstablettegra 3Tegra3TF300Ttransformertransformer padTransformer Pad 300TransformerPadTransformerPad300Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia grows Lumia 900 family: Canada gets LTE, HSPA+ for everyone else]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-grows-lumia-900-family-canada-gets-lte-hspa-for-everyon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-grows-lumia-900-family-canada-gets-lte-hspa-for-everyon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-grows-lumia-900-family-canada-gets-lte-hspa-for-everyon/#comments Well, that AT&T exclusivity was bound to wear off at some point. Nokia just confirmed that an LTE version of its flagship Lumia 900 will be crossing the border into Canada in April, running on Rogers' network, while a dual-carrier HSPA+ flavor will be hopping the Atlantic sometime in Q2, with a €480 (about $650) price tag in tow. Naturally, it'll include Nokia Drive, but there's another treat in store -- Nokia Reading. The app will be available as a free download, and acts as a digital media hub, aggregating content in a magazine-like format. The new Lumia 900s also add a front-facing camera, in addition to that Carl Zeiss lens-sporting snapper out back. Also, as you can see in the image above, Nokia has confirmed a gorgeous white version of the Windows Phone device, which we saw leaked earlier this month. As for a release date to go along with that previously announced AT&T version? We're still hoping for March 18th, though we have yet to get a firm commitment from the carrier or manufacturer.

Gallery: White Nokia Lumia 900 hands-on


Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Continue reading Nokia grows Lumia 900 family: Canada gets LTE, HSPA+ for everyone else

Nokia grows Lumia 900 family: Canada gets LTE, HSPA+ for everyone else originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaeuropehspahspa plushspa+HspaPluslteLumialumia 800lumia 900Lumia800Lumia900mangomobile world congressmobile world congress 2012mobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012mwcmwc 2012Mwc2012nokiaNokia Lumianokia lumia 900nokia+lumiaNokiaLumiaNokiaLumia900windows phonewindows phone 7.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.5Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from the Nokia press conference at MWC 2012!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/live-from-the-nokia-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/live-from-the-nokia-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/live-from-the-nokia-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/#comments It's hard to say what Nokia's going to reveal at this year's MWC, but naturally we have a hard time believing it will be any less shocking than what the Finnish company had in store for us last year. After all, we're rather certain that tonight's announcement will feature more from the same mobile platform it launched twelve months ago, not to mention the addition of a few extra lower-end devices. Join with us as we learn more of Stephen Elop's secrets in Barcelona!

Live from the Nokia press conference at MWC 2012! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lumiamangomobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwc 2012Mwc2012nokianokia belleNokiaBellepress conferencePressConferencesymbiansymbian belleSymbianBelletangowindows phonewindows phone mangowindows phone tangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneMangoWindowsPhoneTangoMon, 27 Feb 2012 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-s-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/#comments The second of the One. That's another way to describe the HTC One S, the mid-range selection in the Taiwanese company's trio of new devices. Even though it should be considered middle of the road when being compared to a heavy hitter like the One X, it's not hurting for features in the slightest. The S's claim to fame is its scratch-resistant and durable aluminum backing, and adds a highly respectable list of mouth-watering specs to go along with it. Let's have a look-see: 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED panel, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (MSM8260A) processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, the same 8MP rear camera found on the One X along with a VGA front-facing cam, a smallish 1,605mAh battery and 42Mbps HSPA+ radios (which will come in handy when it shows up on T-Mobile this spring).

While we've had the chance to drool all over its bigger brother, the One S still satisfies in nearly every way. The aluminum build was forged using a Micro Arc Oxidation process, and indeed affords us a feeling of security in case the skinny device were to slip through our hands. Given the firm grip we had on it, the chances of something like that happening would be rather slim anyway -- still, better safe than sorry. And the dual-core S4 chipset doesn't disappoint, either, and is going to be a slightly less expensive alternative for anyone who isn't a power user. Add in the same beautiful f/2.0 camera lens with all the Sense 4.0 trimmings, and this will likely stand well amongst its peers. As with the One X, we'd still prefer to see a physical camera button to take full advantage of the swift shutter speed and simultaneous video / still image capture. Want to get a bit closer to the action? Scoop the gallery below and the video after the break.

Update: The chipset in the HTC One S is a dual-core Snapdragon S4.

Gallery: HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2011

Continue reading HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)

HTC One S hands-on at MWC 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5ghzandroidandroid 4.0android icsAndroid4.0AndroidIcsdual-corehtchtc onehtc one shtc sense 4HtcOneHtcOneSHtcSense4icsmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012one sOneSqualcomms3sense 4Sense4snapdragonSun, 26 Feb 2012 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-x-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-x-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-one-x-hands-on-at-mwc-2012-video/#comments HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012Mobile World Congress has already brought a lot of great phones, and the show floor hasn't even opened yet. But there's just something about Peter Chou's latest creation that has us more eager to play with it than anything else we've seen so far (and perhaps for the rest of the show). We're talking, of course, about the One X, the absolute top of the line model of HTC's trio of One series devices announced tonight. The "superphone" (Peter's words, not ours) is packing the entire deck of cards: a 1.5GHz quad-core Tegra 3 CPU (for the global version; the LTE version uses Qualcomm's S4 Krait processor), 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 4.7 inches of 720p Super LCD 2 non-PenTile gorgeousness, Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC Sense 4.0 on top, 8MP rear camera with f/2.0 lens and 1080p HD video, to name a few.

First impressions? In a nutshell, we're blown away. It feels wonderful to hold in our hand, it's got the full suite of specs we like to see, the camera's as quick as HTC claims, and the device flies -- in fact, we'd be amiss not to mention the fact that the vendor's ICS-backed Sense UI is much lighter than any of its predecessors and doesn't bog down the performance at all. And keep in mind that this is in all likelihood still running on pre-production firmware. Impressive, to say the least. Our only beef with the device is the lack of a physical shutter button, especially given the firm's commitment to providing stellar camera performance. We're not ready to crown the One X as the best of the show yet -- we have four days' worth of MWC left, after all -- but it's one device we'll be returning to spend more quality time with on the show floor. If you want to share in the enjoyment, head to the gallery below, or the video after the break.

Gallery: HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012

HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012

Continue reading HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)

HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhtchtc one xhtc sensehtc sense 4HtcOneXHtcSenseHtcSense4mobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012oneone xOneXsensesense 4Sense4Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC debuts One brand at MWC 2012, unifies Android device lineup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-debuts-one-brand-at-mwc-2012-unifies-android-device-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-debuts-one-brand-at-mwc-2012-unifies-android-device-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/htc-debuts-one-brand-at-mwc-2012-unifies-android-device-lineup/#comments Shearing clippers, meet HTC's Android device portfolio. It appears UK head Phil Roberson wasn't just blowing the proverbial smoke this past January when he stated intentions to tighten up the manufacturer's portfolio with fewer releases focused on "amazing hardware" experiences. At today's MWC keynote the company announced an initiative that'll quite literally institute a One product line to rule them all ethos. Functioning much like Samsung's Galaxy series does, all smartphones and tablets that fall under the 'One' brand umbrella will showcase an attention to three distinct areas of detail: top-notch imaging, integrated Beats audio and industrial design. And, unlike the divisive monikers that often results from heavy-handed carrier intervention, the 130 operators already on board for the OEM's newborn products will retain that streamlined naming convention. No word yet on whether the outfit intends to group its Windows Phone array under this same tree or if that'll warrant an entirely new family itself. PR about the new branch in the HTC family tree can be found after the break.

Continue reading HTC debuts One brand at MWC 2012, unifies Android device lineup

HTC debuts One brand at MWC 2012, unifies Android device lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidHTChtc onehtc one shtc one serieshtc one vhtc one xhtc one xlHtcOneHtcOneSHtcOneSeriesHtcOneVHtcOneXHtcOneXlMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012OneSun, 26 Feb 2012 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Xperia P hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-xperia-p-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-xperia-p-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-xperia-p-hands-on/#comments Without revealing the rhyme or reason behind its seemingly arbitrary Xperia naming convention, Sony's newly minted Mobile Communications arm unveiled its middle ground NXT series entry, the P, at this evening's MWC event. Occupying a space firmly between the S and U, this 4-inch handset boasts a company first -- that WhiteMagic display tech -- while incorporating the better known hardware elements of its older stablemate. With that signature aluminum unibody design, transparent bar and NFC-capabilities, this Android handset is poised to usher a whole new crop of smartphone users into the company's wireless folds. We spent some up close and personal time with the unit, so click on past the break to see whether this phone suffers from middle child syndrome or truly shines on its own.

Gallery: Sony Xperia P hands-on

Continue reading Sony Xperia P hands-on (video)

Sony Xperia P hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidhands-onMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SonyvideoXperiaXperia PXperiaPSun, 26 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from the HTC press conference at MWC 2012!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/live-from-the-htc-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/live-from-the-htc-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/live-from-the-htc-press-conference-at-mwc-2012/#comments
Are you endeavoring to see the latest and greatest out of Taiwan? So are we, and we have a couple seats to watch Peter Chou excite us with some fancy new stuff on stage. That doesn't mean, however, that you won't be able to come along for the ride. Our liveblog of HTC's Mobile World Congress press conference is about to begin, so keep your eyes locked here!

February 26, 2012 2:30 PM EST

Live from the HTC press conference at MWC 2012! originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endeavoreventhtckeynoteliveliveblogmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012peter chouPeterChoupress conferencePressConferencevilleSun, 26 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony officially debuts Xperia U at MWC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-officially-debuts-xperia-u-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-officially-debuts-xperia-u-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/sony-officially-debuts-xperia-u-at-mwc-2012/#comments Frankly, Sony hasn't done much to stem the flow of Xperia U leaks pre-MWC, so we can't say we were all too surprised when the handset made its debut on stage today in Barcelona. The 3.5-inch phone offers up a Reality Display, a 1GHz dual-core processor and five megapixel camera. According to Sony, the handset should get up to six and a half hours of talk time and will, sadly, be rocking Gingerbread at launch, though for what it's worth, a planned upgrade to ICS has been announced. The Xperia S's younger sibling will be hitting shelves some time in Q2. We'll be sure to give some hands-on impressions of the forthcoming phone as soon as humanly possible.

Continue reading Sony officially debuts Xperia U at MWC 2012

Sony officially debuts Xperia U at MWC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3.7Android2.3.7kumquatMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SonyST25iXperiaXperia UXperiaUSun, 26 Feb 2012 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei Ascend D Quad (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-ascend-d-quad-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-ascend-d-quad-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-ascend-d-quad-hands-on/#comments Huawei Ascend D Quad (hands-on)It's no secret that Huawei is intent on joining the big boys in the smartphone arena, and the Ascend D Quad is undoubtedly its most promising attempt yet. The manufacturer is determined to make some serious headway into the world of handset relevance dominance, and the Ascend D Quad -- alongside its larger-battery XL brother -- are ready to play ball in the specs game. With a homegrown 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 8MP rear camera, 720p display and plenty more components that top the charts, we think the chance of Huawei making a big name for itself is more promising than it ever has before.

We just took an opportunity to play around with the potential game-changer, and our initial impressions were quite positive. Immediately, our attention was drawn to the display itself, which boasts incredibly vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. And the device, with its elegant soft-touch back, was incredibly comfortable to hold -- in fact, it felt much similar to the Honor in many respects, with the exception of its width. The unit we played with was running on stock ICS, but it's quite possible this won't be the final software version when the thing is fully baked. We hope to get add more impressions throughout the week as we go to Huawei's booth and spend some more quality time. For now, however, check out a few images below.

Dana Wollman and Brad Molen contributed to this report.

Gallery: Huawei Ascend D Quad hands-on

Huawei Ascend D Quad (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5ghzhands-onhd displayHdDisplayhuaweihuawei d quadhuawei k3huawei k3v3huawei quadHuaweiDQuadHuaweiK3HuaweiK3v3HuaweiQuadk3v3mobile world congressMobileWorldCongressmwc2012quad coreQuadCoreSun, 26 Feb 2012 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei adds home-grown K3V2 quad-core mobile CPU to its arsenal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-adds-home-grown-k3v2-quad-core-mobile-cpu-to-its-arsenal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-adds-home-grown-k3v2-quad-core-mobile-cpu-to-its-arsenal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-adds-home-grown-k3v2-quad-core-mobile-cpu-to-its-arsenal/#comments HuaweiTexas Instruments, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Samsung and Huawei? The Chinese company is hoping to add its name to the list of major players in the mobile CPU game with the K3V2. The processor is a quad-core part that comes clocked at either 1.2 or 1.5GHz. The four A9 cores are actually 64-bit parts, according to chairman Richard Yu, something of a surprise since ARM only ditched world of 32-bits in October with v8. Also along for the ride are 16 GPU cores, which in a set of carefully picked presentation-friendly benchmarks (NenaMark 2 and Basemark), spanked the Galaxy Nexus and the Transformer Prime. If the marketing buzz is to be believed the K3V2 delivers twice the graphics performance, is 49 percent faster in purely CPU-powered tasks and uses 30 percent less power than its competitors. We shouldn't have to wait much longer to put those claims to the test, however. The chip will be inside the Ascend D quad which should be landing sometime in Q2.

Continue reading Huawei adds home-grown K3V2 quad-core mobile CPU to its arsenal

Huawei adds home-grown K3V2 quad-core mobile CPU to its arsenal originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpuHuaweiHuaweo K3Huaweo K3v2HuaweoK3HuaweoK3v2k3v2mobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012processorSun, 26 Feb 2012 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei outs Ascend D Quad: 4.5-inch 720p display, Dolby 5.1, 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-outs-ascend-d-quad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-outs-ascend-d-quad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/huawei-outs-ascend-d-quad/#comments We'd seen some prior leaks, but aside from poorly translated marketing jargon, Huawei's managed to keep its latest and greatest smartphone under wraps -- until now, that is. The device is being billed as the "world's fastest quad-core smartphone" with the company's own K3V2 CPU, clocked at 1.5GHz, powering the unit. Sharing a slim, albeit slightly chunkier 8.9mm profile than its P1 predecessors, this Android 4.0 beast sports a 4.5-inch 720p display, 8 megapixel rear camera, Dolby 5.1 surround sound, support for LTE and an 1,800mAh battery bolstered by a proprietary energy management software that the manufacturer claims will last for up to two days. The actual hardware design itself takes a cue from Nokia's Lumia 800, with a screen that blends into the device's edges, creating an "infinity feel."

Along with this flagship powerhouse, two other Diamond family members -- the Ascend D Quad XL and Ascend D1 -- will be joining Huawei's lineup. Spec-wise, the XL is essentially an unchanged version of the original Quad, except imbued with a larger 2,500mAh battery, while the D1 swaps out the four core internals for a more 2011-ish, 1.5GHz dual-core setup and smaller 1,670mAh battery. All three are slated for a Q2 release this year and should hit retail and online shops in white and black options across North and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Check out the official presser and gallery after the break.

Gallery: Huawei outs Ascend D Quad

Continue reading Huawei outs Ascend D Quad: 4.5-inch 720p display, Dolby 5.1, 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU

Huawei outs Ascend D Quad: 4.5-inch 720p display, Dolby 5.1, 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AscendAscend D quadAscend D quad XLAscend D1AscendD1AscendDQuadAscendDQuadXlD quadd quad XLD1DQuadDQuadXlHuaweiMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Beam hands-on at MWC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/samsung-galaxy-beam-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/samsung-galaxy-beam-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/samsung-galaxy-beam-hands-on-at-mwc-2012/#comments
Samsung, expected to make a quiet showing at this year's Mobile World Congress due to the fact that it doesn't have a press conference scheduled today or tomorrow, is actually projecting to offer a bit more buzz than the Ace 2 or Mini 2. How? With a projector phone, of course! Sammy's latest phone announced for the show is the Galaxy Beam, a refreshed version of the projector phone, with a bit fancier specs. The device is packing a 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core ST-Ericsson U8500 Cortex A9 CPU, 768MB of RAM and a 2,000mAh battery. Of course, those aren't the important specs to consider here -- the projector is. Taking advantage of a nHD (640 x 360) resolution and 15 Lumen brightness, the 12.5mm thickness helps Samsung claim the title of "world's thinnest projector phone."

All in all, the phone felt very comfortable to hold, and the lump that incorporates the projector isn't an eyesore in the slightest -- in fact, Samsung managed to add it in a rather stylish manner. Our only concern? The projector itself is found on the very top of the device without any recession, which will likely make it a candidate for being a fingerprint magnet. We also liked the dedicated power button for the projector on the top right of the phone, just above the normal phone switch.

We're also expecting to see some docks become available for the phone (which itself should be available in select markets in Q2) that will help stabilize it and keep it from shaking, as well as amplify sound for watching movies or video presentations. We'll add in more pics and videos as they come.

Gallery: Galaxy Beam Hands-on


Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Samsung Galaxy Beam hands-on at MWC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxy beamGalaxyBeamhands-onhdpostcrossmobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc2012previewsamsungsamsung beamsamsung galaxy beamSamsungBeamSamsungGalaxyBeamvideoSun, 26 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST