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[Refresh Roundup: week of July 25, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/refresh-roundup-week-of-july-25-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/refresh-roundup-week-of-july-25-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/refresh-roundup-week-of-july-25-2011/#comments Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android Updates:
  • Remember the Gingerbread update that's rolling out to the T-Mobile myTouch 4G? If waiting for the OTA download doesn't mesh with your level of patience (or lack thereof), you'll be able to head to a corporate-owned retail store starting August 5th to receive the update manually. [via T-Mobile]
  • The Kyocera Echo's rollout of Gingerbread may be starting tomorrow and getting pushed out to customers over a four-day period. The new refresh also adds Swype 3.0 and security enhancements. [via SprintFeed]
  • Gingerbread is also currently heading to Verizon's Motorola Droid X2. [via AndroidCentral]
  • Sony Ericsson announced that users of the Xperia X10 won't be left off of the Android 2.3 bandwagon either -- it's been confirmed that global and carrier-unlocked versions are receiving the update, though it's up to specific carriers to decide if they want to push the update out as well. [via MobileBurn]
  • Verizon's Droid Incredible 2 is the recipient of a minor software update that aims to improve server connection for email and contacts. The OTA download can be yours by going into settings and having the phone check for updates. [via AndroidCentral]
  • The original HTC Desire's getting its turn for Android 2.3, but the OTA update is currently going out to unbranded devices only. [via HTC Desire Portal]
  • Users have been reporting an issue with their Samsung Fascinates receiving incoming calls after the latest update, and the latest update, called ED05, will be pushed to phones over the next few days to help resolve that concern, while fixing a couple SMS bugs as well. [via Droid-Life]

Unofficial updates, custom ROMs, and misc. hackery:
  • A new leaked Gingerbread update for the Samsung Epic 4G, EG22, can be had now. The leak bumps the device up to Android 2.3.4. [via PPC Geeks Forum]
  • The Motorola Triumph hasn't even been out for ten days, but it already has ClockworkMod Recovery. [via AndroidForums]
  • Peter Alfonso's released Android 2.3.5 as a custom download for the original Droid. Follow the via link for instructions on how to download and install it. [via Droid-Life]
  • The Revolutionary S-OFF tool has now been released as an early developer preview. The tool will give you full access to download and install custom ROMs for several devices, including the HTC EVO 3D and Sensation. [via AndroidCentral]

Other Platforms:
  • T-Mobile pushed out a firmware update to the HTC HD7 this week, though no change log was provided. If you didn't receive a notification on your phone informing you of the update, connect it to your Zune Desktop and check for updates. [via WPCentral]
  • The Dell Venue Pro's also on the receiving end of a firmware refresh, which brings with it a load of various bug fixes. [via Twitter]

Refresh Roundup: week of July 25, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 2.3android 2.3.4android 2.3.5Android2.3Android2.3.4Android2.3.5custom ROMCustomRomdelldell venue proDellVenueProdesiredroid incredible 2droid x2DroidIncredible2DroidX2echoed05eg22epic 4gEpic4gericssonevoevo 3dEvo3dfascinategingerbreadhd7htchtc desirehtc evo 3dhtc hd7htc sensationHtcDesireHtcEvo3dHtcHd7HtcSensationincredibleincredible 2Incredible2kyocerakyocera echoKyoceraEcholeaked ROMLeakedRomleaksmobilemotorolamotorola droid x2motorola triumphMotorolaDroidX2MotorolaTriumphmytouch 4gMytouch4grefreshrefresh roundupRefreshRounduprevolutionary s-offRevolutionaryS-offROMroundupRRs-offsamsungsamsung epic 4gsamsung fascinateSamsungEpic4gSamsungFascinatesensationsoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsprintt-mot-mobilet-mobile mytouch 4gT-mobileMytouch4gtriumphupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7wp7 firmware updatewp7 updateWp7FirmwareUpdateWp7Updatex10xperiaxperia x10XperiaX10Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon swaps misbehaving Fascinates with phones that'll make you flip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/verizon-swaps-misbehaving-fascinates-with-phones-thatll-make-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/verizon-swaps-misbehaving-fascinates-with-phones-thatll-make-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/verizon-swaps-misbehaving-fascinates-with-phones-thatll-make-yo/#comments If you're among the unfortunate handful of Verizon users whose Samsung Fascinate consistently fails to receive inbound calls after the latest update, we've got good news: Big Red is replacing these unruly handsets free of charge (and without contract extension). Now keep in mind, an in-store Verizon representative must confirm that your phone cannot properly receive calls, because telephone support agents obviously can't verify this one. Once you jump through a few hoops, however, the company will toss you a Certified Like-New Replacement of a Droid Charge, Droid Incredible 2, or Droid X2 as compensation for your plight. Sure it's used, but so is your Fascinate, so chin up -- this time, there's reason to be glad your smartphone doesn't work.

[Thanks, Geremy]

Verizon swaps misbehaving Fascinates with phones that'll make you flip originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchargecustomer serviceCustomerServicedroiddroid chargeDroid Incredible 2droid x 2droid x2DroidChargeDroidIncredible2DroidX2fascinatefixgalaxy sGalaxySgooglehtcincredible 2Incredible2mobilemotorolareplacementreplacementssamsungsamsung FascinateSamsungFascinateupgradeverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwWed, 27 Jul 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/#comments The number of Android devices officially compatible with the Netflix streaming app has more than doubled in v2.3, growing from 9 to 24. Last night the description was updated with a new list of devices but the actual updated APK only started pushing this afternoon, bringing Netflix not only to the Lenovo tablet announced last night but also to the Droid 3, HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Atrix, several Galaxy S phones including the Epic 4G and Fascinate and more. Fragmentation is clearly still an issue for DRM'd apps like this and Hulu Plus, but at least now there's a growing number of recent superphones supported instead of sitting on the sidelines. We've got the updated list of devices after the break, hit the source link to download the app from the Android Market.

Update: As multiple commenters have noted, sideloading the Netflix APK will still work for devices that haven't yet made the list. We were able to confirm the app works fine on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Motorola Xoom, however we're hearing it's not up and running on the Tegra 2-based Transformer just yet. Itching for some Watch Instantly on your Honeycomb tablet? Check XDA-Developers for a download link.

Update 2: Alex wrote in to let us know that things are now operational on the Transformer, too. Check out xda-developers for the details.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)

Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidatrixattepic 4gEpic4gfascinatefroyogalaxy sgalaxy s 4gGalaxySGalaxyS4ggooglehtc thunderboltHtcThunderboltlenovomotorola atrixMotorolaAtrixnetflixsamsungsprinttabletthunderboltwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 20 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon updates Fascinate to improve calls and... well, updates of course]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/verizon-updates-fascinate-to-improve-calls-and-well-updates/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/verizon-updates-fascinate-to-improve-calls-and-well-updates/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/verizon-updates-fascinate-to-improve-calls-and-well-updates/#comments It seems the Samsung Fascinate is receiving another update from Verizon -- though minor in comparison to this delicious serving of Froyo -- and this time it's targeting the update process itself. Once you finish pulling in nearly 100MB over Big Red's network, version ED04 promises to improve the delivery of OTA updates -- a blessing if you've ever experienced a bricked install. Additionally, missed opportunities will be minimized thanks to a fix that sharpens the phone's ability to receive inbound calls. Unfortunately, this also means no excuses for "missing" that call from your employer, so you'd best keep that last bit under wraps. It'll be our secret.

[Thanks, Jesus]

Verizon updates Fascinate to improve calls and... well, updates of course originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfascinatefirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefixgalaxy sGalaxySmobileotasamsungSCH-I500softwareupdateupdatesupgradeupgradesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 16 Jun 2011 06:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon starts delivering long overdue Froyo update to Fascinate users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/verizon-starts-delivering-long-overdue-froyo-update-to-fascinate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/verizon-starts-delivering-long-overdue-froyo-update-to-fascinate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/verizon-starts-delivering-long-overdue-froyo-update-to-fascinate/#comments Rejoice, brothers and sisters, for the Froyo has been delivered! Verizon's Fascinate was up until today weirdly stuck in its Android 2.1 gear, but the carrier has finally figured out whatever needed figuring out and is currently beaming out an Android 2.2 update over the air to expectant users. Now that we've put this long wait behind us, can we maybe jump to 2.3 in a slightly more sprightly fashion, Verizon?

[Thanks, Jason]

Verizon starts delivering long overdue Froyo update to Fascinate users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2fascinatefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefroyogalaxy sGalaxySmobile osMobileOsosoverduesamsungSCH-I500softwareupdateupgradeverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 21 Apr 2011 03:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/#commentsSo much for Verizon being the carrier of choice when it comes to accelerated Android updates, eh? Those who selected Big Red for their Galaxy S have been waiting on a Froyo build for what feels like an eternity, with our brethren to the north already enjoying the spoils -- things like Flash support and an integrated mobile hotspot. Of course, Samsung once promised that all Galaxy S phones (yeah, including the Fascinate) would receive Android 2.2 at some point in time, and while an official release is still eluding us, it looks as if the day is drawing ever closer. The fine folks over at Android Central simply couldn't wait any longer, and they're taken it upon themselves to wrap up the TouchWiz-infused EB01 build for all to enjoy. Naturally, you'll need to do a fair amount of hacking to get this up and running without anyone's consent, but all the details you're craving await you there in the source. Still unsure if it's worth the drive? Head on past the break for a quick video.

Continue reading Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it

Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cdmaeb01fascinatefirmwarefroyogooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidhackmodrootrootedsamsungsmartphonesoftwaretouchwizverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovzwSat, 12 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon drops Samsung Fascinate, Droid Incredible, Droid R2-D2 to $100]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/verizon-drops-samsung-fascinate-droid-incredible-droid-r2-d2-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/verizon-drops-samsung-fascinate-droid-incredible-droid-r2-d2-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/verizon-drops-samsung-fascinate-droid-incredible-droid-r2-d2-t/#comments You can call it a Valentine's sale or a pre-iPhone 4 blow out, but any way you slice it there's some pretty good deals on Android phones available from Verizon right now. That includes the Samsung Fascinate and Continuum, as well as the HTC Droid Incredible and Motorola Droid R2-D2, which are all now available for just $100 on the usual two-year contract (the Fascinate deal is apparently today-only). Unfortunately, the sale doesn't include the Droid X, Droid Pro or Droid 2 Global, but Verizon is promising some additional one-day only sales during its "ten days of sweet deals" from now until February 10th, so folks interested in one of those might not be out of luck just yet.

Verizon drops Samsung Fascinate, Droid Incredible, Droid R2-D2 to $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcontinuumdealdroiddroid incredibledroid r2-d2DroidIncredibleDroidR2-dDroidR2-d2fascinatehtchtc droid incredibleHtcDroidIncrediblemotorolasalesamsungverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 31 Jan 2011 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon pushes firmware updates for Droid Pro, Fascinate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/verizon-pushes-firmware-updates-for-droid-pro-fascinate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/verizon-pushes-firmware-updates-for-droid-pro-fascinate/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/verizon-pushes-firmware-updates-for-droid-pro-fascinate/#comments Happy Thursday, Verizon customers! No better way to celebrate the beginning of the second half of the work week than with a couple firmware updates, we always say -- and Big Red's playing the part with new builds for the Fascinate and Droid Pro. The Fascinate update doesn't seem to be Froyo as far as we can tell -- disappointing, we know -- but it's still got a long list of improvements covering everything from Bluetooth and GPS to updated third-party apps in ROM. On the Droid Pro side, this seems to mirror the Droid 2 Global update that went out not long ago, promising improved voice quality and better global roaming performance. So go on, get your upgrade on -- and let us know how it went.

Verizon pushes firmware updates for Droid Pro, Fascinate originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddroid proDroidProfascinategooglemobilemotomotorolasamsungupdateupgradeverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 13 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Vibrant and Fascinate get Froyo in Canada, hopefully with fewer bugs this time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/27/samsung-vibrant-and-fascinate-get-froyo-in-canada-hopefully-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/27/samsung-vibrant-and-fascinate-get-froyo-in-canada-hopefully-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/27/samsung-vibrant-and-fascinate-get-froyo-in-canada-hopefully-wit/#comments A quick gander at Samsung's Canadian support site for the Galaxy S line reveals that two Android 2.2 updates are currently available: one for the Vibrant -- offered by Bell, Virgin Mobile, and SaskTel -- and one for the Fascinate as sold be Telus. This all follows just a few days after Sammy had to pull the Vibrant's Froyo update on word that it seemed be killing the internal microSD storage, so hopefully, this build will be just a little more drama-free. Oh, and Samsung had originally said that Telus Fascinate owners would be waiting until next year to upgrade their units, so it's pretty neat that they were able to rein that in a bit and get it pushed at the tail end of '10. So have fun, Canadians -- you've beaten your friends with T-Mobile Vibrants and Verizon Fascinates to the punch on this one, and we encourage you to lord it over them at every opportunity.

[Thanks, Robert B.]

Samsung Vibrant and Fascinate get Froyo in Canada, hopefully with fewer bugs this time originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2bellcanadafascinatefroyogalaxy sGalaxySgooglesamsungsaskteltelusupdateupgradevibrantvirgin mobileVirginMobileMon, 27 Dec 2010 03:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada's Galaxy S Froyo updates start rolling out this month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/canadas-galaxy-s-froyo-updates-start-rolling-out-this-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/canadas-galaxy-s-froyo-updates-start-rolling-out-this-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/canadas-galaxy-s-froyo-updates-start-rolling-out-this-month/#commentsSamsung's probably wishing it could just forget its claim that it'd have Froyo rolled out to all carriers last month, but at least it's providing a little bit of updated guidance to its Canadian users. Turns out Bell's Vibrant and Rogers' Captivate are on track for the middle of this month, while owners of Telus' Fascinate will need to wait a little longer: "early 2011," to be exact, which really isn't exact at all since it could easily mean anywhere between January and, say, April or so. Of course, Gingerbread will be all over the place by then -- and we might even be seeing our first glimpses of Honeycomb -- so be prepared for your version envy to continue unabated.

[Thanks, Seb]

Canada's Galaxy S Froyo updates start rolling out this month originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2bellcanadacaptivatefascinatefroyogalaxy sGalaxySgooglemobilerogerssamsungtelusupdateupgradevibrantSat, 04 Dec 2010 22:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung ships 3M Galaxy S devices in the US, becomes top Android supplier in the country]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/samsung-ships-3m-galaxy-s-devices-in-the-us-becomes-top-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/samsung-ships-3m-galaxy-s-devices-in-the-us-becomes-top-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/samsung-ships-3m-galaxy-s-devices-in-the-us-becomes-top-android/#comments You know what happens when you manage to launch essentially the same high-end smartphone on every national carrier in the US plus the top regional? Well, this happens: Samsung has just proudly announced that it's pushed some three million Galaxy S models in the US -- sold as the Fascinate, Captivate, Epic 4G, Vibrant, and Mesmerize on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, respectively -- which gave it 32.1 percent of the US Android market in the third quarter according to Gartner, enough to vault it to the number one position. When your competitors are HTC and Motorola -- both of whom have knocked some Android phones out of the park this year -- that's pretty impressive. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Samsung ships 3M Galaxy S devices in the US, becomes top Android supplier in the country

Samsung ships 3M Galaxy S devices in the US, becomes top Android supplier in the country originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattcaptivateepic 4gEpic4gfascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglemesmerizemobilesamsungsprintt-mobileus cellularusccUsCellularverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvibrantvzwFri, 03 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Streak, HTC Surround, white Samsung Fascinate, and Taylor Swift-ified white SE X10 coming to Best Buy exclusively]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/dell-streak-htc-surround-white-samsung-fascinate-and-taylor-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/dell-streak-htc-surround-white-samsung-fascinate-and-taylor-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/dell-streak-htc-surround-white-samsung-fascinate-and-taylor-s/#comments We've got a little more detail on those four new pre-orderable phones up in Best Buy Mobile's business this week now that the news has gone from leak status to official, and needless to say, the truth is even stranger than fiction. The Dell Streak will be available for the first time in retail stores for $299.99 on contract come October 24, joined by a white version of Verizon's Samsung Fascinate for $149.99 on contract; those two will be followed on November 8 by the HTC Surround for $199. Here's where it gets interesting, though: the white Sony Ericsson X10 for AT&T -- also rumored in our original leak -- will come pre-loaded with "The Essential Taylor Swift Experience," which frankly doesn't paint a picture of the target demographic we'd really expected. But hey, we like surprises! What does her essential experience entail, exactly? Two albums, a new single, ringtone and video content, and access to her new album when it launches on October 25. This bad boy also comes in on October 24 for $99 on contract. Best Buy claims that all four of these are in-store exclusives... which, particularly with the Surround, is pretty insane. Follow the break for the press release.

Continue reading Dell Streak, HTC Surround, white Samsung Fascinate, and Taylor Swift-ified white SE X10 coming to Best Buy exclusively

Dell Streak, HTC Surround, white Samsung Fascinate, and Taylor Swift-ified white SE X10 coming to Best Buy exclusively originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattbest buyBestBuydellericssonfascinategooglehtcsamsungsonysonye ericssonSonyeEricssonstreaksurroundverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwhitewindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7x10xperiaxperia x10XperiaX10Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[White Samsung Fascinate and Sony Ericsson X10 joining Dell Streak in Best Buy this month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/white-samsung-fascinate-and-sony-ericsson-x10-joining-dell-strea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/white-samsung-fascinate-and-sony-ericsson-x10-joining-dell-strea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/white-samsung-fascinate-and-sony-ericsson-x10-joining-dell-strea/#comments Let's be real: almost every phone looks better in white. Okay, so that's strictly a matter of personal opinion -- but if you're a white phone kind of person, turn your attention away from the forever-delayed iPhone 4 and toward a couple that are launching shortly thanks to some new details from Best Buy. Turns out Verizon's white Fascinate and AT&T's white X10 are both scheduled to hit on October 24, alongside the Dell Streak -- not in white, by the bye -- followed by the HTC Surround on November 8 (which we already knew). Any of 'em can be yours for a $50 deposit.

Update: We've been told that the white Fascinate and X10 will be exclusives for Best Buy, at least at first.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

White Samsung Fascinate and Sony Ericsson X10 joining Dell Streak in Best Buy this month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattbest buyBestBuydellericssonfascinategooglehtcsamsungsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonstreaksurroundverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7x10xperiaxperia x10XperiaX10Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate gets minor tweaks in new Verizon update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/samsung-fascinate-gets-minor-tweaks-in-new-verizon-update/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/samsung-fascinate-gets-minor-tweaks-in-new-verizon-update/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/samsung-fascinate-gets-minor-tweaks-in-new-verizon-update/#comments When your Samsung Fascinate inevitably informs you that it's ready to download an "i500.DI01" and you scour the web for news, you'll likely be disappointed to hear that no, it doesn't include Android 2.2. The update will, however, improve your notification system, more easily sync your email, switch faster to 3G data from 1.x (possibly the same issue that plagues the Droid 2) and improve the ability to search your phone for that all-important grocery list without hanging up on your beloved. In other words, unless Verizon omitted the inclusion of a nasty bug in the release notes above, you've got nothing to lose. Except that "No Service audio alert," of course. Can't imagine why Verizon would go to the trouble.

Samsung Fascinate gets minor tweaks in new Verizon update originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fascinategalaxy sGalaxySmobileOTASamsungSamsung FascinateSamsungFascinatesoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateVerizonverizon fascinateverizon wirelessVerizonFascinateVerizonWirelessvzwTue, 21 Sep 2010 23:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate's Google-less existence solvable with minimum drama]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/samsung-fascinates-google-less-existence-solvable-with-minimum/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/samsung-fascinates-google-less-existence-solvable-with-minimum/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/samsung-fascinates-google-less-existence-solvable-with-minimum/#comments We'd previously heard from Verizon that you'd be able to install Google search functionality once Android 2.2 gets rolled out (in other words, they wouldn't actively block the app that's supposed to be available on any device running Froyo), but if you can't stand Bing, it turns out that you can fast-track the process in the current 2.1 firmware with very little effort. Basically, you download Google's enhanced search APK -- which is blocked from the Market in 2.1, so you need to download it and install it outside the Market proper -- then use a third-party launcher like LauncherPro to add the widget and reassign the search button. Voice search still requires root to get working properly, but it is possible, so yeah -- user community, one; Verizon-Bing search deal, zero.

Samsung Fascinate's Google-less existence solvable with minimum drama originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbingfascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglehackmobilesamsungverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwSun, 12 Sep 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Entelligence: Will carriers destroy the Android vision?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/entelligence-will-carriers-destroy-the-android-vision/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/entelligence-will-carriers-destroy-the-android-vision/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/entelligence-will-carriers-destroy-the-android-vision/#commentsEntelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

It's an unfortunately familiar phenomena -- PC vendors suffering from razor thin margins load their devices with more stickers than a stock car and install gigabytes of useless applications that serve only to take up space and use system resources. Sony was perhaps the most egregious in 2008, offering to remove the offending bloatware for a $50 fee. It's as if Tony Soprano went into tech -- "Pay us and we won't mess up your computer."

It's deja vu all over again for mobile phones. More and more devices I look at are coming installed with applications I don't want, often popping up messages to try and upsell me on services I have no interest in. Even worse, unlike PCs where offensive applications can be removed or the OS reinstalled cleanly, there's often nothing that can be done to get rid of unwanted mobile software without arduous work. It's not limited to Android devices, but it seems that increasingly Android more than other platforms is shipping with the worst mobile bloatware. It's a bad trend that's going to lead to consumer backlash and it's destroying the credibility of Google's Android vision.

Continue reading Entelligence: Will carriers destroy the Android vision?

Entelligence: Will carriers destroy the Android vision? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattbloatbloatwarecolumncolumnscrapwareentelligencefascinategalaxy sGalaxySsamsungsprintt mobilet-mobileTMobileverizonSun, 12 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon dishes on Fascinate's problems -- internally, anyway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/verizon-dishes-on-fascinates-problems-internally-anyway/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/verizon-dishes-on-fascinates-problems-internally-anyway/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/verizon-dishes-on-fascinates-problems-internally-anyway/#comments Rest assured this information was never meant to make it into the public eye (not all in one place, anyway), and from Verizon's perspective, there's a good reason for that -- if you've got a Fascinate, you just know you're going to be looking out for all these bugs now that you might not have noticed otherwise. Sorry to turn you into a nervous wreck, owners, but let's have a look at some of the bigger problems Big Red has its eye on in Sammy's latest incarnation of the Galaxy S: GPS lock latency is said to be abnormally long with no workaround available (sound familiar?), pressing the Search button while on a call can hang you up, calendar alerts can't be changed, and the backlighting on the bottom keys is fixed at five seconds -- something we'd complained about on other versions of the phone but is conveniently tied to the keyboard backlight settings on the Epic 4G. Nothing in the list necessarily sounds like a deal-breaker, but for a carrier known for testing the crap out of its phones prior to release, we'll admit that the list is a bit longer than we would've expected.

Verizon dishes on Fascinate's problems -- internally, anyway originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbugbugsfascinategoogleissueissuesmobileproblemproblemssamsungverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 10 Sep 2010 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon sweetens Samsung Fascinate deal with Buy One Get One Free offer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/verizon-sweetens-samsung-fascinate-deal-with-buy-one-get-one-fre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/verizon-sweetens-samsung-fascinate-deal-with-buy-one-get-one-fre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/verizon-sweetens-samsung-fascinate-deal-with-buy-one-get-one-fre/#comments Yes, that fateful day is upon us, the Samsung Fascinate has made its debut on Verizon's online store pages, and it's arrived with a quite unusual (for a top tier handset) sweetener. When buying one Fascinate, you're given the option to obtain a second one for free. Well, the hardware would be free, you'd need two-year commitments on both phones with a minimum monthly data plan of $29.99 a piece, but it's still the nicest thing Verizon's done for us since it started throwing out free Pixi Pluses with purchases of Palm's webOS handsets. You should also bear in mind your initial outlay here is a quite lofty $400, with two separate $100 mail-in rebates bringing the cost down. So it's free in pecuniary terms, but probably not free of headaches.

[Thanks, Mike]

Verizon sweetens Samsung Fascinate deal with Buy One Get One Free offer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.1android 2.1Android2.1bogofbuy one get one freeBuyOneGetOneFreediscountfascinategalaxy sGalaxySlaunchreleasesamsungspecial offerSpecialOfferverizonWed, 08 Sep 2010 02:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/samsung-fascinate-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/samsung-fascinate-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/samsung-fascinate-review/#comments By now you've probably seen the reviews of the other Galaxy S phones -- the Epic 4G, Captivate, or Vibrant -- or at least gotten an idea of what Samsung's push into the Android market is all about in 2010. After hitting every other major US carrier with like-minded devices, the company has finally seen fit to unleash the Fascinate on Verizon. Up until this point, the Android offerings on Big Red's network have been varied, but not all particularly attractive beyond the Droid lineup. The Fascinate is arguably the first handset that gives something like the Droid X or the Incredible a proper run for its money. Of course, those are pretty high stakes in game that changes on an almost daily basis, and Samsung's options are not without their... idiosyncrasies. That truth is nowhere more pronounced than on its latest handset. So is the company poised to hit the market where it hurts with this final puzzle piece, or is this an incomplete picture? Read on to find out in our full review of the Samsung Fascinate!

Gallery: Samsung Fascinate hands-on

Continue reading Samsung Fascinate review

Samsung Fascinate review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1fascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglegoogle androidgoogle android 2.1GoogleAndroidGoogleAndroid2.1reviewsamsungsamsung fascinatesamsung galaxy sSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySTue, 07 Sep 2010 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Samsung Fascinate launching September 9 for $199 (update: September 8 online)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/official-samsung-fascinate-launching-september-9/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/official-samsung-fascinate-launching-september-9/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/official-samsung-fascinate-launching-september-9/#comments Put away your leaked Verizon documents, good folks, the Fascinate finally has an official release date: September 9. Verizon's Galaxy S variant snuck up on all of us with a commercial appearance last night, which was accompanied by that appropriately blown out text at the bottom, indicating it'll be in stores within a couple of days. That doesn't leave much time for you to build up fresh anticipation, so hopefully you were able to sustain yours while everyone else was unpacking their Captivate, Epic and Vibrant handsets. Hey, you might be late to the party, but at least you'll be there. See the ad (minus the launch date note) after the break.

[Thanks, Kyle]

Update: And what do you know, the official press release has just dropped, confirming the above in-store date and giving us an even earlier one: September 8 for online orders. Pricing is set at your usual $199 on a two-year contract, provided you have the patience to deal with a $100 mail-in rebate.

Continue reading Official: Samsung Fascinate launching September 9 for $199 (update: September 8 online)

Official: Samsung Fascinate launching September 9 for $199 (update: September 8 online) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.14-inchandroidandroid 2.1Android2.1availabilityfascinategalaxy sGalaxySlaunchreleasesamsungsamsung fascinatesamsung galaxy sSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySsuper amoledSuperAmoledverizonverizon fascinateverizon wirelessVerizonFascinateVerizonWirelessvideovzwTue, 07 Sep 2010 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate arriving in Verizon stores, early September launch seems a given]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/samsung-fascinate-arriving-in-verizon-stores-early-september-la/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/samsung-fascinate-arriving-in-verizon-stores-early-september-la/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/samsung-fascinate-arriving-in-verizon-stores-early-september-la/#comments Lest all the paper-based leaks weren't sufficient evidence for you, we've now got ourselves an insider at one of Verizon's brick-and-mortar outlets informing us that Fascinate launch kits are being distributed. VZW is said to be training up its staff (presumably that involves more than just pointing out where the above puzzle piece should go) and the whole thing's looking "right on track" for the mooted early September launch. So that basically gives us about a week's time to kill with 21:9 HDTVs, 3D prototypes, slinky tablets, and whatever else we can find at IFA. We might just be able to manage it.

Samsung Fascinate arriving in Verizon stores, early September launch seems a given originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmafascinategalaxy sGalaxySin-storelaunchlaunch kitsLaunchKitsleakpre-releasesamsungsamsung fascinatesamsung galaxy sSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySstockstoresverizonverizon fascinateverizon storesVerizonFascinateVerizonStoresvzwThu, 02 Sep 2010 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepaid Droid, BlackBerry and Palm phones coming to Verizon? (update: confirmed, box spotting)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/prepaid-droid-blackberry-and-palm-phones-coming-to-verizon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/prepaid-droid-blackberry-and-palm-phones-coming-to-verizon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/prepaid-droid-blackberry-and-palm-phones-coming-to-verizon/#comments
We'd heard a few rumors of some new prepaid offerings from Verizon recently, but it now looks like the carrier could really be about to expand things in a big way -- at least if some purportedly authentic leaked documents are any indication. Apparently received by Android Does from a helpful tipster, the documents list a whole new lineup of prepaid phones, including a slew of BlackBerrys, the Palm Pre and Pixi Plus, and just about every Android-based phone Verizon offers (including all of the Droids and even the yet-to-be released Samsung Fascinate -- again listed for September 9th). While there's no indication of prepaid pricing for the phones themselves, they would apparently be available with an unlimited $30 a month data plan, which would have to be tacked on top of a minimum $45 a month voice plan. Yeah, that's pretty aggressive for Verizon any way you slice it -- maybe too aggressive to be true?

[Thanks, Bryan]

Update: Well, it looks like this chances of this happening just got a whole lot better -- head on past the break for a shot we received of a Verizon Prepaid BlackBerry Curve box. If you look closely at the back of the box, you'll also notice that the pricing matches up with the leaked documents, including monthly plans from $45 to 75 a month, and unlimited email and web for $30 a month. What's more, while there's no shots just yet, we're hearing that the prepaid Droids are also a go (with the same plans), and that at least the Droid 2 has been specifically mentioned.

Update 2: As if that wasn't enough, we've also now gotten a handful more tips confirming that this is the real deal, and that it will apparently include BlackBerry, Android and Palm phones only (at least when it comes to smartphones).

Update 3: And just in case you still don't believe us, we just got screenshots of Verizon's inventory system listing all the current Droids, the LG Ally, the Motorola Devour, the Palm Pre / Pixi Plus, and a host of Blackberrys as pre-paid capable phones. Check it in the gallery.

Gallery: Verizon pre-paid smartphones

Continue reading Prepaid Droid, BlackBerry and Palm phones coming to Verizon? (update: confirmed, box spotting)

Prepaid Droid, BlackBerry and Palm phones coming to Verizon? (update: confirmed, box spotting) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrydroiddroid 2droid xDroid2DroidXfascinateleakpreprepaidrumorsamsung FascinateSamsungFascinateverizonTue, 31 Aug 2010 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate launching on September 8?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/samsung-fascinate-launching-on-september-8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/samsung-fascinate-launching-on-september-8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/samsung-fascinate-launching-on-september-8/#comments We've seen these kinds of Verizon launch decks before, so we tend to believe the September 8 date we're seeing for the Fascinate here is legit -- granted, Wednesday is an odd day to launch a phone, but not a lot weirder than the Thursday, September 9 date we'd had before. Either way, it's looking like a sure thing that we're going to see this on shelves come next week, completing Sammy's impressive four-way coup to get its high-end Galaxy S line launched on all of the US nationals. Like the Droid 2 and Droid X, the Fascinate will feature Blockbuster Mobile to let you download full-length movies on the go -- in other words, that's a feature that won't be a Droid brand exclusive -- and Bing search will be installed out of the box, giving Microsoft a fun little foothold in Google's kingdom. So, who's buying? And while we're on the subject, why isn't this thing called the "Droid Fascinate?"

[Thanks, Bryan]

Samsung Fascinate launching on September 8? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfascinategalaxy sGalaxySrumorsamsungverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 30 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate ready for Best Buy in-store pre-order ahead of rumored September 9 launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/samsung-fascinate-ready-for-best-buy-in-store-pre-order-ahead-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/samsung-fascinate-ready-for-best-buy-in-store-pre-order-ahead-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/samsung-fascinate-ready-for-best-buy-in-store-pre-order-ahead-of/#comments Verizon can't be feeling too hot about being the straggler to the Galaxy S party, but the wait seems to be almost at an end. Best Buy's just started taking in-store pre-orders for the Fascinate, while the latest internal document leak from VZW indicates a specific September 9 launch for the 4-inch Android handset. That's when you should be able to snap the Fascinate up along with a prepaid data plan from Big Red, which fits in nicely with earlier unsanctioned disclosures on the matter. Either way, Samsung's quest to conquer all networks with its Super Gorilla phone will be coming to a victorious end pretty soon.

[Thanks, Brian G.]

Samsung Fascinate ready for Best Buy in-store pre-order ahead of rumored September 9 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavailabilitybest buyBestBuyfascinategalaxy sGalaxySin-storein-store pre-orderIn-storePre-orderlaunchpre-orderretailsamsungsamsung fascinatesamsung galaxy sSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySsmartphonesuper amoledSuperAmoledverizonverizon fascinateverizon wirelessVerizonFascinateVerizonWirelessSun, 29 Aug 2010 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate shows up in Verizon warehouse manifest, destined for September launch?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/samsung-fascinate-shows-up-in-verizon-warehouse-manifest-destin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/samsung-fascinate-shows-up-in-verizon-warehouse-manifest-destin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/samsung-fascinate-shows-up-in-verizon-warehouse-manifest-destin/#comments While Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile customers have been enjoying their epic, vibrant and captivating Galaxy S variants for weeks, the only thing fascinating about Verizon's take on the Samsung smartphone is how long it's taken to arrive. Come September, however, that's all liable to change, as a very familiar-looking SCH-I500 has just allegedly appeared in Verizon warehouse databases. Coupled with the fact that the MTV Music Video Awards (airing on September 12th) are now officially sponsored by "Samsung Fascinate a Galaxy S phone" and Verizon Wireless itself, we're thinking it's a safe bet that early September will find the 4-inch Super AMOLED handset on store shelves.

Samsung Fascinate shows up in Verizon warehouse manifest, destined for September launch? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfascinateGalaxy SGalaxySmtv video music awardsMTV VMAsMtvVideoMusicAwardsMtvVmasrumorrumorsSamsungsamsung FascinateSamsung Galaxy SSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySSCH-I500smartphoneThu, 26 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S sporting Gorilla Glass to protect that precious AMOLED]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/samsung-galaxy-s-sporting-gorilla-glass-to-protect-that-precious/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/samsung-galaxy-s-sporting-gorilla-glass-to-protect-that-precious/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/samsung-galaxy-s-sporting-gorilla-glass-to-protect-that-precious/#comments Remember this horribly painful video? The Gorilla Glass protection on the Dell Streak is undoubtedly a selling point, and now Corning, the maker of said glass, has announced that the Samsung Galaxy S (which includes the Vibrant, Captivate, Fascinate, and Epic 4G in its brood) employs the same alkali-aluminosilicate glass shield. The glass is similar to the "helicopter windshield" stuff Apple uses on the iPhone 4, which was rumored to be Gorilla Glass at one point, and while neither tech is impervious to shattering, they certainly can take a beating -- but just try and do that pen stab torture test while we're not looking, alright? We don't have the stomach to witness another beautiful Android handset so roughly handled. PR is after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S sporting Gorilla Glass to protect that precious AMOLED

Samsung Galaxy S sporting Gorilla Glass to protect that precious AMOLED originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captivatecorningepic 4gEpic4gfascinategalaxy sGalaxySglassgorilla glassGorillaGlasssamsungsamsung galaxy sSamsungGalaxySvibrantTue, 24 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Root already working on Samsung Captivate, other US Galaxy S models]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/root-already-working-on-samsung-captivate-other-us-galaxy-s-mod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/root-already-working-on-samsung-captivate-other-us-galaxy-s-mod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/root-already-working-on-samsung-captivate-other-us-galaxy-s-mod/#comments Normally, you've got to wait... you know, at least a few hours after a new Android phone's released for a root technique to pop up -- but thanks to the Captivate's lineage, hackers have already been able to get the ball rolling. Indeed, it turns out that the root method already employed on the European version of the Galaxy S works just fine on the Captivate and Vibrant, and presumably, it'll work just the same on Fascinate and Epic 4G with a minimum of modification. Reports are already trickling in that Market apps requiring root are working like champs, so we're feeling good about this one.

[Thanks, Andrew]

Root already working on Samsung Captivate, other US Galaxy S models originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcaptivateepic 4gEpic4gfascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglemobilerootsamsungvibrantTue, 13 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsung-t-mobile-vibrant-and-verizon-fascinate-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsung-t-mobile-vibrant-and-verizon-fascinate-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsung-t-mobile-vibrant-and-verizon-fascinate-preview/#comments You'd think we'd be totally sick of Samsung's Galaxy S phones after seeing AT&T's Captivate and Sprint's Epic 4G, but we're just not done lovin' the 4-inch Super AMOLED, Android devices. Verizon's Fascinate and T-Mobile's Vibrant happen to be the last two Sammy phones to jump into our hands-on, but coincidentally, they're also the most alike. Design-wise, both remind us of the iPhone 3G / 3GS -- they're all screen on the front, strikingly thin, and have black shiny backs. And just like the Captivate and Epic 4G, they've got four touch sensitive buttons along the bottom edge. The Super AMOLED screens continue to impress, and watching a clip of Avatar on both versions was pretty breathtaking. (No, we didn't have an iPhone 4 on hand for comparisons, but make sure to check out the post where we put them head-to-head).

We didn't get to put the 1GHz Hummingbird CPU to the test in our short hands-on time, though both Android 2.1-running phones seemed to perform briskly when opening videos and pulling up the browser. Beyond Samsung's TouchWiz skin, both are preloaded with Swype and other carrier apps -- Verizon's version had Skype Mobile as well as a number of VCAST applications. Oh, and unlike most of the other Galaxy S phones, the Fascinate had a flash on its backside. We don't have much more on these bad boys for now -- we're still waiting on pricing and availability -- but the pictures and videos after the break should hold you over.

Gallery: Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant hands-on


Gallery: Samsung Verizon Fascinate hands-on


Note: Pay no attention to the background -- there isn't any intended symbolism to draw here, it was just the best lighting arrangement we could muster.

Continue reading Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview

Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fascinategalaxygalaxy sGalaxySimpressionspreviewsamsungsamsung Fascinatesamsung galaxy ssamsung vibrantSamsungFascinateSamsungGalaxySSamsungVibrantT-MobileT-Mobile USAT-mobileUsaVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvibrantTue, 29 Jun 2010 21:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's American Galaxy S phones pose for family portrait]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsungs-american-galaxy-s-phones-pose-for-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsungs-american-galaxy-s-phones-pose-for-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsungs-american-galaxy-s-phones-pose-for-family-portrait/#comments Samsung's US team held a swanky event in NYC this evening to launch all four of its new US-spec Galaxy S phones in style. If you haven't been brought up to speed on Samsung's stateside Android invasion, the Captivate is headed to AT&T, the Fascinate to Verizon, the Epic 4G to Sprint and the Vibrant to T-Mobile. Each of the phones have 4-inch Super AMOLED screens, 1GHz Hummingbird Cortex A8 CPUs, and cams that can capture 720p video. We've already got detailed hands on impressions of the Captivate and Epic 4G, but stay tuned for Fascinate and Vibrant previews tonight. In the meantime, check out the family all together in the pictures in the gallery below.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S family

Samsung's American Galaxy S phones pose for family portrait originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattbreaking newsBreakingNewscaptivateepic 4gEpic4gfascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglesamsungsamsung galaxy sSamsungGalaxySsprintt-mobileverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvibrantvzwTue, 29 Jun 2010 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon ropes in Samsung Fascinate, US Cellular gets a Galaxy S too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/verizon-ropes-in-samsung-fascinate-us-cellular-gets-a-galaxy-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/verizon-ropes-in-samsung-fascinate-us-cellular-gets-a-galaxy-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/verizon-ropes-in-samsung-fascinate-us-cellular-gets-a-galaxy-s/#commentsScoring the top four US carriers plus a top-tier regional with a single family of smartphones in one fell swoop is a major achievement for any manufacturer -- a feat memorably pulled off by the HTC Touch Pro2 -- so you can officially color us impressed now that Samsung has unveiled the Fascinate for Verizon plus an unnamed device for US Cellular, both variants of the Galaxy S (generic version pictured). As a refresher, this is the same phone family coming to Sprint as the Epic 4G, T-Mobile as the Vibrant, and AT&T as the Captivate, so these guys have a bit of an Android coup on their hands. Like the others (Epic 4G notably excepted), the Fascinate is a non-keyboard Android slate and features the usual 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1GHz Hummingbird silicon, and 5 megapixel camera with 720p video recording; US Cellular's phone looks to be roughly the same thing, though it seems they've yet to choose a retail name for it. Both will be available on an unannounced date for an unannounced price -- but if the market is any indication, $199.99 on contract seems like a good bet. More on these models as we have it.

Verizon ropes in Samsung Fascinate, US Cellular gets a Galaxy S too originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsBreakingNewsfascinategalaxy sGalaxySgooglesamsungus cellularusccUsCellularverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 28 Jun 2010 00:30:00 EST