Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we learned of another possible prepaid destination for the iPhone (hint: it's a subsidiary of Sprint), and Samsung announced a combined sales total of 50 million Galaxy S and Galaxy S II smartphones. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of May 28th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of May 28th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of May 28th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple has been sending mixed signals as to whether or not it will bring NFC to the iPhone for mobile payments, but iCache clearly isn't waiting for the technology to show its face -- the company just started shipping its Geode e-wallet. As we saw just a few weeks ago, the Geode simply rolls existing credit and debit cards into a proxy GeoCard that's scanned at the store to handle transactions. Although it demands a specially-made case with an e-paper screen and fingerprint reader, not to mention an app to manage the attached cards, the choice lets an iPhone owner buy goods at all the usual places instead of having to hunt down special terminals. We like the one-card universe it creates, although it's clear the shopper has to carry a lot of the responsibility for making this digital payment dream a reality: at $200 a pop, the Geode's wallet-slimming effect carries a premium, especially since it won't work with anything besides an iPhone 4 or 4S.

iCache Geode claims title of first shipping iPhone e-wallet, asks 'who needs NFC?' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Cricket Wireless, the prepaid subsidiary of Leap, has just announced the availability of the iPhone 4 and 4S on its network. When they go on sale June 22nd, a 16GB 4S will set you back $500, while an 8GB 4 clocks in at a slightly more affordable $400. Both are available with Cricket's $55 "unlimited" everything plan, which includes all you can eat talk, text, and data -- provided your idea of "unlimited" data falls within its fair usage policies (in this case, 2.3GB of data). Cricket is hardly alone among America's smaller carriers in offering the iPhone, C-Spire as well as a number of regional carriers all stock Apple's wares. What makes this offering unique, is that Cricket is the first completely prepaid carrier to sell the handset. So, if you want an iPhone, but don't want the contract or the post-paid, usage-based fees? Well then, Cricket might just be your new best friend. Check out the PR after the break and hit up the source for more info.

Continue reading Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan

Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iOS device security has regularly been a concern of the government, but locking down one of Apple's devices for the government is still fresh. Precise Biometrics hopes to have the problem licked through the Tactivo, a combo fingerprint and smart card reader for the iPhone 4 / 4S (and the iPad, in the summer). Either method keeps data inside an app away from prying eyes, and while they won't tighten the security around the built-in apps, they do make sure a third-party app's data meets US and international government privacy specs without having to use a BlackBerry. We're not surprised that the Tactivo needs to engulf the iPhone in a full case to work its magic, although there's a micro-USB port to keep it powered and synced up. It's all a bit much if you're just trying to make sure your list of high school crushes stays a secret, and the price reflects that -- at $249 a pop, the Tactivo is really meant for agencies and companies for whom losing the data on an iPhone would cost a lot more. Still, if you're running an outfit encouraging BYOD phone use or just really, really want your secret passions to stay private, both the iPhone case and a BioSecrets app are ready today.

Continue reading Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video)

Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. 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 we could find during 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!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of May 21st, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of May 21st, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Facebook has kept itself rather busy in the last month or so with such tasks as going public and purchasing popular photo-sharing app Instagram, but that doesn't mean it stopped working on other projects in the meantime. This realization is apparent with the launch of Facebook Camera, a photo-centric application that chooses to remain separated from the company's general mobile representation. It's still connected with the social network, of course, but it brings a fresh user interface and some light Photoshop-esque features to the table: filters, cropping, zoom, twist and so on. We had the opportunity to grab the new app and take it for a spin on an iPhone, so check out the gallery and continue below for our first impressions.

Gallery: Facebook Camera hands-on

Continue reading Facebook Camera hands-on

Facebook Camera hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Moving along a similar path to his previous untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.0, hacker pod2g has followed up announcements of an untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 4 and iPad 3 running iOS 5.1 with a quick demo video (embedded after the break) as evidence. The video shows a jailbroken iPad 3 that manages to stay that way even after a reboot, the key difference from the current tethered hack already available. There's still no word on when the community at large may get a crack at the software, although tweets mention "stabilizing the payload" before taking a crack at the recently released iOS 5.1.1, and that the new Apple TV may not be able to come along for the ride.

Continue reading iOS 5.1 untethered jailbreak gets a video demo, not yet ready to meet the public

iOS 5.1 untethered jailbreak gets a video demo, not yet ready to meet the public originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Plugged your iDevice into an iTunes-equipped machine lately? You should. Apple has just let loose iOS 5.1.1, a seemingly minor point update that actually promises to fix quite a few (potentially) substantial quirks. Coming two months to the day after the iOS 5.1 software update, the extra 0.0.1 is said to improve reliability of the HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut, address bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks and solve a few issues that were affecting AirPlay video playback "in some circumstances." There's also improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List, and Apple has purportedly fixed an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase. Sucked the update down yourself? Let us know how it goes in comments below, and peek the full changelog just after the break.

Update: Looks like iOS 5.1.1 has already been jailbroken. Huzzah!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone: fixes AirPlay and network bugs, jailbroken already

Apple's iOS 5.1.1 update for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone: fixes AirPlay and network bugs, jailbroken already originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Clarion is primarily known for its aftermarket car audio and navigation solutions, but it's increasingly moving into the realm of smartphone integration. Looking to court iPhone users who'd appreciate the connectivity and convenience of Pioneer's AppRadio, but don't care to fuss with the installation, Clarion's Next Gate can be easily mounted to one's windshield. It offers access to popular apps such as TuneIn and Pandora, along with navigation, hands-free calling and voice-dialing functionality. Scarily enough, users will even be able to access Facebook and Twitter via the voice-activated Vlingo app -- please, just promise to keep your focus on the road. The display itself is a 7-inch, WVGA affair, and as you'd expect, the unit is powered by the vehicle's 12 volt accessory jack -- otherwise known as the cigarette lighter receptacle. Similarly, the Next Gate connects to the iPhone via Apple's dock connector, which means that users will need to manage a bit of cable clutter.

All in all, the Clarion Next Gate could certainly be a compelling solution for some, and its $270 price is within the realm of reason. While we're a bit concerned about what it entails for driving distractions, the unit shouldn't be any worse of a diversion than the ol' smartphone itself. In fact, we're most disappointed that there's no support for Android. Those in the privileged iPhone community will be able to purchase the Next Gate as of June 1st, and you'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield

Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sprint Nextel's $15.5 billion gamble on Apple's iPhone will apparently lighten CEO Dan Hesse's proverbial wallet by $3.25 million this year. That's how much compensation Hesse agreed to give back to help placate investors unhappy about the high cost of the company's iPhone deal. Securing the iPhone has already paid dividends for Sprint in terms of sales. The company sold 1.5 million iPhones in the first quarter while posting a net subscriber growth of 263,000. That didn't stop Sprint from posting an $863 million net loss during the same period, however, causing some investors to grumble about the cost of subsidizing Apple's phone. The subsidy Sprint pays for each iPhone is 40 percent higher -- about $200 -- than what the company pays for other competing devices. Don't feel too bad for Hesse, though. Apparently, the financial gesture basically brings back his "compensation target opportunities" to 2010 levels.

Sprint CEO takes pay cut as investors voice concern about cost of iPhone deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple's not gonna like this one, but news of the perpetual cat-and-mouse game between it and the hacking community continues with the announcement of an untethered jailbreak for iOS 5.1, which is now alive and kicking on the iPhone 4. The good news went out in the form of a tweet from pod2g, and while the naughty bit of software isn't yet available for public download, we can only hope that it'll soon be ready for mass consumption. As you'll recall, we last saw hints of an untethered jailbreak for the latest iPad (also iOS 5.1), which similarly remains elusive to the public. At any rate, we welcome the progress -- now bring on the exploits.

iPhone 4 named latest recipient of untethered iOS 5.1 jailbreak, exploit remains MIA originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Are you a smartphone user with an itchy trigger finger? Listen up. Rockstar Games has announced that the one and only Max Payne will begin terrorizing your iOS and Android devices in the very near future. The wares will be available for Apple-branded gear (iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S, along with the iPod touch 4 and all iPad iterations) on April 12th, and Google's implements two weeks later on the 26th. Max Payne Mobile is promising to deliver HD graphics, high resolution textures and exclusive content via the company's Social Club service to your miniaturized screen. Rockstar did not elaborate on which Android sets would be supported, but promised to publish a full list "in the coming weeks." Limber up those thumbs, charge up that handset and get ready to lay waste to... pretty much anything that moves.

Max Payne to rampage on iOS April 12th, Android April 26th originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading iPhone 4S to launch with select regional carriers April 20th

iPhone 4S to launch with select regional carriers April 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone 4 owners can register for $15 antennagate settlements (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Apple patent app portends gadgets made of glass

Apple patent app portends gadgets made of glass originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FreedomPop rumored to introduce iPhone case with free WiMAX service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case

Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've got good news for anyone intrigued by the new (largely incremental) features of Apple's latest mobile OS update. MuscleNerd, famed iOS meddler, has confirmed that iOS 5.1 can be jailbroken to the original iPad, iPhone 4 and 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touch devices. Unfortunately, it's still a tethered jailbreak which means you'll need to "just boot" the device using redsn0w whenever it powers down. However, we're sure those iOS hackers are already working on that minor niggle. Get the full instructions and those ever-important warnings over at Think iOS, which also links to the required iOS 5.1 files.

[Thanks all]

iOS 5.1 gets tethered jailbreak for non-A5 iPads, iPhones and iPods originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iOS 5.1 software update now rolling out to iPhones, iPads and iPod touches originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of February 27th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 27th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Radio Shack drops iPad 2 prices $20-50, swears it has nothing to do with the iPad 3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone 4 antennagate class-action lawsuit settled, owners to receive $15 or a free case (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Aqua Tek S wants to be your desert island iPhone case

Insert Coin: Aqua Tek S wants to be your desert island iPhone case originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading G-Form pulls a hat-trick with iPhone case hockey video

G-Form pulls a hat-trick with iPhone case hockey video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading EasySignMobile enters the Facebook fray for iPhone and iPad

EasySignMobile enters the Facebook fray for iPhone and iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a bid to keep iPhones sold in Hong Kong on the island nation, Apple has reintroduced reserve and pick up pages for the smartphones. The difference this time around is the inclusion of the customer's Hong Kong identity card number within the registration form, which goes live between 9am and 12pm each day. The aim is put breaks on the speculative smartphone buyers picking up several devices to mule across to mainland China. You'll still need a bit of luck; Apple performs a random draw each day for those that registered, and 'winners' are informed via email. Each card can apparently buy a limited quantity of the in-demand phone -- one that's getting some smartphone obsessives a little too hot under the collar.

Apple Hong Kong revives reserve and pick up page, wants to stop iPhones going abroad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

T-Mobile keen to help iPhone users, plans to offer new procedures for unlocked phones originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Insert Coin: Dash car stereo

Continue reading Insert Coin: Dash car stereo gives your iPhone a new home, away from the cupholder (video)

Insert Coin: Dash car stereo gives your iPhone a new home, away from the cupholder (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video)

The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Camera-less iPhone 4S now available in Singapore, military approves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on

Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Tamaggo 360-imager concept hands-on

Tamaggo 360-imager concept hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Boostcase hands-on

Boostcase hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Arieso study: iPhone 4S data use is nearly double that of the of iPhone 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos

SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sanwa pico projector also charges your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

2011 has been a tremendous year for tech -- Amazon launched a $200 Android tablet, AT&T and Verizon continued their LTE expansion, Apple killed off the Mac mini's SuperDrive and Samsung introduced a well-received killer 5.3-inch smartphone. But tiny tech startups made their mark as well, proving that you don't need an enormous R&D budget to spur innovation. Still, development isn't free, and unless your social circle includes eager investors, seed money has been traditionally hard to come by.

For many of this year's indie devs, crowdfunding sites have been the answer, with Kickstarter leading the pack. We've seen an enormous variety of projects -- including a deluge of duds and plenty more semi-redundant iPhone accessories -- but a few treasures soared above the swill to be featured in our Insert Coin series, with many of those meeting their funding goals and even making their way into the hands of consumers. Now, as 2011 draws to a close, we've gone through this past year's projects to single out our top ten, and they're waiting for your consideration just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011

Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spire installer brings Siri to any jailbroken iOS 5 device, legally -- proxy still required originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Best Buy rewards your procrastination with buy-one-get-one iPhone 4 deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video)

Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.