Engadget

RIM patent application ponders a desk dock for your BlackBerry

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:41:00 EST

It's that special time of the week when we examine the what-ifs and whys of the patent system. Research in Motion applied for a patent last year to construct a telephone-dock that'll nestle your BlackBerry when you're sat in the office. Plonk your device in the carved out slot and it'll offer up its display and address book for the use of your landline, in essence, a RIM-branded version of the Phone Dock we saw back in 2010. Although this device has the added benefit of being able to hand off your desktop calls to your cell and vice-versa. Now, only the vagaries of the Patent and Trademark Office, Thorsten Heins' management decisions and market forces stand between us and this device appearing in the flesh.

RIM patent application ponders a desk dock for your BlackBerry originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones get examined, detailed by the FCC

Zach Honig — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:04:00 EST

We imagine that the vast majority of Android users have since abandoned or even eliminated landline service, but if you're still tethered to the grid at the homestead, your DECT cordless might as well be running Android. Motorola demonstrated such a concept at an event way back in 2010, and it now looks like the company may finally be readying a pair of production models, dubbed the HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones. Based on published user manuals, both of the handsets appear to be virtually identical, with the exception of color scheme -- the HS1101 is covered in a glossy black finish, while the MBP2000PU is decked out in silver and white.

The WiFi-equipped handsets could be running Ice Cream Sandwich (based on a screenshot of the HS1101), and each include a 3.2-inch 400 x 240 LCD, a front-facing camera with video capture, stereo 1.5-watt speakers, microSD storage, along with micro-USB and a standard headphone port. Naturally, you'll be able to download apps (through SlideMe), while some selections, including an Aldiko e-book reader and a Digital Answer Machine come preloaded. Whether or not consumers ever plan to buy another cordless set remains to be seen, but if you're in the market, you might as well hang tight for a Motorola Android Home Phone. Both models have passed through the FCC, so the grueling wait for an ICS-powered DECT cordless may soon come to an end. Jump past the break for a closer look at both models, or hit up the source link to thumb through those meaty manuals.

Continue reading Motorola HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones get examined, detailed by the FCC

Motorola HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones get examined, detailed by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon halts dubious third-party billing on landlines, years after landlines were 'in'

Darren Murph — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:27:00 EST

Okay, okay -- landlines are still useful. But rapidly growing, they are not. That said, Verizon is caving to congressional pressure in a relatively minor way, announcing that it'll be banning certain third-party charges on landline bills. In political circles, the process is known as "cramming," where customers (oftentimes unknowingly) submit their number to certain third-party add-ons that have generated some $10 billion in revenue over the past five years. Sen. Jay Rockefeller from West Virginia is applauding the move, and also encouraging Congress to make this commonplace across all carriers. Curiously, there's no mention of mobile blocking, where consumers are regularly duped into subscribing to recurring fees via text-based competitions and contests. Perhaps when we've all moved on to telepathy, the feds can get right on that.

Verizon halts dubious third-party billing on landlines, years after landlines were 'in' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clarity reveals Fortissimo speakerphone for folks with mobility issues

Michael Gorman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It's not often that speakerphones grace Engadget's pages, but Plantronics' Clarity division has created a new such device tailored to the needs of folks with mobility issues and difficulties using their hands. Called the Fortissimo, it's got an outsized LCD touchscreen for easy viewing and prodigious voice command capabilities courtesy of Plantronics' Vocalyst technology. Vocalyst lets users send emails and texts, update social networks, and access other phone functions with the spoken word, and can connect with headsets via Bluetooth. Physical phone interaction's on tap too courtesy of air switches activated by blowing on them and oversized pillow switches that are as easily hit with arms and legs as they are heads and shoulders. Lastly, there's ClarityLogic customer service that gives company reps the ability to adjust settings and upgrade Fortissimo remotely. Clarity's showing it off this week at CES, and the Fortissimo will be released this summer. PR's after the break.

Continue reading Clarity reveals Fortissimo speakerphone for folks with mobility issues

Clarity reveals Fortissimo speakerphone for folks with mobility issues originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A lesson in simplicity: securing a 'no landline' home with LifeShield and Dropcam

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:45:00 EST

Think of this as an IRL, but longer. Recently, I bumped my head so severely that I would up buying a new abode, and for whatever reason, the insurance company mandated that I have a "monitored fire and burglary system" installed (that's UL-certified monitoring, by the way). Not too surprising when you consider their viewpoint in the deal, and honestly, I needed someone to push me into getting one, anyway. Being a grown-up, resting easier, protecting one's investment -- you know, those types of things. So, here I was, an inexperienced homeowner in dire need of a security system, with nary a place to turn. Well, except the internet. After days upon days of sifting through options and garnering advice from every corner of every related message board this side of http, I decided to phone up a couple of companies an in effort to try a hybrid (or perhaps hodgepodge) approach to keeping an eye on things. Click on through if you're interested in hearing how my time with LifeShield and the Dropcam HD turned out.

Continue reading A lesson in simplicity: securing a 'no landline' home with LifeShield and Dropcam

A lesson in simplicity: securing a 'no landline' home with LifeShield and Dropcam originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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East Coast earthquake brings down cell phone, landline service (update: restored)

Zach Honig — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:15:00 EST

You've probably already read about the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that affected the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, and now we're hearing reports that the quake brought down some landline and cell phone service in New York, along with other cities on the East Coast. We've been unable to place calls in New York City using AT&T and Sprint smartphones, as well as office landlines. Are you experiencing issues as well? Let us know in the comments.

Update: Service seems to have been restored in New York City.

Update 2: Verizon Wireless has released the following statement on Twitter: "Seeing no reports of damage to our wireless network. There was some network congestion in the East after tremors. Continuing to monitor."

Update 3: T-Mobile was feeling left out and sent us an email: "T-Mobile's network is experiencing higher call volumes in all areas and counties affected by the earthquake. If customers are experiencing temporary difficultly placing calls due to network congestion, we advise them to use SMS or E-Mail until call volumes return to normal."

East Coast earthquake brings down cell phone, landline service (update: restored) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vonage Extensions makes mobile international calling a free-of-charge affair

Joseph Volpe — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:25:00 EST

Hey Vonage customers, your VoIP service of choice is about to get a bit of a mobile value-add. Announced today, the company's new Extensions service links your existing home internet calling plan to extra phone numbers -- like a cellphone-- for free, so you can make that long-distance call to Tante Lulu in Gstaad on-the-go. Okay, so the feature isn't exactly gratis -- you're still required to sign up for an unlimited international calling plan, but the bucks literally stop there. All it takes to get started with this "virtual calling card" is an access number and some foreign digits. Sound too complicated for you? Don't fret, official iPhone and Android-compatible apps are scheduled to hit their respective markets in the coming weeks. So, go ahead and ring ol' Lu for her 89th birthday. She'll be glad you called.

Continue reading Vonage Extensions makes mobile international calling a free-of-charge affair

Vonage Extensions makes mobile international calling a free-of-charge affair originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: AT&T DSL and U-Verse landline internet caps begin tomorrow, if you can see this website

Sean Hollister — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:16:00 EST

Tomorrow is May 2nd, 2011, and you know what that means -- tomorrow is the day that AT&T will impose data caps on DSL and U-Verse Internet, and begin tallying up overage fees. At least, that was the plan on March 18th -- when the company formally announced 150GB DSL and 250GB U-Verse caps -- but even if you're a paying customer who chows down several hundred gigabytes in a month, you may not have to worry about paying extra right away. AT&T specified that folks like yourself will have access to an online tool to self-police your usage before the company even begins to calculate the cost of your formerly all-you-can-eat bandwidth buffet, and as you can see in the picture above, the tool isn't quite ready for public consumption across the entire country. Scoot on over to our source link, enter your AT&T ID, and if you see the same, perhaps you won't have to cancel your 700-hour Star Trek marathon quite yet.

PSA: AT&T DSL and U-Verse landline internet caps begin tomorrow, if you can see this website originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 May 2011 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vonage offers unlimited VoIP calling to mobile phones in 42 countries

Christopher Trout — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:21:00 EST

It's been a while since we've heard much from the ever-embattled VoIP provider, but it looks like Vonage might still have a couple tricks up its sleeve. The company's latest service plan, known as World Premium Unlimited, offers unlimited calling to mobile phones in 42 countries -- and landlines in 80 -- for $55 a month. This plan also provides for unlimited local and long distance service in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and requires callers to use a touch tone phone, hooked up to the internet by way of a Vonage adapter, to make calls to places like the UK, Mexico, and Brazil. It may not be an ideal primary calling solution for most, but it could be enough to put Vonage back in our sights. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Vonage offers unlimited VoIP calling to mobile phones in 42 countries

Vonage offers unlimited VoIP calling to mobile phones in 42 countries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T will cap DSL and U-Verse internet, impose overage fees (update)

Sean Hollister — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:05:00 EST

Ladies and gentlemen, the days of unlimited broadband may be numbered in the United States, and we're not talking wireless this time -- AT&T says it will implement a 150GB monthly cap on landline DSL customers and a 250GB cap on subscribers to U-Verse high speed internet starting on May 2nd. AT&T will also charge overage fees of $10 for every additional 50GB of data, with two grace periods to start out -- in other words, the third month you go over the cap is when you'll get charged. DSLReports says it has confirmation from AT&T that these rates are legitimate, and that letters will go out to customers starting March 18th.

How does AT&T defend the move? The company explains it will only impact two percent of consumers who use "a disproportionate amount of bandwidth," and poses the caps as an alternative to throttling transfer speeds or disconnecting excessive users from the service completely. Customers will be able to check their usage with an online tool, and get notifications when they reach 65 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent of their monthly rates.

We just spoke with AT&T representative Seth Bloom and confirmed the whole thing -- rates are exactly as described above, and the company will actually begin notifying customers this week. He also told us that those customers who don't yet have access to the bandwidth usage tool won't get charged until they do, and that AT&T U-Verse TV service won't count towards the GB cap.

Update: What prompted this change to begin with? That's what we just asked AT&T. Read the company's statement after the break.

Continue reading AT&T will cap DSL and U-Verse internet, impose overage fees (update)

AT&T will cap DSL and U-Verse internet, impose overage fees (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon makes Home Phone Connect service available nationwide

Donald Melanson — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:41:00 EST

Verizon just began trials of its Home Phone Connect service in New York and Connecticut in December, but it looks like it's already ironed out any kinks there might have been, as it's now made the service available across the entire U.S. As with the trial, it will run you $19.99 a month for unlimited domestic calling or $9.99 a month to share minutes on your existing family plan, each option of which will let you make calls using any old landline phone that's connected to the Home Phone Connect base station (included for free with a two-year contract). You'll also, of course, get all the usual features you'd expect from a phone service, including caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, voice mail, and 911 service. Hit up the source link below for all of the fine print.

Verizon makes Home Phone Connect service available nationwide originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leadtek AMOR8210 videophone makes US debut at CES

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:17:00 EST

Even though we're still not convinced we'd ever need a videophone, we'd be remiss if we neglected to tell you that the kids from Leadtek have announced the US launch of the AMOR8210. Already making a pretty big splash in Taiwan, this bad boy features a cordless handset, VoIP and plain ol' telephone support (via respective RJ45 and RJ11 ports), widgets (including audio and video players) and integration with surveillance and health monitoring devices. Pretty, pretty, pretty good, if you ask us. Interested? PR after the break.

Continue reading Leadtek AMOR8210 videophone makes US debut at CES

Leadtek AMOR8210 videophone makes US debut at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer debuts new range of 'future retro' landlines, but only in Japan

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:44:00 EST

If you even possess a landline, the phone itself is probably not as awesome looking as it could be. But don't fear! Pioneer will help you change that. Available in Japan and Japan only, the TF-FN2000 is 2.4 GHz cordless phone that comes in red, black, or white. Featuring a backlit LCD for caller ID, voicemail, phone book, and more, this device really has us wishing we knew Japanese. In fact, we just might have to buy a language course or something. Get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer debuts new range of 'future retro' landlines, but only in Japan

Pioneer debuts new range of 'future retro' landlines, but only in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockchip shows off Android-based desk phone, won't sell you one

Donald Melanson — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:46:00 EST

We unfortunately didn't spot this one ourselves at IFA, but it looks like Rockchip had more than just the usual tablets on display at the show -- it also had this Android-based desk phone tucked away at its booth. Before you get too excited, however (tough, we know), we should point out that Rockchip is apparently just using the phone as a showcase for its own chipset, which it hopes will be used in a whole range of different Android-based devices. The prototype on display was apparently fully functional though, and included both landline and 3G connectivity, and a built-in camera for video calls -- so there may be at least a slight chance that it could wind up as an actual product someday.

Rockchip shows off Android-based desk phone, won't sell you one originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telstra's landlocked T-Hub tablet phone launches in Australia (update)

Sean Hollister — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:49:00 EST

A few years back, Telstra -- synonymous in Australia with "communication" -- told Apple it had no business making a cellphone. Look how that turned out. To make a long story short, the company has since repented, and is on the verge of releasing an app-filled touchscreen phone of their own, the Telstra T-Hub, on April 20th. ~~Thing is, this tablet stays plugged into your wall~~. Marketed as a "family organizer," the T-Hub stores contacts, surfs Facebook, plays YouTube, displays photos, accesses personal bank accounts and even sends text messages like a smartphone, but does it all while connected to a landline telephone jack. While existing Telstra customers can get the device for $300 AUD, the company would of course prefer you get it for $35 with a 24-month service agreement... for a minimum total cost of about $1980 AUD with 2GB data per month. We're not Australian, but compared to US iPhone pricing, that doesn't sound terribly fair.

Update: Telstra spokesman Craig Middleton tells us the T-Hub isn't permanently tethered to your wall. While the phone's base station does connect to a landline telephone jack, the tablet assembly itself is a portable cordless phone with WiFi for web-connected apps. He also adds that the aforementioned 2GB data plan isn't just for the T-Hub, but rather your entire home internet connection.

Telstra's landlocked T-Hub tablet phone launches in Australia (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI caught showing off VoIP video conferencing phone running Android

Richard Lai — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:07:00 EST

There are already plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to VoIP picture-frame phones, and only a few have succeeded in arousing us, but this well-guarded fella here at MSI's CeBIT booth seems to have some potential with its unusually large touchscreen. According to the label, the MS-9A31 landline-VoIP hybrid phone will support DECT, video conference call and instant messaging, all courtesy of Android. A quick glance around the phone also reveals two LAN ports, a USB port and a card reader -- the latter two presumably for stuffing multimedia files. No word on price or availability, but if MSI's prominence can win over Skype's heart then we might have a winner here (and ASUS better watch out). We gathered some shots, but there's also a video walkthrough after the break.

Gallery: MSI Android VoIP Phone

[Thanks, Andy]

Continue reading MSI caught showing off VoIP video conferencing phone running Android

MSI caught showing off VoIP video conferencing phone running Android originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola HS1001 cordless Android phone hands-on

Joanna Stern — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:52:00 EST

Well this is a bit different -- it looks as if the big M is looking to put a little Android (v1.6, if you must know) in the home with this DECT 6.0 phone. Though the device is made by Binatone, the Hong Kong-based company will be selling a $150 Motorola branded version of its cordless phone in the US come this summer. While this isn't the first time we've seen an Android desk phone, this particular one packs WiFi so you can use the 2.8-inch touch display on its back to not only dial up mom, but also surf the web or check email. We did ask if you could make Skype calls on WiFi, but the app won't be preloaded and the phone won't have Marketplace support. That's not to say it doesn't have some intriguing tricks up its sleeve, though -- we were duly impressed with the speaker-equipped charging station, which enables it to blast out your favorite jams from the 70s while docked. It's no Droid or Devour, but it may not be a bad home calling option if you just can't cut ties with your landline. We've got some more pictures in the gallery below as well as some shots of Binatone's future Android tablet, so go on, indulge.

Gallery: Binatone / Motorola Android Home phone hands-on

Motorola HS1001 cordless Android phone hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp crams digiframe into JD-4C1CL/CW telephone

Darren Murph — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:59:00 EST

Face it, kids -- it's tough to make a landline telephone hip in the age of cellular telephony, but somehow or another Sharp has managed to do just that. For the second time in a year, no less. The new JD-4C1CL/CW is a rather typical cordless phone, but the super-dee-duper docking station has a 4.3-inch digital photo frame and 64MB of internal storage space. Beyond that, most everything else is under wraps, but we're told that it'll ship in brown, red and white this April for an undisclosed amount.

Continue reading Sharp crams digiframe into JD-4C1CL/CW telephone

Sharp crams digiframe into JD-4C1CL/CW telephone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Landline breakthrough: VTech announces a DECT 6.0 walkie-talkie

Nilay Patel — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST

Landline phones might be for squares and cops, but VTech hasn't give up trying to make 'em interesting: its new LS6325 set is the first DECT 6.0 push-to-talk cordless on the market. That means you can get your walkie-talkie on at up to 1,500 feet -- not bad. The three-handset pack will be $80 and the four-pack will be $90 when they launch in April. See, its not all tablet news around here -- we bring you scoops.

Landline breakthrough: VTech announces a DECT 6.0 walkie-talkie originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T asks FCC to phase out landline regulations

Donald Melanson — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:25:00 EST

A day without landline phones? Some may say that's inevitable, but it looks like AT&T is now starting to try to speed things up a bit, with it recently responding to an FCC request for comments with a 32-page filing that details its position on the matter. That more or less boils down to two major requests: that the FCC eliminate the regulatory requirements that it support a landline network, and that it provide a firm deadline for phasing it out. To back up that request, AT&T has provided the FCC with a whole host of statistics that paint a bleak picture for landlines, including the fact that less than 20% of Americans rely exclusively on switched-access lines for voice service (though plenty more still use them as their primary voice service), that at least 18 million homes now use a VoIP service, and that those two numbers are fast growing in opposite directions. Needless to say, such a change would have a broad range of regulatory implications, and AT&T isn't providing answers for everything -- like exactly how it expects that last mile of users to transition away from landlines, or how to deal with issues of public safety or those with disabilities.

AT&T asks FCC to phase out landline regulations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 5 landline: all the cool kids have one

Laura June — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:42:00 EST

We know what you're thinking: what could be more impressive to your "friends" than an incredibly super sweet landline telephone about 9 years after most people stopped having them? That's right, a landline. Bang & Olufsen's BeoCom 5 is destined to take things to the next level with hot functions like "hold" and the ability to store up to 400 contacts. The BeoCom 5 also boasts a rad looking speaker phone if you want to get a whole group convo going like we did back in junior high. Other good news here is that this baby can handle two separate lines -- in case one is simply not enough. No word on when the newest BeoCom will be unleashed, or how much it will cost, but we're going to guess it won't be cheap.

[Via Acquire Mag]

Filed under: Household

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 5 landline: all the cool kids have one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VTech cordless can download cellphone address books over Bluetooth

Nilay Patel — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:28:00 EST

We've seen plenty of landline phones that can also double as Bluetooth headsets, but VTech's new DS6321-3 takes it to the next level: it can also pull down your phone's address book, meaning you'll never have to remember a number again. Apart from that it's the usual cordless phone stuff, with DECT 6.0, three handsets, and -- they still have these! -- an answering machine, but it's really the Bluetooth stuff that's interesting here, so much so that VTech's even promoting this guy for use in homes without landlines. Should be out now for $100.

Filed under: Household

New VTech cordless can download cellphone address books over Bluetooth originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook

Ross Miller — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST

Verizon Communications CEO Ivan Seidenberg isn't too upbeat on the future of landlines, telling the audience at a Goldman Sachs investor conference today that the company is just not interested in telephones connected with wires. The chief exec of one of the nation's biggest telecommunications firms continued with his gospel, saying his "thinking has matured" and that trying to predict when the dwindling landline business will plateau is akin to "the dog chasing the bus." He says the new way of thinking is "liberating," but of course, endeavors like the Hub technically don't count as landlines to the company since it'sVoIP, and the coupled with its continued success as the largest cellular provider in terms of subscriber base, yeah, we're sure it's not too tough a pill to swallow. So how abut ramping up FiOS installations just a wee bit faster, eh Ivan?

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook

Ross Miller — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp's JD-7C1CL/CW pairs a home phone and digiframe in fine fashion

Darren Murph — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST

Hey, remember that OpenFrame touchscreen home telephone that we first peeked way back in August of 2008? Seems like O2 and Verizon weren't the only ones looking to jump on that bandwagon, as Sharp has now issued a phone / frame tandem that looks eerily similar. The JD-7C1CL/CW is available in black and white to match the motifs present in 99 percent of pristine suburban domiciles, with the frame packing a 7-inch touch panel (800 x 480) that acts as a status indicator, calendar, clock, address book and (gasp!) photo frame. The phone itself doesn't look to be anything special, though the frame does include a whopping 128MB of internal memory. No word on a price or release date, but really, you shouldn't be considering a "home phone" in 2009 under any circumstances.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

Sharp's JD-7C1CL/CW pairs a home phone and digiframe in fine fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VTech's Bluetooth-packing LS6245 offers "virtual" two-line phone system

Donald Melanson — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST

VTech's already teamed up with T-Mobile for the carrier's landline-friendly @Home service, and it looks like it now also has a slightly different solution of its own for folks using both a landline and a cellphone. At the heart of it is VTech's LS6245 base unit, which functions just fine as a standard DECT 6.0 cordless phone all by itself, and can also be paired with a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone to form a "virtual" two-line phone system -- letting you, for instance, take a landline call using the base unit's speaker phone and a cellphone call using the remote-like handset. Those really wanting to go crazy can also add up to twelve handsets to the setup (for $40 apiece), and the base unit itself ($80) will accommodate up to eight different Bluetooth devices paired to the system.

[Via TestFreaks, thanks Vincent D]

Filed under: Handsets, Peripherals, Misc

VTech's Bluetooth-packing LS6245 offers "virtual" two-line phone system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VTech's Bluetooth-packing LS6245 offers "virtual" two-line phone system

Donald Melanson — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Household

VTech's Bluetooth-packing LS6245 offers "virtual" two-line phone system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile to release "multiple" Android devices this year

Nilay Patel — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:11:00 EST

It's no secret that T-Mobile has some grand Android-based plans after the million-selling success of the G1, and although we've heard sketchy reports of future devices to come, it sounds like things are starting to firm up: CTO Cole Brodman told GigaOm yesterday that the carrier is planning to launch "multiple" Android devices from "three partners" later this year. One of those is pretty obviously the HTC Magic / Sapphire / myTouch, but that's just the tip of the potential iceberg here -- we've got a feeling that the Samsung I7500 "Houdini" will be involved, the G1 v2 is certainly interesting, there's that mysterious Huawei set we saw at MWC, and hell, we've even got reports of netbooks, tablets, and home phones in the mix. That's a lot of directions Timmy-O can go, any predictions?

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, Others, Samsung, T-Mobile

T-Mobile to release "multiple" Android devices this year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile to release "multiple" Android devices this year

Nilay Patel — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:11:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

T-Mobile to release "multiple" Android devices this year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:56:00 EST

We had a chance to sit down and play with Verizon's next iteration of its Hub (already guys?), and while it wasn't a mind-blowing affair, they do seem to making some moves in the right direction. Firstly, the new version is detached from the handset completely -- right now at least -- making it much more of a "fourth screen" internet device, and less of what you'd think of as a standard landline... er, VoIPline. The redesigned unit is considerably more contemporary in industrial design as well, making it look something like a big iPhone -- which is probably what they're hoping for. We were told the screen is still resistive touch, though it seemed a little more responsive than the original unit we toyed around with.

Additionally, Verizon is working on further updating the software, adding new functionality like internet radio, a Webkit browser (which is kind of a no-brainer here), and yes -- an app store (or as they call it, the App Mart). The idea seems to be about moving the Hub more towards a role as another connected device for a kitchen or living room, and less about trying to sell it as a fancy phone, and that's definitely a step in the right direction. Verizon is still tweaking the box and adding features, but what we saw is very promising indeed. Now, if they just throw in some Bluetooth support, a speakerphone option, and lose that dated looking handset altogether (all suggestions we made when we met with them), we might be seeing the start of something magical.

Gallery: Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on

Filed under: Household

Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Verizon's Hub?

Darren Murph — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:09:00 EST

Ah, the Verizon Hub. A curious beast this day and age, wouldn't you say? For those of you who spent the better part of Super Bowl Sunday setting one of these crazy contraptions up in your domicile, we're eager to hear of your experiences. Has it made you want to throw away your cellphone? Are you already regretting the contract you're now locked into? Are the widgets sufficiently useful? We found ourselves a bit torn as to whether or not the Hub was even a device worth considering given the monthly fee attached, but now that it's sat in your place for well over a month, we're anticipating some better feedback from those who've used it a time or two. Spill your guts below.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

How would you change Verizon's Hub? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon readying subsidized HP laptops, Hub 2

Nilay Patel — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:18:00 EST

We just got a pair of small-but-juicy Verizon rumors from a very reliable tipster: first, we hear that HP and Big Red are working together on subsidized WWAN-enabled laptops for launch in Q2. Exactly what machines will be involved can't be confirmed, but if we had our guess we'd say Big Red's got a cheap Mini 1000 on a two-year contract in the works, since these so-called "netbooks" are all the rage these days. Second, a updated version of the charming-but-questionably-useful Hub "landline killer" home phone is due out in the second half of the year, and VZW's apparently retargeting it a little: we're told it'll be more upscale and boast even more features. And here we thought that internet radio widget was gettin' all crazy. No word on pricing for any of this stuff, but we'd bet we'll find out more soon.

Filed under: Household, Laptops, Wireless

Verizon readying subsidized HP laptops, Hub 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:03:00 EST

We had a chance to get our grubby mitts on Verizon's new VOIP / home phone -- the Hub -- and we thought we'd give you a little preview of what's in store if you're planning on busting out the credit card. The device, which we've seen floating around in various forms since January of 2007, is a combo of a cradled wireless handset and 7-inch, resistive touchscreen display. It's an interesting play for a sector of the market that's all but forgotten (and maybe for good reason). If you want to hear some thoughts on the device, follow the bread crumbs beyond the break.

Gallery: Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Continue reading Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Filed under: Cellphones, Household

Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is our wireless infrastructure a house of high-speed cards?

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:20:00 EST

We've officially gotten ahead of ourselves. Millions of Americans -- and billions of people around the world -- have now entirely ditched landline service in favor of wireless, and for perfectly good reasons: wireless is more functional and entertaining, its uses stretch well beyond voice alone, and like the term "mobile phone" suggests, we can take it with us virtually anywhere we go. What we've failed to consider, though, is that wireless is still in its infancy -- so much so that it's still being wholly gutted and upgraded every few years to take advantage of new technologies and higher data rates, and with that constant churn comes unreliability. When's the last time your POTS provider waxed poetic about a next-generation network?

Continue reading Is our wireless infrastructure a house of high-speed cards?

Filed under: Culture, Features, ATT

Is our wireless infrastructure a house of high-speed cards? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T cutting 12,000 jobs due to "economic pressures"

Tim Stevens — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:06:00 EST

AT&T may have about the best selection of choice handsets (smart or otherwise) available in the States right now, and continued iPhone exclusivity has definitely brought a windfall of new subscribers to its wireless division, but Ma Bell wasn't built on cell towers alone. There's still an extensive landline division to support, and it seems the company is leveraging the current economic doldrums to make it a little less so, joining the layoff crowd for the second time this year by shedding a further 12,000 workers (about 4 percent of its workforce), most said to be coming from passé, non-wireless sectors. So, happy holidays, folks -- hope those severance packages get you through the winter.

[Via CellPhonesMarket.com; thanks, SK]

Filed under: ATT

AT&T cutting 12,000 jobs due to "economic pressures" originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T cutting 12,000 jobs due to "economic pressures"

Tim Stevens — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

AT&T cutting 12,000 jobs due to "economic pressures" originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TrueCall shall fight telemarketers on the beaches, landing grounds, etc

Samuel Axon — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:01:00 EST

Telemarketers-turned-inventors from the United Kingdom have started shipping TrueCall (£99.99), a device that acts as an automated secretary on your land line, either forwarding trusted numbers to your phone or answering untrusted numbers with an automated message and shooing them away. When an unrecognized number dials in, TrueCall asks them who they are and then rings you asking whether or not you want to take it. Sure, it's not the most fun way to automatically ditch unscrupulous callers, but we'd like to listen in on the conversation when a robocall reaches this baby -- it'd be like one wall talking to another wall.

[Via Slashdot]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household

TrueCall shall fight telemarketers on the beaches, landing grounds, etc originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T launches HomeManager smart landline phone system

Nilay Patel — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:19:00 EST

Juicing up landline phones with internet connectivity and large touchscreen displays isn't exactly a new idea, but AT&T's new three-piece HomeManager system might finally bring it into the mainstream. The Samsung-built HomeManager Frame is the highlight, with a seven-inch touchscreen that enables features like visual voice mail, address book synchronization with certain AT&T cell phones, Yellow Pages, and other internet-enabled content like weather and news, while the HomeManager Handset carries a similar interface over to a more traditional form factor with a smaller color screen, and the HomeManager Base serves as the heart of the system. It certainly looks nifty -- the Frame's interface seems nice and quick -- but just as with OpenFrame, we're not really sure who's in that crossover zone between people who want this kind of gear and people who still have landlines. We'll find out soon -- HomeManager is available now for AT&T customers in Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles for $299, with more to follow. Check a quick video hands-on after the break.

Read - HomeManager site
Read - 3Screens hands-on

Continue reading AT&T launches HomeManager smart landline phone system

Filed under: Household

AT&T launches HomeManager smart landline phone system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OpenFrame touchscreen homephone goes Atom, gets demoed on video, is still a landline phone

Nilay Patel — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:21:00 EST

We first saw OpenPeak's OpenFrame home phone at CES, where it was sporting various FreeScale and ARM chips under the hood, but it looks like things have changed in development -- the company has been showing off production-ready units built on Atom chips at IDF. OpenPeak says that the ease of building for IA32 sped up development completely, and that only a fraction of the CPU is being used, giving the product room to grow -- probably a good thing, seeing as it supports open application development, rich services, and syncs with your PC and cell phone contacts and calendars. Of course, that still doesn't change the fact that it's a landline phone, and we're just not certain consumers are really clamoring for a $200 to $300 landline phone -- even it does rock a distinctly familiar touch interface. Anyone going to take the plunge when this thing hits in the first quarter of next year?

Read - Wired article
Read - Video shown at IDF

Filed under: Household

OpenFrame touchscreen homephone goes Atom, gets demoed on video, is still a landline phone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IOCELL contents phone logs conversations, sends 'em around the web

Darren Murph — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:49:00 EST

Not quite sure why, but we get this whole Get Smart vibe from this thing. IOCELL's contents phone would probably be more suited for a highly covert spy agency rather than your grandmother's home, but we suppose even granny could appreciate the built-in hard drive that logs conversations, plays 'em back and makes remembering things that much easier. Furthermore, the firm asserts that this thing can send completed calls out on the internet should you want to pass along the audio to someone else, and there also appears to be a USB port for possibly offloading those onto flash drives. Heck, it even syncs caller ID information with calls and provides background music during conversations (uh, okay?). Take a wild guess on the price, chances are you'll be fairly close.

[Via The Red Ferret Journal]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

IOCELL contents phone logs conversations, sends 'em around the web originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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