mobilepostmini
Latest
Samsung ATIV S Neo Windows Phone coming to AT&T on November 8th for $100
AT&T's love of Samsung-made Windows Phones seemingly turned sour after it skipped last year's ATIV S. It's clear that any ill will was short-lived, however, as the carrier just unveiled its version of Samsung's ATIV S Neo. The Windows Phone 8 device is a close match for its Sprint counterpart, sharing the same 4.8-inch 720p screen, dual-core 1.4GHz processor, 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.9-megapixel front shooter. The launch price will be easier to swallow, though. AT&T plans to ship the ATIV S Neo on November 8th for $100 on contract, or $50 less than it cost at Sprint when brand new.
Plants vs. Zombies 2 shambles its way to Android devices worldwide
After brief test runs in Australia and New Zealand, EA and PopCap have released Plants vs. Zombies 2 for Android users worldwide. The new version is virtually identical to the iOS game released this summer, letting players fend off the undead hordes on both phones and tablets. The biggest change (apart from the platform) is a switch from Apple's Game Center to Google Play Game Services for tracking achievements and leaderboards. As before, PvZ2 is free to download -- gamers only pay if they want a fast track to victory. If you're eager to plant some Bonk Choy on your Galaxy Note, you can grab the Android port through the source link. [Thanks, Scott]
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini coming to four US carriers in November
Americans who've wanted Samsung's Galaxy S4 Mini no longer have to find an importer -- the company now says that its mid-range smartphone will reach AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular and Verizon in November. The 4.3-inch handset will largely go unchanged for its stateside debut, although Samsung is doubling the built-in storage to a much healthier 16GB. Galaxy Gear compatibility should come shortly after launch, the phone maker says. The GS4 Mini likely won't generate as much US interest as its full-size sibling, but it's hard to object to having a wider selection of compact smartphones.
LG unveils the Fireweb, its first Firefox OS smartphone (video)
So far, Firefox OS has been limited to ultra-basic smartphones like the ZTE Open. LG is expanding the platform's reach today by releasing its inaugural Mozilla-powered handset, the Fireweb. The 4-inch device is still designed for newcomers between its 480 x 320 display, 1GHz Qualcomm processor and 4GB of expandable storage. However, its 5-megapixel camera is a big improvement over shooters in preceding phones -- this is the first Firefox OS phone with both autofocusing and an LED flash. Appropriately, LG is pricing the Fireweb above its simpler counterparts. Vivo Brazil is selling the Fireweb today for $449 BRL ($207 US) to pay-as-you-go customers, or $129 BRL ($59 US) to regular subscribers. It's now more expensive than LG's cheapest Android device, the $399 BRL ($184) Optimus L3 II. Hop past the break for both a video demo of the Fireweb and details of a Firefox OS market expansion that now includes Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. Update: We've tweaked the post to reflect that the handset has 4GB of storage, not 2GB as previously noted.
Microsoft repackages websites as Windows Phone apps in bid to lure developers
What do you do when your conventional strategies for attracting mobile app developers haven't always been successful? If you're Microsoft, you build web apps. The company tells ZDNet that it has been repackaging dozens of popular websites as Windows Phone apps in an attempt to get the site owners to write native software. While clever, the approach is definitely a gamble. Microsoft notes that it doesn't own any of the content in these web apps -- and it's not clear whether the site operators are aware of Redmond's activities here. We've reached out to the company for more details and will update this post as we learn more.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 193 - 10.17.13
Want to go beyond the review for even more details about HTC's One Max? You've come to the right place, as Brad Molen and Richard Lai dive into all the details, from fingerprint scanning to battery life and more. Also on the topic of HTC, you'll find out if Richard got cooties by licking the gold-plated HTC One. Weirdness aside, we've got the skinny on upcoming events, from potential tablets at Nokia World in Abu Dhabi -- where Richard expects to see even more gold -- to Brad's predictions for the upcoming Apple event next week. So head on down and get your stream on with another episode of the Engadget Mobile podcast. Hosts: Brad Molen Guest: Richard Lai Producer: Jon Turi Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Bing Sports and Weather apps for WP8 add notifications for more sports, weather
Plenty of Windows Phone owners enjoy sports beyond American traditions like baseball or football. If that describes you to a (golf) tee, you'll be glad to hear that Microsoft has updated its Bing Sports and Weather apps with you in mind. The Bing Sports app now tracks 30 more sports, including Champions League soccer, LPGA golf, NASCAR, rugby and tennis; it follows individual players and sports, too. Bing Weather, meanwhile, now displays skiing conditions for hills around the world. Neither upgrade is revolutionary, but they're enough that fans of snowy slopes and stock cars will want to visit the Windows Phone Store today.
T-Mobile launches trio of budget Android smartphones and an LTE hotspot
T-Mobile USA doesn't do anything by half measures, apparently -- it just launched four devices that address many of its budget- and data-conscious subscribers in one fell swoop. We'll break it down for you. To start, the company is now shipping its promised Alcatel One Touch Evolve, a 4-inch Android smartphone that costs a mere $100 at full price. The handset's 4.5-inch cousin, the Fierce, will arrive on October 23rd for $164. Samsung will offer a rough parallel to these devices through its upcoming Galaxy Light. While there are no launch details for the Light so far, it will be one of T-Mobile's cheaper LTE phones thanks to its 4-inch WVGA screen and 5-megapixel camera. Wireless internet mavens will also want to look at Samsung's LTE Mobile HotSpot Pro, which is available now for $170. We can't guarantee that everyone will like the carrier's expanded lineup, but curious customers will find more details at the source links.
Nestle may be hinting at Android 4.4 KitKat launch on October 28th
We know that Google is fond of puzzles, and it may be using a few of them to tease the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat. Nestle's @KitKat Twitter account has posted two musical references (embedded after the break) that suggest the OS could appear on October 28th. The first, "everybody dance now," clearly points to C+C Music Factory -- originally known as The 28th Street Crew. The second hint may be an allusion to Michael Jackson's This Is It movie, which reached stores on (you guessed it) October 28th. Don't plan your schedule around that day, however, as there are a few reasons to doubt the timing. C+C Music Factory released its "Gonna Make You Sweat" single on October 18th, and the album version of This Is It reached the US on October 26th; if these are teasers of any sort, they're not especially obvious. Still, we're fast approaching the October 29th anniversary of the launches for both Android 4.2 and the Nexus 4 -- no matter what, Google is due for both new software and the hardware to match.
Google Maps update for iOS brings in-line route previews, tips for beginners
Not sure that Google Maps for iOS is suggesting the best possible route? Thanks to an app update, you'll know the truth at a glance. The new release shows miniature route previews with traffic overlays, making it easier to choose less congested (or simply more interesting) ways to get from A to B. Newcomers can also browse a new Tips and Tricks section for help, and there's now full language support for both Arabic and Hebrew. Commuters just need to visit the App Store for the upgrade.
HTC One Max to reach Vodafone UK this week, costs £600 unlocked
Brits won't have to wait long to get their hands on the HTC One Max. Vodafone UK says that it will be offering the gigantic smartphone this week as a carrier exclusive in the country; customers can pick it up for £49 if they're willing to subscribe to a £47 monthly plan. An unlocked version is also available, although it's not cheap at £600 ($958) for a 32GB model at MobileFun.co.uk. We expect pricing to come down as competition heats up, but HTC's massive handset currently demands an equally large premium.
Sony Xperia Z1 for T-Mobile USA leaks in press shot
Americans may not have to wait long for a shot at the Xperia Z1, as frequent tipster @evleaks has posted what's reportedly a press image of the smartphone's T-Mobile USA variant. There's little new to see beyond the carrier logo, although we doubt that many will object if Sony ships a largely unchanged version of its camera-focused wunderkind. Assuming the photo is accurate, we're mostly left wondering when the Z1 might reach T-Mobile, and how much it'll cost; it's safe to assume that the phone won't be cheap.
Japan Display now making 1080p WhiteMagic LCDs, hints at high-end phones with bright screens
It's been hard to appreciate the brightness of WhiteMagic LCDs when they've been limited to lower-end smartphones like the Sony Xperia P. That shouldn't be a problem from now on, as Japan Display has started mass-producing its first 1080p WhiteMagic screen. Like its ancestors, the new 5-inch panel uses white subpixels to reach outdoor-friendly luminosity (840 cd/m2) without excessive power use; it can also match typical LCD brightness levels using less energy. Japan Display hasn't said just which phone makers are using the 1080p screen, but we wouldn't be shocked if company partners like Sony get first dibs.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 192 - 10.10.13
Just what is Pocketnow's Taylor Martin carrying in his "nerd bag" lately? This week Brad aims to find out. From there, it's all about the best things to come this fall: wearables, curved displays, fingerprint scanners and pumpkin spice-flavored everything. So cozy up next to your heater and get to streaming below. Hosts: Brad Molen Guest: Taylor Martin Producer: Joe Pollicino Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Pantech Vega Secret Note includes fingerprint reader, stylus and the kitchen sink
Don't look now, but Pantech just managed to combine five hot smartphone trends in one device. Its new, 5.9-inch Vega Secret Note centers on a fingerprint reader that hides personal info. However, that's just the start of a feature list that includes seemingly every major trick we've seen in the past few months -- there's also pen input, a rear touch sensor, LTE-Advanced data and an optional windowed front cover. It's no slouch in the performance department, either. On top of its big 1080p screen, the Vega Secret Note packs a Snapdragon 800 chip, 3GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front shooter and 32GB of storage with USB host support. Pantech hasn't said when its new flagship arrives, although it should reach all three major South Korean carriers for an estimated 900,000 won ($839) off-contract.
AT&T says Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 will get Amber update starting tomorrow
AT&T subscribers with Lumia 820 and 920 smartphones have had to wait a long time to get their Nokia Amber update, but it's at last on the way. The carrier tells customers in its Community Forums that the upgrade should reach their handsets starting tomorrow, October 10th. Much like the many preceding rollouts, AT&T's Amber release should add a slew of camera tools, double-tap to unlock and other extras that have been shipping with more recent devices. As long as you can resist the siren's call of shiny new hardware in the days ahead, you'll likely be happy with the new software.
Skype apps for iPad and iPhone get an iOS 7 interface makeover
Skype brought a basic level of iOS 7 support to its iPad and iPhone communication apps last month, but the developer isn't satisfied with that mere tune-up. It just released new versions of both apps that sport a flatter, iOS 7-friendly interface. The updates also improve accessibility, particularly for those who need VoiceOver assistance. If you've been waiting for Skype to match Apple's minimalist aesthetic, you can grab the upgraded software through the source links.
Samsung's new 13MP phone camera promises twice the stability, brighter shots
Optical image stabilization for current smartphone cameras leaves something to be desired; you still need a steady hand to avoid blurry photos. Samsung has just unveiled a new, extra-stable sensor that may be considerably more forgiving. The 13-megapixel unit corrects angular errors up to 1.5 degrees off-target, or roughly twice the jostling that existing cameras can handle. While that sounds like a small number, Samsung promises big results -- the camera reportedly takes low light shots that are eight times brighter than its predecessor. The company won't mass-produce the new camera until early 2014, but it has been developing the technology in concert with "leading smartphone makers." In other words, you won't have to live in Samsung's Galaxy to see the benefits.
Modification lets Google Now use any language that Android supports
As smart as Google Now can be, its language support is limited; it won't always display results in your native tongue, for example. Sletmo at XDA-Developers has partly solved this through a modification of the Google Now app. His tweak makes the search tool provide information in any language supported by Android itself -- if you'd like to get restaurant lists in Swedish, you can. The code is very unofficial and may not work with every device, but those who aren't daunted by the risks can check out the Google Now mod at the source links.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 191 - 10.03.13
With Myriam off to the world of wearables over at Pebble, Brad Molen's officially in the driver's seat for the Engadget Mobile Podcast. And this week, we're talking all things Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear. Better yet, James Trew joins us to share his insight on Samsung's oversized smartphone. You know the drill: head below to start your stream. Hosts: Brad Molen, James Trew Producer: Joe Pollicino Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
