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[PlayBook controlled robo-buggy can see you smiling at it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/playbook-controlled-robo-buggy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/playbook-controlled-robo-buggy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/playbook-controlled-robo-buggy/#comments If iRobot tickled your fancy, but you don't have the budget for military-grade technology, how about this fella? So, it's not officially called PlayRobot, but if there was a naming convention, we guess that would be it. The buggy has a mounted camera, which relays video back to a PlayBook over a WiFi connection set up via a BlackBerry 9900. The six-wheeler is controlled by an on-screen joystick, much like many tablet versions of arcade games. It's an entrant into this weekend's Robot Challenge in Vienna, so thanks to that video link, at the very least, if it doesn't win they can't say they didn't see it coming.

Continue reading PlayBook controlled robo-buggy can see you smiling at it (video)

PlayBook controlled robo-buggy can see you smiling at it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9900blackberryboldplaybookplayrobotremote controlledRemoteControlledRIMrobotroboticswifiSun, 11 Mar 2012 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/inpulse-and-wimm-one-the-tale-of-two-smartwatches-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/inpulse-and-wimm-one-the-tale-of-two-smartwatches-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/inpulse-and-wimm-one-the-tale-of-two-smartwatches-video/#comments inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video)We're no strangers to watches here at Engadget, but smartwatches -- tiny wearable computers capable of running apps with SDKs to match -- are still a rare breed. The best known examples are probably Fossil's Meta Watch, Allerta's inPulse Smartwatch and WIMM Labs' WIMM One, all of which are primarily targeted at developers. We recently had the opportunity to spend some quality time with both the inPulse (over the holidays) and the WIMM One (during CES), and despite some similarities, each smartwatch takes a completely different approach to running apps on your wrist. While neither product is quite ready for prime time, both show promise as "fourth screen" devices, even for those of us who don't normally wear a watch. So go ahead -- hit the break and find out how these wearable computers stack up.

Gallery: Allerta inPulse Smartwatch vs Wimm Labs Wimm One

Continue reading inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video)

inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AllertaAllerta inPulseAllerta inPulse SmartwatchAllertaInpulseAllertaInpulseSmartwatchAndroidBlackBerrybluetoothcompanioncompanion deviceCompanionDeviceengadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011Googlehands-oninPulseinPulse SmartwatchInpulseSmartwatchmobilepostcrossmodularmodular computerModularComputermoduleNixieNixie ClockNixieClockOpenWatchPythonRIMsmartwatchvideowearablewearable computerWearableComputerWiFiWimmWimm LabsWimm Labs Wimm OneWimm OneWimmLabsWimmLabsWimmOneWimmOneTue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of October 24, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/#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 attips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
  • Guess which phone's finally getting Gingerbread: the HTC Thunderbolt. Yes, we're being serious. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in, and thanks Eddie for the image!]
  • Gingerbread is now rolling out to the Motorola Droid Pro and Droid 2 Global. [PhoneScoop]
  • The HTC EVO Design 4G wasn't out for very long before it was ready for a maintenance release. It's called version 1.19.651.0, and no change log was found right away.
  • More HTC stuff: the EVO 3D also offers a small bug fix in the form of a security update under the name of version 2.08.651.3. [AndroidCentral]
  • The LG Revolution on Verizon's also officially gaining Android 2.3. [Pocketnow]
  • In the UK, HTC Desire S owners are now finding themselves beneficiaries of the Android 2.3.5 firmware update as well as Sense 3.0. [AndroidCentral]
  • How about a couple for the little guys? CSpire, formerly known as Cellular South, is pushing Gingerbread to its Samsung Galaxy S and Motorola Milestone X. [AndroidCentral(1) and (2)]
  • Sony Ericsson announced this week that Android 2.3.4 is rolling out to the 2011 Xperia lineup around the world. Additional enhancements include 16x video zoom, WiFi DLNA, screen capture capability, ability to attach USB peripherals to Sony Ericsson LiveDock and more.
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
  • The Samsung Stratosphere on Verizon has been successfully rooted. [AndroidCommunity]
  • HTC devices receiving the official Gingerbread kernel source from HTCDev this week: The Evo Shift 4G, the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible. [AndroidCentral]
  • When it rains, it pours -- the Thunderbolt, on top of receiving Gingerbread and its accompanying kernel source, has also found itself on the receiving end of an Ice Cream Sandwich SDK port. As can be expected, it's still in prealpha stages and has a few bugs to work out. [AndroidCommunity]
  • If you're a CM7 user, there's now a file available that will turn your lock screen into one that resembles Ice Cream Sandwich's style. [Droid-Life]
Other platforms
  • Microsoft's pushing a firmware upgrade to the LG Optimus 7 Windows Phone which seems to grace the device with WiFi tethering and the ability to locate hidden WiFi networks. [WMPowerUser]
  • It's not a BlackBerry firmware update, but many people still have a soft spot for BBM and will be interested to know that RIM is putting out version 6.0.1 with a few enhancements. Head to the source to check it out. [MobileTechReview]
Refreshes we covered this week

Refresh Roundup: week of October 24, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidandroid 2.3android 40Android2.3Android40bbmblackberrycm7cyanogen modCyanogenModcyanogenmod 7Cyanogenmod7droid 2 globaldroid proDroid2GlobalDroidProfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdategingerbreadgingerbread updateGingerbreadUpdatehidden wifiHiddenWifihtchtcdevice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicskernelkernel sourceKernelSourcelglg revolutionLgRevolutionltemangomicrosoftmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola droid 2 globalmotorola droid proMotorolaDroid2GlobalMotorolaDroidProrefreshrefresh roundupRefreshRounduprimrounduprrsamsungsamsung stratosphereSamsungStratospheresdksdk portSdkPortsoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesony ericssonsony ericsson xperiaSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiathunderboltupdatewifiwifi tetheringWifiTetheringwindows phone mangoWindowsPhoneMangowp7wp7.5xperiaSun, 30 Oct 2011 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of September 5, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-5-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-5-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-5-2011/#comments This week, as always, was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of September 5, 2011:
  • It appears that Sprint employees are being informed that vacation requests anytime between September 30th and October 15th won't be approved, due to "the possibility of a major phone launch in October." Vacation blackouts are typically used during certain times of the holiday season, so the timing on this particular memo is a bit striking -- as usual, we invite you to come to your own conclusions here. [via SprintFeed]
  • Two BlackBerry devices breathed life on T-Mobile this week in the form of leaks. First, the Curve 9360 began showing up on marketing material focusing specifically on its prepaid campaign, which says the device will be offered for $230 without having to sign a new contract. It didn't mention the on-contract price, but if all goes according to rumors, it'll likely be out this time next week (September 14th, to be specific). [via TmoNews]
  • Speaking of the Curve 9360, the phone will probably be hopping across the pond to a Carphone Warehouse near you (if you live in the United Kingdom, that is). It's ready for pre-order now on the retailer's site with a prepaid option for $200. Not bad for a brand-new BlackBerry at full retail cost. [via TechnoBuffalo]
  • The second BlackBerry we saw leaked for T-Mobile this week was the Torch 9860, which may have been discovered in T-Mo's inventory system, according to a leaked screenshot. This doesn't help us know the date or pricing of the new Torch, but it does signify that it's likely just around the corner. [via TmoNews]
  • It's possible that the Droid Prime and Nexus Prime have passed through Bluetooth and WiFi certification. Since names were not provided in the documentation, we're left to speculate using the devices' model numbers -- rumored to be the SCH-I515 and GT-I9250. We're naturally skeptical, but we'll keep a close eye on the FCC in hopes that we'll see these mystery devices pop up soon with at least a few revealing details. [via Droid-Life]
  • We've been expecting the recently announced Samsung Galaxy W to arrive this month in the UK, but all of our sights have been set on Three as the only known carrier... until now. O2 placed a teaser page on its website this week, listing the Galaxy W as "coming soon: September." [via MobileBurn and AndroidCentral]

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 5, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbbb curveBbCurveblackberryblackberry curve 9360BlackberryCurve9360bluetoothcarphone warehouseCarphoneWarehousecurvecurve 9360Curve9360droid primeDroidPrimegalaxy wGalaxyWleakleaksmiscmiscellaneousmiscellanymmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostmininexusnexus primeNexusPrimeo2primeresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimrumorrumorssamsungsamsung galaxy wSamsungGalaxyWsprintt-mobilethreeukverizonwifiSat, 10 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry PlayBook now on sale in the US and Canada, starting at $500 with 16GB of storage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/blackberry-playbook-now-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada-starting-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/blackberry-playbook-now-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada-starting-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/blackberry-playbook-now-on-sale-in-the-us-and-canada-starting-a/#comments Today is the day in BlackBerry land. The wait for a dual-core device with an up-to-date operating system and that stylized BB logo is now over, and a vast array of stores in the US and Canada are now ready to sell you your PlayBook. Whether you'll actually want to buy one is less clear-cut, however, as basic productivity apps like native email and calendar aren't yet available, Android app compatibility hasn't yet been rolled out, and the PlayBook has an unfavorable dependency on having a BlackBerry smartphone nearby in order to be the best tablet it can be. Still, if you believe in RIM's ability to overcome those early software hurdles, the PlayBook's ready for ownership in exchange for $500 for the 16GB model, $600 for the 32GB version, or $700 for the 64GB-equipped top option (prices are the same in both US and Canadian dollars).

BlackBerry PlayBook now on sale in the US and Canada, starting at $500 with 16GB of storage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-inchavailabilityavailableblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybooklaunchon saleOnSaleplaybookqnxreleaserimslatetabletwifiwifi-onlyTue, 19 Apr 2011 02:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Mosaid gets into WiFi patent game, sues 17 companies including Dell, Canon, Asus, and RIM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/mosaid-gets-into-wifi-patent-game-sues-17-companies-including-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/mosaid-gets-into-wifi-patent-game-sues-17-companies-including-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/mosaid-gets-into-wifi-patent-game-sues-17-companies-including-d/#commentsMOSAID Files Wireless Patent Infringement Litigation OTTAWA, Ontario - March 17, 2011 - MOSAID Technologies Inc. (TSX:MSD) today announced that it has initiated wireless patent infringement litigation against the following companies: AsusTek Computer Inc.; Atheros Communications, Inc.; Canon U.S.A., Inc.; CSR plc; Dell, Inc.; Digi International Inc.; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Intel Corporation; Lexmark International, Inc.; Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.; Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; Ralink Technology Corporation; Realtek Semiconductor; Research in Motion Corporation; Wasp Barcode Technologies, Ltd.; Wistron Corporation; and Venture Research, Inc. The suit was filed on March 16, 2011 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division. MOSAID believes that the companies have infringed and continue to infringe MOSAID's patents by making and selling products that comply with or implement the IEEE 802.11 family of communications standards, known as Wi-Fi. The standards-essential patents in suit are MOSAID's U.S. Patent Nos. 5,131,006; 5,151,920; 5,422,887; 5,706,428; 6,563,786 B1; and 6,992,972. Whether or not you agree with their tactics, lots of companies are finding it quite lucrative business to spend more time in the courts than in the research labs. CSIRO got some tasty settlements back in 2009, while just a few months ago Wi-LAN received "a significant amount" in a settlement from Intel. Now it's Mosaid's turn, a Kanata, Ontario-based company that bills itself as "one of the world's leading intellectual property (IP) companies, focused on the licensing and development of semiconductor and communications technologies." Indeed it just licensed some of those properties to LG on the 15th, but the very next day it filed suit against a 17 defendants for infringing on six of the company's patents, relating to network discovery, multiplexing, and other wireless techniques. Among those companies is RIM; which has its Torch, Style, Curve, Pearl, Bold, Storm handsets called out; and Asus, which has a long line of motherboards, routers, and other products said to be in jeopardy. As ever it's hard to draw the line between the patent trolls and the legitimately infringed, but that the lawsuit was filed in litigation-friendly Marshall, Texas doesn't leave us with a particularly good feeling.

Continue reading Mosaid gets into WiFi patent game, sues 17 companies including Dell, Canon, Asus, and RIM

Mosaid gets into WiFi patent game, sues 17 companies including Dell, Canon, Asus, and RIM originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsusAtherosCanonCSRDellDigiHuaweiIntellawsuitLexmarkmarshallMarvellmosaidMuratapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementRalinkRealtekResearch in MotionResearchInMotionrimtexasVenture ResearchVentureResearchWaspwifiWistronFri, 18 Mar 2011 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.0 for Mac OS brings WiFi music sync, broader iPhoto / iTunes support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/blackberry-desktop-software-2-0-for-mac-os-brings-wifi-music-syn/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/blackberry-desktop-software-2-0-for-mac-os-brings-wifi-music-syn/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/blackberry-desktop-software-2-0-for-mac-os-brings-wifi-music-syn/#commentsAbout time, eh? Wintel users have been enjoying the spoils of WiFi music sync on their BlackBerry handsets for the past few months now, but if you're still stickin' with RIM (through the thick and thin), and you just so happen to roll primarily on OS X, there's a new piece of software that you should consider. BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.0 for Mac OS has just been let loose, and it's a pretty substantial update. Aside from supporting WiFi music sync in official fashion, there's also a new device switch wizard and the ability to import and sync photos and videos with iPhoto and iTunes. She's waiting for you there in the source link -- all 39.713 megabytes. You know what to do.

BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.0 for Mac OS brings WiFi music sync, broader iPhoto / iTunes support originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblackberryBlackBerry desktop softwareBlackberryDesktopSoftwareitunesmacmusic syncMusicSyncos xOsXRIMsoftwaresyncsyncingwifiwifi music syncWifiMusicSyncFri, 17 Dec 2010 03:05:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM's BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 lets you stay tied to your desk without being tied to your desk]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/rims-blackberry-mobile-voice-system-5-lets-you-stay-tied-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/rims-blackberry-mobile-voice-system-5-lets-you-stay-tied-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/rims-blackberry-mobile-voice-system-5-lets-you-stay-tied-to-you/#comments Though the Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G are clearly the big announcements out of Orlando at RIM's WES conference this morning, there was a third bit of news in the mix, too -- with a decidedly heavier enterprise slant, that is. BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 extends the existing product with SIP support, allowing calls to transition seamlessly between cellular and WiFi networks. What's more, it'll work on pretty much any open WiFi hotspot (subject to enterprise policy, we're assuming), so this is just about the best way in the business to keep you desk phone with you at all times. Assuming you're enough of a glutton for punishment, that is.

RIM's BlackBerry Mobile Voice System 5 lets you stay tied to your desk without being tied to your desk originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry mobile voice systemBlackberryMobileVoiceSystemmobilepbxrimsipvoipweswes 2010Wes2010wifiMon, 26 Apr 2010 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile bringing its UMA services to businesses via BlackBerry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/t-mobile-bringing-its-uma-services-to-businesses-via-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/t-mobile-bringing-its-uma-services-to-businesses-via-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/t-mobile-bringing-its-uma-services-to-businesses-via-blackberry/#comments Until now, T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home WiFi calling service had strictly been a consumer venture -- but now, it's time to rope the suits in on the fun. Many of the handsets currently in T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home stable aren't exactly prime workplace material, but a few -- T-Mobile's WiFi-enabled BlackBerrys, to be specific -- fit in rather nicely, and it seems that the BlackBerry line is exactly what the carrier will be using to position the service. There'll be a flat rate that applies to get unlimited calling over WiFi (just like consumers pay) , and considering that businessfolk are probably the last remaining niche of ultra-heavy voice users, this could be a power play for T-Mobile that wins over a few of those lucrative corporate accounts.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: ,

T-Mobile bringing its UMA services to businesses via BlackBerry originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotspot at homeHotspotAtHomemobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimT-MobileT-Mobile USAT-mobileUsaumauma thurmanwifiwifi callingWifiCallingMon, 05 Oct 2009 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked BlackBerry Atlas gives Curve 8900 its CDMA counterpart?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/#comments Gemini had its Aries, and now it seems Javeline (a.k.a. the Curve 8900) has found its own CDMA equivalent in the BlackBerry Atlas. (Isn't a shame that RIM's device codenames are so often catchier than their final designation? But we digress.) A new BlackBerry has hit the internet in grainy photograph form, and according to Salomondrin with additional notes from Crackberry, the pictured leak (it's the one on the left) boasts CDMA bands, WiFi, and a 8900 series keyboard. Mum's the word, officially and otherwise, on pretty much any other details, but hopefully RIM won't keep us waiting too long.

[Via Crackberry]

Filed under: , ,

Leaked BlackBerry Atlas gives Curve 8900 its CDMA counterpart? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>89009700atlasblack berryBlackBerryblackberry 8900blackberry atlasblackberry curveblackberry curve 8900Blackberry8900BlackberryAtlasBlackberryCurveBlackberryCurve8900cdmacurvecurve 8900Curve8900javelinemobileresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimwi fiwi-fiWiFiTue, 29 Sep 2009 22:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked BlackBerry Atlas gives Curve 8900 its CDMA counterpart?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/leaked-blackberry-atlas-gives-curve-8900-its-cdma-counterpart/#comments Gemini had its Aries, and now it seems Javeline (a.k.a. the Curve 8900) has found its own CDMA equivalent in the BlackBerry Atlas. (Isn't a shame that RIM's device codenames are so often catchier than their final designation? But we digress.) A new BlackBerry has hit the internet in grainy photograph form, and according to Salomondrin with additional notes from Crackberry, the pictured leak (it's the one on the left) boasts CDMA bands, WiFi, and a 8900 series keyboard. Mum's the word, officially and otherwise, on pretty much any other details, but hopefully RIM won't keep us waiting too long.

[Via Crackberry]

Filed under:

Leaked BlackBerry Atlas gives Curve 8900 its CDMA counterpart? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>89009700atlasblack berryBlackBerryblackberry 8900blackberry atlasblackberry curveblackberry curve 8900Blackberry8900BlackberryAtlasBlackberryCurveBlackberryCurve8900cdmacurvecurve 8900Curve8900javelineresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimwi fiwi-fiWiFiTue, 29 Sep 2009 22:03:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Essex to bring WiFi on Tour?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/#comments We're starting to get the feeling they just didn't know about WiFi in Waterloo until now, because almost every BlackBerry hardware rumor we're hearing lately is all about how RIM's adding the wireless networking spec and everyone's oh-so-happy. Case in point: today we've got word of a new BlackBerry Essex, which is essentially... the Tour with WiFi. Seriously, that's the whole rumor, and we're guessing it has something to do with Sprint mandating WiFi on all of its future handsets, so it's not even particularly wild. Don't get us wrong here, we're glad to have WiFi -- it's extremely nice on the Bold, and it certainly improves battery life -- but considering the sorry state of the BlackBerry browser and the continued lack of real IMAP on the BlackBerry platform, we're just wondering when BlackBerry fans will have some real changes to get excited about.

Filed under: ,

BlackBerry Essex to bring WiFi on Tour? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackbery essexBlackberyEssexessexmobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimrumorrumorswifiwireless networkingWirelessNetworkingMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Essex to bring WiFi on Tour?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/31/blackberry-essex-to-bring-wifi-on-tour/#comments We're starting to get the feeling they just didn't know about WiFi in Waterloo until now, because almost every BlackBerry hardware rumor we're hearing lately is all about how RIM's adding the wireless networking spec and everyone's oh-so-happy. Case in point: today we've got word of a new BlackBerry Essex, which is essentially... the Tour with WiFi. Seriously, that's the whole rumor, and we're guessing it has something to do with Sprint mandating WiFi on all of its future handsets, so it's not even particularly wild. Don't get us wrong here, we're glad to have WiFi -- it's extremely nice on the Bold, and it certainly improves battery life -- but considering the sorry state of the BlackBerry browser and the continued lack of real IMAP on the BlackBerry platform, we're just wondering when BlackBerry fans will have some real changes to get excited about.

Filed under:

BlackBerry Essex to bring WiFi on Tour? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackbery essexBlackberyEssexessexrimrumorrumorswifiwireless networkingWirelessNetworkingMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/#comments
Still not convinced that the BlackBerry Storm 2 is alive and kicking in places outside of RIM's "secure" labs up in Waterloo? How's a seven minute long video showing off this perennially-leaked device for all you skeptics? The blur-free video shows off the updated SurePress screen that only clicks when the unit's actually in use, as well as some size comparisons with the Onyx and Tour. The mystery man behind the camera says that even though his OS is super old -- at least by pre-release firmware standards -- it's much faster than the previous-gen Storm. Also interesting is the fact that WiFi doesn't appear to be present in the "Manage Connections" screen, although we can almost say with 100% certainty that there will be WiFi at launch. The full video's posted after the break, conspiracy theorists: go wild.

[Thanks, bighap]

Continue reading Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review

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Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacbkerryblackberryrimstormstorm 2Storm2surepressverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideowifiSat, 15 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/video-blackberry-storm-2-gets-yet-another-prerelease-review/#comments
Still not convinced that the BlackBerry Storm 2 is alive and kicking in places outside of RIM's "secure" labs up in Waterloo? How's a seven minute long video showing off this perennially-leaked device for all you skeptics? The blur-free video shows off the updated SurePress screen that only clicks when the unit's actually in use, as well as some size comparisons with the Onyx and Tour. The mystery man behind the camera says that even though his OS is super old -- at least by pre-release firmware standards -- it's much faster than the previous-gen Storm. Also interesting is the fact that WiFi doesn't appear to be present in the "Manage Connections" screen, although we can almost say with 100% certainty that there will be WiFi at launch. The full video's posted after the break, conspiracy theorists: go wild.

[Thanks, bighap]

Continue reading Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review

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Video: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets yet another prerelease review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacbkerryblackberryblackberry osblackberryosmobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimstormstorm 2Storm2surepressverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideowifiSat, 15 Aug 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint mandating WiFi on future smartphones, WLAN-lovin' BlackBerry Tour coming next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/#comments By the time Sprint gets around to releasing the 9630 Tour with WiFi, due out sometime early next year, we think most everyone'll have moved on to any one of the numerous BlackBerry devices likely to hit in the interim. What's more important in this FierceWireless report is that Sprint's requiring WiFi "in all its major devices going forward" -- which should mean pretty much every smartphone that lands in its CDMA-loving mitts. Verizon Wireless, who along with Sprint is also launching the WLAN-less Tour this Sunday, said that the company's working with RIM to get WiFi into future BlackBerry, but didn't oblige us with any hopeful descriptors that'd help us understand just how strong of a push was being made. Frankly, smartphones without WiFi at this point is downright criminal, and with CDMA phones trailing behind their GSM counterparts in this category, kudos to Sprint for taking the initiative.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Sprint mandating WiFi on future smartphones, WLAN-lovin' BlackBerry Tour coming next year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black berryblackberrycdmamobileresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsprintverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwi-fiwifiThu, 09 Jul 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint mandating WiFi on future smartphones, WLAN-lovin' BlackBerry Tour coming next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/sprint-mandating-wifi-on-future-smartphones-wlan-lovin-blackbe/#comments By the time Sprint gets around to releasing the 9630 Tour with WiFi, due out sometime early next year, we think most everyone'll have moved on to any one of the numerous BlackBerry devices likely to hit in the interim. What's more important in this FierceWireless report is that Sprint's requiring WiFi "in all its major devices going forward" -- which should mean pretty much every smartphone that lands in its CDMA-loving mitts. Verizon Wireless, who along with Sprint is also launching the WLAN-less Tour this Sunday, said that the company's working with RIM to get WiFi into future BlackBerry, but didn't oblige us with any hopeful descriptors that'd help us understand just how strong of a push was being made. Frankly, smartphones without WiFi at this point is downright criminal, and with CDMA phones trailing behind their GSM counterparts in this category, kudos to Sprint for taking the initiative.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Sprint mandating WiFi on future smartphones, WLAN-lovin' BlackBerry Tour coming next year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black berryblackberrycdmaresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsprintverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwi-fiwifiThu, 09 Jul 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[WiFi-equipped BlackBerry Storm 2 coming to Verizon in September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/#comments
Looks like you might be able to cross at least one bullet point off of your Storm 2 wishlist. According to unnamed source who SlashGear swears is the bee's knees, the successor to BlackBerry's touchscreen smartphone will add WiFi support for faster home / coffee shop web browsing. The informant hinted there's other surprises on the horizon but wouldn't give specifics, so for now you'll just have to keep dreaming about that SurePress touchscreen that doesn't slow down your texting. As for when we should expect the sequel, the report pointed to a release sometime in September on Verizon's network.

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WiFi-equipped BlackBerry Storm 2 coming to Verizon in September? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black berryBlackBerryblackberry osblackberry stormblackberry storm 2blackberryosBlackberryStormBlackberryStorm2mobileresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimstormstorm 2Storm2verizon wirelessverizonwirelesswi fiwi-fiWiFiMon, 06 Apr 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[WiFi-equipped BlackBerry Storm 2 coming to Verizon in September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/06/wifi-equipped-blackberry-storm-2-in-september/#comments
Looks like you might be able to cross at least one bullet point off of your Storm 2 wishlist. According to unnamed source who SlashGear swears is the bee's knees, the successor to BlackBerry's touchscreen smartphone will add WiFi support for faster home / coffee shop web browsing. The informant hinted there's other surprises on the horizon but wouldn't give specifics, so for now you'll just have to keep dreaming about that SurePress touchscreen that doesn't slow down your texting. As for when we should expect the sequel, the report pointed to a release sometime in September on Verizon's network.

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WiFi-equipped BlackBerry Storm 2 coming to Verizon in September? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM's pleading the fifth at the moment, but the timing here sure makes this rumor one we'd love to believe. With BlackBerry App World launching on April 1st and CTIA opening up in a matter of days, it seems the perfect time for RIM to introduce its very own television service for BlackBerry devices. NewTeeVee has it from "multiple [undisclosed] sources" that RIM will announce a "full-episode television service" for BB users; the interesting part, however, is that it will supposedly download content via WiFi, leaving open the possibility for this to be carrier-agnostic. Granted, mobile TV initiatives have been far from successful thus far, but who knows if the CrackBerry crowd is the one sect willing to watch full episodes of The Cosby Show on a diminutive, low-res screen?

[Via mocoNews]

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RIM to fire up mobile TV service for BlackBerry devices? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryctiactia 2009Ctia2009mobile tvMobileTvrimrumortelevisiontvwifiThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T officially delivers free WiFi to BlackBerry / iPhone users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/atandt-officially-delivers-free-wifi-to-blackberry-iphone-users/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/atandt-officially-delivers-free-wifi-to-blackberry-iphone-users/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/atandt-officially-delivers-free-wifi-to-blackberry-iphone-users/#comments
We thought we'd heard the last of this whole AT&T / Starbucks WiFi deal yesterday, but alas, we were terrifically mistaken. AT&T has come forth today with two fluffy press releases that flesh out the details, and amazingly, there are some inclusions that we weren't made aware of yesterday. For starters, all iPhone / iPhone 3G customers will now have free (and seemingly limitless) access to AT&T WiFi hotspots across the US -- we're talking Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, the whole lot. Additionally, the carrier has welcomed select BlackBerry users -- that's the Bold for now, the Pearl 8120 / 8820 "later this year" -- into the same deal, though the official verbiage mentions that an "unlimited data plan" is required. If you didn't make the cut this time, fret not -- AT&T has plans to invite "more mobile devices" into the fold here shortly.

Read - Free AT&T WiFi on iPhone / iPhone 3G
Read - Free AT&T WiFi on BlackBerry

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AT&T officially delivers free WiFi to BlackBerry / iPhone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We thought we'd heard the last of this whole AT&T / Starbucks WiFi deal yesterday, but alas, we were terrifically mistaken. AT&T has come forth today with two fluffy press releases that flesh out the details, and amazingly, there are some inclusions that we weren't made aware of yesterday. For starters, all iPhone / iPhone 3G customers will now have free (and seemingly limitless) access to AT&T WiFi hotspots across the US -- we're talking Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, the whole lot. Additionally, the carrier has welcomed select BlackBerry users -- that's the Bold for now, the Pearl 8120 / 8820 "later this year" -- into the same deal, though the official verbiage mentions that an "unlimited data plan" is required. If you didn't make the cut this time, fret not -- AT&T has plans to invite "more mobile devices" into the fold here shortly.

Read - Free AT&T WiFi on iPhone / iPhone 3G
Read - Free AT&T WiFi on BlackBerry

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AT&T officially delivers free WiFi to BlackBerry / iPhone users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's an old saying in the wireless industry: "As AT&T goes, so goes Rogers." Actually, that's not a saying, we just made it up -- and it's not terribly accurate, either. But in the case of RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8320, there's at least a little bit of truth to it. New documents floating around indicate that Rogers intends to add the WiFi-packin' version of the Curve to its Talkspot lineup, giving users yet another smartphone option after the 8120 launched earlier this year. It'll apparently be offered in "Sapphire Blue" for $149.99 CAD (about $140) with a launch expected before the month's out.

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WiFi-equipped BlackBerry 8320 on tap for Rogers? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, this certainly looks familiar, doesn't it? Yep, this had been rumored to go down for a couple weeks now, which dovetails nicely with the launch of Rogers' Home Calling Zone service, offering up unlimited long-distance Canadian calls via WiFi for $20 CAD a month. The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 comes in sporting the 2 megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, SureType keyboard, and all the other spoils we've become accustomed to from the phone's other launches for $149.99 CAD (about $148) on a three-year agreement.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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Rogers snags BlackBerry Pearl 8120 to keep 8110 company originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next episode of the ubiquitous Pearl is now available in T-Mobile stores across the land, bringing the spec sheet in line with the features Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T customers have been enjoying for a little while now -- a 2 megapixel camera, external microSD slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack, just to name a few. Unlike the 8130 for CDMA networks, the 8120 that T-Mobile and AT&T share adds a 802.11b/g radio, but the T-Mobile version packs yet a couple more tricks up its sleeve -- you know, the ones you'd probably expect of any modern T-Mobile phone with WiFi, namely support for myFaves and HotSpot@Home. That last bit about the WiFi calling is where it gets really interesting. Put simply, the experience we had setting up, using, and making calls with the new Pearl linked up to our router was the best we've had so far with any HotSpot@Home device; it definitely seems like T-Mobile and RIM are learning a thing or two about how to make this a truly seamless and painless process. A "UMA" indicator on the display lets you know that calls are being routed over the service, but if you're not paying attention to it, you might never know it's happening -- it's just that good. Grab it starting today for a shade under $150 on contract, or if you'd prefer to keep your money firmly in your pocket, you can still live vicariously through our gallery here!

Gallery: T-Mobile launches WiFi-laden BlackBerry Pearl 8120, we handle it

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T-Mobile launches WiFi-laden BlackBerry Pearl 8120, we handle it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8120blackberryedgefeaturesgsmhands onhands-onHandsOnhotspothotspot at homeHotspotAtHomemobilepearlresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimt mobilet-mobiletmobileumavoipwifiMon, 14 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile's BlackBerry Pearl 8120 spotted in the wild]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/t-mobiles-blackberry-pearl-8120-spotted-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/t-mobiles-blackberry-pearl-8120-spotted-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/t-mobiles-blackberry-pearl-8120-spotted-in-the-wild/#comments
Fresh off an announcement for an April 14th release, the latest rendition of the Pearl for T-Mobile -- the WiFi-enabled 8120 -- is strutting its stuff in its natural (somewhat natural, anyway) habitat. Casual observers would have an awfully tricky time telling this apart from the Pearl 8100 of yore, but the trained eye will notice a "WiFi" logo chilling on the display and a mildly revised keypad layout here. Probably just a matter of time before T-Mobile has these bad boys in every color of the rainbow, we imagine.

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T-Mobile's BlackBerry Pearl 8120 spotted in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Right on time, T-Mobile has added another piece to the smartphone side of the HotSpot@Home puzzle with the 8820, featuring both WiFi and GPS in a single package -- a somewhat rare combo from our friends at RIM, and a new, fresh answer to the 8800 and 8830 variants found on every other national carrier in the US (and, in the case of the 8800, on T-Mobile itself). The lack of a camera will be a detraction for some, but a boon for others given the device's all-business roots -- and naturally, no one's going to complain about the microSD expansion, myFaves support, or the ability to hop on 802.11g networks for a little VoIP action, T-Mobile style. As cool as the Curve? No, but this one'll find it's own audience, no question about it. Look for the BlackBerry 8820 in stores starting today.

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T-Mobile launches BlackBerry 8820 with WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8820blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewsedgegsmhotspot at homeHotspotAtHomemobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimt mobilet-mobiletmobilewifiMon, 24 Mar 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile adding BlackBerry 8820 with WiFi next month?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/t-mobile-adding-blackberry-8820-with-wifi-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/t-mobile-adding-blackberry-8820-with-wifi-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/t-mobile-adding-blackberry-8820-with-wifi-next-month/#comments
We're hearing rumblings that T-Mobile's going to drop a WiFi-enabled version of the BlackBerry 8800 -- better known in the public vernacular as the 8820 -- on March 5th. Yeah, it's just a rumor at this point, but the move would make total sense for several reasons: one, the 8820 already exists so RIM doesn't need to do any custom magic for T-Mobile; two, T-Mobile already sells the 8800; three, the 8800's little brother, the Curve, is already sold in WiFi form on the carrier; and four, Hotspot@Home could always use another compatible handset or three. We'll find out in a few weeks -- but in the meantime, we might suggest holding off on that 8800 purchase.

[Thanks, T]

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T-Mobile adding BlackBerry 8820 with WiFi next month? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8820blackberryedgegsmhotspotmobileresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimt mobilet-mobiletalk foreverTalkForevertmobileumawifiThu, 07 Feb 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with BetaBlue, JetBlue's WiFi-equipped Airbus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/hands-on-with-betablue-jetblues-wifi-equipped-airbus/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/hands-on-with-betablue-jetblues-wifi-equipped-airbus/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/11/hands-on-with-betablue-jetblues-wifi-equipped-airbus/#comments
Generally we're the type to pass out the second we've stowed our carry-on items safely in the overhead bin, but on a recent test flight for a gang of reporters, photographers, Fortune 500 execs, and the obligatory PR team, JetBlue managed to keep us awake by magically letting us communicate with our friends and colleagues on the ground over IM and email.

Actually, it takes a lot more than magic for the Airbus A320 named "BetaBlue" to bring limited WiFi connectivity to properly-equipped passengers throughout the single-class cabin: quite a bit of technical and administrative work went into getting this service off the ground, from snatching up and deploying a rare slice of 800MHz ground-to-air spectrum to effectively managing cell tower connections while traveling over 500mph to developing clients that would maximize the precious bandwidth being shared by so many mobile gadget lovers. Keep reading after the break for all of our impressions from this media preview voyage, and don't forget to hit up the gallery below for glimpses of the entire experience along with some of the screenshots you can expect to see in-flight...


Gallery: Hands-on with BetaBlue, JetBlue's WiFi-equipped Airbus

Continue reading Hands-on with BetaBlue, JetBlue's WiFi-equipped Airbus

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Hands-on with BetaBlue, JetBlue's WiFi-equipped Airbus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8820blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewscurvecurve 8320Curve8320david neelemanDavidNeelemanfeatureshands-onin-flight internetIn-flightInternetjetbluelivetvrimwifiyahooTue, 11 Dec 2007 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[JetBlue introduces free in-flight email, IM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/jetblue-introduces-free-in-flight-email-im/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/jetblue-introduces-free-in-flight-email-im/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/06/jetblue-introduces-free-in-flight-email-im/#comments
In a welcome first for domestic airlines, JetBlue will be rolling out free in-flight Yahoo IM and email services to passengers packing WiFi-equipped devices, starting aboard its new "BetaBlue" Airbus A320. Once this test-bed passenger jet reaches 10,000 feet, an in-plane network with three in-ceiling access points is activated, allowing most any wireless gadget with a Flash-enabled browser to view specialized versions of either Yahoo Messenger or Mail through a universal landing page. What's more, owners of certain BlackBerry handsets like the 8820 or Curve 8320 can keep feeding their addictions non-stop thanks to an agreement between JetBlue and RIM.

Bandwidth for these services is provided by LiveTV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the carrier that provides the entire fleet with select DirecTV and XM radio channels, and which also happens to possess a valuable 1MHz slice of ground-to-air spectrum that it's deploying for this very purpose (with the help of some 100 existing cell towers around the country). If all goes well in what is admittedly a beta test, more aircraft will receive the WiFi makeover, and more features -- such as access to terabytes of locally-stored multimedia content -- will be rolled out, along with additional service providers besides Yahoo. Just don't expect an open pipe any time soon: that sweet little slice of spectrum is not nearly robust enough to handle the heavy Slinging, VoIPing, and Torrenting you all would obviously be doing.

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JetBlue introduces free in-flight email, IM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8820blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewscommunicationcurvecurve 8320Curve8320in-flight internetIn-flightInternetjetbluelivetvrimwifiyahooThu, 06 Dec 2007 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Another look at the BlackBerry 8320 for T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/another-look-at-the-blackberry-8320-for-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/another-look-at-the-blackberry-8320-for-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/08/another-look-at-the-blackberry-8320-for-t-mobile/#comments In the world of mobile email, it's hard to compete with RIM and the plethora of BlackBerry devices it has to offer. With BlackBerry's latest smartphone for T-Mobile, the Curve 8320, the companies hope to capitalize by taking advantage of RIM's infrastructure, T-Mobile's wireless calling plans, and the undeniable benefit of adding a little WiFi into the mix. Does the device live up to the hype? Did RIM make a mistake when it outfitted the Curve with a small processor and WiFi? Continue reading on to find out.

Continue reading Another look at the BlackBerry 8320 for T-Mobile

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Another look at the BlackBerry 8320 for T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM decided (and we tend to agree) that it could improve upon the already solid BlackBerry 8300 Curve by adding GPS or WiFi -- carrier's choice -- in the form of the 8310 and 8320, respectively. T-Mobile has announced today the release of the 8320 variant, offering @Home branded UMA service and speedy data to supplement T-Mobile's EDGE network (in hotspot range, anyway) in your choice of "titanium" and carrier-exclusive "pale gold." We've had a few minutes to play around with the champagne hued version, and with WiFi added into the Curve's already solid mix, it pretty much goes without saying that this is the best BlackBerry yet. Setting up our wireless network on the Curve was a breeze, though we had some trouble keeping calls from dropping over an Airport Extreme; fortunately, T-Mobile's offering up optimized Linksys routers for a song, and you can always set it up as a separate network if you can't bear to tear down your 802.11a/n setup. We've heard some intermittent reports of Curves starting to show up in retail locations, but we can expect them to start shipping everywhere in early October. In the meantime, check out our hands-on gallery over on Engadget Mobile!

Update: T-Mobile's bumped the release date up to today -- no complaints here -- at an on-contract price of $249.

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T-Mobile announces BlackBerry Curve with WiFi, we check it out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM decided (and we tend to agree) that it could improve upon the already solid BlackBerry 8300 Curve by adding GPS or WiFi -- carrier's choice -- in the form of the 8310 and 8320, respectively. T-Mobile has announced today the release of the 8320 variant, offering @Home branded UMA service and speedy data to supplement T-Mobile's EDGE network (in hotspot range, anyway) in your choice of "titanium" and carrier-exclusive "pale gold." We've had a few minutes to play around with the champagne hued version, and with WiFi added into the Curve's already solid mix, it pretty much goes without saying that this is the best BlackBerry yet. Setting up our wireless network on the Curve was a breeze, though we had some trouble keeping calls from dropping over an Airport Extreme; fortunately, T-Mobile's offering up optimized Linksys routers for a song, and you can always set it up as a separate network if you can't bear to tear down your 802.11a/n setup. We've heard some intermittent reports of Curves starting to show up in retail locations, but we can expect them to start shipping everywhere in early October. In the meantime, check out our hands-on gallery!

Update: T-Mobile's bumped the release date up to today -- no complaints here -- at an on-contract price of $249.

Gallery: T-Mobile releases BlackBerry Curve with WiFi, we check it out

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T-Mobile announces BlackBerry Curve with WiFi, we check it out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, 8800 owners -- your pieces are officially obsolete (not really, unless WiFi is a big deal for you). AT&T has gotten officially official today with the 802.11a/b/g-equipped 8820 at the expected $299 contract price point, offering integrated GPS, push-to-talk support, EDGE data, a microSD slot, and a clean, camera-less posterior just like the original. Grab it online and in store starting tomorrow. Oh, and buyers, let us know what the sitch is with the GPS, okay?

Update: AT&T's sale page for the device is now online here.

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BlackBerry 8820 gets real for AT&T, $299 starting tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It seems RIM's going full force with the "you can't have your cake and eat it too" rule with its new batch of devices, even though we're pretty sure we could have our cake and eat it too -- if only RIM would let us. If a slide deck over on Pinstack turns out to be legit, the next-gen Pearl and the 8300 Curve's slightly newer cousins will be available in carriers' choices of WiFi or GPS variants, but for whatever reason, never both. We're guessing RIM has some fancy explanation about battery drain or engineering issues, but whatever -- we can think of plenty of devices that do both with aplomb, so we're not too happy about the whole mess. As the Curves go, the 8310 will do GPS while the 8320 will pack the 802.11b/g action, but the devices' internals are otherwise unchanged from the original. The Pearl 2 meanwhile has a more expansive list of updates from its predecessor, stepping up to a 2 megapixel camera, an honest-to-goodness 3.5mm headphone jack, and "new firm keypad technology" (yay!) among other things. In the Pearl's case, network determines the add-on feature: GSM gets WiFI (probably to make up for the agony of EDGE) while CDMA gets GPS. Look for all of these to hit well before the year's out.

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RIM's new Pearls and Curves: WiFi or GPS, not both originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>83108320blackberrycdmacurveedgeev doevdogpsgsmmobilepearlpearl 2Pearl2research in motionresearchinmotionrimwifiFri, 10 Aug 2007 00:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Rim's BlackBerry 8820 lands at Orange UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/rims-blackberry-8820-lands-at-orange-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/rims-blackberry-8820-lands-at-orange-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/rims-blackberry-8820-lands-at-orange-uk/#commentsWe've had this handset pegged for AT&T for ages, but the first operator to get it out the door is Orange UK. Orange will take advantage of the WiFi UMA angle by offering business customers access to its Unique service. Like a similar offering from T-Mobile on this side of the ocean, the 8820 can switch seamlessly between GSM and IP voice services using a provider's Internet access point. No word on pricing yet, but we're expecting that coming soon logo on the Orange 8820 page should be disappearing any time soon. Here's hoping that T-Mobile also considers this handset to boost it strong pitiful UMA handset lineup over here.

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Rim's BlackBerry 8820 lands at Orange UK originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM just got real nasty on everyone with its latest announcement, namely, that the WiFi equipped, integrated-GPS-havin' BlackBerry 8820 has just gotten the proper release treatment, stating that the device will be heading to retailers in the "coming weeks," and is slated to land on AT&T later this summer, making a ton of American businessmen very, very happy. The GSM world phone, which we got to manhandle back in May, features 802.11a/b/g, EDGE data (no 3G boys?), UMA (allowing the phone to seamlessly switch between cellular and WiFi networks without dropping calls), and a microSD / SDHC slot which can support cards up 32GB, which is quite a lot of gigabytes. It wouldn't be surprising to see this pop up over at T-Mobile, considering its WiFi love, which AT&T still has yet to embrace (though Mr. Jobs claims it's coming). Other specs stick pretty close to the RIM playbook, which isn't going to ruffle any feathers probably. Stay tuned for exact release dates and other appetite-whetting information as it becomes available.

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WiFi equipped BlackBerry 8820 about to hit the streets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM just got real nasty on everyone with its latest announcement, namely, that the WiFi equipped, integrated-GPS-havin' BlackBerry 8820 has just gotten the proper release treatment, stating that the device will be heading to retailers in the "coming weeks," and is slated to land on AT&T later this summer, making a ton of American businessmen very, very happy. The GSM world phone, which we got to manhandle back in May, features 802.11a/b/g, EDGE data (no 3G boys?), UMA (allowing the phone to seamlessly switch between cellular and WiFi networks without dropping calls), and a microSD / SDHC slot which can support cards up 32GB, which is quite a lot of gigabytes. It wouldn't be surprising to see this pop up over at T-Mobile, considering its WiFi love, which AT&T still has yet to embrace (though Mr. Jobs claims it's coming). Other specs stick pretty close to the RIM playbook, which isn't going to ruffle any feathers probably. Stay tuned for exact release dates and other appetite-whetting information as it becomes available.

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WiFi equipped BlackBerry 8820 about to hit the streets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8820blackberrygpsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimwifiTue, 17 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC approves WiFi-equipped BlackBerry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/fcc-approves-wifi-equipped-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/fcc-approves-wifi-equipped-blackberry/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/fcc-approves-wifi-equipped-blackberry/#comments
We're not sure whether this is the 8820 we played with a while back, but the ID label documentation for this newcomer to the FCC's ranks shows a crappy rendering of a quadband GSM device that certainly looks in line with the 8800 series. For end users, that means we can expect a WiFi-equipped 'Berry that lacks the Curve's sex appeal, but may very well be the average business user's dream come true -- especially considering the inclusion of 802.11a alongside b and g (or so the SAR report alleges, anyway) and the probable lack of an integrated cam. No word on a release, but business focus aside, this would look pretty nice in T-Mobile's Hotspot @Home lineup, would it not?

[Via TG Daily]

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FCC approves WiFi-equipped BlackBerry originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well looky what we found this morning, RIM's new BlackBerry 8820 in all its WiFi-enabled glory. While we can't cheer and celebrate hot looks or bold new design, we are pretty stoked to finally see WiFi under the hood in one of these toys. As some rumors have pointed out, it is indeed lacking any type of camera, but hey, the new wireless option has given us plenty to smile about, so we won't gripe until the next iteration. We don't have any hard specs or pricing to talk about -- except what has already been rumored -- but the AT&T branding all over the place certainly hints at a potential carrier. Seems it may be a busy month for our big blue friends with the potential June 13th launch date for the 8300, and now the 8820 waiting in the wings. Check the gallery for a pile more pics.

Gallery: Hands-on with RIM's WiFi-equipped BlackBerry 8820

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Hands-on with RIM's WiFi-equipped BlackBerry 8820 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2007 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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