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Internet Trends report finds online growth driven by China and India, users increasingly mobile

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:17:00 EST

You probably don't need a 112 slide PowerPoint presentation from Mary Meeker and the venture capital firm KPCB to tell you this, but the Internet, she's getting bigger. Every year more and more people sign on and, not surprisingly, many of the 663 million netizens added over the last three years have come from developing nations like China and India. In fact, since 2008, China has accounted for almost a third of new web users, adding 215 million to the connected population. What also shouldn't come as a shock, is that the boon in connectivity is also being pushed by the broader availability of 3G data connections. Areas like India, China and Vietnam have all seen triple digit percentage growths in 3G penetration since last year. Wireless broadband has really exploded in India, where year over year growth in subscribers was 841 percent, though, that still only equates to a four percent penetration rate. For more info about the state of the internet and the world's 1.1 billion 3G subscribers hit up the source link.

Internet Trends report finds online growth driven by China and India, users increasingly mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPad to hit 30 more countries this weekend, work on its tan

Jon Fingas — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:26:00 EST

The corners of the Earth that don't have a new iPad have been quickly shrinking, and Apple's tablet is about to get nigh-on inescapable as of this weekend. A round of 23 more countries is getting the 2012 refresh on May 11, most of it being South American countries such as Foxconn's new manufacturing hub, Brazil. Parts of Africa and southeast Asia will be served as well, such as the home of our favorite unofficial hands-on sessions, Vietnam. Seven Persian Gulf countries will get their Retina Display fix one day later. By the time the weekend is up, the iPad will be available in nearly 90 countries on this planet, which makes it highly likely that anyone reading this article can find the slate in a local retail store.

New iPad to hit 30 more countries this weekend, work on its tan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Web Marketplace for Windows Phone gets 22 more stamps in its passport

James Trew — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:56:00 EST

If you've been holed up in Thailand, waiting to browse the latest and greatest apps for your Windows Phone in your browser instead of on the device directly, then things are looking up. Microsoft has just announced that 22 new countries are being graces with their own web Marketplace. The full list covers Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Israel, Thailand, and Vietnam. The same blog post advises that work is also underway to improve the search results delivered by the site. So you might not have to play Hungry Birds for much longer.

Web Marketplace for Windows Phone gets 22 more stamps in its passport originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia flips internet sharing switch on for Lumia 710 and 800c in Tango update

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:02:00 EST

Looks like Espoo's finally ready to do the Tango with Lumia owners. According to a report on Nokiapoweruser, updates for localized variants of the 710 and the China-only 800c have been spotted on NaviFirm, indicating a planned firmware rollout for those WP 7.5 devices is underway. Users in Belgium, the Netherlands and Vietnam who download the software should see that previously dormant internet sharing ability enabled, in addition to the installation of a trio of Nokia apps -- Sportstracker, News and Creative Studio -- as standard on handsets. No word on when the company intends to release the package to other markets, but with this latest news, it can't be far off now.

[Thanks, Nish]

Nokia flips internet sharing switch on for Lumia 710 and 800c in Tango update originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility

Joseph Volpe — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:37:00 EST

In keeping with Elop's focus on Asia-based production, Nokia's just broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The site, located in the country's Bac Ninh province, spans over 17 hectacres and is slated to begin production of mobile devices when it's completed in early 2013. The move marks a shift in strategy for the Finnish company, eyeing unmet demand for smartphones in the region, an area it's deemed a "high growth [economy]." In addition to supplying that emerging market with its portfolio of products, the new plant will also help to create job opportunities for locals -- a welcome turn of fortune given Espoo's recent track record of worldwide layoffs. You can check out the presser below for additional bits surrounding its newly minted Vietnamese arm.

Continue reading Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility

Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Lumia 610 headed to the (Pacific) 'Ring of Fire' in coming months for €189

Andrew Munchbach — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:02:00 EST

The Lumia 610 is a colorful thing,
going on sale, in the Firery Ring.
Bound by tepid desire,
it's about to launch in the Ring of Fire.

It's about to launch in the burning Ring of Fire.
Sales are down, down, down,
and the burning platform feels higher.
But it's going on sale, sale, sale,
in the Ring of Fire.
And also China.

The full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 610 headed to the (Pacific) 'Ring of Fire' in coming months for €189

Nokia Lumia 610 headed to the (Pacific) 'Ring of Fire' in coming months for €189 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vietnam considers limiting SIM card access, suggests 18 per person is enough

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:39:00 EST

How many SIM cards do you have in your stash? If your answer is less than three per operator -- of every network provider -- then you may have trouble sympathizing with the apparent plight of some Vietnamese. Proposed legislation from the Ministry of Information and Commerce would effectively regulate each citizen to a maximum of three SIMs per carrier (of which there are six), leading to a theoretical limit of 18 SIM cards per individual. The draft law is intended to curb unauthorized distribution in that nation, where SIM cards with student discounts and the like are re-sold without carrier knowledge. The proposal could affect businesses too, limiting each company to a maximum of 100 SIM cards -- but there's no word on whether this cap is per network or absolute. Meanwhile, industry officials insist that a limit of five SIMs per operator would be more reasonable, given the number of SIM-enabled devices available to consumers. What's most clear, though, is that Vietnam is awash in marketing opportunity -- just imagine how popular Nokia could be with a mobile phone that supports 18 SIM cards.

[SIM cards via ShutterStock]

Vietnam considers limiting SIM card access, suggests 18 per person is enough originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPad gets benchmarked: 1GB RAM confirmed, no boost in CPU speed

James Trew — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:02:00 EST

Not only did some lucky gents in Vietnam get their hands on the new iPad while most people are still refreshing their delivery status page, they were also kind enough to run some benchmark tests. The results confirm that the RAM has been upped to 1GB, with the Geekbench score settling at 756. The processor remains at 1GHz, again, which is what we expected, but puts the kibosh on any speculation that there might have been a slight bump in clock speeds. If you want to see the full breakdown, hit the source for the goods.

New iPad gets benchmarked: 1GB RAM confirmed, no boost in CPU speed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPad spotted in the wild, unboxing photos and video in tow

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:18:00 EST

Did Apple actually release a new iPad with LTE and a Retina Display last week? Or did it waft hallucinogens at us while we liveblogged, making us see only what we wanted to see? These doubts should be quashed when the third-gen tablet starts reaching consumers who are too populous to drug effectively. Fortunately, that process has already started, with some folks over in Vietnam claiming they've got hold of the retail version of the new iPad and posting evidence to prove it. Wander over to the video after the break and the images at the source link to catch a glimpse of what your pre-order might look like when it solidifies into reality.

[Thanks, Duonglv]

Continue reading New iPad spotted in the wild, unboxing photos and video in tow

New iPad spotted in the wild, unboxing photos and video in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia teases February 8th for Symbian Belle update

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:44:00 EST

Looks like Nokia Vietnam wasn't keeping its powder dry when it threw up a page (subsequently pulled) promising an update to ~~Symbian~~ Belle for February 8th. Still, that didn't stop us taking some screenshots of the promised update on its Facebook page, which (electronically) translates to:

"After the holiday, Nokia is good news in ne :) You ready to update Symbian Belle Anna my Nokia phone on 8 / 2 home."

Which just about says it all, really.

[Thanks, Nano]

Nokia teases February 8th for Symbian Belle update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?

Amar Toor — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST

It looks like Acer may be dropping down to the lightweight laptop division, now that images of its so-called Aspire 3951 have leaked out of Vietnam. An ostensible rival to the recently refreshed MacBook Air, the 13.3-inch 3951 reportedly boasts a similarly slim design, measuring 13mm thick and weighing less than 1.4 kilograms (about three pounds). According to Sohoa, the aluminum-cased device is powered by a second generation Intel Core processor, features an optional 160GB SSD, and offers more than six hours of battery life, along with Bluetooth 4.0 support. Much like the Air, this Aspire can purportedly boot up pretty fast, as well, rousing from sleep mode in just 1.7 seconds. It's rumored that Acer will release this new line in October within the curiously affordable price range between $770 and $960, but we'll have to wait and see whether that actually comes to fruition. In the meantime, you can check out an extra image of the Aspire 3951 below, or hit the source link for the full collection.

[Thanks, @tranquochuyvn]

Update: Oddly enough, it appears that we've caught a glimpse of this exact same laptop before, except it was portrayed by M.I.C. Gadget as a Thunderbolt MacBook Air leak. Perhaps the folks received some bad intel, be it intentional or not.

Continue reading Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?

Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry 'Apollo' gets manhandled on camera (video)

Brian Heater — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:07:00 EST

It's not exactly the most exciting device in RIM's pipeline, but the Curve "Apollo" is shaping a solid workhorse of a BlackBerry. The still-unannounced smartphone popped up on Tinh te, with the Vietnamese tech showing off some solid hands-on time with the device, putting it through its paces on video, and ending up genuinely impressed with the aesthetics and speed of the hardware. According to the site the new Curve is 11mm thick (a couple millimeters thinner than the 8900 it's juxtaposed with), packs a 800Mhz Marvell Tavor CPU MG-1 processor, and has a touch-insensitive 480 x 360 screen. Swipe that thumb touchpad after the break for a video tour of the phone, then dig the source link for more close up images.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Continue reading BlackBerry 'Apollo' gets manhandled on camera (video)

BlackBerry 'Apollo' gets manhandled on camera (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung makes it easier for you to buy stuff from its Apps store

Brian Heater — Mon, 02 May 2011 22:58:00 EST

No doubt still buzzing from hitting the 100 millionth download milestone back in March, Samsung is making it even easier for Apps customers to use the mobile/HDTV storefront -- well, consumers in Europe and Asia, at least. The company announced this week that it has streamlined the purchasing process for the store, letting users tack payments onto their phone bill or SIM card balance. The upgrade is being rolled out in the UK, Germany, Thailand, India, among others, with even more countries coming later this year. The rest of the world will have to continue paying for apps the old fashioned way: sticking a check in a bottle and praying it floats all the way to Korea. More info on the press release after the break.

Continue reading Samsung makes it easier for you to buy stuff from its Apps store

Samsung makes it easier for you to buy stuff from its Apps store originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White iPhone 4 used to demo new multitasking, Spotlight search in 'test version' of iOS? (video)

Vlad Savov — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:12:00 EST

We've just laid eyes on a video from the prolific leaksters over at Tinhte, who claim they not only have a white iPhone 4 from Apple, but it's one with a "test version" of iOS that nobody else has yet seen. It's difficult to ascertain how legitimate this software is -- it could just be a neatly done jailbreak mod -- but that site has a track record of getting its hands on Apple gear ahead of the pack. With that said, the multitasking menu shown here substitutes the current use of apps' icons to represent them with a visual of each app's open window. You can tap on a window to expand it (replete with animation) to fill the screen or long-press on it to bring up the familiar "x" button for shutting it down. This is all accompanied by a new "Search iPhone" dialog at the very top, which sends you into Spotlight search that looks very much the way it currently does (though it seems to no longer be accessible with a left swipe from the first homescreen as on previous versions of iOS). Jump past the break for the video.

Update: A second video has been uncovered, this one showing that we're looking at a prototype unit and taking us on a tour around its body. A visit to the Settings menu shows a 64GB storage capacity, while app folder creation is also handled a little differently from iOS 4. The presence of the Touch Fighter app on this phone, which Apple built to show off the capabilities of earlier versions of the handset, and other internal-looking software seems to point to this indeed being some form of iOS beta build. Of course, it might not be iOS 5 at all, but simply a never-released version of iOS 4. All we know for sure is that the video's after the break.

Update 2: All indications are that this is indeed an early, unreleased version of iOS 4. Interesting, but probably not something to get your hopes up about.

Continue reading White iPhone 4 used to demo new multitasking, Spotlight search in 'test version' of iOS? (video)

White iPhone 4 used to demo new multitasking, Spotlight search in 'test version' of iOS? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Bank report finds selling virtual goods in games more profitable than 'real' economy

Vlad Savov — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:38:00 EST

A report commissioned by the World Bank's infoDev unit has cast fresh light on one of the more fascinating aspects of our brave new interconnected world: the virtual economy. The "third-party gaming services industry" -- where wealthy but impatient players have someone else grind away at online games for them in exchange for monetary reward -- is one of the focal points of the study, chiefly owing to it having generated revenues in the region of $3 billion in 2009 and now serving as the primary source of income for an estimated 100,000 young folks, primarily in countries like China and Vietnam. What's encouraging about these findings is that most of the revenue from such transactions ends up in the country where the virtual value is produced, which contrasts starkly with some of the more traditional international markets, such as that for coffee beans, where the study estimates only $5.5 billion of the $70 billion annual market value ever makes it back to the producing country. The research also takes an intriguing look at the emerging phenomenon of microwork, which consists of having unskilled workers doing the web's version of menial work -- checking images, transcribing bits of text, bumping up Facebook Likes (naughty!), etc. -- and could also lead to more employment opportunities for people in poorer nations. To get better acquainted with the details, check the links below or click past the break.

Continue reading World Bank report finds selling virtual goods in games more profitable than 'real' economy

World Bank report finds selling virtual goods in games more profitable than 'real' economy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's 7-inch 'Galaxy Tape' to run Android 2.2 on 1.2GHz A8 processor?

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:02:00 EST

More details about Samsung's new tablet have emerged courtesy of Tinh te and from what it claims is a highly reliable source. This time around, the Vietnamese site is claiming that Samsung's 7-inch Tab will be running Android 2.2 (Froyo) on an A8 processor clocked to a peppy 1.2GHz. It's all powered by a 4,000mAH battery that contributes to the tablet's 370-gram weight with 16GB of on-board storage and up to 32GB of microSD expansion. Oh, and the 7-inch panel is said to be of Samsung's Super AMOLED variety which should make it readable outdoors judging by its smaller sibs. Sounds hot, but we'll have to see how Samsung's TouchWiz UI holds up to being stretched across all that very expensive screen-estate.

P.S. We've also been told that it'll be called the "Galaxy Tape," not Tab or S-Tab as previously rumored.

Samsung's 7-inch 'Galaxy Tape' to run Android 2.2 on 1.2GHz A8 processor? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foxconn axes suicide compensation, relocating some production to Vietnam or Taiwan

Richard Lai — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:28:00 EST

At yesterday's annual shareholder meeting, Foxconn revealed that it'll no longer be compensating families of dead employees as a move to discourage further suicides. CEO Terry Gou reasoned by exhibiting evidence that showed the money -- an amount almost equivalent to ten years' worth of salary -- was a major motivation for the suicides. One such exhibit was a man's suicide letter that contained the following message for his parents:

"...now I'm going to jump off Foxconn, really leaving now, but you don't have to be sad, because Foxconn will pay a bit of money, this is all your son can repay you now."

Gou also blamed a possible "Werther Effect" created by the news coverage, which might have led to six of the twelve suicides all taking place in May. Consequently, the company will be handing over its welfare management work to the local Chinese government, as it's unable to deal with too many social responsibilities.

In the same meeting, the company made an unsurprising announcement that it's looking to relocate some manufacturing work, amid a worsened earnings forecast due to increased wages -- basic salary has gone up from ¥900 ($132) to ¥1,200 ($176), rising to as much as ¥2,000 ($293) for those who meet new performance criteria. This will involve setting up a fully automated facility in either Taiwan or Vietnam, while the existing Vietnamese plant will be receiving more orders. Chairman Samuel Chen also said that Foxconn will be working with its clients to share the load -- no further details on this, but we suspect Apple's rumored direct subsidies are part of the plan.

Foxconn axes suicide compensation, relocating some production to Vietnam or Taiwan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rising labor costs in China may lead to pricier electronics, manufacturing relocation

Vlad Savov — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 05:31:00 EST

You might recall that Foxconn, faced with the searing spotlight of the world's attention on its working conditions, recently announced not one but two wage increases for its employees, which is now looking like part of a larger trend in China toward higher pay. The city of Beijing has said it'll be raising its minimum wage by 20 percent, to 960 Yuan ($140) a month, and is expected to be followed by others. The New York Times pins this on numerous factors, including growing competition for workers, state authorities insisting on higher standards, and a national policy effort to ease the gap between rich and poor. All good news, you might think, but these worker-friendly measures are taking their toll on manufacturing costs, and now there's talk of companies relocating production to cheaper locales.

Vietnam, India and Indonesia are the prime suspects for taking production duties away from China, with some companies also apparently contemplating shifting to poorer regions within the nation. These changes are unlikely to perturb high-end electronics manufacturing in the short term, due to its more sophisticated infrastructure and supply chain, but the end consumer might still feel their effect in the form of higher prices. Inflation within China and a projected increase in its currency value are likely to drive up the cost of exports, so we'd advise buying what you need sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Daniel]

Rising labor costs in China may lead to pricier electronics, manufacturing relocation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stream sits still for the camera, shows off its camcorder abilities (video)

Tim Stevens — Sat, 29 May 2010 07:18:00 EST

In these halcyon days of impromptu Vietnamese gadget reveals, it should come as no surprise that Acer's Stream has gone from FCC filing to hands-on honey in a few days flat. Now it's been the subject of a rather more thorough photo shoot in Ho Chi Minh City, and also was kind enough to share a little footage filmed from its five megapixel camera. ~~Sadly, it's not raw 720p footage that was YouTube'd, so it's perhaps too early to draw conclusions -- but we'll go ahead and say the video doesn't look very good just the same.~~ Still, it looks to be yet another intriguing entry to the Android assault, and we can't wait for the next leak.

Update: Thanks to kreatos for pointing out that there's a second, albeit shorter 720p video on YouTube as well. We've got that embedded below and it does indeed look a good bit better -- but you can certainly still tell it came from a cellphone.

[Thanks, Tran]

Continue reading Stream sits still for the camera, shows off its camcorder abilities (video)

Stream sits still for the camera, shows off its camcorder abilities (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 May 2010 07:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPod touch with 2 megapixel camera leaked in Vietnam (video)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 19 May 2010 06:50:00 EST

Guess who has another Apple scoop? Tinhte, the upstarts from Vietnam have first pics of the mythical iPod touch with a camera. The "DVT-1" stamp on the back makes it clear that this is an early design verification test unit in the evolution of product testing. In other words, this might not be the final design whenever Apple chooses to announce it, say, on June 7th. A check of the device's serial number identifies a late 2009 third generation iPod touch -- could be that this device was one of those eBay prototypes that never made it to production for whatever reason.

The Foxconn manufactured device is also running the same base diagnostic utility that we've seen before (who could forget that "serial number" icon). The Foxconn label appears to indicate a 64GB model ("64G" using a pair of Samsung 32GB Flash modules presumably) in addition to a 2 megapixel, backside illuminated sensor manufactured by Omnivision (part OV2665-6s). Video after the break.

Gallery: iPod touch with 2 megapixel camera leaked in Vietnam (video)

Continue reading iPod touch with 2 megapixel camera leaked in Vietnam (video)

iPod touch with 2 megapixel camera leaked in Vietnam (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)

Thomas Ricker — Sat, 15 May 2010 08:19:00 EST

We're not sure what's going on in Vietnam these days but it's suddenly a hot bed for industry leaks. Perhaps it's due to manufacturers expanding from China to Vietnam's relatively cheap (but limited) labor pool? Or maybe it's because the kids at Tinhte are just resourceful as hell? Whatever it is, they've just scooped themselves what appears to be an unannounced MacBook update (identifying itself as a MacBook7,1) that includes a faster 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (up from 2.26GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM (an update from the GeForce 9400M found in the current MacBook6,1) -- right, the same CPU and GPU as the entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro but for only $999 (assuming Apple maintains the same entry-level pricing). These minor bumps aren't enough to warrant a model change, however, as we're still seeing "Model No: A1342" stamped on the box. Of course, this could be an elaborate hoax, but Tinhte has an impressive track record and these MacBook specs are right in line with what we'd expect since the white MacBook was last updated in October 2009. No word on when we'll see these announced but it's gotta be soon -- Tuesday perhaps, with a refreshed MacBook Air if we're lucky. Video unboxing after the break and plenty of pics for Zaprudering at the source link below.

Continue reading Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)

Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 May 2010 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's entry-level A290 DSLR smiles for the camera

Tim Stevens — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:03:00 EST

Sony hasn't seen fit to fully announce the successor to its current entry-level Alpha model, the A230, but Tinhte forum member dt0306 has posted what looks to be conclusive proof of its existence -- not to mention shots at every angle and detailed specs. This re-designed model now packs a 14 megapixel CCD with a BIONZ image processor, along with the same maximum 3200 ISO, 2.7-inch LCD, and 2.5fps maximum shooting speed of the A230. Storage is handled by Memory Stick or SDHC, and there's even a price mentioned: 9,990,000 VND, or about $530 including the 18 - 55mm lens that the A230 comes mated to. There's no telling what the domestic MSRP will really be whenever this kit releases here, but we're not sure that a couple of extra megapixels and a new body warrants much of a premium.

Sony's entry-level A290 DSLR smiles for the camera originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 May 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (update: video!)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:23:00 EST

The kids at Taoviet have really outdone themselves. From the looks of these images, the Vietnamese site has nabbed an honest to goodness 4th generation iPhone -- a 16GB model to be exact. It's clearly pre-production judging by the XXX placeholders on the backside stamp and likely lacks a bootable OS, just a "Bonfire" test routine. Nevertheless, it looks authentic enough that we expect Apple's henchmen to be busting down the guy's door before he pries it open to reveal Apple's chipset of choice. A few more pics in the gallery.

Update: We've spotted a difference from this model and the unit that Gizmodo bought. Notably, the pair of screws at the bottom of the device are gone. The cleaner design could indicate a newer prototype (closer to the actual retail model) though both the iPhone 3G and 3GS went to market with a similar pair of screws. Comparison shot after the break.

Update 2: Oops, too late Apple, teardown pics added showing an Apple branded processor. Note the black "N90" text on the white sticker -- that's the rumored internal codename for Apple's next generation GSM iPhone. Yeah, that looks like the A4 processor to us.

Update 3: Video! Unfortunately, this sucker's never going to boot to the OS. And if the translation in our comments is correct then the unit was purchased for US$4,000.

Gallery: Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (updated)

Continue reading Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (update: video!)

Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 03:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 5 teardown reveals Snapdragon guts and 3G SIM (video)

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:23:00 EST

As long as Dell chooses to be stingy with the details of its upcoming 5-inch Mini 5 (codenamed Streak) MID we'll just have to suss out the specs from more nefarious sources. And who better to fill in the blanks than the kids over at Tinhte -- the original source of the leaked Android handheld that got official at CES? The Vietnamese site did the world a solid today by tearing into a Mini 5 sample revealing a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, two microSD slots, and a bigger 1,530mAh battery than the original 1,300mAh baby we saw back in October. The site also confirms the SIM slot with 3G radio and taste for faux 80s metal. See what we mean in the video (and bonus pic) after the break.

[Thanks, Tran Manh K.]

Continue reading Dell Mini 5 teardown reveals Snapdragon guts and 3G SIM (video)

Dell Mini 5 teardown reveals Snapdragon guts and 3G SIM (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Google's made from 100% Virgin pulp, not chrome

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:00 EST

Hey, it may not be from California but at least this KIRF's registered with the Vietnamese trademark office (right). Anywho, according to Google's own machine translation, the subtext of this product reads, "Very long, soft, smooth. Of high vacuum, because you always!" Reflect on that while you pick up the simmering scraps of your mind -- work can wait.

[Thanks, DMZ]

This Google's made from 100% Virgin pulp, not chrome originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it (update: video!)

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST

Though nothing's been announced, betting against a GSM version of the Palm Pixi would be a foolish move. There's certainly no mistaking that "E" for Edge logo and SIM slot beneath the battery in these leaked images from Vietnam (yes, again). Oddly, this particular GSM variant pictured only contains 4GB of internal storage vs. the 8GB model announced for Sprint. Perhaps a prototype limitation only? Let's hope.

Update: Video now available after the break.

Continue reading Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it (update: video!)

Filed under: Cellphones

Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets

Palm Pixi stares GSM in the face, lives to brag about it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:00 EST

Surely you're not tired of seeing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 yet are you. A handset described as "the most gorgeous BlackBerry on the planet" in early previews deserves a few more minutes in the spotlight, be it official or not. Vietnamese site tinh te returns with some of the best leaked shots and video we've seen to date giving us a crystal clear look at the 9700's orange AT&T splash-screen, real pleather battery cover, and squircle trackpad. They've also taken the time to size it up appropriately with previous gen BlackBerries for your comparison kicks. Video after the break, more images just beyond the read link.

[Thanks, Nam N]

Continue reading Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T

Filed under: Handsets, RIM, ATT, BlackBerry OS

Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:00 EST

Continue reading Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T

Filed under: Cellphones

Video: BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vietnam holiday from AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:27:00 EST

Looks like Vietnam is the new place to be for early device leaks. A place where gadget-nerds are rapidly evolving extra digits to master their surplus of hi-tech gear -- lucky bastages. As followup to its GSM-flavored Palm Pre scoop, site Tinh Te is once again showing off the HTC Click only this time, it's a full-on video. The device sports some interesting graphics (likely customized by the owner) on the back, a microSD slot, 1100mAh battery, standard 3.5-mm headphone jack up top, camera (no flash), and of course, Android, "Donut" build 1.50.999.0 according to the device's about page. Clearly, it lacks that swank SenseUI and the LCD is much smaller than the HTC Magic -- indicators that the Click is very much HTC's cheapo Android phone as previously rumored. See it in action just past the break.

Update: A few high-res pics of the Click posted at Tinh Te. Sample after the break.

Continue reading Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, GSM, Android

Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:27:00 EST

Continue reading Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute

Filed under: Cellphones

Video: HTC Click gets a 6-finger 'Donut' salute originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:12:00 EST

Having the Palm Pre on Sprint might be good for Americans driving their pick 'em up trucks down the CDMA data highway, but it doesn't do Europeans (or Palm's bottom line) any good over in the Old World. Now we've got video and images of a GSM-loving Palm Pre on the loose in Vietnam. Why 'Nam? Easy, as workers gain more rights and higher wages in China, manufacturers of all our fancy consumer electronics are heading further south in search of cheap labor. While this doesn't mean a damn thing regarding launch, it's still good to see a functioning GSM Pre in the wild on the way to launch sometime before the end of the year, possibly sooner. Video after the break, as the saying goes.

[Thanks, Enzo]

Continue reading Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam

Filed under: Cellphones

Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:12:00 EST

Continue reading Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam

Filed under: Handsets, Palm, GSM, EDGE

Video: Palm Pre caught playing with GSM SIM in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viettel, Alcatel-Lucent and RIM bring BlackBerry solution to Vietnam

Darren Murph — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

It's a good week internationally for BlackBerry lovers. First we hear that South Korea finally has unbridled access and its own Bold to toy with, and now we're hearing a similar story for the people of Vietnam. Viettel (a mobile operator in the country), Alcatel-Lucent and RIM have all joined hands to make it happen, with "it" being the launch of BlackBerry wireless service. Speaking of launch, prospective buyers can look forward to wrapping their palms around the Pearl 8100, BlackBerry 8700 or the Curve 8320 initially, though we wouldn't be surprised to see even more flavors roll out soon. There's no talk of price just yet, but feel free to phone up your nearest Viettel shop and see what's up.

[Image courtesy of thugian]

Filed under: Handsets

Viettel, Alcatel-Lucent and RIM bring BlackBerry solution to Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G unlocking down to a tough, old-fashioned science in Vietnam

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:42:00 EST

Most would-be iPhone 3G unlockers are impatiently waiting for an easy software solution that's been in the works since release day, but in some parts of the world, entrepreneurs are taking matters into their own hands. Enter Vietnam's Tuan Anh Do, who employs a team of some 30 technicians diligently tearing iPhones and iPhone 3Gs apart to remove the baseband chips, reprogram them, and solder them back into place at a charge of about $80. Considering that the end result is a totally carrier-unlocked device, the cost could be perceived as reasonable by some Vietnamese who desperately want an iPhone on the domestic carrier of their choice -- but there's the ever-present risk of re-locking, which 2.2 conveniently does. Of course, that just means more business for Do, who charges another $50 to unlock re-locked handsets. All told, probably not a business model Apple would approve of -- but it's pretty awesome that a single handset has given rise to an entire cottage industry.

[Thanks, JagsLive]

Filed under: Apple

iPhone 3G unlocking down to a tough, old-fashioned science in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Pictures reaches DVD, Blu-ray distribution deal in Vietnam

Richard Lawler — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:35:00 EST

Vietnam is finally getting some love from Hollywood, as Sony Pictures is the first studio to release DVDs in the country. Blu-ray discs are expected to come ashore sometime after the initial package of 15 movies (including Casino Royale) as SPHE expands its worldwide reach in partnership with Galaxy Studio. Variety indicates Vietnam's home video market has been almost all pirated content until recently, but it remains to be seen how legitimate releases and next-gen DRM schemes work out.

Filed under: Blu-ray, Sony

Sony Pictures reaches DVD, Blu-ray distribution deal in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 May 2008 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hacao's Classmate PC starts shipping in Vietnam

Donald Melanson — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:03:00 EST

We haven't heard all that much from the Classmate PC front lately (at least compared to the OLPC and Eee PC), but it looks like Intel's education-friendly laptop is gaining a bit of ground of its own, with Hacao's take on it now shipping in Vietnam. Students receiving that version of the laptop will get Hacao's own customized Linux distribution (based on Puppy Linux) for an OS, along with the usual 900MHz Celeron processor, 256MB of RAM, 1GB of Flash storage, and a 7-inch WVGA -- plus built-in WiFi, but, as Linux Devices points out, none of the OLPC's fancy mesh networking technology. What's more, it seems that this version won't be entirely limited to students, with it also available in Vietnamese computer stores for $340 (a slight premium over the $250 apiece it'll cost schools that buy 'em).

[Photo courtesy of DesktopLinux]

Filed under: Laptops

Hacao's Classmate PC starts shipping in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NTT DoCoMo erects office in Vietnam

Darren Murph — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:57:00 EST

Joining overseas facilities in Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore, NTT DoCoMo has established a fourth distanced home in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reportedly, the firm plans on using this building to "enhance its information-gathering capabilities, explore potential business opportunities, and raise its profile among and strengthen relationships with government officials and corporate executives in the burgeoning Vietnamese market." Notably, only four people will be kept on staff at the locale, which will also have oversight for Laos and Cambodia.

Filed under: NTT DoCoMo, Misc

NTT DoCoMo erects office in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel tactically donates a thousand laptops to Vietnam

Conrad Quilty-Harper — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:21:00 EST

In most situations, a donation of a thousand laptops is a pretty awesome thing. But when the donation comes from Intel, a multi-billion dollar corporation with an interest in promoting its low cost laptop line, and the recipient is Vietnam, a nation of 85 million living on less than $3,500 per capita, it'd be a long shot to say that the donation came out of the goodness of the company's heart. Education minister Nguyen Thien Nhan seems to be happy enough with the deal, saying that Vietnam recognizes the value of technology in the classroom (even if America doesn't). Frankly, we don't buy the PR line: it's not sustainable for Intel to constantly "give away" their machines, so the payoff is inevitably going to be some sort of lock-in by getting there first. Even if the concept of laptops in schools isn't flawed, this isn't the way to go about getting them into the hands of students -- let alone students from a country that is listed in the mid-hundreds on the GDP rankings.

[Via The Inquirer]

Filed under: Laptops

Intel tactically donates a thousand laptops to Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vietnamese fishermen mistakenly swipe miles of fiber-optic wire

Darren Murph — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:44:00 EST

While this mishap may not look as if it would cost Vietnam nearly as much as the Alaskan vaporization, losing 27-miles of critical fiber-optic cabling connecting the underdeveloped nation to Thailand and Hong Kong is fairly serious (and pricey). As it turns out, hordes of Vietnamese fishermen were given permission to salvage war-era undersea copper lines to fetch whatever price they could on local markets, but things got out of hand when vital telecommunication pipelines began getting swiped instead of antiquated cabling. The country has since disallowed the removal of any underwater wire until things pan out, but it looks like Vietnam will be relying on a single cable to the outside world until it can pony up the $5.8 million in replacement costs.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Vietnamese fishermen mistakenly swipe miles of fiber-optic wire originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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