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iRiver's MX100 Android tablet spotted in China? (video)
iRiver has spent the past couple of years testing the e-reader waters, but the company may now be ready to plunge into the deeper end of the pool, with its first Android tablet. A blogger in Korea recently spotted the slate, believed to be the seven-inch MX100, during an iRiver event in China. According to the source, it's powered by a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird core, runs on Android 2.2 Froyo and is equipped with 802.11b/g/n WiFi -- not exactly cutting-edge stuff, but at least it's not Bubble Yum-flavored. There's been no official confirmation from iRiver yet, nor do we have any details on pricing or availability, but you can head past the break to see a semi-recent commercial from LG U+, in which the MX100 makes a brief cameo around the 0:15 mark.
Sharp SH8188U is run-of-the-mill 1GHz Android, awaits (possible stateside) introduction
Well, look at what the cat dragged in. Today we're given a view of the Sharp SH8188U, a Froyo-filled slate phone that sports a Qualcomm MSM8255 SoC. Like other handsets of this heritage -- including the Incredible S and myTouch 4G -- users can expect a familiar 1GHz Scorpion CPU paired with an Adreno 205 GPU. While the device has floated around the interwebs since May, we've sourced new details from the Bluetooth SIG that suggest North America might get a piece of the action. Of course, a new radio would be required for stateside use, because while quadband GSM functionality is there, current specs list only 2100 / 900MHz 3G support -- fine for Europe and Asia, but incompatible with our 1900 / 1700 / 850MHz spectrums. Externally, consumers will find a WVGA LCD display (800 x 480), a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, what appears to be a front-facing self-shooter, and HDMI. Curiously, we're seeing benchmarks of the SH8188U running Android 2.3.4 (details below) -- good news indeed, because Froyo is really starting to melt.
Nokia outs 1GHz Series 40 handset with ClearBlack display
According to Nokia's Manager of Marketing Services in Argentina, an S40-based mobile phone with a 1GHz processor and ClearBlack display is coming -- and for our part, we're hoping to see it next week at Nokia Connection 2011 in Singapore. There, company leaders (including the outspoken CEO himself), will debut new products aimed at emerging markets. Granted, there's nothing definitive to connect the dots, but given the operating system, it would make perfect sense to get a glimpse at this mystery device -- along with the Nokia C2-06 -- at next week's conference. The Argentina-based tweets that originally outed this handset have been snuffed, but they've been preserved in the form of a retweet and screen caps, letting this casual mistake ripple through the web. Don't feel too bad, Nokia... as mobile fanatics, we're big fans of the unintended reveal. Now, how about outing those sweet Mangoes?
Samsung D600 leaks out as Conquer 4G, hints at Sprint release
That Samsung D600 we saw so sketchily detailed in the FCC? It's back, but this time with a name and face to go with it. Leaks are pinning this one down as the Conquer 4G, an entry-level Android phone that's possibly headed to the sub-$100 price range. While we find the name to be a bit odd for a device that would likely only 'conquer' the market for first-time smartphone buyers, we're liking the specs for the cost here: 1GHz CPU, 3.1 megapixel rear shooter with low-res front-facing sensor, and WiMax ready to go. Last -- and apparently the least -- the blasé 320 x 480 touchscreen (same resolution as the Replenish) is unfortunate but not unexpected. We still haven't been officially introduced to this leaked handset, so it's all hearsay until we see more confirmation of its existence. If it turns out to be correct, though, this could be a cost-effective alternative to monoliths like the Photon 4G. Another image after the break.
Toshiba Thrive pre-order now live, starts at $430 and ends up in your hands in mid-July
As promised, Toshiba is marking June 13th with pre-order availability of its Thrive Android (3.1!) tablet, a device whose life aspiration and name happen to coincide perfectly. This 10-inch Tegra 2 portable has the usual 1280 x 800 resolution, dual cameras (5 megapixel on the back, 2 megapixel up front), a gigabyte of RAM, and a 23WHr battery, but it also brings nice expandability with full-size HDMI, USB 2.0 and SD card slots. The Easy Grip back covers can be swapped -- which, yes, means you can also replace the battery -- though you'll have to splash out $20 for any non-black hues. The 8GB Thrive costs $430, followed by the 16GB unit at $480 and the 32GB option at $580. You can order yours directly from Toshiba or at Amazon, Best Buy or Office Direct, with deliveries slated for mid-July. [Thanks, Matthew]
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on sale at NYC Best Buy today, pre-orders now open
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is finally among us. At noon Eastern Time today, Best Buy's New York City store at Union Square will start selling Samsung's extra-slim 10-inch Tegra 2 tablet, with the first 200 buyers also receiving a matching leather pouch to store their precious inside of. Geographically challenged Android tablet lovers will also be able to pre-order the Tab 10.1 from Best Buy today (eventually, the pre-order button doesn't currently work) and widespread US availability is still expected on June 17th. Pricing isn't explicitly listed on Best Buy's landing page, but we presume it's the same as we've been told earlier: $499 for the 16GB or $599 for the 32GB WiFi-only versions. If you can't live without some LTE goodness in your mobile life, Verizon's also promised pre-orders for the 4G-capable Galaxy Tab 10.1 today, though that costs a far less palatable $530 (16GB) and $630 (32GB) on top of a two-year data contract. [Thanks, Jack and Arturo] Update: Best Buy has sorted out its systems and all four WiFi variants (black or white, with 16GB or 32GB storage) are up for pre-order.
ViewPad 7x aims to become world's first 7-inch Honeycomb tablet, adds HSPA+ for good measure
Guess who's sneakily beating the pack to the title of having the globe's first 7-inch Honeycomb tablet... why, it's none other than ViewSonic! The ViewPad 7x (1024 x 600 resolution) managed to leak out earlier this month, but now it's fully official with Google's Android 3.0.1 OS, HSPA+ connectivity, and a pair of cameras, one on the front and one on the back. A Tegra 2 dual-core processor plus an HDMI-out have also been included inside a featherweight 380g package. Ironically, ViewSonic's neglected to provide a release date for this "world first" tablet, but we'll be hitting up its booth here at Computex for some more hands-on time and making sure to collect that and every other salient detail about the ViewPad 7x. %Gallery-124731%
Dell Streak Pro Honeycomb tablet pictured, likely to be with us in June
Android Honeycomb OS, 10-inch screen size with 1280 x 800 resolution, and NVIDIA's Tegra 2 (T20) chip on the inside. If those specs sound familiar, it's because most manufacturers already have a tablet just like Dell's upcoming Streak Pro. This slate from Round Rock got us a little hot under the collar recently, when it appeared it would ship with the T25 Tegra 2 silicon -- which runs at 1.2GHz and offers 3D support -- but nope, it's same old, same old from Michael and company. Still, the Streak Pro will apparently come will a brushed aluminum back, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage options, dual mics, dual cameras (2 megapixel on the front, 5 megapixel 'round back), and a choice of four colors: blue, pink, black, and red. If that's not enough customization for you, Dell's also adding its Stage UI atop Android, while support for AT&T's LTE network is also said to be under consideration. You can see some of the new tablet's accessories at the source link below, which also advises us to expect the Streak to go Pro in June, as previously anticipated.
Motorola Droid X2 official at $200: launching online May 19th, in stores May 26th (update: in some stores on 19th)
Motorola and Verizon have finally stopped teasing us and have made the Droid X2 official. This is a 4.3-inch Android (2.2, to be upgraded to 2.3) smartphone with a qHD screen resolution and a dual-core 1GHz processor. An 8 megapixel camera with continuous autofocus and HD video recording graces the back. The X2 will cost the usual $200 on contract and will be available to buy online tomorrow, May 19th, before making its way out to stores a week later, on May 26th. Leap past the break for the full PR. Interestingly, we've also spotted the close proximity of the USB and HDMI ports on the side of the new X2. That arrangement is reminiscent of the one on Motorola's Atrix, where the two connectors served to hook that handset up to its laptop and multimedia docks. We don't know whether the Droid X2 will fit into the accessories designed for the Atrix, but it looks sure to be strapping itself into a dock of some description in the near future. Update: NVIDIA has confirmed that its Tegra 2 chip is the heretofore unnamed 1GHz dual-core chip inside the Droid X2, which just happens to be Verizon's first dual-core smartphone. Update 2: A little birdie tells us you may be able to pick up this bad boy in person in some stores as soon as tomorrow (May 19th). Your mileage may vary, but let us know in the comments if you manage to buy one. Update 3: Sure enough, they're on shelves. Matt sent us a pic, which is after the break.
Motorola Droid X 2 turns up on Moto and Verizon sites, confirms qHD screen and 1GHz dual-core processor
Hey Motorola, your unannounced phone is showing. The Droid X 2 is spending this morning hanging out on the bright and airy support pages of motorola.com, though you may also spot it sneakily listed alongside some compatible accessories on vzw.com as well. Yes, the leaks are now happening from official sources, too, indicating an imminent landing for what we've confirmed to be a dual-core 1GHz Android smartphone with qHD resolution on a 4.3-inch display. Those long-rumored specs were revealed by the Droid X 2's user guide, which Moto has kindly provided at the link below. So thoughtful! [Thanks, 3vil]
LG Optimus Black arrives at T-Mobile UK for free (gasp!)
Sure, its 700 nit Nova Display is bright, but it doesn't quite approach Apple's excellence, and its 1GHz processor comes across a touch sluggish, but attach "Free" to LG's Optimus Black and instantly there's a whole lotta value crammed in these 9.2 millimeters. That's the story over at T-Mobile UK, anyway, which is giving the Android 2.2 handset away with any two-year plan over £25. Just think, once you convince a friend to also throw down nothing for this handset, you'll be exchanging laughs, tunes and memories over WiFi Direct -- once you find an app that supports it, anyway. As for mainland Europe, your Optimus Black will be arriving shortly, but don't get too huffy if your particular carrier isn't quite so philanthropic.
LG Optimus Black review
If you asked us to design our ideal Android phone, it might well end up looking like LG's Optimus Black. The handset that was once known under the codename "B" features a clean, elegant and exceedingly thin exterior, which is garnished with a 4-inch IPS display capable of generating 700 nits of brightness. There's the usual litany of added features, too, like a 5 megapixel shooter with the ability to record 720p video, a special G-Key for motion controls, and Wi-Fi Direct for peer-to-peer file transfers. Of course, looks and headline features are just the tip of the iceberg that is user experience, so if you want to know about the mountainous whole, join us after the break for a deep dive with LG's latest Android phone. %Gallery-123183%
LG Optimus 2X scoops up Guinness World Record for being first dual-core smartphone
LG's Optimus 2X just scooped up official recognition from the Guinness World Records crew for being the very first dual-core smartphone, which sounds like a good thing, but really it kind of isn't. In its rabid pursuit of the "First!" badge, LG neglected to polish up the 2X's software, leaving a lot of early users feeling high, dry, and in need of a good custom ROM. On the other hand, that very same phone's US variant, the T-Mobile G2x that came a couple of months later, arrived with a nice and shiny stock Android build that really showed off the underlying hardware's true capabilities. So yeah, kudos on another Record, LG, but next time let's have less haste and more awesome, mmkay?
LG Genesis coming to US Cellular, enV Pro rising from Verizon's ashes
Hey enV fans, remember when Verizon scrapped its Android-based enV Pro citing a failure to impress? Fortunately, US Cellular is keeping the QWERTY clamshell's tradition alive with its appropriately named Genesis. Historically a feature phone, this LG is being reborn as a full-fledged smartphone, complete with Android 2.2, dual 800 x 480 touchscreens and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. You'll find a familiar 3.5-inch display on the front, and a smaller 3.2-inch landscape screen positioned above the keyboard. The Genesis packs a 5 megapixel camera and supports DLNA sharing, though its camcorder only supports VGA resolution -- so you might want to reconsider streaming those videos to the big screen. As an added bonus, the phone serves as a mobile hotspot for up to five devices, though its price may be hard to swallow -- it retails for $249 on contract. Knowing the high cost of nostalgia, who's in on this one?
Sony Ericsson announces new generation of Xperia Mini and Mini Pro smartphones
Sony Ericsson has just outed a brand new pair of compact Xperia smartphones. The new Xperia Mini will run Android Gingerbread (2.3) on a 3-inch, multitouch, scratch-resistant display, which comes with Sony's proprietary Bravia Engine with Reality Display. There's a 1GHz processor inside, access to Android Market, and home screen customization with custom shortcuts available in the four corners of the screen. A 30 percent improvement in battery life is also touted, courtesy of a larger cell. SE is also pretty jolly about having the world's smallest smartphone capable of recording video in 720p HD. You'll be able to grab yours in one of four different colors this August. The new Xperia Mini Pro features the same 1GHz processor, 3-inch display, and 1200mAh battery, but it also adds a front-facing camera and that sliding QWERTY keyboard that made the original X10 Mini Pro such a favorite. The new model is coming at some point in the third quarter of this year. Sony Ericsson's launch presentation is still ongoing, but we'll have more details and hands-on pics as soon as we can. Update: Hands-on pics and impressions can be found right here! %Gallery-122891%
LG Optimus Big brings a 4.3-inch NOVA display and 1GHz dual-core to the superphone party
What's big, mostly white, and set for a Korean launch tomorrow? That's right, the LG Optimus Big! This 4.3-inch whopper, LG's largest handset to date, touts a 1GHz dual-core processor, a slightly skinned Android 2.2 as its OS, HDMI output, a 5 megapixel camera, and 16GB of built-in storage. That spec sheet sounds mighty close to the elder Optimus 2X that launched earlier in the year, though a couple of items have also been borrowed from the still unreleased Optimus Black. They are the NOVA display, which can crank all the way up to 700 nits of brightness, and WiFi Direct, which allows for wireless inter-device communication without the need for an intermediary WiFi access point. This big, delicious spec sandwich is hitting its home market on April 28th, but there's sadly no word on when and where else it might show up. Just keep an eye out for it, shouldn't be that hard to spot.
Samsung releases Droid Charge source code ahead of phone's launch
This isn't right... this isn't right at all. As a possible tip of the hat to enthusiastic coders, or merely a curious oversight, the source code for Verizon's forthcoming Droid Charge has appeared on Samsung's open source portal. Nothing earth-shattering here (as we've known of this 1GHz LTE handset for a while), but we reckon there's a few industrious readers who will appreciate hacking this Droid's software ahead of launch. So if you count yourself among that bunch, follow the source link and type 'SCH-I510' in the search box -- happy coding!
Tenuous rumor pegs iPad 3 CPU as a dual-core 2GHz part
Treat this one as pure speculation, because frankly, that's what it is. A "high-ranking official" at Samsung let slip that the company is "planning to release a 2GHz dual-core CPU-equipped smartphone by next year." This means that Samsung, one of the world's biggest chip manufacturers and a significant Apple supplier, will be pushing out a new, likely ARM-based, 2GHz dual-core processor in the near future. The speculation is that, since Samsung manufactures Apple's A4 and A5 processors, which power the current crop of iDevices (regardless of present litigation), there's potential for a new Apple-branded processor -- the A6 if you like -- based on the 2GHz dual-core chip. The current Cortex-A9-based Apple A5 sports a dual-core 1GHz configuration, so frankly, a 2GHz variant isn't too much of a stretch, but who knows. The iPad 2 clips along at a lightning pace with its current A5; an iPad 3 sporting a dual-core 2GHz chip that has "the data processing capabilities of a regular PC, " is mighty enticing. Just don't mention battery life. [via Yahoo! News]
HTC Desire S review
This time last year, HTC had two Android smartphones for the mainstream: the 3.7-inch Desire, outfitted with the latest and greatest, and the 3.2-inch Legend, which was humbler in specs but offered the novelty of an aluminum unibody construction. After seeing that strategy pay off handsomely, the company's come back in 2011 with a similar proposition. The 4-inch Incredible S is now the higher-end device, while the 3.7-inch Desire S is the smaller, aluminum-shelled handset. What's curious this time, however, is that the Desire S has exactly the same 1GHz Snapdragon inside it, the same graphics, same WVGA resolution, and the same 768MB of RAM as the Incredible S. Throw in the fact it comes with Gingerbread preloaded and a few new tweaks to the Sense UI and you've got to wonder if this might not be the more, um, desirable of HTC's new Android duo. Only one way to find out, right? Full review after the break. %Gallery-120779%%Gallery-120778%
Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother
Whoa there, Mister Clickety-click, contain that check-box excitement just a tick. Thanks to a keen set of eyes (and an overly-eager Sony Ericsson employee), we present SE's latest unreleased Xperia, the Acro -- a refinement to its recent Gingerbread-wielding Arc that you most certainly weren't meant to see. Duplicating the core specs of its sibling, Sony's future stuntman takes it a step further, performing infrared and NFC communication, while also showcasing its DTV reception skills -- you know, so the locals can get their fill of zany game shows on the commute. Like its kin, the Arc features a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255, 4.2-inch display and an 8.1 megapixel Exmor R sensor, just like the one you may or may not see in future iPhones. Even though the TV function is decidedly intriguing, we know you're just considering beaming bits of IrDA glory to your graphing calculator. Hey, there's no shame in that. Update: Based on the model number, we're pretty sure the Acro is destined for KDDI's au brand. [Thanks, Chris]
