f3
Latest
BenQ rejoins the smartphone market with two tepid Android models
Contrary to what the execs told us back in September last year, BenQ has now decided that it should re-enter the smartphone business, and it's done so in Taiwan with two affordable quad-core models: the recently-launched, MediaTek MT6589-powered F3 (pictured left), and the Snapdragon MSM8225Q-powered A3 from early November. Both 1.2GHz devices feature a 4.5-inch 960 x 540 IPS display, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, a 2-megapixel front camera and a similar battery (2,100mAh for the F3 and 2,000mAh for the A3). Apart from the appearance, the main difference between the two is the camera: the higher-end and better-looking F3 has a 13-megapixel f/2.2 main imager with HDR and zero shutter delay, whereas the A3 only has an 8-megapixel counterpart. The F3 is already available in Taiwan for NT$7,990 (about US$270) off-contract, and the A3 goes for NT$5,990 (about US$200). There's no word on global expansion just yet, but hey, BenQ, how about bringing your expertise in luxury lamps to your next smartphone?
LG Optimus F3 coming to Sprint June 14th for $30 on contract
The LG Optimus F3 has now gone public, and it's unsurprisingly on its way to Sprint starting June 14th. For $30 with a two-year contract (after the dreaded $50 mail-in rebate, mind), the device sits on the fence that separates entry-level from mid-range. While the 4-inch (resolution isn't specified, but it's most likely WVGA) smartphone will likely be coveted by Android lovers on a budget, some of its specs are reasonable for those needing a little extra power: it sports Android 4.1, a 2,460mAh battery, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, NFC, LTE, Gorilla Glass 2, a 5MP rear camera and unspecified front-facing cam. TalkBack is also preloaded on the device, which is a voice guidance feature meant to benefit the visually impaired. If this sounds like your dream phone -- or even a handset you wouldn't mind forking $30 and two years of your life to get -- you can order it online in silver or purple, with retail channels receiving inventory later this summer.
LG Optimus F3 for Sprint shows up in deep purple, predicts mild summer
We already saw a rendered image of the LG Optimus F3 break cover. Now we can get slightly better look at the entry-level Android offering, in a purple hue that's reportedly heading to Sprint. There's nothing to suggest any advance on the reported 4-inch WVGA display, 2,460mAh battery and Jelly Bean (4.1.2) specifications. Pretty much the only other aspect to become clear is the textured rear. We're not reading too much into the June 24th date on scree, but if it does turn out to be mostly sunny in Chicago that day, we'll for sure pay more attention next time.
LG Optimus F3 leaks with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean, allegedly headed to Sprint
As was the case with another LG device recently, the Optimus F3 is making an appearance before going official. Today we're getting an early look at what appears to be an entry-level member of the Optimus family, courtesy of @evleaks, and one which will reportedly join Sprint's smartphone lineup pretty soon. Among the alleged specs said are a 4-inch WVGA display, 2,460mAh battery, LTE capabilities and one of the latest versions of Android -- Jelly Bean (4.1.2). Meanwhile, precise availability and pricing deets are still unknown, but, if all goes according to Phone Arena, we'll find all that out here "in the next few weeks."
MOTOFONE F3, the zombie apocalypse survival phone (video)
You can never be too prepared. Whether you're being chased by brain sucking zombies, hunted down by ruthless killer robots, or -- more likely -- the victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster. There's only one phone you really need, and that's the MOTOFONE F3. Forget your smartphone and its fancy pants features, forget the internet -- when the apocalypse strikes your survival might depend on a durable handset with great battery life and just the basics, which is exactly what the MOTOFONE F3 delivers. Introduced in 2006 for developing markets, it makes and takes calls, sends and receives text messages, beeps and vibrates, stores and recalls your most important contacts, and includes an alarm clock -- that's it. Of course, these specs describe almost every simple phone launched since SMS was added to the GSM standard. What makes the MOTOFONE F3 unique is that it uses a segmented e-paper display which sips power and remains legible in both direct sunlight and dark back alleys, along with dual antennae for superior radio performance. Battery life is absolutely incredible, with over 2 weeks in standby and several months powered off. Motorola also designed the handset to be light (68g), thin (9mm) and strong -- it's resistant to shock, dust and moisture, with a sealed keypad and speaker (which is extremely loud). The best part? You can pick one up online, unlocked, for as little as $25. Check out our gallery below, and whatever you do, don't be like our protagonist in the zombie apocalypse video after the break -- don't leave your SIM at home. Psst... yeah, we know this phone's ancient, but every now and then we like to reach back and have a little fun. And, you know, escape a looming zombie horde. %Gallery-131641%
Panasonic clamps down prices, release window for latest F-series line of compact cameras
Panasonic is nothing like shy about pushing out a plethora of compacts, but while it was talking up specs for the new Lumix F-series of compact cameras back at CES, we've just now got some prices and a release date to chew on. The FH1 (12 megapixel, 720p video) goes for $160, FH3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $180, and the FH20 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $200. In slim land, the FP1 (12 megapixel) hits at $150 and the FP3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $230. Finally, some killer value can be found in the bulkier F3, which does 12.1 megapixels and 720p video for a mere $130, and the barebones 10.1 megapixel F2. All of the cameras should be out in mid-February.
Panasonic's CES Lumix sextet leaked: FP and FH models galore
Looks like some Asian website, as Photo Rumors puts it, made a boo-boo and published its Panasonic point-and-shoot a tad early. Specs for six (and press photos for four) Lumix cameras have come to light. Here's what's the gang reportedly found, in a nutshell: the very compact, 14.1-megapixel FP3 has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 4x zoom, shoots 720p 30 frames per second video, and comes in a variety of colors; the FP1 similar in stature but with 12.1 megapixels and a 2.7-inch non-touchscreen LCD instead. The Lumix F3 drops the "very compact" look of the FP1 but is also 12.1 megapixels / 3x zoom, 720p 30fps video, and 2.7-inch LCD. The FH20 has a 14.1 megapixel sensor, 8x zoom, 720p video, and a Venus Engine IV image processor, which is also reportedly claimed by the FH1 (12 megapixels, 5x zoom) and FH3 (14.1 megapixels, 5x zoom). It's just that time of the season, eh?
Motorola: give us the F3
For a site, a writer, and, by and large, a readership more inclined to drool over 5 megapixel cameras, WiFi, and VGA displays, begging Motorola to release its lowly MOTOFONE F3 stateside seems like a sketch move. And don't get us wrong, an F3 is never going to replace your N95, your iPhone, or even your Wireless Coupe. We're merely trying to say this: at its introduction, the F3 was (and still is) an extraordinarily innovative handset that redefines what a low-cost handset can be, and contrary to Motorola's beliefs, we see no reason why Americans shouldn't have access to it.Thanks to the good folks at Wireless Imports for the hookup!%Gallery-7907%
Motorola's CDMA MOTOFONE, the F3c
We knew the MOTOFONE was available in a CDMA flavor, but this is the first we've seen a white one in the flesh. Looks rather strapping, does it not? RIM's not the only one thinking pale phones are the way to go these days.
Low-cost MOTOFONE hits India
We knew Motorola had something (really) skinny up its sleeve way back in July, and after it got the ole thumbs-up from our constituents over at the FCC, we knew a whiz-bang release couldn't be too far out. Thankfully (at least for India), today's the day, and the MOTOFONE will finally find its way into (and surely out of) slim fit pockets everywhere. Moto announced immediate availability of the GSM-based F3 within India today at a dedicated event held in New Delhi, and stated that "international markets" could expect to get their palms on one "in the coming weeks." Furthermore, the CDMA sibling (F3c) is slated to hit shelves "before the end of 2006." While pricing details were cleverly omitted, we're sure they'll surface soon when local carriers jump on the bandwagon.[Via Mobiledia]
Motorola MOTOFONE F3 gets by FCC
The FCC is many things to many people, but for us, it's a library and an informant. In its latter capacity, the agency has scooped literally dozens upon dozens of phones for us; in its former, it serves as one of the most comprehensive sources of mobile phone user's manuals on the 'net. They're putting on their starched, three-piece suits and playing their librarian role this time around, releasing a cornucopia of PDFs relating to Motorola's low-cost MOTOFONE F3. The draft manual is a breath of fresh air for the manual haters among us -- we know who you are -- if it carries through to production in its current form, bearing just 10 (yes, ten) panels of important information on what appears to be a foldable pamphlet. Ultra low-end or not, we have to admit an irrational excitement is building around Engadget HQ to play around with this thing -- especially if the brief documentation suggests it's going to take like 90 seconds to learn.
Hands-on with Motorola MOTOFONE F3
Who knew going back to segmented displays on handsets was such a good idea? No, seriously -- check out the picture, it looks pretty nifty in the flesh. Mobile Burn was equally impressed in their up-close-and-personal look at Moto's MOTOFONE F3, their newest low-cost handset for emerging markets, saying that the screen actually reminded them a lot of an Etch-a-Sketch. With a large text readout and voice prompting, they were equally impressed with the phone's foolproof simplicity, suggesting this might be a great device for the very young and old in, uh, emerged markets as well. We'll reserve final judgment for when we can get our hands on an F3 ourselves, but we'd like to cautiously offer Moto congratulations for getting us unusually worked up over an extremely simple phone.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
