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Refresh Roundup: week of August 6th, 2012
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. 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 we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Smozzy dodges T-Mobile data plans, delivers mobile web over text
Paying for your mobile internet data can be such a drag on the wallet. Luckily, there are Android apps like Smozzy that'll get you away from the pricey tiers, and onto the information superhighway via text -- no data plan required. You'll have to be a member of the Magenta brigade to use it, and you'll need an unlimited messaging plan, but after that, it should be smooth sailing and a little bit of extra wait time. So far, the well-reviewed app is still wearing its beta tag, and has only been tested on the Nexus S and T-Mobile G2. But don't let a little wireless experimentation stop you from enjoying the loophole-exploiting internet access. Something tells us this workaround might not be available for long. Hit up the source link below to test drive the SMS'd net for yourself.
T-Mobile working to solve G2 battery life concerns, needs your help
T-Mobile wants YOU... to help them figure out your phone's recent battery life troubles. If you own a G2, there's a slight possibility you've noticed your prized mobile possession hasn't been up to snuff over the last week or so. Is it feeling overworked? It's got a lot of stress bogging it down? Or maybe it's just downright depressed? Sadly, the carrier doesn't have the fuzziest idea of what's going on either, so it's turning to the best resource it has: its customers. If your G2 is lucky enough to be in this "small group" of affected users, you've been given the green light to share your feedback. Though this is happening (coincidentally) at the same time as the phone's monumental update to Gingerbread, it turns out a healthy portion of sufferers haven't actually made the jump up yet. So head on over to offer your two cents -- if one person can make a difference, several hundred should definitely do the trick.
T-Mobile G2 gets its turn for Gingerbread, OTA rolling out now
The T-Mobile G2x was the attention-hoarder this week by getting Gingerbread, but where's the love for its older brother? After all, the G2 seemed to be left for dead as HTC's promise of a Q2 refresh was broken with nary a peep from the manufacturer. No need to feel nervous any longer, folks, as Android 2.3 is now rolling out as an OTA download. In addition to Gingerbread, the listed update will include WiFi improvements, SMS and email notification enhancements, Google Books, and a few cosmetic UI changes. The rollout process will run its course over the coming weeks, so you'll need to exercise just a wee bit more patience here. At least the G2 isn't falling into the depths of obsolescence yet; but for future reference, T-Mobile, please text us when you're running a bit late.
T-Mobile G2 quietly discontinued, Z-Hinge's future remains unclear
We'd had some indication that the T-Mobile G2 was nearing end of life status, and it looks like that inevitable milestone has already come to pass. According to TmoNews, the HTC-built device was officially discontinued by T-Mobile on June 6th, no doubt in an effort to make a bit a bit of room in the carrier's QWERTY slider lineup for the likes of the MyTouch 4G Slide. Of course, existing G2 users do still have some good news to look forward to -- namely, a Gingerbread upgrade that should breath a bit of new life into their crazy-hinged handset.
T-Mobile G2 not long for this world, per leaked document
We'd like to think that good phones -- like soldiers -- don't die, they just fade away, solemn and proud, with a faint tear rolling down the cameraside cheek. This appears to be the case for T-Mobile's G2, which seems content to quietly disappear as younger and fresher handsets are prepped to take its place in the near future. It's no longer anywhere to be found on the carrier's site, and a leaked document (shown above) has surfaced that mentions the phone's inevitable demise. If the G2 is truly nearing EOL status, we suspect T-Mobile is ditching it to make room for newer QWERTY Android phones like the MyTouch 4G Slide. Regardless, if you have any inkling to get the G2 before it completes the path to obscurity, now would be an ideal time to lace up the running shoes.
Netflix releases Android app for select HTC phones, Samsung Nexus S
Well, it looks like the LG Revolution won't be the first Android phone to get Netflix after all. The app has just hit the Android Market and is currently available for the HTC Incredible, Nexus One, Evo 4G, and G2, plus the Samsung Nexus S. As you might expect, there's not a lot of surprises in terms of functionality -- you can resume watching where you left off on your TV or computer, and the app will allow you to manage your instant queue in addition to letting you simply browse movies. On its official blog, Netflix explains that while the app is currently limited to phones with "requisite playback support," it anticipates that many of the "technical challenges will be resolved in the coming months," and that it will be able to "provide a Netflix application that will work on a large majority of Android phones." That's some curious wording, to be sure, and a notable change from earlier talk that suggested only certain Qualcomm processors would support the necessary DRM for Netflix. Also not supported at the moment: Canada. If none of that precludes you, however, you can hit up the Android Market link below to try it out for yourself. In other Netflix news, the company has also rolled out a little gift for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users -- the iOS app now finally boasts support for subtitles. %Gallery-123546% [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC says Gingerbread coming to T-Mobile's G2, exactly when remains a mystery
We wouldn't blame you if you'd snatched up T-Mobile's G2 citing quick Android upgrades as motivation. Given HTC's reputation and the phone's nearly stock build, a timely Gingerbread release seemed likely following the introduction of the halo device. In a cruel maneuver only bound to heighten anticipation, an HTC spokesperson confirmed with Computer World that Google's spicy treat is coming to G2 owners -- just not quite yet. We're told to expect the update this quarter (which means anytime between today and June), and while readers were rather accepting of some upgrade latency in our "How would you change..." segment from December, we're well aware of the growing clamor. The manufacturer wasn't specific on version numbers, so we're left hoping this great wait brings the 2.4 variant of Gingerbread. It never hurts to be optimistic, right?
Visualized: the HTC keyboard slider family
Clockwise from the top left, that's the Sprint Arrive, the likely-for-Verizon Merge, the Sprint Evo Shift 4G, and the T-Mobile G2. If we had to rate them, we'd say the Arrive has the best key feel, followed by the Merge, the Evo Shift, and finally the cramped G2 -- although the super cheap-feeling hinge on the Evo Shift knocks off several points. We'd also say the physical keys on the G2 feel better than the mushy keys on the Merge, but the G2's cramped layout doesn't do it any favors. In any event, picking one of these is a pretty great problem to have, don't you think?
T-Mobile bumps myTouch 4G, G2 prices to $250
It started as a leak on TmoNews earlier today, and T-Mobile's now made it official -- the carrier is bumping the prices of both the T-Mobile G2 and MyTouch 4G from $200 to $250 on a two-year contract (with no mail-in rebate). That, of course, follows the T-Mobile's little "mistake" last week with its pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G, which was first listed at $150 before being changed to $200 a few days later. A number of other more inexpensive phones have also seen some minor prices changes -- hit up the link below for the complete rundown on those.
T-Mobile G2 free on contract for a limited time, Android buyers have never had it so good
Want one of the best Android handsets around, equipped with a dandy keyboard and some pseudo-4G internet connectivity? Taking the leap into Google's mobile world just became that little bit easier as T-Mobile has decided to strip off the last remaining $50 on its G2 contract price and set it loose for free on two-year deals. This will be a quite familiar sight to our European readers, but premier Android handsets rarely, if ever, occupy such sweet price points in the US. Let's hope it's a harbinger of happy things to come. [Thanks, Dani S] Update: This pricing is only valid between now and January 20th, so if you want in, better do it soon.
HTC Media Link DLNA streamer review
Apple's AirPlay might be getting all the attention lately but it's hardly the first solution for wirelessly streaming media to the television. Far from it. In 2003, the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) formed with its first set of interoperable products hitting the market in 2004. Since then, the alliance has certified thousands of products supported by more than 245 member companies, 29 of whom are listed as "promoter members" including such heavyweights as Sony, Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Verizon, AT&T Lab, LG, Qualcomm, Cisco, Microsoft, Panasonic, Intel, HP, and Motorola. Pretty much everyone but Apple. Recently, HTC joined the DLNA ranks with the introduction of two smartphones -- the Desire Z and Desire HD -- and a tiny media streamer known as the HTC Media Link, HTC's first attempt to gain a foothold in the living room. Over the last week we've been testing the Desire Z (a Eurofied T-Mobile G2) with the Media Link, lazily streaming video, music, and images around the house using a myriad of sources and controllers from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Western Digital. How did it perform? Click through to find out. %Gallery-112218%
How would you change the T-Mobile G2?
Outside of the Nexus One (and recently-launched Nexus S, of course), T-Mobile's G2 is about as close as one can get to stock build of Android. 'Course, it's now a point release behind Gingerbread, but we're hoping that'll be remedied in short order. Outside of that, we're curious to know how you'd change the slip-sliding Android phone if given the schematics and the ability to start over from scratch. By and large, we felt that HTC nailed the design, but of course, everyone's capable of seeing things in a slightly different light. What would you tweak about the G2 if given the choice? Change up the keyboard? Offer it on AT&T or a CDMA carrier? Throw in a row of LEDs along the left edge, just for kicks? All (reasonable) ideas are welcome in comments below -- you never know who'll be tuning in.
T-Mobile drops the G2 to $50 on contract, really wants you to buy one
Pretty self-explanatory really: the T-Mobile G2 is now available to buy for a measly 50 greenbacks from its carrier's online store. It's a web-only deal, but it's sweetened by free overnight delivery for anyone ordering before the 20th of December. So, $50 and two years of your wireless freedom in exchange for a phone capable of exploiting T-Mobile's HSPA+ network and offering an almost stock Android experience? Decisions, decisions.
HTC Desire Z review
HTC's come a long way since its first ever portrait QWERTY slider phone Blue Angel (O2 xda IIs, Vodafone v1620, Sprint PPC6600, etc.) circa 2004, the legacy of which is carried by the TyTN, Touch Pro, G1, myTouch 3G Slide, and many more sliders albeit in landscape form. The cumulative phone-building expertise leads us to the Desire Z, which is probably better known as the European alter ego of the T-Mobile G2 (which we've already reviewed). The difference? As far as hardware goes, the two Androids are practically identical twins; but for software, the AWS-free Desire Z comes tattooed with HTC's Sense UI, and packs a handful of extra goodies. So will this phone trump its American cousin? Read on to find out. %Gallery-106469%
Windows Phone 7 beats iPhone 4 and Android ... in a grilling contest (video)
Let's face it, it's a question the world's been dying to know the answer to: which of the T-Mobile G2, HTC Surround and iPhone 4 will withstand a (literal) grilling the longest? Well, just in time for a mildly singed breakfast today, we have the answer. As you might have surmised from the title, HTC's WP7-equipped Surround showed the most endurance, though in the end it too cashed out its Earthly credits and moved on to that great scrapyard in the sky. Video of its final moments awaits after the break.
T-Mobile won't confirm the G2 OTA update, says it's working to deliver WiFi calling and tethering 'in the future'
We're still not sure what's up with the few reports of G2s receiving OTA updates that add WiFi calling and native hotspot support, but T-Mobile isn't fessing up to them just yet. In a statement issued to Phone Scoop, T-Mobile said that these features "are not currently supported" on the handset, although T-Mobile thankfully added that it "knows these features are important to consumers and we're working to deliver them to G2 users in the future." It's hard to tell if that means an update is just minutes away from widespread distribution, or if we've still got weeks or months to wait for these features. Familiar story?
T-Mobile G2 getting an OTA update to add WiFi calling and tethering?
It almost sounds too good to be true, but apparently some G2s are getting an official (if stealthy) OTA update from T-Mobile that adds the inexplicably withheld Android 2.2 native internet tethering back into the phone, along with the UMA WiFi calling T-Mobile plans to offer on all of its forthcoming Android handsets. What's not to love? Well, so far our G2 hasn't been offered the update, which is, like, totally unfair. Also, if you've been messing around with a "soft root" on your G2, you'll probably want to hold off for now. Still, if this is legit and meant for the masses it's a pretty major score for current and prospective G2 owners: WiFi calling is basically a beautiful dream short of a desirable handset, and of course tethering is becoming a requirement in this Android-age.
T-Mobile G2 review
It's been a long road to the T-Mobile G2 (and this review). Just two years ago, Android made its entrance into the smartphone market with the G1, a partnership with the fourth-place carrier, and a lot of promises about keeping things open. Since then we've seen the likes of the Droid family, Google's Nexus One, and the powerhouses that are the Samsung Galaxy S line -- to name a few. Yes, the Android landscape has become more than just a little crowded. But of those many, there are few who leap beyond what we've come to expect from the Google-backed enterprise into the realm of the top tier. For all the Android devices you can purchase, only a few rise above the noise. At a glance, the G2 looks like one of those handsets -- designed and manufactured by HTC (and known as the Desire Z in Europe), outfitted with a (nearly) stock build of Android 2.2, and equipped with T-Mobile's new HSPA+, which the carrier claims can offer network speeds nearly equivalent to 4G. So is the G2 the sum of its parts -- the pure Android experience you've been waiting for -- or does it fall short of the hype? Find out below in the full Engadget review! %Gallery-104433%
T-Mobile G2 said to have 'hardware rootkit' that restricts modifications (update: confirmed)
Say it with us now: "Here we go again." Just months after a particular eFuse predicament left legions of Droid X owners fuming, it seems that an all-too-familiar scenario is presenting itself to the earliest of T-Mobile G2 buyers. As the story goes, there's a problematic microchip embedded into the handset which "prevents device owners from making permanent changes that allow custom modifications to the Android operating system." That's according to a lengthy New America report on the issue, which outright proclaims that a hardware rootkit "restricts modifications to a device owned by the user." In other words, if you install some fishy (or not fishy, for that matter) third party ROM, the phone is capable of overriding your software changes and reinstalling the original firmware -- makes perfect sense considering how earlier roots were "vanishing" post-reboot. Needless to say, this isn't exactly going over well with the tinkering community, and a 40+ page thread has already exploded over at xda developers. The silver lining isn't tough to spot, though -- chances are someone with ample time and sufficient coding skills will be able to circumvent this nonsense by the time the G2 actually finds its way back into stock. Update: And now T-Mobile confirms our worst fears. If you're looking to root, you best look elsewhere. Here's the full statement from the carrier: "As pioneers in Android-powered mobile devices, T-Mobile and HTC strive to support innovation. The T-Mobile G2 is a powerful and highly customizable Android-powered smartphone, which customers can personalize and make their own, from the look of their home screen to adding their favorite applications and more. The HTC software implementation on the G2 stores some components in read-only memory as a security measure to prevent key operating system software from becoming corrupted and rendering the device inoperable. There is a small subset of highly technical users who may want to modify and re-engineer their devices at the code level, known as "rooting," but a side effect of HTC's security measure is that these modifications are temporary and cannot be saved to permanent memory. As a result the original code is restored."
