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Rogers to sell HTC Dream, Magic for $199.99 on contract
Canadians have had to wait quite a while to get their first official taste of Android, and even longer to know how much it'd cost, but it looks like that last detail has now finally been cleared up. According to The Boy Genius Report, Rogers will be asking the ever popular $199.99 for both the HTC Dream and HTC Magic on a three-year contract when they launch on June 2nd, or a hefty $649.99 off-contract. As Boy Genius points out, that's actually $100 more than the previously rumored off-contract price, which briefly spurred talk of a too-good-to-be-true $149.99 on-contract price.
Video: GP2X emulation goes down on T-Mobile G1
We never really pegged the HTC-sourced T-Mobile G1 as a hardcore gaming handheld, but obviously it handles the stresses of Ghosts 'N Goblins and Samurai Showdown admirably. Have a peek at a "pre-alpha" demonstration video just past the break, and feel free to let your hopes and expectations reach new heights.
Rogers nabs HTC Dream and HTC Magic for Canada's first look at Android
Rogers is launching both the HTC Dream and the HTC Magic in June of this year, snapping a "cold spell" of Android-lessness up north. The phones will Rogers exclusives in Canada, and it's one of the first spots we've heard of -- other than the fairly inevitable T-Mobile USA -- to be getting the elusive HTC Magic outside of Vodafone. Otherwise details are scarce, but Rogers promises more information soon, and has an online countdown for "the revolution" on June 2nd. How polite.
BlackBerry Curve 83XX overtakes iPhone 3G in US smartphone rankings
The handset might've been surpassed in functionality and looks by its Curve 8900 successor, but nothing's got an edge on the BlackBerry Curve 83XX series in smartphone sales. According to NPD, the handset overtook the erstwhile champ iPhone 3G in the category for the first quarter of 2009, while BlackBerry's own Storm and Pearl handsets took the third and fourth slots, with the T-Mobile G1 rounding out the ranks in fifth place. Overall the smartphone market has grown from 17 percent of handset sales in Q1 2008 to 23 percent in Q1 2009. Compared to the previous quarter, RIM's gained a whopping 15 percent share of the US market -- owning nearly half of the entire scene -- while Apple and Palm both dropped 10 percent as they prep for their heroic mid-year launches.
T-Mobile Germany website indicates May launch for Cupcake
It's not exactly a huge surprise considering that the Cupcake-powered HTC Magic is confirmed to be coming out May 5th, but T-Mobile Germany's website now looks to have also confirmed that the Cupcake update itself will also be rolling out to G1 users sometime the same month -- in Germany, at least. That'll of course bring with it the much-desired on-screen keyboard, along with video recording, stereo Bluetooth support, and some new integration with Picasa and YouTube, among other fixes and additions. As you can see above, the update will "skillfully" install itself on your G1 as soon as it's available, so you needn't do anything except go on about your daily business in the meantime, or check the interwebs furiously for a means of jumping the cue.[Via Talk Android]
Forknife the G1-controlled robot is back, and he's brought friends
The gang over at Surveyor Robotics have introduced SRV-1 Console, an open source Android app for operating robots based on the company's camera board and firmware. Using the G1's WiFi capabilities, the operator can access a live video feed from the robot and control the device using the handset's touchscreen and accelerometer. So far the app's been demonstrated with several robots, including the SRV-1 Blackfin, the YARB Robotic Blimp, and last but not least, our old friend Forknife. We have all the robots in action via Youtube video after the break.[Via Linux Devices]
Optus' HTC Dream spotted, photographed passionately
Low light, candles in the corner -- seriously folks, these shots are downright sultry. Optus' HTC G1, er, Dream has been spotted and photographed in some random corner of the world, and while it basically looks like every other G1 you've ever seen in this hue, we're absolutely certain that Australians in attendance are more than happy to have a look. You know where to head for the rest. [Thanks, Tom]
Switched On: The "phonetastic four" versus Windows Mobile
Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Barring any disruptive portfolio shifts prior to its introduction, the Palm Pre will complete a new competitive handset dynamic that began with the introduction of the iPhone. Each of the four major U.S. mobile operators will be emphasizing a capacitive touchscreen smartphone. Curiously, none come from any of the top five global phone manufacturers. And even more curiously, each will be powered by a different operating system as the Pre at Sprint jockeys with the iPhone at AT&T, the BlackBerry Storm at Verizon Wireless, and the T-Mobile G1. These signature handsets go beyond exclusives or even strong identification with the service provider. They bear the burden of attracting consumers looking for the coolest phone experience or at least minimizing the impact of the other signature handsets. In return, carriers lavish marketing dollars on them. Their role exemplifies a transformation of the market from the days when the RAZR was every carrier's "it" phone and operators competed on their particular shade of pink . The carriers' selection of their signature handsets must be disappointing to Microsoft, which cannot claim a Windows Mobile device among them. Indeed, the single mobile operator Microsoft highlighted at Mobile World Congress as being an exceptional partner was France's Orange. It's not as if an operating system must be exclusive to the device as there are other BlackBerrys out there (although, as Verizon Wireless tirelessly notes, the Storm is the first touchscreen BlackBerry). And it is only an accident in time that has made the G1 the exclusive Android handset. It certainly isn't about application support as incredibly all of the current signature handsets will have debuted without extensive third-party programs available. Regardless, though, and despite efforts by HTC, Sony Ericsson and Samsung to skin Windows Mobile as well as Microsoft's own improvements in Windows Mobile 6.1, there is a perceived cachet to these four signature phones that the best Windows Mobile devices are not yet delivering.
Google warms to location-based apps with My Tracks, new Gmail signatures
As if the addition of TeleNav GPS to the T-Mobile G1 wasn't evidence enough, Google is totally into exploiting the GPS capabilities of its Android-based handsets. First up is My Tracks, which quite simply "records tracks of outdoor activities using the phone's built-in GPS." From there, it shows the data points on a map and presents live statistics (which even includes an elevation profile); obviously, sharing said routes is a lesson in simplicity thanks to Google Maps and Google Docs. Next up are location-based Gmail signatures, which oddly enough, use your IP address in order to append a current location to your sent emails. Granted, this approach is better than nothing, but there's certainly the chance of it missing your real whereabouts by a town or three. At any rate, feel free to dig into both in the read links below.Read - Google My TracksRead - Location-based Gmail signatures
RC33 G1 firmware update gets detailed in full
We've already heard of one big new feature included in the RC33 firmware update for the G1, but with the update now trickling out into the wild, we've finally got the complete rundown of what's been added and fixed. Leading the list of additions is the ability to check for software updates, and receive automatic updates in the Android Market when an updated application is available. You'll also now be able to take advantage of Google Voice Search, save pictures received as MMS, and report comments in the Market as spam when you see fit. The update also apparently fixes some messaging stability issues, as well as a problem with a lack of reminders on calendar items, and a pesky issue that caused some G1s to hang at the G1 screen. Hit up the link below for the complete breakdown, and keep an eye on your handset for the over-the-air update.
T-Mobile G1 firmware RC33 (also known as "not Cupcake") trickles into reality
Odds are there's not a lot of point in checking your own G1 for the update at this point -- it's just in the hands of a select few so far -- but T-Mobile has confirmed that firmware 1.1 / RC33 is just around the corner with some unspecified pre-Cupcake features and fixes in the mix. At this point, at least one inordinately lucky recipient has reported that the phone now supports Google voice search like we've seen on other platforms; don't get us wrong, that's cool and all, but we're still waiting for our virtual keyboard. 'Bout ready to go whip up some batter and bake it ourselves, if you know what we're saying.[Via TmoNews]
Rogue Android app said to be wiping G1 user data
PSA: you should probably cancel that MemoryUp Personal download from the Android Market. Like, right now. According to legions of T-Mobile G1 users who gave the program a go, it's pretty much an abject disaster. The app bills itself as being "a handy memory optimizer tool that will keep your Android smartphone running faster and efficiently," but more than a few users have reported that it actually wipes oodles of precious data instead. Reports ranging from cleared SD cards to completely erased contact lists have appeared time and time again, with many straight-up calling it a scam. We're not looking for Apple-like safeguards on the store or anything, but maybe a test or two before letting this thing fly would've been nice, no?
Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes
It's hard to tell from the absolutely riveting two minute and seven second video (hosted up after the break, just so you know), but somehow or another, the gurus at Macpod Software managed to get a T-Mobile G1 to control a robot. Actually, the code used to pull it off is hosted up for download, but a fair bit of robotics knowledge is necessary to pull it all together. The best part? Forknife just loves cupcakes -- sorry, we couldn't resist.[Thanks, Corey]
Seidio's oversized G1 battery is bursting with juice and joy
We're not particularly fond of over-sized battery covers in general; your average smartphone is chubby enough. That said, some handsets need more help than others in the longevity department and, given that we found the G1's battery life to be about a third that of the iPhone's in our review, it certainly falls in the "more help" camp. Seidio's Innocell 2600mAh replacement does the trick, offering more than twice the oomph of the stock 1150mAh cell, but it also resulting in a considerable bump in the chubbiness of a phone that wasn't particularly slender to begin with. Suffice it to say if you're still bummed about the G1's chin rubbing you the wrong way in your pocket this won't be the upgrade for you, but if your little Android stays constantly tethered to your laptop just to keep kicking, this might be $55 well spent. [Via CrunchGear]
Video: coder whips up working multitouch demonstration on T-Mobile G1
Ryan Gardner did wonders when he proved that multitouch was a real possibility on the G1, and now Sir Luke Hutch has taken things one giant leap further. Put simply (or as simply as possible), he has figured out a way to demonstrate full working multitouch on a stock T-Mobile G1, and he even provides the video to prove it and a list of instructions for developers to follow suit. For those just casually interested, the vid after the break is apt to be enough to get your saliva flowing, but for the hardcore data snoopers in the crowd, the incredibly lengthy read link is where it's at. Go where you must -- it's like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but for nerds.[Via Phandroid, thanks Rob and Keyan]
Most supreme smartphone for under $200 on contract?
We've got a whopper this week over at Classic's Ask Engadget, and we're soliciting your help. Real simple: what's the best smartphone available for under $200 on contract? And... go!
Ask Engadget: Best current smartphone for under $200?
It's 2009, folks, so we figured we'd start it off with a bang (and about a gazillion comments in this post). George, a proud member of the USMC, is pondering what to do about a new smartphone, and given that your New Year's resolution was undoubtedly to ditch your dumbphone in favor of a more sophisticated model, you'll probably be interested as well. "I am currently in the market for a new carrier and phone. I have Verizon now, but I am not all that happy with its service in my area. With the release of all the high end phones nowadays, one could get easily lost in the details. I currently have the LG Voyager; I like the phone, but I feel trapped and can't do much with it unless I pay for every little thing. I would like a mobile with WiFi, camera (with flash if possible), touchscreen, etc. I would like to stay under $200 with a 2-year contract. Any advice would be wonderful." It's tough, ain't it George? There's the G1, iPhone 3G, Bold, Storm -- the list rolls on. So, let's spark up a sane, intelligent conversation on the pros and cons of each, all while remembering that our ideal handset sadly didn't arrive in time for Christmas. Interested in getting your own inquiry up in here? Send one over to ask at engadget dawt com.
Inelegant hack connects T-Mobile G1 to iPod dock
Come to think of it, this mod wouldn't even be necessary (though, we suppose it would still be useful) had HTC bothered to put a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack on the T-Mobile G1, but alas, we're stuck with some random ExtUSB port. In order to make that output jack compatible with the litany of iPod peripherals (namely sound systems), the modders over at WebNetta figured out what pins linked to what in order to connect the G1 to Made for iPod gear. Best of all, the secrets of the connections are all spilled out in the read link should you care to try this yourself, but please, tidy things up a bit if you do.
Editorial: All I wanted this year was the best smartphone ever
This year, all I really wanted for the holidays was the perfect smartphone. Not too much to ask for, right? You'd think, but all I ended up with was constant swapping between 3 (or more) devices, hoping to find some balance of features that worked for me. Instead of one "go to" phone, I juggled the iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1, and BlackBerry Bold for the last few months, desperately wishing I could merge them into one perfect device. I shall now break down my hopes for the upcoming year, with a prayer in my little old heart that manufacturers are listening.
HTC expects to move over one million G1 handsets in 2008, party hard in 2009
Given just how awesome HTC's most previous quarterly results were, we don't blame it for being a tad optimistic about overall G1 sales. CEO Peter Chou was quoted as saying that the G1 should sell just over a million units this year, with the second Android-powered handset coming in Q1 2009 at the "earliest." Interestingly, the report also stated that HTC was hard at work on its third Google-infused mobile, which isn't at all mind-blowing considering that we're talking about a phone company that has to make new phones in order to stay afloat.[Via mocoNews]
