Android2.3.3
Latest
Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video)
It was only hours ago when Nikon officially unveiled the Coolpix S800c, but we've already laid our hands on this eccentric device. As you've probably already heard, the main selling point here is that said "smart camera" is powered by a slick (and near-vanilla) Android 2.3.3 with Google services, so with the built-in WiFi, you can upload your 16-megapixel images or 1080p videos straight to your various social networks or other cloud services. Or you can, if you're in the mood, just play Angry Birds on the S800c, but that 1,050mAh battery might not be ideal for prolonged entertainment. Sadly, we weren't allowed to share any images taken with the demo units (sorry, usual Nikon protocol), but what we can tell you is that both the camera's speed and quality weren't bad at all, and likewise with the 3.5-inch 854 x 480 OLED multitouch display -- the high pixel density makes the PenTile arrangement more forgivable. The most interesting thing we discovered was that it seems the camera part of the S800c can run independently from Android while the latter is still booting up. You see, rather than letting the device stay on standby like most other Android devices, Nikon uses a shut-down timer that activates once Android goes on standby. When the camera's completely switched off, hit the power button and you'll go straight into camera mode which lets you shoot immediately, then about half a minute later the interface seamlessly goes back to smart mode, which is when you can hit the back or home button to toggle the Android unlock screen (though we'd rather go straight into the home screen). This cunning trick would probably explain why we couldn't get any internal hardware detail from the few benchmark tools we installed, but we did squeeze out a score of 614 in Vellamo -- detailed breakdown in the gallery below. Anyhow, you can see the camera in action in the video after the break. The Nikon Coolpix S800c will be available next month for $350 in the US and £379 in the UK. As always, stay tuned for our review. Update: Nikon's released some sample shots. Take a look. %Gallery-163105%
Richard Lai08.22.2012
T-Mobile G2x gets its Gingerbread on (again), hopes it sticks
The G2x just can't seem to quit Gingerbread. After a series of upgrade starts and stops, LG is once again offering an OTA software upgrade for this pure Google experience device. The update started rolling out to handsets yesterday, but those impatient to part with FroYo can always opt for a manual install via the company's site. If you'll recall, the one-time T-Mobile flagship's woes began shortly after its launch, when complaints of random reboots, overheating and poor battery life overtook dedicated forums. Yet despite promises that Android 2.3 would hit "soon" to address these issues, frustrated owners were instead treated to an on again / off again melodrama of scheduled releases. Now, as we totter on the brink of 2012 and an Ice Cream Sandwich future, this drawn-out saga appears to be reaching some form of closure.
Joseph Volpe12.06.2011
Pantech Breakout review
That pool looks cool and refreshing, and all of the kids are having the time of their lives. Problem is, it's in an exclusive club, leaving you to stare at it longingly from the opposite side of a chainlink fence. We know the feeling, and it ain't fun -- yet, the state of LTE in the US over the last year has had just a pinch of elitism due to its high cost of entry and exclusion from most rural areas. Devices running on the near-miraculous speeds haven't exactly been cheap, with handsets like the Samsung Droid Charge and Motorola Droid Bionic at an asking price of $250 to $300 on contract. Needless to say, lots of customers have felt the underlying feeling of inadequacy because their wallets may come up a Benjamin or two short. The Pantech Breakout is the fifth phone in Verizon's LTE lineup, and the first clear departure from the piggy bank-busting prices that its predecessors command. With Big Red boasting a 4G lineup full of monotonous 4.3-inch behemoths, we've been anxiously awaiting something different. Something -- anything -- that could likely appease a different set of customers eager to take advantage of this speedy network. The 4-inch Breakout certainly is capable of appealing to a wider demographic, but with an uncharacteristically low $100 price tag with a two-year commitment, does it ooze cheapness or is it a fair bargain? Follow us after the break to find out. %Gallery-135265%
Brad Molen10.03.2011
LG Marquee for Sprint hands-on (video)
Sprint shone some light on the latest mystery handset from LG earlier today -- and what a bright light it is indeed. The Marquee's four-inch NOVA display is one of the brightest on the market -- it's a sort "we can't technically say it's the brightest, but it's certainly up there" situation. Screen aside, this is a slick and skinny Gingerbread handset. It's got a large display, but it feels nice in the hand. There's a 1GHz processor inside, so it's certainly not the most powerful phone we seen, but it felt quite zippy during our time with it. The carrier will be offering the phone up for pre-sale on September 20th -- those who get in early will start receiving their phones on September 29th. Everyone else will have to wait for October 2nd. The handset will run $100 with a two-year contract. Check out a hands-on video after the jump.%Gallery-133816%
Brian Heater09.14.2011
Refresh Roundup: week of August 29, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. 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 from 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! Official Android updates The biggest update we saw this week was a widespread push of Android 2.3.3 to the Motorola Droid 2. This one is done OTA, so simply go into your settings menu and check for updates to see if it's there. (thanks to everyone who sent this in) While we saw a rollout of Android 2.3 to a select few LG Optimus Ones in June, we're hearing reports that the update's now getting pushed out again to a few more regions. This refresh must be done manually through LG's updater tool, so you'll definitely want to check to see if your phone is one of the lucky recipients. [via PocketNow] US Cellular took to its Facebook Page to let customers know it's working on revamping the Samsung Mesmerize to Gingerbread at some point, though no official date or timeframe was given aside from "as soon as possible." [via AndroidCentral] HTC announced the arrival of Android 2.3 for the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible this month, via its Facebook page. [via AndroidCommunity] In fact, some users have already reported getting Gingerbread for the Incredible, and we suspect the rollout will be complete no later than the end of the month, to fulfill the company's promise. [via Phandroid] Gingerbread is in the plans for the Motorola Milestone 2, and according to the company the refresh will begin rolling out in early Q4. [via MyDailyGadget] The Samsung LC11 LTE mobile hotspot is getting a new build, EF07, that appears to improve its handling of multiple devices and congested WiFi locations. It also adds security patches and new protocols. [via Verizon] An update for the Droid 3 was apparently available to soak testers and leaked online, but was pulled from Motorola servers shortly thereafter. It appears to add video chat support in GTalk and adds a new radio that's supposed to save battery life. The via link still has the update available for anyone interested. [via Droid-Life] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery The root method used on most Motorola Android devices has been employed to root the Droid Bionic before it's even been released. [via Droid-Life] LG has released the kernel source for its Gingerbread build of the Optimus S. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC Dev site expanded its support for the bootloader unlock tool this week, now encompassing all versions of the Sensation -- including T-Mobile's. [via AndroidCentral] Other platforms SPB Shell 3.0 is now available for Symbian^3 devices. It brings a fresh 3D-style UI to the OS, and can be yours for $15. [via IntoMobile] Updates already covered this week HP planning TouchPad OTA update for added functionality HTC Flyer Honeycomb ROM leaks Samsung Nexus S updated to 2.3.6, fixes voice search and breaks tethering
Brad Molen09.04.2011
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. 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 from 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! Official Android updates The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed] Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company's fancy new dev site. Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved "device reboots." Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews] If you're using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you'll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It'll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup] The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that's Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral] Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It's a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral] HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life] In time for today's launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it -- you'll know what to do after that. [via Android Police] For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it's supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed] Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery This was fast -- the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life] The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you're interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips] We've seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an "official" update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It's been told that this is not yet the final build, so it's bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral] Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]
Brad Molen08.21.2011
Samsung Galaxy S Plus gets placed in loving hands, photographed for all to see
Just because the Samsung Galaxy S II is selling in the millions and (slowly) making the rounds across the globe, doesn't mean we're actually done seeing its predecessor pop up in its myriad forms, right? We've already been introduced to the Galaxy S Plus -- known to Russia as the Galaxy S 2011 edition -- on more than one occasion, but some hands-on images and impressions have finally made their way to the 'net. The Plus, which appears to be launching as a Vodafone exclusive, has the same specs as originally reported: it has the faster 1.4GHz single-core CPU (which is supposedly just a tad slower than the GSII), the larger 1650mAh battery, and it's preloaded with Android 2.3.3. This might be tempting for anyone considering a Galaxy R, but it's likely not going to turn the heads of potential Galaxy S II buyers. For possible salivation, take a gander at TechRadar's full gallery below. %Gallery-130443%
Brad Molen08.11.2011
LG Optimus Sol gets a healthy dose of hands-on treatment
A phone known as the LG E730 made it through the clutches of the FCC three weeks ago, but little information could be discerned from the filings. Turns out we didn't have to wait terribly long for the big question mark to be erased, as German site BestBoyz was able to procure a pre-production unit of the E730, codenamed "Victor," and now known as the LG Optimus Sol. It's an Android 2.3.3 phone with a 1GHz CPU and 3.8-inch WVGA AMOLED display, and looks ready for a debut with Vodafone. Oh, and it'll come in silver and black and will retail for roughly $420. Need more quality time with the fresh device? Great news -- there's a video after the break.
Brad Molen08.11.2011
HTC Desire Gingerbread update available, excludes US and comes with long list of caveats
First off, if you own the North American variant of this handset then you're out of luck. Likewise, Japanese, South Korean and some German handsets are also excluded. Still here? Okay then, but you might not like what comes next. We already knew that either the Sense UI or some pre-installed apps would be cleared out to make room in the Gingerbread house, but now it seems the update is so unstable that HTC is only prepared to release it as a ROM via its developer site. That means a factory reset of your device, a bunch of worries about SMS and MMS not working properly, and a cold disclaimer in the event of things going wrong. Still, at least HTC gave (some of) us the choice. Visit the source link below for deliberately spooky instructions. [Thanks to everybody who sent this in]
Sharif Sakr08.01.2011
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.
Brad Molen07.28.2011
T-Mobile G2x sheds 'out of stock' badge, immediately goes on sale
All of your G2x-toting friends are gleefully downloading the long-awaited Gingerbread update, while you sulk in the corner because they've been out of stock for over two months. Time to don that party hat, Sir Frowny, because it's now your turn to share in the joy and have the last laugh. T-Mobile's online store not only has the G2x in stock, they're free -- at least until Thursday, that is. The price tag seems to be a generous olive branch extended by the carrier for those who've been immeasurably patient in buying the fanciful device. Sure, you may be a tad late to the celebration, but think of it instead as making a grand entrance.
Brad Molen07.26.2011
Gingerbread comes to T-Mobile G2x, users feel loved again
Dost our eyes deceive us, or are genuine, bona fide Gingerbread updates for the T-Mobile G2x taking to the airwaves? We're inclined to believe the latter, since the T-Mobile support site announced that the OTA download is now underway. The rollout begins less than a day after the refresh became available as a manual install via the LG Updater Tool. As if this isn't enough proof already, our inboxes have been flooded by G2x users who've personally witnessed Hades freeze over on their handset. Haven't seen it show up on yours yet? Fret not, getting these updates out to everyone takes time. But if you were an eager beaver who managed to beef your phone up with Android 2.3.3 manually, go ahead and relax; grab a lemonade, dust off the ol' hammock, and enjoy the rest of the summer afternoon free of (virtual) bugs. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Brad Molen07.26.2011
AT&T Google Nexus S on sale today, exclusive to Best Buy
If you shelled out 600 clams for an unlocked Nexus S, buyer's remorse starts now: the subsidized AT&T version is out today. Available exclusively from Best Buy (and exclusively in black), the AT&T Nexus S will set you back only a paltry $99 with a two-year contract. Is the loss of color choice (and that whole "SIM-locked to AT&T" thing) worth the savings? We'll leave that up to you and your (Google) wallet.
Sean Buckley07.24.2011
HTC Status review
For many smartphone users, a quality keyboard is the only feature that truly matters. These passionate devotees will proudly live and die with their thumbs blazing, and for of all RIM's recent troubles, it's currently floating on a life preserver: a compelling handset with a portrait QWERTY keyboard doesn't exist for Android. The HTC Status ($50 on contract) attempts to succeed where others have failed, and -- if it's any good -- could entice many BlackBerry-toting teens that want a new handheld fixation. They rarely bother with email, as text messages and Facebook reign supreme for communication. To that end, the Status promotes itself as the perfect phone for Facebook users, but is the integration truly useful, or simply a chintzy add-on? More so, can HTC successfully marry Gingerbread with an upright keyboard? Join us after the break to learn whether we "Like" the HTC Status. %Gallery-128742%
Zachary Lutz07.22.2011
HTC Wildfire S heads to T-Mobile, won't break your budget
Were you disappointed to see the HTC Wildfire S pass through the FCC sporting AT&T-friendly bands, but no apparent magenta love? Well, chin up ol' chum, because a leaked spec sheet over on TmoNews shows T-Mobile's branding all over the budget-friendly phone. The 3.2-inch Android handset will ship with Gingerbread out of the box and, of course, that Sense 2.1 overlay you either love, or love to hate. There's also a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and 512MB of on-board memory. And pay no attention to the apparent PR slip-up above, while there is a UMTS 850 / 1900 variant, we have the FCC filing to prove this little guy's packing AWS 1700 / 2100 bands. Expect to see Tmo's gal pal hocking this tiny wonder sometime soon.
Joseph Volpe07.21.2011
SwiftKey X keyboard app is free today on Amazon, be swift or pay $3.99
After plenty of hands-on time with SwiftKey X, we reckon it's probably the best virtual keyboard you can get for Android phones. And, for the next 21 hours or so, it's even better than that -- because it's free at Amazon's Appstore. So, if you're brandishing Android 2.1 or higher and you type in one of the 17 supported languages, then the source link below beckons. Come back quickly, though, or we'll miss you terribly. (The tablet version of the app is still $4.99, mind -- but there's always tomorrow.)
Sharif Sakr07.21.2011
Gingerbread heads to T-Mobile myTouch 4G starting today, won't stop anytime soon
Looking to spice up your myTouch 4G? Don't move a muscle. Starting today, T-Mobile will begin taking Gingerbread out of the oven, so to speak, for a limited number of users, with the majority of owners to see it in the weeks ahead. Included in the update is the latest Swype build and compatibility with Exchange 2010 -- along with fixes for Bluetooth, a more stable and responsive display, improved domestic roaming, saving from the messages inbox, and the usual "other" software improvements. The company also reminds subscribers that it's unable to push the update manually, so you'll just have to wait your turn. But in the meantime, you can get all those awesome cookie decorations ready. Huzzah!
Billy Steele07.20.2011
CyanogenMod 7 hits 500,000 installs, eclipses previous milestone
Looks like another round of roman candles are in order. After already setting off the celebratory fireworks for its previous user install milestone, CyanogenMod 7's done it again -- this time reaching past the half a million mark. The highly customizable Android homebrew is arguably the biggest aftermarket OS in the ROM-flashing campus, and it has the numbers to back it up. According to the site's stats, the official release of 7.0.3 saw the biggest spike in handset installations -- at 76,897 -- with unofficial nightly builds almost doubling that figure. Sure, it sometimes seems like the rooting community is a vast, silent majority, but it's actually a wafer-thin slice of Google's mobile pie. Still, congratulations are in order for this open-source hackdom triumph. [Thanks, Chris]
Joseph Volpe07.18.2011
HTC Desire Z Gingerbread update rolls out in the land of the Bratwurst
The HTC Desire family used to be close-knit, but then the Gingerbread update came along and gave preferential treatment to the Desire HD. Harmony may soon be restored though, because a number of Desire Z owners in Germany (and at least one in Hungary) have just received their OTA Android 2.3.3 updates, and the rest of Europe shouldn't be too far behind. At some point, the original Desire will also be allowed back at the Gingerbread table after all manner of divisive head-games -- possibly as soon as August in some regions. We're going to re-stock our fridge and put the oven on in anticipation. [Thanks, Lukas and Zsolt]
Sharif Sakr07.15.2011
PSA: Got a Nook Color? Then you can get dual-booting Nook2Android
Here comes a public service announcement: Eat slower and you'll feel fuller. Oh sorry, wrong one. We meant: Nook Color owners, you can now dual-boot your slate using the specially-created Nook2Android SD card. The card makes installing Android 2.3 a snap and it's now shipping with a dual-boot file courtesy of XDA developers, which means you can choose to boot into the original Nook OS without having to remove the card. You're looking at $35 for an 8GB card, rising to $90 for 32GB. Alternatively, if you're happy to get a bit of oil on your hands, you can try the manual approach. Mmmm, Gingerbread, chew every mouthful.
Sharif Sakr07.14.2011