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Bell prepping its LTE network, Samsung Galaxy S II LTE and Tab 8.9 to be offered at launch?
We've known that Bell's intended to make the jump to LTE for nearly three years, but the Canadian carrier has kept incredibly silent about when or how it was going to leap. If we're to believe an unnamed source, that silence may be soon coming to an end: supposedly the company will be launching its 4G network "soon" and is rumored to have a phone and a tablet prepped for launch right away. The suspected devices? None other than the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy Tab 8.9. If this happens sometime in the fall, such a move would put Bell in the running to become the second carrier in Canada to adopt the next-gen standard -- Telus and Sasktel are expected to upgrade next year -- which gives advocates of choice some wonderful things to look forward to over the next twelve months. [Thanks, Doug]
Refresh Roundup: week of August 8, 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 Acer took to its Facebook page in Malaysia to announce that the Honeycomb 3.2 OTA update for the Iconia Tab A500 has been delayed until August 25. [via Phandroid] The LG G-Slate is starting to receive Honeycomb 3.1. [via AndroidCentral] We've also heard the HTC Flyer's on the receiving end of a 2.3.4 bump in Germany. [via HTC Inside (translated)] Motorola's announced that Honeycomb 3.1 has arrived on the Xoom in Europe, after several months of waiting. [via ITProPortal] Tomorrow, Sprint's pushing out a maintenance fix known as RD.00.02 for the Motorola Titanium. From a leaked screenshot, the main "enhancement" is correcting a bug that kept users from dialing from a meeting on the Exchange calendar. [via SprintFeed] Android 2.3.4 is making its way to unbranded HTC Sensation units in Europe this week as an OTA update, and will likely spread to carrier-branded devices over the next couple weeks. [via Phandroid] Both Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada are rolling out Gingerbread to its Galaxy S Vibrant. The download is available to any of its users by accessing Samsung Kies. [via MobileSyrup] HTC began pushing Gingerbread to the Inspire 4G on Monday. If you still haven't received your update OTA yet, instructions can be found on how to do it manually via its website. [Thanks, Brian] Are you an HTC Desire owner that's been eagerly awaiting Gingerbread? It's here now, but the manufacturer isn't going to push it out OTA -- rather, you'll need to do it on your own, so head to the via for a video tutorial on how to do it step-by-step. [via PocketNow] T-Mobile has announced that its OTA Gingerbread rollout for the G2x is now officially over. If you missed your opportunity, you may still download it using the LG updater tool. [via TmoNews] This is definitely a rumor, but an HTC support rep apparently emailed a concerned Incredible user to assure them that Gingerbread was still indeed in the plans for the year-old device. No timeframe was given, however. [via Phandroid] AT&T took to its Twitter account to state that the Infuse 4G is on track to receive Gingerbread sometime this month. [via AndroidCentral] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc. hackery We heard last week that the Motorola Photon 4G had been rooted, but it required the use of the phone's fancy (and expensive) HD dock. This obstacle has since been removed, and you can root your brand new phone without it. [via AndroidCentral] Speaking of the Photon 4G, a System Boot File (SBF) is now available for the device. The SBF is a backup that comes in handy if something goes awry and your phone ends up getting bricked. By using the SBF, your phone will be restored back to its original factory defaults. [via SprintFeed] A dev preview of CyanogenMod 7 for the HTC Sensation 4G is now being shown at a YouTube near you. Did someone say CyanogenMod 7? Well, this week also witnessed a user updating their Motorola Triumph to Android 2.3.5, but almost nothing works properly on it; since the kernel source hasn't been released for it yet, the update isn't quite up to par. CM7 is also said to be coming to the Motorola Atrix 4G and LG Optimus 3D soon as well. [via Phandroid] Other platforms The tools used to flash Windows Phone Mango's RTM version has been leaked, and you can find instructions on how to get it on this XDA thread. Remember that you do this at your own risk. [via WMPowerUser] A few rumors circulated the web this week that Mango would be released on September 1. WP7's own Joe Belfiore was the one responsible for shooting down that rumor via Twitter. [via WMPowerUser]
Sprint welcomes BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 on 8/21, Bell now flaunts its 9900 and 9810
BlackBerry fans who prefer conducting business at the speed of "Now" will be getting their new fixations -- the Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 -- on August 21st. This is according to a pair of internal documents leaked from Sprint, which suggest RIM's new touch-enabled QWERTY handset will carry a $250 price tag, while its counterpart, the full touchscreen (and similarly specced) 9850, will sell for a more palatable $150. We understand the keyboard addiction is hard to break, but that's quite a monetary motivation to choose full touch. In related news up north, Bell has beaten its August 16th target date for the Bold 9900 and Torch 9810, as both devices are now available to its Canadian customers for $170 and $150, respectively. Granted, these prices represent Bell's standard three year commitment, but at least they remain reasonable -- unlike the option from a certain Magenta-themed network. Also, we've got some good news for Rogers customers, as the carrier has lowered the price of its Bold 9900 to a more suitable $200, compared to the original $250. Hey Sprint, care to follow suit? [Thanks, Luis]
Samsung Galaxy Gio heads to Canada August 8th, $150 off-contract
Looks like the Samsung Galaxy Gio -- the poor man's Nexus S -- is headed for an August 8th launch in our neighbor to the north's backyard. The budget entry Android phone has seen an OS bump to 2.3 since its debut at Mobile World Congress but, alas, is still riddled with same old, mid-grade 800MHz processor and 3 megapixel camera. Slated to hit Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile on Monday, expect to snag this Galaxy handset for $150 outright, or free on a three-year contract -- but why do something crazy like that?
BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 to hit Bell on August 16th?
Just when you think the BlackBerry news is over... BOOM. More RIM-related intelligence is coming down the pipeline, although this time it doesn't have the word "official" stamped all over it. Leaked screenshots uncovered by Crackberry indicate Canadian carrier Bell is eager to launch two BlackBerry devices on August 16th -- the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2). Given Research in Motion's announcements this morning, this won't really be too much of a surprise to anyone if the leaked dates are right on target -- after all, we already know the 9810 is heading Bell's way sometime this month, we just haven't heard exactly when yet -- but at least Waterloo's fall lineup is coming out swinging. The remaining question has to do with what happens afterward: will it result in a home run, or a strikeout to end the inning? The ball's quickly approaching, so we won't need to wait too long to find out. [Thanks, Jordan]
Did the Samsung Galaxy S II with NFC just hit the FCC?
Hooray, another Samsung phone made it through the FCC, and it looks like it could be another Galaxy S II variant. No, it's not the Tegra 2-clad version. Nor is it the one with WiMAX. Heck, it's not even the GT-i9100 that showed up in March. Nay, it's the Samsung i777, a new form of the phone sequel we've been pulling our hair out in anticipation for. What's so great about this candidate? It's rocking an NFC antenna on the battery cover and utilizes 850 / 1900 bands in the WCDMA / HSPA variety, making it a tasty target for users on AT&T, Bell, Rogers, or Telus. The phone's dimensions are identical with Europe's current model, which nearly seals the deal on its likely association with the Galaxy S II lineup. Annoyed that this beauty is cradled in some FCC tester's hands and not yours? Fret not, August is quickly approaching.
Mobile Miscellany: week of July 18, 2011
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 18, 2011: Images of the Samsung Admire for MetroPCS leaked. Also known as the SCH-R720, it may be the first device with Gingerbread on the prepaid carrier. It features a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 3G, 800MHz CPU, and 3.2 megapixel camera. [via UnwiredView] Rogers introduced the HTC EVO 3D and LG Optimus 3D to its lineup, to be available sometime this summer. (thx Luke) Speaking of Rogers, the Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G should be available on the Canadian carrier within the next few days, and will reportedly be yours for $150 with a three-year commitment. [via UnwiredView] Spy shots of an unannounced Samsung Android device with Verizon branding, and full QWERTY keyboard were dug up (see the above image). Specs include Android 2.3.4 onboard and built-in 4G LTE connectivity. (thx Fayez) [via AndroidCentral] The Nokia N900 was hacked, allowing you to boot up your choice of four operating systems: Maemo, Meego, NITDroid, and Kubuntu Mobile. [via LoveMyNokia] The LG Optimus 3D appears to be popping up everywhere; it's currently available on Three UK. [via AndroidCentral] A mystery device known as the HTC Hero 4G passed DLNA certification this week, causing speculation that this is the long-evasive and much-awaited HTC Kingdom. The phone's already passed through the FCC, which means we could see it show up on Sprint at any time. [via PhoneArena and PocketNow] The Motorola Defy+ is rumored to be a mild refresh of the Defy, a popular Android device that came out last year. The new version would get a few minor boosts in specs and come in HSPA bands compatible with AT&T. [via TIMN]
Motorola XT860 4G is the Droid 3's curling loving cousin for Bell
Looks like someone took the Droid 3, slapped a new name on it, and shipped it north to our friends in Canada, but added one neat twist -- it's now rocking an extra "G." Officially known as the XT860 4G, Bell's version of Motorola's QWERTY slider comes packed with a HSPA+ radio that can handle the 850MHz, 1900MHz, and 2100MHz bands. That means not only can our ice-sweeping neighbors enjoy blazing fast mobile data, but they can roam the globe without sacrificing their deliciously speedy connection. Otherwise, you're looking at the same 4-inch, dual-core Gingerbread device that just launched here in the states. For the moment though, price and availability are still up in the syrup-scented air.
Samsung Galaxy S II may be destined for Bell July 21st for $150
Time to break out the peanut butter and syrup, folks, because Bell is waffling. The Canadian mobile provider looked all set for a July 21st launch of the highly-coveted Samsung Galaxy S II, according to a listing on Best Buy Canada, but the page has unfortunately been pulled. When it was live, the galactic sequel was priced for $150 with three-year commitment, and if that were true it would make Bell the first North American carrier to offer the hot-selling Android device -- though it certainly won't be the last. Was the page taken down at Bell's request to allow it the chance to formally announce the device? Has it been delayed? Or, was it just wrong? While we're guessing it's the first possibility -- it is, certainly, a flagship phone that deserves some fanfare -- we'll toss a quarter in the wishing well in hopes that our dreams come true next Thursday. Update: Best Buy Canada reinstated the page, but nudged the price up to $170. Thanks a lot. Update 2: Well, will you look at that? Bell's gone and made it official. The carrier will indeed get the Galaxy S II on July 21st. Think it's too good to be true? Check the Bell source link. [Thanks, idimdb]
HTC Sensation 4G heads to Canada, available for $150 on Bell
Do our friends across the border have a hankerin' for a top-of-the-line Android phone? Consider your desires addressed. Not only is Bell coming out with the Samsung Galaxy S II in the near future, the HTC Sensation 4G is now officially in stock for $150 on a three-year commitment. The "4G" moniker remains since the device is compatible with Bell's 14.4 Mbps HSPA+ network. Aside from this, however, we can expect the same goodies seen in the US version: a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, Gingerbread, 4.3-inch qHD display with 960 x 540 resolution, and an 8 megapixel camera (just to name a few). This does unfortunately mean that you'll now have two very capable "superphones" to choose from -- although there's nothing really stopping you from getting both, is there?
Samsung Galaxy S II gets official for Canada on Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel
We've already had some indication of where and when the Galaxy S II would land in Canada, and three carriers have now finally made things fully official (even if they haven't yet got completely specific). That includes Bell and Virgin Mobile -- neither of which are confirming a price at the moment -- plus regional carrier SaskTel, which plans to offer the phone for $79.99 on a three-year contract. SaskTel and Virgin Mobile both also say that the phone will be available in the coming weeks, while Bell isn't offering much more than a chance to win the phone in a contest that ends July 19th -- we've previously heard that the phone will be hitting Bell on July 14th. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's looking like the phone will also alternatively be known as the "Galaxy S II" or "Galaxy S II 4G" depending on the carrier.
Samsung Galaxy S II headed to Bell on July 14
We've already heard an earful about which US carriers will likely score the Samsung Galaxy S II (and its rumored cousin), and now we're also getting some fuller details about its availability in Canada. Just days after SaskTel confirmed it'll sell the skinny, Gingerbread-packing phone next month, Tech F.I.B.E. is reporting that handset is headed to Bell's 21Mbps-capable network on July 14. If you remember, the dual-core phone won us over in our review with its svelte chassis, vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, zippy performance, and impressive 8 megapixel camera. No word yet on how much Bell will charge for that superb chunk of hardware, but it looks like we'll find out in a matter of weeks.
Nokia Oro passes FCC, cleared for a gaudy stateside landing
The odds that you'll have a North American spotting of Nokia's audacious 18-karat gold Oro just became more likely. That's because the handset recently appeared before the FCC and was certified for frequencies utilized by AT&T, Bell, Telus, Rogers, T-Mobile, Wind and Mobilicity. That's not to suggest any of the carriers are taking a bet with this one, but it leaves a good opportunity for someone to flaunt their excess while using their network of choice. The stark photography certainly doesn't embellish the bling that we'd seen in earlier press shots, but don't kid yourself -- anything lavished with gold is likely to scream "Mug me" on busy street corners. Lest we reiterate, the phone is nothing more than a gilded C7 and it's selling for under a Benjamin on contract as the Nokia Astound. If you're genuinely wanting to attract attention in the US, running Symbian is thoroughly sufficient.
Willard Boyle, man who revolutionized digital imaging, dies at 86
We have some sad news to share with you today: Willard Boyle, the man who created the imaging technology behind everything from digital cameras to barcode scanners, has died at the age of 86. In 2009, Boyle shared a Nobel Prize in physics for inventing the CCD, which allowed people to capture images in digital format for the first time. It all began way back in 1969, when Boyle and his future co-Laureate, George E. Smith, started laying the groundwork for the CCD while working at Bell Laboratories. Building off of Einstein's photoelectric effect, the two eventually came up with a way to locate and quantify the electrons that are knocked out of orbit every time light strikes silicon. Boyle and Smith used this technology to create their own digital camera in 1970, as well as a TV camera in 1975. Prior to his groundbreaking invention, Boyle spent two years working for NASA's Apollo program and helped develop both the ruby laser and the semiconductor injection laser. The last three decades of Boyle's life were spent in Wallace, Canada, where he grew up and, on May 7th, passed away after battling kidney disease. He's survived by his wife, three children and an indelible legacy.
HP's Pre 3 gets an emissions test at the FCC, likely destined for AT&T
The FCC has seen a decent share of WebOS devices this year, having first tested the Veer in February, and most recently HP's Touchpad (which we reported earlier today). Now, it appears the regulator is examining the forthcoming Pre 3, and while none of the documents specifically name the device, based on the size and proportion of the label, we think it'll pair nicely with a certain 3.6-inch display. We've also noted the diagram mentions a battery compartment, suggesting it's not the Veer, which is rumored to have a sealed battery. Whatever the device may be, it's packing WebOS 2.3 -- and judging from the 1900 / 850MHz 3G bands, it seems destined for AT&T, Rogers, Bell, or Telus in North America. Follow the break for a peek at the FCC label.
HTC Incredible S hits Bell for $99
Dear Canada, today's your lucky day! The HTC Incredible S we just reviewed is now available from Bell for $100 on contract (that's for three years, folks) or $500 unsubsidized, complete with its magical and revolutionary auto-rotating buttons. Not only can you be proud to be Canadian, but you can be the first in North America to enjoy this, well... incredible GSM handset -- at least until Verizon's CDMA cousin, the Incredible 2, joins the party. As a reminder, the Incredible S packs a 4-inch WVGA Super LCD display, the latest 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 768MB RAM, 14.4Mbps HSPA+ support, a front-facing camera, and an 8 megapixel autofocus main camera with dual-LED flash and 720p video capture, all topped with a dash of Froyo. An 8GB microSD card is included, and the Gingerbread update is on its way. So go ahead and hit the source link if you dare. [Thanks, Spencer]
iPhone 3GS falls to free in Canada (now that you're over it)
Canadian citizens suffering from iPhone envy are in for a sweet treat this weekend. Mobile carriers Bell and Telus recently introduced competing promotions, offering the iPhone 3GS 8GB for precisely nothing with a three-year commitment. This presents an enticing opportunity for those willing to saddle up with Apple's last-gen phone for the long (long) haul, but really, is anyone still interested in actually doing so? With Telus, only refurbished models are available, and it appears to be an online exclusive for now. Meanwhile, Bell's promo features new (as in unused) 3GS', and should be available in stores. Nothing like watching a race to the bottom, eh?
HTC Incredible S coming to Virgin in Canada for $500?
After reading a heartwarming review of the European-spec HTC Incredible S we're left wondering when we, the colonies, will get ourselves a taste. The US-spec Incredible 2 looks to be coming soon enough, but our neighbors to the north will keep the S moniker, and are said to be getting it soon. It's believed to be hitting Bell on April 4th, and now the above image purports to show the phone also listed in Virgin's inventory system. The price is $499.99, while a carbon fiber shield is going for a bargain $24.95 -- useful if you want that Atrix look but are hoping for PlayStation certification thanks to the Adreno 205 graphics here.
Bell's Motorola Atrix also has HSUPA disabled, Canadians frown upon 400kbps uploads
If you happen to reside just north of the American border, you might have heard that Canadian carrier Bell is now offering the Motorola Atrix from $169.95 on a three year commitment, all the way up to $599.95 sans contract. While this groovy smartphone is a welcomed addition for local Android fanatics, the early adopters have learned that -- much like its AT&T counterpart -- it lacks HSUPA. This is confirmed by xda-developers members who see a mere 400kpbs upload speed on their maple syrup-flavored Atrix, which is bad news for YouTube celebrities and the likes on Bell Mobility. Alas, we've yet to hear from the carrier regarding this issue, but let's just hope that the Atrix will be set free before Bell's headquarters gets taken over by furious green robots. [Thanks, Steve and @Shift3r]
Canadian carriers Bell, Telus say they're working on iPad 2 data plans
Electronista reports that Canadian carriers Bell and Telus have notified their customers that iPad 2 data plans will be coming within the next few weeks. Another Canadian carrier, Rogers, will keep existing iPad data plans in place for its customers going forward. There's no word on just exactly what the Bell and Telus plans will look like, but details on how they work are supposed to be released soon. The iPad 2 will be launched in Canada on March 25, two weeks after the US release. And no, there will not be any carrier locks -- looks like Canadian customers will have plenty of data plans to choose from.
