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Boeing's extra-secure smartphone finally reaches the FCC (updated)
Boeing said way back in 2012 that it was working on a high-security Android smartphone. Almost two years later, it appears that the company is finally close to a launch -- the hardware, identified as Black, has just passed through the FCC. It's built for AT&T's LTE and HSPA networks, and will be rare among American phones in carrying dual SIM slots. We're not expecting it to be a media powerhouse when the label dimensions hint at a mid-size device, though. Boeing hasn't formally revealed Black yet, but it's doubtful that you'll find it at your local carrier store. This is more likely to be a direct-order device for corporations and the military, and it may carry a premium over the more consumer-oriented Blackphone. Update: Boeing has officially revealed the Black on its website and it looks like the phone offers more than just security, it's also got a modular design. That means G-men can attach new backplates to give the Black satellite phone or radio capabilities, solar power or even biometric sensors. Oh, and after doing some further digging in the FCC's docs, it turns out that, should any nefarious curious types try to take the phone apart, it'll delete all data and software on the Black automatically, Mission Impossible-style.
I want a new black MacBook
There is a stark contrast between Apple's use of color on its computer hardware and its mobile devices. You can get an iPod, iPhone, and to a lesser extent, an iPad, in a number of hues, but ever since the black polycarbonate MacBook bit the dust in 2009, there's been a distinct lack of flavor in the all-aluminum notebooks. We already know Apple is fine with giving its smartphone the anodized color treatment, so why not the MacBook? In fact, I'd be happy if Apple even just offered a single additional color option for the most portable of the MacBook family, the MacBook Air. I want a black MacBook Air. Sure, Apple would probably want to name the color something silly like "Space Black," but I'd totally be willing to overlook that to get my hands on an Air with a darker personality. So why hasn't it happened yet? That's a tough question, but it's clear that Apple has captured a "look" that has become part of the brand itself. You can spot an aluminum MacBook in a crowded coffee shop without even trying, and that aesthetic has a value all its own. It's clean, sharp, and modern. That's the reason companies like Asus and Samsung shamelessly mimic Apple's notebooks. But would the option of a darker shade actually harm the brand? I don't think it would. It was once insane to consider a gold (or even a white) iPhone, and now those devices are everywhere. Apple's history is a colorful one, and I, for one, wouldn't mind seeing a bit of that come back. The easiest, smallest, most subtle step in that direction would be to offer something you've already offered in the past: a black MacBook.
OUYA's new matte black console offers twice the storage for $130
If you were jonesing for a 16GB OUYA console but didn't snag the limited white edition, we have good news: you just got a second chance at buying your dream Android gaming system. The company plans to launch a standard 16GB model in matte black (aka "anthracite") that throws in a handful of important tweaks. It includes the refined gamepad, with higher-quality buttons and a more responsive Bluetooth connection; it also boasts stronger WiFi performance and more recent firmware. Should the color, capacity and tweaks be enough to seal the deal, you can buy the black variant starting today from Amazon or OUYA for $130.
Welcome to The Dark Side
Is there anyone who didn't love the black MacBook? [Photo Credit: Felixtriller]
Nokia's Lumia Black update starts rolling out worldwide (update: App Folder download)
Nokia knows how to start a new year properly -- it gave Americans a first shot at the Lumia Black update as 2013 came to a close, and it's starting 2014 by rolling out the software to Lumia owners around the world. The Windows Phone 8 upgrade is reaching the Lumia 925 and 1020 first; other devices should get it in the weeks ahead. The fresh software brings common features like app folders, Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, an updated Glance screen and the unified Nokia Camera app. Some improvements depend on beefier hardware, however. You'll need at least 1GB of RAM to use Beamer transfers or Refocus image processing, and only 1020 owners can shoot RAW photos. Whatever device you're using, you'll want to hit that Phone Update option in the near future -- you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Update: Nokia has posted App Folder as a separate download.
Fujifilm's X100S camera now comes dressed in black
If you've been waiting for Fujifilm to release a darker-hued X100S to match the X100, wait no longer. The company has revealed the X100S Black, which does exactly what it says on the tin -- it's the same high-end, retro-styled camera as before, just in a sober (if rather eye-catching) new color. We're told that the blackened model will cost the same $1,299 as its silver counterpart, and it should hit shelves in February.
Nokia Black update brings imaging enhancements to Lumia 1020 today
Nokia likes to bundle Microsoft's Windows Phone updates with a set of its own improvements specific to the Lumia line, and the latest such version -- known as the Black update -- is finally making its way to the Lumia 1020 on AT&T. In addition to the standard firmware enhancements that comes as part of the "GDR3" update to Windows Phone 8 (such as screen rotation lock, custom ringtones for specific types of notifications and the ability to close running apps in the app switcher more easily), you can also enjoy some of the same imaging features that were integrated into the Lumia 1520: the Nokia Camera, which combines the Pro Cam and Smart Cam into one fantastic app, and other unspecified performance enhancements. You'll also get the new and improved Glance Screen also seen on the 1520, Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, better battery monitoring and other miscellaneous stability fixes. The download is hitting our devices right now, but as usual, it may take a while to roll out to everyone.
Nokia Black update to add Bluetooth LE across entire WP8 Lumia range
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it's making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo's website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we'll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
Nintendo brings not-so-stealthy black 3DS XL to North America on August 11th
Looking for a (slightly) less conspicuous take on the 3DS XL? If you live in the US or Canada, you'll get it when the all-black version of Nintendo's giant handheld reaches those countries on August 11th. Don't expect any bonuses with the subtler color, though. The darker-hued 3DS XL costs the same $200 as before, and it's virtually identical to the Japanese version that launched last fall. It's shipping at the same time as Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, however, which makes it a decent consolation prize for gamers who can't get a Luigi edition 3DS LL to call their own.
Black HTC One peeks out of AT&T and Sprint web stores, promises to be available soon
Torn between getting an HTC One right now and waiting for that sleek black variant? We know the feeling, and the folks at Sprint and AT&T aren't making it easier: both providers have tossed up a product page for the color. Unfortunately, a solid street date is nowhere to be seen -- Sprint only promises that it'll be available "soon." The tease won't make the wait any more bearable, but if you want to ogle that press image a bit more, check out the product pages at source.
HTC One leaks in press shot (again), this time in black
When HTC CEO Peter Chou showed off his company's next flagship phone, the M7 / HTC One a few weeks ago, he had both black and silver versions in hand. Shortly after, known press pic source evleaks snagged a promo image in silver and now has posted another to Unwired View, this time of the black one. Still sporting a unique two button design seen previously and what we assume is a Sense 5.0 homescreen widget, this pic also flashes New York localized info, as compared to the earlier leak's London home. For now, we're left counting down until its expected unveiling on the 19th in... New York and London -- see you there.
Samsung Galaxy Note II reportedly coming in black, triggers monolithic memories (update: fake!)
Samsung gave Galaxy S III buyers a small rainbow of color choices in the summer, and there's signs that the Galaxy Note II might receive a similarly resplendent treatment. A supposed press image obtained by AndroidSlash shows the giant smartphone draped in a previously unavailable black that's potentially very striking -- and more than a little reminiscent of 2001's species-changing monoliths. There's no official word from Samsung on its authenticity, although we wouldn't be surprised knowing the company's history and the Note II's strong track record. When a theoretically niche device is selling like gangbusters, some added diversity could be in order. Just don't expect any Starchildren as a result. Update: Alas, this is indeed a fake. The source has updated to confirm that this was just a quick darkening job with an image editor -- you can tell by the darkened LED flash, camera and logo. But still, we wouldn't be surprised if Samsung does release its phablet in other colors to keep milking it.
Western Digital ships 4TB WD Black hard drive, melds speed with space for $339
The 4TB hard drives that we've seen gradually filter into the marketplace have come with a few snags for desktop users; they're usually either external drives we'd never boot from or pokey internal models not meant for anything speed-intensive. Western Digital doesn't want us settling. It's shipping a 4TB version of its WD Black desktop drive that holds nothing back for the sake of the extra storage, spinning at a healthy 7,200RPM while packing 64MB of cache, dual processing and a two-stage actuator that together keep the drive working at full burn. At $339, the SATA 6Gbps drive undoubtedly carries a premium in trying to be the best of all worlds; it may be worth the expense for performance-minded types who've been out of options (and capacity) for awhile.
Mobile Miscellany: week of October 22nd, 2012
If you didn't get enough in mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, T-Mobile announced the price and release date for the Optimus L9, carriers were announced in Canada for the ATIV S Windows Phone and ZTE released a low-priced Android smartphone for Virgin Mobile in the UK. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of October 22nd, 2012.
Verizon Galaxy S III now available in black and brown
Verizon teased on Monday that black and brown models of Samsung's Galaxy S III would be coming soon, but mum was the word on exactly how quickly that would be. Turns out, it was real fast. The pair of smartphones are now available at the carrier's online storefront with a $199.99 price tag for those who don't mind a two-year commitment with Big Red. If the new shades strike your fancy, hit the source link below to give one (or two) of the devices a new home.
Verizon teases black and brown Galaxy S III models for the subtle crowd
AT&T might have nabbed Verizon's color for the Galaxy S III, but that doesn't mean Big Red subscribers will be left out. The CDMA carrier has just posted a rotating teaser on its home page promising the low-key black and brown versions of Samsung's flagship sometime "soon," with availability sign-ups on hand for the impatient. That's all we know for now, although history suggests there won't be a premium over the $200 contract price of the existing blue and white models. We're hoping the new shades of Galaxy come soon -- Verizon's offering will be the first chance most Americans have to get the Android phone in muted colors and relive the glory days of brown electronics.
Purported iPad Mini parts leak as WSJ reports production has started
Hey look, another round of purported iPad Mini parts has surfaced, this time courtesy of Ukrainian iPhone. Conveniently enough, the Wall Street Journal also happens to be reporting that its sources have confirmed "mass production" of the still unannounced slate has begun by Apple's "Asian suppliers." This time we're looking at an anodized black version of the familiar back plate, alongside a separate digitizer in white, hinting that we'll see the final device in the same colorways as the iPhone 5 . As 9to5Mac points out, the casing houses a SIM card tray, similar antenna spacers to the current iPhone crop and a layout akin to the current iPod Touch. WSJ further notes that its sources state this tab's LCD screen is indeed 7.85-inches, being sourced from both LG and AU Optronics. Naturally, pricing is almost definitely set to be cheaper than the full-size iPad -- here's to waiting for an invite to the supposed unveiling event set for this month.
Samsung expands Galaxy S III colors: yes, you can get brown
Samsung just couldn't relegate itself to a two-tone, blue and white Galaxy S III universe -- the company is using the run-up to IFA 2012 to triple the size of its smartphone's palette. We've seen the Garnet Red model arrive early at AT&T, but it now looks to be spreading abroad; the previously leaked Sapphire Black is equally official for those who don't think the original blue is dark enough. We're also seeing two more colors that have been relatively undiscovered, including a Titanium Gray and an unconventional Amber Brown. No, not that kind of brown, although it may be the first time in awhile that earthy hue has claimed such a high profile. Color choices will vary depending on the carrier or store, which leaves a distinct chance that you'll be switching networks or hunting down importers if you've got to have just the right shade of Hyperglaze in your life.
Black Galaxy S III shown on T-Mo website: glossy and shady in equal measure
It's that mythical third color again -- or maybe the fourth, if you happen to be with a particular carrier. We saw hints of a darker shade of the Galaxy S III in Germany back in June, but even then we weren't totally convinced of its pedigree. More recently there have been rumors of a black Galaxy S III coming to independent retailers in the UK, but with nothing formal to back them up. So, now we have this: an animation of a very black and very glossy flagship, rotating on a lofty pedestal over at T-Mo's official US site. Can we finally relax and say it exists for sure, or did T-Mo perhaps paint it to make their site look more uniform? More to the point, would anyone hold out for this rather than snap up the ever-popular white variant right now?
The Summoner's Guidebook: Will Korea dominate League of Legends, too?
When I first started following the League of Legends pro scene, I was introduced to top teams like Team Solo Mid and SK Gaming. As I watched matches and player interviews, the first thing that came to my mind was this: If Korea fielded a LoL pro team, it would be incredibly scary. When Riot Games added support for Korean League of Legends and OnGameNet began running regular tournaments, I had to check it out. Sure enough, big pro-gaming teams like StarTale and MiG started fielding pro League teams, and most of the things I suspected were true. Korean teams have amazing coordination and incredible mechanics compared to their western counterparts. This was put to the test last weekend during Major League Gaming's LoL Summer Arena, where Korean qualifying team Azubu Blaze utterly destroyed the other teams, losing only once to Curse Gaming. Most of the matches weren't even close. What's the secret to Azubu Blaze's dominance? Can it be reproduced in the West, or is League of Legends going to end up like StarCraft -- dominated by the Korean scene?
