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Mobile Miscellany: week of October 24, 2011
This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of October 24, 2011: Fan of white phones? Here ya go: the BlackBerry Bold 9900, Curve 9360 and Torch 9810 can be pre-ordered on Phones4U. If white doesn't do it for you, the Curve 9300 will be available in pink. [Stuff] HTC has announced its partnership with Dropbox, which means you can get 5GB of available storage on any of the company's Android devices. [Twitter] A few customers on Verizon's family plans have noticed a peculiar addition to the company's #DATA service; when the text showing the data usage arrives, it now mentions "shared," which may be an indication that Big Red's on its way to offering shared data plans in the near future. [Droid-Life] Rumors have flown for some time about LG's attempt at reviving the Prada series by introducing the K2 (aka the P940), and now we're finally starting to see images of the Android device leak out. Apparently, it'll be less than 9mm thin, offer an 8MP camera, 1.3MP front-facing cam, 21Mbps HSPA+ and have a 4.3-inch display with 1,000 nits of brightness. [PhoneArena via UnwiredView] Research in Motion announced BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365, which extends Microsoft Exchange Online to the BlackBerry lineup. It's geared toward midsized businesses and enterprises. Head to the source for the details. [Microsoft-News]
Mysterious BlackBerry surfaces on forum, possibly 9900 prototype (update: a limited luxury edition?)
Whoever got a hold of this device over at MaxPDA seems to think it's the BlackBerry Bold 9980. We're more inclined to believe it's a prototype of the still reasonably fresh 9900, given that it sports the same battery as well as the same layout for ports, sensors and buttons. But who knows, it could also just be an elaborate KIRF. Whatever it is though, it sure is interesting looking (to put it politely). It's boxy, sports sharp lines, an out-of-character silver front and a black, textured back plate. Oddest of all though, is the word "proceeding" emblazoned in large letters across the top of the device. We've got one more pic after the break but, if that doesn't quench your thirst, there's tons more at the source link. Update: We've just spoken to the Bejing-based source of this eccentric handset, and it turns out that he's already sold three of these prototypes for an undisclosed price. Furthermore, the seller claims that this "9980" will actually be making its way to the market in a limited quantity once it gets the diamond treatment -- hopefully something slightly more subtle than Stuart Hughes' offerings.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 now available on T-Mobile, still late to the 7 OS party
We knew this day was coming, so there are no surprises here. BlackBerry's latest addition to its portrait QWERTY family, the Bold 9900, is on sale now at T-Mobile stores. The chrome trimmed, 14.4Mbps HSDPA capable handset'll run you $350 (before a $50 mail-in rebate) with a two-year commitment, or you can always fork over the full $600 if you'd rather steer clear of the carrier's contract chains. In case you were in need of a refresher, the phone packs a zippy 1.2GHz processor, 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and runs BlackBerry 7 OS. Feeling like it's time to update your crackberry habit? Then head to the source below to get your order on.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 torn down, put back together for your amusement (video)
Nothing like a little gadget carnage to get your week started off right. This week, DirectFix takes you on an eight-and-a-half minute journey inside a Rogers-branded version of the new BlackBerry Bold 9900. The video is intended as an instructional guide on repairing the RIM smartphone at home, but should also provide vicarious thrills for the warrant-wary. Video of the process in action after the break. And if you do try this at home, here's hoping you don't wind up with any extra screws.
T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on August 31st, on presale to business customers today
There's a good chance you've already heard a thing or two (or a hundred) about the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series, so by now you have a good idea whether or not you'll want to pick one up. So if you're leaning toward "buy," T-Mobile's got one coming to a retail store near you on August 31st, with the phone on presale for business customers starting today. Procurers of the new device will need to shell out $300 after a $50 mail-in rebate. Early adopters, start your engines! The full press release can be found after the break.
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]
Blackberry Bold 9900 spotted in the British wilderness, bang on schedule
A tipster just spotted the Bold 9900 at a Carphone Warehouse in the UK, days before operators there and in the US expect to launch the device on August 16th. We can't be sure if it's actually for sale or just a window display that went up too early, but it certainly reassures us that the new Bold will be out on time. Alternatively, if you wanted to be harsh on RIM, you could describe this non-QNX release as being at least a year too late. (Oh, and it's good to see business chugging along as usual in ol' Blighty despite those nasty riots.) [Thanks, Avi]
BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on Rogers today, Torch 9810 comes August 12th
And so it begins. It appears that Rogers is the first carrier to strike in the BlackBerry battle, taking to its Twitter feed to announce that two of the three members of RIM's fall lineup are now sitting comfortably in its retail outlets. The Bold 9900 will start selling today, with the Torch 9810 closely following on August 12th; the Canadian carrier, however, remains silent on when we can expect to see the Torch 9860. Curiously, no official cost has been revealed for either phone, though the rumor mill's pointing to a $250 price tag for the 9900 and $200 for the 9810. Indeed, Rogers has won this battle, but who will win the war?
Blackberry Bold 9900 up for pre-order at Vodafone UK, first official price tag
RIM was tight-lipped about pricing and availability when we went hands-on at the official launch of their OS 7-equipped Bold 9900, Torch 9810 and Torch 9860 handsets. We still can't be sure exactly when the Torches will hit British shelves, but the Bold 9900 is already standing proudly up for pre-order at Vodafone UK, along with a commitment to arrive at your doorstep in roughly a week's time if you take the plunge. However, just like the leaked T-Mobile USA pricing, it won't come cheap in the UK either: you'll need to swallow a £41 ($67) monthly price plan on a two-year contract before they'll give you the handset for free. Alternatively, you can opt for a monthly contract at half that price and pay a daunting £399 ($650) upfront for the phone. Nevertheless, if you're a BB fan and you're convinced of this form factor, then we predict you'll get on well with 9900's particularly chunky keyboard, high-res screen and top-notch build quality -- or you could just wait for our full review. Update: It's just been spotted going cheaper at Carphone Warehouse -- free from £31 per month on Vodafone or £500 off-contract, also with an August 12th delivery date. Let the market forces ensue. [Thanks, Roberto and Anthony]
BlackBerry Bold 9900 appears in leaked T-Mo docs, reveals August 29th release date and $300 price
If you're an abiding RIM fan who's itching for a new 'Berry addiction, your next fix is soon at hand. After AT&T put its cards on the table -- along with Sprint and US Cellular -- an internal T-Mobile document now suggests the Bold 9900 will arrive at the Magenta-clad carrier on August 29th. Sadly, your patience (and loyalty) is going to cost you, because this touchscreen endeavor carries a $300 price tag, and like Ma Bell's model, it features only 14.4Mbps HSDPA. Sure it's steep, but that's all the better for expensing to the corporate account, no?
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]
AT&T to launch BlackBerry Torch 9810 this month, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900 later this year
Research in Motion has had better days -- and years, for that matter -- but it's always had a loyal partner in AT&T, a company that's cranked out BlackBerry products faithfully for the past twelve years. The tradition continues, as the GSM giant has announced its intentions to bring the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2) to stores sometime this month, followed by the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9860 and 4G Bold 9900 "later this year." No specific dates or prices were given on any of the devices. The Torch 9810 comes with a 1.2GHz CPU, 3.2-inch touch display, a total of 8GB internal memory (with microSD expansion up to 32GB), and a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture. Oh, and about the "4G" in the title? An AT&T spokesperson confirmed to us that the moniker is simply referring to HSPA+, capping at 14.4Mbps. It's definitely a step up from the original Torch 9800, at least, but our appetite for 4G of the LTE variety runs deep. Will this be too little too late for the Canadian manufacturer, or can this year's fall lineup be enough to keep the company healthy until QNX rolls into town? [Thanks, Gary]
Refresh Roundup: week of July 18, 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! The LG Optimus 3D appears poised and ready to get Gingerbread in October. [via TheInquirer] Another device in the family, the LG Optimus One, is now being updated to Android 2.3.3 in the UK, though we haven't heard if the update has been deployed elsewhere at this point. [thanks, Aaron] CyanogenMod 7 nightlies are ready to go for the Samsung Galaxy S II. Download at your own risk, as these updates are early releases and may contain bugs. [via PhoneArena] The Motorola Droid X2 is about to undergo soak testing for a "future update." No official word on if this is Gingerbread, though it's highly speculative that minor updates wouldn't go through this type of testing. [via AndroidCentral] Speaking of the X2, it's also received its first custom ROM -- despite the bootloader still being locked -- and XDA has managed to put 2nd-init support on it as well. [via AndroidCentral and Droid-Life] A new HTC Desire HD update, 2.50.405.2, is reportedly rolling out to unbranded versions in Europe that includes a fix for WiFi issues prevalent on the device. [via AndroidCentral] Updates to the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930, 7.0.0.261, were leaked. [via n4bb] In what could be the most bizarre update rollout ever, the T-Mobile myTouch 4G is now starting a limited pilot, and will continue until "the end of the year." [via TmoNews] The Dell Streak 7 now has an unofficial update to Android 3.2 Honeycomb available. [via Netbook News]
Blackberry Bold 9900 coming to Three UK in August
We got the lowdown last month on the Blackberry Bold 9900: 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, 640 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, and looks that say "it's business time." Back then RIM said we could snag a svelte new Bold sometime this summer. Then came word that the handset wouldn't be available until September. Now, Three UK has put the Bold 9900 up on its "Coming Soon" page and indicated it's set for an August debut. Whew, we're glad that's settled, but there's one more thing we'd like to know -- how much is it going to cost? Update: Well, it turns out that September is still the launch date for the Bold, as Three UK has changed their website to reflect the later debut. Update: Hello, Amazon is now listing August on its sim-free pre-order page. Perhaps we won't have to wait so long after all.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 hands-on (update: video)
So we finally got our dirty little hands on RIM's new BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone here at BlackBerry World 2011. It's basically the old Bold but with a capacitive touchscreen and updated innards including a 1.2 GHz CPU, 768 MB of RAM, a GPU , HSPA+, and NFC support. From a design perspective it mixes BlackBerry's traditional formula with iPhone 4-like materials (that familiar stainless steel rim). It certainly looks premium and feels lovely in the hand, and the keyboard is typical BlackBerry -- which is to say fantastic. The screen is beautiful too, perfect to showcase that elusive new BlackBerry 7 OS. Still, we can't shake the feeling that we're looking at the device RIM should have shipped last summer instead of the lackluster Torch. We'll have a hands on video up soon but for now take a peek at our gallery below. Update: Our video is now live after the break. %Gallery-122644%
