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WSJ: Apple prepping thinner, lighter iPhone 5
The Wall Street chimed in with its insider information on the rumored iPhone 5. According to the report, Apple's next generation iPhone will be thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4. It also may include an 8-megapixel camera, which is a nice boost from the 5-megapixel shooter on the current model. Qualcomm will supposedly provide the wireless baseband chips which suggests the handset may be a world phone capable of connecting to both CDMA and GSM networks. Apple apparently expects the iPhone 5 to be popular and has warned suppliers it plans to ship 25 million units by the end of the year. Foxconn will be the assembler for the rumored iPhone, but these yields may be lower than Apple wants as the iPhone 5 is described as being complicated and difficult to assemble. We're not sure what that means, but it is intriguing.
Verizon supposedly readying iPhone 4 discount
A screenshot snagged by Vzbuzz suggests the Verizon iPhone 4 may go on sale in the near future. According to the leaked image, the 16 GB iPhone 4 will be reduced to $150, a 25% discount off its current $199 price tag. Unfortunately, this screenshot was snagged from Verizon's testman website. Testman is a well-known staging site that Verizon uses to tweak its website, not necessarily advertise upcoming promotions. Apple may be prepping a CDMA/GSM iPhone 5 for launch this fall as rumors suggest, but this released screenshot is not any solid guarantee that a sale or a new phone launch is coming soon. [Via Cnet]
Leaked HP presentation hints at faster 64GB TouchPad in August, Pre 3 in fall?
Go grab the Morton -- you're gonna need a grain or two. According to a "confidential HP product brief" sent anonymously to PreCentral, HP is on track to launch a new 64GB TouchPad next month, complete with a white glossy cabinet and a "processor bump," along with support for AT&T's HSPA+ network. The company just started shipping its 16GB and 32GB TouchPads, but even August wouldn't be too soon for a speed boost, considering the tablet's disappointing performance during our review. The presentation also lists the Pre 3 for a "fall" launch, along with that mysterious Opal tablet. Despite the so-called leaked confidential presentation, this rumor should be approached like any other -- but on the other hand, with the Pre 3 making recent appearances at the FCC in both AT&T and Verizon flavors, HP's latest webOS smartphone could easily be on-track to hit stores by autumn.
Rep. Eshoo intros 4G disclosure act, hopes to turn consumers into techies
We're gonna shoot from the hip here -- wireless carriers have gotten a little out-of-hand with their 4G marketing. Even industry standard setter, the ITU, can't figure out a way to keep the story straight. This consumer disinformation loop is exactly what Rep. Anna Eshoo plans to undo with her "Next Generation Wireless Disclosure Act." Like its title says, the bill would force carriers to be absolutely, unfalteringly crystal clear on minimum data speeds, network reliability, accessible coverage maps, and, of course, the technology being used. Think the T-Mobile girl can handle that in thirty seconds? We didn't think so, either. Retailers tried a similar consumer hand-holding effort during the DTV transition, although that came without a regulatory shove. Hit the source for legalese in all its undisturbed glory, and while you wait for Uncle Sam to act, you can clear up any lingering confusion by diving into our primer. [Image credit via Going WiMax]
Motorola Droid 3 official in China under Milestone 3 moniker, packs 4-inch qHD display
The Droid 3 is upon us! Well, it is if you live in China and don't mind calling it the Milestone 3. A new XT883 model has just been made official by Motorola during China Telecom's CDMA Summit, touting the tagline "the third Milestone" and a new five-row slideout QWERTY keyboard. The salient specs include a 4-inch touchscreen with qHD (540 x 960) resolution, a dual-core Tegra 2 processor capable of driving 1080p video recording, an 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, up to 32GB of built-in storage, and of course, Android 2.3 as the shipping OS. A pretty compelling package, we think you'll agree. It's coming to China this summer, though Moto could still be crafty enough to squeeze the US launch in before actual units start shipping to Yao Ming's homeland. Because, well, who's ever heard of a Milestone coming before a Droid? %Gallery-126585% Update: Appears this handset is sporting an OMAP 4430 processor, not Tegra 2 as we had first assumed.
HTC Kingdom soars into FCC's database, WiMAX radio signals a Sprint release
Up until now, all we've had to go on were leaked Blurrycam photos and a few morsels "from the inside." Now, however, HTC's going to have an awfully difficult time denying the existence of its so-called Kingdom, known to the FCC as PH44100. The filing itself doesn't reveal a whole heck of a lot beyond what we already knew -- a 4.3-inch qHD display, namely -- but the presence of both a CDMA and WiMAX radio assures us that it'll be heading for Sprint sooner rather than later. A qHD contender for The Now Network? Yes, please.
US Cellular yanks curtains away from HTC 7 Pro, available June 14th for $200
Well, that was quick, wasn't it? After US Cellular recently announced its upcoming smartphone lineup, its very first Windows Phone -- an HTC model -- was ready for a summer launch with or without an official name. We now know the mystery device is the CDMA version of the HTC 7 Pro, a phone that Sprint lovers know better as the Arrive. Available tomorrow for $200 with contract after $100 mail-in rebate, the full tilt-up QWERTY slider with 5 megapixel shooter and 16GB internal storage is a bit on the spendy side. Oh, and it requires a monthly data plan. Did you just hear that noise? That was the sound of your wallet trying to hide from you. Full press release after the break.
Motorola XT882 bringing Tegra 2, dualing modes and SIMs to China Telecom
Motorola is aiming to change your perception of dual-SIM phones -- typically a hallmark of KIRF and the low-end -- with an uncharacteristically high-end creation that features a 1.2GHz Tegra 2 CPU and 4-inch qHD display. Wasting no time with a clever name, the XT882 supports dual-standby that keeps both SIMs alert and ready to receive calls, and -- when GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 isn't an option -- it handles CDMA 800. Additionally, the phone sports an 8 megapixel camera that captures 720p video, alongside a dual-LED flash. (A nice finishing touch to the "dual" theme, don't you think?) The XT882 will arrive at China Telecom this month for 5,380 yuan (approximately $830 if you speak green), and unlike some of Motorola's finest in the States, this one has Gingerbread. Engadget China scored hands-on time with the Moto, complete with views of its pattern of 8's on the back side -- good fortune for the home crowd. If you're feeling lucky, follow the break for the PR. [Thanks, Julian]
Leaked Sprint roadmap outs LG Optimus Slider and BlackBerry Torch 2, among others
Leaked carrier roadmaps are the closest thing we have to a crystal ball and can offer precious insight into upcoming devices and launches. Stumbling upon these lists isn't a common occurrence, and they can't be fully relied on since carriers tend to change their minds frequently, but the one shown here got our full attention. Among the highlights: the BlackBerry Torch 9850 Monaco, which is possibly a CDMA version of the Torch 9810 we previewed last week, is listed as a TBD release; the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9930 appears to be Sprint-bound on August 21; and the phone we've heard the least about thus far is the LG Optimus Slider LS700 (Gelato Q), most likely the successor to the Optimus S, prepping for a September launch. Several handsets are listed alongside dates for release, but we wouldn't take a lot of stock in the launch dates. Anything could happen in the coming months, and it's quite likely these are tentative dates the company hopes to hit so long as there aren't any hiccups along the way. Keep in mind that screen shots like this one can easily be faked, but the accurate prediction of the Motorola XPRT launch does make it slightly more believable. Scope out another shot after the break.
HTC Merge now shipping from US Cellular, LG Genesis arriving June 9th
We know many US Cellular customers have been waiting for this day, because after missing its rumored launch, the HTC Merge has arrived and is ready to meet your pocket. As expected, it's selling for $250 on contract (before a $100 mail-in rebate) and marks the CDMA provider's first Android world phone. To refresh your memory, this QWERTY slider features a 3.8-inch WVGA touchscreen, a 5 megapixel camera and runs Froyo. Alongside this release, the carrier announced it's getting the LG Genesis on June 9th. If you'll remember, this is the refashioned enV Touch that US Cellular picked up after Verizon dropped the ball. It's also going for $250 on contract (before a $100 mail-in rebate) and true to its legacy, the clamshell provides a full keyboard. Priced equally, it appears QWERTY-lovers on US Cellular have quite a decision ahead. What a happy conundrum, indeed. Follow the break for the PR heralding these arrivals.
Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today
Verizon is seriously diversifying its portfolio today with the official in-store launch of four new smartphones. Three of them roll up in Android gear, though they all have major selling points beyond Google's software. LG's Revolution is the sole LTE-capable handset of the bunch, bringing with it a 4.3-inch screen and pre-installed Netflix for $250. The Droid X2 undercuts it on price, at $200, but doubles the core count with its Tegra 2 processor and ramps up resolution to qHD (960 x 540). Gaming aficionados can spend the same amount on the Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, which offers a slideout gamepad and unique PlayStation Certified status. Bringing up the rear is HTC's well-traveled Trophy, a 3.8-inch Windows Phone that accepts it's a little late to the party and therefore slices $50 off its asking price, with a $150 levy before the obligatory two-year contract. What say you -- buy, try, or keep waiting?
Cox ditches 3G network infrastructure, sticks with airwaves borrowed from Sprint
Cox Communications had some grand designs on the cellular market, but they're not panning out quite as the company planned -- FierceWireless reports that though Cox already poured cash into rolling out 3G equipment, it's going to scrap the whole thing, in favor of continuing to pay Sprint for borrowed airtime. Cellular service in the original three launch markets will reportedly continue, though a quick peek at Cox's website shows the current phone selection is getting a bit stagnant. While we've yet to hear any particular reasons why Cox would want to stick it out as an MVNO, we imagine that mandatory roaming agreements make it a tad easier to offer those "Unbelievably Fair" contracts. There's also the possibility that with all the 4G fervor, Cox has decided there's no point in moving forward with CDMA equipment when LTE is ripe for the picking -- and when Cox has $304 million worth of 700MHz spectrum waiting for such a network. [Thanks, Phil]
4G netbook onslaught imminent as Verizon clears Novatel LTE radio to run on its network
Xoom owners might still be waiting for an LTE upgrade, but it does look like 4G netbooks and tablets could be hitting Verizon's network pretty soon. The carrier, known for its stringent testing standards, has cleared Novatel Wireless' E362 module to run on its network, paving the way for devices with embedded 4G radios. In addition to LTE, the module is compatible with CDMA and HSPA+ / UMTS technology -- a safety net for people outside the 55 markets (soon to be 147) where Verizon is serving up 4G service. Okay, so with no word on pricing or product launches, an onslaught isn't exactly imminent, but when it happens we'll try not to say "told you so."
Verizon CFO: Next iPhone works on both CDMA and GSM networks
As part of the Reuters Global Technology Summit, Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo today talked about data plan discounts, prepaid plans and the next-generation iPhone. During his talk, Shammo noted that the next iPhone model will be released simultaneously for both AT&T and Verizon. This is an indication that the next iPhone supports CDMA and GSM networks, possibly using the same Qualcomm-produced dual-mode chipset that is in the current Verizon CDMA iPhone 4. While the GSM bands aren't enabled in the current Verizon iPhone 4, bringing that capability to the next generation device would give the company a chance to sell a true "world phone" that can work in as many countries as the GSM-based iPhone. Shammo also noted that although he is "happy" with sales of the Verizon iPhone, some customers held off on purchasing as they were waiting for a 4G device running on Verizon's LTE network. The CFO isn't concerned about the next iPhone not supporting LTE, stating that Verizon has enough high-speed alternatives to keep customers happy. Referring to the lack of LTE, Shammo was quoted as saying "I think it's a bigger issue for Apple than it is for us."
BlackBerry Touch receives conservative makeover before its corporate interview
You've already witnessed a prototype of the BlackBerry Touch and its sleek lines, but get ready for a new peek as RIM has put on its "serious business" face in anticipation of Monaco's release. As you can see, the designers from Waterloo are separating and raising those four iconic buttons. Regardless of RIM's intentions, if this leaked unit makes it to retail shelves, the change would represent a subtle but distinct shift in BlackBerry design. We're guessing the corporate-type won't even notice -- unless those new protrusions happen to catch on their oh-so-fashionable holsters, anyway.
Xperia Acro hits FCC, globe-trotting Japanese rejoice
Why, hello there CDMA SOI11... or should we say, Xperia Acro. This Japanese flavor of the Arc, just hit the FCC with both GSM and CDMA radios in tow for our globe trotting friends across the Pacific. In addition to the EVDO Rev A. data capabilities the Acro adds NFC and a TV tuner to the mix, but otherwise it boasts the same specs as its bowed cousin -- Gingerbread, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and a 4.2-inch screen. The filing lists AU by KDDI as the carrier, so Verizon customers shouldn't get their hopes up for an Arc of their own just yet, but at least folks from The Land of the Rising Sun can continue to use their sexy new handset when they pop by the States for a visit.
Another Pre 3 at the FCC, coming to Verizon for you and me?
Last month, a device (model number HSTNH-F30CN) that we surmised to be a Pre 3 hit the FCC rocking AT&T band GSM radios. Now, its brother HSTNH-F30CV is seeking federal approval to ride CDMA (850 / 1900 MHz), UMTS (900 / 2100 MHz), and GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 MHz) wireless waves. With that "V" tagged on the end of the model moniker and its Verizon-friendly innards, it sure looks like the Pre 3 will be the next handset to wear a checkmark on its front. Additionally, those world wide bands tell us that a webOS device will soon be joining the Androids and Blackberrys in Big Red's rather limited lineup of global handsets. Skeptical about our smartphone Spidey Sense? Hit the source link and see for yourself, Sherlock.
Motorola intros dueling portrait QWERTY Android options for Sprint: XPRT and Titanium
It took 'em long enough, but it seems as if The Now Network has managed to snap up Motorola's Droid Pro... just seven months after Verizon Wireless did so. For whatever reason, Sprint's dubbing its version the XPRT, with the same 3.1-inch HVGA touchpanel, full QWERTY keyboard, 1GHz CPU and Android 2.2 loaded. It'll go for $129.99 on a two-year contract starting June 5th, but giving that the Pro hit the bargain bin long ago, we're having a hard time believing anyone will pony up for Sprint's iteration. Moving right along, the Titanium gets off on the wrong foot by shipping with Android 2.1, and while it's hailed as the first iDEN device to combine Nextel Direct Connect and Eclair, the G'zOne Commando has somehow managed to show its brawn while stepping up to v2.2. For those interested nonetheless, there's a 3.1-inch touchscreen and a chassis that's built to MIL-SPEC 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature. She's unpriced for the moment, but the full release can be found just after the break. %Gallery-122877%
Rumor: Apple lowering CDMA iPhone 4 orders, even though survey says Apple is #3 US smartphone vendor
It appears that after robust sales in the first few months of the iPhone 4's life on the Verizon network, demand might be slowing down for the CDMA device. That's despite new NPD data showing a major impact from the Verizon iPhone, including a hit to Sprint's results. In a report discussing first quarter 2011 losses at iPhone supplier Pegatron, Digitimes noted that "market watchers are turning conservative about CDMA iPhone 4 shipments in the future as volumes may not be as strong as expected." Pegatron was expected to ship about 10 million iPhone 4s in 2011, but recent estimates are in the range of 5 million units. There are several hypotheses about the slowdown in production of the CDMA-only device. First, demand for the Verizon iPhone may have cooled off when widely publicized reports noted that the carrier's 3G network was noticeably slower than rival AT&T's, or when would-be switchers were hit with a barrage of "no simultaneous voice and data" warnings. Next, it could be that Apple has a true GSM/CDMA "world phone" in the works for later in 2011 and is just clearing the channel for the new model. Finally, many Verizon customers may realize that the iPhone 4 will soon be replaced by a newer model and are just waiting for the next-generation device before switching. Meanwhile, 9to5 points to the latest NPD report showing Apple holding an astonishing 14 percent of the US smartphone market, behind only LG and Samsung. The Verizon iPhone launch certainly helped push that number, along with AT&T and Apple's aggressive discounting of the iPhone 3GS after the iPhone 4 hit the market. Since NPD is looking at historical sales data while Digitimes is looking ahead to supplier and component forecasts, it is possible that both stories are right: the Verizon iPhone had a killer launch, but it may not have legs through the summer if the iPhone 5 is coming along.
Sprint Nexus S 4G available for pre-order at Best Buy
The Nexus S 4G is available for pre-order from Best Buy's website, meaning it can be yours without encountering a single smurf-shirted employee. Sprint's version of the Nexus S, now with WiMAX support, features a pure Gingerbread OS that's a perfect match for Google Voice. This Sammy sells for $199 with a two-year agreement, and while you're welcome to try your luck at a retail outlet, just be sure they don't give you T-Mobile's version. Of course we know the difference, but do they?
