CTIA 2011
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Cobra Tag Bluetooth key tagging system to ship in July, iRadar and PhoneLynx coming to Android
Cobra's taking a step back from its usual array of radar detectors to make a showing down in Orlando, and as such, today's announcements are all about mobile. The company's Cobra Tag system -- which popped up initially back at CES -- has just been given a price and release date. The Bluetooth tagging system will be keeping track of your car keys (and other miscellaneous items) starting in July, with a Bluetooth key fob linking up with a smartphone app in order to constantly monitor the position of anything it's connected to. All's that required from you is a BlackBerry or Android smartphone, $59.99 and a mindful personality. In related news, the outfit's also making available the previously announced iRadar application for Android, which is used to link your smartphone and radar detector, as well as the PhoneLynx for Android, which enables users to use a landline handset while tapping into Android voice minutes. Hit the source links if you're hungry for more.
LG's T-Mobile G2x spied at CTIA
Welcome to the CTIA 2011 show floor where the booths are guarded and all the products are kept under lock and key! Oh yes, it's pretty impossible to see what's going to be unveiled here tomorrow when the doors officially open, but we did spot this lovely digital sign at LG's booth of the T-Mobile G2x. This one doesn't come as a major surprise since we heard rumblings last month that Optimus 2X would be headed stateside under the G2x moniker, but it certainly looks like the launch is imminent now. We've got one more shot for you after the break, but stay tuned for plenty more tomorrow.
Sprint's BlackBerry 4G PlayBook portal goes live, still on track for a summer release
We knew good and well that the 4G version of RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook was on track for a summertime release on Sprint, and here at CTIA 2011, the carrier has launched a newfangled product portal confirming that things are still on lock. For those in need of a refresher, this guy will boast a 1GHz dual-core CPU, Adobe Flash / HTML 5 support, "true" multitasking, rear- and front-facing HD video cameras and a price that's still to be determined. What's most interesting here, however, is the dearth of information about a WiFi-only version -- we're hoping that it'll slip out a bit earlier than the WiMAX variant, but we're intentionally keeping our expectations on the low side. No one enjoys a bursting bubble, you know? [Thanks, Christopher]
We're live from CTIA Wireless 2011!
As American consumer electronics trade shows go, CTIA Wireless is definitely one of the elite -- which is exactly why we've got a full contingent of Engadget staffers skulking around this year's shindig all this week looking for phones, tablets, and miscellany that may be relevant to your interests. Obviously, AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA has dialed up the volume level a notch or three, but we're expecting HTC's first 3D smartphone, an all-new Galaxy Tab, and countless other goodies... so keep it locked! Tip: Tune into Engadget Mobile's "ctiawireless2011" tag for all the action!
AT&T launches HTC HD7S with WP7 and LG's 3D-enabled Thrill 4G Android phone
Who says CTIA is going to be overshadowed by news that actually broke prior to the event starting? Okay, so it's entirely possible that the AT&T / T-Mobile buzz will be impossible to ignore here in Orlando, but that's not stopping Ma Bell from rolling out two new (er, rebadged) handsets for those looking for iPhone alternatives. First up is the LG Thrill 4G (available in the "coming months"), an unpriced 4.3-inch superphone that features a glasses-free 3D display, dual 5-megapixel stereoscopic camera, 16GB of preloaded memory (8GB onboard, 8GB microSD card), access to Google's Android Market and a special 3D marketplace coined LG 3D Space. The camera's capable to snagging video clips at 1080p when shooting 2D, or 720p when opting for 3D. You'll also get a dual-core 1GHz processor, HDMI output, DLNA streaming support and pretty much anything else you'd expect to find in a run-of-the-mill Optimus 3D -- you know, considering this is that very phone, albeit with an AT&T logo on it. Moving on, there's the HTC HD7S, which is essentially an AT&Tified version of the HD7 that has been on T-Mobile USA for quite some time now. In other words, you'll get a 4.3-inch WVGA Super LCD, 1GHz CPU, 5-megapixel camera, Windows Phone 7 (with copy and paste functionality baked right in) and a preloaded U-Verse Mobile application that enables "qualifying AT&T U-verse customers to download and watch TV shows" so long as they pony up an extra $9.99 per month. AT&T claims that its version of the HD7 will be the first in the US with an "improved Super LCD display," but as with the Thrill 4G above, no specific pricing is mentioned. That said, it should be popping up online and in retail locations "within the coming weeks," so you shouldn't have to wait too terribly long for those details to emerge.
Sprint, Google Voice getting tight integration, will let you use your number without porting it
If the Nexus S 4G wasn't enough to get you excited, Sprint and Google have one more trick up their collective sleeves this morning: an unprecedented new level of integration with Google Voice. Basically, you'll be able to use your existing Sprint number in Google Voice, but through some custom-brewed sorcery and magicks, you won't have to port it to Google Voice -- your number, and your account, still belong to Sprint so that you won't get an ugly early termination fee. And if you like your current Google Voice number more than your Sprint one, that's cool, too -- you'll be able to set it up so that your GV number shows when you make calls or send texts on your Sprint phone. Either way, you'll use Google Voice for voicemail (as many folks already do) instead of Sprint's voicemail service. No word on when the feature will launch ("soon" is all they're saying), but live demos will be on display at CTIA this week -- on Nexus S 4Gs, we're willing to bet. Follow the break for video!
Google Nexus S 4G with WiMAX announced for Sprint: coming this spring for $200
For a while, it seemed like the 850 / 1900MHz 3G version of the Nexus S that'd work on AT&T, Bell, Telus, and Rogers would be the next one to show up, but Sprint ended up emerging as the frontrunner more recently -- and now it's official. The Nexus S 4G stays true to the T-Mobile-flavored original, offering an unfettered stock Gingerbread experience; it's fractions of a millimeter thicker and a couple grams heavier, but the real change is inside where you'll find both CDMA / EV-DO and WiMAX radios -- hence the "4G" in the name. There'll be a menu option for turning WiMAX on and off -- good for those times when you value battery life over breakneck browsing speeds -- and considering Sammy's prior experience rolling the Epic 4G for Sprint, we're cautiously optimistic that the Nexus S hardware will make the transition from GSM with minimum pain. The new version will be available "this spring" for $199.99; follow the break for Samsung's full press release.
Nexus S 4G confirmed by Sprint's own website, first 'fully integrated' Google Voice smartphone
in case we didn't leak this thoroughly enough for your tastes, here's Sprint spoiling its own surprise: the Nexus S is coming to the Now Network in a 4G flavor. Touted as "Pure Google," this WiMAX-toting device will be the very first to feature "fully integrated" Google Voice -- which we're told means using only one number for all your calls and permits for things like web calling and voicemail transcription. Pretty snazzy, if you ask us, and potentially even more important than the mere addition of 4G networking. All it took to discover this bit of intel was a casual search for "nexus" on Sprint's web portal, not exactly the hardest snooping job ever, but we appreciate our eagle-eyed tipster for doing it all the same. Now it's just a matter of waiting a few more hours until Sprint's CTIA event to hear the full details of its collaboration with Google. [Thanks, MTW] Update: What do you know, Sprint must read Engadget. The offending search topic has now disappeared from its public servers. Update 2: And now it's official. $200 on a two-year contract, arriving this spring.
HTC EVO 3D, EVO View 4G specs revealed ahead of Sprint's CTIA announce?
All signs are pointing to a Sprint blowout at CTIA next week -- and we'll be there, of course! But ahead of that, BGR's claiming a few additional details on the headline devices we scooped not long ago that Sprint should be showing for the first time at the show -- namely, the EVO 3D and EVO View 4G tablet. On the EVO 3D side, this bad boy is shaping up to be a proper EVO 4G successor with a newer 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8660 processor, 4.3-inch glasses-free 3D 960 x 540 display (which, like the rumored Pyramid, suggests HTC is following the qHD trend set by Motorola), a whopping 1GB of RAM, 1080p video out, 1.3 megapixel camera up front, and -- of course -- dual 5 megapixel cameras around back for stereoscopic capture. The rumor also pegs Gingerbread at launch along with 3D versions of the Blockbuster and YouTube apps to make sure users have plenty of 3D content out of the gate; that tidbit seems particularly believable considering that YouTube introduced high-quality mobile playback on the EVO 4G last year. As for the EVO View 4G, it's shaping up to be a CDMA / WiMAX remix of the Flyer -- as expected -- complete with pen input. They're also expected to confirm that the Xoom will be coming in a Sprint flavor (with WiMAX in place of Verizon's LTE, of course) and will be launching "in the coming weeks or months." Looking like it's going to be tough for any other carrier to go this deep at the show -- but hey, we invite 'em to give it a shot.
Motorola Xoom with Sprint insignia, Nexus S 4G logo leak out
If you've been following these here pages closely, you'll know that a little device named the Nexus S 4G is coming to Sprint's network, with the expectation being that it'll be announced at CTIA early next week. Fueling our previous info on the matter, we've now gotten ahold of an image purporting to be the logo that Sprint and Google will be using to represent their new WiMAX-equipped collaboration. That can be found after the break, but what you're really eager to learn more about is that image of a Motorola Xoom with a Now Network logo on it, right? Well, it comes from the same source, whose record of revealing Sprint pre-release hardware (and not getting fired) is quite exemplary, so we're willing to credit it as the real deal. We've no launch dates or pricing details to share as yet, but it's not unreasonable to expect Sprint will be disclosing all that juicy info during its extra-long CTIA presser. And if not, we'll keep tracking down these leaks and get it to you anyway! [Thanks, r0fl]
T-Mobile G-Slate and G2x dual-core smartphone coming on April 20th?
LG, you big tease! T-Mobile must be feeling a tinge of regret for hooking up with the Korean hardware manufacturer lately, as TmoNews reports both the G-Slate tablet and a new G2x smartphone (believed to be the US moniker for the Optimus 2X) won't be coming Stateside for at least another month. Neither will be exactly late, mind you, since both feature dual-core Tegra 2 chips and the G-Slate runs Google's freshest Honeycomb software, however a launch date of April 20th does put LG a step behind its direct competitors. Motorola has already rolled out its own Xoom and Atrix alternatives, while Samsung is making noise about its new Galaxy devices, which might well beat LG's wares to the market. Rumor is we'll get an official date out of T-Mobile at CTIA next week, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.
Samsung's latest 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab teaser hints impressive slimness
Samsung hasn't been entirely shy about its forthcoming 8.9-inch tablet, though Mr. Blurrycam seems to be having some trouble getting on a plane in Seoul. Fortunately for us, today the Korean giant decided to give us mere mortals a sneak peek at said device, and it sure looks promising -- as you can see above, the bulge seems to imply that the tablet's general thickness almost matches the headphone jack's height. If true, this would put Samsung's 8.9-incher head to head with Apple's 8.8mm thick iPad 2 in a fitness contest. Bring on March 22nd!
HTC seeks EVO View 4G trademark, all but confirming WiMAX tablet for Sprint
Not that we were doubting the veracity of our tipster's info, but here's a nice fat slice of pseudo-official confirmation of what we were told a couple of days ago. HTC has laid claim to the trademark of "HTC EVO View 4G," confirming our indications that an EVO View tablet would be coming to Sprint's Now Network. That postulation is also supported by the fact that the EVO branding has only ever appeared in association with Sprint as well as some pretty compelling circumstantial evidence. There is an interesting new piece to the puzzle, however, in the 4G appendage to the device's name, which would imply that we're looking at our first WiMAX tablet -- something Sprint promised for this year and looks set to unveil at the upcoming CTIA 2011 trade show. Our expectation is that the EVO View 4G moniker will be attached to HTC's1.5GHz Flyer, a 7-inch Android Gingerbread slate with aspirations for Honeycomb glory in its near future. Only one way to be sure though, keep an eye on our CTIA coverage and we'll let you know as soon as the official bird chirps out the official word.
Sprint announcing Nexus S 4G, EVO 3D, and EVO View tablet at CTIA?
The media -- yours truly included -- has been trying to figure out why Sprint has booked an insane two-and-a-half hour slot at CTIA later this month. That's not the kind of event you throw together just to rehash the devices you've introduced over the last half year -- something's up, and if our source is correct, they're up to something big. First, we're hearing that the carrier will launch the Nexus S 4G from Samsung, and judging from the name, the phone should be something akin to a Nexus S with WiMAX. It seems this one could be either the SPH-D600 or SPH-D720, both of which have recently received certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, though the SPH-D720 is more likely; the D600 shows WPS support, which is available in TouchWiz-skinned devices but not in stock Gingerbread. You might recall that Sprint came very, very close to launching its own version of the Nexus One before dropping it in favor of the EVO 4G last year, so maybe they're ready to do the deed this time. Next, a couple that we don't have much detail on: the EVO 3D, which is... well, a 3D-capable EVO of some sort. 2011 is certainly shaping up to be the year of 3D phones and tablets, so that wouldn't be much of a surprise. The other unit in the mix is the EVO View, a tablet that we're guessing will shape up to be something of a CDMA-powered Flyer. If this all pans out, it's looking like Sprint could own this show. CES was a bit of a dud for them, you might recall -- the EVO Shift 4G was the only handset announcement there -- so they're overdue. [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
CTIA exec promises 'significant' new tablet launch at trade show next month
A trade show executive attempting to generate interest in his own trade show may not exactly be news, but CTIA vice president Rob Mesirow has made things a bit more interesting than usual by promising today that a "significant" new tablet will be launched at the mobile-focused show, which runs from March 22nd to the 24th. What could that tablet be? Well, we already have a pretty strong indication that Samsung will announce an 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab at the show -- but is it "significant" enough to match the hype? As for any other announcements we might see, Mesirow was fairly tight-lipped, with him saying only that "Android, Android, Android" will be the big platform at the show, and that while we will see more out of Windows Phone 7, it will be "moving into the fall show in a much bigger way." Whatever is in store, you can count on us being there to see it first hand.
Samsung's 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab likely to launch at CTIA
Torn between the 7-inch and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab? Well, it looks like Samsung is about to solve that problem for you come March 22nd. According to an invite making the rounds, the Samsung Mobile team is planning to hold a Mobile Unpacked event at CTIA in Orlando, and as the graphic suggests, the focus will be a new sized Tab. We're assuming it will be an 8.9-inch version, since the invite shows an 8 and 9 flanked by a 7 and 10. That sure lines up with what we've heard before, but we have to admit, it does seems like a lot of tablet offerings for one company. For some odd reason, we haven't received this invitation yet, but we're assuming we're invited (obviously, it's not a party without Engadget!) and thus will be there covering all the action live. Stay tuned.
