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Refresh Roundup: week of January 28th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. 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 we could find during 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!
Mobile Miscellany: week of December 10th, 2012
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, a company that you're no doubt familiar with announced its departure from the smartphone business, a UK-based carrier put the Nexus 4 up for sale and Republic Wireless made good on a promise. 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 December 10th, 2012.
Republic Wireless mobile phone service exits private beta, now available to all
It's been just over a year since Republic Wireless promised us unlimited phone, data and SMS services for under 20 bucks a month. Then, this past summer, a select few were invited to use the fledgling hybrid mobile service in a closed beta, and now Republic's opening up its doors to everyone. Interested parties can jump on the bandwagon by pre-ordering a service-compatible Motorola DEFY XT for $249 on the company website, plus there's a $10 start-up fee and applicable taxes to get started. In case you forgot, it's a pay-as-you-go plan, and should you not be satisfied with what your $19 a month gets you, there's a 30-day money back guarantee. Want to know more? There's post from company GM Jim Mulcahy with all the details at the source below. [Thanks, Michael]
Republic Wireless announces dual-band Motorola Defy XT, offers incentives to quell coverage woes
Republic Wireless is pretty candid that it's still learning the ropes of the mobile world, but with its monthly service cost of $19 per month, we know more than a few people who'd like to help test the water. Most recently, the company admitted an error with its deployment of a single-band Motorola Defy XT, which is compatible only with Sprint's 1,900MHz network. While this is fine for many -- especially given that subscribers are primarily expected to use WiFi -- it's presented a more tangible challenge for those who live within or travel to areas that rely on 800MHz service. Don't be alarmed, however, because the company is going to make it right. From today, Republic Wireless subscribers in waves B through E will have 30 days to evaluate their service, and if it's unacceptable, may seek a full refund from the provider. Those who are willing to wait it out, however, will receive a free dual-band Defy XT when it becomes available. Similarly, the company is incentivizing the upgrade for those in wave A with a $100 discount. Meanwhile, it will continue to offer the single-band Defy XT to those in waves F and beyond, but alternatively, it'll also keep the door open for its invitees to come aboard once the dual-band version is available -- it certainly seems wise to hold out for the dual-band version if you're able. You'll find the complete details at the source link. [Thanks, Connor]
US Cellular launches Motorola Electrify 2 today for $180, Defy XT on August 3rd
With the launch of the Atrix HD a couple weeks ago, Motorola's looking to continue building momentum by launching two new devices on US Cellular this week. First up is the Electrify 2, the obvious followup to the regional carrier's version of the Photon 4G. Available online beginning today and in stores tomorrow, the new Electrify will feature Ice Cream Sandwich, a 4.3-inch ColorBoost panel, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, Kevlar backing, an 8MP rear camera capable of taking 1080p video capture, decently thin profile (8.4mm) and a splash guard similar to what we saw on the Atrix HD and Droid RAZR. While USCC's site tells us that pricing may vary by location, it looks like the Electrify 2 is going for $180 after a $100 mail-in rebate and the obligatory two-year commitment. The second device in Moto's arsenal is the Defy XT, due to launch on August 3rd. We've seen this model land in other parts of the world, but this is the first time it's hit a major mobile operator in the US (unless you count Republic Wireless as a contender). The Defy XT is a bit more on the rugged side, featuring an IP67 durability rating, a 3.7-inch FWVGA (854 x 480) display with Gorilla Glass, Android 2.3, a 1,700mAh battery, 5MP camera with 720p video record, 1GHz CPU and 512MB RAM. We're still waiting to hear back from US Cellular on the pricing, but we anticipate it to be in the mid-range. In the meantime, the press release is below for your general perusal.
Republic Wireless reopens its unlimited $19 per month beta, starts offering Motorola Defy XT
Republic Wireless is finally ready for more customers on its low price cellphone service, announcing today that it's reopening signups for its beta and offering customers a new phone. The new hardware is the Motorola Defy XT, an Android 2.3 device with a 3.7-inch display, 1GHz CPU, 1650 mAh battery, 5MP camera / VGA front camera, 1GB of ROM and microSD slot. It can be your for $249, which may seem pricey for a Gingerbread phone in 2012, however Republic Wireless' truly unlimited $19 / month plan hopes to make up for it on the back end. Those who signed up for the service and are slotted in Wave B are welcome, while Wave A customers rocking the launch LG Optimus are being offered $100 off the price of an upgrade to the new phone. Check out a few more details after the break in the press release.
