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ViewSonic ViewPhone 3 clears FCC, prepares for Latin American arrival
Well, wouldn't you know it, but another ViewSonic smartphone has just reared its head -- this time the ViewPhone 3 (V350) -- which has just cleared the FCC. Previously geared toward Russian and European audiences, its creator now hopes to make a splash with the device at CES. The ViewPhone 3 features dual-SIM technology and will be primarily marketed in Latin America. Connectivity wise, it offers quadband GSM and EDGE, although for North American purposes, 3G is limited to the 850MHz spectrum. Further, it carries a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 512MB of RAM and delivers two upgrades over the international version -- an 800MHz Qualcomm CPU and Android 2.3. For those in the states who really want in on the action, ViewSonic intends to sell an unlocked version for a mere $250.
Unnecto TAPs into dual-SIM market, lets you do double GSM duty with a touch
Heard of Unnecto? Neither have we. But if you're oh-so-important enough to be toting around more than one phone on more than one carrier, you might want to stop, drop (some dough) and TAP -- as the company's latest smartphone is known. This sixth in a line of dual-SIM offerings is the outfit's first to offer touchscreen functionality and packs a quadband GSM radio that should make your globe- and frequency-hopping a little more efficient. No pricing or release details have yet been announced, but if you're really keen to wield this handset, you can just leave all of that tedious busywork to your office-locked assistant. Check the official presser after the break.
Samsung launches two dual-sim Galaxy Y phones for carrier cheaters
Samsung is rolling out a pair of dual-SIM blowers for everyone who wants to keep their working and private lives separate, or take advantage of constantly changing carrier deals. The Galaxy Y Duos packs a 3.14-inch QVGA (243 x 320) touchscreen, HSDPA modem, three megapixel camera, microSD storage that's expandable up to 32GB and an 832MHz processor that runs TouchWiz flavored Gingerbread. The Galaxy Y Pro Duos' only difference is its smaller 2.6-inch LQVGA TFT screen, to make space for the physical keyboard below. Both models will be available from January in Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia, Africa and China and while there's no word on pricing, the specs suggest it won't be high. Head on past the break for the deep dish (or as some squares like to call it, "press release").
MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust
Here's a funny one we spotted at China Mobile's booth at Mobile Asia Congress: a ZTE Android phone powered by a MediaTek chipset that supports TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM and dual SIM! Of course, given that China Mobile is currently the exclusive carrier to the TD-SCDMA technology, we're not expecting this peculiar device to pop up anywhere beyond the Great Wall any time soon; but knowing that there's a dual-SIM LTE phone somewhere on this planet still makes our day. Spec-wise this MT73 prototype features Android 2.3.4, an 800MHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.1-inch 854 x 480 LCD with capacitive touchscreen, a five megapixel main camera, a VGA front-facing camera and a 1,100mAh battery. As per usual ZTE build quality, there's an inevitable cheap feel upon laying our hands on this phone, but we'll give ZTE the benefit of the doubt and wait for the final version. As for a launch date, the folks at China Mobile said it'll depend on when will the government issue a commercial license for TD-LTE. To keep you occupied for the time being, we have a hands-on video right after the break.
Vooma Peel PG92 case brings dual-SIM capability, added appeal to your iPhone 4, 4S
Vooma's new Peel PG92 handset case isn't the first to bring dual-SIM capability to the iPhone 4, but it may be the most elegant. The accessory, which has yet to be released, essentially consists of an extra battery pack and an unlocked SIM slot. All you have to do is download Vooma's customized app to your jailbroken iPhone 4 or 4S, strap on the Peel PG92, and insert your spare SIM card into the case (judging from the photos, it appears that the device is tailored for mini-SIM cards, rather than micro-SIM). Once that's taken care of, you'll be able to place calls via the app and external SIM, using a dialer interface that's only slightly different from what Apple offers. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can sign up for more information at Voom's website, linked below. Otherwise, check out the coverage from our friends at TechCrunch, who managed to get their hands on a pre-release model.
Ask Engadget: what's the best dual-SIM phone on the market?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Damian, who just ain't satisfied with only one SIM in his handset. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've looked and given up, so I'm chiming to the oracle. What is the best dual-SIM phone?" We're going to need some serious input from our international readers on this one. Dual-SIM handsets just aren't "a thing" in America, and even finding one is a bit of a chore. But for those elsewhere, what's your preferred device for toting around SIMs from two nations?
Is Motorola joining the Facebook phone bandwagon with its EX225?
A funny thing just happened over at the Bluetooth SIG's website: the group may have just outed Motorola's first Facebook phone. As Unwired View rightfully points out, the EX225 is likely a feature phone that's based on BREW, as Android's navigation buttons are nowhere to be found. The handset offers two variants, one that supports dual-SIMs and another that accommodates only one. Further, a nearly identical version, the EX226, is displayed in a separate listing that lacks the notorious "F" button. Both models share a common 2.4-inch TFT-LCD display, a 3 megapixel camera and five row QWERTY keyboard -- along with a sizable protrusion at the bottom rear of the device. That's all we have for the moment, but it seems that the Status shouldn't be too concerned about this Moto.
Motorola's XT531 hits the FCC, ready for its US crossover
Motorola's XT531 has gone through more name changes than a certain rapper-cum-vodka shilling mogul, and the trend might continue as it makes its way to the US. The budget-friendly handset, known as the Fire XT in Europe and the Spice XT in Latin America, has just surfaced at the FCC toting AT&T-compatible GSM bands, UMTS / HSDPA 850MHz / 1900MHz support, WiFi and Bluetooth. Based on Moto's official PR for the handset's Chinese release, we know this 3.5-incher also sports a front-facing VGA / 5 megapixel rear camera, and is set to launch with Android 2.3 onboard. With Google's newest pal clearly chasing after heat-related naming conventions, we expect to see this one launch with an equally caliente moniker.
Motorola makes the budget-friendly XT531 official, will be available in China this month
The Domino name and its fancy "plus" didn't make the cut, but at least the phone itself did. Not long after the Motorola XT531 endured its obligatory photo session, the Android 2.3 device has been deemed worthy of an official press release announcing its upcoming availability. With it, all of the pertinent details came gushing out: it's powered by an 800MHz CPU (no specific chip was mentioned), 512MB of RAM, a 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 1540mAh battery for up to eight hours talk time, and it offers dual cameras (5 MP rear / VGA front). Dimensionally speaking, the handset is 11.95mm thick and weighs a smidgen above four ounces. Oh, and here's the kicker -- select parts of Asia will be able to choose between single-SIM and dual-SIM flavors. The XT531 will be available as the Fire XT in Europe and the Spice XT in Latin America -- not to be confused with the Fire and Spice -- sometime this fall. While our earlier images clearly showed the device clad in an all-white shell, there was zero mention of color choices. Disappointed? Allow us to recommend the age-old method of wishing upon a star. The full press release is after the break.
Nokia debuts C2-03 at CommunicAsia (video)
Nokia's Mary McDowell announced the company's third dual-SIM device, the C2-03, at CommunicAsia. It's a portrait slider with a 320 x 240 touchscreen display paired with the company's Touch and Type interface. Like the C2-00, it's based on S40 and supports Easy Swap -- a handy feature that lets users hot swap their SIMs. Additionally, the phone sports a new version of Nokia's web browser that compresses data up to 90 percent, and Nokia Maps for Series 40 -- which provides location search and routing while offline. Amazingly, standby time is rated at a hearty 400 hours, and while the built-in memory is somewhat paltry (10MB), the storage can be expanded up to 32GB. It's expected to be released in Q3 for €77, and will roll out across India, China, the south-east Asian-Pacific region, Eurasia, the middle east, and Africa. The C2-02, a single-SIM variant will debut alongside the more intriguing sibling, but we know you're most interested in the dual-SIM darling, so hop past the break for an extended peek.
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]
Nokia's promised dual-SIM handsets arrive, look strangely familiar
Well, that didn't take long. When Stephen Elop said a new dual-SIM handset would ship by the end of June, apparently he meant to say, "Right away!" Nokia has announced the first shipments of its C2-00 -- the same dual-SIM candybar we've known about for a year -- throughout India, China, and various developing regions for €45. On this C2, one of the SIM slots is accessible from the outside of the phone, making it convenient for those carrying more than two cards. Additionally, the company revealed the X1-01, a dual-SIM (and still very loud) variant of the X1-00 with a specially tuned speaker that's said not to distort too badly -- even when the volume is turned to 11. It sells for €34 and lasts 43 days on standby. Both devices feature dual-standby, which allows calls and messages to be received on both numbers without needing to switch back and forth between them. Of course, this leaves us awaiting the arrival of Nokia's dual-SIM touchscreen phone, the C2-06, but this will suffice for today. Game on, Mr. Elop.
Motorola EX119 receives FCC approval, determined to captivate AT&T with its dual-SIM charm
Last year, after Motorola brought the EX128 before the FCC, it was unable to tempt AT&T with its dual-SIM feature-phone -- which ultimately found a home in India. A similar fate befell the EX115, another dual-SIM offering that picked up its toys and went to Brazil. Now, Moto is once again pushing the EX lineup in Ma Bell's direction, where the EX118 and EX119 recently received FCC approval. Interestingly, the only difference between the two handsets is the SIM -- the 118 has one, and the 119 has two -- which sadly gives AT&T an opportunity to grab the device while passing on its most desirable feature. Considering Motorola's prior luck in convincing the carrier, those really intent on handling AT&T and T-Mobile in one phone are better off scouring eBay... or waiting for the merger to complete.
Nokia's chief envisions a dual-SIM future in India and China, remains uncommonly silent about Europe
When speaking at Nokia's Annual General Meeting, CEO Stephen Elop identified the company's burning desire to strengthen its dual-SIM portfolio, citing the feature's strategic importance in India and China. During the speech, he announced Espoo's first dual-SIM phone (likely the C2-06) will ship by the end of June, while failing to mention its true "first" offerings, the C1-00 and C2-00, were released in 2010. For travelers who must contend with network fragmentation, dual-SIM functionality allows users to easily switch among carriers while moving about. The feature is also getting noticed in Europe, too -- though it's unclear whether you'll begin seeing Windows Phone pursuing double lives. Should Elop decide two SIMs have a future in Nokia's smartphones, we're pretty sure he'll be able to twist Ballmer's arm. [Thanks, Nisse]
Nokia's upcoming C2-series slider spotted in India, keeps the low-end in check
A prototype of Nokia's C2 series dual-SIM phone was recently spotted in India, adding a resistive touchscreen to the manufacturer's mix of budget offerings. This glossy T9 slider was spotted with a two megapixel camera (sans flash), and sadly forgoes such niceties as WiFi and 3G connectivity -- presumably in the name of keeping cost down. There's no word on pricing (yet), though we do know this handset is running Series 40 6th Edition, and thankfully features Bluetooth (revealing the name of the device as C2-06). All told, Nokia is far removed from the bleeding edge on this one, although it's always comforting to know they're looking out for the little guy.
ViewSonic intros dual-SIM V350 smartphone, Windows 7 / Android dual-boot ViewPad 10Pro tablet
Mobile World Congress may not have its halls open quite yet, but that's not stopping ViewSonic from giving the world a peek at what's to come. First up is the V350 smartphone shown above, a dual-SIM creature with a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchpanel, Android 2.2, five megapixel camera, a microSD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and A-GPS to boot. By supporting a pair of SIMs, it allows jetsetters to carry two SIMs from two operators in order to take advantage of different plans and networks for voice / data in different countries. Moving on, there's a highly intriguing new tablet in the waiting -- the ViewPad 10Pro. This 10-incher (shown after the break) is a "professional" slate with dual-boot functionality, enabling users to tap into Android 2.2 or Windows 7 Professional at their leisure. It's also one of the first tablets to utilize Intel's long-awaited Oak Trail platform, and it'll ship with a 1024 x 600 LED-backlit capacitive multitouch screen, inbuilt 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and a battery good for six or so hours of life. Finally, the ViewPad 10s -- which was just unveiled at CES -- is seeing a gentle update in Barcelona, with the ViewPad 10s 3G (predictably) gaining integrated 3G functionality. Mum's the word on pricing and release, but as always, we'll be prying for more once we touch down at BCN.
Crapgadget CES, round five: iPhone 4 and iPad wed in unholy KIRF matrimony
Yes, this is what happens when the iPhone 4 and the iPad mingle in the back alleys of Shenzhen and bring mutant KIRF-y children to CES. The EYO T8100 is a dumbphone boasting a (likely resistive) 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, quad-band GSM radio, dual SIM slots, two megapixel rear camera (with flash), VGA front camera, analog TV tuner, Java support, and WiFi, all wrapped in a silver / black, white, or pink package. Check out the spectacle in the gallery below. %Gallery-113420%
Dual SIM iPhone 4 case gives your multiple personality disorder a new lease on life
Sure, there are any number of phones with dual SIM card slots, most of them built for Asian markets, but the iPhone 4 is about the furthest thing from dual SIM: in fact, it doesn't even have one Big Person SIM to call its own. Luckily, USBFever has a hacktastic solution to this problem (a followup to their iPhone 3G version), with a new $30 case that can host dual full size SIM cards on the back of an iPhone 4 (entombed in some classy clear plastic, naturally), while running an adapter to the iPhone 4's micro SIM slot. You can then switch between the two SIMs from the iPhone's own settings menu, though unfortunately you can't rock both SIMs simultaneously. Looking for a more DIY approach? Bust out your X-Acto and check out our SIM resizing guide!
Dual SIM watchphone gives us two reasons to be non-plussed
Oh, the humble watchphone... we've seen a few iterations, but very few that we'd wear for anything but a laugh. The gang at eSales China are offering a slight twist on the typical fare by throwing in dual SIM cards behind the 1.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, 2 mp camera, microSD card, and GSM850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 support. Sold? We weren't either (not for $128 at least). Feel like a good laugh? Get a closer look after the break.
Sciphone's Android-toting N21 unboxed, dual SIM slots caught rockin' the suburbs
It may look a lot like the General Mobile DSTL1, but SciPhone's N21 still has its very own soul. Our BFFs over at Engadget Chinese were able to wrangle one in, and naturally they took the opportunity to score a photo shoot and host it for the world to see. There aren't too many surprises to be found, but if you're looking for a pinch of KIRF, twin SIM slots, a 5 megapixel camera and the not-exactly-newest version of Google's mobile operating system, you know where to look.
