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FreedomPop now lets you bring your own phone, offers $99 HTC Evo 4G
FreedomPop's free cellphone plan is tempting, but we doubt that everyone wants to use one of the carrier's few available handsets. Thankfully, they won't have to. The discount provider has just launched a bring-your-own option that lets anyone with a compatible Sprint phone (CDMA plus LTE or WiMAX) jump on FreedomPop's extra-frugal services. Subscribers who don't yet have a phone are getting a little more choice at the same time; the carrier is simultaneously resurrecting the HTC Evo 4G, which is available for $99 contract-free. You'll still have to live in an area with healthy Sprint coverage for FreedomPop's plans to make sense, but the new option means that you won't have to abandon a favorite device if you're interested in switching.
Refresh Roundup: week of February 11th, 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!
Months after Gingerbread's arrival, HTC Sense remains fussy, users can't get no satisfaction
Many HTC Sense users have experienced less than ideal conditions ever since their upgrade to Gingerbread. In an issue that's likely tied to the operating system's new memory management techniques, we've seen the launcher sporadically restart upon return to the home screen, and in rarer cases, cause Sense to revert entirely to its factory settings. While the glitch is hardly new, it's rather well documented and the longstanding nature demands a proper (and expedient) update from HTC. Until that moment comes, we've included a few tips to help affected users get through the day.First, the most straightforward solution involves using an alternate launcher, such as ADW, Go or LauncherPro. If you want to keep Sense and its goodies, you can try to keep widget use to a minimum, but if you're willing to gain root access, the command "echo ro.HOME_APP_ADJ=1 >/data/local.prop" has also proven successful at holding Sense in memory. Of course, dropping Sense entirely and replacing it with an AOSP ROM is another solution. Regardless of which route you choose, we hope you'll sound off in the comments and join us in the call for an update.
Refresh Roundup: week of September 5, 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! Official Android updates Verizon was spitting out new refreshes left and right this week, as we saw Gingerbread begin to roll out as OTA downloads on the Motorola Droid 3, HTC Droid Incredible, and -- get this -- even the Motorola Droid 2 R2-D2 edition. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Interestingly enough, Android 2.3 for the Droid 2 Global was already getting pushed out, but was pulled just a couple days later after a Microsoft Exchange encryption issue was discovered. We've been told the updates will resume "soon." [via Droid-Life] Finally, Verizon also pushed out one other software upgrade -- this time on its 4510L LTE MiFi. (Thanks, Matt) HTC continues to expand its bootloader unlock tool to more phones, region by region. This week the company enabled support for the EVO 3D in Canada and Europe. [via Phandroid] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery The Motorola Droid 3 and Droid X both now have access to an SBF -- System Boot File -- to act as a safeguard for anyone who manages to brick their phones. [via Droid-Life (1) and (2)] Recently we heard about the Honeycomb ROM for the HTC Flyer getting leaked by MoDaCo, but no screenshots were available at the time. This week, however, someone successfully grabbed a few images to share with the world (shown in the above image). The ROM appears to run on Android 3.2 with HTC Sense 1.1 for tablets as the featured UI. [via AndroidBugle -- thanks, Dennis] Let's talk a little more about leaked Sense ROMs. We've already seen Sense 3.5 working on the Desire HD, and now we have another device to add to the list: the EVO 4G. [via XDA] The first kernel for unlocked bootloaders on the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is now waiting for your download, so head over to the link for instructions. [via XDA] If you've been waiting and hoping for CyanogenMod 7 on your HTC Sensation or EVO 3D so you can shed the Sense UI, that time may be very close at hand. According to a member of the CyanogenMod team, an early alpha build for both devices may be available by the end of this weekend, so keep an eye out. [via Phandroid] Other platforms Two new unofficial ROMs -- one for Windows Phone Mango and another for NoDo --are now available for the Samsung Omnia 7. The Mango ROM improves the device's radio, camera drivers and motion sensors, in addition to a few other enhancements. [via WPCentral] Refreshes already covered this week Vizio rolls out Tablet software update, promises performance boosts aplenty
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 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! Official Android updates The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed] Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company's fancy new dev site. Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved "device reboots." Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews] If you're using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you'll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It'll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup] The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that's Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral] Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It's a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral] HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life] In time for today's launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it -- you'll know what to do after that. [via Android Police] For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it's supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed] Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery This was fast -- the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life] The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you're interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips] We've seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an "official" update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It's been told that this is not yet the final build, so it's bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral] Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]
T-Mobile myTouch 4G designer Donn Koh unveils the process, how he brings the heat
Have you ever wanted a look inside the mind of a mobile handset designer? Of course you do, and so do we, for that matter. Donn Koh, lead designer of smartphones like Sprint's Evo 4G and T-Mobile's myTouch 4G as an employee of One&Co, has posted in-depth breakdowns of the design process on his personal website for our perusal. Check out the source for the full rundown -- especially if you enjoy well-designed, well thought out tech. Update: At the request of Donn Koh, the design images that originally accompanied this post have been removed, and a note about his employment at One&Co during the design of these phones added. Sadly, the original posting is now password-protected, keeping the design process behind some of our favorite handsets under lock and key. Update 2: Per Donn Koh's request, we listed One&Co as the source for this post and removed the content pertaining his comments on the design process. You can check out a bit about the HTC Case Study via the source link below.
Hulu Plus Android app is now playing on Evo 4G, Thunderbolt, myTouch 4G and G2
Last month Hulu Plus finally arrived on Android however support was unfortunately limited to just six devices, but tonight the official blog has announced the count has reached double digits. Four HTC phones are on the list -- the Evo 4G, Thunderbolt, myTouch 4G and G2 -- bringing the total to ten models supported, featuring a mix of first and second gen Snapdragon chips clocked at varying speeds. Given shared architecture with some phones already on the list it's not clear why these had to wait, but Senior Product Manager Lonn Lee is quick to point out that the streaming video site isn't done yet. Even as it's on the auction block, there's at least some chance to pick up disgruntled Netflix subscribers and adding a few underserved handsets is as good a way as any to reach out.
HTC EVO 3D gets Netflix under the table courtesy of EVO 4G's APK
So, you just bought HTC's EVO 3D for its three dimensional display and delectable dual-stage camera key, and you're loving its buttery smooth Sense 3.0 software. Yet, you were dismayed to find that the device wasn't among the chosen few granted access to Netflix for Android. But don't worry, folks, apparently the Netflix APK for the EVO 4G can get you streaming cinematic masterpieces in no time. Just head on over to the source link to get your download on, then sit back, relax, and enjoy.
HTC EVO 4G+ official, but is it destined for Sprint?
Well, what do we have here? Hard to say for sure, but it looks like this just might be the rumored Kingdom (or more likely its doublemint twin, the Rider, which showed up in stills this morning) that recently visited the FCC -- basically a CDMA and WiMAX-capable Sensation. Considering that the leaked video is titled "HTC EVO 4G+ preview," and that the handset pictured is cosmetically identical to the EVO 3D except for the camera pod, we're inclined to believe that this might just be destined for Sprint -- although that WiBRO setting means this particular unit is meant for the Korean market. The twin 5 megapixel cameras have been replaced with a single 8 megapixel shooter housed in a similar sized pod, and the 2D / 3D mode slider next to the shutter key now switches between photos and video. Let's just hope we're not dealing with a discarded prototype or an Asia-only model, and that the phone's guts are just as juicy and delicious as its 3D sibling -- complete with qHD display and dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor. Update: And just like that, it's official! HTC has just thrown down an official landing page for the EVO 4G+, and according to it, it's a phone that's "everything you can imagine." Bold. Thanks, Christian! [Thanks, Edwin]
Happy EVO 4G owners get Gingerbread update, right on schedule (updated)
Right on schedule, Sprint made Gingerbread available to any and all EVO 4G owners willing to check for the update manually (and if you're a fan of this site, we suspect you are). As a PSA, you won't just be getting Android 2.3, but also Gmail and SMS fixes, and a tweak for the phone's power management software. We've been getting a flood of tips from delighted readers in various markets who report the upgrade went smoothly. Can't be bothered to check for updates? You'll likely get a prompt to download it on Monday. So, Froyo, good night and good luck, and to everyone else, happy Friday! Update: Many of you are reporting that the update rendered Netflix unusable. The company just tweeted that it's aware of the incompatibility and is "investigating" the issue. No word on a fix just yet. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
EVO 4G getting Gingerbread on June 6th (or Friday if you're impatient)
Well, this was inevitable. After Sprint's website snafu outing its Android 2.3 intentions for the EVO 4G, we've received evidence that points to June 6th as its release date. Better yet, if you're willing to manually check for its availability, you might even find a happy surprise this Friday. In addition to Gingerbread, users will find SMS and Gmail fixes, along with a tweak to the phone's power management software. Hopefully you've got WiMAX, because this update is coming over-the-air. Should everything go according to plan, users will have less than a week to say goodbye to Froyo. It's a trusty companion for sure, but that spicy aroma is quite enticing. Hit the break for some corroborating clues. [Thanks, Tone Bone] Update: It's official -- Sprint is now confirming the Android 2.3 release for June 6th (and Friday). Follow the source for the announcement.
Sprint teams up with Motorola for June 9 event, finally launching a Tegra 2 device?
Sprint and Motorola have a little special something up their sleeves, and are rolling them up to show off their latest "collaborations" at a press luncheon on June 9th. Since big bosses CEO Dan Hesse and Sanjay Jha will be in attendance, and the event will be held during Apple's WWDC, we have a feeling this is going to be something big. Whatever this project is, it's been kept under the radar very well -- until now. We're hearing buzz about a Tegra 2-powered device planned for a launch next month; different reports have come out over the last few days claiming Sprint will finally take a turn sporting a Tegra 2 Android -- the yin to the EVO 3D's yang, we suppose -- sometime next month. The device may be called the Motorola Photon 4G, a name that first appeared in a WiFi certification form (seen after the break) a month ago. According to the rumors, Sprint was ready to launch its own version of the Atrix 4G back in March, but stalled the phone's release in order to make a few design changes. Some of these changes supposedly include a 4.3-inch display, Gingerbread pre-installed, and a look that closely resembles the EVO 4G (it would even come with a kickstand). The Photon 4G is a probability for the event, but note that the invite mentions "collaborations," implying there will be more than one product to showcase. This could mean a Xoom with WiMAX is just about ready for primetime -- or perhaps it's something else magical and unexpected. No matter what's hiding in Hesse's pocket on June 9th, we'll be there to tell you all about it.
Sprint HTC EVO 4G now shipping with Gingerbread? (Update: mistakenly posted)
Lookie here, everyone -- we just pointed our browsers over to Sprint's official online store and if our eyes aren't deceiving us, the HTC EVO 4G is now shipping with Gingerbread. This is definitely news to us, as we have made some calls out to the brick-and-mortar retail stores with no indication that the carrier's top-selling phone is currently loaded with anything besides Android 2.2. It's difficult for us to fathom this being a simple typo, considering it's mentioned in four separate places, with one of them triumphantly declaring "now with Android 2.3." We're still waiting to get official confirmation from Sprint, and we'll have an update on their response for you as soon as we get our hands on it. In the meantime, take a look at the source link for yourself. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: We received word from Sprint that the inclusion of Gingerbread was an unfortunate mistake, and that it plans to upgrade the EVO 4G as soon as it can.
AT&T bringing red HTC Inspire 4G to Radio Shack, purple Evo Shift to follow?
Why, yes, that is a red HTC Inspire 4G you're looking at. A friendly tipster provided us with these dummy unit images, adding that AT&T is planning to launch the jazzy model at Radio Shack. No word yet on when that'll actually happen, nor do we know how much they'll cost when it does. Our same source claims that a purple Evo Shift is also making its way to the Shack, so you know where to go to get your flashy phone fix this summer. [Thanks, Dave]
HTC EVO 3D vs. EVO 4G... fight!
Naturally, one of the first things you need to do when you get your hands on an EVO 3D, of course, is pit it in brutal battle with its progenitor, the original EVO 4G -- a phone that was introduced at this exact same event a year ago. As we'd mentioned in our hands-on, we immediately noticed that the EVO 3D didn't feel particularly heavy or bulky in the hand; in fact, we would've guessed that it was a bit lighter than the 4G. Well, turns out they're almost exactly the same weight -- holding the two one right after the other, we couldn't detect a difference. As for dimensions, the 4G is actually wider -- the 3D's quite a bit more manageable when you're holding it, especially if you don't have giant paws -- and they're right around the same thickness. Pretty amazing that HTC was able to pack this much additional heat into a phone one year after the first model without adding any bulk, isn't it? Science! %Gallery-119521%
'Hummer' handsets now account for 24 percent of US smartphone sales, prove Steve Jobs wrong
Remember when Steve Jobs had a dig at Apple's mobile competition and proclaimed that "no one" would buy their Hummer-like 4-inch-plus smartphones? Well, going by the latest NPD data, that group of "no ones" among US smartphone consumers is now a meaty 24 percent. Separating handsets into screen categories of 3.4 inches and below, 3.5 to 3.9 inches, and those above 4 inches, the stat mavens discovered that the midrange is holding steady, but smaller-screened devices are starting to lose out to their jumbo-sized brethren. No prizes for guessing that Android-powered devices were behind that big sales increase, with the HTC EVO 4G and Motorola Droid X leading the way, followed by Samsung's multivariate Galaxy S range. Now, care to tell us more about our mobile future, Steve? [Thanks, Skylar] Disclaimer: NPD's Ross Rubin is a contributor to Engadget.
Holy reverse KIRF Batman! Meizu M9 ROM ported to HTC EVO 4G
Some industrious hackers have created a port of the Meizu M9 ROM for the HTC EVO 4G, bringing a little KIRF flavor to Sprint's favorite jumbo phone. The port is still in the developmental stages, but most of the M9 functionality appears to already be working, with only the port from GSM to CDMA and tweaks to screen resolution left to do. After a little spit-shine to make sure the build is stable, EVO owners can finally see what the Meizu M9 fuss is all about without having to actually buy one. Of course, why you'd actually want to do this to your perfectly functional Android phone is a question that may never truly find a legitimate answer.
HTC Evo's battery deflects a bullet, earns 'Life Saver' badge (video)
We knew the HTC EVO 4G was a pretty super phone, but we didn't know it was an actual superhero. A nightclub valet in Atlanta was recently the victim of two disgruntled patrons' wrath, falling in the middle of a five-shot bullet volley, but luckily for him, he had his EVO in his chest pocket. While the phone's glass shattered on impact, its battery did not and absorbed much of the impact of the one bullet intent on ridding him from this mortal coil. The fortunate chap is still with us, uninjured but stupefied by the event, and he promises he'll never buy another brand's phone again. See the video report after the break.
CyanogenMod now supports WiMAX on EVO 4G
Do you own an EVO 4G? Do you like CyanogenMod? Do you want to live on the bleeding edge? Well, it's your lucky day. After weeks of hard work, those crazy hackers over at #TeamWin have just served up the first public release of the CyanogenMod WiMAX Alpha, bringing the sweet nectar of Sprint 4G to the custom ROM universe. Of course, the usual caveats apply: it's an alpha, there are some bugs, and controlling the 4G radio still requires some magic incantations -- but it might be a small price to pay to enjoy tasty custom ROM goodness on your EVO.
Swype for Android gets lightweight build with less language support
Don't need Chinese pinyin support? Well, Swype has a little treat for you: a new version available from the company's beta installer on your handset reduces the size of the final installed package by a whopping 75 percent, down from 10MB to 2.5MB, simply by dropping support for languages other than English and Spanish -- and for a platform where the app storage issue still isn't fully resolved, every megabyte counts. On a related note, Swype has posted a note for EVO 4G owners stymied by Sprint's recent inclusion of the keyboard in ROM: if you were already running the beta, you just need to uninstall it, reboot your phone, and let the official version take over.