exclusive
Latest
LG G Flex curved smartphone revealed in press renders, will launch next month (update: 6-inch display)
LG has admitted that "bendable and unbreakable" smartphone displays are already in production, and we've heard plenty of rumors about a device known as the G Flex which features the new tech. Engadget has come across a trio of renders of the upcoming device, and we have learned from our sources that it will be coming out sometime next month -- pricing and availability (as well as hard specs) are as of yet unknown, however. As you can see in the images (above and below), the G Flex offers a curved display, but LG's version approaches it at a literally different angle from the Galaxy Round that was announced last week: instead of it curving from left to right, the G Flex goes orthogonally from top to bottom. We'll update you with more information and images as we get closer to the device's launch. Update: Our sources have confirmed to us that the G Flex will indeed have a 6-inch display, as rumored previously.
AT&T to streamline traditional voice plans in favor of Mobile Share on October 25th
AT&T is planning to axe its traditional monthly calling and data plans for new customers -- both individual and family -- in favor of the network's latest shared data options, Engadget has learned after receiving an anonymous tip and reaching out to AT&T. It appears that this move is in response to the overwhelming success of AT&T's Mobile Share since its original debut. Existing customers who have been enjoying the older offerings won't see any change to their plan, and will even still have the option to upgrade phones, activate lines and adjust their plans accordingly without being forced onto the shared data plans (for instance, you'd be able to move from one traditional family plan to another). We've also confirmed that the individual $40 plan that comes with 450 minutes, which doesn't require texting or data, will still be available to new customers who only need an absolute basic plan. We had a feeling that it was only a matter of time before AT&T followed Verizon's move (Big Red killed off its traditional plans right when its new shared data plans launched), since the two carriers have put most of their focus on shared data plans in the past year or so. AT&T tells us that more details will be on the way in the near future, so we'll update our post at that time. Update: AT&T has now made the news official on its consumer blog. The simplification will take place on October 25th. We've added the text from the blog post below the break, if you want to check out more details. [Thanks, Anonymous]
QSAlpha in talks to bring Quasar IV smartphone to China Mobile
A couple weeks ago we covered a new Indiegogo campaign from QSAlpha, a company aiming to produce a super-encrypted smartphone (along with a software-based platform for standard Android users as well). Despite the fact that the funding phase didn't go so well, the manufacturer recently announced that its phones will go into production and begin shipping in Q2 of next year. But which operators will take on this hardcore encrypted handset? Sources have confirmed to Engadget that QSAlpha is closely working with China Mobile to bring the Quasar IV handset to market. An official launch isn't likely to happen right away -- nor could our sources go into more detail on what the deal entails -- but at least this is good news for anyone who is rooting for this particular device to become a reality. It's hard to say whether or not we'll see it available anywhere else, though we wouldn't be surprised if we have the opportunity to buy one online in other parts of the world.
Google will launch a native Google Music iOS app later this month
If you've been against trying Google's Play Music All Access streaming service for lack of an official iOS app, it may soon be time to change your tune. Sources aware of Google's plans have let slip to Engadget that not only is the company currently testing a native Google Music iOS app internally, but that it'll launch later this month. We're told that while employees have been invited to test the app, Google still needs to fix a few bugs before it's ready for release. Google currently lets users in more than 19 countries sign up for its Standard and All Access music services, allowing offline and streaming access. Some users have made do with unofficial iOS apps in addition to a limited web app, but Google is said to be including the same custom radio and smart recommendation features found in the Android app. The company had previously closed the door on iOS users because Flash was needed to enforce DRM restrictions set by music labels. Now, Google appears to have overcome that issue and is nearly ready to launch. Editor's Note: The image above is only a render.
Massively Exclusive: Albion Online dev blog explains diversity with spells and crafted items
Previously, we learned about Albion Online's territory control, housing, the economy, and more in our exclusive interview with CEO Stefan Wiezorek. Thanks to this exclusive dev blog, today we get a look at the relationship between crafting and spells and how that translates into deeper character customization. In short, Albion players will craft spells that can be put on crafted gear, which in turn gives them access to that spell whenever they equip that item. This system offers an endless possibility of combinations as players equip various items, each with their own set of spells added on. For a detailed run-down of this system, check out the full dev blog after the break.
JetBlue and ViaSat prepare to launch 12 Mbps WiFi at 36,000 feet, a LiveTV tour
It's a small miracle that you can open up your laptop and surf the web while soaring through the air in a metal tube some seven miles above the ground, but the experience is inconsistent, and when it works, the connection is often frustratingly sluggish. That's about to change. Once focused on undercutting the competition, JetBlue is now best known for its in-flight product: complimentary snacks, 36 channels of free DirecTV and friendly flight attendants. This year, the airline is undergoing a service alteration of sorts. The traditionally all-coach carrier will soon cater to business travelers with a bed-equipped premium cabin, and by the end of next year, all customers will be able to surf the web from 36,000 feet with speeds that rival (or often exceed) what we're used to on the ground. That new service, powered by ViaSat, is called Fly-Fi, and it's hitting the skies this November. We spent a day with JetBlue's subsidiary, LiveTV, the company responsible for providing in-flight entertainment (IFE) on more than 600 aircraft, including 188 JetBlue planes and some 200 United 737s. If you've watched DirecTV while flying either of those airlines, it's LiveTV that put it there, and soon, the Florida-based firm will be responsible for getting you online, too. Fly-Fi, and its to-be-named United equivalent, will deliver up to 12 Mbps of data -- not to the aircraft, but to each and every passenger on board. Join us aboard JetBlue's first Fly-Fi-equipped Airbus A320 after the break.
3Doodler pen gets safety feature, attaches to CNC arms to fulfill its 3D printing potential
When we ran into the WobbleWorks team on our recent Berlin trip, they were kindly enough to show off the shipping version of their crowdoverfunded 3D Doodler handheld 3D Printer. Though, when cofounder Max Bogue hinted that the company still had some surprises up its sleeve, he wasn't kidding. Perhaps most interesting is the inclusion of a mounting dock on the pen, which allows you to attach it a CNC machine, fulfilling the pen's 3D printing ambitions. Once attached, you can utilize another port to control the speed buttons remotely, so you can manipulate extrusion without actually touching the device. Also of note is the addition of a silicone tip cover, which serves to protect fingers from the heated metal extruder.
Verizon's blue HTC One trickling out to Best Buy stores starting today
See that? It's an HTC One, programmed for use on Verizon's airwaves, and it's blue. Moreover, it's at Best Buy, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to pick one up yourself as early as tonight. If you'll recall, we had heard that Sprint was aiming to ship the aforesaid device on September 10th, but according to our tipster, these are hitting backrooms as we speak. Full retail is pegged at $699.99, but you can bet that a variety of contractual options will be available, too. Update: Another stellar tipster has provided us with a photo of the phone's front, which you'll find after the break. Additionally, we're told that the back of the blue HTC One is one full piece of metal, with painted accent stripes. Maybe you'll head to a Verizon store this weekend and check it out for yourself. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Xiaomi Phone 3 makes early appearance on online store ahead of launch
As this author was fiddling with his Xiaomi Phone 2S (or MI2S) in bed ahead of Xiaomi's big event tomorrow, he spotted something odd: a thumbnail of an unfamiliar device -- next to the entry-level Red Rice aka Hongmi -- in the company's online store app. Since it's a high-resolution image, we're able to zoom into our screenshot (full version after the break) to see this Lumia-like design but with a flatter back. The long flash strip also suggests that this could be a beefed-up dual-LED flash module. Other than that, there's not much else that we can pick up here. Given the clock on this mysterious phone matches the 2pm start time of tomorrow's event, we're pretty certain that this is Xiaomi's third-gen flagship device, the MI3; and it'll likely be announced alongside the Xiaomi TV. We also recall seeing the same back cover leaked way back in February, and the side-by-side shot with the MI2 (embedded after the break) is pointing to a 5-inch screen for this new phone. Judging by the pattern so far, we bet it'll use Qualcomm's beastly Snapdragon 800 SoC to follow the 600 on the MI2S. Ultimately, it'll be all about the price, which is likely to be no more than CN¥1,999 or about US$330 off contract. While the above product thumbnail appears to be stuck in the cache on our MI2S, the same spot is occupied by the proper MI2S image in the same app on our MI2A. Talk about perfect timing, eh? Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some sleep to catch up on -- we don't want to scare Hugo Barra with our panda eyes.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: HDTV
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today we're talking HDTV. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. This year's incoming class of freshmen is facing more than just lecture halls and 8 AM classes -- there's a brand-new generation of consoles to deal with, not to mention the question of going 4K. Luckily we're here to help, with suggestions for set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, remotes and more to make the dorm feel just like home, no matter what your budget is.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: e-readers
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're taking a look at your best e-reader options. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. Schoolbooks? What is this, the late 20th century? Granted, we still have a ways to go before all the world's textbooks go digital, but e-readers should be able to stand in for most of those paperbacks, at least. So lose a little backpack weight, save a couple of trees and take notes without ruining your copy. We have got your e-reader needs covered, no matter what your back to school budget.
Verizon claims its LG G2 variant comes with exclusive wireless charging
LG launched the G2 without any mention of wireless charging, but Verizon seems to have scooped that feature for its own variant of the handset. On its sign-up sheet, Big Red is claiming that the CDMA version will come with "exclusive wireless charging," and the accompanying image also shows a slightly different design to the rear buttons. Exactly the sort of thing rival carrier CEOs like to squabble over.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: tablets
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're talking tablets. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear. Like reality show contestants who reinvent themselves as America's next top chef / model / crab fisher, tablets are entering a renaissance. In fact, while you probably couldn't complete your high-school essays on an iPad or Nexus 7, a slew of optional keyboards are turning slates into capable productivity devices. And as they increase in processing power, tablets are ever thinner and lighter, making it a breeze to schlep 'em around campus in your book bag. So, where to start? How about below, where we've selected nine devices that'll keep you busy before, during and after class.
US Cellular's shared data plans: here are the pricing details
It'll probably come as no shock to those who've been keeping even a loose eye on trends in the carrier space, but US Cellular is about to usher in its own take on shared data. Family plans have quickly become the norm, with data taking precedence over text and voice, and USCC's take on things looks awfully familiar. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to find any real pricing differences here than what you'll find over on Verizon Wireless. For a point-by-point breakdown, head on past the break. %Gallery-195927%
Civilization Online not currently planned for North America
You might be tremendously excited about Civilization Online right now, especially if you read our interview with Jake Song yesterday. But if you live in North America, it's time to crank that excitement down to a dull interest because XLGAMES and 2K Games are not currently looking at a release in the region. 2K Games PR Manager Brian Roundy delivered the bad news: "Civilization Online is developed by South Korea-based XL Games in partnership with 2K, and will be available first in Korea. No release date has been set. There are no plans for a North American release at this time." This doesn't mean all hope is lost, of course. It might be that the studios are holding their cards close to their chest or that they don't want to commit until they see how it performs in Korea. But if you were camping in front of a retail store (why?) for this release in America, you should probably go home for now.
Massively Exclusive: Jake Song introduces Civilization Online
You might have heard about a little project called Civilization Online, a new MMO in development based on the popular Civilization series of turn-based strategy games. You also might have heard that XL Games CEO Jake Song, of ArcheAge and Lineage fame, is overseeing the project as Executive Producer. But chances are, that's really all you have heard. Until now, that is. We had the opportunity to sit down with Song, XL Games Senior VP Jung Hwan Kim, and Producer Garrett Bittner from 2K Games to get the scoop on the project. Follow along for all the juicy details about building up civilizations in a new open world environment, including crafting, PvP, and more!%Gallery-195539%
Leaked photos: Samsung's Galaxy S4 Mini is headed to Verizon
Here is it: the Galaxy S4 Mini... for Verizon? As of now, Samsung's smaller Galaxy S4 sibling is an international-only device; in other words, no US carriers have officially signed on to offer it. That said, a Samsung SCH-i435 recently made its way into the Bluetooth SIG's website, and those who follow VZW's classifications of Samsung products are all-too-familiar with the "SCH" prefix. Of course, a handful of leaked photos can't confirm a release date nor a price, but if it's already popping up with that label on the rear, surely the wait won't be much longer. Hop on past the break for a side-by-side shot with an iPhone 5. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Oppo confirms new N-Lens series to challenge Samsung's Galaxy Camera
We were a bit skeptical when Android Authority claimed earlier this month that Oppo's developing a camera-centric device, but as it turns out, this is really happening! Today, a company representative confirmed to us the name of Oppo's new product line: N-Lens. The focus here will obviously be on photography, and it'll apparently be the "most important flagship series for Oppo going forward." Luckily, the cellular part is here to stay, so these N-Lens cameras -- likely powered by Android -- will be connected; but we're not sure whether you can also make phone calls with them. No further details were provided (especially not a release date), but Android Authority's scoop already gives a rough idea on what to expect: a high-resolution camera with great low-light performance. You can also just about see the above slide referring to the "Samsung Galaxy Camera" (which has since been superseded by the Galaxy S4 Zoom), so Oppo seems keen to ride on this wave started by the Korean giant. If you want, it's a bit like how the Chinese company spotted the upward trend in local girls taking selfies early on, which led to the Ulike 2 with its 5-megapixel front-facing camera. But of course, with the arrival of Nokia's Lumia 1020, it's not going to be an easy fight.
DuPont and PMA team up to embed Powermat wireless charging in Corian countertops
DuPont's managed to work its way into just about every home and place of business here in the US of A, but despite this nationwide proliferation, we haven't seen the Delaware-based chemicals giant making waves in the consumer electronics space. But with home wraps, plastics and body armor on lockdown, it's as good a time as any to venture into CE. Through a partnership with the Power Matters Alliance (PMA), the company will soon begin embedding Powermat's wireless charging tech within its Corian solid surface, a synthetic granite alternative often used for countertops and installed everywhere from kitchens and meeting rooms to hospitals and research labs. As a notable first step, DuPont has joined the PMA, and could soon be playing a key role in charging up your gadgets on the go. We've seen Powermat demo its own tabletop charging concept at CES, but with DuPont now on board, it shouldn't be long before we begin to see seamless Corian installations pop up in public spaces, and perhaps even some homes.
Chillingo's COO, head of production talk Icycle, the company's freemium strategy
I got to run through almost all of EA and Chillingo's upcoming titles at E3 a few weeks ago, and one theme was very clear: The company is investing heavily in the freemium business model, and plans to use its quality and expertise to convince customers to generate an ongoing cash flow for its developers. Earlier this week, Chillingo invited me to speak with COO Ed Rumley and the company's Head of Production Andy Needham. We discussed this current trend in monetization as it applies to Chillingo's titles, and how the company approaches publishing in general. "The pay per download market is a challenging market right now," Rumley tells me. Chillingo's goal with each title it publishes is to "bring out the star rating and polish the diamond in the rough." Rumley is proud that Chillingo has hosted a very quality catalog so far, with high ratings all around. But the only way the company can do that, he says, is to "make sure the best game is delivered for the consumer in the right way." That often means that games need a strong, ongoing flow of income via in-app purchases, rather than just an initial bit of profit at sale. Chillingo will soon publish Icycle: On Thin Ice, which is one of the best games I saw at GDC. I was, however, disappointed to see that the company had added freemium options for E3. Needham called it "a game that will influence people one day, and it's a game that we want to make sure we get right. No sort of bolt-on freemium model would work with this game." Instead, Needham and his production team have tried to come up with some freemium elements that leave the game itself untouched. "Anybody could play this game fairly all of the way through it [without paying]," Needham says. "You can even unlock an additional game." And you can do that all without having to pay a cent. Instead, the freemium elements are there for convenience, Needham says. The freemium currency can be used to buy a "spare wheel," which allows the player to restart in place after a loss, instead of having to begin at the start of the latest level. "The in-app purchase is there really to help people enjoy the experience by not having to step back all of the time," says Needham. "What we wouldn't do is compromise the gameplay in order to get those dollars." Other than the work around freemium titles, Rumley says Chillingo is finding plenty of new games to publish, both from current and new partners. "(The number of) unique developers is actually up about 60 percent year on year," says Rumley, "so a huge amount of developers are coming to us." Current developers are choosing to re-publish with Chillingo, too, says Needham, and a big part of that is the company's acquisition by EA a few years ago. Chillingo's production team routinely works with EA. "We're able to share and learn a lot of the findings that they're making, and they're able to view our games and recommend them," says Needham. In the end, says Rumley, Chillingo is focused first on quality. "We know how to deliver that four-and-a-half star quality rating," he says, and make "the games that treat the consumers the way they deserve to be treated." Icycle: On Thin Ice is indeed a beautiful game, and Rumley says the company is dedicated to making the developer's talent and experience shine through, all while making sure he's compensated as well as he can be. "At no point will the monetization distract you from what it is," promises Rumley. "It's a beautiful game and it's exceptionally playable." Icycle: On Thin Ice is due out sometime later on this summer.