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AT&T to launch BlackBerry Torch 9810 this month, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900 later this year
Research in Motion has had better days -- and years, for that matter -- but it's always had a loyal partner in AT&T, a company that's cranked out BlackBerry products faithfully for the past twelve years. The tradition continues, as the GSM giant has announced its intentions to bring the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2) to stores sometime this month, followed by the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9860 and 4G Bold 9900 "later this year." No specific dates or prices were given on any of the devices. The Torch 9810 comes with a 1.2GHz CPU, 3.2-inch touch display, a total of 8GB internal memory (with microSD expansion up to 32GB), and a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture. Oh, and about the "4G" in the title? An AT&T spokesperson confirmed to us that the moniker is simply referring to HSPA+, capping at 14.4Mbps. It's definitely a step up from the original Torch 9800, at least, but our appetite for 4G of the LTE variety runs deep. Will this be too little too late for the Canadian manufacturer, or can this year's fall lineup be enough to keep the company healthy until QNX rolls into town? [Thanks, Gary]
RIM's BlackBerry Torch 9810 emerges on AT&T's website, touts '4G' capabilities
Well, hello beautiful! Can't say we were expecting to see RIM launch a new BlackBerry this evening, but we're sure there's quite a few of you out there that'll take it. The same BlackBerry Torch 2 that we previewed back in June has made the trek over to Ma Bell's network, with a 'Coming Soon' page emerging just moments ago. AT&T claims that this is the world's first 4G BlackBerry on its airwaves, but of course, that asterisk upside the "4G" logo couldn't possibly be more telling. Regardless, the full-featured slider will arrive with BlackBerry 7 OS, a full QWERTY keyboard, sliding display, 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of onboard memory, room for 32GB of expandable storage, 720p video capture, inbuilt WiFi and support for the carrier's HSPA+ network. Mum's the word on a price and release, but you can tap that source link to get signed up for more. Update: It's official! %Gallery-129822%
Nokia 500 'Fate' destined for Q3, 1GHz processor and Symbian Anna onboard
If you're a loyalist that hasn't given up hope on Symbian yet, behold the latest attempt to keep the OS alive and kicking. The Nokia 500 is the first handset to usher in Espoo's new numbering system and has a bit of firepower behind it: a 1GHz ARM11 CPU, 256MB RAM, and Anna are running the show on a 3.2-inch, 640 x 360 "nHD" display. It'll also sport a five megapixel camera and offer HSPA speeds of 14.4Mbps down / 5.8 Mbps up using a pentaband 3G radio. Respectable components for a device billed to be a "low-cost, full-function smartphone." Still intrigued? The black version will ship out sometime in Q3, with its white counterpart to follow in Q4. If you need to have more choices to select from the rainbow, several colorful battery covers will be sold later this year -- something you'll need to be aware of when accessorizing your latest Back to School shopping spree. More hands-on pics are available at Hungarian site Technet, and an official vid can be found after the break. [Thanks, Albona]
HTC Status review
For many smartphone users, a quality keyboard is the only feature that truly matters. These passionate devotees will proudly live and die with their thumbs blazing, and for of all RIM's recent troubles, it's currently floating on a life preserver: a compelling handset with a portrait QWERTY keyboard doesn't exist for Android. The HTC Status ($50 on contract) attempts to succeed where others have failed, and -- if it's any good -- could entice many BlackBerry-toting teens that want a new handheld fixation. They rarely bother with email, as text messages and Facebook reign supreme for communication. To that end, the Status promotes itself as the perfect phone for Facebook users, but is the integration truly useful, or simply a chintzy add-on? More so, can HTC successfully marry Gingerbread with an upright keyboard? Join us after the break to learn whether we "Like" the HTC Status. %Gallery-128742%
Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro slides through the FCC, gets turned inside out
It's been a long road for the Xperia Pro, but the little sliding QWERTY phone from Sony Ericsson finally appears to be nearing release. After getting manhandled, posing for a few glamor shots, and going up for pre-order, the 900MHz and 2100MHz HSPA friendly handset has, months after its unveiling, glided through the FCC. Granted, those bands don't do American fans of SE's Android customizations much good but, on the plus side, the Pro now appears to be sporting ANT+ for all your fitness tracking needs. Unfortunately, the September delivery date still stands, so our friends across the pond will just have remain patient. %Gallery-128632%
T-Mobile brings 42Mbps HSPA+ to 56 new markets, now tops 150 locales
True to its promise of bringing 42Mbps service to 150 million Americans by mid-year, T-Mobile will double its 4G speed in 56 additional markets today -- thereby surpassing its self-imposed goal (and leaving the door open for greater ambitions). Of course, the Category 20 Rocket 3.0 USB modem is currently the only way to experience this brisk performance, but the magenta-clad carrier seems intent to bring a 42Mbps HSDPA smartphone to market by year's end, or much sooner. Cities such as Ann Arbor, Baltimore, Boise, Boston, Charlotte, Hartford, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C., may count themselves among the fortunate, where T-Mo-packing citizens should benefit from the network's newly increased capacity and reliability, whether or not they're wielding ZTE's stick. A complete list of cities is included in the PR just beyond the break.
HP TouchPad 4G for AT&T hands-on (video)
Earlier today, AT&T announced that the HP TouchPad is coming to its 4G network, complete with a processor bump to 1.5GHz (up from 1.2GHz) and an HSPA+ radio. The carrier wasted no time getting its latest slate out in the public, showing it off at an event in NYC this afternoon. There aren't any cosmetic changes to speak of, but that faster connectivity and notable processor boost are certainly nothing to shrug at. We had a chance to see the tablet in action, and it performed fairly well, especially considering the poor connectivity environment AT&T selected to host its event. Jump past the break to see it in action in our hands-on video, or check out our full review of HP's slower, WiFi-only TouchPad.%Gallery-128229%
HP TouchPad 4G coming to AT&T this summer with 1.5GHz CPU, won't support LTE
Funny what a number can do, eh? Just last month, we heard that a 3G model of HP's TouchPad would be coming to AT&T this summer, and now we're being told that it'll actually be called the TouchPad 4G. 4G as in HSPA+. Not 4G as in LTE. Got that? Good. Aside from the basics -- 32GB of internal storage, integrated GPS and HSPA+ / WiFi radios -- a newfangled 1.5GHz processor (up from 1.2GHz) will make its debut, hopefully improving those performance issues we saw during our review. Sadly, no one's spilling details on pricing or release, with the carrier simply affirming that it'll be on sale prior to the "back to school" season. We're guessing the Summer of 2011 is going to be quite the confusing time to be an in-store AT&T employee -- how exactly do you sell an actual 4G hotspot when you've got HSPA+ devices calling themselves the same? Oh, nomenclature.
AT&T shipping HSPA+ / LTE USBConnect Momentum 4G and Elevate 4G this summer
So, summertime it is. Not only is the livin' e-zee, but staying connected at an even higher rate of speed should be as well for those situated on Ma Bell's network. AT&T has just confirmed that a duo of HSPA + / LTE WWAN devices will be shipping within the next few months, with the USBConnect Momentum 4G offering plug-and-play access to both high-speed networks and the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G acting as a liaison for up to five nearby WiFi devices. The former is nothing more than a rebranded Sierra Wireless AirCard 313U -- the same oversized (and we mean oversized) device that launched on Rogers' own LTE network just days ago in Canada. Aside from being large enough to double as a cricket bat, the dongle features a microSD card slot, works with Mac and PC platforms and supports roaming in over 200 nations -- not that you'll be silly enough to actually take advantage, though. Moreover, those using the card will get gratis access to AT&T's growing WiFi network if using a post-paid data plan. Moving on, the carrier's first 4G LTE mobile hotspot device (yeah, that'd be the AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G) will include a 1.77-inch display for showing just how few megabytes you have left on your plan, support for five simultaneous connections and the ability to seamlessly hop between HSPA+ and LTE. AT&T will begin selling the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G for $49.99 with two-year contract after a $50 mail-in-rebate, while the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G will be available for $69.99 with a similar deal. The company's not going any further than stating a "summer" ship date, and despite our pleading, we can't get anything more solid out of 'em. Naturally, it'll be folks in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio enjoying the LTE spoils first, with ten more cities to be blessed by the end of the year. Too bad it's still not saying what kind of scratch will be required on a month-to-month basis. %Gallery-128165%
AT&T launches USBConnect Force 4G USB modem, offers it for zilch on contract
You'd better be darn sure AT&T's data service is solid in your neck of the woods before making the leap, but if you've managed to survive this long sans a USB WWAN dongle... well, here's your chance to grow that much more connected to your inbox. Ma Bell has just issued its latest USB modem, the USBConnect Force 4G. Priced at a downright delicious $0.00 with a two-year contract (or $89.99 straight-up), the Huawei-built stick supports the carrier's "4G" (read: HSPA+) services and offers a microSD slot for good measure. Interestingly, AT&T's allowing users to buy this with post-paid and prepaid options, and of course, data roaming's available in over 200 nations for those insane enough to pay for it. If you're going post-paid, you'll get 5GB of data for $50 / month, while prepaid buyers can select 100MB for $15 (day package), 300MB for $30 (weekly package) or 1GB for $50 (month package). It'll operate with both Mac and PC platforms, and should be on store shelves by July 17th.
EVO 3D at the FCC redux: now with AWS 3G (update)
Well, what have we here? Another HTC EVO 3D, aka the PG86300, has landed on the FCC's doorstep -- only this time it's packing radios similar to those seen in the phone's European edition. This one works on the 1700MHz AWS band, so it appears could be destined for duty in the pockets of T-Mobile's magenta-clad masses, though we can't say for sure. However, now that the government's decreed this EVO's electronics won't fry our brains, it shouldn't be be long before we find out. Update: This FCC filing is most likely for the European EVO 3G, which, like the European Sensation and Flyer, features a tri-band 3G (HSPA+) radio with 2100 / 1700 (AWS) and 900MHz as well as a quadband 2G radio. This means you'll possibly be able to import the handset unlocked from Europe and use it with 3G on carriers like T-Mobile USA or Wind in Canada. Sorry, AT&T customers, no 3G soup for you!
T-Mobile doubles speed in 42 of its HSPA+ 4G markets
T-Mobile's choice of fast just got doubly faster in 42 -- clever, right? 42 new markets for its 42Mbps service -- of its HSPA+ markets. With this addition the tally for the faster service now stands at 97 centers -- when added to the 55 we saw launched back in May. To answer the question about how fast, T-Mobile's stating that average download speeds approach 10Mbps with a purported peak of 27Mbps on its Rocket 3.0 sticks. So if you're lucky enough to call Albuquerque, San Diego, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, or any of the other 38 new spots home, you're golden -- and maybe reading this a little quicker than that fella next to you. If you've missed this ship, fear not, this expansion won't be over anytime soon as T-Mob has it has its sights set on covering 190 million users by mid-year. Full PR is just a click away.
Infuse 4G coming exclusively to Rogers, its first 21Mbps smartphone
If you're of the gambling type who wagered on Samsung's Canadian launch partner for the Infuse 4G, you can settle up those bets: the phone is coming exclusively to Rogers this summer -- and it's shipping with Gingerbread. For those familiar with AT&T's story, it should come as no surprise that the carrier quickly highlighted the Sammy as its first smartphone capable of pulling in 21Mbps -- good luck attaining those numbers, though. Sadly, the release date and price of this 4.5-inch beast remain up in the air, but that might just be an opening for some high-stakes speculation.
HTC Sensation 4G selling entirely too early at some Walmart stores
Remember HTC's announcement that Walmart would receive a three-day exclusivity in advance of the Sensation 4G's "official" June 15th arrival at T-Mobile? Apparently the head start wasn't sufficient for Wally World, as many associates are now passing this hot little number across the counter without batting an eye. While some employees appear to have gotten the June 12th memo, the point is moot because Walmart's point-of-sale computers are more than willing to process the sales. So, if you're able to track down an unknowing (or empowered) sales clerk, those HSPA+ dreams might come true sooner than expected -- for the low price of $148.88. Now, who's up for some Walmart Bingo?
Samsung Galaxy S Plus trekking to Netherlands, coming 'soon' for €449
Samsung's venerable Galaxy S lineup may appear a bit sedate in comparison to the Galaxy S II, but that doesn't mean the company is allowing its former champion to collect dust. As you recall, the 2011 Edition began sprouting along Russia's shores with an upgraded 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255T chip, 14.4Mbps HSPA+ radio and 1650mAh battery -- along with news it would be marketed as the Galaxy S Plus outside of The Federation. True to Sammy's word, the phone is now trekking across Eurasia, where it hopes to join the bicyclers of Holland as they dodge tourists and await net neutrality legislation. Absent any carrier commitments, this 2011 refresh will retail for €449, which could be tempting -- unless you're already pocketing a Galaxy S II, that is. Google's translation of the Dutch PR suggests a launch that's coming "soon," and you're invited to hop the break for some linguistic giggles. [Thanks, Wedea]
Sony's dual-screen S2 tablet hits the FCC, boasting AT&T-ready cellular frequencies
Regardless of how you might feel about the potential dangers of electromagnetic radiation, it came in mighty handy today -- identifying this brand-new Sony S2 tablet headed to the USA. The FCC recently got a glimpse at Sir Howard's dual-screen Honeycomb clamshell, and thanks to the public portion of their reports, we've got some crucial specs: the Sony "SGPT211US" will sport 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and most tellingly, 850MHz and 1900MHz 3G bands suggesting a launch on AT&T. Now, those frequencies are certainly also used by several prominent Canadian carriers, but it just so happens that this particular model tested is a US variant -- with others designated for Canada and Japan -- and this particular cellular module is the Ericsson F5521gw, which means we could even be looking at 21Mbps HSPA+ speeds. Before you start speculating, however, there's one more crucial spec to share: the prototypes apparently have a removable 3080mAh lithium-ion battery pack. Swell.
Acer W4 Windows Phone Mango handset eyes-on (video)
It'll be a little while before Windows Phone 7 Mango phones pop up in the shops, but here at Computex, Acer decided to give us a little tease with a mockup of its upcoming W4 handset. Before you get all excited, though, the hardware specs are pretty yawn-inducing: there's a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 display of unknown type, 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, up to 8GB of storage, 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, and DLNA support. Hardly anything new here, which is a surprise given that we're looking at a Mango device -- a phone to be shipped with a major WP7 refresh. Anyhow, you'll also find the usual radios like 802.11 b/g/n plus Bluetooth 2.1 here, but interestingly enough, it looks like the W4 will be coming in two SKUs: one with HSPA 850 / 1900, and one with HSPA 900 / 2100 -- obviously a potential problem for globetrotters. As for look and feel the W4's well within the comfort zone of Acer's smartphone ID, and the curved back felt nice and solid in our hands, but we shall save our final judgement for the real deal. When we hear a release date, you'll know it as soon as we do. %Gallery-124954%
Nova Media's iCON 461 USB modem is unlocked for globe-trotting commitmentphobes
Unlocked 3G modems aren't something you see everyday. Sure, Zoom has been hawking the dongles for some time, but they're primarily of the tri-band variety -- Nova Media's iCON 461 does those one better by going quad-band and throwing in GPS for good measure. The globe-trotting "3G surfstick" supports 7.2Mbps HSPA on the 850, 900,1900, and 2100 bands (that would include AT&T here in the ol' US of A) and can handle EDGE at 850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz (hello, T-Mo). In addition to a slot for your GSM SIM there's also a place to stick a microSD card, in case you need someplace to store that leaked copy of David Comes to Life. The iCON 461 comes in two versions: Mac-compatible with launch2net Premium for €179 (about $248), and Windows-friendly with uCan Connect for €149 (roughly $215).
T-Mobile flips on 42Mbps HSPA+ across 55 markets, launching Rocket 3.0 modem stick tomorrow
Fellow road warriors, we bring you good news: starting today, T-Mobile customers across 55 markets -- including Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Pittsburgh, Miami, and many more -- will have immediate access to a faster HSPA+ "4G" network. This means anyone with compatible devices can achieve theoretical download speeds of up to a whopping 42Mbps, as opposed to just 21Mbps from the good ol' days. But of course, only time will tell whether this upgrade will deliver its promise -- you may recall that even AT&T's LTE demo last week delivered "realistic" download speeds of up to just 28.9Mbps, when in theory it should be capable of hitting up to 100Mbps. Anyhow, if you want to soldier on and be a guinea pig an early adopter, then help yourself to ZTE's Rocket 3.0 USB modem stick starting tomorrow -- the entry price is $99.99 after a $50 mail in rebate, but tied to a two-year broadband plan of 2GB or higher; or you can opt for the contract-free price of $199.99. Hit the press release after the break for the full list of activated markets.
Samsung Infuse 4G and HP Veer 4G now on sale at AT&T (update)
These two smartphones probably couldn't be any different if they tried -- on the left, we've got the tiny 2.6-inch HP Veer with webOS on board, and on the right is Samsung's Infuse 4G, a giant 4.5-inch Android that costs twice as much on contract. They do have two important things in common, however: they're both available on AT&T right now, and you can read our reviews of each before tossing any money down. Enjoy! Update: The Veer 4G is actually free on contract at Best Buy right now. Needless to say, that's a much better deal. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
