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Refresh Roundup: week of August 29, 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 biggest update we saw this week was a widespread push of Android 2.3.3 to the Motorola Droid 2. This one is done OTA, so simply go into your settings menu and check for updates to see if it's there. (thanks to everyone who sent this in) While we saw a rollout of Android 2.3 to a select few LG Optimus Ones in June, we're hearing reports that the update's now getting pushed out again to a few more regions. This refresh must be done manually through LG's updater tool, so you'll definitely want to check to see if your phone is one of the lucky recipients. [via PocketNow] US Cellular took to its Facebook Page to let customers know it's working on revamping the Samsung Mesmerize to Gingerbread at some point, though no official date or timeframe was given aside from "as soon as possible." [via AndroidCentral] HTC announced the arrival of Android 2.3 for the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible this month, via its Facebook page. [via AndroidCommunity] In fact, some users have already reported getting Gingerbread for the Incredible, and we suspect the rollout will be complete no later than the end of the month, to fulfill the company's promise. [via Phandroid] Gingerbread is in the plans for the Motorola Milestone 2, and according to the company the refresh will begin rolling out in early Q4. [via MyDailyGadget] The Samsung LC11 LTE mobile hotspot is getting a new build, EF07, that appears to improve its handling of multiple devices and congested WiFi locations. It also adds security patches and new protocols. [via Verizon] An update for the Droid 3 was apparently available to soak testers and leaked online, but was pulled from Motorola servers shortly thereafter. It appears to add video chat support in GTalk and adds a new radio that's supposed to save battery life. The via link still has the update available for anyone interested. [via Droid-Life] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery The root method used on most Motorola Android devices has been employed to root the Droid Bionic before it's even been released. [via Droid-Life] LG has released the kernel source for its Gingerbread build of the Optimus S. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC Dev site expanded its support for the bootloader unlock tool this week, now encompassing all versions of the Sensation -- including T-Mobile's. [via AndroidCentral] Other platforms SPB Shell 3.0 is now available for Symbian^3 devices. It brings a fresh 3D-style UI to the OS, and can be yours for $15. [via IntoMobile] Updates already covered this week HP planning TouchPad OTA update for added functionality HTC Flyer Honeycomb ROM leaks Samsung Nexus S updated to 2.3.6, fixes voice search and breaks tethering
HTC working on Sensation special edition with Beats and 1.5GHz dual-core CPU?
Looking for a way to listen to some sensational beats? Soon, we hope to do so using a Sensation with Beats. According to a document leaked to CNET, HTC is planning a revised Special Edition of its popular Sensation that throws in Beats technology and adds a few other improvements at the same time. On the drawing board is a ramped-up 1.5GHz dual-core CPU (up from 1.2GHz), a massive 1,730mAh battery and four times the internal storage at 4GB. If we can trust the above doc, it appears the phone will be offered with GSM and TD-SCDMA -- pegging China as a key market -- and has a starting price of $850. We can only hope the high cost is an extreme case and won't be a precedent set for all future HTC / Beats devices.
HTC's bootloader unlock process goes live, Sensation prepares for custom ROM glory
Today is turning out to be a great day for the Android set, what with news of the Google / Moto deal and now -- HTC's unleashing its bootloader unlock tool for the masses. That's right, the company's Taiwanese team of engineers flipped the switch on the service that sees owners of a global SIM-unlocked Sensation working their way towards OEM-sanctioned root access. Unfortunately, stateside owners of the phone's T-Mobile variant, as well as the EVO 3D, will have to sit back and wait while further testing is conducted on their devices. So, what are you ROM fiends waiting for? Head on over to HTC's developer site and let us know your success in the comments below.
HTC Developer site goes live: OpenSense SDK and kernel source offered aplenty
HTC's flipped the switch on its development website, which was designed to be a "one-stop shop" for a wide variety of SDKs and other resources for developers. As promised, the manufacturer's OpenSense SDK -- which includes a S3D SDK for HTC's 3D stereoscopic interface and pen SDK for its Scribe feature -- is now available for download; there's also plenty of kernel source codes to peruse and access. Finally, the Bootloader Unlock web tool, one of the most highly anticipated pieces of software that the company's promised to unleash, only shows as "coming soon" on the site. There hasn't been any official word on when it'll go live, but we're expecting it to happen later this month as the EVO 3D and the Sensation both get adorned with their unlocks. It's great to see the company follow through completely on one of its promises, eh? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC explains official bootloader unlock process, asks you to sign away your warranty
You didn't think HTC was just going let you run wild with an unlocked bootloader and not require some sort of trade-off, did you? Of course not, that's why CEO Peter Chou updated the firm's Facebook page to spill the beans on the devil's deal. Yes, you'll be given the freedom to unlock your bootloader, but only after you accept a disclaimer notifying you that "all or parts" of your warranty may be null and void. After that it's all SDKs, device identifier tokens and unlock keys. It may be a little disappointing to discover that the official unlock procedure lacks complete support, but nobody ever said that freedom was without its risks. Chou reiterated that updates for the HTC Sensation and HTC EVO 3D will come later this month, making them the first devices eligible to lose their warranty use the unlock tool. Hit the source link below to see Chou explain the process on HTC's Facebook page.
Refresh Roundup: week of July 25, 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: Remember the Gingerbread update that's rolling out to the T-Mobile myTouch 4G? If waiting for the OTA download doesn't mesh with your level of patience (or lack thereof), you'll be able to head to a corporate-owned retail store starting August 5th to receive the update manually. [via T-Mobile] The Kyocera Echo's rollout of Gingerbread may be starting tomorrow and getting pushed out to customers over a four-day period. The new refresh also adds Swype 3.0 and security enhancements. [via SprintFeed] Gingerbread is also currently heading to Verizon's Motorola Droid X2. [via AndroidCentral] Sony Ericsson announced that users of the Xperia X10 won't be left off of the Android 2.3 bandwagon either -- it's been confirmed that global and carrier-unlocked versions are receiving the update, though it's up to specific carriers to decide if they want to push the update out as well. [via MobileBurn] Verizon's Droid Incredible 2 is the recipient of a minor software update that aims to improve server connection for email and contacts. The OTA download can be yours by going into settings and having the phone check for updates. [via AndroidCentral] The original HTC Desire's getting its turn for Android 2.3, but the OTA update is currently going out to unbranded devices only. [via HTC Desire Portal] Users have been reporting an issue with their Samsung Fascinates receiving incoming calls after the latest update, and the latest update, called ED05, will be pushed to phones over the next few days to help resolve that concern, while fixing a couple SMS bugs as well. [via Droid-Life] Unofficial updates, custom ROMs, and misc. hackery: A new leaked Gingerbread update for the Samsung Epic 4G, EG22, can be had now. The leak bumps the device up to Android 2.3.4. [via PPC Geeks Forum] The Motorola Triumph hasn't even been out for ten days, but it already has ClockworkMod Recovery. [via AndroidForums] Peter Alfonso's released Android 2.3.5 as a custom download for the original Droid. Follow the via link for instructions on how to download and install it. [via Droid-Life] The Revolutionary S-OFF tool has now been released as an early developer preview. The tool will give you full access to download and install custom ROMs for several devices, including the HTC EVO 3D and Sensation. [via AndroidCentral] Other Platforms: T-Mobile pushed out a firmware update to the HTC HD7 this week, though no change log was provided. If you didn't receive a notification on your phone informing you of the update, connect it to your Zune Desktop and check for updates. [via WPCentral] The Dell Venue Pro's also on the receiving end of a firmware refresh, which brings with it a load of various bug fixes. [via Twitter]
HTC rolling out unlocked bootloaders to select phones in August
HTC is rocking the world this Sunday evening with an announcement on its Facebook page, stating that, as promised, it's ready to begin rolling out unlocked bootloaders to the global HTC Sensation in August, followed by the Sensation 4G on T-Mobile and the EVO 3D on Sprint. The process is two-fold: first, HTC pushes a "maintenance release" to the phones, but this won't mean a thing until step two -- releasing the actual unlocking tool -- is complete in early September. This all sounds like a sure thing for the global HTC Sensation, but the major hurdle the company faces in the US is carrier approval. In order for it to push out the update, T-Mobile and Sprint first must give the final go-ahead for the Sensation 4G and EVO 3D, so nothing here is completely set in stone until then. Fortunately, HTC doesn't plan to stop there. According to its Facebook page, it will "continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments." There was no word on which handsets will receive the capability or when we can expect to see it. Naturally, with the tight grip US carriers have on subsidized handsets, it's possible you won't reap the benefits despite HTC's good intentions.
HTC Sensation 4G heads to Canada, available for $150 on Bell
Do our friends across the border have a hankerin' for a top-of-the-line Android phone? Consider your desires addressed. Not only is Bell coming out with the Samsung Galaxy S II in the near future, the HTC Sensation 4G is now officially in stock for $150 on a three-year commitment. The "4G" moniker remains since the device is compatible with Bell's 14.4 Mbps HSPA+ network. Aside from this, however, we can expect the same goodies seen in the US version: a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, Gingerbread, 4.3-inch qHD display with 960 x 540 resolution, and an 8 megapixel camera (just to name a few). This does unfortunately mean that you'll now have two very capable "superphones" to choose from -- although there's nothing really stopping you from getting both, is there?
HTC Sensation 4G now available at T-Mobile, $150 if you order online
Walmart shoppers may have been able to get their hands on the phone a few days early but, as promised, everyone else can now snag the HTC Sensation 4G direct from T-Mobile. What's more, while the list price is the same $200 we'd heard previously (on a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate), the carrier is also offering an additional $50 off for those that order online, which brings the final cost down to the same $150 that Walmart's been selling it for. The phone itself, of course, is the same we've been seeing all along: a 4.3-inch qHD screen, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, and Android 2.3 with Sense. Hit the link below to get your order in if that sounds alright with you. [Thanks, Mike]
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?
HTC Sensation goes to FCC for a second helping, flavored with AT&T bands
At the risk of toying with our ever-so-fragile hearts, the HTC Sensation took a second spin through the hallowed halls (or labs) of the FCC. This time, however, it went through with slightly different innards. The same PG58110 was spotted sneaking a visit to the nation's capital with AT&T frequencies -- 850 / 1900, to be specific -- in tow, rather than the T-Mobile AWS we saw in the first go-round. Now, before any Big Blue loyalists jump too far out of their chairs, know that this doesn't guarantee we'll see an AT&T-branded Sensation adorning the walls of retail stores, but at least there's a chance we'll see an unlocked version to purchase on our own at some point. It seems like a lot for a manufacturer to go through when it could've just included all of the US bands in one phone, but we digress. Follow the break for another FCC image.
HTC Sensation bids tearful adieu to Vodafone exclusivity
It was fun while it lasted, but Vodafone's expected two-week reign of exclusivity on the HTC Sensation has dropped, leaving the phone ready to be scooped up by other networks. Carphone Warehouse is now offering the dual-core Gingerbread device on pre-order for O2 and Orange with plans starting at £40, expecting to ship the week of June 20th. If neither carrier sounds overly tempting, BuyMobilePhones is also commencing pre-orders for T-Mobile and Three with a minimum tariff of £15; no delivery date was mentioned here, though we hope to be looking at a similar timeframe. Already sold? Head south to the source links, wallet clutched firmly in hand.
HTC Sensation 4G available on T-Mobile June 15th for $200, hits Walmart 'as early as June 12th'
The foremost question in the hive mind of Android power users these days is typically whether to go with HTC's 1.2GHz, dual-core, 4.3-inch Sensation or the similarly specced Galaxy S II from Samsung. Of course, neither of those is actually out in the US yet, so if patience is not your favorite virtue, T-Mobile just made that decision for you. The carrier has announced it'll start selling the HTC Sensation 4G from June 12th at Walmart stores, after which it'll be "exclusively" available on June 15th from T-Mobile retail stores. Pricing is your typical $200 on a two-year contract after a $50 mail-in rebate. Samsung's superphone shouldn't be too far behind, but it does look like T-Mo subscribers will get a good few weeks to familiarize themselves with Sense 3.0 before having to hear any gloating about Super AMOLED Plus displays and 8.49mm slimness. PR after the break.
HTC Sensation review
A hotly anticipated smartphone with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a "Super" 4.3-inch screen, and a manufacturer-skinned version of Android 2.3 -- we must be talking about the Samsung Galaxy S II, right? Not on this occasion, squire. Today we're taking a gander at HTC's Sensation, a handset that's just begun shipping in Europe under a short-term Vodafone exclusive and which should be making its way to T-Mobile in the USA early next month. By beating its stablemate the EVO 3D and Moto's Droid X2 to the market, the Sensation becomes the world's first 4.3-inch smartphone with qHD resolution, while also serving as the debut phone for HTC's Watch movie streaming service and Sense 3.0 UI customizations. That leaves us with an abundance of newness to review, so what are we waiting for? %Gallery-124367%
HTC Sensation 4G hitting mid-June for $200?
Oh, the sweet smells of summer: surf, sunscreen, barbecue, Gingerbread. We've known all along that HTC's Android 2.3-packing smartphone was set for release at the "beginning of the summer," and thanks to some loud-mouthed Google AdWords, we've seen June 8th floated as a possibility. Those who understandably doubt the word of search-based text advertisements, take heart: it's shaping up to be a big weekend for Sensation 4G leaks. First TmoNews got its hands on a Target placard pricing the snappy dual-core Snapdragon handset at $199.99, for what appears to be a June 12th release, and then the site snagged a shot of internal T-Mobile documentation that confirms the earlier June 8th date. Why the discrepancy? Well, it certainly wouldn't be unheard of for the carrier to give itself a head start, and surely Target wouldn't mind timing its own release up with its Sunday circulars. In both cases, it looks like the phone'll be spending a fair amount of time beneath beach umbrellas.
HTC Sensation up for pre-order at Vodafone UK, delivery promised by May 19th
HTC couldn't let Samsung and Motorola have all the dual-core fun in the UK and it's now let Vodafone detail the earliest known availability of its mighty Sensation. That 1.2GHz, aluminum-clad handset has gone up for pre-order today, with Vodafone aiming to deliver "by the 19th of May." Not exactly the firmest of promises here, but it's good to know that in a couple of weeks we'll have yet another contender in the dual-core Android wars. We suspect other European markets will be joining the UK at about the same time, and T-Mobile in the US shouldn't be too far behind either. [Thanks, Tom]
HTC's latest qHD phones, Kingdom and Rider, courtesy of Mr. Blurrycam
Likely feeling neglected after the arrival of HTC's Sensation, Mr. Blurrycam is looking to remind us that he can leak some qHD handsets with the best of 'em -- though with decidedly more... blurry results! On the left we have HTC's Kingdom, and right next to it the Rider. Given the proportion of the fascias (and what we know of qHD technology), we're likely looking at two 4.3-inch devices here, and if you look closely enough (or increase the brightness) you'll see buttons on the Rider that clearly resemble something from the EVO lineup. While we wish there was more to say about these devices, knowing that the shots were leaked by 911Sniper, we're mostly just surprised there's no accompanying ROM. [Thanks, Anurag]
HTC Doubleshot outed as T-Mobile's MyTouch 4G Slide?
When 911Sniper posted the ROM for HTC's Doubleshot, Android enthusiasts began digging for signs of the speculated product name. In the process, a whole slew of specs were outed, and yes, it appears we're looking at none other than T-Mobile's MyTouch 4G Slide. In addition to the dual-core 1.2GHz processor we already reported, the data suggest we'll see a 3.7-inch screen, an 8 megapixel camera (with a lowly VGA shooter up front), and 768MB of RAM. Interestingly, codecs for 3D support were also found in the ROM, and while there's no indication these will make their way into the final build, it sure would add a whole new meaning to "double shot". While the original 3G Slide left us mostly indifferent, what we see here has the potential to be a winner for T-Mobile. Let's just hope they leave the user interface in HTC's capable hands this time around.
HTC Doubleshot appears in XML file, brings dual-core QWERTY handset to your future
When this curious bit of XML crossed our news desk today, we were immediately intrigued by the coyly-named HTC Doubleshot -- an 800 x 480 device that packs Gingerbread into a QWERTY slider. After further digging, it looks like the handset gets its distinction from a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8260, which immediately elevates it into the realm of superphone. Given the resolution and form factor, look for a screen size of 3.6 to 4 inches. While others have hastily speculated the inclusion of a 6+ megapixel camera, we've noted the widescreen aspect ratio, and suspect we'll see the same 8 megapixel shooter on this device that's found in some of HTC's other phones. Basically, think of it as a sliding Sensation, but with a lower resolution screen. We've taken note of the coffee allusion, and suspect the Doubleshot involves more than one quietly brilliant company from the Seattle area (think magenta). If we're right about the T-Mobile connection, look for an HSPA+ handset that could potentially take life as the MyTouch 4G Slide. Care to join us in the speculation?
HTC Sensation 4G launching on June 8th, because Google AdWords says so
We already knew the dual-core Sensation 4G will be showing up in the states "beginning this summer," though HTC and T-Mobile have been mum on an actual date -- or so we thought. If you look up said phone on Google, you should see a cheeky Adwords ad mentioning a "6/8" date in the link. But wait, there's more: TmoNews also spotted the same date stamped on the Sensation 4G product shot from last week, which we've embedded after the break for your convenience. Of course, anything could change between now and June, but this preliminary date is certainly a good sign for all HTC Gingerbread anticipators -- or, you know, you could just get the leaked ROM right now.
