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Nokia Lumia 800 hits UK stores, preorder demand leaves Orange UK glowing
As Nokia's first Windows Phone lights up shop fronts across Britain, Orange has informed us that the Lumia 800 has attracted the most attention it's ever seen for a Nokia device. Based on preorders, the smartphone has trumped both the critically acclaimed N95 and the 5800, while we're sure the gratis Xbox 360 for upgraders hasn't hurt demand -- 50 percent of those looking to pick up the polycarbonate phone are already Orange customers. The carrier has told us that an Xbox-based offer for new customers looking to pick up the Nokia-coated Windows Phone is also in the pipeline -- something for UK network hoppers to get excited about.
Microsoft: Ballmer didn't say Windows 8 is coming to phones
Oh, what a difference punctuation makes. Speaking at the company's shareholders' meeting earlier today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made a remark that set more than a few geek hearts aflutter. According to various reports, he said "We've got broad Windows initiatives driving Windows down to the phone with Windows 8." Turns out, that's not how he said it. A Microsoft rep confirmed to us that if transcribed correctly, Ballmer's remarks (documented in the recording below) should read, "We've got broad Windows initiatives driving Windows down to the phone. With Windows 8, you'll..." By "Windows," then, he meant the overarching family of software bearing the Windows name, and not Windows 8 specifically. Says Redmond's PR team: "He was making a statement along the lines of what we've already publicly stated around providing a consistent experience across various devices but all carrying the Windows name." Makes sense to us, seeing as how Windows 8 already makes good use of WP7's Metro UI. Still, we'll be curious to see how Windows 8 influences Windows Phone once Win 8 gets the final seal of approval, likely sometime next year.
Mobile Miscellany: week of November 7, 2011
This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of November 7, 2011: Motorola's finding itself in the hot seat with the Advertising Standards Authority for its TV ads regarding the Defy (shown above). The ASA banned the ads, stating that Moto's claims of the Defy being an indestructable phone are misleading, as evidenced by several people who've cracked or severely damaged their Defy due to drops or kicks. [The Register] The Huawei Blaze is now being sold at Phones4U for £79.95 on a PAYG plan. [Unwired View] How nice would it be to have a live tile on your Windows Phone that displays your current battery charge by exact percentage, instead of guessing what that small meter at the top of the screen means? If you have an unlocked WP7.5 device, head over to XDA to find out how to get one for your Start Menu. [WMPowerUser] Who wants some more white BlackBerry news? Bell's likely getting ready to sell the Bold 9900 on November 24th for $170 with a three-year commitment, and Rogers is getting the aforementioned device alongside the Bold 9790 and Curve 9360 -- since these were based off of leaked internal device lists, no dates or pricing were specified. [MobileSyrup 1, 2] More Canadian release tidbits: MobileSyrup reports that the Samsung Galaxy W will be hitting Bell shelves sometime this quarter, and Rogers should offer the Samsung Galaxy S Glide sometime soon for $150 with a three-year contract. [MobileSyrup 1, 2] Orange UK's website shows the HTC Sensation XE as "coming soon." [CoolSmartphone]
Nokia Champagne handset spotted on Windows Phone app, dancing the Tango?
Has a Windows Phone app just popped the cork on a new Nokia handset? It very well may have, based on the above image. Extracted from the "I'm a WP7" app and first identified by the folks over at WP Central, this screenshot purports to reveal a Nokia device codenamed "Champagne" -- a rather delectable moniker that, until now, wasn't even on our radar. At this point, little else is known about this mystery phone, though according to WP Central, it's running Windows Phone 7.10.8711 -- suggesting, perhaps, the presence of Tango, the Mango successor for low-end devices. Could this be a mythical, LTE-equipped Lumia 900 / Ace handset for Verizon Wireless? Could we see it at this year's CES? Only time will tell, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.
Nokia publishes Lumia 800 'making-of' documentary (video)
You've already heard Nokia's Peter Skillman talk design regarding the N9, and now it's Nokia's turn to show you what kind of magical mayhem went into the the making of the Lumia 800. It's an eight-minute long clip discussing the decisions behind the company's "first Windows Phone," with Nokia calling it "as much a story about collaboration and taking risks as it is about design." Taking risks, indeed. It's a good watch regardless of your platform affiliation, and it can be found just after the break.
HTC Titan stomps its way over to AT&T on November 20th for $199
You know what they say about people with big hands? They need big phones. Lucky for those of you possessed of mammoth mitts, AT&T's made good on its word and'll be adding HTC's 4.7-inch Titan to its line-up on November 20th. For the $199 on two-year contract price, you get to take a crack at that WVGA Super LCD panel and the refreshed Windows Phone Mango OS running beneath. It's a single core 1.5GHz phone living in a dual-core world, but this big guy's such a standout, you'll hardly even care.
Telefonica exec echoes what we already know: Nokia's new handsets are too spendy
Nokia has certainly had a reputation of keeping its premier phones at a high price, but it's not too often that we hear a head honcho in the industry say anything about it. Telefonica European General Manager Simon Lee-Smith went on the record to voice his displeasure over the exorbitant cost of the Lumia 800 as well as the N8 and N9. Speaking with Telecoms.com, he mentioned that the only way Espoo's going to push a significant volume of Windows Phones is to offer them at a reasonable price point. Vendors, according to Lee-Smith, have unrealistic expectations of what consumers -- and carriers -- will pay for smartphones. Sayeth Lee-Smith: "All device manufacturers seem to think that a €400-plus device is the norm. Well, it isn't. Customers and operators won't pay that cost for a device which doesn't differentiate sufficiently." In other words, the Lumia 800 (priced at €420, or about $585) needs to offer something more unique to customers in order to justify its cost. It does make us curious to see if Nokia can satisfy the needs of US carriers if it doesn't bring down its asking price. Head over to the source to read more of Lee-Smith's quotable quotes.
Nokia Music breaks free from Lumia's chains, brings Windows Phone users together
Sure they're "stylish and light," but is that enough of a lure to rope you into the Lumia line's Mangofied wares? You'd want something a little extra to compensate for the underspecced goods, like a spate of exclusive apps, perhaps. Well, the good news is you don't have to buy what Espoo's selling to get a taste of its special sauce. Thanks to some mobile hackery, Nokia Music's just joined the jailbroken ranks alongside Drive and Maps and is available now for sideloading onto your Windows Phone 7 device. You can snag the .xap file at the source below, but first you might wanna make sure you're rocking an unlocked handset. Try it out and let us know how you fare in the comments after the break.
Tango video calling app prances its way into Windows Phone Marketplace
We were expecting to see Tango pop up for Windows Phone users this week and, sure enough, here it is. The video calling service finally hit the Marketplace today, more than a year after launching on iOS and Android, and barely a month after expanding to PCs. Compatible with Windows Phone 7.5 or higher, Tango for Mango allows users to make free phone and video calls over 3G, 4G and WiFi connections, including free international calls to fellow Tangonians. Users can also chat with Tango members across other operating systems and platforms, which should help tide them over until that Skype integration becomes a reality. Loquacious legions can download the app now, from the source link below.
Spotify now available for download on Windows Phone
Good news, Windows Phone wielders -- Spotify is now available for your streaming pleasure. The app popped up this morning as a free download on the Windows Phone Marketplace, though you'll need a subscription if you're looking to get premium treatment. Grab it now at the source link below, or check out our initial impressions from yesterday's hands-on.
Microsoft installs 'biggest Windows Phone ever' in NYC's Herald Square (video)
Thousands of smartphones pass through New York City's Herald Square each day, but few tower higher than a few inches, or run Windows Phone 7.5. In celebration of three new Windows Phones hitting stores -- the Samsung Focus S, Focus Flash and HTC Radar 4G -- Microsoft has constructed a monstrous six-story "Windows Phone" just a few feet away from the world's largest Macy's store, right in the middle of one of the city's more popular outdoor picnic areas. The gadget sure is huge, but it's not a phone in the traditional sense -- enormous tiles display video feeds transmitted from a control room, and move out of place to accommodate live stage performances. We dropped by for a midday calisthenics session, which surprisingly appeared to be a hit with locals and tourists. There were functioning devices on hand as well, in a makeshift showroom, though those were far less popular than the 55-foot behemoth front and center. Jump past the break to see it in action.%Gallery-138690%
Samsung Focus Flash review
Microsoft: Windows Phone Mango now being delivered to '100 percent' of compatible devices Samsung Focus S hands-on Motorola Atrix 4G reviewThe Focus Flash is really a rather unassuming device. Sure, it packs Mango and a 1.4GHz Snapdragon, but its 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screen (no Plus here) and $49 price point aren't the sort of thing that scream "buy me" to gadget fiends and power users. In fact, since it was first announced, the Flash has been living in the shadow of its bigger brother (literally and figuratively), the Focus S. But, considering the number of similarities between the two devices (and most of WP7 handsets for that matter), is it right to regard the Flash as the runt of the litter? Is it the Windows Phone equivalent of those bargain-basement Android devices that aren't worth the paper your receipt is printed on? Obviously, we're not gonna tell you up front -- you'll have to keep reading after the break.%Gallery-138513%
Samsung Focus S hands-on
Microsoft: Windows Phone Mango now being delivered to '100 percent' of compatible devices Samsung's Omnia W: Mango, 3.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1.4GHZ processor Droid X and Droid 2 get unofficial Android Gingerbread 2.3 The Focus S is just a few short days away from hitting shelves, so Samsung invited us over to get acquainted with the company's AT&T-bound Mango device. If you're not already familiar with the specs, under the hood is a 1.4GHz CPU that pushes all those delicious Metro-themed pixels to a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. Right above the screen is a 1.3-megapixel shooter and around back you'll find an 8MP cam also capable of capturing 720p video. It's all put together in an amazingly light, 8.55mm thin package that is (for better or worse) distinctively Samsung. While the all plastic construction doesn't exactly make it the most robust handset on the planet, it's not cheap feeling either. The lack of heft in the hand was somewhat shocking, especially given its size. In fact, the Focus S is lighter than its smaller and more budget-friendly sibling the Focus Flash. Thankfully, Sammy continued its recent trend of using textured, matte-finished backplates that sport a more premium feel than the glossy plastic of devices past. %Gallery-138338%
Nokia Lumia 800 review
You might hear it said that Nokia is on a knife-edge, and that this old king of mobiles will live or die based on the success of its latest flagship phone. We love melodrama as much as the next guy, but such talk is overplaying it. Sure, the great manufacturer has its troubles, and yes, the Lumia 800 bears a heavy burden of responsibility on its 3.7-inch shoulders. However, now that Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop has set his company on a new path, there will no doubt be a slew of new products -- both hardware and software -- over the next few years. In fact, the Lumia 800 was probably rushed to market, having been designed and built within the space of six months and intended as a placeholder for greater things to come. Nokia simply grabbed the overall design of its orphaned N9 handset, threw it together with Windows Phone Mango and then whatever the Finnish is for baddaboom, baddabing. So, does the Lumia feel rushed? Or is this the first stirring of something special? Read on and we'll tell you what we think. %Gallery-138258%
T-Mobile unleashes HTC Radar 4G, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, myTouchQ and more today
We knew it was getting cold and dreary outside, but today at T-Mobile it's shiny and warm. The carrier has released several handsets today, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, HTC Radar 4G, myTouch and myTouchQ (online only until November 9th), LG DoublePlay, and the Samsung Exhibit II 4G. It's not too often we see six devices launch on the same day, but 'tis the season, right? If you've been eyeing any of these luscious gadgets for yourself or a loved one, it's high time to make the move.
Acer's first venture into Windows Phone arrives in France as the Allegro
Remember the Acer W4? After seeing it at IFA 2011, it seems that it's finally ready to make some first impressions, and its blind date is with France. Known officially as the Allegro, Acer's inaugural Windows Phone isn't going over the top in the spec department: it has a 3.6-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, 8GB internal storage, 5MP rear camera with LED flash and a 1,300mAh battery. However, a unique addition to this €299 ($425) device is a feature called Fast Charge, which allows the Allegro to get juiced up to 2.5 times faster than the rest of the company's lineup. Expect the device to land in France in mid-November with two color options -- white and dark blue iceberg. Just make sure, Acer, to walk your date all the way back home from dinner.
Refresh Roundup: week of October 24, 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 attips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates Guess which phone's finally getting Gingerbread: the HTC Thunderbolt. Yes, we're being serious. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in, and thanks Eddie for the image!] Gingerbread is now rolling out to the Motorola Droid Pro and Droid 2 Global. [PhoneScoop] The HTC EVO Design 4G wasn't out for very long before it was ready for a maintenance release. It's called version 1.19.651.0, and no change log was found right away. More HTC stuff: the EVO 3D also offers a small bug fix in the form of a security update under the name of version 2.08.651.3. [AndroidCentral] The LG Revolution on Verizon's also officially gaining Android 2.3. [Pocketnow] In the UK, HTC Desire S owners are now finding themselves beneficiaries of the Android 2.3.5 firmware update as well as Sense 3.0. [AndroidCentral] How about a couple for the little guys? CSpire, formerly known as Cellular South, is pushing Gingerbread to its Samsung Galaxy S and Motorola Milestone X. [AndroidCentral(1) and (2)] Sony Ericsson announced this week that Android 2.3.4 is rolling out to the 2011 Xperia lineup around the world. Additional enhancements include 16x video zoom, WiFi DLNA, screen capture capability, ability to attach USB peripherals to Sony Ericsson LiveDock and more. Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery The Samsung Stratosphere on Verizon has been successfully rooted. [AndroidCommunity] HTC devices receiving the official Gingerbread kernel source from HTCDev this week: The Evo Shift 4G, the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible. [AndroidCentral] When it rains, it pours -- the Thunderbolt, on top of receiving Gingerbread and its accompanying kernel source, has also found itself on the receiving end of an Ice Cream Sandwich SDK port. As can be expected, it's still in prealpha stages and has a few bugs to work out. [AndroidCommunity] If you're a CM7 user, there's now a file available that will turn your lock screen into one that resembles Ice Cream Sandwich's style. [Droid-Life] Other platforms Microsoft's pushing a firmware upgrade to the LG Optimus 7 Windows Phone which seems to grace the device with WiFi tethering and the ability to locate hidden WiFi networks. [WMPowerUser] It's not a BlackBerry firmware update, but many people still have a soft spot for BBM and will be interested to know that RIM is putting out version 6.0.1 with a few enhancements. Head to the source to check it out. [MobileTechReview] Refreshes we covered this week Windows Phone Mango now being delivered to 100 percent of compatible devices Windows Phone Apollo coming 'middle of next year,' says Nokia VP Nokia N8 gets Symbian Anna service pack update Symbian Anna update rolls out to compatible Nokia smartphones in the US Motorola Xoom will get updated with Ice Cream Sandwich Ice Cream Sandwich supports USB game controllers and HDMI RIM confirms PlayBook OS 2.0 delayed until February, still no BBM in sight Sprint issues OTA fix for HTC Android handset vulnerability
Lenovo's upcoming LePhone S2 seen running Android as well as Windows Phone, looks confused
We're not quite sure what's going on here: you see, Lenovo's been cosying up to Android for its smartphones and tablets all this time, so we were a bit surprised when one of its product managers posted some photos of a Windows Phone-powered handset (even Engadget makes an appearance). More interestingly, this mysterious phone looks identical to the upcoming Lenovo LePhone S2, which features a heavily customized Android 2.3.4, 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 chip, 480 x 800 display, eight-megapixel camera (with 720p recording) and a smaller plus lighter body than its predecessor. PCPOP's done a brief preview of the S2 Android if you're curious. But the bigger story here is that if Lenovo is indeed developing a Windows Phone Mango device for the Chinese market (and remember that Lenovo has yet to market its smartphones outside China), then this S2 variant could be the first of its kind that gets the blessing from the Chinese authorities. Right now Windows Phone has a tight Facebook and Twitter integration, both of which are unfortunately banned by the Great Firewall; and additionally, even the Windows Phone Marketplace had fallen victim to the system for unknown reasons back in August. Of course, Windows Phone's China penetration could be just a matter of time anyway, but it'll be interesting to see what compromises Microsoft will have made to keep the authorities happy -- Nokia will surely need this to keep a good shape in China. On the other hand, given the common hardware compatibility between the two mobile OSes, there's also a good chance that this strange device is merely the work of some curious engineers at Lenovo -- you know, much like the Android-powered Nokia prototype spotted in June. If this is indeed the truth then let our bubbles burst. Update: It turns out that Lenovo's less-known A60 Android handset has already made it to the Philippines at least, so the company does have a small presence in the mobile market outside China. Thanks Ravin! %Gallery-137895%
Did the Nokia Lumia 710 pass through the FCC?
Lookee here, it's the other new Windows Phone-packing Nokia handset. No, not that one, this is the Lumia 710 -- you know, the budget phone with the 3.7-inch LCD and those colorful backplates. The Mangoriffic phone appears to have made its way through the FCC, with the ID on the filing matching up with listings on the Finnish phonemaker's site. Don't get too excited, however -- while this and the product page are certainly enough to get some stateside Nokia fanatics' blood pumping, the company has given us word that the Lumia is not destined for our shores, sadly -- at least not in any official capacity. Update: We just received word from Nokia that, contrary to earlier information, Lumia devices will in fact be arriving in the States. As far as what those specific products will be, however, the company isn't quite ready to talk just yet.
Samsung Focus S, Focus Flash geared up for a November 6th release
If you've been concentrating on which Windows Phones are coming out this fall, here's two more to add to your meditating mind: the Samsung Focus S and its little brother, the Focus Flash, are heading to AT&T on November 6th, according to AT&T's Facebook page. The Focus S, brandishing its 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.4GHz single-core CPU, front-facing cam and 8MP shooter, will be up for grabs at $200; the Flash, meanwhile, can be yours for $50 and still offers the same processor with a smaller 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display, front-facing cam and a 5MP rear camera. Get ready, get set... [Thanks, Neil]
