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Mobile Miscellany: week of October 3, 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 October 3, 2011: The Pantech Hotshot featurephone (above left) launched on Verizon this week. It's a full 3.2-inch touchscreen with a 3.2 megapixel camera and video capture. It's offered for $100 with a two-year contract. [PhoneScoop] AT&T launched the Pantech Link II (above right) this week, a follow-up to the popular Quick Messaging Device. It features BREW mobile 1.0.2 and is available for $10 with a two-year commitment. Cincinnati Bell launched the HTC Sensation 4G for $250 with a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. The HTC Amaze 4G is heading north. Canadian carrier Telus has given the device its own piece of real estate on its site, having it listed as "coming soon." [AndroidCentral] According to benchmark tests, the Sony Ericsson Nozumi actually has a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm CPU and uses Android 2.3.5. [LandofDroid] Open Range Communications, a WiMAX provider in the Denver area, is laying off more than a hundred employees, shutting down its WiMAX service to new customers and the CEO resigned. [PhoneScoop] Prefer the Washington Post over the New York Times? The former has its own Android app now available in the Market for free. [AndroidCentral] The Nokia N9 is now officially for sale in Australia, on Telstra. Vodafone and Optus haven't put the device on sale yet, though both companies have announced intentions to do so at some point. [ComputerWorld]
Qt developers gain NFC support with Nokia's latest SDK update
Nokia's development community just got its first taste of near field lovin' with the first Qt SDK to support NFC. While you'll be forgiven if you're not up in arms over the latest revelation, owners of the company's latest handsets can soon expect a greater number of useful apps that take advantage of this newfangled technology. The developer tools enable the creation of applications for both Symbian and MeeGo, and allows software authors to simulate NFC tags and create events based around them -- all within the virtual environment. Programmers looking to dip their toes into the water will find a couple of experimental apps from Espoo's pride that highlight near field communication, along with the complete source code for each. Sounds like it's time for some to make a pot of coffee and let the coding madness ensue.
MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012
The future of Meego has become a little clearer this morning, now that the Linux Foundation has announced that it'll be replaced with Tizen -- a new Linux-based, open-source OS. Samsung and Intel have been tapped to lead the development of the platform, in collaboration with the LiMo Foundation -- a consortium of companies including Panasonic Mobile Communications, NTT DoCoMo and SK Telecom, among others. According to its stewards, Tizen will support HTML5- and WAC-based apps and will be designed to run across a wide spectrum of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, netbooks and in-car infotainment systems. The MeeGo project, for its part, already seems to be on board with the initiative, promising to "make sure that users of MeeGo can easily transition to Tizen," while assisting MeeGo developers, as well. The new OS is slated for release during the first quarter of 2012, with the first Tizen-laced devices scheduled to hit the market around the middle of next year. For more details, hit up the source link below, or trek past the break for the full PR.
Nokia N9 begins shipping at not inexpensive prices
After months of rumors and pre-orders, the Nokia N9 has finally begun shipping. Today, the Finnish manufacturer announced that its Meego-drenched handsets are now available for consumption, in both 16GB and 64GB variants. Of course, those of us in the US are out of luck, as are those in Germany and the UK (barring any back-door wizardry), but everyone else can grab a 16GB model for the not-so-small price of €480 (about $650), or the 64GB version for the similarly steep price of €560 (roughly $757). Pricing and availability, of course, will vary by region, but you can find more details in the full press release after the break, or at the source link, below.
Android powered 56 percent of smartphones sold in the last three months
When last we checked in with Nielsen (which was earlier this month) Google's mobile OS had a sizable lead, powering just under 42-percent of smartphones sold, while Apple had cornered a more than respectable 28-percent of the market. In the few short weeks since, Android has seen its share grow to 43-percent. More interestingly, of the over 25,500 surveyed who had purchased a smartphone in the last three months, a whopping 56-percent chose to go with the Goog. Apple held a steady 28-percent across the board. Big G's gains came at the expense of RIM (only 9-percent of phones sold in the last three months were BlackBerries) and the ambiguous "other" (Symbian, Windows Phone 7, Bada, MeeGo, etc... accounted for 6-percent of sales). More important than choice of platform though, is that smartphone sales in general are climbing -- accounting for 58-percent of all handsets sold in August and driving smartphone penetration to 43-percent.
Refresh Roundup: week of September 19, 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 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with LTE is now getting some very minor plastic surgery, with what appears to be a simple maintenance update. [Droid-Life] Not the biggest fan of your buggy keyboard, Motorola Droid X users? The latest bug fix update, eloquently called 4.5.605, resolves keyboard stability and usability issues that have affected a large number of users. [Droid-Life] Owners of the HTC Sensation on O2 should be enjoying an enhancement to Android 2.3.4 soon, as the rollout has already begun. [Pocket-Lint] How 'bout that Motorola Xoom WiFi? Android 3.2.1 (aka build HTK55D) is rolling out to devices now; we imagine the update's a minor bug fix of some kind, but we haven't seen any change log on it yet. [Droid-Life] Telus is cranking out Gingerbread to the Samsung Fascinate 4G. [AndroidCentral] The HTC Droid Incredible 2 is now on the receiving end of build 4.08.605.3, a minor refresh that improves server connections for email sync, enhances Visual Voicemail stability as well as other minor bug fixes. [Droid-Life] Rogers customers are now reporting that the Samsung Captivate is now seeing an upgrade to Gingerbread. [MobileSyrup] The Sony Tablet S came shipped with Android 3.1, but it's already getting the bump to 3.2. [AndroidCentral] Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery Remember Android 2.3.6? You know, the update that blocked tethering on the Samsung Nexus S? It appears that the Nexus One is due for the infamous build. If you don't care to wait for the refresh to pop up OTA, you can download and install it on your own. No word on if tethering is blocked on this update as well, but we can't imagine it being different from the Nexus S. [Redmond Pie] Android 2.3.5 has leaked for the Samsung Infuse 4G in the form of build I997UCKI4. Such a leak causes us to suspect the official rollout should be heading our way in the near future. [AndroidCentral] XDA's rooted the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, and has published a full tutorial on exactly how you can do it. It's no SuperOneClick, of course, but it's certainly bound to get you to the same destination -- as long as you follow the instructions precisely. [XDA-dev] An early preview version of CM7.1 for the LG Optimus Black is available for download. Keep in mind that it's a test build, and won't be completely polished. [AndroidCentral] The first deodexed ROM for the Motorola Droid Bionic is now downloadable. Follow the link to get the full set of instructions. [Droid-Life] If you desperately want to have Gingerbread on your HTC Thunderbolt, a RUU for build 2.11.605.2 is all yours. [Android Police] Other platforms SFR France indicated this week that they're ready to push the Mango update out to the HTC 7 Trophy, though it didn't specify exactly when it will begin. Vodafone Romania and Telus (Canada) also let it slip that they'd be rolling out the update to their phones to Mango by the end of this current month. No date for the latest version has been officially set. The Nokia N950 is a bit of a rarity as it is, but that doesn't mean it can't receive continued support. The MeeGo-run device just received a beta of its latest firmware boost, and appears to be available for download. [NokiaHD blog] Refreshes we covered this week Existing Windows Phones to get Mango within the next two weeks Sony Ericsson Xperia Play finally gets HD video capture Mango bumps NoDo, rolls the update train to Dell's Venue Pro Samsung Nexus S 4G updated to Android 2.3.7, brings Google Wallet support Telstra won't be Gingerbreading the HTC Desire after all
OpenMobile demos ACL for MeeGo, promises 100 percent compatibility with Android apps (video)
OpenMobile is a new company on the application compatibility scene whose primary product, the Application Compatibility Layer, promises to bring Android's large volume of apps to smaller platforms. In the following video, ACL is shown running on MeeGo, where the creators promise full compatibility with every Android app -- without the need for developer modification -- by leveraging Google's runtime environment and Dalvik VM. While support for Intel and Nokia's misbegotten lovechild is first out the door (along with Linux itself), the company plans to introduce similar versions for Bada, QNX, Symbian, WebOS and Windows. Like its competitor, Alien Dalvik, OpenMobile is positioning its Application Compatibility Layer to OEM manufacturers rather than consumers. Unfortunately, this eliminates any hope you might've had for installing Hanging with Friends on that N9 you've pre-ordered -- unless OpenMobile's able to convince the folks in Espoo with a mighty good sales pitch, anyway. [Thanks, Mikko]
Henry Tirri appointed CTO of Nokia, permanently replacing Rich Green
Not much of a surprise here, but today it finally becomes official: Henry Tirri has been appointed CTO of Nokia, nearly four months after assuming the position on a temporary basis. Tirri, who joined the company in 2004 and previously served as head of its research center, will permanently replace former CTO Rich Green, who took an indefinite leave of absence from Espoo back in June, citing "personal reasons." At the time, some local media outlets reported that Green's absence would be permanent, due to disagreements over CEO Stephen Elop's smartphone OS strategy. Reportedly a one-time Meego advocate, Green will now return to the US to "pursue new opportunities" and, as of today, is no longer a member of the Nokia Leadership Team. Tirri, meanwhile, will be responsible for designing "Nokia's technology agenda both now and in the future, and driving core innovation to enable business development opportunities." We'll have to wait and see where that path leads, but you can find more details about the appointment in the full press release, after the break.
ASUS Eee PC X101 now available for pre-order at CDW and Amazon
We've been waiting for ASUS to launch its Eee PC X101 for the better part of a year, and it looks like the wait is almost over. The slim, MeeGo-running netbook has popped up on two online retailers' sites with price tags just above the company's promised $199 positioning. Despite earlier rumors of a July launch, the ultraportable has managed to slip through the cracks of summer, and most likely will debut this fall -- although, no official release has been mentioned. If you're eager to get your pre-order on for this single-core 1.33GHz Atom N435 netbook, you can snag it at Amazon for $227, or CDW for a more attractive $210. Those holding out hope for its pricier, Windows 7 brother -- the X101H -- will just have to sit this one out. [Thanks, Andrew]
HTC chairwoman Cher Wang: we might buy a mobile OS, if it feels right
Samsung seems to be the go-to company these days when it comes to mobile OS acquisition rumors, but now it looks like HTC's on the proverbial hot seat. According to an interview by The Economic Observer in China, chairwoman Cher Wang has affirmed that HTC is at least mulling the idea: "We have given it thought and we have discussed it internally, but we will not do it on impulse." The report goes on to make strong mention of HP's recently-backstabbed webOS platform, but stops short of suggesting that it's the only OS in the running. Continuing on, Wang stated: "We can use any OS we want. We are able to make things different from our rivals on the second or third layer of a platform. Our strength lies in understanding an OS, but it does not mean that we have to produce an OS." Of course, that's a cheerleading session surrounding the outfit's polarizing Sense overlay, and we're guessing that webOS would eventually look a heck of lot different under HTC's control. On second thought, maybe Wang's actually trying to acquire iOS -- she sure seems to love those Apple stores!
Crickey! Nokia's N9 goes up for preorder in Australia
Looks like Espoo's making good on its earlier promise: Nokia's elusive N9 is now up for preorder on Australia's Harvey Norman. Offered in 16GB and 64GB variants, all that stands between you and your future Harmattan totin' self is $829 AUD (around $865). Those who pre-order from the retailer before September 12th will also receive Nokia's BH-505 NFC Bluetooth headset gratis. No word on when the duo will ship from the nation's "leading retail chain," but you'll know more when we do... [Thanks, Louis]
Nokia announces Car Mode with MirrorLink support for Symbian Belle and N9 smartphones (video)
It's about time some fruit emerged from the Car Connectivity Consortium, and Nokia is here to show other manufacturers how it's done -- and perhaps more importantly, why it's significant. The company has introduced Car Mode for Symbian Belle and N9 smartphones, which is an application that interfaces with MirrorLink (previously known as Terminal Mode), to provide a seamless and attractive connection between your smartphone and stereo head unit. Like we've previously seen, the system essentially works by mirroring your phone's display onto the vehicle's in-dash touchscreen. From there, you're given full access to navigation, music, contacts and videos without the need to fumble with your handset. Coinciding with this announcement, Alpine has introduced an aftermarket head unit known as the ICS-X8 that supports MirrorLink, which is expected to go on sale in November. We're loving the functionality here, but are still wondering when Android, Windows Phone and iOS will get their share of due diligence. Follow the break for video demos from Nokia and Alpine, along with the full PR.
Nokia N9 coming soon to Mexico, passport-totin' San Diegans
Still bummed that Swedes, Kazakhs and Swiss peeps get a shot at Nokia's N9, but you don't? Well, southwestern yanks with gratuitous access to cheap transportation might soon be in luck, as the Mexican arm of the Finnish conglomerate will soon start hawking the elusive MeeGo flagship. Naturally, no word on how much it'll set you back, but if you're making the trip anyway, mind slinging one our way? [Thanks, Mary]
Nokia N9 coming to Australia in October on three carriers
The Nokia N9 will be considered a rarity in the US, UK and Germany when it's released, but at least fans Down Under won't have to look very far to get their hands on one. Espoo's officially announced its intention of selling the MeeGo device on Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, in addition to distributing it through several major retailers. Look for the one-of-a-kind handset to make its way to Australia in October for roughly $850; those who opt for the 16GB model will be able to choose from black, blue and pink, whereas the 64GB version will only be made available in black. Full presser can be found below.
Acer's Aspire 5749 MeeGo notebook gets a Sandy Bridge core, hails from Deutschland
MeeGo running on an Acer notebook? Hardly surprising stuff. Pairing that OS with a Sandy Bridge CPU, however, is something to take note of. Contradicting Acer's past claims that the company would only issue the operating system on Atom-based netbooks, the Aspire 5749 has popped up on Amazon.de serving up a 2.1GHz Core i3 processor and 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 display. Weighing in at 2.6kg (about 6lbs) and measuring 34mm in thickness, the Taiwanese-made laptop will set you back 400 Euros (about $577), and comes packed with 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB of storage, Intel's GMA 3000 graphics set, DVD burner, three USB 2.0 ports, a 2-in-1 card reader and, of course, WiFi. Itching to get your import on? Then skip past the break and head to the source below.
Samsung's N102 is an N100 clone, ditches MeeGo for Windows 7 Starter
Were you mostly on board with the N100, but wished Sammy would have held the MeeGo? Those of you in India or Russia are apparently in luck, as Notebook Italia has spotted its Windows-toting twin: the N102. Identical to the N100 in every other way, 10-inch netbook kicks the open source OS to the curb, opting instead for the pared down Windows 7 Starter Edition. Naturally, you'll pay a little extra for the privilege, as the 8,930 Roubles (around $320) gizmo is about 50 bones more than its MeeGo-wielding doppelgänger. Or, you know, you could just buy the N100, bask in open-source goodness and then put that half-Benjamin toward the purchase of a real copy of Windows.
Nokia's N9 coming to Kazakhstan on September 9th, gets its own billboard
Well, the list of places that won't be seeing Nokia's N9 seems to be growing larger everyday. And, while it won't bring comfort to the poor souls in the US, UK or Germany, we can confirm that the fine citizens of Kazakhstan should be getting a heaping helping of MeeGo come September. A tipster sent us a flyer from Texhodom advertising the Swedish Finnish company's foray into Linux-powered smartphones as landing on September 9th for 99,990 Kazakh tenges, or about $679. The same tipster made us even more jealous when he sent in some photos of a giant billboard taunting the imminent arrival of the handset at the same electronics retailer. So, if you really have your heart set on an N9, and want one before those pasty folks in Switzerland and Sweden, looks like it's time to book your ticket to Almaty. [Thanks, Aziz] %Gallery-130663%
Nokia N9 gets axed in Germany, global tour looks even more meager
Like slowly waking up from a sweet dream, the Nokia N9 is gradually slipping away from our conscious mind before it's even released. We knew Stephen Elop & Co. didn't have high interest in the one (and only) Meego smartphone in its repertoire, but it's becoming very clear exactly how much the handset doesn't matter to the company. Nokia's confirmed with German site MobiFlip that the N9 will in fact not be making its way to Deutschland, just days after making it known that it has no plans to send the device to the US or the UK. Granted, those who can't shake off their desire for the one-of-a-kind phone will still find alternative methods of procuring it, but this is still a solid indication that Espoo is only staring ahead to its future with Windows Phone, and the N9 is merely in its peripheral vision.
Nokia N9 coming to UK and Sweden through back door
Okay, so Nokia has made it abundantly clear that the N9 -- the company's current halo smartphone -- has no future in the US, UK, or most recently... Germany. It's quite the bum's rush for the handset that could have been Mr. Elop's shining star, but if you live in Sweden or the UK, there's still a few options. Independent dealers Katshing (for Sweden), and Expansys (for the UK), are both offering the device on pre-order. The release date hasn't been established by either reseller, but Katshing quotes a price of 5,490 Kronas ($845). Unfortunately, Expansys is remaining coy with its pricing strategy -- perhaps recognizing its new relative exclusivity. It's sad seeing the N9 fading into oblivion before its release, but if you're still pining over this sweet slab, at least these independents are watching out for you.
Nokia: the N9 isn't coming to America
If you've been eagerly awaiting September 23rd so you can grab your very own Nokia N9 in America, the company's first (and last) MeeGo smartphone may not be shipping in your region after all. We've been reaching out to Espoo in recent weeks in an attempt to nail down a US ship date for the drop-dead gorgeous handset, and much to our chagrin, we received a rather disheartening reply: "After the very positive reception to the launch of the Nokia N9, the product is now being rolled out in countries around the world. At this time we will not be making it available in the US. Nokia takes a market by market approach to product rollout, and each country makes its own decisions about which products to introduce from those available. Decisions are based on an assessment of existing and upcoming products that make up Nokia's extensive product portfolio and the best way in which to address local market opportunities." Bummer. Moreover, the folks over at The Inquirer were fed an eerily similar line regarding a ship date in the UK, leaving us to wonder where exactly this thing is planning to launch. Regardless, we're still doing our darndest to get ahold of one for review, but it's becoming all the more obvious that it'll hardly matter to folks situated in the US of A. And that, friends, is a crying shame.
