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Leak hints at iPhone 5c and 5s variants for Boost Mobile
Apple offers iPhones through both large and small US carriers these days, but it has so far given Boost Mobile the cold shoulder. That may soon change, however -- @evleaks has just leaked ads hinting that Boost will get the iPhone 5c and 5s in the near future. While the images don't reveal any launch dates or pricing, they suggest that both smartphones will be eligible for the provider's "shrinking" unlimited rates. The expansion isn't all that crucial given the upcoming 5c and 5s launches through Virgin Mobile, but it doesn't hurt to have another option for low-cost iPhone service.
Nokia says current high-end Lumias won't get Bluetooth 4.0 support (update: they may)
We hope you don't want to use a heart rate monitor while running with your Lumia 1020 -- you'll likely be out of luck. Nokia Australia claims that Bluetooth 4.0 support won't be coming to existing high-end Lumias like the 820, 925 and 1020. There are "hardware limitations" that prevent an upgrade, the company explains. We've reached out to Nokia for clarification, but the company may have hinted at those limits when launching the Adidas miCoach app -- it mentioned that only the Lumia 520, 620 and 720 would work with Adidas' heart monitors. The restrictions will no doubt frustrate some owners, although we suspect that Nokia may improve its Bluetooth support with the next wave of Lumia hardware. Update: Nokia Germany spokesman Ben Lampe says that Bluetooth 4.0 support will come to all Windows Phone 8-based Lumias through a post-Amber update. Clearly, there are conflicting responses; we're hoping to get a definitive answer soon.
Apple rumored to need Samsung for some A8 chip production
There have been rumors that TSMC would handle some of Apple's future chip production, but details of the purported arrangement have been vague. The Korea Economic Daily may have just filled us in, however. It claims that Samsung will make 30 to 40 percent of Apple's A8 processors next year, with TSMC presumably assembling the lion's share. Apple wanted TSMC to be the sole manufacturer, but the challenge of building 20 nanometer-class chips led to a supplementary agreement with Samsung, according to the Daily's tipsters. Neither side has commented on the report, so take it with a large grain of salt. If the story is accurate, though, it suggests that Apple will have only modest success in excluding its arch-rival's technology from next-generation iOS devices. [Thanks, Byungjin]
BlackBerry starts selling unlocked Q10 and Z10 phones through its US site
It has been possible to snag an unlocked BlackBerry Q10 or Z10 in the US for a while if you've been willing to search around, but you now won't have to. BlackBerry has quietly begun selling unrestricted GSM variants of the two smartphones through its US site at prices of $449 for a Z10 and $549 for a Q10. Either device remains LTE-capable, and both should play nicely with AT&T and T-Mobile. The direct sales aren't likely to attract many converts, but they should help American fans who may have a tough time finding a BlackBerry in stores.
BlackBerry Z30 reaches the FCC with Canada-ready LTE
BlackBerry hasn't said exactly when the Z30 will reach North America, but we now know that it's getting close -- a GSM variant with compatible LTE has reached the FCC. The smartphone supports 4G on both the 1,700MHz and 2,600MHz bands, suggesting that it will soon launch through bigger Canadian carriers like Bell, Rogers and Telus. We'll still have to wait for an American model, however. Despite the US-friendly 1,700MHz LTE, this Z30 is missing both the 700MHz LTE needed for AT&T as well as the 1,700MHz 3G that T-Mobile would want. The promised Verizon model also hasn't received FCC approval. The news won't satisfy everyone wanting a big BlackBerry, but those who want to explore the Z30 in depth can check out both the Canadian phone and its just-launched European counterpart at the source links.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 190: Myriam's farewell - 09.27.13
This is it: Myriam Joire's last time serving as the host of the Mobile Podcast. If you haven't heard the news, she's taken a sweet gig as Product Evangelist for wearables startup, Pebble. We wish Myriam all the best on the new venture and expect it won't be the last time you'll hear from her on this front. Our main man, "all-around rock star" and current co-host, Brad Molen, officially takes the lead position next week. So, don't worry -- this podcast will continue to live on and remain awesome as ever. Salutations all around. Hosts: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen Producer: Joe Pollicino Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Coolpad intros 5.9-inch Magview 4 phone with CoolHub and cWatch accessories
Oppo isn't the only company launching a 5.9-inch smartphone today. Coolpad has just unveiled the Magview 4, which mates a similarly large display with a 1.8GHz Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 13-megapixel f/2.0 rear camera and an aluminum chassis. The Android 4.2 handset doesn't offer as many built-in tricks as its Oppo counterpart, but it's arriving alongside a trio of clever accessories. The pocketable CoolHub combines a battery with a Bluetooth speaker, a microSD card reader and NFC tag support; the CoolHub 2 extends this with environmental sensors and a pedometer. Coolpad is also launching the cWatch C1, a waterproof smartwatch with alerts for calendars, calls and messages. While the company hasn't yet priced its add-ons, it will ship the Magview 4 to mainland China in October for ¥3,980 ($650).
Focal camera app removed from CyanogenMod, launched as standalone beta
Not everyone is happy with Cyanogen as a company. Guillaume Lesniak, the creator of CyanogenMod's Focal camera app, doesn't like that licensing changes accompanying the new venture would limit his control. Accordingly, he has just removed Focal from CyanogenMod and launched it as a standalone beta. The app includes all the features from its ROM days, including burst shooting, a panorama mode and an equivalent to Google's Photo Sphere. While the release is a mild inconvenience for CyanogenMod users, it's ultimately a win for anyone who wants to try Focal -- they can now give the app a spin regardless of the firmware they use. If you're curious, you can download Focal through Google Play.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 189 - 09.19.13 (updated)
Not to spoil anything, but this week is all about our post-review thoughts regarding the iPhone 5c and 5s. Fret not, though! We also spared some time for LG's latest Android handset, the G2. Ready your ears and get to streaming below. This is the Engadget Mobile Podcast. Update: We've updated the files for those of you having issues with your downloads. Thanks for bearing with us! Hosts: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen Producer: Joe Pollicino Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast
Republic Wireless to offer Moto X for $299 off-contract, plans starting at $5
Republic Wireless' low-cost, WiFi-driven phone service has proven tempting. The rapidly aging smartphones attached to that service, however? Not so much. The carrier will soon improve that device selection, as it has just revealed plans to sell the Moto X for $299 off-contract -- roughly half of what it costs at other providers. Service is also expanding beyond the original $19 plan (now limited to the Defy XT), with steep discounts if you don't depend on cellular service. Rely solely on WiFi, and you'll pay just $5 per month for unlimited access; a $10 plan will be available if you need cellular voice and text messaging. There will also be more traditional plans with unlimited 3G and 4G data that respectively cost $25 and $40 per month. Republic Wireless hasn't said when its extra-cheap Moto X will be available, but the new rates should take effect in November.
HTC Desire 601 shows up at the FCC, likely headed to Sprint or Virgin Mobile
While we've already spent precious quality time with the HTC Desire 601, we still weren't sure where exactly this mid-range smartphone would be available. Well, if this FCC listing is any indication, it could be arriving stateside some time soon, and with Sprint's LTE bands in tow. The documents show a HTC handset with the 601's "Zara" codename in the build number (as seen above) as well as support for LTE band 25, which seemingly points it in the Now Network's direction. This also lends credence to an @evleaks tweet posted two weeks ago that claimed the Desire 601 was headed to Virgin Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sprint. Other tidbits revealed from the FCC filing include Android 4.2.2 as the firmware and features such as WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC, most of which we already knew. Alas, we don't yet know the pricing and availability of the device, but we're guessing it'll show up any day now. In the meantime, treat yourselves to our in-depth hands-on to see if it's worth the wait.
Apple raises cellular download cap to 100MB for iOS
If you hadn't noticed, there have been a lot of app updates to accommodate the launch of iOS 7. You may not have to use a WiFi hotspot to grab them all, though -- Apple has quietly raised iOS' cellular download cap from 50MB to 100MB. You won't be loading Infinity Blade III while on the road, but the ceiling is high enough that moderately-sized apps like Sky Guide are now available over the air. Just make sure you've got enough spare bandwidth.
Skype for iOS now lets you join group voice calls
Can't make it to the office in time to join the weekly conference call through Skype? Don't fret -- Skype has just updated its iPad and iPhone apps to let users join group voice calls. The releases also improve video and voice quality. Either update is otherwise quite light, but those who want to always stay in the loop can grab the new Skype versions at the source links.
Pandora intros redesigned iPad app, hopes you'll skip that other big radio service
There's no doubt that Pandora is feeling the heat from iTunes Radio. The company isn't letting its competitor's launch go unanswered, however. It just unveiled a redesigned Pandora 5.0 app for iOS that gives iPad users several features that were previously iPhone-only, including deeper artist exploration, social music sharing and an option for more variety in stations. The release also makes better use of the big screen through a panel that helps listeners find related music without skipping a beat. Android tablets will get these perks later in the fall, Pandora says. The firm may still have a tough time luring iPad owners away from Apple's streaming service, but the new Pandora app is free to use -- it won't hurt to tune in.
Wind Mobile to participate in Canada's 700MHz wireless auction (update: more providers)
Wind Mobile apparently isn't worried that it has to fend without Verizon's help: the carrier has confirmed to MobileSyrup that it will participate in Canada's 700MHz wireless auction. While the provider doesn't have much more to share at this stage, it sees the LTE-friendly spectrum bid as proof of a "long-term commitment" to the country. The company will still have to win spectrum to better compete with Bell, Rogers and Telus, but its entry should assuage Canucks worried that only the incumbents can afford to buy more bandwidth. Update: EastLink and Public Mobile are also committed to the auction. Mobilicity, however, has yet to reveal its plans; if it doesn't announce its participation in the auction before noon today, it's out of the running.
Google Maps updated for Android with sponsored hotel details, better navigation
Now that Google has finished updating its Map app's UI, the company can focus on the finer details: navigation, documentation and monetization. The Android app's latest update tweaks hotel search results by adding sponsored rate and booking links, which places a tiny "ad" icon next to services that paid for exposure. Navigation has been also been improved, with better traffic and route information, and the side menu now has a "tips and tricks" option that inelegantly opens a maps help page in your device's web browser. Check out the official update notes at the Google Play link below.
Straight Talk now accepts AT&T-compatible LTE devices
To date, Straight Talk's LTE support has been limited to a warmed-over Sprint version of the Galaxy S III. Now there's a much better option: the prepaid carrier has started selling SIM cards that support unlocked devices with AT&T-compatible LTE. The upgrade potentially offers a better bargain than AT&T's own Aio Wireless, giving customers unlimited LTE data, voice and text for $45 per month versus Aio's $55. It's not quite paradise, however. Straight Talk is known to throttle data, which could prove all the more frustrating at 4G speeds.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 188 - 09.13.13
Aside from checking out the new iPhone 5c and 5s at this week's event in Cupertino, Myriam finally met Tim Cook face to face. How did it go? Let's just say it involved an awkward encounter with a Lumia 1020. This is the Engadget Mobile Podcast and you can get to streaming below. Hosts: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen, Michael Gorman Producer: Joe Pollicino Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast
Chrome 29 for iOS brings voice search with pronouns
Google loves to throw small-yet-sensible interface updates into many Chrome releases, and the new Chrome 29 for iOS represents a textbook example. The browser's voice search now supports contextual pronouns like "her" or "them;" ask a question and you can run a follow-up search without mentioning the subject by name. The update also lets you quickly jump back to search results if you visit the wrong result, and it's now easier to view bandwidth savings if you have access to the experimental data compression feature. Should you like the smattering of new features, you can grab Chrome 29 now through the App Store.
LG G2 ships to six Canadian carriers on September 27th
Canadians won't have to wait long for their version of the LG G2. The 5.2-inch smartphone is now due to reach Bell, Rogers, Sasktel, Telus, Videotron and Wind Mobile on September 27th, two days after it launches on T-Mobile in the States. The carriers haven't yet divulged pricing, although we're not expecting Bell, Rogers or Telus to charge much more than $200 on contract, like some of their American counterparts.
