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T-Mobile CMO: no iPhone 5 on our network this year
Hopes and dreams = shot. We've had a sneaky suspicion all along that T-Mobile would likely be the only major network not playing host to an iPhone 5 launch party this year, but we still kept our heads high because no official denial had been given from the company's C-level. That's now changed, since T-Mobile CMO Cole Brodman slammed us back into reality at a town hall meeting stating: "we are not going to get the iPhone 5 this year." It's a hard pill to swallow in such a short summation, but there might be a glimmer of hope -- technically Brodman only referenced one specific name. Since there's always a possibility that Apple will choose a different title for its fifth-gen device (or even add a lower-priced option), T-Mobile fans can still grasp onto one last Hail Mary of a chance; just don't set yourself up for more disappointment, okay?
Samsung pushes Galaxy Tab 10.1 through FCC with T-Mobile AWS bands
Sure, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is great when using Verizon's LTE network, but what if you're looking for something in more of a GSM, magenta-colored flavor? You might be in luck, if a new tablet pushed through the FCC makes its way to store shelves. The device, identified only as the Samsung SGH-T859, comes complete with 1700MHz AWS for T-Mobile as well as 850 / 1900 GSM / EDGE / WCDMA / HSPA, and has the same dimensions as the WiFi-only version we saw in May. We can't say with a surety that it'll use the Galaxy Tab branding, but we think it's unlikely this would be anything else. And of course there's no guarantee it'll become a subsidized device on T-Mobile, but we know there's more than a handful of diehards that'd be willing to fork out a couple extra Benjamins for the privilege of using this beauty on their own carrier. So if your day is now a little bit brighter because of the news, feel free to check out the device in the gallery below. %Gallery-133259%
BlackBerry Bold 9900 now available on T-Mobile, still late to the 7 OS party
We knew this day was coming, so there are no surprises here. BlackBerry's latest addition to its portrait QWERTY family, the Bold 9900, is on sale now at T-Mobile stores. The chrome trimmed, 14.4Mbps HSDPA capable handset'll run you $350 (before a $50 mail-in rebate) with a two-year commitment, or you can always fork over the full $600 if you'd rather steer clear of the carrier's contract chains. In case you were in need of a refresher, the phone packs a zippy 1.2GHz processor, 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and runs BlackBerry 7 OS. Feeling like it's time to update your crackberry habit? Then head to the source below to get your order on.
Samsung Galaxy S II logs confirm NFC support for AT&T, none for Sprint
What's the point of investing $100 million in a mobile payment system if you don't have the goods to back it up? AT&T may be adopting this philosophy, beginning with the Galaxy S II. With the aid of eagle-eyed Android dev François Simond, we conducted an extended analysis of Ma Bell's latest gem and discovered it's rife with NFC. In addition to containing kernel drivers and a pre-installed APK, the system files also indicate the device is running in a mode named NDEF -- short for NFC Data Exchange Format. We haven't been able to determine if the handset will be capable of making payments, but the presence of Near-Field Communications in the Galaxy S II is definitely a good sign. T-Mobile is keeping a tight lid on its variant for the moment, preventing us from getting an in-depth look, but FCC filings confirm it will contain NFC as well. As for the third handset announced last night, the Epic 4G Touch contains no mention of NFC. Upon further analysis, we uncovered something else potentially more disturbing: it's using the same WiMAX module (cmc732) as the Samsung Nexus S 4G, a handset that was plagued with performance issues when it was originally released (those concerns were eventually resolved in a later update). In this case, it's hard to tell if that means we'll relive the painful experience once again, or if it will come with improved firmware to ensure it doesn't take the same path as its 4G brother. We're starting to unravel the mysteries, folks, and will continue to fill you in as we learn more. If you're considering one of these three lovely models, will these discoveries sway your decision in a particular direction? [Thanks, François Simond]
Trio of US Samsung Galaxy S II models get together for a group photo?
Gaze closely at the above picture. Is this classy-looking bunch of phones the actual trio of Galaxy S II devices we expect to see unveiled at Samsung's press event this coming Monday? If so, our mouths are commencing salivation as we speak. From the looks of it, the Samsung Hercules, Epic Touch 4G and Attain are shown off hanging out together in full disclosure. Granted, we've seen the T-Mobile and Sprint versions before, so this image simply verifies what we've already seen. The big reveal, however, is the look of AT&T's variant -- a device that's managed to do the best job at playing hide-and-seek -- which appears to be eerily similar to a leaked render we encountered in June. We're only a matter of days away from knowing for sure, but this will definitely get your weekend started off on the right foot.
Engadget's back to school guide 2011: smartphones
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're tapping away on our smartphones -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Now more than ever, collegiate studies require a wide variety of devices to help you get that prized "A." The thirst for knowledge you so desperately seek can strike at any time, and you're not always going to have that desktop or laptop nearby to find the answer to a burning question. Perhaps you just need to hurl birds at pigs for a while to blow off your stress. Whatever the case, you'll need something to help you study, store (and edit) all of your important term papers, keep you in touch with classmates or family, and everything in-between. What better way to get all of that than with a smartphone? We've picked nine respectable candidates that can help you through your upcoming semester -- three for each budget level. Oh, and while you're looking, we're giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 lucky readers, and you can be one of them by simply leaving a comment below! So, which phones are most likely to help you get smart? Head past the break to find out.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 - 08.21.2011
We're 100. 100! If you're like us, you totally can't believe it's been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that's just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we've brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And...a couple of other things. We're old. It's a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don't sleep on it: before you know it we'll be 200.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenGuests: Richard Lai, Noah KravitzProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)00:02:45 - HP will 'discontinue operations for webOS devices', may spin off Personal Systems Group00:21:55 - Google acquiring Motorola Mobility00:42:45 - Motorola's new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic01:04:30 - BlackBerry Bold 9930 review01:05:43 - AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor01:15:00 - Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)01:25:40 - Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-0101:26:30 - Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)01:30:57 - CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service01:32:50 - Motorola Photon 4G review01:36:53 - Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?01:38:56 - Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots01:39:38 - HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)01:45:55 - Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)Contact the podcastpodcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile
T-Mobile announces deal to sell prepaid at Family Dollar, costs more than a dollar
A Radio Shack lost is a Family Dollar gained. Now that T-Mobile's ended its allegiance with The Shack, the carrier's looking for a few new companies willing to hoist its prepaid service up on a pedestal. Family Dollar, following in the footsteps of 7-Eleven, will be the next business to dole out the LG GS170 blister packs on T-Mo's behalf. The phones will be sold for $30 and come with a $50 / month plan that consists of unlimited calls, texts, and 100MB data. With such a large emphasis now being placed on its no-contract offerings, we can't help but wonder if this is the result of T-Mobile making an adjustment in its strategy. Any other companies want a piece of the prepaid pie? The press release can be found beneath the break.
T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9900 available on August 31st, on presale to business customers today
There's a good chance you've already heard a thing or two (or a hundred) about the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series, so by now you have a good idea whether or not you'll want to pick one up. So if you're leaning toward "buy," T-Mobile's got one coming to a retail store near you on August 31st, with the phone on presale for business customers starting today. Procurers of the new device will need to shell out $300 after a $50 mail-in rebate. Early adopters, start your engines! The full press release can be found after the break.
HTC Ruby to be dubbed Amaze 4G, come with 1.5GHz CPU and 4.3-inch display?
The white shell of the HTC Ruby exudes a "ghostly" quality, which seems to explain its ability to appear and disappear at will. This time the smartphone's popped up in reports highlighting a couple important revelations: according to BGR, the Ruby's slated to become the carrier's flagship and will be looked upon as the Sensation 4G's big brother. We're not so sure about it being a literal statement, since the Ruby is speculated to have the same 4.3-inch display as its sibling, but it'll definitely be more power-packed with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and HSPA+ radio with connection speeds reaching up to 42Mbps. But that's not all, folks: PocketNow, contributing some gossip of its own, is reporting that the phone will be called the Amaze 4G by T-Mobile, and will also have an 8 megapixel camera with dedicated still and video capture buttons. Now that leaks and reports are starting to pour in this quickly, it may not be too long before the Ruby Amaze 4G completely outrumors the Droid Bionic -- which is not an easy task by any means.
Refresh Roundup: week of August 8, 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 Acer took to its Facebook page in Malaysia to announce that the Honeycomb 3.2 OTA update for the Iconia Tab A500 has been delayed until August 25. [via Phandroid] The LG G-Slate is starting to receive Honeycomb 3.1. [via AndroidCentral] We've also heard the HTC Flyer's on the receiving end of a 2.3.4 bump in Germany. [via HTC Inside (translated)] Motorola's announced that Honeycomb 3.1 has arrived on the Xoom in Europe, after several months of waiting. [via ITProPortal] Tomorrow, Sprint's pushing out a maintenance fix known as RD.00.02 for the Motorola Titanium. From a leaked screenshot, the main "enhancement" is correcting a bug that kept users from dialing from a meeting on the Exchange calendar. [via SprintFeed] Android 2.3.4 is making its way to unbranded HTC Sensation units in Europe this week as an OTA update, and will likely spread to carrier-branded devices over the next couple weeks. [via Phandroid] Both Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada are rolling out Gingerbread to its Galaxy S Vibrant. The download is available to any of its users by accessing Samsung Kies. [via MobileSyrup] HTC began pushing Gingerbread to the Inspire 4G on Monday. If you still haven't received your update OTA yet, instructions can be found on how to do it manually via its website. [Thanks, Brian] Are you an HTC Desire owner that's been eagerly awaiting Gingerbread? It's here now, but the manufacturer isn't going to push it out OTA -- rather, you'll need to do it on your own, so head to the via for a video tutorial on how to do it step-by-step. [via PocketNow] T-Mobile has announced that its OTA Gingerbread rollout for the G2x is now officially over. If you missed your opportunity, you may still download it using the LG updater tool. [via TmoNews] This is definitely a rumor, but an HTC support rep apparently emailed a concerned Incredible user to assure them that Gingerbread was still indeed in the plans for the year-old device. No timeframe was given, however. [via Phandroid] AT&T took to its Twitter account to state that the Infuse 4G is on track to receive Gingerbread sometime this month. [via AndroidCentral] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc. hackery We heard last week that the Motorola Photon 4G had been rooted, but it required the use of the phone's fancy (and expensive) HD dock. This obstacle has since been removed, and you can root your brand new phone without it. [via AndroidCentral] Speaking of the Photon 4G, a System Boot File (SBF) is now available for the device. The SBF is a backup that comes in handy if something goes awry and your phone ends up getting bricked. By using the SBF, your phone will be restored back to its original factory defaults. [via SprintFeed] A dev preview of CyanogenMod 7 for the HTC Sensation 4G is now being shown at a YouTube near you. Did someone say CyanogenMod 7? Well, this week also witnessed a user updating their Motorola Triumph to Android 2.3.5, but almost nothing works properly on it; since the kernel source hasn't been released for it yet, the update isn't quite up to par. CM7 is also said to be coming to the Motorola Atrix 4G and LG Optimus 3D soon as well. [via Phandroid] Other platforms The tools used to flash Windows Phone Mango's RTM version has been leaked, and you can find instructions on how to get it on this XDA thread. Remember that you do this at your own risk. [via WMPowerUser] A few rumors circulated the web this week that Mango would be released on September 1. WP7's own Joe Belfiore was the one responsible for shooting down that rumor via Twitter. [via WMPowerUser]
Radio Shack celebrates T-Mobile's departure by giving its phones away
You remember the joy you felt the last time you found a really good deal, right? You may want to take a lovely evening stroll into a Radio Shack near you to experience that same emotion. With T-Mobile getting the boot September 14th to make room for new roommate Verizon, The Shack has decided to offer a blowout sale to celebrate. Beginning today, every phone (!) is gratis with a two-year commitment. The offer is in-store only, and while we're assuming it's good until every last one of Little Magenta's phones are gone, the sale could end at any time. The toughest part now? Deciding which one to grab.
T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th?
Say it isn't so! T-Mobile, flooded by larger-than-expected demand on data, may be just a matter of days away from making a polarizing change to its 200MB internet plans. As the feature currently stands, going over your limit results in a throttling of broadband speeds, forcing your browser to surf and download at a ridiculously slow pace. The rumored adjustment to the plan, however, would take away the option completely and replace it with usage charges. Each additional MB used, according to the leaked docs, will tack an extra dime onto your monthly bill. Fortunately, the overage is capped at $30 -- preventing several potential panic attacks at the mailbox -- and only affects the lower plan; additionally, anyone currently on the 200MB plan will be grandfathered, thus retaining their unlimited (albeit throttled) internet. Those on the 2GB plan can breathe easily for now, but there's no telling when the policy will spread like wildfire throughout the remainder of T-Mobile's data offerings. The change, slated to take place on August 14th, has yet to be officially confirmed by Bellevue. Meanwhile, we continue to watch as our options for limitless internet slowly fade away into the darkness.
The Soapbox: Be here now
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column. Games die. It's an unpleasant reality but a reality just the same, with the highest-profile death on the horizon being Star Wars Galaxies. Business decisions get made, and unfortunately, sometimes those decisions boil down to "this game is no longer worth the money to keep it running." If you're lucky, the announcement comes with a great deal of time for you to wrap up what you've always wanted to do in the game; if you're unlucky, you might have a couple of weeks before the servers go dark. So what do you do as a player? How do you cope with the fact that the game is shutting down? There are a lot of approaches, but I think it's unfortunate that most of the reactions seem to center around some last-ditch effort to save the game from oblivion. It's entirely missing the point to try and pull the game back from the brink of death, and it does a disservice to both the game and the players when you spend your last days desperately fighting a foregone conclusion.
T-Mobile G2x Gingerbread update running through employee trials, "coming soon" just got closer
You didn't think T-Mobile forgot all about you G2x users out there, did ya? The phone, foreordained to become the carrier's poster child, didn't have the best launch ever; when you release a device plagued with glitches and a nearly-immediate inventory shortage, you're not really starting off on the right foot. Don't let those "out of stock" signs fool you into thinking the mystical handset has been completely wiped from existence, however. It's still around -- in fact, the "Get More" network is hard at work to give more, prepping the phone's update to Gingerbread that'll likely include much-needed fixes. We reached out to a T-Mobile spokesperson, who briefed us on the progress of this elusive refresh: T-Mobile is working with LG to deliver a software update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) for the G2x, which we expect will deliver some performance enhancements. We are currently trialing this update with a pilot group of T-Mobile employees. As it appears, we're another step closer to one of the most-anticipated software updates of the summer. There's no telling how long this testing phase will last, nor what steps lay between now and "this summer." Regardless, Android 2.3 is still on track to show up "sooner than we'd expect," which is accurate... if you expected it to take four months.
Dell Venue Pro firmware update silences WiFi woes (update: delayed)
We wouldn't say it was delivered with lightning speed, but Dell's firmware update for the Venue Pro is at least on schedule. The outfit's Lionel Menchaca tweeted that the refresh, which brings a fix for a WiFi lockup issue (among others), "starts rolling out today for T-Mobile customers in the US + all other customers outside the US." Unfortunately for AT&T customers sporting this pro phone, it looks like you'll be left in the firmware lurch a bit longer --- there's been no mention of a similar update for Ma Bell. Update: It looks like someone spoke too soon. Lionel Menchaca's taken to Twitter yet again to update us on the state of this update, and it appears T-Mo Venue Pro users are going to have to wait until next week for the refresh -- it is, however, already available to unlocked devices. Considering how long we've waited, what's another week? Right?
T-Mobile tossing Samsung Dart into its lineup on June 15th?
Just as the name implies, this one almost zoomed right past us. The Samsung Dart is likely to show its face on T-Mobile within the next two days, according to some very official-looking employee docs uncovered by TmoNews. Given that it shares the same launch date as the HTC Sensation 4G, the entry-level Dart -- aka the Samsung t499 -- won't be getting much of the spotlight. Regardless, we still want to give this Android phone some time in the sun, as it still sounds like a decent choice for first-time smartphone buyers: full touchscreen, 3 megapixel camera, Swype, and Flash support. Certainly there's a lot of unknowns about this device, but we're expecting those gaps to fill as Wednesday draws closer.
T-mobile, WildTangent to bring 25-cent game rentals to Android devices, harken back to arcade days
Test driving an app isn't entirely unheard of -- Apple introduced its lackluster "Try Before You Buy" system last summer and the Android Market's got a 15-minute return policy. Now T-Mobile's teamed up with mobile gaming outfit WildTangent to bring a novel approach to looking under the hood of gaming apps: rentals. The partnership promises to bring 25 cent game rentals to your phone or tablet (considering you're a T-Mo faithful rocking an Android device), giving you the opportunity to see what a particular game is working with before you commit. The new service also lets users play games for free with advertisements, and applies the cost of rentals to future purchases -- rent-to-own style. So it won't bring the same juvenile thrills as the arcade, but it will let you get your game on at 25 cents a pop. No word yet on when the service will go into effect, so don't go breaking that piggy bank quite yet.
Ask Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition
So apparently, having a picture of a BattleMech as the header for Ask Massively makes everyone expect that there's some big news about a BattleTech MMO somewhere to be found. Sorry, folks -- I'd like it just as much as you would, although I'm not sure that it would necessarily turn out to be very good. (There's not a lot to do outside of a 'Mech and not much to do inside of one other than shoot things.) Luckily, I'm pretty sure that it will not be possible to misconstrue this week's image. I certainly hope not. Today's discussion has absolutely nothing to do with the above picture, which is usually the case. Instead, we're talking about integrated voice chat in games and the apparent immortality of Ultima Online. If you've got a question you would like answered in a future edition of Ask Massively, just drop us a line at ask@massively.com or leave your question in the comment field.
T-Mobile confirms gratis WiFi calling for the magenta-clad masses
Last week, the online grapevine foretold that T-Mobile users would have complimentary calling over WiFi. Now, the pink provider's powers that be have made good on the gossip and officially made free WiFi calling official. The service is available to those with Android handsets with the carrier's Smart Wi-Fi app preinstalled and are on T-Mo's Even More or Even More Plus plans. All others wanting a dose of free will have to pony up for a new plan -- you didn't think it was actually free, did you?
