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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.
T-Mobile working to solve G2 battery life concerns, needs your help
T-Mobile wants YOU... to help them figure out your phone's recent battery life troubles. If you own a G2, there's a slight possibility you've noticed your prized mobile possession hasn't been up to snuff over the last week or so. Is it feeling overworked? It's got a lot of stress bogging it down? Or maybe it's just downright depressed? Sadly, the carrier doesn't have the fuzziest idea of what's going on either, so it's turning to the best resource it has: its customers. If your G2 is lucky enough to be in this "small group" of affected users, you've been given the green light to share your feedback. Though this is happening (coincidentally) at the same time as the phone's monumental update to Gingerbread, it turns out a healthy portion of sufferers haven't actually made the jump up yet. So head on over to offer your two cents -- if one person can make a difference, several hundred should definitely do the trick.
HTC Wildfire S now available on T-Mobile, can be yours for $80
It's August 3rd -- do you know where your HTC Wildfire S is? That's right, it's taking up its own share of real estate on T-Mobile's website, ready for you to hit that fancy "add to cart" button. The eency-weency Android handset, true 'nuff to its word, came out right on schedule for $80 on a two-year commitment. And here's what you'll get for those hard-earned green rectangles stuffed in your wallet: Android 2.3, a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 512MB RAM, a Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz CPU, and a 5 megapixel camera. If the package -- and price -- are right, make your way to the source link and push through some of that fun paperwork.
T-Mobile brings prepaid option to 7-Elevens nationwide, doesn't come in Piña Colada flavor
It's 3 AM and you have a cravin' for something grape-flavored. How about a new phone while you're at it? Now you can have both (thank heavens). T-Mobile's made an agreement with 7-Eleven to sell prepaid service in its stores; it's ideal for those times that a Slurpee just won't hit the spot, but a tiny entry-level flip phone will. Up for grabs -- in the easy-to-open blister packs, we hope -- is the LG GS170 clamshell, packing a VGA camera and Bluetooth 2.1, and it can all be yours for $30. Not good enough, eh? You drive a hard bargain, so they'll cut the price of the handset in half with the purchase of a $50 prepaid card. Just do us all a favor and pass on the hot dogs this time, okay?
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]
Mobile Miscellany: week of July 25, 2011
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 18, 2011: Remember the Samsung i927 with AT&T logos we saw spy shots of a few days back? These photos came with others' speculation -- and our skepticism -- that this would be the Galaxy S II Rethought Possible. Our hesitation to call this one a surety was spot-on, however, as we've now been told this phone model is not the mystical Samsung Attain after all. Could the i777, just seen wandering through the FCC testing facilities, be it instead? [via BGR] Google's updated its Maps for Android app to include My Places, photo uploading, and a few other goodies. [via Google] Foursquare posted an update to its BlackBerry application; within it, the app now offers support for BBM integration. [via PhoneArena] T-Mobile's rumored Value plans took effect this week, offering a lower price point for anyone who either owns a T-Mobile device already or brings an unlocked GSM handset to start the plan. [via T-Mobile] Sprint unveiled new "Business Freedom Plans" -- business pooled voice and data options that don't come attached with any commitments. [via Sprint]
T-Mobile G2 gets its turn for Gingerbread, OTA rolling out now
The T-Mobile G2x was the attention-hoarder this week by getting Gingerbread, but where's the love for its older brother? After all, the G2 seemed to be left for dead as HTC's promise of a Q2 refresh was broken with nary a peep from the manufacturer. No need to feel nervous any longer, folks, as Android 2.3 is now rolling out as an OTA download. In addition to Gingerbread, the listed update will include WiFi improvements, SMS and email notification enhancements, Google Books, and a few cosmetic UI changes. The rollout process will run its course over the coming weeks, so you'll need to exercise just a wee bit more patience here. At least the G2 isn't falling into the depths of obsolescence yet; but for future reference, T-Mobile, please text us when you're running a bit late.
T-Mobile G2x sheds 'out of stock' badge, immediately goes on sale
All of your G2x-toting friends are gleefully downloading the long-awaited Gingerbread update, while you sulk in the corner because they've been out of stock for over two months. Time to don that party hat, Sir Frowny, because it's now your turn to share in the joy and have the last laugh. T-Mobile's online store not only has the G2x in stock, they're free -- at least until Thursday, that is. The price tag seems to be a generous olive branch extended by the carrier for those who've been immeasurably patient in buying the fanciful device. Sure, you may be a tad late to the celebration, but think of it instead as making a grand entrance.
Gingerbread comes to T-Mobile G2x, users feel loved again
Dost our eyes deceive us, or are genuine, bona fide Gingerbread updates for the T-Mobile G2x taking to the airwaves? We're inclined to believe the latter, since the T-Mobile support site announced that the OTA download is now underway. The rollout begins less than a day after the refresh became available as a manual install via the LG Updater Tool. As if this isn't enough proof already, our inboxes have been flooded by G2x users who've personally witnessed Hades freeze over on their handset. Haven't seen it show up on yours yet? Fret not, getting these updates out to everyone takes time. But if you were an eager beaver who managed to beef your phone up with Android 2.3.3 manually, go ahead and relax; grab a lemonade, dust off the ol' hammock, and enjoy the rest of the summer afternoon free of (virtual) bugs. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
BlackBerry Monza 9860 photos emerge, ready to take the world by Storm
If photos of a new handset are taken without Mr. BlurryCam involved, launch day is likely close at hand. Such is the tale of the BlackBerry Monza 9860 -- aka the Monaco, the Storm 3, or a plethora of other code names. Regardless of the title, it's an all-touchscreen, 1.2GHz device yet to be announced or even acknowledged by its maker. But since when does that ever stop the leaks from piling up to monstrous heights? A new batch of images showing off the fabled handset has come to light, giving us a respectable peek at the phone's outer beauty; unfortunately, we didn't learn anything new here. The image above suggests this particular machine is AT&T-bound, but we're not entirely convinced -- it could be a test device that's unlocked and using the carrier's HSPA+ network -- especially since T-Mobile's supposedly landing the Monza as early as this week. Perhaps it's even the "shiny, new and social all over" product expected to be announced tomorrow. The puzzle pieces are definitely getting put together, eh? Check out the gallery below for the latest stunning shots. [Thanks, Ratnesh] %Gallery-129121%
Engadget Mobile Podcast 096 - 07.23.2011
What other technology podcast hosts would let a bunch of fruity news sink into the background as they trudge deep into the waters of new Android and MeeGo phones? We think you know the answer to that one.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)00:01:22 - Sprint readies Nexus S 4G update with improved WiMAX performance, we go hands-on (video)00:08:32 - T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide00:21:03 - Motorola Droid 3 review00:40:16 - T-Mobile G2x Gingerbread update running through employee trials, "coming soon" just got closer00:44:03 - HTC Status review00:49:42 - Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review00:53:34 - AT&T Nexus S coming to Best Buy July 24th, available for $100 with contract01:12:28 - Sprint's Fared Adib: we made a conscious decision to scale back bloatware on smartphones01:14:23 - Motorola Triumph01:16:50 - T-Mobile unveils flexible new Value plans: unlimited talk, text, and / or data for any device01:19:45 - Fujitsu to launch first Windows Phone Mango handset in... August?01:21:55 - Nokia 'Sea Ray' WP7 handset revealed on a factory floor? (Video)01:22:25 - Nokia N9 arrives at FCC, opened up to see where all the MeeGo comes from01:24:37 - Apple outpaces Nokia in global smartphone shipments01:26:58 - AT&T 'confident' T-Mobile deal to close in Q1 2012Hear 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 makes HTC Wildfire S official, available August 3rd for $80
True to earlier reports, the HTC Wildfire S finally has a home at T-Mobile. The carrier-phone relationship was formalized today as the magenta-colored mobile provider announced its availability on August 3rd. The device -- code-named Marvel -- will be $80 with two-year commitment and after $50 mail-in rebate. It has all the amenities we expected, including Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 512MB RAM, a Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz CPU, and a 5 megapixel shooter. You'll be able to get the phone in white or black; the only other differences in the new version appear to be the Swype keyboard and the inclusion of AWS bands. If you desire a handset that'll ease the pain on the thin wallet in your pocket, you have only a week to wait.
T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide glides into pre-sale for $200
Blessed be the patient ones, for thy reward will be a myTouch 4G Slide. After what seems like an eternity of Mr. Blurrycam shots, press renderings, and an official announcement, it's time to get one ordered. Both black and khaki varieties are available on T-Mobile's website for $200, in advance of the handset reaching store shelves on July 27th. If you're eager to check out "the most advanced camera of any smartphone," with its f2.2 wide-aperture lens, now's your chance -- throw Gingerbread and HTC Sense 3.0 into the mix, and you certainly have a tantalizing phone to consider. You've waited long enough for this time to come, so head to the source link to get your just deserts.
Mobile Miscellany: week of July 11, 2011
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 11, 2011: Samsung launched an ad campaign for the Infuse 4G which claims its colors are "so good, they fool Mother Nature." Each ad features a different animal that mistakes the Infuse's Super AMOLED Plus screen for real nature. [via Gottabemobile] T-Mobile's MyTouch 4G is now available on Cincinnati Bell as the HTC Panache 4G for $200 with two-year agreement. [via MobileBurn] We got a sneak peek at some of Symbian Belle's UI changes, thanks to the refreshed Design Guideline docs on Nokia's developer website. [via All About Symbian] Inductive charging battery covers are now available for the HTC Thunderbolt and Incredible 2, Motorola Droid 3, and the LG Revolution. [via Droid-Life] Motorola officially announced the Fire, aka XT316. It's a portrait QWERTY handset with Gingerbread and is currently available in China. In the coming months it should work its way to Taiwan, Latin America, and Europe. The XT316 is going for $230. [via Unwired View] The popular GroupMe messaging app is now available for Windows Phone and can be downloaded for free in the Marketplace. [via MobileBurn and Gizmodo] Romanian carrier Cosmote has launched a 21.6 Mbps HSPA+ broadband service. (thx lonel) [via ZF Business Hi-Tech]
T-Mobile Name ID finally brings true caller ID to your cellphone
If you're still rockin' a landline you probably take caller ID for granted at this point and, if you're a mobile only kinda person, you might not even realize your cellphone lacks it. But, the truth is, until now true caller ID has never been available from America's wireless carriers. There were a number of technical hurdles that stood in the way, but today those are officially crumbling as T-Mobile is launching Name ID in conjunction with Cequint, the company behind City ID. Instead of just checking an incoming call against your list of local contacts, the number is also fed through a larger database of publicly listed ones. Any match is displayed when you receive the call and, if the person isn't already in your phonebook, you can easily add them with a tap. Of course, this sort of convenience doesn't come free -- T-Mo will be charging $3.99 a month for Name ID service. At first only Exhibit 4G owners will be able to sign up, but other handsets (including the myTouch 4G Slide) will be added to the list of compatible devices later. Check out the PR after the break. Update: So looks like T-Mo was not first out the box with wireless caller ID here in the US: MetroPCS has offered it for some time and Sprint partnered with Privus Mobile back in March to offer similar features.
UK mobile companies take aim at Google Wallet, want in on the NFC action
Oh Google, you didn't think you were going to have all the mobile payment fun did you? While you're beta testing in New York and San Francisco some big names across the pond are looking to dominate the entire UK. Vodafone, Telefonica, and Everything Everywhere (a joint venture between Orange and T-Mobile) are combining forces to create a mobile payment and marketing system that will take on Google Wallet and Offers before they even get off the ground in the British isles. The platform will be open to all comers, including Google, (you know, in case it decides to make Wallet a US only affair) and the companies have pledged to keep customer data out of the hands of third parties. The project is still in the very early stages of development, but the mobile providers aren't dilly dallying -- they expect their efforts to bear NFC fruit before the end of the year.
HTC Doubleshot slides through the FCC
Rumor has it that the HTC Doubleshot, aka the MyTouch 4G Slide, will be popping up in T-Mo shops across the country on July 6th. But, before consumers can turn in that paper they've been stackin' for one, the handset has to make it by The Man. Well, the FCC just cleared an HTC phone with a QWERTY keypad and a 1700MHz radio inside, and there's a good chance it just so happens to be that Sensed-up, dual-core Gingerbread slider we've been waiting for. Sadly, regulators don't have any teardown pics for you to ogle but, hey, we've got an FCC tag -- that's gotta count for something... right?
T-Mobile lauches new individual and family plans right on schedule
As rumored, T-Mobile overhauled its individual and family plans today and simplified your options to just three tiers of voice service. Individuals can choose between 500, 1,000 or unlimited minutes, with unlimited text messaging adding $10 and data add-ons ranging from $10 for 200MB to $60 for 10GB. Family plans come in 1,000, 2,000 and unlimited minute varieties while the sharable data and text services cost twice as much as their individual counterparts. There are some odd restrictions, such as the inability to add texting or data to the mid-tier plans and no choice for unlimited voice service without SMS tacked on. We do, however, like the overage-free data options that simply drop to 2G speeds when you reach your plan's threshold instead of shocking you with huge fees at the end of the month. We can also confirm that restocking fees have been bumped from $10 regardless of device to $50 for smartphones, $75 for tablets, and $25 for USB modems and "basic phone devices." Check out the sources for all the details and fine print. Update: Just a few hours after debuting its new individual and family plans T-Mo unleash a pair of new no annual contract choices. $50 gets you unlimited voice, text, and 100MB of 4G or 3G data while $70 pushes the high-speed data cap to 5GB. And, just like the on-contract options, these are overage-free. PR is after the break. [Thanks, Neal]
