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Exclusive: Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE gets hands-on treatment (video)
There's no stopping the torrential downpour of information coming out about the Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE (codenamed Scorpion Mini), but we finally have some real pictures showing off the device that, this time last week, was nothing more than a mere rumor. Our source had the opportunity to play with the RAZR M for a solid amount of time, and told us that the Snapdragon S4 processor is "fantastic" and the lithium polymer battery resulted in a full day of heavy usage. We've got a few more images of the unannounced device below (it appears the top back panel experienced a run-in with a hard surface before the images were taken), and we also have a video showing off the boot-up process and settings menu after the break. %Gallery-163887% [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Jelly Bean pre-release for Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available from Google
More timid users might want to sit this one out, but for everyone else, you'll be glad to know that a pre-release build of Android 4.1 is now available for installation on the Galaxy Nexus from Verizon. Many of you are likely aware that custom Android builds such as AOKP and CyanogenMod have provided an early taste of Jelly Bean for a while now, but this time around, the flashable zip files are available directly from Google -- that's right, this is pure AOSP. Specifically, users will be treated to build JRO03O, which is an incremental update over the previously released binaries. The caveat here is that the software has yet to receive certification from Verizon, and you'll need to unlock your bootloader to join in the fun. For experienced users who've already installed a custom recovery utility such as ClockworkMod Recovery, the process couldn't be easier. Naturally, if you're already on a custom build, you should perform a data wipe within the recovery utility, then install the IMM76Q package and then flash the JRO03O build on top of that. Regardless of your experience level, anyone with the proper motivation should be able to pull this one off. Those starting at square one will find a complete list of instructions at the source link below.
Isis mobile payment system primed for September launch, supported devices revealed
You've known it was coming, but Isis has been so quiet on the mobile payments front in the past few months that you might've forgotten the score. Now, the joint venture backed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon has announced that it'll debut its system in Austin and Salt Lake City next month. At least part of the delay is attributed to its shift in strategy, when Isis shelved its plans to process payments through the carriers themselves and instead work with MasterCard and Visa. Isis representatives have declined to elaborate on future expansion plans. Coinciding with the recent update that enabled Isis support for T-Mobile's Galaxy S II, MasterCard has come clean with a list of devices that'll receive similar treatment. Specifically, those in the US can expect the Droid Incredible 4G LTE, One X, Amaze 4G, Galaxy S III to gain Isis support. Naturally, the possibility remains open for other devices as well, and if you'd like to see the complete list of candidates, make sure to check out the PDF below.
Verizon and Leap Wireless announce $120 million spectrum swap in wake of FCC approval
Go ahead and put a bow on it, as Verizon Wireless and Leap Wireless (the parent company of Cricket), have announced a successful spectrum swap. The agreement follows the recent stamp of approval from the FCC, which was issued as part of a larger deal between Verizon Wireless, SpectrumCo and Cox. For its part, Leap will divest itself of excess AWS and PCS spectrum across the US; in exchange, Verizon will pay $120 million to Leap and provide it with 12MHz of A Block 700MHz spectrum in Chicago. Leap will use the new holdings to supplement its existing 10MHz of the A Block within the Windy City, and will use the cash to build up its LTE infrastructure across the US. The company currently expects to provide LTE coverage to at least two-thirds of Cricket's current footprint over the next three years -- or, maybe sooner. Just check the PR to watch the company waffle.
Samsung Stratosphere II flaunts its keyboard for Verizon, LG Spectrum 2 confirmed as VS930
We've had a successor to the Stratosphere on our radar for a while now, but the expected refresh is now much more tangible, as the Samsung Stratosphere II has just been leaked as part of Verizon's equipment guide. Other than its QWERTY keyboard, 4-inch Super AMOLED display and LTE connectivity, however, little is known about the Android smartphone. As one point of interest, recent FCC certifications suggest that it'll support global roaming. Also revealed in the same equipment guide is the LG Spectrum 2, a localized version of the Optimus LTE II, which you've previously known as the VS930. The prevailing wisdom suggests it'll combine a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS 720p display and Android 4.0.4. Like the Stratosphere II, the refreshed Spectrum is said to support global roaming -- just one more reason to take that dream vacation.
Samsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best Buy
Verizon just isn't having much success preserving its secrets these days. What hope the carrier had left of keeping the Samsung Galaxy Stellar under wraps has just been been dashed by a full product page at Best Buy. Like we suspected, that astronomical name is attached to the conspicuously grounded Jasper: as long as the listing is accurate, we're looking at a 1.2GHz dual-core processor (toned down from the 1.5GHz rumor), a 4-inch, 800 x 480 display, a so-so 3.2-megapixel back camera and a 1.3-megapixel shooter at the front. We aren't seeing the leaked mentions of Amazon apps or a Starter mode, but there is hope that the Galaxy Stellar might undercut the still fairly stiff $100 price from the earlier Verizon-sourced scoop -- while it's not guaranteed to remain, the $450 contract-free price at Best Buy is about $50 less than we saw before. All that Verizon needs to do now is dispense with formalities and commit to a launch; meanwhile, you can catch a snap of the listing after the break and click the source to see the page for yourself, while it lasts.
LG Intuition spied in press shots, leaves one piece of the puzzle left to go
The LG Intuition may be one of Verizon's more poorly-kept secrets of recent memory. Apart from LG itself having confirmed that an Optimus Vu rebranding is due for the US within weeks, there's been pricing and even an uncannily detailed FCC filing to fill in the gaps. Why not throw official press images into the mix? From the renders DroidDog has managed to obtain, the Intuition is a bit more than just a one-for-one port of the original Korean phablet. While Verizon's influence is light outside of that attention-grabbing logo, there's a switch-up in the navigation keys to reflect that Android 4.0 will be there from the beginning -- a nice break from the ancient-feeling Android 2.3 layout of the original. About the only question left at this stage is that of the exact release date. There's a September 15th mention in one of the images, but we all know how dates in press imagery can be misleading.
HTC Thunderbolt, Droid Incredible 2 go back to the future with leaked Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs
Looks like some HTC oldies are in store for Android OS goodies -- unofficially. Though Verizon's yet to publicly confirm availability, it does appear Droid Incredible 2 and Thunderbolt owners (like this sorry bastard) are in store for a very real Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade. Two deodexed ROMs based on purported stock 4.0.4 builds have recently hit the forums treating eager and, in the case of that latter LTE handset, beleaguered users to a host of performance tweaks, as well as that Sense 3.6 skin. It should go without saying that you'll need to be rooted to flash either leak and, as always, the usual warnings apply: backup first and proceed at your own risk. That said, consider this your ticket past the Big Red tape.
LG Optimus Vu to bow on Verizon as the Intuition, stylus not included?
Could this 5-inch LG handset be Verizon's answer to the Galaxy Note? Our Intuition tells us otherwise (get it?), but that screenshot above and corresponding FCC docs deign to differ. Really though, that lady razor name's the purported new moniker for Big Red's rebranded Optimus Vu: the heretofore Korea-only phablet we recently reviewed. While we found the outsized handset's worth as a true S-Pen rival hampered by its lack of a digitizer and 4:3 aspect ratio, it could catch on with folks eager for a 7-inch tablet alternative. However this one eventually shakes down in the crowded Android marketplace, it appears subs are in store for a 4G LTE ride and the carrier's typical $199 on two-year contract pricing. Curiously, the leak makes no mention of an included stylus, so perhaps the operator's opting to spin this one as a more traditional smartphone release. Smart move, that.
Motorola Xyboard WiFi, Verizon 4G models get Android 4.0 updates
If you've embraced Motorola's vision of tablets warmly enough to have picked up a Xyboard 8.2 or 10.1, your loyalty is being rewarded. Both the WiFi versions and Verizon's Droid Xyboard variants should be receiving their Android 4.0 updates starting now, with everyone onboard over the course of the weeks ahead. Don't anticipate a Droid RAZR-style visual revamp: much like Google's regular jump from Android 3.2 to 4.0, the changes involve subtler components like the improved built-in browser and Face Unlock. The release is no Jelly Bean update, but we'd still call it a big step forward for fans of sharply-angled slabs.
Refresh Roundup: week of August 13th, 2012
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. 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 we could find during 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!
Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)
Not that we were on pins and needles wondering what Motorola's September 5th event would contain, but what vestige of mystery was left may just have been sapped away. A quartet of Motorola tutorial videos newly uncovered by YouTube user revowii walk users through the unannounced XT926, better known in unofficial circles as the Droid RAZR HD. It's all about the looks in this leak: other than the conspicuous link to Verizon, what's mostly validated here is the expected use of a customized Android 4.0 with on-screen navigation keys, much like the Atrix HD in AT&T's corner of the universe. Earlier murmurings have the Droid RAZR HD carrying the same Snapdragon S4, 720p screen and LTE as well, which could leave the CDMA voice network, NFC and possibly increased storage as the only real differences. We'll know the full truth in about two weeks' time, but those who don't mind a peek into the possible future can hop past the story break to indulge in some video time traveling.
Motorola schedules press event for September 5th, dubs it the 'day's main event'
September 5th is going to be a pretty busy day, by the looks of it. While we'll likely get to see a few Windows Phone 8 devices in Nokia's Lumia lineup in the morning, Motorola has scheduled a Save the Date for the afternoon. We're not sure exactly what to expect, though it's certainly possible we'll see a Droid RAZR HD or XT907 to balance out whatever Stephen Elop will be showing off. (We especially love the dig at Nokia by saying it's "the day's main event.") We'll keep you posted as we hear more, and we'll be there to give you word on the latest and greatest from HelloMoto.
Motorola XT907 gets approved by the FCC with Verizon LTE on board
It's just another day in the life of the FCC, but it's a big deal to anyone looking forward to yet another Droid RAZR in Verizon's future. The XT907, a rumored midrange handset, just got pushed through the federal approval process today with Big Red's LTE bands, NFC and the standard CDMA / EVDO radios to boot. We'll keep digging to see what else we can find about the device, but at least the FCC has blessed us with yet another fun mystery to solve.
Samsung Galaxy S III bootloader for Verizon can now be unlocked: take that, Big Red (update: video)
If you're hot and bothered by the Galaxy S III on Verizon and have a burning desire to get your grubby little mitts on some custom ROMs and kernels, then rejoice, because you'll no longer have to plunk down $600 on the Developer Edition to partake in the fun. That's right, the encrypted bootloader of Big Red's Galaxy S III has now been unlocked. If you're wanting to partake in the fun, you'll find the requisite utility and a complete list of instructions over at xda-developers. As is, you'll need either Linux or OS X to carry out the dirty work, though workarounds for Windows users are possible. Be sure to do a bit of soul-searching before pulling the trigger, however, as any future updates pose the risk of bricking your device. That said, if you dive straight into the world of custom ROMs, it'll be much less of an issue. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Hit the break for a video that shows the process of unlocking the bootloader on Verizon's Galaxy S III. [Special thanks to Adam Outler and François Simond]
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 packing 4G LTE comes to Verizon on August 17th
Verizon subscribers jonesing for a 7-inch LTE tablet won't have to consider springing for the pricey Galaxy Tab 7.7 any longer. The carrier just revealed plans to offer up a 4G-equipped (and previously hinted) version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 starting on August 17th. There's no revolution under the hood outside of the cellular link: it's still toting Android 4.0, the rear 3.2-megapixel and front VGA cameras, a (slightly faster) 1.2GHz dual-core chip and a somewhat thin 8GB of built-in memory. At the $350 contract-free asking price, however, the tinier Galaxy Tab is low-hanging fruit for data lovers.
Verizon's Viewdini appears on iOS: works on any network, hunts video from 11 sources
The Viewdini streaming metasearch service launched a few months ago for Verizon's 4G LTE-laden Android hardware, and now it's finally available on iDevices. While the droid app is exclusive to those with a 4G plan on Big Red's network, anything running iOS 4.3 and up can now make use of Viewdini, independently of carrier ties. As the screenshots above show, you're also good to go on 3G, although you better watch that data allowance to avoid any nasty surprises. Interestingly, the iOS version currently only digs through the catalogues of 11 content providers compared with 18 on the Android version, but you're still getting access to various big names like ABC, Crackle, Hulu Plus, Netflix and Verizon's own video service. More providers should be added to the list soon, and if you'd like to give Viewdini a try, it's available at the App Store now.
LG Optimus Vu coming to wide-minded Americans by summer's end
If you're enamored with the 4:3 ratio of the Optimus Vu but remain disappointed that there isn't an American model to call your own, LG is bringing some sunshine to your day. The Korean company has confirmed plans to port the LTE-equipped version of the extra-wide phablet to the US sometime during the third quarter of the year -- in other words, anytime between now and the end of September. Thanks to our friends at the FCC, we even know that it's headed to Verizon first, if not exclusively. Most of the other details are scant. The timing makes it likely that Android 4.0 will ship with Big Red's edition as a matter of course; LG's me-too Q Voice interface won't speak English until 2013, however. We mostly know that, between LG's American plans and Samsung's next Galaxy Note, the Great PDA Revival of 2012 is still very much in full swing. [Thanks, FT]
Google, PayPal, VeriFone and US carriers band together to form Mobile Payments Committee
There's little doubt that mobile payments hold a ton of potential for the future of commerce, but without proper direction (and willingness for adoption), the technology remains little more than an impractical curiosity for the majority of consumers. In an effort to define a way forward for the mobile payment industry, a large number of heavy hitters have banded together under the umbrella of the Electronic Transactions Association to form the Mobile Payments Committee. Not only does the group include all four of the top US carriers, but also Google, Isis, VeriFone and PayPal. Add to that financial institutions such as Wells Fargo and Capital One, along with American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, and you'll quickly realize that this group is playing to win. Primary goals of the Mobile Payments Committee include fostering relationships with merchants, ensuring consumer access to modern payment methods, exploring best practices and ensuring interoperability of networks, equipment and financial institutions. The group will also engage in lobbying activities with legislators and regulators, and will additionally work to educate both merchants and consumers about the potential of mobile payments. With so many key players (and competitors) sitting around one big table, what wouldn't you give to be a fly on the wall during those meetings? For a little extra insight, just hop the break for the full PR.
Verizon's Galaxy S III gets global roaming workaround, packs its bags
What's the point of owning Samsung's shiny new flagship if you can't take it on tour? Well, prior to Verizon's Galaxy S III launch, customers were promised that global roaming would be enabled sometime in the future via an OTA update. That unspecified date has yet to come, but if it's something of a priority for you, XDA Developers forum member lair12 has discovered a way make it happen without Big Red's involvement. We feel we should add a warning here -- switching from LTE to GSM isn't a simple process and goes far beyond a basic rooting (which, of course, is required). It includes a fair amount of preparation, including manually adding GSM network identifiers, and several steps to switch allegiances once abroad. But if you're a jet-setting Android tinkerer interested in giving it a go (at your own peril), the step-by-step guide is just a source link away.
