CDMA HTC Touch Diamond Has Release Date, Price, Fatness-Highlighting Red Rear [Buff]

We suggested the CDMA version of the Touch Diamond had eaten all the pies last week: Now word is out on its release and Sprint and HTC have chosen not to disguise it. Oh no... they've dolled that large rear-end up in a striking red color. Bizarre, though I guess its in the "if you can't hide it, make a feature of it" school of thinking. We can at least partly forgive its 0.55-inch depth, though, which is due to a 1350mAh battery. It's due out August 28th on Sprint, costing $549 for the bare phone, and $299 on a two-year contract. [Unwiredview via NewLaunches]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Casio's 8 megapixel Exilim W63CA cellphone gets FCC approved

First off, the chance of this Japanese super-phone coming to the US or anywhere else outside of Nippon is slim. FCC approval or not, it's likely only being tested for global roaming. However, as slim is its chances are, they've improved dramatically now that Japan's government is behind a push to promote its twisty, folding phones abroad. This Exilim-branded Casio / Hitachi mashup sports an 8 megapixel camera and with any luck, it's using that new Omnivision sensor meant to revolutionize cameraphones. As followup to the W53CA, this 3G W63CA flip will no doubt feature the same high-resolution, 800 x 480 pixel swiveling display of its cousin. With autumn nearing, we expect to see the W63A announced any day in a typical shotgun blast of seasonal phones from KDDI.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 8 megapixel,8Megapixel,au,casio,exilim,hitachi,kddi,w63ca ]

Nokia's N79 and US spec'd N85 now mucho official

We're not going to re-hash the details of Nokia's N79 and N85 yet again. After all, we just went through it less than 24-hours ago. We will tell you that both the N79 (tri-band GSM, 900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA) and N85 (quad-band GSM/EDGE with either 900/1900/2100 or 850/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA) will hit Europe in October for €350 and €450, respectively, pre-tax and pre-carrier subsidies. The N85 could also be Stateside sometime soon given those frequencies and prior FCC approval. Oh, and pictures, lots of pretty pictures.

Gallery: Nokia's N79

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: hsdpa,n79,n85,nokia ]

Nokia's N96 grabs a Q4 North America launch date

You've seen the review, now get ready as Nokia just announced a Q4, North American release for its high-end, N96. That means localized 850/1900 HSDPA radios to go along with its GSM quad-band set, 2.8-inch QVGA display, 16GB of storage, a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics, WiFi, and assisted GPS. Interestingly, there's no mention of mobile TV which makes it seem that they've scrapped DVB-H entirely without a mediaFLO replacement. How much? $895, that's how much -- sorry you asked?

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: n96,nokia ]

HTC announces S740: because two keypads are better than one

Looking for the Touch Pro in a slightly less conspicuous package? HTC (who else?) thinks it has the answer in the S740, the first thorough revamp of the S710 of old. The basic concept is the same -- wrap Windows Mobile Standard into a candybar package with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard -- but the S740 takes design cues from the Touch Diamond and Touch Pro for a thoroughly 2008-ish look. The feature list has naturally been refreshed, too, with 7.2Mbps HSDPA on the 900 and 2100MHz bands (read: screw you, North Americans), quadband EDGE, a 3.2-megapixel fixed focus cam, WiFi, GPS, and a 2.4-inch QVGA display. And, you know, if all that isn't enough to impress your snobby friends, just slide open that keyboard, say "boom," and watch the jaws drop. Look for it to filter across Europe starting next month.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: breaking news,BreakingNews,htc,s740,windows mobile,windows mobile 6.1,WindowsMobile,WindowsMobile6.1,winmo,wm6.1 ]

Verizon nabs the Blitz: someone has thought of the children

This one has been in the works for a while, but Verizon has appropriated UTStarcom's TXT8010 my-first-QWERTY phone for tweens and dropped it onto an unsuspecting market with the new "Blitz" moniker. The slider phone will run you $70 with a two year contract, is available now, and includes a few perks like VCAST Music, a microSD slot, 1.3 megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth to keep your jaded child interested.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: blitz, qwerty, slider, txt8010, verizon wireless, VerizonWireless ]

Sprint's Treo 800w manual goes online, all 436 spellbinding pages of it

Very rarely does a Palm handset go fully under the radar all the way through to the official announcement (if ever?), and now that we have a user's manual, we can pretty much declare the impending Treo 800w fully, completely, and utterly scooped. This is definitely the real deal, too, coming straight off Sprint's site -- not to say anyone would go to the trouble of faking their own -- and unveils no real surprises that we can see. The usual Windows Mobile 6.1 interface with Palm customizations, conservative styling (we're being generous there), and typical array of Sprint add-ons like Sprint TV are going to make this a safe, easy choice for the well-starched suit in your life, and that's about it. Not to say we have a problem with well-starched suits; Engadget corporate policy requires that we wear them at all times, actually.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 800w,manual,palm,sprint,treo,windows mobile,windows mobile 6.1,WindowsMobile,WindowsMobile6.1,wm6.1 ]

ВЈ10,000 diamond-clad Nokia N95 borders on gaudy

To be fair, Continental Mobiles' diamond-encrusted Nokia N95 is a real bargain at ?10,000 ($19,813) when compared to Amosu's ?12,000 alternative, but seriously, real richies should be holding off for the evolutionary N96, anyway. For those with enough cash to care, this particular handset / status symbol packs a Sterling silver front-panel stacked with "4.42ct of brilliant-cut, VS1 quality, color G-H, naturally mined diamonds." If you're craving one, you'd better get your order in now, as it takes the British craftspeople crazy enough to sell these things three full weeks to whip one up.

[ Via: Pocket-lint ]
[ Tag: Continental Mobiles,ContinentalMobiles,crystals,diamond,expensive,luxury,n95,nokia ]

Group Sense's Palm OS line-up give way to lone, Linux-based phone

Well, it looks like Group Sense's once mighty line-up of Palm OS-based handsets has finally been shown the door with the whole lot now replaced by a single, Linux-based device. From the looks of it though, it doesn't seem like the new handset is about to work any wonders for the company, with the "real smart" Xplore WF100 boasting only a 1.5-inch 128 x 128 display, and such exciting features as a built-in antenna, speed dial, and "call shock." No word on price or availability just yet, but we're guessing most folks won't have much trouble containing their excitement over this one.

[ Via: The Inquirer ]
[ Tag: group sense,GroupSense,palm os,PalmOs,xplore,xplore wf100,XploreWf100 ]

Acer remembers netbooks were supposed to be cheap, drops price on Aspire One

Not sure if you noticed (though you probably did), but these so-called netbooks never actually ended up being nearly as inexpensive as we were all led to believe. Matter of fact, some manufacturers even took the liberty of charging more than basic 15-inchers as they pimped the whole "pay a premium for portability" aspect. Nevertheless, we're glad to see the stickers declining on at least one subset, as Acer has announced price drops today on its Aspire One. The Windows XP unit will fall to $349 (from $399), while the Linpus Linux Lite model will sink to $329 (from $379). Best of all, the longevous six-cell battery-packin' flavor is now $399. Full release is after the break.
Acer Drives Outstanding Value in the Netbook Category with Price Reductions
on its Popular Aspire one
Ideal for Students, an Acer Aspire one Ultra-Lightweight Mobile Internet
Device Featuring Windows XP is Now Available for Just $349
SAN JOSE, Calif., August 22, 2008 – Acer America, the third largest vendor
in the global PC market (source: Gartner data, 2Q 2008), today announced it
has lowered the price of the popular Aspire one ultra-lightweight mobile
Internet device in the U.S. retail channel. In a move that will provide
affordability and value just in time for back-to-school, the Aspire one
featuring Windows XP Home® will now retail for $349.
Compact and smart, the Aspire one provides continuous access to the
Internet in an easy-to-use, stylish and ultra-mobile platform. Light
enough to tote in a backpack at just 2.17 pounds, the Aspire one is
designed to be an affordable, entry-level, "first PC" solution for
students, as well as a secondary computing device for on-the-go tech savvy
enthusiasts and professionals.
The Aspire one is ideal for everyday tasks such as Web browsing, checking
email, listening to music, instant messaging, viewing photos, VOIP calls
and streaming video. Equipped with Intel® Atom™ processor, Windows XP®
Home, 1GB of RAM memory installed, 120 GB internal hard drive, and a
three-cell battery, the Aspire one AOA150-1570 is now priced at $349. The
Aspire one AOA110-1722 with Linpus™ Linux Lite is now priced at $329.
"The Aspire one is a breakthrough product that meets the connectivity needs
of both students and mobile professionals," said Kristin Markworth, senior
manager of notebook product marketing for Acer America. "By increasing the
value of our mobile Internet device lineup, Acer is opening the Aspire one
experience to a whole new base of users."
Also introduced for business and education customers, the Aspire one
AOA150-1447 offers a professional solution for those who require added
performance. Featuring a six-cell battery, 160GB internal hard drive and
Windows XP Home, the Aspire one is perfect for on-the-go business
travellers and environments which require long-lasting battery power. The
Aspire one AOA150-1447 is now available via Acer authorized resellers with
prices beginning at $399.
Pricing and Availability
The Acer Aspire one netbook is available now via Acer's authorized
resellers and at major retailers nationwide. All models come with a
one-year limited warranty.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: acer,aspire,aspire one,AspireOne,netbook,price,price cut,price drop,PriceCut,PriceDrop,pricing ]

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 scores cameo on Vodafone's site for October release

The uncertainty of trying to predict exactly when -- and where -- Sony Ericsson's beastly X1 would launch has come to be one of the more entertaining dramas in the mobile world this year, but it looks like Vodafone's ready to shut down the rumor mill. The Windows Mobile superphone has now been slapped with an "expected" launch date in October for Voda's UK audience, which means we can probably expect it in at least a few other European locales in the same timeframe. Americans (of both the South and North variety), Asians, Africans, Australians, and Antarcticans, though -- well, there's no telling where you guys stand at the moment, so hang tight.

[ Via: CoolSmartPhone ]
[ Tag: ericsson,sony,sony ericsson,SonyEricsson,uk,voda,vodafone,x1,xperia ]

XPERIA X1 to come in black only?

We're hoping beyond hope that Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 is actually nearing a launch date, but astute reader Kingsley just pointed out to us that SE's US web site no longer lists silver as an available color choice, only Solid Black. That's notable only because we've only mostly seen silver editions of the X1 until now, but a limited color palette's not going to stop us from snapping this one up as soon as it hits -- what about you?

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: se,sony ericsson,SonyEricsson,x1,xperia,xperia x1,XperiaX1 ]

How would you change Nokia's E71?

Handset lovers in some regions of the world not named North America have been enjoying the luxuries of Nokia's E71 for some time now, but those of us waiting around for a version compatible with 3G here on this side of the planet have just recently been able to indulge. Make no mistake, though -- this piece of QWERTY goodness ain't cheap. Ringing up at right around 500 bones, USers have the right to have some pretty high expectations, and we're here to ask if those expectations have been met. Are you satisfied with the ultrathin smartphone? Is the display up to snuff? How's that keyboard? Are you kosher with the white keys? What else would you do to improve upon the E71? Leave it all in comments below.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: E71,features,how would you change,HowWouldYouChange,hwyc,nokia,smartphone ]

AT&T adds LG Invision to Mobile TV lineup

Just as we'd envisioned, the Invision candybar (if a phone this stubby can, in fact, be called a candybar) from LG is now a reality for AT&T. The phone becomes just AT&T's third to support its MediaFLO-based Mobile TV service, taking a similar line to Samsung's Access by stuffing a landscape display, 1.3-megapixel camera, and HSDPA into a squarish case that's sure to make minimalists and traditionalists swoon; what's more, it also takes the honor of being AT&T's smallest Mobile TV-equipped handset to date. It's available today for $99.99 with a $50 rebate and two years' worth of commitment -- just be sure to factor the cost of the Mobile TV add-on into your budget.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: att,breaking news,BreakingNews,candybar,invision,lg,mediaflo,mobile tv,MobileTv ]

Palm's Treo Pro gets official

Well you can't say you didn't see this one coming -- between the leaked shots, more leaked shots, and those -- yes -- leaked press materials, this was only a matter of time. That's right: Palm has gone and gotten all official with its latest and greatest smartphone, the now-familiar Treo Pro. The new Windows Mobile device is being sold unlocked (!), and features an HSDPA cell radio (tri-band UMTS, quad-band GSM), GPS, 802.11b/g, a 320 x 320 touchscreen display, 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM, a 2-megapixel camera, support for microSDHC cards up to 32GB... and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack! The Pro will run you $549 contract-free here in the States, while you'll be able to purchase it through Vodafone and O2 for prices ranging from €399 to nothing at all (with a contract, of course). Hit the read link and take a tour of the new device, or watch the totally radical -- and long, and detailed -- video after the break

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: breaking news,BreakingNews,palm,treo pro,TreoPro ]

Sony Ericsson's TM506: T-Mobile AWS 3G support included

When Sony Ericsson's TM506 was leaked earlier this month, there was no mention made of the flip's support of AWS 3G. Thankfully (thankfully!), the official launch brings along confirmed support for the protocol. SE is linking up with T-Mobile USA once again, providing a stylishly small handset that sports a 2-megapixel camera, built-in A-GPS (TeleNav), stereo Bluetooth support, an M2 card slot, multimedia playback, outer / inner displays and 9.5-hours of GSM talk time (250-hours on standby). Curiously, no price is mentioned, but you can find out for yourself when this lands in stores early next month.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 3g,AWS,se,Sony Ericsson,T-mobile,TM506 ]

Motorola's Q Going Windows Mobile 6.1 Through AT&T [Windows Mobile]

The Motorola Q is finally getting the Windows Mobile 6.1 treatment through AT&T, who's stores are said to be taking in shipments of a new silver version of the handset. This is good news for enterprise customers who are tied into the WinMo world. No word yet on when these will hit the shelves, or if there will be an upgrade available for current AT&T Q9h owners, but it's likely we'll hear something soon.
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

KDDI's au design project creates cellphones that double as instruments

KDDI's au design project has churned out plenty of interesting cellphone concepts over the years, and it looks like its latest batch is no exception, with it enlisting the help of Yamaha to develop some cellphones that double as musical instruments. That includes the self-explanatory "Strings for fingers" and "Sticks in the air" concepts pictured above, as well as the "Box to play" synth / scratch pad combo, the "Key to touch" foldable keyboard, the "Trio in your hand" scratch pad / sampler, and the "Band in my pocket" device, which accommodates a number of accessories to create instruments ranging from a harmonica to a trumpet. What's more, unlike some concept devices, KDDI actually had some working prototypes to show off, which you can check out in action in the video after the break (be sure to dig into the links below for some more pics and videos as well).

[ Via: textually.org ]
[ Tag: au design,au design project,AuDesign,AuDesignProject,concept cellphone,concept phone,ConceptCellphone,ConceptPhone,kddi,kddi au design project,KddiAuDesignProject,yamaha ]

Japan to push its whiz-bang handsets overseas

With Japanese handset sales declining pretty much across the board (thanks, lower subsidies!), it follows logic that the government and Japanese-based handset makers would look internationally to pick up the slack. In a rather vague report, we're told that the nation is hoping to push its technologically advanced mobiles in other countries, though it'll have a tough time marketing mobile TV without sufficient infrastructure. One of the token handsets chosen to lead the parade is a Sony-made "wallet phone," which is only described as having cashless technology built in. Color us (very) mildly enthused.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: cashless,contactless,digital wallet,DigitalWallet,e-wallet,FeliCa,international,japan,marketing,wallet,wallet phone,WalletPhone ]

The Treo Pro makes its video debut, inches towards launch

Now that the Treo Pro's been uncovered, the sleek black handset just can't stay out of the spotlight -- it's popped up today in several more high-res shots, a quick hands-on video, and even what looks like official press photography. Specs are still up in the air -- we're hearing there's a 400MHz processor and 128MB of RAM behind that 320 x 320 screen and original Xbox-looking exterior, but we won't know for sure until this thing gets official, which we're guessing will happen within the week. Video after the break.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: breaking news,BreakingNews,palm,rumor,rumors,treo,treo pro,TreoPro ]

BlackBerry 8220 / 8210 KickStart outed, but not by RIM

Okay, pretend you had absolutely no inclination that this so-called KickStart was real. Surprise! E-tailer expansys has spoiled RIM's thunder (no silly, not that Thunder) by posting up detailed product pages for both the BlackBerry 8220 (WiFi) and BlackBerry 8210 (GPS). The current specs list points out a 2.6-inch 320 x 240 primary display, 160 x 128 pixel secondary display, 2-megapixel camera (with LED flash), video recording and a microSDHC slot. There's no price or release date listed for either, but at least you can shelve those worries of this thing never making it to market.

[ Via: Cellpassion ]
[ Tag: 8210,8220,BlackBerry,BlackBerry 8210,BlackBerry 8220,Blackberry8210,Blackberry8220,flip,flip phone,FlipPhone,kickstark,leak,leaked,pics,pictures,RIM ]

Privus Mobile - try before you buy

Privus Mobile is a nifty new program for Windows Mobile and RIM phones that gives you a more traditional caller ID experience. Instead of just seeing the names of people already in your phone book it gives you the name associated with any number calling.
Or at least, it's supposed to. I downloaded the app on my AT&T Pantech Duo phone and had a few people call me from random phones that were not already in my phone book. Just like any other time, all I saw was the phone number calling. Fellow Download Squadder Christina Warren added the software to her phone and also didn't have any luck knowing it was me when I called her.
You can download the free three day trial or pay $24.95 for three months of service. If you're interested in this bit of technology, I'd definitely try it before signing up for the paid service. And have lots of people call you to see how it works for you. Maybe you will be more lucky than I was.
You could just do what I do. Answer calls from your friends and anyone local. Ignore the rest!

[ Via: Download Squad ]
[ Tag: ]

Lenovo's IdeaPad U8 makes official Olympics debut

Well, there it is, the Lenovo IdeaPad U8 launched official at the Beijing games just as we expected. With the launch come the final specs for this Asia-only MID we've seen incubating now for months: 4.8-inch touchscreen; the latest, sub-3 watt processor from Intel (uh hem, that'd be a Silverthorn-class Atom); 350-grams and 21 x 173 x 84-mm; up to 2GB memory and 6GB flash storage; dual-cameras; support for China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB) digital television via that protruding USB dongle; and 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, EDGE data and China-specific TD-SCDMA 3G, presumably. Expect to see it trotted out tomorrow as Intel's San Francisco IDF gets underway -- with any luck, it'll be sporting WiMAX for a North American / European release.

[ Via: Pocketables ]
[ Tag: atom,cmmb,ideapad u8,IdeapadU8,idf,lenovo,mid,silverthorn,td-scdma,u8 ]

HTC Dream FCC approved, Android clear for launch?

The long rumored HTC Dream handset -- once referred to as "The Googlephone" -- just received FCC approval. The handset is listed as type, "Dream" with a model of "DREA100." The same model also appears with a WiFi Interoperability Certificate touting 802.11b/g WiFi. If indeed this is the long awaited Android phone, then T-Mobile, HTC, and Google are free to announce in September with an October launch as originally planned. FCC label with that DREA100 moniker pictured after the break.
Update: Further investigation reveals mention of a "jogball" like that seen on the handset from the videos. The Dream is said to be in compliance with Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR with this round of testing conducted only on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1900 and WCDMA 1700 bands -- the latter being T-Mobile's preferred 3G frequency.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: android,breaking news,BreakingNews,drea100,dream,fcc,googlephone,htc ]

Samsung Omnia reviewed on Engadget Mobile

Remember the Touch Diamond? Yeah, well, cherish that memory, because it may be gone by the time you get done with our quick look at Samsung's mighty Omnia. We're not saying the Sammy entry blows away HTC's -- not by a long shot -- but it's a solid competitor that makes Windows Mobile looks shockingly passable for the year 2008. Read on!

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: features,hands on,hands-on,HandsOn,i900,omnia,review,samsung ]

Video: Android SDK v0.9 hits the internet looking almost ready for primetime

It's an interesting day for the folks at Google. Not only do we see the supposed GPhone (AKA, the HTC Dream) get trotted out to the FCC, and hear new rumors about the device's release date, but now there's a brand-spanking-new release of the Android SDK available. The version? 0.9 -- a number which puts this dangerously close to a number that most would consider non-beta. Meanwhile, the new version of the mobile OS has been significantly changed, adding a new widgetified (big old clock: present!) and flickable homescreen, a handy (and speedy) tab to pull up your apps, plus a media player, camera, and handful of other noticeable design tweaks. Don't believe us? Check out the video after the break showing it all in action.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 0.9,android,beta,dream,google,gphone,htc dream,HtcDream,sdk ]

Telus' HTC Touch Diamond gets video review

While Sprint and Verizon consider final monikers for the HTC Touch Diamond, some North Americans are already enjoying the thing up in the Great North. The ecstatic folks over at Mobile Syrup were able to snap up Telus' version of the WinMo 6.1-packin' handset, and of course, they put together a video review for us Americans to drool over. The 7:15 clip includes a few comparison angles with other mobiles and a full walk-through of the user interface. Reviewers found the web browsing on Opera Mobile to be a real treat, and of course, they couldn't deny the awesomeness of the 640 x 480 resolution display. You can check the review in full just after the jump, but if you're easily made envious, we'd suggest you not.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: canada,htc,review,reviewed,telus,touch,touch diamond,TouchDiamond,video ]

iTreo 800p available on eBay: L@@K

Well whaddya know? The iTreo 800p is finally selling on eBay! We thought the day would never come that we could actually get our hands on this totally sweet -- and absolutely real -- phone. Man were we wrong. Sure, the listing says you're selling off a Treo 800W, but given the large amount of completely reassuring blue text, scrolling text, and large font text, we'll happily accept that we will, in fact, receive the device pictured above via UPS Next Day Air. So, yes. Yes. We will "buy it now" for $349.99, safe in the knowledge that by this time tomorrow, we'll be the only guy on our block busting out the iTreo 800p at parties, pool halls, and any place else where all the happenin' stuff happens. Thanks "naseemajid" -- you're A+++++ in our book.
[Thanks, Spencer]

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 800p,800w,centro,comedy,fake,funny,itreo 800p,Itreo800p,knockoff,palm,sprint,treo ]

Support for Access Linux Platform waning in the wake of Android?

Without much fanfare, the Samsung i800 was canned at the tail end of last month. When asked why, Orange simply noted that it was pulled in order to "prepare a more competitive Linux mobile." A recent writeup at Ostatic takes a hard look at whether this simple withdrawal is really a sign of things to come, and it suggests that ALP could see support fade as the major players in Linux (and maybe even Nokia) step to the plate. One analyst was even quoted as saying that "having Google's brand behind Symbian could very well mean 'game over' for mobile Linux in the mobile phone market," and we honestly can't disagree too vehemently with that assertion. Of course, the LiMo Foundation has stated its intentions to not back down from the mighty Google, but sometimes, even the best intentions fall through. Guess time will tell, huh?

[ Via: jkOnTheRun ]
[ Tag: access,access linux,AccessLinux,alp,android,google,i800,limo,limo foundation,LimoFoundation,linux,mobile linux,MobileLinux,orange,samsung ]

BlackBerry Bold doesn't handle pavement well

Always looking to make lemonade out of lemons, the self-proclaimed BGizzle took the opportunity to inform prospective (and current) BlackBerry Bold owners of the handset's fragile nature. To no one's surprise, the naked Bold didn't stand up too well to pavement when dropped from about two feet -- maybe this is where a real metal bezel would come in handy? Anywho, we're not told whether or not the essential functions were fubared, but we'd recommend taking his advice and snapping up a skin / case before welcoming it to the world.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: blackberry,bold,break,broke,broken,cracked,drop,dropped,rim ]

BlackBerry Bold doesn't handle pavement well

Always looking to make lemonade out of lemons, the self-proclaimed BGizzle took the opportunity to inform prospective (and current) BlackBerry Bold owners of the handset's fragile nature. To no one's surprise, the naked Bold didn't stand up too well to pavement when dropped from about two feet -- maybe this is where a real metal bezel would come in handy? Anywho, we're not told whether or not the essential functions were fubared, but we'd recommend taking his advice and snapping up a skin / case before welcoming it to the world.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: blackberry,bold,break,broke,broken,cracked,drop,dropped,rim ]

Skyfire Mobile Browser Now Supports Microsoft Silverlight (Plus 100 More Beta Codes) [Skyfire]

While it's long supported Flash, the Skyfire mobile browser now plays nice with Microsoft Silverlight—basically, Microsoft's version of Flash, which is what you'll need to watch streaming video at the NBC Olympics site. Meaning yes, you can watch Olympics video on your S60 or Windows Mobile phone if you're stuck in traffic or something. If you've got Skyfire, anyway, and it so happens we've got 100 more beta codes. Click here and drop in the code GizmodoAUG. Let us know how it goes, 'specially the NBC Olympics stuff since Skyfire is pimping it pretty hard.

Skyfire Mobile Browser Satisfying Hunger for the Olympics with Live Access to Olympic Footage from NBC's PC Website NBC-Universal is offering an unprecedented amount of video footage of the summer Olympics from Beijing on its website NBColympics.com. While Google, Yahoo and even NBC have limited mobile offerings, the Skyfire mobile browser, currently in private beta, has full access to all of NBC's full-PC site including access to full video. Skyfire users can not only see highlights of Michael Phelps' first medal-garnering performances, they can watch live as he swims toward his next gold. In addition to being the only mobile browser that allows full access to the NBColympics.com site, Skyfire has also added a widget on its launching page, linking to video and picture slideshows of the latest from Beijing. This custom blend of images and video is updated through RSS several times a day, making Skyfire the best way to follow the Olympics from a mobile device. Skyfire is the only mobile browser which supports full Flash, which is the most popular online video codec. Fans of the Olympics who watch the games at home on their desktop PCs, probably had to download the Silverlight plug-in in order to view the video. Skyfire added Silverlight support seamlessly, without its users having to install a new plug-in or even update the browser version. The Skyfire browser is currently in private beta on the WindowsMobile and Symbian platforms.

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Gigabyte's 3G-Capable MID M528 Coming Out On Sept 17 For $689 [Rumor]

A release date and price has been set for UMPC contender Gigabyte's MID M528, a diminutive portable computer with a slide out keyboard, according to the folks over at UMPC Portal. A product page on Gigabyte's site put the cost at $689 and availability on Sept. 17. The page then disappeared, but not before intrepid internet surfers could get a nice screen grab.

The M528 contains a 4.8 inch screen with a 800 x 480 pixel resolution, a 800 Mhz Intel Atom, 512 MB RAM, roughly 4GB of storage space, and an 11 hour battery in a case that weighs about three quarters of a pound. It also boasts 3G, which makes it a possible replacement for the Nokia N810 if you think 3G's worth paying over double for.
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

More Treo Pro details emerge

The dam has been breached, and now there seems to be no stopping the internet at large as every little nook and cranny of the Treo Pro is exposed and explored. TreoCentral member scottymomo has fleshed out a few more details on the device, and dug up that Comm Manager shot up above. Details include:

• HTC task manager.
  
• Comm Manager's Airplane Mode and other assorted easily switched options.
  
• MicroSD (up to 32GB supported) isn't under the battery, but you do have to take off the battery cover to access.
  
• 1500mh battery.
  
• Other stuff.

It's all very exciting, we assure you, but you can explore the shots for yourself if you're really feeling hard up for Treo Pro infos. Oh, while we're thinking about it: sexiest Treo yet, or disastrous usage of phone face real estate? Both?

[ Via: Palm Infocenter ]
[ Tag: comm manager,CommManager,palm,treo,treo pro,TreoPro ]

T-Mobile USA getting a beefy Tocco from Samsung?

We can think of about fifteen plain-vanilla EDGE flips from Samsung that we'd expect T-Mobile to launch ahead of something like this, but you're definitely not going to see us complaining. TmoNews is claiming that the guys and gals in pink magenta have an ace up their collective sleeve in the form of Samsung's F480 Tocco -- or really, an Americanized version of it dubbed T919. Naturally, the US version goes through the usual dilution, losing the front-facing cam -- but on the upside, it manages to hang on to the really important stuff like a 3G radio (AWS, we'd assume), GPS, and 5 megapixel cam. There's no telling when it'll be on sale, but if we know our carriers -- and we think we know 'em pretty well -- they'll want it on store shelves in plenty of time for the holiday season.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: samsung,sgh-t919,t-mobile,t919,tocco ]

Palm's Treo Pro in the wild, probably not fake

In case there was any lingering doubt that the Treo Pro (alias Treo 850) was real -- and there probably shouldn't be, considering it got snapped all the way back in May -- this round of non-blurry (dare we say artistic?) shots should pretty much seal the deal. The glossy shell, promise of a 320 x 320 display, and a general acknowledgment of circa-2008 industrial design definitely have us feeling just a little less pessimistic about Palm's prospects right now; if anything, it makes us wish they had some Android kit up their sleeves rather than slaving away on the thus-far vaporware Palm OS 2. As WinMo goodies go, though, this thing looks like it's ready to hang with the best of the best -- so bring it on, Palm. A legion of fans with well-worn 750s awaits you. In the meanwhile, check another shot after the break.

[ Via: WMExperts ]
[ Tag: 850,palm,treo,treo pro,TreoPro,windows mobile,windows mobile 6.1,WindowsMobile,WindowsMobile6.1,winmo,wm6.1 ]

Sprint readying a red HTC Touch Diamond?

We won't even front with you -- we have some serious doubts about this one, but with all those other red handsets that have emerged on Sprint over the years, we suppose that image above has a sliver of credence. We've no details whatever outside of two more shots of the red HTC Touch Diamond (or Victor, to be proper) in the read link, but these could very well be someone's best shot at using Photoshop to gain 15 minutes of internet fame. What say you, dear readers? Real or fake?

[ Via: Brighthand ]
[ Tag: color,colored,colors,htc,red,rumor,smartphone,sprint,touch,touch diamond,TouchDiamond ]

Palm Treo Pro Revealed (Lookin' Good) [Palm Treo Pro]

Wow, check out the Treo Pro, previously thought to be the Treo 850. It's safe to say Palm is plunging ahead with the Centro's industrial design, but the stark (glossy?) black and white color scheme with the phone/end orbs make it slick, rather than kiddie cool. Unfortunately, the Palm OS (new or othewise) for is nowhere in sight, just Windows Mobile. Here's a shot of the back, too:

Hard to tell how big it is—if it's Centro-sized or more like the Treo 800w, though it looks slightly more like the former in terms of design. [WM Experts]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

AT&T now hawking iPhone 3Gs online to biz customers

If you're fortunate enough to have access to a Premier (business, that is) account with AT&T, you're now able to forgo the charade of meandering down to your local store to buy -- or place an order for, more likely -- the iPhone 3G. All three varieties of the best cellphone Apple makes are now available directly through the carrier's B2B online store for the usual $199 / $299 pricing scale; if we had to guess, it's just a matter of time before they'll throw the doors open to the riff raff (read: us), too. We'll drink to that.
[Thanks, Vasudev R.]
Update: We touched base with AT&T, and it looks like the real news here is that Premier account holders who pay their own bills now have access to the iPhone 3G online, whereas before, only those whose bills were covered by their companies had access. The more, the merrier!

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: apple,att,breaking news,BreakingNews,iphone,iphone 3g,Iphone3g ]

Elephantine BlackBerry Bold promo kit arrives for Rogers

We understand the need to catch eyes these days, and while Rogers will certainly not be the first nor last to promote a new piece of kit with an obscenely large version of said kit, this one just takes brobdingnagian marketing to a new plateau. The absolutely gigantic Rogers Bold launch kit includes a plethora of Bold flyers, informational pamphlets and all sorts of other goodies that'll be handed out to prospective buyers shortly. The real question is: who gets to take this thing home once the buzz dies down?

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: blackberry,bold,canada,giant,huge,marketing,promo,promotion,rim,rogers ]

Palm's Ordering Up Millions Of Smartphones For 2009 [Palm]

Two Chinese-language news services, the Commercial Times and the China Economic News Service, are both reporting that Palm has placed orders for several million units of smartphones aimed at a 2009 release. Unfortunately for Palm OS fans, all these phones are going to be running Windows Mobile, which leads Treo Central to guess that it could be the next-gen Windows Mobile Treo (850w?). Or maybe, just maybe, a Windows Mobile phone with the form factor of the smaller Treos. The 800w is nice, but consumers really like the small phones. [Digitimes via Treo Central]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Would You Watch Cellphone Ads if it Got You Free or Cheap Service? [Question Of The Day]

The Direct Marketing Association, a lovely group dedicated to forcing ads down your throat, have done a study that found that while a mere 7% of cellphone users are open to receiving ads on their phone, a much more significant 24% say they've responded to such ads on their phone. A whole quarter of the phone population responding to ads? That has advertisers salivating, so you know that phone ads will be the norm soon enough. So, lets say they came up with a deal that paid for half of your bill if you agreed to watch a few ads a day on your phone. Would you do it? As much as I hate ads and I hate being inundated with them on a daily basis, if it meant saving $50 a month, I would be all over it. On the other hand, if they tried to send ads to my phone without it saving me any money, I'd be livid. I pay too much for it to be forced to watch ads to further line the pockets of the people I'm already keeping in business. What do you think?
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

iPhone's Breast Feeding App Has a Nice Icon [IPhone Apps]

Haha, boobies.

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Best Buy to sell iPhone 3G starting next month

And now for the irony: it'll be no better a buy than what you can find at ye olde Apple or AT&T store. Best Buy officially becomes the first third-party retailer in the US to sell the iPhone in an official capacity -- 3G or otherwise -- when it launches the iPhone 3G in some 970 stores plus an additional 18 dedicated Mobile locations on September 7 for the same $199 and $299 price points found elsewhere. Quoth Best Buy Mobile's CEO, "We had a lot of work to do, obviously, to get in a position where Apple and AT&T would feel good about Best Buy Mobile carrying it, and that's what we've done in the last 18 months." In other words, this has been a pretty persistent effort to score the third-party exclusive essentially since the original model was announced, and it's just now paying off. There's no indication on how the addition of Best Buy to the US sales mix will affect production or distribution, but at least there'll be one more place to try to find some frickin' stock.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: apple,best buy,BestBuy,iphone,iphone 3g,Iphone3g ]

HTC Touch Pro now available in UK

Vodafone expected the Touch Pro to touch down in the UK this month, and sure enough, said expectation has become a reality. HTC's mighty WinMo-powered smartphone is now available from official UK distributor devicewire, and if you just so happen to use pounds as your primary currency, you can claim one of your own for the eye-popping price of ?514.99 (including VAT). We won't bother converting that into dollars -- trust us, you're better off pretending you don't know.

[ Via: coolsmartphone ]
[ Tag: available,global,HTC,now available,NowAvailable,on sale,OnSale,ship,shipping,ships,smartphone,Touch Pro,TouchPro,uk,windows mobile,WindowsMobile ]

Nokia N96 hits the FCC, gets stripped

Sure, we've already gotten a chance to play with the Nokia N96 -- and even seen a couple reviews -- but you know Uncle Sam's got to get his taste before this thing gets its rumored launch later this month. Yep, nothing spectacular in the test reports, but if you've got a thing for industrial photography of circuit boards under florescent lights, you might want to hit the read link while you're alone.

[ Via: Cellphone Signal ]
[ Tag: fcc,n series,n96,nokia,NSeries ]