Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Method devised for pwning first-gen iPhones running 2.0 via Windows]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/method-devised-for-pwning-first-gen-iphones-running-2-0-via-wind/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/method-devised-for-pwning-first-gen-iphones-running-2-0-via-wind/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/method-devised-for-pwning-first-gen-iphones-running-2-0-via-wind/#commentsFiled under: ,


Feeling a little left out after yesterday's Mac-based Pwnage Tool festivities, Windows users? Fret not, because the ever-vigilant, ever-studious hacking community has managed to come up with a series of steps to get you back on your feet again with a fully pwned first-gen handset. The whole shebang isn't necessarily for the most casual jailbreakers -- let's just say it isn't quite as straightforward as the Mac procedure yet -- but it'll allegedly get you going if you're starting with an iPhone running 1.1.4 (there are additional steps if you jumped the gun on 2.0, you impatient son of a gun, you -- think of it as penance). As always, exercise extreme caution, understand that this could cause your iPhone to spontaneously combust into a useless pile of metal, plastic, and ash, and let us know how it goes in comments.

[Thanks, Z-]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0applebreaking newsBreakingNewsfirmware 2.0Firmware2.0iphonejailbreakpwnpwnagepwnage toolPwnageToolunlockwindowsSun, 20 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Dev Team unleashes Pwnage Tool 2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/iphone-dev-team-unleashes-pwnage-tool-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/iphone-dev-team-unleashes-pwnage-tool-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/iphone-dev-team-unleashes-pwnage-tool-2-0/#commentsFiled under:


Sort of. Pwnage Tool 2.0 can't handle 3G iPhone SIM unlocks just yet, though jailbreaking should work just fine, and we're also faced with the teensy little problem of the Dev Team's server being totally destroyed by downloads already -- mirror please? -- but the friendly little jailbreak app has finally been unleashed upon the earth. We'd never suggest trying out software like this right out of the gate, but, um, let us know how it goes, yeah?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: We're seeing mixed results so far in the comments, but no bricked phones to speak of. Always a good thing. Oh, and plenty of mirrors to be found in the comments, thanks guys!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdev teamDevTeamiphoneiphone 2.0iphone dev teamIphone2.0IphoneDevTeamjailbreakpwnagepwnage toolPwnageToolSat, 19 Jul 2008 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Velocity Mobile's WinMo-powered 103 handset splashes down in FCC's database]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/velocity-mobiles-winmo-powered-103-handset-splashes-down-in-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/velocity-mobiles-winmo-powered-103-handset-splashes-down-in-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/velocity-mobiles-winmo-powered-103-handset-splashes-down-in-fcc/#commentsFiled under:


If you thought Velocity Mobile just rolled over and died after showing off a few handsets at CTIA earlier this year, you'd be exactly wrong. The outfit's Windows Mobile-powered 103 has just surfaced in the FCC's lair, giving us a smidgen of hope that a US release is but moments / weeks / months away. Unfortunately, this filing doesn't spill the beans on any other specifications, but the 67 page User Manual does dive into great detail on changing the battery, inserting microSD cards and navigating around within the operating system. C'mon Inventec, give us the good stuff.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>103fccinventecVelocity MobileVelocityMobilewindows mobilewindows mobile 6.1WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.1Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Grabs: Nokia's XpressMedia 5800 "Tube" plays big role in The Dark Knight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/screen-grabs-nokias-xpressmedia-5800-tube-plays-big-role-in/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/screen-grabs-nokias-xpressmedia-5800-tube-plays-big-role-in/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/screen-grabs-nokias-xpressmedia-5800-tube-plays-big-role-in/#commentsFiled under:

Screen grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.

Even for gadget freaks, it was tough to take one's attention away from the outstanding action that filled The Dark Knight from beginning to end, but when Morgan Freeman had to hand over his Nokia XpressMedia 5800 (or Tube, as it were) at a stop in Hong Kong, we had to take a moment and gush. Nokia's still-not-official handset had a few critical scenes where it was highlighted, though we'd wager it was only viewable for 4 to 5 seconds in total. Beyond that, Nokia's peculiarly designed 6630 (circa 2004) was Gordon's handset of choice, which we risked an MPAA thug kneecapping in order to also snag and host up below. It's not really important that you go see it for a live shot of the Tube (though the incentive is nice), just make sure you go. Soon.

[Thanks to everyone who kept us on the lookout!]

Gallery: Nokia's XpressMedia 5800 "Tube" plays big role in The Dark Knight

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>58006630batmandark knightDarkKnightmovieNokiascreen grabsScreenGrabsthe dark knightTheDarkKnighttubexpressmediaxpressmedia 5800Xpressmedia5800Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola sues former employee turned Apple exec for ganking trade secrets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-sues-former-employee-turned-apple-exec-for-ganking-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-sues-former-employee-turned-apple-exec-for-ganking-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/motorola-sues-former-employee-turned-apple-exec-for-ganking-trad/#commentsFiled under:


It's hard enough for Motorola's handset division to go about its business these days without losing talent, but losing executives to Apple's iPhone team? That's just a straight-up slap in the face, and Moto's not gonna take it lying down. The We Generation has filed suit against Michael Fenger, the dude running its handset business for the EMEA market for six years until March this year, when he quit to take up a posh job as Apple's veep of global iPhone sales. That isn't a problem in itself -- businessfolk switch teams all the time -- but it seems Mr. Fenger had an agreement in place not to work for a competitor inside of two years following his departure. Moto claims he "was privy to the pricing, margins, customer initiatives, allocation of resources, product development, multiyear product, business and talent planning and strategies being used by Motorola" (not to say that data's worth much more than the paper it's written on these days) and wants over a million bucks back plus a court order banning him from working for Cupertino for those promised two years retroactively to March 31; non-compete clauses generally aren't valid in California, but since this one was executed in Illinois and the case is filed in Chicago, they've got a shot here. Note to current execs still out there in Schaumburg: better start righting that ship you're on, because you ain't getting on a more buoyant one without a fight.

[Via CNET]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphonelawsuitmichael fengerMichaelFengermotomotorolaFri, 18 Jul 2008 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change the Samsung Instinct?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/how-would-you-change-the-samsung-instinct/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/how-would-you-change-the-samsung-instinct/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/how-would-you-change-the-samsung-instinct/#commentsFiled under:


Samsung sure managed to move a lot of these Instincts, but the real question is: how many are on their way back tomorrow? With the 30-day trial period quickly closing in on the earliest of adopters, we've seen a myriad complaints about Sprint's iPhone slayer (its words, not ours), and the first official software update isn't rumored to occur for at least another week or so. For those folks who plan on sticking with it (or those who've already said their final goodbyes), what would you have Sprint include in the next firmware? Better still, what would you change about the design? Are you sick and tired of the inexplicable reception fluctuations? Are you fed up with holding down a button to unlock the display? Aggravated with lockups twice a day, everyday? Enraged by the omission of a "force roam" option? And really, could Sprint have made the battery door any more impossible to remove? Rant on, ranters!
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmahow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycinstinctsamsungsprintFri, 18 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson sees net profits fall 97%, looks to cut 2,000 jobs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sony-ericsson-sees-net-profits-fall-97-looks-to-cut-2-000-jobs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sony-ericsson-sees-net-profits-fall-97-looks-to-cut-2-000-jobs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sony-ericsson-sees-net-profits-fall-97-looks-to-cut-2-000-jobs/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Ericsson warned the world just over a fortnight ago that things wouldn't be too rosy when it came time to announce Q2 results, and rosy things are not. Even though the handset maker was hoping and praying to break even at the end of the quarter, net profits ended up falling through the floor to the tune of 97%. As predicted, weak sales of mid-to-high-end mobiles were blamed for the bulk of the bad news, and it did affirm that conditions would remain rough for the rest of the year. Granted, the looming launch of the Xperia X1 should help matters a bit, but without a new stable of low-end cellies to send to emerging markets, it'll be a long road back to the top. Unfortunately, SE's sagging position in the market has left it slashing 2,000 jobs across the globe, though it didn't say exactly where the cuts would be made. It's okay SE, there's only one place to go when you're laying on the bottom... or something like that.

[Image courtesy of Flickr]

Read - Sony Ericsson's Q2 earnings
Read - Sony Ericsson plans job cuts
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cyber-shotearningseconomyfiredfiringjobsmarketprofitprofitsquarterlysalessony EricssonSonyEricssonFri, 18 Jul 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G Dock / Universal Dock Adapters now on sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-dock-universal-dock-adapters-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-dock-universal-dock-adapters-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-dock-universal-dock-adapters-now-on-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,


For many, dropping $199 / $299 on an iPhone 3G (provided you actually locate one not hidden behind a 4+ hour line) is enough. For those who fell head over heels with the original iPhone dock, it's not. Here's your chance to send 29 more US bucks Cupertino's way, as the official iPhone 3G Dock is now on sale at Apple's website. Oh, and if you're really a sucker, you'll lay down 9 whole US dollars for a 3-pack of iPhone 3G Universal Dock Adapters to slip your new mobile into a Universal Dock.

Update: So apparently these have been in Apple stores since day 1. Considering just how long it'll take to get in one, though, this whole "online route" is still probably your best bet.

[Via Wired]

Read - Apple iPhone 3G Dock
Read - iPhone 3G Universal Dock Adapter 3-Pack
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneaccessoryappledockdock adapterDockAdapteriphone 3giphone 3g dockiphone dockIphone3gIphone3gDockIphoneDockon saleOnSaleFri, 18 Jul 2008 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's free iPhone WiFi is (update: was) live at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/atandts-free-iphone-wifi-is-live-at-last/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite AT&T's best attempts at completely failing its free WiFi promises eternally, iPhone owners can finally fire up Mobile Safari in their local Starbucks, or, um, that one other place we heard about with AT&T WiFi, and get browsing. Of course, that's not to say the service won't crash horribly in the next 10 minutes, but at least AT&T stuck by its word, and can now move on to more pressing issues.

Update: Yeah, turns out this isn't true, and AT&T has pulled the page. Free WiFi? That's just silly.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attstarbuckswifiFri, 18 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G and firmware 2.0: one week later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-and-firmware-2-0-one-week-later/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-and-firmware-2-0-one-week-later/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/18/iphone-3g-and-firmware-2-0-one-week-later/#commentsFiled under:


We know it's been a whirlwind week of either: a) patiently sitting outside your local Apple store, b) losing touch with family, friends, and significant others while buried knee-deep in your new phone / firmware, or c) desperately trying to ignore the iPhone. But it's time to come up for air and take stock. We're all aware that things didn't go quite as planned with Apple's trifecta (iPhone 3G, firmware 2.0, MobileMe) launch last week, and we're just starting to see the fallout from last Friday's debacle.

The most prevalent complaint we've been hearing from users concerns ongoing issues with the phone's new firmware, which has delivered on a lot of its promises, yet is also exhibiting frustrating bugs that make us think this one needed a little more time in the oven. In particular, we've experienced -- and have been assailed with reports about -- painful lag times when typing, as well as choppy, clunky behavior while scrolling through or searching contacts, calls which can't be answered, and even outright crashes while receiving a call. Some owners have encountered repeated forced quits while trying to use the App Store, while a group of our editors vented about an SMS issue which not only grinds the phone's performance to a halt, but makes the keyboard inaccessible altogether.

When you toss in problems other users are having with email, MobileMe syncing, and assorted minor kinks (trouble rotating Safari anyone?), it seems obvious that there's cruft beneath this firmware creating hiccups in usability. Coupled with 3G reception concerns, the company's continuing struggle to get MobileMe working as advertised, and rumors that 2.0.1 is already in the works, you get the impression that everyone is looking for a little relief here... Apple and its customers alike.

So, how's your first week been?
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gapplefeaturesfirmware 2.0Firmware2.0iphoneiphone 3gIphone3gmobilemeusability issuesUsabilityIssuesFri, 18 Jul 2008 00:13:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Dev Team says Pwnage Tool won't unlock iPhone 3G (for now)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/iphone-dev-team-says-pwnage-tool-wont-unlock-iphone-3g-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/iphone-dev-team-says-pwnage-tool-wont-unlock-iphone-3g-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/iphone-dev-team-says-pwnage-tool-wont-unlock-iphone-3g-for-now/#commentsFiled under:


iPhone unlocking is a little more cash-intensive now that Apple and AT&T are all contract-happy with the 3G, but it looks like would-be unlockers will have a little more time to save up those pennies -- the erstwhile hackers on the iPhone Dev Team say that while a forthcoming version of the sadly-named Pwnage tool will activate and jailbreak the iPhone 3G, unlocking is taking a little longer than expected, and they don't want to release the code until it's exactly right. The tool still unlocks first-gen iPhones running 2.0 and allows jailbreak apps to co-exist with the App Store, so if you're desperate to unlock right away, we'd say a first-gen unit is your best bet.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappledev teamDevTeamiphoneiphone 3giphone dev teamIphone3gIphoneDevTeampwnpwnageunlockThu, 17 Jul 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: How's your iPhone 3G reception?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/poll-hows-your-iphone-3g-reception/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/poll-hows-your-iphone-3g-reception/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/poll-hows-your-iphone-3g-reception/#commentsFiled under:


We've been getting scattered reports that Apple's shiny new toy might not be snagging as many bars as it should for a lot of users. In our own tests, we've noticed the iPhone 3G fairing poorly in spots where other 3G devices exhibit strong signals, and the Apple support forums are alive with displeasure over what might be a widespread issue. We're curious to know what you -- the reader -- are experiencing. How's your mileage with the new phone? Let us know in the poll below.

View Poll


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g coverage3g reception3gCoverage3gReceptionappleattfeaturesiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gnetworkpollreceptionThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile Germany says sipgate makes jailbreaking too attractive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/t-mobile-germany-says-sipgate-makes-jailbreaking-too-attractive/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/t-mobile-germany-says-sipgate-makes-jailbreaking-too-attractive/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/t-mobile-germany-says-sipgate-makes-jailbreaking-too-attractive/#commentsFiled under: ,


Alright, can someone help us out with a little primer on German law here? California-based sipgate offers up a VoIP client for the iPhone that -- for the moment, anyway -- requires a jailbroken handset to run. It goes about its business on WiFi airwaves, so from the carrier's perspective, no harm, no foul, right? Not so much. T-Mobile Germany takes issue with the app, claiming that it's enticing its iPhone users to jailbreak -- a violation of its contract terms. Furthermore, the contract disallows VoIP of any kind, WiFI or otherwise, which pretty much makes sipgate public enemy number one in T-Mob's eyes. They've gone ahead and sent out a nasty little cease 'n desist, which sipgate says it plans to fight all the way through the court system if that's how T-Mobile wants to roll; meanwhile, it's still providing service and says that "for the time being [its] users are safe." Fight the good fight, guys.

[Via TUAW]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegermanyiphonesipgatet-mobilet-mobile germanyT-mobileGermanyvoipThu, 17 Jul 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Victor gets de-glitzed, unboxed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/htc-victor-gets-de-glitzed-unboxed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/htc-victor-gets-de-glitzed-unboxed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/htc-victor-gets-de-glitzed-unboxed/#commentsFiled under:


We actually rather like the Tumbler-like stealth rear surface of the HTC Touch Diamond, but if you're trying to roll a little more Wayne, a more straightlaced edition dubbed "Victor" announced back in May with a flat rear end is now shipping. Apart from that it doesn't look like there's anything new going on here, so we'll see if any Stateside carriers offer this version any time soon.

[Via Boy Genius Report]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>htchtc touch diamondhtc victorHtcTouchDiamondHtcVictorrumorrumorstouch diamondTouchDiamondvictorThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia firms up touchscreen phone plans, says it will focus on 'mid-range' markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/nokia-firms-up-touchscreen-phone-plans-says-it-will-focus-on-m/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/nokia-firms-up-touchscreen-phone-plans-says-it-will-focus-on-m/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/nokia-firms-up-touchscreen-phone-plans-says-it-will-focus-on-m/#commentsFiled under:

We've been hearing whispers about Nokia's touchscreen "Tube" phone for what seems like ages, and now it appears that the wait is almost over... with potentially less than inspiring results. In a statement released today from the company's head of devices, Kai Oistamo, the phone-maker says it will be launching a series of touchscreen devices in the second half the year, with the first model -- likely the Tube -- aimed at the "volume market." Oistamo claims that the mid-range market (not the high-end sector that devices like the iPhone 3G occupy) account for 50 percent of the total value of the touchscreen phone game. Essentially, it looks like Nokia's strategy will be business as usual, likely flooding the field with unspectacular mid-range phones, rather than taking on pricier competition like recent Apple and Samsung devices head-to-head, at least initially. Of course, who can argue with the company that shipped 122 million units in Q2 2008?
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kai OistamoKaiOistamomid level marketmid rangeMidLevelMarketMidRangenokianokia siemensNokiaSiemenstouchscreentouchscreen phonesTouchscreenPhonestubeThu, 17 Jul 2008 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlocked iPhone 3G available for direct shipment from Hong Kong, no catch at all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/unlocked-iphone-3g-available-for-direct-shipment-from-china-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/unlocked-iphone-3g-available-for-direct-shipment-from-china-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/unlocked-iphone-3g-available-for-direct-shipment-from-china-1/#commentsFiled under:


Man, waiting in line for the iPhone 3G can be a royal pain, right? Wouldn't it be nice if you could just circumvent the whole boring, sheep-like process and have one delivered to your doorstep? Well thanks to Alibaba.com and the weird and wacky copyright laws of Hong Kong, now you can! According to the wholesale goods supply site, you can just order up the "original" Apple device direct from a company called Union Camera and have them sent to whatever poorly lit dock, abandoned warehouse, or suburban safe-house you desire. The best part? They're network unlocked. You know, something seems wrong about this, but we just can't put our finger on it...

Update: As some commenters point out, it seems to be $1000 minimum order as opposed to 1000 pieces. Guess we'll just have to start the process and find out.

[Via PMP Today]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alibabachinaiphone 3gIphone3gwholesaleThu, 17 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera Mobile 9.5 beta released into the wilds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/opera-mobile-9-5-beta-released-into-the-wilds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/opera-mobile-9-5-beta-released-into-the-wilds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/opera-mobile-9-5-beta-released-into-the-wilds/#commentsFiled under:


We've been waiting for this day ever since Opera first announced its Opera Mobile 9.5 web browser back in February. Today, it's out for a beta 1 launch. In other words, it'll be buggy but likely far more useful than the browser already installed on your touchscreen-based (PocketPC) WinMo professional phone. The initial release includes support for double-tap zoom, landscape flip, off-line page save, tab-like browsing, auto-URL complete, and a Google-search bar to name just a few of the 9.5 features. More functionality will be added later including Google Gears and support for Flash video on WinMo and Symbian devices. CNET already has the hands-on video review up for your pickings. Better yet, download and install for yourself and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Update: PhoneArena has chimed-in with a video hands-on of its own. Check it after the break.

Read -- Opera Mobile 9.5 beta 1
Read -- CNET first look

Continue reading Opera Mobile 9.5 beta released into the wilds

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9.5browseropera mobileopera mobile 9.5OperaMobileOperaMobile9.5Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gekko is the Sidekick 2008 after all, launches July 30]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/gekko-is-the-sidekick-2008-after-all-launches-july-30/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/gekko-is-the-sidekick-2008-after-all-launches-july-30/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/17/gekko-is-the-sidekick-2008-after-all-launches-july-30/#commentsFiled under:


Never before have we dealt with so much naming drama leading up to a new Sidekick's release. Gekko, Gecco, Aspen, Sidekick 2008, the list of candidates goes on, and we finally have a winner: Sidekick 2008 it is! The name comes courtesy of some new internal documentation for T-Mobile reps, which also reveals that the low-end piece will be available come July 30 (seemingly putting the kibosh on Best Buy's July 27 date) with interchangeable shells, a 2 megapixel cam, and a 2.6-inch WQVGA display that'll definitely be a nice bump up from the iD's specs.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dangergekkohiptopsharpsidekicksidekick 2008Sidekick2008t-mobileThu, 17 Jul 2008 05:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu M8 finally launching in August?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/meizu-m8-finally-launching-in-august/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/meizu-m8-finally-launching-in-august/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/meizu-m8-finally-launching-in-august/#commentsFiled under: ,


The saga of the Meizu M8 is one of the more entertaining dramas in the phone biz these days, owing partly to the endless delays and tweaks, granted -- but owing much more to the truly masterful ripping of the iPhone's industrial design. Unfortunately, there's been very little actual bite to follow up the bark coming out of the Meizu camp, and it looks like we might get a real taste of this thing for the first time as soon as next month. A post on Meizu's website, seemingly from none other than CEO J. Wong himself, claims that a first cut of the M8 will arrive next month -- along with plenty more pictures and details -- but it'll be a somewhat neutered rendition that features just 128MB of RAM and zero flash. October will bring the real deal, a 256MB baddie that rocks 8GB of storage for 2180 yuan, which works out to about $320. Meanwhile, pictures have surfaced of the latest prototype floating around Meizu's labs, looking both as slick and as litigation-prone as ever. Bring these stateside, Mr. Wong, and we'll be the very first to sign up -- just don't be surprised if Apple is right behind us.

[Via Electronista]

Read - August for 128MB model, October for 256MB / 8GB?
Read - Prototype M8 in the wild
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>m8meizumeizu m8MeizuM8Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T retailer accused of pawning used Nokias as new]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/atandt-retailer-accused-of-pawning-used-nokias-as-new/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/atandt-retailer-accused-of-pawning-used-nokias-as-new/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/atandt-retailer-accused-of-pawning-used-nokias-as-new/#commentsFiled under:


Notice that your freshly-purchased N75 smells more like a week-old head of cabbage than a bundle of brand new plastic, glue, and circuitry? That's gross, and no, we don't want to touch it (seriously, get that thing away from us). Turns out you may not be alone, though -- a new class-action suit filed in federal court alleges that CommClub, an independent retailer in California, was selling used Nokias for AT&T's network as brand new devices. For whatever reason, AT&T and Nokia are also named as defendants in the suit, though we're not sure exactly what role they played in CommClub's potentially nefarious dealings; at any rate, the class is looking to bring home some bacon for "injuries" suffered as a result of the bait-and-switch. You're going to go smell your N75 now, aren't you?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcaliforniaclass actionClassActionlawsuitnokiaWed, 16 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CXXV: Touch Diamond gets aped sans luster]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cxxv-touch-diamond-gets-aped-sans-lu/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cxxv-touch-diamond-gets-aped-sans-lu/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cxxv-touch-diamond-gets-aped-sans-lu/#commentsFiled under:


Not that we'd view the actual Touch Diamond as IF or anything, but the Diamond J6 is more along the lines of I3. In all seriousness, this thing isn't too far from being spot-on identical (maybe it's an HTC thing?), with a 2.8-inch display, built-in camera, multimedia player, Bluetooth and a microSD card slot. And for $160, we're almost inclined to fall in love here... almost.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesecopycatfakehtckirfknockofftouchtouch diamondTouchDiamondWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G review supplemental: battery life and MobileMe tests]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/iphone-3g-review-supplemental-battery-life-and-mobileme-tests/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/iphone-3g-review-supplemental-battery-life-and-mobileme-tests/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/iphone-3g-review-supplemental-battery-life-and-mobileme-tests/#commentsFiled under:

We spent most of the weekend putting the iPhone 3G's battery life (and to a lesser extent, MobileMe implementation) to the test, and we've got far more encouraging results to report back than we had on day one. Pretty much everything we've found thus far jibes with Apple's claims, if not exceeds them. (Our video results early on skewed low because we had mistakenly left on push and fetch data, which dropped the battery life by almost 25%. After re-testing, they're back up to spec.)

All tested with 3G on, WiFi on (not connected), Bluetooth off, no data fetching enabled (unless specified otherwise). Media tested with stock headphones, medium volume, and medium screen brightness, auto-brightness disabled.
  • Music (continuous playback, large library, occasionally turning on screen): 31h 23m
  • Video (continuous playback, no push/fetch data): 7h 5m
  • Video (continuous playback, with push and 15 minute fetch data): 5h 24m
  • Daily data use (browsing, email, and GPS / maps): ~6h 30m
Those numbers definitely are not bad, but if you're anything like us and you kill time on your phone reading feeds and checking email like a fiend, by 3 or 4pm you'll likely be wondering if you'll even make it home with any power left -- especially if you leave on the 3G. Just be warned, the kind of prolonged usage on the original iPhone you used to get away with probably isn't possible with the iPhone 3G. For some, this may be an issue, while others may never notice. Click on for more on our MobileMe testing and enterprise stuff, and, of course, check out the full iPhone 3G review.

Continue reading iPhone 3G review supplemental: battery life and MobileMe tests

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefeaturesiphone 3gIphone3gWed, 16 Jul 2008 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple apologizes for its MobileMe mess, admits bungle on "push," offers 30-days free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After six long days, Apple has issued an official statement on the debacle that was / is the MobileMe transition, and has offered a 30-day extension to contracts as an olive branch to disgruntled users. According to a form letter being sent to subscribers, the company openly admits that the switch to MobileMe was "a lot rockier than hoped," and claims that the service is now running smoothly. Additionally (and somewhat surprisingly) Apple rescinded its use of the word "push" to cover all of its services, conceding that while there is indeed push to-and-from iPhones and the "cloud," computers are still being polled every 15 minutes... which is the same as .Mac (and honestly Apple, you didn't know that wasn't technically push?). We suppose this would be all well and good provided that MobileMe was actually functioning as advertised, but indications from readers -- and our own testing -- suggest otherwise. Customers are still having difficulties with email and syncing between iPhones and the cloud (duplicate messages, deleted messages that don't leave the inbox, etc.), the advertised "auto-complete" on mail addressing doesn't function at all, and calendars are plagued with small moving / deletion problems, as well as being unable to sync subscriptions... and that's just off the top of our head (see the company's support forums for more). The 30-day extension is a nice gesture Apple, but we're thinking customers would prefer a service that works as advertised.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.macapplecalendarcalendarscontactsemailiphoneiphone 3gIphone3glaunchmobilemepushsynctransitionwebmailWed, 16 Jul 2008 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with DesbloqueioBr's iPhone 3G unlock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/hands-on-with-desbloqueiobrs-iphone-3g-unlock/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/hands-on-with-desbloqueiobrs-iphone-3g-unlock/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/hands-on-with-desbloqueiobrs-iphone-3g-unlock/#commentsFiled under:


We just happened to be in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this week and when the news popped up that a group of Brazilians had unlocked the iPhone 3G, we just had to pop in to say hi. Like the Turbo SIM unlock for the original iPhone, this system uses a wafer-thin card that piggybacks on your SIM while in the phone. Of course, Turbo SIM needed some tools installed on the iPhone -- so Jailbreak was key -- this solution does not, just DesbloqueioBr's chip and your SIM. Paulo and Breno of DesbloqueioBr explained that the magic lies in the programming of the SIM adapter itself, by tricking the iPhone into believing a test SIM has been inserted, the iPhone allows service and then functionality is handed back to your SIM. We tested the unlock in our own FIDO locked handset with a local TIM SIM card, then in their AT&T set, and it worked perfectly in both. How much will this cost average Joe iPhone user? They were pretty tight lipped as to what the final pricing will be and how exactly they'll deliver the service, but we should hear more in the next few days. Check the vid of it all in action after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on with DesbloqueioBr's iPhone 3G unlock

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Braziliphoneiphone 3GIphone3gunlockWed, 16 Jul 2008 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Pope Benedict XVI texting out messages of encouragement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/pope-benedict-xvi-texting-out-messages-of-encouragement/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/pope-benedict-xvi-texting-out-messages-of-encouragement/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/pope-benedict-xvi-texting-out-messages-of-encouragement/#commentsFiled under:


Don't act like you didn't know that Pope Benedict XVI was down with modern technology. As part of World Youth Day, the man himself will begin sending out texts of encouragement to pilgrims who have signed up through Telstra to receive them. A total of four gigantic "prayer walls" have been erected at the Sydney Opera House, the Domain, Darling Harbour and Randwick Racecourse in Australia, where folks will actually be able to send their own messages for all to presumably see. The first message sent out? "Young friend, God and his people expect much from u because u have within you the Fathers supreme gift: the Spirit of Jesus - BXVI." Hllujh, amn brtha.

[Thanks, zedster]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacatholicchurchiPhonePopePope Benedict XVIPopeBenedictXviprayer wallPrayerWallreligionsmsTelstratexttext messagetext messagingtextingTextMessageTextMessagingWed, 16 Jul 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[iSuppli sez iPhone 3G is running Apple $53 less than original]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/isuppli-sez-iphone-3g-is-running-apple-53-less-than-original/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/isuppli-sez-iphone-3g-is-running-apple-53-less-than-original/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/isuppli-sez-iphone-3g-is-running-apple-53-less-than-original/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tech firms seem to have this uncanny ability to significantly boost functionality while significantly reducing cost with each new generation of a product -- and you'll never believe this, but it looks like Apple is no exception. The teardown and bean-counting experts over at iSuppli are at it again with the iPhone 3G, finding that the whole kit and kaboodle tallies up to just $174.33 (give or take) for the 8GB model in material and manufacturing costs. That works out to about $53 less than iSuppli's estimate for the original 8GB model back in June of last year, an amount saved in part by moving to a single 10-layer circuit board (versus a pair of 6-layer boards). The firm figures Apple's shelling out about $50 in royalties for each iPhone 3G that rolls off the assembly line, leading to a grand total of $224.33 in costs. Offset that with a healthy AT&T subsidy, and all told, we're looking at something like a 55 percent margin to help Steve finance his next round of black turtlenecks.

[Via AppleInsider]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappleiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gisuppliWed, 16 Jul 2008 01:25:00 EST<![CDATA[OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner is shipping, getting itself unboxed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/openmokos-neo-freerunner-is-shipping-getting-itself-unboxed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/openmokos-neo-freerunner-is-shipping-getting-itself-unboxed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/openmokos-neo-freerunner-is-shipping-getting-itself-unboxed/#commentsFiled under:


If you're a Linux fanboy with a hankering for some mobile action, you'll be pleased to know that buyers of the retail, North American version of OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner have started getting shipments. If you hit the read link, you'll be able to see one lucky owner unboxing his new toy, complete with a spares kit and debug board (this guy is getting into it, okay?). This set of photos should be a nice companion to that in-depth look at the OS we saw recently. Now we're going to be on pins and needles finding out what gets cooked up for that spacious 480 x 640 screen.

[Via Slashdot]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freerunnergsmlinuxneo freerunnerNeoFreerunneropenmokounboxingTue, 15 Jul 2008 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[SK Telecom still interested in scooping up Sprint?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/sk-telecom-still-interested-in-scooping-up-sprint/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/sk-telecom-still-interested-in-scooping-up-sprint/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/sk-telecom-still-interested-in-scooping-up-sprint/#commentsFiled under:


Some particularly juicy rumors die hard, and this one certainly qualifies: CNBC is reporting that SK Telecom is looking to hook up with some private equity firms to buy out Sprint Nextel, though a deal is "not imminent." This one's been making the rounds since last year, though it's possible that SKT sees some new impetus for making a break into the US market now that it's sold off its share in Helio -- and buying the third largest carrier in the country would certainly qualify as "making a break." It's claimed that SKT's only interested in completing a friendly deal -- no crazy hostile takeovers here -- and some of Sprint's board members aren't keen on the idea at this point, so it's definitely a hit-or-miss proposition. If this all means we can get even half of Korea's domestic hardware on US airwaves, then hey, no complaints on this end.

Update: The Wall Street Journal is now suggesting that Sprint and SKT are investigating some sort of joint venture -- not a full-on acquisition -- that would see the lovebirds work together on handsets and services. Possible, but we're curious to know what exactly Sprint brings to the table in that equation. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rumorsk telecomSkTelecomsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelTue, 15 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev Team shows off video of 'world's first' jailbroken iPhone 3G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/dev-team-shows-off-video-of-worlds-first-jailbroken-iphone-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/dev-team-shows-off-video-of-worlds-first-jailbroken-iphone-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/dev-team-shows-off-video-of-worlds-first-jailbroken-iphone-3g/#commentsFiled under:


We can't say this is a surprise... but it is sweet to see. The iPhone Dev Team has added a video to their blog showing off the latest version of their upcoming PwnageTool 2.0, along with a video of what they claim is the "world's first" jailbroken iPhone 3G. Check the video after the break, and hit the read link to see how their progress is coming on the new case-cracker.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Dev Team shows off video of 'world's first' jailbroken iPhone 3G

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdev teamDevTeamiphone 3giphone dev teamIphone3gIphoneDevTeamjailbreakpwnage toolpwnage tool 2.0PwnageToolPwnageTool2.0Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Bold reviewed, scratched]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/blackberry-bold-reviewed-scratched/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/blackberry-bold-reviewed-scratched/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/blackberry-bold-reviewed-scratched/#commentsFiled under: ,


Boy Genius has landed a BlackBerry Bold -- RIM's big, splashy push into the brave new world of HSDPA -- in production hardware trim, and it looks like the rougher users out there might need a quick lesson in fragile handling if they want to get in on the action when it launches around the world in the next few weeks. The screen is said to be absolutely beautiful (as it should be at 480 x 320), and there's a much improved browser to take advantage of that extra real estate; unfortunately, the whole package apparently scratches up with ridiculous ease, so it's anybody's guess just how long you'll be able to actually see the screen before it's awash in damage. Just remember: keys in one pocket, BlackBerry in the other. Interested parties would do themselves a favor by clicking through to the full review -- the cat knows his BlackBerrys, and he's really gone to town this time around.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryboldrimTue, 15 Jul 2008 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G launch coverage roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/iphone-3g-launch-coverage-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/iphone-3g-launch-coverage-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/iphone-3g-launch-coverage-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Even though the dust ought to have settled three and a half days later, people all over the country (and world?) are still spending hours in line for an iPhone 3G. It's a tall order for a phone, but clearly people are ravenous -- so here's all the news you need to catch yourself up on the goings on of the past few days.

P.S. -Sick of the iPhone news? Don't sweat it, we'll be live from the Sony and Nintendo E3 keynotes later this morning!

Review!
Hands-on coverage
Activation fiasco
News and roundups
More after the break.

Continue reading iPhone 3G launch coverage roundup

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneiphone 3gIphone3groundupTue, 15 Jul 2008 05:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple says turn-by-turn GPS coming to iPhone, copy / paste not a high priority]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/apple-says-turn-by-turn-gps-coming-to-iphone-copy-paste-not-a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/apple-says-turn-by-turn-gps-coming-to-iphone-copy-paste-not-a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/apple-says-turn-by-turn-gps-coming-to-iphone-copy-paste-not-a/#commentsFiled under:


There's been a lot of random misinformation about the iPhone 3G floating around out there, like David Pogue's baffling comment that the device's GPS antenna is "too small" to support turn-by-turn directions, and Apple's iPod and iPhone marketing head Greg Joswiak recently sat down with AppScout to clear up some of the confusion. Greg says that Apple has an internal priority list of features for the iPhone, and that the company went as far down the list with the 3G as it could -- and that copy / paste support simply didn't make the cut. Similarly, there are no technical issues preventing turn-by-turn directions, just other "complicated issues" (read: legal agreements) that need to be sorted out, and Josiwak expects developers to "amaze us." as things "evolve." Hopefully that means that nav app TomTom's got in the labs will evolve its way into the wild sometime soon. Finally, Joswiak said that he's not aware of any technical reasons an office suite isn't already in the App Store, but that the lack of a cross-application file structure could impede development. Yeah, and maybe the lack of copy / paste, you think?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecopy and pasteCopyAndPastegreg joswiakGregJoswiakiphoneturn-by-turnMon, 14 Jul 2008 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Build your own Bluetooth handgun handset, or don't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/build-your-own-bluetooth-handgun-handset-or-dont/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/build-your-own-bluetooth-handgun-handset-or-dont/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/build-your-own-bluetooth-handgun-handset-or-dont/#commentsFiled under: ,


Want to attract attention (and the police) every time you answer your cellphone in public? Then perhaps this build-at-your-own-risk Bluetooth handgun handset project is for you. As far as DIY mods go, this one looks to be simple enough (if somewhat time-consuming), with it involving nothing more than stuffing a disassembled Jabra Bluetooth headset into a suitably realistic-looking airsoft gun, which apparently fits just right so that the trigger operates the call start/end button. If you're still on board, you can find all the necessary details by hitting up the link below.

[Thanks, Elijah]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetooth handsetBluetoothHandsetdiyhandgun handsetHandgunHandsetMon, 14 Jul 2008 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange's BIC phone comes ready to talk, doesn't require ballpoint licking first]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/oranges-bic-phone-comes-ready-to-talk-doesnt-require-ballpoin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/oranges-bic-phone-comes-ready-to-talk-doesnt-require-ballpoin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/oranges-bic-phone-comes-ready-to-talk-doesnt-require-ballpoin/#commentsFiled under:

The BIC phone has very little to do with famed pen / razor / etc. maker BIC outside of the branding agreement, but we suppose the disposable nature of dried-up writing utensils and this curious cellphone is somewhat similar. Granted, the official word from Orange is that this handset is "not a throw-away product," but unless users mail off a registration form to the carrier and wait for the phone to be activated, the mobile (and the hour of calls it comes with) will be rendered useless in two months. The selling point here is the unpack-and-talk nature, not to mention the €49 ($77) price, but those hoping to grab a low-cost phone, hack it and use it elsewhere may be heartbroken to find that this one does nothing more than talk, text and tune into FM radio. Check it out soon (if you're so inclined) in French convenience stores.

[Via The Red Ferret Journal]

Read - Orange press release
Read - More details
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BICBIC phoneBicPhonedisposablefranceink penInkPenorangepenthrow awaythrow-awayThrowAwayMon, 14 Jul 2008 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G at one million sold and counting, App Store hits 10 million downloads]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-at-one-million-sold-and-counting-app-store-hits-10-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-at-one-million-sold-and-counting-app-store-hits-10-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-at-one-million-sold-and-counting-app-store-hits-10-mi/#commentsFiled under:


You hear of this new iPhone 3G thing? Doing pretty well, or so we hear. Apple says they sold one million of 'em this weekend worldwide, compared to the 74 days it took them to hit one million with the last generation. So far the little bugger has invaded 21 countries, with France next on its hit list on July 17. Oh, and that App Store isn't doing too bad for itself either, with 10 million downloads so far to iPhone 3Gs, updated iPhones and iPod touches. No breakdown yet on paid apps versus free apps, but Jared is free, and that's all that matters. However, the saddest fact in all of this is that bunches of suckers enthusiastic fans are queued up at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store this morning in New York (pictured), showing either a level of devotion to this little plastic bauble, or of complete disregard for their jobs, which is altogether frightening.

[Thanks, Laura]

Read - One million iPhone 3Gs sold
Read - 10 million App Store downloads
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gMon, 14 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm Treo 800w for Sprint unboxing and hands-on at Engadget Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/palm-treo-800w-for-sprint-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-engadget-mobi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/palm-treo-800w-for-sprint-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-engadget-mobi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/palm-treo-800w-for-sprint-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-engadget-mobi/#commentsFiled under:


If you've been hemming and hawing about whether or not you should buy a Palm Treo 800w, perhaps a ton of photos of the device would help with your decision. Well today is your lucky day, as we've got the thing in our hands and wanted to share our good fortune with the world. Shoot on over to Engadget Mobile for a slew of pictures, and stay tuned for a review from us coming soon.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>800wfeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnpalmsprintsprint nextelSprintNexteltreotreo 800wTreo800wunboxingMon, 14 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy's $10 headset pairing service includes testing, finger pointing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/best-buys-10-bluetooth-headset-pairing-service-includes-testin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/best-buys-10-bluetooth-headset-pairing-service-includes-testin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/best-buys-10-bluetooth-headset-pairing-service-includes-testin/#commentsFiled under: ,


See what it's come to Bluetooth SIG? Headset-to-cellphone pairing is so utterly baffling to average consumers that they are now handing over a Hamilton at Best Buys in California (in support of the new hands-free calling law) just to avoid the procedure. Eight years after the launch of the world's first Bluetooth headset from Ericsson, this is where we're at. Still, at $10, consider it a bargain -- that's half of what Best Buy will charge you for the already free-to-download (and free to ship on CD) Ubuntu OS.

[Thanks, Tarek]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybluetoothpairingubuntuMon, 14 Jul 2008 05:16:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3G: guts, plants, and free SMS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-guts-plants-and-free-sms/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-guts-plants-and-free-sms/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/iphone-3g-guts-plants-and-free-sms/#commentsFiled under: ,


Craziest thing, Apple apparently launched some sort of device being loosely coined as a "cellular telephone" last Friday. The darned thing makes calls, keeps track of contacts, and even receives messages -- all right from your pocket! Wild, sci-fi caliber stuff, that. We're catching up on the latest iPhone 3G buzz, and here's what we've got going on at the moment:
  • Jonny Gladwell, better known as the first iPhone 3G owner in the world thanks to his perfect storm of location (New Zealand) and line position (first), has been outed as a plant for New Zealand's Yellow Pages. Turns out the guy was hired by the directory service to see if he could "survive" the brutal multi-day sitting experience using nothing but -- you guessed it -- the Yellow Pages to get by. Ironic that you don't need a friggin' Yellow Pages when you have an iPhone, isn't it? Hmm, Jonny?
  • Portelligent has sacrificed an iPhone 3G to conduct perhaps the most thorough teardown thus far, finding some incremental improvements, largely to accomodate 3G and bring the design in line with the iPod touch, while carrying over a good deal of componentry that had no reason to be upgraded. Infineon and Toshiba had big wins here in the radio and flash memory departments, respectively.
  • AIM acts as a conduit for sending text messages by allowing users to add phone numbers as "buddies." The iPhone has an AIM client. See where we're going with this? Yep, it's a cheesy way to avoid shelling out for a text messaging plan, if you want to go to the trouble of using AIM in place of the native SMS app.
  • The plot thickens in the yellow screen issue. As we'd mentioned yesterday, Apple claims the warmer color temperature seen in the iPhone 3G was a purposeful attempt to make things prettier and sharper -- but now, Ars Technica reports that forcing an update in iTunes from the 3G's shipping firmware of 5A345 to the ever-so-slightly newer 5A347 pushes things a little bit back toward the blue end of the spectrum. So what's it gonna be, Apple?
[Thanks to everyone who sent these in!]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappleiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gMon, 14 Jul 2008 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Thunder first-ever live pics unearthed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/blackberry-thunder-first-ever-live-pics-unearthed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/blackberry-thunder-first-ever-live-pics-unearthed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/blackberry-thunder-first-ever-live-pics-unearthed/#commentsFiled under:


If you're a BlackBerry fan feeling the need for relief from the throngs of iPhone lovers, the cats at CrackBerry may have uncovered a solution to your problem. The RIM aficionados have gotten their hands on the first ever live pictures of the phone-maker's touchscreen device -- the Thunder -- and it's looking pretty darn sweet. Feast your eyes on the above photo (featuring the much-discussed "tactile" keyboard), and hit the read link for another look.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9500blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsthunderSun, 13 Jul 2008 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm's Treo 800w now available online from Sprint]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/palms-treo-800w-now-available-online-from-sprint/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/palms-treo-800w-now-available-online-from-sprint/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/palms-treo-800w-now-available-online-from-sprint/#commentsFiled under:


We're not sure if you check most mobile provider's sites every ten minutes or so (like we do), but if you did, you would have noticed that the latest Palm Windows Mobile device -- the Treo 800w -- is available for purchase at Sprint's online store. The phone, which features a 320 x 320 screen, EV-DO Rev. A, WiFi, and GPS, is currently listing for $249.99 after a $250 instant savings, $100 mail-in rebate, and two-year contract. So if you've been absolutely, positively dying to get your hands on this thing -- now's your chance.

[Via Phone Scoop]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>800wpalmsprintsprint nextelSprintNexteltreotreo 800wTreo800wwindows mobileWindowsMobileSun, 13 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST