Cell Phones

The HTC Desire Z outside the States — is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated Android launches of 2010, and a handful of smaller-than-we’d-like official press shots that have just leaked over on Cell Phone Signal are doing nothing to make us believe otherwise. The site says it believes silver (pictured) will be the only color offered, and considering that we haven’t seen any leaks in any other shades, that seems like a reasonable assumption. Then again, a white, red, or black version of this would be pretty neat, wouldn’t it?

[Thanks, Nam]

Update: Turns out these images are chilling on T-Mobile’s servers right now — check the source links below. Whoops!

Update 2: And we’ve now got the clearest shot yet of a G2 in the wild, casually browsing Facebook as a laptop looks on with a mixture of curiosity and contempt; follow the break to check it out. Thanks, Sebastian!

VIA:His and Her Android
SOURCE:Cell Phone Signal, T-Mobile (1), (2), (3)

Verizon can’t be feeling too hot about being the straggler to the Galaxy S party, but the wait seems to be almost at an end. Best Buy’s just started taking in-store pre-orders for the Fascinate, while the latest internal document leak from VZW indicates a specific September 9 launch for the 4-inch Android handset. That’s when you should be able to snap the Fascinate up along with a prepaid data plan from Big Red, which fits in nicely with earlier unsanctioned disclosures on the matter. Either way, Samsung’s quest to conquer all networks with its Super Gorilla phone will be coming to a victorious end pretty soon.

[Thanks, Brian G.]
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SOURCE:Best Buy, Boy Genius Report

Sometimes it takes a crafty, steel-nerved individual to leak an unreleased phone’s details ahead of time. And then sometimes all it takes is a negligently uploaded video. An official promo for the Milestone 2 has popped up on YouTube before quickly being yanked by Moto. The Droid 2′s international sibling unsurprisingly looks to be its carbon copy by another name: it features a 1GHz OMAP SOC, 512MB of RAM, a 5 megapixel imager, and Android 2.2 as the OS (complete with Flash Player and Froyo’s native hotspot ability). We’ll go out on a limb here and guess that this means the rest of the world will be getting its dose of Moto’s latest and greatest QWERTY slider in very short order.

[Thanks, Thomas]

Update: Oh hello! Someone managed to rip the video before Motorola’s retraction, so we’ve naturally got it embedded for you just past the break. And yes, whether you like it or not, Motoblur lives on. Thanks, qakgob!

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SOURCE:MobiFlip.de

If 6.0.0 RC1 just wasn’t cutting it for ya, CyanogenMod-6.0 has released what’s being touted as the “first stable release based on Android 2.2″ and has hit the target number of supported devices, which by our quick count includes EVO 4G, Slide, Nexus One, Dream / Magic, Aria, and Droid — and we might be missing a few.. You know the drill; if you need a bit of Froyo in your mobile life.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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SOURCE:Cyanogen

We’d heard a few rumors of some new prepaid offerings from Verizon recently, but it now looks like the carrier could really be about to expand things in a big way — at least if some purportedly authentic leaked documents are any indication. Apparently received by Android Does from a helpful tipster, the documents list a whole new lineup of prepaid phones, including a slew of BlackBerrys, the Palm Pre and Pixi Plus, and just about every Android-based phone Verizon offers (including all of the Droids and even the yet-to-be released Samsung Fascinate — again listed for September 9th). While there’s no indication of prepaid pricing for the phones themselves, they would apparently be available with an unlimited $30 a month data plan, which would have to be tacked on top of a minimum $45 a month voice plan. Yeah, that’s pretty aggressive for Verizon any way you slice it — maybe too aggressive to be true?

[Thanks, Bryan]

Update: Well, it looks like this chances of this happening just got a whole lot better — head on past the break for a shot we received of a Verizon Prepaid BlackBerry Curve box. If you look closely at the back of the box, you’ll also notice that the pricing matches up with the leaked documents, including monthly plans from $45 to 75 a month, and unlimited email and web for $30 a month. What’s more, while there’s no shots just yet, we’re hearing that the prepaid Droids are also a go (with the same plans), and that at least the Droid 2 has been specifically mentioned.

Update 2: As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also now gotten a handful more tips confirming that this is the real deal, and that it will apparently include BlackBerry, Android and Palm phones only (at least when it comes to smartphones).

Update 3: And just in case you still don’t believe us, we just got screenshots of Verizon’s inventory system listing all the current Droids, the LG Ally, the Motorola Devour, the Palm Pre / Pixi Plus, and a host of Blackberrys as pre-paid capable phones. Check it in the gallery.

VIA:
SOURCE:Android Does

When we talked to Sony Ericsson for the Xperia X10 for AT&T review, reps informed us that the phone is upgradeable but no further information could be provided. Now, we can’t say if this latest bit is global or just for those across the pond, but the official Twitter account of SE’s UK arm wrote today that Android 2.1 is “due for release before the end of September this year.” Certainly a step up from the Q4 2010 time frame we heard previously, but again, we’ve no clue if this applies to the US as well — we’ve messaged a stateside rep and will let you know what we hear. A blessing for some X10 family owners, just a cherry on top for others.

[Thanks, Henrik]
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SOURCE:@SonyEricssonUK (Twitter)

What’s this? A 7-inch, aluminum-trimmed, multitouch tablet from Korea running Android? Why it could be none other than the Samsung Galaxy, er, KT Identity Tab. Think of this 1GHz tablet with TFT-LCD, 8GB of internal memory (and SD expansion), DMB TV tuner, light and gravity sensors, built-in ebook reader, and 3 megapixel camera as KT’s answer to Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Android 2.2 tablet expected to hit SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest carrier, sometime in September. And with KT’s take on the Tab priced at KRW300,000 (about $253) or free with KRW27,000 per month contract and 50G WiMax (aka, WiBro in Korea) data plan, it certainly sets the expectation for how Samsung will price its Tab later this week. More pics of this oh too familiar tablet design after the break.

VIA:Akihabara News
SOURCE:Today Korea, Wall Street Journal

We’ve seen these kinds of Verizon launch decks before, so we tend to believe the September 8 date we’re seeing for the before. Either way, it’s looking like a sure thing that we’re going to see this on shelves come next week, completing Sammy’s impressive four-way coup to get its high-end Galaxy S line launched on all of the US nationals. Like the Droid 2 and Droid X, the Fascinate will feature Blockbuster Mobile to let you download full-length movies on the go — in other words, that’s a feature that won’t be a Droid brand exclusive — and Bing search will be installed out of the box, giving Microsoft a fun little foothold in Google’s kingdom. So, who’s buying? And while we’re on the subject, why isn’t this thing called the “Droid Fascinate?”

[Thanks, Bryan]
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SOURCE:Android Does

Motorola’s venerable MING handset revisions were just made official in three Android-toting varieties for China Unicom (model MT810, pictured center), and China Telecom (XT806, on the right). The TD-SCDMA riding MT810 ships with the Android derived OPhone 2.0 operating system and two touchscreen displays: a 3.2-inch stylus-friendly resistive touchscreen and a second transparent capacitive cover that provides a finger-friendly experience when closed. Other specs include 720 x 480 video capture, 720p video playback, and support for China’s CMMB mobile television spec. China Telecom’s XT806 is built on Android 2.1 with GPS, 720p video capture, and support for both CDMA EVDO and GSM for global wanderings. Finally, China Unicom’s A1680 packs a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, Chinese WAPI WiFi, 5 megapixel camera, GPS, and Motorola’s sixth-generation SoftStylus handwriting system.

Show full PR text
Motorola Mobility Brings Android™ to its Iconic MING™ Line with Three New Smartphones for China

Android™ power and China-specific features create intuitive, intelligent phones to help you succeed in work and life
August 30, 2010

Beijing, August 30, 2010 – Motorola, Inc., (NYSE: MOT) today launched three new Android™ smartphones in its successful and iconic MING™ series designed especially for China. The phones combine a superior Android touchscreen experience with updated MING styling and features, and include the MT810 for China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA network, the XT806 for China Telecom’s CDMA-2000 network, and the A1680 for China Unicom’s WCDMA network. Today’s launch extends Motorola’s leading portfolio of Android devices in the world’s largest mobile telecommunications market and reflects the Company’s commitment to designing phones especially to meet the needs of Chinese users.

“The new MING smartphones reflect our focus on intuitive intelligence, and are designed to adapt themselves to you and your life,” said Mr. Frank Meng, Corporate Vice President and President, Greater China, Motorola Mobility. “With MING we’ve combined our engineering expertise with a deep understanding of how people in China use their devices to create powerful, user-friendly smartphones that ‘feel just right’ and will bring great mobile experiences to our customers here.”

The three new MING smartphones bring Motorola’s portfolio of Android™ devices in China to a market-leading eleven, all released in less than a year. More than half the Android smartphones sold in China in the first half of 2010 were Motorola devices.

Designed in China for Chinese people and first launched in 2006, the MING rapidly established itself as a hit with its distinctive design and special features such as superb Chinese handwriting support, developed by Motorola and now in its sixth generation, and PDA functions that were useful and intuitive long before smartphones were a household word. Since the launch of the series more than five million Ming devices have sold in China.

“With MING and Android we’re bringing together two great Motorola success stories in China,” said Mr. Bin SHEN, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Product Management, Motorola Mobility. “MING has been a hit in China because it was designed especially for the way Chinese people live, work, and play with their handsets. Android™ has been a hit globally and in China thanks to its power and ease of use. By combining MING and Android, we’ve given Chinese professionals three great, new mobile devices for building their success designed exclusively for them.”

All three of the new MING devices offer a full touchscreen experience and sport an updated version of the MING flip design, including the signature transparent flip cover.

MT810: Social Meets Business for China Mobile

MT810 is being jointly launched with China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile telephone operator by subscribers, and uses China Mobile’s OPhone OS 2.0™ implementation of Android. The MT810 has a unique dual-touch system in which the 3.2-inch display is a resistive touchscreen perfect for stylus or finger input and the transparent cover is a second capacitive touchscreen that offers full finger touch functionality even when the phone is closed. A suite of pre-loaded intelligent business applications enables you to stay successful on the go while D1 (720 x 480) video capture, 720p HD video playback and powerful audio-video functionality, including support for China’s CMMB mobile television format, offer an unparalleled mobile entertainment experience. Access China Mobile’s Mobile Market with more than 7000 applications and tens of thousands of themes.

XT806: An Internet Powerhouse for China Telecom

XT806 is an Internet-connected powerhouse built on Android 2.1 and offered by Motorola and China Telecom. Easy connectivity and dual-mode/dual-standby support for CDMA EVDO and GSM enable seamless roaming so you can receive information around the world. XT806 also provides integrated mobile business application tools such as Quicknotes™, and innovative application that allows you to easily work on text, voice recording, videos, pictures, sketches and screen snapshots. With these features, the XT806 becomes a multimedia notebook that can help you search and work at any critical moment. It also has a transparent flip design and a 3.2-inch screen with a super-sharp 300dpi display, powerful GPS navigation services and 720p HD video capture and playback. Access Motorola’s SHOP4APPS, with over 800 specially selected applications.

A1680: Iconic MING Redefined for China Unicom

A1680 brings Android together with a design that reflects the classic and elegant MING heritage. A 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen offers a crystal clear display and excellent touch capabilities. A1680 supports China Unicom’s WCDMA network, as well as WAPI and WIFI1 high-speed connectivity for easy access to the mobile Internet. Motorola’s acclaimed intelligent handwriting recognition software has been perfected for the A1680 while a sixth-generation SoftStylus™ handwriting system easily captures your personal penmanship style. The A1680 also has a 5MP camera and GPS navigation services. Access Motorola’s SHOP4APPS, with over 800 specially selected applications

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We told you it was coming, now the Samsung Epic 4G is on sale at Sprint for a cool $249.99 plus two year life commitment. In other words, it’s time to let Sprint know whether this Galaxy S variant (with — gasp — working GPS) is worth the $50 premium over HTC’s EVO 4G. Well, is it?

Update: As usual, Amazon’s offering a discount showing a $199.99 listing for new contracts. It still shows a pre-order status (with 2-3 weeks ship time) but that’s likely to change any minute now.

[Thanks, Jonathan P. and Jason J.]
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SOURCE:Sprint