Sponsored Links
Blogs that we like
Featured Stories
-
Adore Your Android: Cover with a Case from OtterBox
10 February 2012 12:01 AM | No Commentsvar AdBrite_Title_Color = '0000FF'; var AdBrite_Text_Color = '000000'; var AdBrite_Background_Color = 'FFFFFF'; var AdBrite_Border_Color = 'CCCCCC'; var AdBrite_URL_Color = '008000'; try{var AdBrite_Iframe=window.top!=window.self?2:1;var AdBrite_Referrer=document.referrer==''?document.location:document.referrer;AdBrite_Referrer=encodeURIComponent(AdBrite_Referrer);}catch(e){var AdBrite_Iframe='';var AdBrite_Referrer='';} document.write(String.fromCharCode(60,83,67,82,73,80,84));document.write(' src="http://ads.adbrite.com/mb/text_group.php?sid=2053203&zs=3436385f3630&ifr='+AdBrite_Iframe+'&ref='+AdBrite_Referrer+'" type="text/javascript">');document.write(String.fromCharCode(60,47,83,67,82,73,80,84,62)); FORT COLLINS, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Known as an innovator of protective solutions, OtterBox® introduces cases for newest Android™ smartphones...
Read More -
Isobar’s NFC Hackathon Winners Create Applications for Gaming, Gifting and Music Remixing
09 February 2012 5:10 PM | No CommentsBOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Isobar, a global communications agency, announced today the winners of Isobar Create 32, Silicon Valley’s first hackathon exploring Near Field Communication (NFC) technology...
Read More -
WeatherBug 2.0 for iPhone Mobile App Launches in iTunes Store
09 February 2012 12:00 PM | No CommentsGERMANTOWN, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Earth Networks SM, the owner of WeatherBug® products and services and operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks, announces...
Read More -
Digi-Key’s Android App Listed as a Top App
08 February 2012 9:58 PM | No CommentsTHIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s largest selection of electronic components available for...
Read More -
Infonetics Research: Mobile Broadband, Smartphones, LTE Drive Diameter Signaling Controllers to 106% CAGR to 2016
08 February 2012 4:40 PM | No CommentsCAMPBELL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Communications market research firm Infonetics Research (www.twitter.com/infonetics) on Friday released its Diameter Signaling Control Worldwide and Regional Market Size and Forecasts ...
Read More
-
Adore Your Android: Cover with a Case from OtterBox
Amazon Great Deals
phone Archive
-
Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds)
Posted on June 24, 2010 | No Commentsdigg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_4_bezel_antenna_actually_makes_it_DROP_calls'; What's more annoying than spending hours lining up for a shiny new gadget? Learning that your precious phone can't actually connect to the network. Well, depending on how you hold it -- word has it that the iPhone 4's bottom-left corner isn't playing nice with your skin. If you recall from the keynote, that's where the Bluetooth / WiFi / GPS antenna meets its GSM / UMTS counterpart. So we decided to test on two brand new iPhone 4 handsets purchased today in the UK.
One iPhone 4 demonstrated the issue everytime it was held in our left hand (as a right-handed person is apt to do) so that our palm was essentially bridging the two antennas. You can see that in the video after the break. Bridging the two with a finger tip, however, didn't cause any issues with the reported reception. If we had to guess, we'd say that our conductive skin was acting to detune the antenna -- in fact, we've already managed to slowly kill two calls that way so it's not just an issue with the software erroneously reporting an incorrect signal strength. That said, we had no issues when Apple's $29 rubber bumper accessory (given to us free for standing in line) was attached, creating a buffer between our palm and the antennas. Our second UK-purchased iPhone 4 was fine, showing none of these handling symptoms. See the video evidence after the break including Insanely Great Mac's version which got us to worrying in the first place.
P.S. Don't forget to take our poll and let us know if you're seeing both the yellow spots / stripes and reception issues. Unfortunately, we're suffering from both flaws which is not a good sign for quality control on this first batch of Apple handsets.
P.P.S. Since some of you are asking, our review unit showed none of these issues.
Update: Apple responds to the issue, and boy, it's a doozy.Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Dell Streak gets cozy with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, suddenly looks small (video)
Posted on June 21, 2010 | No Commentsdigg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Dell_Streak_Bluetooth_keyboard_mini_mobile_workstation'; Look what we have here? The Dell Streak sure keeps bringing us more and more surprises -- unlike most Android devices that lack the Bluetooth HID profile, here it is paired up with our wireless keyboard and mouse (Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse, specifically) without any driver hacks. Streak Smart, who made this discovery, had the same experience as us with its iGo Stowaway keyboard and an unknown mouse -- typing was as smooth as cutting butter with a hot knife, but the mouse couldn't do much due to the lack of pointer and scrolling support. If you insist, the forthcoming Nokia N8 is confirmed to support both devices natively, but it shouldn't be long before we see a mouse hack for the green bot. Hands-on video after the break, and do also head over to the source link if you need more convincing.
Dell Streak gets cozy with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, suddenly looks small (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Sony Ericsson’s Cedar and Yendo phones leaked, vying for your attention
Posted on June 15, 2010 | No CommentsOopsie! Looks like Sony Ericsson's become as leaky as BP's oil rig these days, although we can't say we're all that stirred up by this particular exposé. On the left we have the Cedar, which is much like its hippie GreenHeart cousin Naite but with a touch of SE's "human curvature" sculpting on the back. So yes, still a dumbphone. As for the little Yendo on the right, we won't blame you if you mistook it as the similarly-shaped X10 Mini -- even the UI looks strikingly alike, plus both are littered with similarly vast ranges of back cover options to suit your retinal taste. That said, there's been no mention on whether this Walkman phone also runs on Android, so until SE gives us a clue, we'll be looking elsewhere for the time being. Head over to the source links for more pics.
[Thanks, scotsboyuk]Sony Ericsson's Cedar and Yendo phones leaked, vying for your attention originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Sony Ericsson rearing a ‘Julie’ Windows Phone 7 slider in the lab?
Posted on June 15, 2010 | No Comments
Our latest Windows Phone 7 gossip stems from the juicy Chinese grapevine. Rumor has it that Sony Ericsson's now testing a WP7 device -- possibly a first for the company -- codenamed "Julie," which sports a sliding QWERTY keyboard and a capacitive multitouch screen about the size of the X10's. Ah, this sure brings back touching memories of the first two WinMo Xperia sliders. Apart from the processor being clocked at 1GHz or above, little else is known about this unborn baby -- no dates, no photos ('tis our mockup on the right), but we won't question this tipster who also brought us SE's "Shakira" and the peculiar 5.5-inch Android device. Anyway, given SE's track record, it'll probably take six more months of gestation before Julie pops out.Sony Ericsson rearing a 'Julie' Windows Phone 7 slider in the lab? originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Dell Streak review
Posted on June 6, 2010 | No Commentsdigg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Dell_Streak_review_it_s_a_huge_friggin_phone'; Streak. It needs no introduction, as this slate's been gaining a lot of attention amongst gadget lovers around the world. Thanks to the UK launch last Friday, we were one of the first on this planet to procure Dell's finalized Android 1.6 phone from O2. Yep, you heard right -- Engadget's now in possession of two Streaks, with the older one still in its original and somewhat unstable prototype state. Our new toy sports a matte "carbon" finish instead of chrome (no word on future availability; the red version's coming in two weeks' time), and now 399MB of RAM instead of 405MB (according to Android System Info app; yet it's advertised as 512MB). Anyhow, now that we have the real deal, there's plenty to go through, so join us after the break to see if the Streak's really going to start a new trend.
Continue reading Dell Streak review
Dell Streak review originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Hands on with the Ulysse Nardin Chairman Android phone
Posted on June 6, 2010 | No CommentsHow much would you pay for an Android phone? $99? $199? Maybe $299 with contract? How about $50,000. As you recall, the Ulysse Nardin Chairman is a freaking $50,000 phone. It’s only in beta right now, but it will run Android 2.1 and come in multiple styles including a model covered with diamonds. The box, [...] -
Sony Ericsson prepping a 5-inch Android phone with QWERTY keyboard? (updated)
Posted on June 4, 2010 | No CommentsWell, this is just great timing. What we're looking at here is supposedly a Sony Ericsson smartphone, which seems to sport a five-inch screen and a hinged slide-out keyboard like the HTC Shift and the Eking S515. Even if this prototype turns out to be legit, our tipster -- who has a solid track record -- says it's only running on Android 2.1 and that development is in its infancy while low-level drivers are being tested. Well, we can probably wait, except we're also told that internally SE doesn't appear to have any plans for 2.2 yet. Cue the angry tomatoes and eggs, but bring us a PSP phone any day and we'll call off the rally.
Update: We've received word from a second highly-trusted source who says that the display is 5.5 inches (too big to fit in the front pocket), and runs a clean Android 2.1 install. Oh, and it's launching in the fall.Sony Ericsson prepping a 5-inch Android phone with QWERTY keyboard? (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
HP says it’s in the smartphone market, after all
Posted on June 3, 2010 | No Comments
HP CEO Mark Hurd certainly caused a few sad faces yesterday when he told investors and analysts that HP "didn't buy Palm to be in the smartphone business," and now the company is trying to walk that back a little -- rest easy, folks, because there are definintely more webOS smartphones on the way. Apparently what Hurd was really trying to say was that HP is excited about using webOS as the foundation for all types of smaller web-connected devices, and smartphones are just a part of that universe -- a part HP intends to pursue. Phew. Now, can we see these new webOS devices, please? Here's the full statement from HP:
When we look at the market, we see an array of interconnected devices, including tablets, printers, and of course, smartphones. We believe webOS can become the backbone for many of HP's small form factor devices, and we expect to expand webOS's footprint beyond just the smartphone market, all while leveraging our financial strength, scale, and global reach to grow in smartphones.HP says it's in the smartphone market, after all originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Dell Streak 16GB in stock on O2 UK website
Posted on June 3, 2010 | No Comments
Mesmerized by that 5-inch display? Looking to get in on the action for yourself? If you're in the UK, take note: the Dell Streak is listed as "in stock," with prices starting at free on contract.
[Thanks, Luke]Continue reading Dell Streak 16GB in stock on O2 UK website
Dell Streak 16GB in stock on O2 UK website originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Ask Engadget: best smartphone without a camera?
Posted on May 20, 2010 | No CommentsWe know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from James' best bud, who would love to own an EVO 4G... if not for that 8 megapixel camera that's strictly against protocol. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
This is a fairly common question, actually, and despite the fact that few phones are made any more sans a camera, many organizations refuse to allow them. We'd hate for your friend be stuck with a dumbphone, so here's hoping our readers can drop some knowledge below. Otherwise, we suggest he / she just mail in a two-week notice -- Sent from their iPhone, of course."I have a friend who's taken a job in a security field and the employer doesn't allow cameras on cellphones. He's currently happy with an iPhone 3GS and would definitely consider an Android device but is having trouble finding a decent phone with no camera. The only caveat is that for whatever reason he doesn't want a BlackBerry. Does anyone else make a decent smartphone sans camera? Thanks!"Ask Engadget: best smartphone without a camera? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Google’s Larry Page says there’s ’something wrong’ if your Android phone’s battery doesn’t last all day
Posted on May 19, 2010 | No CommentsCellphones and batteries. It's an eternal struggle, but one that Google's Larry Page says should at least be manageable. That topic arose at the recent Google Zeitgeist forum, where Page responded to a question about battery life on Android phones by saying that he actually found it to be "pretty good," and that "if you are not getting a day, there is something wrong." That prompted Google CEO Eric Schmidt to chime in and explain that the main culprit for excessive battery use on the phones is the transmit / receive circuit, which he says some apps are are "not particularly smart about" using.
Google's Larry Page says there's 'something wrong' if your Android phone's battery doesn't last all day originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Lenovo LePhone unboxed, exhaustively reviewed ahead of launch in China
Posted on May 8, 2010 | No CommentsWe're not sure how we missed this one, but it's better late than never -- turns out some lucky jerks in China were given a Lenovo LePhone to play with back in mid-April, and the guys at Sooyuu have just finished the fifth and final part of their lengthy review, just in time for the May launch. We weren't expecting any changes since our last encounter at CES, but apparently the 3.7-inch screen's now been upgraded from LCD to AMOLED, and like the Palm Pre, the LePhone also sports a gesture area below the screen. Of course, there's also the never-before-seen packaging that we totally dig, not to mention the bundled goodies such as a leather case, a noise-isolation handsfree kit (but sans music and volume control), plus a magnetic dock adapter. As for software, the reviewer praises Lenovo's snappy, heavily customized Android with its vast Chinese social networking service integration, music store, video apps, and an impressive Chinese turn-by-turn navigation suite. We almost want to adopt this baby, only to be let down by its 3.2-megapixel camera's mediocre quality, lack of flash, and inability to autofocus. Anyhow, you can be the final judge -- head over to Sooyuu for plenty more pictures.
Lenovo LePhone unboxed, exhaustively reviewed ahead of launch in China originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 May 2010 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed
Posted on May 6, 2010 | No Comments
You know what's awesome? Cookie dough ice cream. But when it comes to the smartphone market, the 18-month-old, steadily-growing Android platform is equally wondrous. Sure, Google may have a tiny bit of catching up to do when compared with Apple's market share, but at least Android users are already spoiled with a handful of good Twitter apps. Better yet, Twitter has now thrown in its official app to spice up the competition, so we thought it'd be interesting to put it head-to-head against the third-party clients. Read on to find out if we have a winner.Continue reading Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed
Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments -
Sharp Japan’s cordless phone system features integrated photo frame
Posted on February 19, 2010 | No Comments
Back in August 2009, we covered a cordless phone offered by Sharp Japan that could be connected to a portable 7-inch touch panel via infrared. That panel could be used as a digital picture frame, for example. And yesterday, the same company announced [JP] the JD-4C1CW, which again links a cordless phone to a touch screen. This time, the display is part of the phone.
-
San Francisco considers displaying phone radiation levels next to price tag
Posted on December 24, 2009 | No CommentsIf the San Francisco Department of the Environment gets its way, starting as soon as next month Bay Area residents might start noticing the radiation levels of cellphones displayed prominently next to their respective price at retail outlets. This is, of course, despite no definitive research that the handsets cause harm and the FCC's insistence that the devices sold to consumers are safe. The proposal is being endorsed by Mayor Gavin Newsom, who as it's noted is not about to stop using his iPhone anytime soon. Not to worry, Maine, you'll still keep the top spot for most ridiculous cellphone warning label.
San Francisco considers displaying phone radiation levels next to price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments