Announcements - Engadget Mobile

Orange UK's iPhone contract & pay as you go pricing plans detailed

by Tim Stevens posted Nov 2nd 2009 at 8:29AM

We're just about a week away from the Orange iPhone launch, and if you folks across the pond were wondering what the deal was going to cost you, you now have your answer thanks to a dizzying but thoroughly helpful series of tables that lay out the costs of the phones, plans, and the various accoutrement to be included. Those willing to sign up for 24 months can get an 8GB iPhone 3G for free for a minimum of £29.36 ($48) per month, but step up to the £122.34 ($200) monthly plan with unlimited everything and you'll get a 32GB 3GS gratis. Meanwhile, on a pay as you go plan that same 8GB 3G will cost you £343 ($561), while the 32GB 3GS is a rather more painful £539 ($881 -- haven't you figured out the conversion rate yet?). You know what that means: contract ahoy.

Access and Emblaze Mobile unveil Else Intuition, the Linux-based mobile OS of your dreams

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 23rd 2009 at 7:14AM

It's been a long, long time since Emblaze Mobile and Access engaged in holy cellphone matrimony, and the fruit of that relationship is finally coming to bear. It's called Else Intuition, a Linux-based mobile platform that comes with such a hyperbolic press release that we can't help but think every other mobile manufacturer should just pack up and go home. It's said to match the functionality of "top ranked MP3 players, best-in-class GPS devices, and more, while maintaining an exceptional ease and simplicity of use." Golly. At this point we only have a few images to go by, and though they do look plenty nice, we wouldn't consider our minds blown just yet -- particularly those of us with a left-handed bias. Remember, Access is the company that turned Palm OS into Garnet OS and then failed to win anyone over with its Access Linux Platform, so what could go wrong here? What's it going to be, readers: WebOS or Else?

Update: Another right-handed pic (ironically taken on an iPhone) added after the break.

Continue reading Access and Emblaze Mobile unveil Else Intuition, the Linux-based mobile OS of your dreams

Buy this book: Chris Ziegler's 'Palm Pre for Dummies'!

by Joshua Topolsky posted Oct 13th 2009 at 7:03PM

Now look, we're not calling you stupid or anything -- but you don't really know what to do with that phone... do you? Why don't you make things easier on everyone and just pick up this handy tome, written by our in-house Dostoyevsky, Engadget Mobile lead Chris Ziegler. We don't want to ruin anything for you here, but by the time you're done with this sweet piece, you'll be so handy with a Pre, Palm will call you for tech support. Is that overselling it? Nah.

First GSM Palm Pre now on sale in Germany, with new Euro-specific apps in tow

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 13th 2009 at 5:15AM

We knew it was coming, and here it is -- the glorious first showing of the Palm Pre in its GSM garb. From today, our Deutsch comrades can grab a Pre and do whatever they want to do to it, courtesy of O2, its exclusive German supplier. The device will set you back €481 without contract, with the O2 My Handy option letting you finance it via 24 monthly payments of €20. Check out the online store link below for full details and available calling plans. Pre Thinking have also noted the arrival of two new free apps in the Pre catalog -- ran and VZ-Netzwerke, both in German -- and the likely prospect of even more coming along as the Pre starts its long-awaited rollout across Europe over the next few days.

[Via Engadget German]

Read - O2 Germany Palm Pre launch announcement
Read - O2 Germany online store
Read - Pre Thinking

CTIA jumps on the micro-USB bandwagon

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 12th 2009 at 7:04AM

Think the CTIA is only good for swank trade shows? Think again! It's actually a trade group created to fight for your interests -- or at least those interests of your duly elected wireless providers -- and apparently top among those lists of interests is plug standardization. Yes, we're not the only ones sick of still having a sprawling mess of a gadget charging station, so CTIA is saying that micro-USB will be the power standard for all handsets and mobile devices. Likewise, the 3.5mm audio plug will be the standard for audio output on those same gadgets. It's shocking, we know, if only because we thought the entire gadget universe was already on board, with everyone and their mommas signing up for micro-USB and even HTC finally making room for a 3.5mm hole in the bottom of their handsets. These standards are set to go into effect in January of 2012, meaning we should get a good 11 months or so of dongle-free gadget harmony before the apocalypse.

Google and Verizon announce partnership, love and new Android handsets to result

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 6th 2009 at 8:22AM

We've seen blurry pics and reports from inventory systems, and now the official confirmation. This morning's joint press conference between Verizon and Google has resulted in a holy matrimony of sorts; a melding of the minds; a promise of new hardware to come. Yes, it's just a promise for now as neither company took the chance to confirm the Sholes or any of the other devices that have been popping up. But, Verizon did at least say that the agreement "will come to fruition within the next few weeks as Verizon Wireless introduces Android-based handsets." So, it won't be long now.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac releasing October 2

by Tim Stevens posted Sep 30th 2009 at 7:24AM

A tiny little beta leak earlier this month let BlackBerry-toting Mac fans knew that something good was coming in the near future, and now we know it's very near indeed (though a bit later than expected). On October 2 RIM will release BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac, specifically at 1:00pm EST. That means instead of wrapping up your busy work-week being productive you can instead spend the afternoon fighting long download queues and playing around getting this app configured -- for purely work-related purposes of course, like syncing with iCal, Address Book, and automatically backing up contacts. Just don't tell your boss you'll also be able to sync your iTunes collection to your handset, including album art, something that should make Pre-owning Bob down the hall a little jealous. Again, the fun starts Friday afternoon at 1:00 EST. Clear your calendars accordingly.

Read - RIM Launches BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac Users
Read - Download here come Friday

Samsung's 12 megapixel SCH-W880 made official

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 29th 2009 at 4:36AM

We might still have debates over whether the SCH-W880 represents a cameraphone or our newly minted category of phonecamera, but there's no doubt about this: the Samsung AMOLED 12M is now official and coming to (at least) Korea in October. The specs align closely to yesterday's info, with a 3x optical zoom, 720p video recording, dedicated camera controls, and a 800 x 480 3.3-inch AMOLED display grabbing the headlines. Touch AF makes use of the touchscreen to let you choose focus areas, while image stabilization and Smart Auto modes fill out the software side of the camera. That leaves us with scant little info on the actual phone, but you could probably fill those specs in yourself by now, right? Full PR after the break.

[Via Samsung Hub]

Gallery: Samsung SCH-W880

Continue reading Samsung's 12 megapixel SCH-W880 made official

iPhone 3G and 3GS to be offered by Orange UK -- official

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 28th 2009 at 4:07AM

Well well, turns out rumors sometimes do come true. The widely speculated end to O2's exclusivity of the iPhone is now upon us and Orange is the first competitor to throw its hat into the ring. The company has not yet released tariff pricing, but there's a tantalizingly small release window, as availability is promised "later this year." At least there's finally some competition when it comes to the iPhone in the UK, and we can also probably look forward to T-Mobile joining in on the fun. Let the price war begin!

[Via iPhone Bang; Thanks, Gears]

Palm Pre coming to the UK and Ireland October 16, Germany October 13, all O2 exclusives

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 24th 2009 at 3:51AM

It might be about four months late, but the UK is finally getting its slice of the tasty new Palm pie. There'll be no shortage of outlets to buy this from, with the Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and O2's online shop all stocked up, but the carrier options are limited to just one. You'll find tables of UK and Ireland pricing after the break, and you'll be happy to know that the Pre can be had for free on two-year contracts charging £34.26 per month, which come with "unlimited" mobile data and free access to the BT OpenZone WiFi service.

[Thanks, Andrew]

Update: Good news for our Teutonic brethren, as O2 Germany has also let slip news of the Pre hitting Deutschland on October 13, with the device priced at €481 without contract or cheaper with.

Continue reading Palm Pre coming to the UK and Ireland October 16, Germany October 13, all O2 exclusives

R.I.P. i-mate, we barely knew ye

by Tim Stevens posted Sep 17th 2009 at 8:24AM

Oh, global economic crisis, when will you stop claiming our favorite companies? Oh, wait, it's just i-mate folding this time? So, the company that already laid off its US staff is totally going away? We can live with that. It seems i-mate's remaining employees in Dubai Internet City were told yesterday that they had to take an unpaid two-month leave. That, apparently, was a typo, as the people were actually supposed to take an indefinite unpaid leave. Oops. The company has already been delisted from stock markets around the world, and this abrupt closing has left a number of retailers hanging as orders for the 810F are apparently still pending. Now they, just like our hopes of a Dirty Dancing sequel, will never be fulfilled.

The Engadget Show tapes Sunday, September 13th -- our first guest is Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein

by Joshua Topolsky posted Sep 11th 2009 at 1:04PM

The Engadget Show gets underway this coming Sunday, September 13th, in New York City, and we're super excited to announce that the first person we'll be sitting down with for a one-on-one conversation is Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein! Between the recent launch of the Pixi, the introduction Pre and webOS, and all the other hubbub surrounding the company, we think it will be quite an interesting chat.

The show -- which will be a mix of one-on-one interviews, roundtable discussions, short video segments, and live music -- will take place at the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design. The Show will be filmed live once a month -- but if you can't make it, don't worry. We'll be bringing the full video back home to Engadget (and as a free download in the iTunes Store, Zune Marketplace, etc.) for your viewing pleasure. The full show should be online just a few days after we tape!

The beautiful venue (which you can see in a photo after the break) is located at 66 W. 12th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Seating is limited and tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis -- which means if you want to join us in the audience for the show, you'll have to arrive early and be prepared for a little wait.

Here are the facts you need to know about the show:

The show is graciously sponsored by Nokia, and hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
Bit Shifter (one of our favorite chiptune artists) will be playing live at the first show!
The total show length will be around an hour

Here is what you need to know if you want to be part of the audience:

There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
The event is all ages
The venue seats just over 450 people
Parsons students are welcomed, and we encourage them to come!
Tickets will be available for pickup at the Tishman Auditorium at 2PM on the 13th, and we're strongly encouraging people to get their tickets and not stand in line -- if you have a ticket, you'll have a seat!
You cannot pick up tickets for other people -- if you want your friend to get a ticket, bring your friend!
The show begins at 5PM, and doors will open at 4:30PM

If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia@engadget.com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow@engadget.com.

No Engadget Mobile podcast this week -- yet

by Chris Ziegler posted Sep 9th 2009 at 6:30PM

As part of our ongoing effort to keep our dear listeners in the loop and avoid disappearing into the mobile jungle for weeks on end, we just wanted to let you know that we haven't forgotten abut you -- we want to record a podcast, but this week is turning into quite a bonanza for us. We'll get to it just as soon as we can!

The Engadget Show tapes Sunday, September 13th -- our first guest is Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein

by Joshua Topolsky posted Sep 9th 2009 at 4:37PM

The Engadget Show gets underway this coming Sunday, September 13th, in New York City, and we're super excited to announce that the first person we'll be sitting down with for a one-on-one conversation is Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein! Between the recent launch of the Pixi, the introduction Pre and webOS, and all the other hubbub surrounding the company, we think it will be quite an interesting chat.

The show -- which will be a mix of one-on-one interviews, roundtable discussions, short video segments, and live music -- will take place at the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design. The Show will be filmed live once a month -- but if you can't make it, don't worry. We'll be bringing the full video back home to Engadget (and as a free download in the iTunes Store, Zune Marketplace, etc.) for your viewing pleasure. The full show should be online just a few days after we tape!

The beautiful venue (which you can see in a photo after the break) is located at 66 W. 12th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Seating is limited and tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis -- which means if you want to join us in the audience for the show, you'll have to arrive early and be prepared for a little wait.

Here are the facts you need to know about the show:

The show is graciously sponsored by Nokia, and hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
Bit Shifter (one of our favorite chiptune artists) will be playing live at the first show!
The total show length will be around an hour

Here is what you need to know if you want to be part of the audience:

There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
The event is all ages
The venue seats just over 450 people
Parsons students are welcomed, and we encourage them to come!
Tickets will be available for pickup at the Tishman Auditorium at 2PM on the 13th, and we're strongly encouraging people to get their tickets and not stand in line -- if you have a ticket, you'll have a seat!
You cannot pick up tickets for other people -- if you want your friend to get a ticket, bring your friend!
The show begins at 5PM, and doors will open at 4:30PM

If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia@engadget.com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow@engadget.com.

The Engadget Show is taping live this Sunday, September 13th -- here's how you join us

by Joshua Topolsky posted Sep 8th 2009 at 2:48PM

Well you've asked -- and we're answering. The Engadget Show gets underway this coming Sunday, September 13th, in New York City, and we want you to be a part of it! The show -- which will be a mix of one-on-one interviews, roundtable discussions, short video segments, and live music -- will take place at the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design. The Show will be filmed live once a month -- but if you can't make it, don't worry. We'll be bringing the full video back home to Engadget (as well as the iTunes Store, Zune Marketplace, etc.) for your viewing pleasure. The full show should be online just a few days after we tape!

The beautiful venue (which you can see in a photo after the break) is located at 66 W. 12th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Seating is limited and tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis -- which means if you want to join us in the audience for the show, you'll have to arrive early and be prepared for a little wait.

Here are the facts you need to know about the show:

The show is graciously sponsored by Nokia, and hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
Our first guest will be announced tomorrow -- we're pretty excited about it, and think you guys will be as well
Bit Shifter (one of our favorite chiptune artists) will be playing live at the first show!
The total show length will be around an hour

Here is what you need to know if you want to be part of the audience:

There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
Tickets will be available for pickup at the Tishman Auditorium at 2PM on the 13th, and we're strongly encouraging people to get their tickets and not stand in line -- if you have a ticket, you'll have a seat!
The show begins at 5PM, and doors will open at 4:30PM

If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia@engadget.com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow@engadget.com.