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SaskTel to offer HTC One S Roughriders Edition

May 172012

We already knew that the HTC One S was headed to SaskTel. Today the carrier announced that it will carry a special edition version, the HTC One S Roughriders Edition. While the specifications will be unchanged, it will add a few extras.

“SaskTel is pleased to offer Saskatchewan Roughrider fans with a tailored HTC One S,” said Stacey Sandison, SaskTel Chief Marketing Officer. “The HTC One S is a high-end smartphone with an amazing camera, stunning design and authentic Universal Beats Audio Sound that will allow Rider fans to snap a picture of their favourite Rider player while shooting HD video at the same time.”

HTC One S Roughriders Edition

The HTC One S Roughrider Edition will include:

A free Riders case
The official Roughriders mobile app. Featuring a complete league schedule, past game results, statistics, team roster, player info, news, video interviews, game day forecasts and more!
A Rider Widget, which shows live scoreboard updates, next game info, and quick access to the Rider app right on your home screen
Free Rider ringtones and wallpaper
A specially wrapped box with a Riderized graphic and the full Rider schedule

The HTC One S Roughriders Edition will be available starting on May 26^th.

Android 4.0 now available in Canada for Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 172012

Motorola Canada today announced via Twitter the availability of the Android 4.0 upgrade for its Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi tablet. “The software update delivers a refined user interface and introduces innovative features and enhancements for tablet users. Install today for peak performance.” Among the updates highlighted by Motorola are:

Updated Browser with faster rendering, zoom and pan Users can also now save pages for offline reading and request desktop versions of websites.
Swipe to dismiss notifications, tasks, and browser tabs You can now dismiss individual notifications, apps from the Recent Apps list, and browser tabs with a simple swipe of a finger.
Redesigned app launcher In All Apps launcher, you can now simply drag an app to get information about it, immediately uninstall it, or disable a pre-installed app.
Redesigned Gallery app with photo editor To help pictures look their best, the Gallery now offers a powerful photo editor so you can crop and rotate pictures, set levels, remove red eyes, add effects, and much more.
Richer, resizable widgets You can expand widgets to show more content, or shrink them to save space.

The update is available over a Wi-Fi connection. The next time you connect, you should receive a notification that the update is available. You can also check manually through Settings > About Phone > System updates.

HTC One S now available in Canada

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 172012

A number of Canadian carriers today launched the HTC One S.

HTC One S specifications:

Processor: 1.5GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and tri-band HSPA
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA
Display: 4.3-inch qHD (540×960)
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 16Gb onboard
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash, BSI, f/2.0 lens and 1080p video capture
Front-facing camera: 1.3MP (720p for video chat)
Connectors: 3.5mm headphone jack, micro-USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery: 1,650mAh
Dimensions / weight: 130.9 x 65 x 7.8 / 119.5 grams
Other: Beats Audio

Pricing by carrier is as follows:

Bell: CA$99.95 with a three-year contract or CA$599.95 with no contract
Fido: CA$150 with a three-year contract
TELUS: CA$99.99 with a three-year contract, CA$469.99 with a two-year contract, CA$519.99 with a one-year contract or CA$569.99 with no contract
Virgin Mobile Canada: CA$99.99 with a three-year contract or SuperTab or CA$599.99 with no contract

Read more: Bell, Fido, TELUS and Virgin Mobile Canada

ASUS rolling out additional Eee Pad Transformer TF101 ICS update

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 162012

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer ASUS today announced a new Android 4.0 firmware release for its Eee Pad Transformer TF101, the original Transformer tablet. Release 9.2.1.24 comes with additional functionality and system stability improvements. These include:

Improved system stability
Improved Email App stability
Improved MyNet stability
Improved MyLibrary stability
New System Bar Lock: Lock the system bar when playing games
New Face Unlock feature: Unlock your tablet with face recognition
Add Email App new feature: Email download size/Thread/Out of office notification/Mail Sync schedule

ASUS began pushing out this update today in both Canada and the U.S.

HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE imports delayed by U.S. Customs

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 162012

HTC The launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE will likely occur later than HTC and Sprint had planned as the smartphone is facing import delays imposed by U.S. Customs. The HTC One X is facing similar delays and will likely become difficult to find at AT&T stores. The holds are due to an unresolved patent infringement issue with Apple. HTC confirmed the delays in a short statement:

The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC Evo 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible.

In December, the ITC ruled in favour of Apple for one patent infringement and imposed an importation ban on some of HTC’s devices. The ban took take effect on April 19^th. At the time, HTC described the ’647 patent as “a small UI experience” and planned to remove it from all phones.

It is likely that HTC will try to stay the ban as part of an appeal. For now, it remains unclear if and when U.S. Customs will allow imports of these devices to resume.

Rumour: Future Nexus devices to come from multiple manufacturers

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 152012

Google Android There could be a lot more Nexus devices in Android’s future, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Whereas there was a single Nexus device per Android major release in the past (2009′s Nexus One, 2010′s Nexus S and 2011′s Galaxy Nexus), Google could allow multiple manufacturers to offer Nexus devices with the next major version (Jelly Bean). It could work with up to five manufacturers to create a portfolio of Nexus smartphones and tablets.

These manufacturers will gain early access to new releases of Android in preparation for the launch of these Nexus devices. Each would also be able to have up to a dozen employees work at Google’s headquarters work directly with Google’s own programmers.

The move would allow Google to give Motorola (which it is in the process of acquiring) the chance to develop its own Nexus devices without the risk of upsetting its Android partners. Motorola could not be seen as getting any special favour from Google with such an arrangement.

The report adds that Google is hoping to have its new portfolio of Nexus devices ready for sale by Thanksgiving. The plan is to sell them unlocked presumably at full retail price, much as Google recently started doing with the Galaxy Nexus. The hardware section of the Google Play store will also expand to cover not only in the U.S. but Europe and Asia as well. Canada was not mentioned unfortunately.

Selling its devices directly will also allow Google to circumvent carriers and the limitations that they can impose. For example, Verizon Wireless’s version of the Galaxy Nexus does not come with Google Wallet.

Past rumours have linked Samsung, HTC and LG to wanting to build the next Nexus device. Perhaps they will all get the chance to do so now.

HTC announces HTC Desire C

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 152012

HTC formally announced the HTC Desire C today, a day after it was accidentally revealed by Vodafone Portugal. As expected, it is an entry-level smartphone running Android 4.0 and aimed at those getting their “first smartphone or for those upgrading from an existing one.”

HTC Desire C specifications:

Processor: 600MHz Qualcomm
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4.0
Cellular connectivity: GSM/GPRS/EDGE and HSPA/WCDMA
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (carrier-dependent)
Display: 3.5-inch HVGA (320×480)
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 5MP
Front-facing camera: None
Connectors: 3.5mm stereo audio jack, micro-USB 2.0 port
Battery: 1,230mAh
Dimensions / weight: 107.2 x 60.6 x 11.95 millimeters / 98 grams
Colours: Red, white and black
Other: Beats Audio, 25GB of DropBox storage

A variant which adds NFC will also be available. Carriers will choose which version they will offer.

The HTC Desire C will be available starting in June. Among the first countries to launch it will be the UK where it will sell for £169.99 with no contract. There is no word yet on Canadian or U.S. availability.

Vidéotron launches Samsung Galaxy Q

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 152012

Vidéotron is the latest Canadian carrier to launch the Samsung Galaxy Q, an entry level smartphone with slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

With the Samsung Galaxy Q, users can stay connected with friends and family in the blink of an eye. The 3.2” touchscreen makes for user-friendly navigation and with the Social Hub you can see all your contacts from Facebook, Twitter and MySpace at a glance. Users in a rush can use the convenient sliding keyboard to respond to friends that much faster.

Samsung Galaxy Q specifications:

Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Cellular connectivity: GSM / UMTS AWS
Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Display: 3.2-inch HVGA (320×480)
Input: Slide out QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3.2MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 113.9 x 58.7 x 13.9 millimeters / 135 grams

The Samsung Galaxy Q will be available from Vidéotron as of May 16^th for at CA$39.95 with “a 36-month economic inducement.”

Vodafone accidentally reveals HTC Desire C

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 142012

Vodafone Portugal has accidentally revealed the upomcing HTC Desire C. The unannounced smartphone appears in its May catalog with press shots and specifications. Codenamed Golf during development, the leaked specifications indicate that it will be an entry-level Android 4.0 smartphone.

Rumoured HTC Desire C

The Vodafone catalog reveals the following specifications:

Processor: 600MHz single-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4.0
Cellular connectivity: Listed as 3.5G (HSPA?)
Other connectivity: A-GPS, Wi-Fi
Display: 3.5-inch HVGA
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Storage: 4GB onboard
Rear-facing camera: 5MP
Front-facing camera: None
Other: Beats Audio

The HTC Desire C has been the topic of leaks a couple of times. A leaked press shot was followed earlier this month by some actual device pictures.

The HTC Desire C has yet to be formally announced but its inclusion in the May issue suggests that this will happen quite soon.

WIND Mobile launches Samsung Galaxy Q and Huawei U8651

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 112012

WIND Mobile today announced two new devices, the Samsung Galaxy Q and the Huawei U8651. Both are entry-level devices that should be fairly friendly to your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy Q specifications:

Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Cellular connectivity: GSM / UMTS AWS
Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Display: 3.2-inch HVGA (320×480)
Input: Slide out QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB (2GB card included)
Rear-facing camera: 3.2MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 113.9 x 58.7 x 13.9 millimeters / 135 grams

Huawei U8651 specifications:

Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Cellular connectivity: GSM / UMTS AWS
Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi
Display: 3.5-inch HVGA (320×480)
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Storage: 512MB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3.2MP FF
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,400mAh
Dimensions / weight: 116 x 60.5 x 11.9 millimeters / 118 grams
Other: Two extra covers in red and white

One note of caution: It is unlikely that either of these will be upgraded to Android 4.0.

WIND Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy Q for CA$199 with no contract or for free on its WINDtab plans. The Huawei U8651 is available for CA$149 with no contract or free as well on the WINDtab.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Q and Huawei U8651

Android 4.0 updates begin rolling out for Samsung Galaxy Note

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 112012

Samsung Galaxy Note Samsung has begun to roll out the Android 4.0 update for the Galaxy Note. Reports from Europe indicate that users have begun to receive notifications of the over-the-air update (and Samsung’s Kies software in Germany). Build XXLPY will update Android to version 4.0.3.

The update, dubbed a “Premium Suite upgrade” by Samsung will not only include Android 4.0 but also extra multimedia features and a range of new S Pen optimized applications such as the new S Note app and widget.

The staggered rollout should expand to other regions in the near future. In Canada, TELUS expects to deploy the update in early June.

Mobilicity launches Samsung Galaxy Q

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 102012

Mobilicity today launched the Samsung Galaxy Q. An entry-level smartphone, it comes with an increasingly rare feature: a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Samsung Galaxy Q specifications:

Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Cellular connectivity: GSM/HSPA
Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Display: 3.2-inch HVGA (320×480)
Input: Slide out QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen
Storage: 173MB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB (2GB card included)
Rear-facing camera: 3.2MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 113.9 x 58.7 x 13.9 millimeters / 135 grams

One caution: The Samsung Galaxy Q does not figure currently in Samsung’s Android 4.0 upgrade plans. Don’t hold your breath for an upgrade.

Mobilicity is offering the Samsung Galaxy Q for CA$199.99 with no contract.

Canada: Android 4.0 upgrade now available for Sony Tablet S

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 102012

Sony Canada today announced via Twitter that the much anticipated Android 4.0 upgrade for the Sony Tablet S is now available.

Android 4.0 is now available for Sony Tablet S! Next time you connect to Wi-Fi it should prompt you for a system update

No reason was given as to why it took a few additional weeks for the update to make its way up to Canada after its U.S. release.

Facebook to launch App Center

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 102012

Facebook yesterday jumped into the app store fray with the announcement of its App Center, described as a new place for people to find social apps. With over 900 million users, including over 480 million mobile users, the App Center will be available on the web as well as in the iOS and Android Facebook apps. It is designed to grow mobile apps that use Facebook – “whether they’re on iOS, Android or the mobile web.”

Each app will have its own details page providing users with information such as images, permissions required by the app, and more. Developers can now go create these pages to be ready for the launch.

The Facebook App Center will not only support in-app purchases but also paid apps.

Facebook will focus on quality apps. They will need to meet development guidelines and will be measured using a number of signals, including user ratings and engagement. Only those that meet Facebook’s standards will be listed.

Sony launches Xperia GX and Xperia SX for Japanese market

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

May 102012

Sony Mobile Japan this week announced the Xperia GX and the Xperia SX. The two are Sony’s first LTE devices for the Japanese market and promise download speeds up to 75Mbps. The Xperia GX follows in the Xperia arc’s footsteps with a slim body (8.6 millimeters thick) and a matte finish. The Xperia SX is billed as the world’s lightest LTE smartphone at just 95 grams.

According to Xperia Blog, the Xperia GX was codenamed Mint during development. The Sony LT29i ‘Hayabusa’ will apparently be a variant without LTE connectivity.

Sony Mobile Japan did not provide full specifications but here is what we know so far:

Sony Xperia GX specifications:

Processor: 1.5Ghz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0
Cellular connectivity: LTE
Display: 4.6-inch 720p HD Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Storage: 16GB onboard
Rear-facing camera: 13MP with Exmor R sensor and HD video capture
Connectors: HDMI (likely micro-HDMI)
Dimensions: 8.6 millimeters thick

Sony Xperia SX specifications:

Processor: 1.5 GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0
Cellular connectivity: LTE
Display: 3.7-inch qHD (540×960))
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Storage: 8GB onboard
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with Exmor R sensor and HD video capture
Dimensions / weight: 9.4 millimeters thick / 95 grams
Other: Infrared port, mobile wallet and mobile TV

Three new Sony mobile apps with launch with these new smartphones. A Walkman app will come with audio enhancements such as VPT surround sound, a visualizer and manual equalizers. The Album app will offer photo and video browsing as well as social sharing tools. The Movies app will provide information (from Gracenote’s database of media information) about a movie being watched.

Both the Xperia GX and Xperia SX are expected to launch in Japan this summer. An international release is expected to follow afterwards.

Read more: Sony Mobile Japan (Source: Xperia Blog)

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