Gadgetorama - 2/582 - Your eye on the latest mobility and gadget news

New details and name for upcoming HTC Endeavor?

Feb 172012

The HTC Endeavor was formerly known as the HTC Edge and it now appears to be headed for another name change. PocketNow has learned that it could be launched (likely at Mobile World Congress) as the HTC One X or HTC One^X.

Meanwhile, a second report supports earlier rumours about the HTC Endeavor’s specifications. MoDaCo‘s source confirms that details leaked earlier are correct and adds a few more to complete the picture:

Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Nvidia AP33 Tegra 3
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with HTC Sense 4.0
Cellular connectivity: 21Mbps HSDPA
Other connectivity: A-GPS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Display: 4.7-inch HD (720 x 1280) S-LCD 2
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 32GB internal / No microSD card slot
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with f/2.2 lens, backlit sensor and 1080p video capture
Front-facing camera: 1.3MP capable of 720p video capture
Battery: 1,800mAh
Dimensions: 8.8 millimeters thick with unibody design
Other: Beats Audio, microSIM card, FM radio

MoDaCo adds that the buttons seen on leaked images have been replaced by capacitive ones typical of an Android 4.0 device. The only physical buttons will be the power button and volume rocker. It will also have a dual-colour (green and amber) LED notification rather than a multi-colour one like on the Galaxy Nexus.

The dual-core HTC Ville looks set to be launched as the One S alongside the HTC One X/Endeavor/Edge.

Android 4.0 update delayed for ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 172012

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer The Android 4.0 update for the original ASUS Eee Pad appears to have slipped further out. The last update suggested mid-February but a Facebook post by ASUS Singapore suggests it will now be later than that:

Dear fellow Asus members, we would like to say that we appreciate all the support we see in our Asus Facebook page every day. It makes our contributions worthwhile and fulfilling.

We are informed that the ICS upgrade for TF101 will be ready within the Feb/March 2012 period. You will be able to receive the upgrade notification via FOTA once we have a confirmation date.

We thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter

ASUS had originally indicated that the update would come “a.s.a.p.” after the release of the one for the Transformer Prime. ASUS has since then pushed it out a number of times. No reason has yet to be given for these delays.

Mobilicity adds 63,000 customers in Q4 2011

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 162012

Mobilicity yesterday announced that it had signed up 63,000 customers in the last quarter of 2011 and described itself as “the nation’s fastest-growing new wireless entrant.” It also expects to continue to outpace its competition “based on results disclosed thus far.”

“In just our second year of operations, Mobilicity continues to shake up the industry as the fastest-growing new entrant, adding even more subscribers last quarter than one of the Big 3 incumbents,” said Mobilicity President and Chief Operating Officer Stewart Lyons. “Our value-based service is clearly resonating with Canadian consumers. The Federal Government’s desire to foster a competitive environment has worked, and providing new entrants with access to more spectrum through the 700 MHz auction will be an important component of furthering the gains in competition realized to date.”

Mobilicity also revealed that its ARPU (average revenue per user) topped CA$30 at the end of 2011.

Mobilicity revealed last November that it had over 250,000 customers. These new numbers suggests that it could now have over 300,000. In comparison, WIND Mobile now has 425,000 customers and Public Mobile has some 199,000 customers.

Google Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) coming in Q2?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 162012

Google Android 4.0 has barely made it onto about 1% of all Android devices that Google may be gearing up to launch the next major version of the mobile OS. Digitimes is reporting that Google could launch Jelly Bean (Android 5.0) sometime in the second quarter (perhaps at Google I/O 2012?). The move could be tied to Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 release and the claim that “Android 4.0 has fallen short of original expectations.”

The report adds that Android 5.0 will feature further optimization for tablet devices. The new version could also make it easier for tablets to support both Android 5.0 and Windows 8 and allow customers to switch between the two without rebooting. Could Google be about to once again split Android into smartphone and tablet versions (as it did with Android 3.0 before reunifying them in Android 4.0)?

Given that most people are still waiting for Android 4.0, a new version (especially with the capabilities listed here), such a launch seems premature. It could end up harming the Android ecosystem more than help it.

This one will stay in the wild rumours category until more information comes to light…

Nokia to launch entry-level Windows Phone Lumia 610 at MWC?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 162012

Nokia Rumours in the past have hinted at an entry-level Nokia Lumia 600 series device (such as the Lumia 601 and a Series 3 device). TechRadar has now learned that Nokia could unveil the Nokia 610 at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (along with new Asha devices). Details are slim but it is likely to be powered by Windows Phone Tango, a new version optimized for lower-end devices.

Windows Phone Tango is an update that is expected to focus on supporting slower processors, lower resolution displays, support for up to 120 languages

With the Nokia Lumia 710 selling for about $250 without a contract, the Nokia Lumia 610 could be the first Windows Phone device to fall under the $200 threshold. Lower-end Android devices may soon be facing a new competitor.

Sony Ericsson renamed Sony Mobile Communications

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 152012

Sony today announced that its acquisition of Ericsson’s share in their joint venture is officially complete. It will rename its new wholly-owned subsidiary Sony Mobile Communications and will “further integrate the mobile phone business as a vital element of its electronics business, with the aim of accelerating convergence between Sony’s lineup of network enabled consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, TVs and PCs.”

Bert Nordberg, formerly President of Sony Ericsson, has been named President and CEO of Sony Mobile Communications AB. The new company has roughly 8,000 employees. Its principal business will remain the “design, development, manufacture and sale of mobile phone products.”

RIM to launch BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 21st?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 152012

While a number of past rumours have suggested that Research In Motion would launch its much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 17^th, users may have to wait a bit longer if the latest rumour turns out to be true. According to N4BB‘s sources, RIM will release the update on February 21^th.

For its part, RIM has only officially confirmed a release sometime in February. The update will add features such as native email, calendar, contacts and an improved BlackBerry Bridge. According to the report, one notable omission will be BBM which will not be ready in time. This should not be news as RIM itself announced that BBM would not be included back in October.

Samsung Galaxy Note now available in Canada

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 142012

The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note is now available in Canada from Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless and TELUS Mobility.

Samsung Galaxy Note specifications:

Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.0)
Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 5.3-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass
Input: Capacitive touchscreen, S Pen digital pen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 16GB onboard and micro SD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: 2MP
Battery: 2500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 millimeters / 178 grams

Prices start at CA$199.99 with a three-year contract at all three carriers. Bell is also offering it for CA$729.95 with no contract. Rogers is also offering it for CA$599.99 with a two-year contract, CA$649.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$699.99 with no contract. TELUS is also offering it for CA$679.99 with a two-year contract, CA$729.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$779.99 with no contract.

Images of RIM BlackBerry 10 operating system?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 142012

A leaked ad agency document has revealed images of what BlackBerry 10 could look like. It looks like the user experience has been influenced by both Android and Windows Phone.

Rumoured BlackBerry OS 10

The new images reveal that BlackBerry 10 will feature homescreen widgets capable of displaying live data. The icon tray has also been revamped with a folder icon that shows the apps it contains.

Samsung announces GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) tablet

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 132012

Samsung today announced its first new tablet for 2012. It is fitting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) is the successor to its very first Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

“Two years ago, Samsung GALAXY Tab began to offer customers more possibilities on the go. Since then, Samsung has actively enhanced our tablet line-up with several tablets in different sizes,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “The new GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) will provide people with delighted multimedia experience and allow efficient communication.”

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. (7.0) specifications:

Processor: 1GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band HSPA+ 21Mbps on 3G model
Other connectivity: A-GPS (on 3G model only), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0,
Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600) PLS
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 8/16/32GB onboard options and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 4,000mAh
Dimensions / weight: 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 millimeters, 344g

Offered in both in 3G and Wi-Fi versions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) will launch first in the UK in March. It will be available in other global markets later. Pricing information was not provided.

NVIDIA to unveil quad-core smartphones at MWC?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 132012

NVIDIA’s invitation for a Mobile World Congress press event suggests that the chipmaker could announce a quad-core smartphone (or perhaps more than one). It promises “quad-core firsts.” With the Tegra 3 already in the ASUS Transformer Prime, smartphones are a logical guess for that next first.

NVIDIA MWC 2012 press invitation

Both HTC and LG are rumoured to be bringing quad-core smartphones (the HTC Edge/Endeavor and LG X3 respectively) to MWC. Will one or both partner up with NVIDIA for the announcement?

Note: For what it’s worth, I don’t think the phone in the invitation is the one that will be unveiled…

Microsoft to open store in Toronto in late 2012?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 102012

Microsoft could open its first international “Microsoft store” in Canada later this year. The Verge reports that this store would open in Toronto shortly before the holidays. It could also be joined by one other international store in an undisclosed country.

Aside from its first international stores, Microsoft is planning to open four new stores in the U.S. in the coming months. This is part of the company’s plans to open 75 new stores over the next two years.

Much like Apple stores, Microsoft stores carry a variety of Microsoft products including Windows Phone handsets.

TELUS to launch LTE network on February 10th

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 102012

TELUS Mobility today announced that it will launch its LTE network on Friday, February 10^th. Initial coverage will include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, Guelph, Belleville, Ottawa, Montreal, Québec City, Halifax and Yellowknife. It expects peak download speeds of up to 75Mbps with average speeds to fall between 12 and 25Mbps.

“Our commitment is to offer the best customer experience and we have followed through by launching a 4G LTE network with broad coverage in many communities across Canada. We also offer a solid and growing selection of LTE capable devices to ensure our customers can enjoy all the benefits of this advanced wireless technology,” said Eros Spadotto, TELUS executive vice-president of Technology Strategy and Operations. “We’re listening to our customers and working hard to give them clear and simple service terms with no surprises. Consistent with this approach, our current rate plans will apply to our 4G LTE customers. We are not introducing a new rate plan or charging a premium to enjoy our new network.”

TELUS will launch its LTE network with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE tablet, the LG Optimus LTE smartphone and the Novatel Wireless Ovation MC679 4G LTE Mobile Internet Key. The Samsung Galaxy Note will follow on February 14^th.

TELUS will also continue to expand its network through 2012. It expects to reach more than 25 million Canadians by the end of 2012.

Google announces Chrome for Android

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 092012

Google yesterday introduced Chrome for Android. Currently in beta, it brings Google’s browser to to Android 4.0 phones and tablets.

Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take your personalized web browsing experience with you wherever you go, across devices.

Chrome for Android is very similar to its PC cousin but features a few differences as well. For example, tabs are implemented slightly differently to make them more suitable to smaller screens. Switching between tabs is done by swiping or flipping as you would with a deck of cards. Selecting links is also easier with Link Preview which zooms in on links to make them easier to select.

Signing into Chrome and Chrome for Android allows you access open tabs, sync bookmarks and share autocomplete suggestions.

Chrome for Android is now available as a beta release from the Android Market. It requires a phone or tablet running Android 4.0.

Public Mobile tops 199,000 subscribers

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 082012

It seems like the last quarter of 2011 was good not only to WIND Mobile but also to Public Mobile. In a report that indicates that Public Mobile will increase rates in a bid to become profitable, it was revealed that the value-conscious carrier now also has 199,000 subscribers. It was only last November that the carrier announced it had topped the 150,000 subscriber milestone. Public Mobile’s growth is impressive, especially given that it only operates in two major markets.

Public Mobile also disclosed its ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) for the first time. It came in at CA$25.27 a month. The rate increase will help drive this higher along with recent US roaming agreement.

Public Mobile’s Unlimited Talk plan will increase by CA$4 per month to CA$19 per month this month.

Follow Us