(Credit:
Cory O'Brien via Twitter)
We know that one of the hottest Google Android phones out there is the one you can't get yet. Well, unless you're a Google employee of course. So the question remains, when will the general public be able to get a Nexus One of their very own? Well, according to the latest rumor, it could be as early as January 5.
A tipster told Engadget Mobile on Wednesday that the Nexus One will be available on that date but by invite only. The invitations will be sent out by Google but the tipster didn't have any information as to how the company is deciding who to send the invites to and no word on pricing. It seems a little suspect to us, but hey, we know Google likes to pull surprises.
In addition to a possible release date, Engadget Mobile posted full specs for the smartphone:
- Android 2.1
- Support for T-Mobile's 3G bands, quad-band GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
- 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED touch screen
- 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording
- 512MB RAM/512MB Flash; expandable up to 32GB
- 1400mAh lithium ion battery
Thoughts?
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
(Credit: CNET UK)This post was updated on 12/21, 1:17 p.m., PT with information about a second version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 getting FCC approval.
The FCC has given the green light to Sony Ericsson's first Google Android phone, the Xperia X10. Filed documents show that the quad-band GSM smartphone supports T-Mobile's 3G network, though it remains to be seen whether the carrier will offer the device or whether it will be sold unlocked.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 looks to be a powerhouse with a 4-inch, 854x480-pixel touch screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 8.1-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
CNET UK got a first-hand look at the device when it was first introduced in early November and was disappointed to see it running Android 1.6 instead of 2.0, but hopefully it'll get a nice upgrade before it hits the UK in February 2010 and whenever it lands stateside.
Update: It looks like a second version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 was was approved by the FCC on Monday, this time supporting AT&T's 3G network. The plot thickens. (via Engadget Mobile)
(Source: Phonescoop)
RIM BlackBerry Curve 8530
(Credit: Sprint)Right in the nick of time for the holidays, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available from Sprint for $49.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate.
Though an entry-level phone, the Curve 8530 comes with a pretty decent feature list, including Wi-Fi, an optical trackpad, GPS, a 2-megapixel camera, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. In addition, it will support the Sprint Navigation, Sprint Music Store, and Sprint TV.
If you're feeling it, you can purchase the smartphone in stores or through Sprint's business channel or telesales. The carrier will offer the smartphone in black, red, and royal purple.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
On Thursday, Sprint revised a tweet it sent out last week regarding an Android update for the Samsung Moment and HTC Hero. Both smartphones won't be getting an Android 2.0 update; instead, they will get Android 2.1. (Pause for applause.)
The carrier made the announcement via its Twitter account, but unfortunately didn't provide any more specific details as to when the updates might be rolled out other than it would be sometime in the first half of 2010.
Currently, only the Nexus One is running Android 2.1. While features of this version of the operating system are still largely unknown, some people have spied enhancements including a Palm WebOS-like Deck of Cards feature, more home screen panes, and additional 3D items in the app tray.
(Additional sources: Engadget Mobile, Gearlog)
(Credit:
Screenshot by Bonnie Cha/CNET)
On Thursday, Palm made its new browser-based mobile development platform available to all developers as a public beta. Dubbed Project Ares, developers can now create programs for Palm WebOS simply by firing up their browser (Firefox, Safari, and Chrome are supported) and signing into their account where they will then have access to all the tools they need to build apps.
Project Ares includes such features as:
- Drag-and-drop interface builder, code editor, visual debugger, and log viewer
- Access to full library of Mojo UI widgets
- Push-button project and scene creation
- Drag-and-drop file upload
- SMS and MMS messaging delivery is improved
- Ability to run apps directly on the WebOS emulator or device
Palm's believes that the future of mobile will be built on the Web and hopes that Project Ares will open the door to more developers creating apps for WebOS. Of course, one of the criticisms about the OS and Palm's current devices, the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi, has been the sparse app catalog, but it's been making progress. Hopefully, Project Ares will speed things along just a bit more.
To find more information on Project Ares or to sign up, you can check out Palm's Web site.
Well, well, would you look at that? The Google Phone is real. On this week's episode of Dialed In, we interrogate producer Jason Howell, who was one of the first people to see the Nexus One phone in person. Plus, we wrap up this year's reviews and give you a preview of what we expect to see at CES 2010.
Also, just a reminder: This is the last episode of the year, but we'll be back on Thursday, January 7, at 5:15 p.m. PT/8:15 p.m. ET, broadcasting live from Las Vegas at CES. See you guys then, and from all of us at Dialed In, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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News
Google phone looks 'supersharp'
FCC approves Nexus One with T-Mobile 3G
Wireless and broadcast industries begin spectrum debate
Verizon launches V Cast Media Manager
CES preview: cell phones
Reviews
LG Shine II (AT&T)
Nokia N900
Best smartphones of 2009
Upcoming reviews
RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 (AT&T)
Cricket MSGM8
Bluetooth headset guide + top Bluetooth headsets of the year
Top messaging phones of 2009
(Credit:
Corinne Schulze/CNET)
It's hard to believe, but the year is quickly ending and 2010 will be here before you know it. However, before we shut the door on 2009, we thought it be nice to look back on the year and highlight some of our favorite tech gadgets. It's been a particularly good year for smartphone lovers as numerous models debuted in the past 12 months, and not all were just next-generation models of previous devices--some were real game-changers.
In the collection below, you'll find our picks for best smartphones of 2009. Different from our most popular list, we hand-selected these devices as the top 10 (in no particular order) smartphones of the year for various reasons, whether it be for their sleek design, solid performance, or innovative feature set. Of course, you might not agree with our picks (or maybe you do), so share your thoughts in the comments section. Here's to another exciting year of tech in 2010!
Verizon Wireless released new desktop software on Monday to help its customers better manage the media between their cell phones and computers.
Based on Smith Micro's QuickLink Media Software, V Cast Media Manager is available as a free download and lets you transfer photos, videos, and music from your phone to your PC via USB cable and provides you with tools for organizing, editing, and viewing the content. With the software, you can do such things as touch up photos, create slideshows, and rip and burn CDs. In addition, V Cast Media Manager can help you sync your multimedia library onto a new phone.
Be aware, however, that the software is currently only compatible with a certain number of phones, such as the Samsung Rogue, LG enV 2, LG Dare, and RIM BlackBerry Storm. Verizon said it is working on bringing support to more devices in the coming months, including Android smartphones. To see a full list of compatible phones and to download the software, check out the V Cast Media Manager product page.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
While Verizon customers have been feeling the Android love lately with updates for both the Motorola Droid and HTC Droid Eris, Sprint users have been left to wonder when they might see an update for their Android devices. Well, we sort of have an answer now.
The carrier announced via Twitter on Friday that it will offer an Android 2.0 update for both the HTC Hero and the Samsung Moment, which is great news. Unfortunately, the update won't come till the first half of 2010 (no specific date was given), but hopefully it'll be on the earlier side of the new year like the Droid Eris so you won't have to wait too long.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
We don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that the Motorola Droid was the hottest Android phone to be released in 2009. Of course, the Verizon Wireless ads attacking AT&T and the Apple iPhone did a lot to bring attention to the smartphone, but it wasn't all hype. The smartphone delivered with excellent performance, an attention-grabbing 3.7-inch WVGA touch screen, and the benefits of Android 2.0, including Google Maps Navigation.
With the combination of clever marketing and just being a solid device all around, the Droid has quickly become one of CNET's most popular smartphones and more than 1 million units are expected to be sold by the end of the year.
Perhaps you're one of the thousands who purchased the Droid and are enjoying all that the smartphone has to offer. However, to help you get even more out of the device, we've rounded up some of our favorite accessories and apps for the Droid, as well as some frequently asked questions about various features, tips and tricks, troubleshooting, and more. Of course, this is just a sample of what's out there, so if you have any favorite accessories or tips that you want to share with other fellow Droid owners, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Accessories
Motorola Droid accessories
Cell phone accessories blog
Software update
Android 2.0.1 for Droid users coming soon
Applications
Yelp
AndroidStats
Fring VoIP
Cooking Capsules
Photoshop for Android
Slacker Radio
Pandora Radio
Personal Assistant
Facebook
Droid FAQ
All about the Droid
The Droid and hands-free calling
