Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active shown off with AT&T branding

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active shown off with AT&T branding" data-src-height="454" data-src-width="600" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/active1.jpg" /></div>The Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active isn't really much of a secret at this point, despite the fact that it's still unannounced. It's already been seen in its share of images and videos, and the I537 -- the AT&T-branded version -- has even been spotted passing through the FCC. Fortunately, @evleaks dug up some imagery of this particular variant of the rugged smartphone in black (though it will supposedly be offered in teal as well), complete with the trademark AT&T globe on the back. It's rumored to offer a 1.9GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 chipset, HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera and water-resistant protection. What's more, we're being told that this is just one of many Samsung devices on its way to the large GSM operator this year, accompanying the Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S3 Mini (oddly), Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Galaxy Note 3. Pricing is still unknown, but we have to wonder if the date on the phone's display above is an indication of what we can expect to see at Samsung's June 20th event.<br /> </div></div>

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active shown off with AT&T branding

The Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active isn't really much of a secret at this point, despite the fact that it's still unannounced. It's...

مزيد من المعلومات »

LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T: what's different?

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T what's different" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/optimusg-pro.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Two Galaxy Notes and two Optimus Vus later, LG's ready to tackle the giant-sized smartphone niche, this time <em>without</em> the category's defining accessory: a stylus. The Optimus G Pro, part of the company's <em>performance</em> line, was a surprise when we first laid eyes and hands on it: it's a 5.5-inch embodiment of lessons learned, not just from LG's past endeavors, but also from Samsung's. That the device would ever make it out of South Korea and into the US was an uncertainty. And by entering the market now, the G Pro risks coming off as a stopgap between the Note II and III, as well as LG's own flagship G line.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Yet, LG found a way. It paired with AT&T to bring the G Pro, with its Snapdragon 600 processor and 1080p display, to the States as an exclusive. For $199 on a two-year plan, subscribers get an attractive package: LTE, NFC, 32GB of storage (expandable by up to 64GB via microSDXC), a gargantuan 3,140mAh battery and dual 2.1MP / 13MP cameras with the option for dual-recording. So, aided by some competitive pricing and top-shelf specifications, the G Pro reads on paper like a boss. But the window for that dominance is short. So while we wait for Samsung to attempt a three-peat in the category it created (a Note III could debut by summer's end), let's examine the G Pro and its 15 minutes of fame. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Gallery Image" height="424" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04789.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="424" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04791.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="424" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04815.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="424" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc04810.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06656.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06662.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06664.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06666.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06668.jpg" width="640" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The hardware is essentially the same, both inside and out. At <span>150.2 x 76.1 x 9.4mm (5.91 x 3.0 x 0.37 in.) and </span>6.14 oz. (174g), the G Pro's dimensions <span>have remained unchanged</span>. It's almost as if carriers are waking to the growing chorus of consumers who crave smartphones <em>designed by manufacturers</em>, not the wireless providers themselves. Of course, AT&T has made some minor customizations, like the globe on back (the only instance of carrier branding on the shell), along with compatible radios for HSPA+ and LTE. Also, AT&T is only issuing the G Pro in black. We'd whinge about the foolishness of that last decision, but you need only look back at our original review to see how the G Pro sparkles in a white shell (literally).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T what's different" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06686-1367944535.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Users who pick up a G Pro will immediately notice how comfortable it is in-hand relative to its size. This is due to the reduction in bezel size, as well as the blunter edges. What's more, the G Pro may be all plastic, but it manages to almost entirely avoid the slippery feel of the Note II. The backplate, covered in an unattractive patterning, is also removable, giving way to slots for micro-SIM and microSDXC (to complement the 32GB of inbuilt storage), as well as the 3,140mAh battery.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">As a conversation piece, this variant of the G Pro won't ever win props for its looks, but that 5.5-inch 1080p screen (400 ppi) is a different matter entirely. The full HD IPS display is simply gorgeous. Colors are balanced, the whites are bright and, thanks to the panel used, the screen is viewable from most angles. If you're using it outdoors, however, you'll still want to bump up the brightness.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Right-handed users will feel especially at home using the G Pro since its button layout works best when used that way. Along the left edge you'll find a hot function key and volume rocker with the power button on the opposite edge. Up top is the 3.5mm headphone jack and IR blaster, below which is the 2.1-megapixel camera. The standard micro-USB port resides at the base and an LED-ringed home button, surrounded by capacitive keys, flanks the lower half of the screen.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Smartphone junkies will be pleased to know that the G Pro still packs a Snapdragon 600, clocked at 1.7GHz, and paired with 2GB of RAM. That combination makes every moment with the G Pro an absolute delight -- there are no hangups, no awkward moments of stuttering or force closing. It performs as a phone of its caliber should: effortlessly. The only obstacle on the G Pro's path to pure ease-of-use is LG's hot mess of a UX. The company claims this version of its Android skin is cleaner, but it's not. Admittedly, the icons come off as less cartoony and users do have the option to super-size them for easier viewing, but the overall implementation is just too clunky.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Take, for example, the drop-down notification tray. It's so cluttered with toggles that even after a few days of use, we still had to search for the cogwheel that denotes the settings icon. Which brings us to yet another point of frustration: the settings menu. For some reason, LG decided to abandon the single-pane view and opted instead to divide key submenus across panes much the way Samsung did on the Galaxy S 4, all accessible with a swipe gesture or via tabs. It may sound convenient, but it's not. It branches off from the Android experience as we know it and introduces one more unnecessary learning curve.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T what's different" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06709-1367944576.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">On the app front, you're looking at a dozen pre-installed AT&T-branded applications (i.e., Navigator, Smart WiFi, MyAT&T, Locker, Messages, etc.). The good news is that <em>some</em> of this unnecessary bloat is uninstallable, but it's pretty random. There's a good chunk that you can only disable, effectively hiding those applications from view, which is better than nothing, but far from ideal. By contrast, LG's additions seem downright tame -- the bulk of its add-ons mostly involve baked-in Optimus UI features like QSlide 2.0 (for split-screen multi-tasking), QuickMemo (for on-the-fly note-taking) and VuTalk, a screensharing function currently exclusive to the G Pro.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Without question, the G Pro's 1080p display is a leg up on the Note II's relatively paltry 720p HD Super AMOLED. But there is a downside to this that not even the generous 3,140mAh battery can mitigate, and that's its staying power. Those extra pixels create more of a strain on the battery. It can yield more than a full day's use, but not the phenomenal two day's worth we've enjoyed on the Note II. And it's not like we sat around watching YouTube videos all day -- this was with regular light browsing, moderately obsessive Twitter monitoring, emailing and texting. It's worth noting, however, that LG has included a power-saving option in addition to a battery-saving toggle to specifically ramp down the demands of the quad-core CPU.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T what's different" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06681-1367944626.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The G Pro didn't fare so well under the stress of our formal battery rundown test. With an HD video running on a constant loop, brightness set to 50 percent, one push email account active, WiFi / LTE enabled and Twitter set to sync at 15-minute intervals, the handset managed to last six hours. That's hardly a promising figure, but it's definitely an indication of how closely you'll need to manage the G Pro's battery life.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">As you might've guessed, LG's decision to keep the G Pro's specs in line with its Korean counterpart means parallel performance. Benchmark testing delivered results more or less on par with the Korea-only G Pro, though its scores in the graphics tests GLBenchmark and CF-Bench fell short of what we saw on the HTC One.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T what's different" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc06666-1367944716.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">There are two unavoidable truths about the AT&T G Pro: it's $100 cheaper on-contract and better specced than AT&T's Note II (hello, Snapdragon 600!). For what LG's crammed into its oblong shell, the G Pro really is a bargain for power users. But it has one ugly mole (no, not that AT&T globe) that not even its stunning 1080p display can overshadow, and that's its less-than-stellar battery life. True, it's an improvement from what you'd get from the GS4 or HTC One. Even so, in South Korea the Optimus G Pro comes with an extra battery in the box, and that's sadly missing on the US variant. CPU power and high-res beauty come at a cost -- whether that's to save you money or keep you on a constant hunt for power outlets is your choice to make.</div></div>

LG Optimus G Pro for AT&T: what's different?

Two Galaxy Notes and two Optimus Vus later, LG's ready to tackle the giant-sized smartphone niche, this time without the category's...

مزيد من المعلومات »

NEC Terrain for AT&T spied in leaked press photos, packs a QWERTY keyboard

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="NEC Terrain for AT&T spied in leaked press photos, packs a QWERTY keyboard" data-src-height="390" data-src-width="501" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/nec-terrain.jpg" /></div>Memory of a time where an NEC phone graced US shores escapes us,<span> but the prolific -- and often accurate -- </span>@evleaks<span> has tweeted a press shot that signals a handset from the Japanese firm might soon arrive stateside. E</span><span>mblazoned with AT&T's logo and</span><span> r</span><span>eportedly dubbed the NEC Terrain, the Android-toting smartphone shares its front real estate with a screen, a camera <em>and</em> a QWERTY keyboard. No other details were spilled with the image, but with a name like Terrain and what looks like a rubberized border, we wouldn't be surprised if it could withstand a fair amount of rough and tumble.</span><br /> </div></div>

NEC Terrain for AT&T spied in leaked press photos, packs a QWERTY keyboard

Memory of a time where an NEC phone graced US shores escapes us, but the prolific -- and often accurate -- @evleaks has tweeted a press ...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Samsung Galaxy S 4 now available online at Sprint, in stores today at AT&T

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Samsung Galaxy S 4 now available online at Sprint, instore today at AT&T" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/galaxys4-zach-1367034167.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Samsung's latest and greatest smartphone, the Galaxy S 4, is making a big move into the US today with an online arrival at Sprint and in-store availability at AT&T. If you're a Now Network subscriber and happened to miss out on the carrier's pre-order action, you might want to make some quick moves onto Sprint's website in order to secure your new handset, which goes up for sale at midnight Central Time. In a not-so-cool move, however, only those porting their number to Sprint are eligible for the carrier's $100 price break, which means all of you who've stuck through the dark days of EV-DO will need to pony up $249.99 for the Galaxy S 4. Meanwhile, if you're aching to lay your hands on Samsung's 1080p handset, you can finally get some gratification, as AT&T is now offering the smartphone for in-store purchase and play. Here, you'll pay $199.99 for the handset, and while it's potentially more expensive, at least AT&T's pricing scheme doesn't involve fine print shenanigans.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

Samsung Galaxy S 4 now available online at Sprint, in stores today at AT&T

Samsung's latest and greatest smartphone, the Galaxy S 4, is making a big move into the US today with an online arrival at Sprint and ...

مزيد من المعلومات »

سامسونج غالاكسي S 4 القادمة إلى مخازن AT&T 27 نيسان/أبريل، قبل أوامر تصل إلى 25 نيسان/أبريل

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="mttextarea" dir="rtl" id="TranslationOutput" style="direction: rtl;"><div name="div[0]"><b><span _mstdst="0_0:4" _mstsrc="0_0:9" class="" id="Dst[0][0:9:0:4]"> </span></b><img alt="Samsung Galaxy S 4 coming to AT&T April 27th" data-src-height="298" data-src-width="363" height="525" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/gs4att-1366209887.png" width="640" /></div><div name="div[0]"><b><span _mstdst="0_0:4" _mstsrc="0_0:9" class="" id="Dst[0][0:9:0:4]">أوامر</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_6:7" _mstsrc="0_11:12" class="" id="Dst[0][11:12:6:7]">من</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_9:9" _mstsrc="0_35:35" id="Dst[0][35:35:9:9]">4</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_11:11" _mstsrc="0_33:33" id="Dst[0][33:33:11:11]">S</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_13:19" _mstsrc="0_26:31" id="Dst[0][26:31:13:19]">غالاكسي</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_21:27" _mstsrc="0_18:24" class="" id="Dst[0][18:24:21:27]">سامسونج</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_29:30" _mstsrc="0_37:40" id="Dst[0][37:40:29:30]">قد</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_32:35" _mstsrc="0_50:54" id="Dst[0][50:54:32:35]">بدأت</span><span> ب</span><span _mstdst="0_38:42" _mstsrc="0_42:48" id="Dst[0][42:48:38:42]">الفعل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_44:45" _mstsrc="0_56:57" id="Dst[0][56:57:44:45]">في</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_47:50" _mstsrc="0_59:62" id="Dst[0][59:62:47:50]">AT&T</span><span>،</span><span> و</span><span _mstdst="0_54:56" _mstsrc="0_65:67" id="Dst[0][65:67:54:56]">لكن</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_58:60" _mstsrc="0_82:89" id="Dst[0][82:89:58:60]">كان</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_62:67" _mstsrc="0_73:80" id="Dst[0][73:80:62:67]">المشغل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_69:74" _mstsrc="0_91:95" id="Dst[0][91:95:69:74]">الغريب</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_76:80" _mstsrc="0_97:102" class="" id="Dst[0][97:102:76:80]">صامتة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_82:84" _mstsrc="0_104:108" id="Dst[0][104:108:82:84]">حول</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_86:92" _mstsrc="0_121:124" id="Dst[0][121:124:86:92]">التاريخ</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_94:99" _mstsrc="0_114:119" id="Dst[0][114:119:94:99]">الفعلي</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_101:107" _mstsrc="0_136:138" id="Dst[0][136:138:101:107]">يمكن أن</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_109:115" _mstsrc="0_140:145" class="" id="Dst[0][140:145:109:115]">يتوقعها</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_117:123" _mstsrc="0_126:134" class="" id="Dst[0][126:134:117:123]">العملاء</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_125:125" _mstsrc="0_147:148" id="Dst[0][147:148:125:125]">ل</span><span _mstdst="0_126:129" _mstsrc="0_150:157" id="Dst[0][150:157:126:129]">شراء</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_131:135" _mstsrc="0_159:161" id="Dst[0][159:161:131:135]">واحدة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_137:138" _mstsrc="0_163:164" id="Dst[0][163:164:137:138]">في</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_140:146" _mstsrc="0_166:171" class="" id="Dst[0][166:171:140:146]">المتاجر</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_148:148" _mstsrc="0_173:175" class="" id="Dst[0][173:175:148:148]">و</span><span _mstdst="0_149:160" _mstsrc="0_177:182" class="" id="Dst[0][177:182:149:160]">على الإنترنت</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_163:166" _mstsrc="0_185:187" id="Dst[0][185:187:163:166]">الآن</span><span> بعد </span><span _mstdst="0_172:173" _mstsrc="0_189:192" id="Dst[0][189:192:172:173]">أن</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_175:183" _mstsrc="0_194:201" id="Dst[0][194:201:175:183]">تي موبايل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_185:185" _mstsrc="0_203:205" id="Dst[0][203:205:185:185]">و</span><span _mstdst="0_186:191" _mstsrc="0_207:212" id="Dst[0][207:212:186:191]">السباق</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_193:203" _mstsrc="0_219:222" id="Dst[0][219:222:193:203]">على حد سواء</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_205:209" _mstsrc="0_224:232" id="Dst[0][224:232:205:209]">أعلنت</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_211:216" _mstsrc="0_250:254" class="" id="Dst[0][250:254:211:216]">مواعيد</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_218:220" _mstsrc="0_243:248" id="Dst[0][243:248:218:220]">بدء</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_222:226" _mstsrc="0_234:241" id="Dst[0][234:241:222:226]">محددة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_228:228" _mstsrc="0_256:261" class="" id="Dst[0][256:261:228:228]">(</span><span _mstdst="0_229:230" _mstsrc="0_263:266" id="Dst[0][263:266:229:230]">24</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_232:242" _mstsrc="0_256:261" class="" id="Dst[0][256:261:232:242]">نيسان/أبريل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_244:244" _mstsrc="0_268:270" id="Dst[0][268:270:244:244]">و</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_246:247" _mstsrc="0_272:275" id="Dst[0][272:275:246:247]">27</span><span>،</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_250:261" _mstsrc="0_278:290" id="Dst[0][278:290:250:261]">على التوالي)</span><span>،</span><span> و</span><span _mstdst="0_265:269" _mstsrc="0_332:346" id="Dst[0][332:346:265:269]">تابعت</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_271:277" _mstsrc="0_297:303" id="Dst[0][297:303:271:277]">هي أكبر</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_279:282" _mstsrc="0_309:315" id="Dst[0][309:315:279:282]">شركة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_284:291" _mstsrc="0_305:307" id="Dst[0][305:307:284:291]">جي إس أم</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_293:294" _mstsrc="0_317:318" id="Dst[0][317:318:293:294]">في</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_296:301" _mstsrc="0_324:330" id="Dst[0][324:330:296:301]">البلاد</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_303:303" _mstsrc="0_348:349" id="Dst[0][348:349:303:303]">ب</span><span _mstdst="0_304:310" _mstsrc="0_351:359" id="Dst[0][351:359:304:310]">إعلانها</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_312:316" _mstsrc="0_361:370" id="Dst[0][361:370:312:316]">عزمها</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_318:320" _mstsrc="0_372:373" id="Dst[0][372:373:318:320]">على</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_322:324" _mstsrc="0_375:378" id="Dst[0][375:378:322:324]">بيع</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_326:329" _mstsrc="0_401:406" id="Dst[0][401:406:326:329]">جهاز</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_331:337" _mstsrc="0_393:399" id="Dst[0][393:399:331:337]">سامسونج</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_339:345" _mstsrc="0_384:391" class="" id="Dst[0][384:391:339:345]">الرئيسي</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_347:348" _mstsrc="0_408:409" id="Dst[0][408:409:347:348]">في</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_350:351" _mstsrc="0_415:418" id="Dst[0][415:418:350:351]">27</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_353:354" _mstsrc="0_420:421" id="Dst[0][420:421:353:354]">من</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_356:358" _mstsrc="0_423:426" class="" id="Dst[0][423:426:356:358]">هذا</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_360:364" _mstsrc="0_428:432" class="" id="Dst[0][428:432:360:364]">الشهر</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_367:369" _mstsrc="0_435:438" id="Dst[0][435:438:367:369]">هذا</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_371:375" _mstsrc="0_443:446" id="Dst[0][443:446:371:375]">أربعة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_377:380" _mstsrc="0_448:451" id="Dst[0][448:451:377:380]">أيام</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_382:385" _mstsrc="0_453:459" id="Dst[0][453:459:382:385]">أقدم</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_387:388" _mstsrc="0_461:464" id="Dst[0][461:464:387:388]">من</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_390:394" _mstsrc="0_501:504" id="Dst[0][501:504:390:394]">تاريخ</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_396:400" _mstsrc="0_492:499" id="Dst[0][492:499:396:400]">الشحن</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_402:409" _mstsrc="0_470:480" id="Dst[0][470:480:402:409]">المتوقعة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_411:420" _mstsrc="0_482:490" id="Dst[0][482:490:411:420]">قبل النظام</span><span>،</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_423:425" _mstsrc="0_507:511" id="Dst[0][507:511:423:425]">مما</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_427:430" _mstsrc="0_513:517" id="Dst[0][513:517:427:430]">يعني</span><span> "</span><span _mstdst="0_433:436" _mstsrc="0_527:529" id="Dst[0][527:529:433:436]">واحد</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_438:440" _mstsrc="0_523:525" id="Dst[0][523:525:438:440]">هتك</span><span>" </span><span _mstdst="0_443:446" _mstsrc="0_531:533" id="Dst[0][531:533:443:446]">لديه</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_448:451" _mstsrc="0_535:540" id="Dst[0][535:540:448:451]">مجرد</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_453:457" _mstsrc="0_542:542" id="Dst[0][542:542:453:457]">أسبوع</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_459:462" _mstsrc="0_544:547" id="Dst[0][544:547:459:462]">كامل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_464:467" _mstsrc="0_557:560" class="" id="Dst[0][557:560:464:467]">تشمس</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_469:470" _mstsrc="0_562:563" id="Dst[0][562:563:469:470]">في</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_472:482" _mstsrc="0_569:577" id="Dst[0][569:577:472:482]">دائرة الضوء</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_484:484" _mstsrc="0_579:580" class="" id="Dst[0][579:580:484:484]">ب</span><span _mstdst="0_485:489" _mstsrc="0_582:587" class="" id="Dst[0][582:587:485:489]">نفسها</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_492:496" _mstsrc="0_590:595" class="" id="Dst[0][590:595:492:496]">ما هو</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_498:501" _mstsrc="0_597:600" id="Dst[0][597:600:498:501]">أكثر</span><span> من ذلك</span><span>،</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_511:513" _mstsrc="0_603:604" id="Dst[0][603:604:511:513]">إذا</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_515:517" _mstsrc="0_606:608" id="Dst[0][606:608:515:517]">كنت</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_519:524" _mstsrc="0_610:615" id="Dst[0][610:615:519:524]">ببساطة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_526:535" _mstsrc="0_617:624" id="Dst[0][617:624:526:535]">لا يمكن أن</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_537:541" _mstsrc="0_626:629" id="Dst[0][626:629:537:541]">تنتظر</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_543:543" _mstsrc="0_631:633" id="Dst[0][631:633:543:543]">و</span><span _mstdst="0_544:546" _mstsrc="0_635:640" id="Dst[0][635:640:544:546]">قفز</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_548:550" _mstsrc="0_642:643" id="Dst[0][642:643:548:550]">على</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_552:554" _mstsrc="0_645:649" id="Dst[0][645:649:552:554]">هذه</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_556:560" _mstsrc="0_651:660" id="Dst[0][651:660:556:560]">أوامر</span><span>،</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_563:567" _mstsrc="0_663:668" id="Dst[0][663:668:563:567]">ستحصل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_569:571" _mstsrc="0_670:672" id="Dst[0][670:672:569:571]">على</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_573:576" _mstsrc="0_674:678" id="Dst[0][674:678:573:576]">يدكم</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_578:579" _mstsrc="0_687:688" id="Dst[0][687:688:578:579]">48</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_581:584" _mstsrc="0_690:694" id="Dst[0][690:694:581:584]">ساعة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_586:590" _mstsrc="0_682:685" class="" id="Dst[0][682:685:586:590]">كاملة</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_592:597" _mstsrc="0_696:700" class="" id="Dst[0][696:700:592:597]">المبكر</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_599:604" _mstsrc="0_702:706" id="Dst[0][702:706:599:604]">(قراءة</span><span>:</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_607:608" _mstsrc="0_715:720" id="Dst[0][715:720:607:608]">25</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_610:620" _mstsrc="0_709:713" class="" id="Dst[0][709:713:610:620]">نيسان/أبريل</span><span _mstdst="0_621:621" _mstsrc="0_715:719" class="" id="Dst[0][715:719:621:621]">)</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_624:626" _mstsrc="0_722:723" id="Dst[0][722:723:624:626]">كما</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_628:635" _mstsrc="0_725:732" id="Dst[0][725:732:628:635]">هو متوقع</span><span>،</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_638:641" _mstsrc="0_744:747" id="Dst[0][744:747:638:641]">سيتم</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_643:647" _mstsrc="0_752:758" id="Dst[0][752:758:643:647]">عرضها</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_649:650" _mstsrc="0_739:740" id="Dst[0][739:740:649:650]">GS</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_652:652" _mstsrc="0_742:742" id="Dst[0][742:742:652:652]">4</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_654:654" _mstsrc="0_760:762" id="Dst[0][760:762:654:654]">ل</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_656:664" _mstsrc="0_764:767" id="Dst[0][764:767:656:664]">200 دولار</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_666:678" _mstsrc="0_769:774" id="Dst[0][769:774:666:678]">(16 جيجابايت)</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_680:680" _mstsrc="0_776:778" id="Dst[0][776:778:680:680]">و</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_682:690" _mstsrc="0_780:783" id="Dst[0][780:783:682:690]">250 دولار</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_692:704" _mstsrc="0_785:790" class="" id="Dst[0][785:790:692:704]">(32 غيغابايت)</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_706:706" _mstsrc="0_792:793" id="Dst[0][792:793:706:706]">ب</span><span _mstdst="0_707:712" _mstsrc="0_810:814" class="" id="Dst[0][810:814:707:712]">الأبيض</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_714:714" _mstsrc="0_806:808" id="Dst[0][806:808:714:714]">و</span><span _mstdst="0_715:720" _mstsrc="0_800:804" id="Dst[0][800:804:715:720]">الأسود</span><span> </span><span _mstdst="0_722:732" _mstsrc="0_795:798" class="" id="Dst[0][795:798:722:732]">على حد سواء</span><span>.</span></b></div></div></div>

سامسونج غالاكسي S 4 القادمة إلى مخازن AT&T 27 نيسان/أبريل، قبل أوامر تصل إلى 25 نيسان/أبريل

  أوامر من 4 S غالاكسي سامسونج قد بدأت ب الفعل في AT&T ، و لكن كان المشغل الغريب صامتة حول التاريخ الفعلي يمكن أن يت...

مزيد من المعلومات »

PSA: HTC One available today at AT&T and Sprint

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="PSA HTC One available today at AT&T and Sprint" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/htc-one-att-home-screen.jpg" /></div>April showers might bring May flowers, but the only precipitation we really care for around here is that of flagship handsets into stores. In that case, it's time to break out the raincoats: the HTC One is officially on sale at AT&T and Sprint as of today. Both carriers and their resellers are offering the aluminum wunderkind in its silver guise at $200 on contract for a 32GB model, with AT&T still holding the US exclusive on a $300 64GB version. Those jonesing for different hues or radios will have to wait a little while longer, however. The T-Mobile edition won't officially land until the 24th, and a black 32GB model is still "weeks" away from landing at AT&T and Sprint. Provided you're not the exception to the rule, though, you're cleared to buy what's arguably the first US-bound flagship of the year.<br /> </div></div>

PSA: HTC One available today at AT&T and Sprint

April showers might bring May flowers, but the only precipitation we really care for around here is that of flagship handsets into store...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/skyrocketjellybean-1365697790.jpg" /></div>We've witnessed AT&T deliver a very fresh Android experience to a number of Samsung's galactic handsets in the past few months, but we definitely won't complain when others get the same treatment -- even if <em>it is</em> slightly overdue. Available now via Kies, this Jelly Bean upgrade will give Galaxy S II Skyrocket owners what will likely be a much welcomed boost, including new features such as Smart Stay, Direct Call and Pop Up Play. Of course, the aforementioned tidbits are only part of the bigger Mountain View picture, since the new version means automatic access to Google Now and overall under-the-hood enhancements thanks to things like Project Butter. It's here, it's real, and it's ready to rejuvenate your device -- all <em>you</em> have to do is pay our source link a visit, where you'll find specific instructions on how to get the goods.<br /> </div></div>

Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available

We've witnessed AT&T deliver a very fresh Android experience to a number of Samsung's galactic handsets in the past few mont...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/sony-xperia-zl-review-1365529409.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Sony took a rather unusual path with its flagship smartphone for 2013: it designed the hardware twice. The Xperia Z is ostensibly the star of the show with its glass body and waterproofing, but it's launching alongside the Xperia ZL, an equally brawny, yet plainer sibling. On a spec sheet, there's no apparent reason for the ZL to exist when its features almost perfectly match those of the slimmer and more stylish Z.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Still, it's precisely that emphasis on function over form that might just win the day. Sony bills the ZL as the most compact 5-inch smartphone on the market, which could win over folks who see large-screened phones as unwieldy. But is it enough to challenge conventional thinking on big phones, especially in light of fiercer competition? And is there anything special lurking underneath the ZL's reworked hood? Read on and we'll let you know whether the second device in Sony's dual-phone strategy is strong enough to outshine the Z -- and, more importantly, its rivals. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XMLgd7-cg_E?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div>

Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame

Sony took a rather unusual path with its flagship smartphone for 2013: it designed the hardware twice. The Xperia Z is ostensibly the star o...

مزيد من المعلومات »

HTC First with Facebook Home review

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP HTC First with Facebook Home review" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05424-1365523689.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> With a billion users, it'd be an understatement to say Facebook has done a good job conquering the desktop world. Mobile, however, is the social network's next frontier: although it has a significant presence on every major smartphone and tablet platform, the company has a reputation for bringing its key features to the PC environment long before they arrive on mobile -- if at all.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> But the April 4th reveal of Facebook Home, a solidly built Android launcher, reflects a change in attitude for Mark Zuckerberg and Co. Instead of simply maintaining a smartphone presence, Facebook is ready to go to battle and is putting mobile on the top of its list of priorities. It's even adding a proper piece of hardware to its arsenal in the form of the HTC First, a 4.3-inch device on AT&T with LTE, reasonable mid-range specs and a gorgeous display. Is it worth $99 with a two-year commitment to purchase a handset dedicated to the social cause? Should you just wait until Home is available as a free download in the Google Play Store? Or is it best to ignore it altogether? Continue reading to find out.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>It would be an understatement to say the HTC First took a backseat to Facebook Home at the company's recent press conference; it was locked in the trunk and wasn't let out until a few hours after Mark Zuckerberg and a series of HTC / AT&T execs said their piece. That doesn't mean the First's hardware is chopped liver, but even so, the omission of specs is rarely a good sign. Aside from a nod to the LTE radio and a few pictures detailing the four available colors -- black, white, pale blue and red, if you're curious -- Facebook almost seemed to forget that new hardware was being introduced.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>Now that we've had a chance to actually use the First for a few days, we can happily put an end to any confusion about the hardware. In today's market, an Android handset with a 4.3-inch display is considered petite, and the First definitely feels that way: at 125.99 x 65.04 x 8.89mm (4.96 x 2.56 x 0.35 inches), it nearly gets swallowed up in the hand, especially compared to all the 5-plus-inch devices we've been testing recently. It's also incredibly lightweight, barely registering on the scale at 4.37 ounces (124g).</span></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP HTC First with Facebook Home review" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05371-1365523526.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Since the First was built to impress the Facebook-savvy, we shouldn't be surprised that this is one of the most playful-looking handsets HTC has ever made. It's not that there's anything extreme about the design; there's just something about the soft curves, multiple hues and soft-touch plastic shell that wraps around the entire device, similar to the Lumia 620. (Don't take that comparison too far, though -- the shell here isn't user-removable.) All told, it doesn't take itself too seriously; it's a phone that's focused on Facebook, and indeed, it looks the part.<br /> <br /> In fact, one of the biggest surprises is that the First's design doesn't really scream HTC -- it's almost as if the company is going back to its ODM roots, creating whatever handset other businesses (Facebook, in this case) demand. Whether or not this is the beginning of a new strategy for the Taiwanese manufacturer remains to be seen, but we can't help but wonder if "First" connotes more than just the inaugural Facebook Home device.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP HTC First with Facebook Home review" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05427.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> On the front of the First, you'll find a 4.3-inch, 720p S-LCD2 display, which packs in an above-average pixel density of 341 ppi. Obviously, it doesn't hold a candle to all those 1080p behemoths we've been seeing, but these specs were top-of-the-line in 2012, and they still hold up well today. Viewing angles are better than average, colors are decently saturated (but not overly so) and text is pretty smooth, though it's expectedly not as good as what we've seen on the HTC One's 1080p screen. The only disappointment was the phone's subpar performance in direct sunlight -- even at full brightness, we found it difficult to make out images and text.<br /> <br /> A 1.6MP front-facing camera resides above the screen, though it hangs out underneath the same panel of Gorilla Glass, along with the usual assortment of sensors and LED notification light. The speakers are squeezed inside a tiny, narrow grille, which sits in between the glass and the top edge of the phone. On the opposite end you'll find three capacitive keys: back, home and menu. (Recent apps pop up when you double-tap home, while a long-press of home pulls up Google Now.)</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP HTC First with Facebook Home review" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05348-1365523735.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Turn the phone over and you'll discover a perfectly flat back featuring the 5MP rear camera and LED flash. If you only glance quickly, you may think that there isn't anything else happening on this side of the device, but look more closely and you'll see it: stenciled in incredibly light ink are logos for HTC, Facebook and AT&T, along with the obligatory FCC information underneath. The print is so small, so inoffensive, that it's actually hard to read in dimmer lighting conditions. This is something we want to see other companies mimic on their devices (Sprint has already taken a big step by removing logos from its branded phones). We're also happy to say the Beats Audio branding is nowhere to be seen, a rarity for a post-2011 HTC device.<br /> <br /> Up top sits a 3.5mm headphone jack and mic, while the power button is located on the right. Since it sticks out from the frame by at least a millimeter or so, that button is very easy to press. Meanwhile, the right side houses the micro-SIM slot and micro-USB charging port. It's an unfortunate location for the latter, but the bottom of the device -- our preferred location for charging ports -- is taken up by a machine-drilled speaker grille. The volume rocker is found on the left side of the First. Finally, if you're looking for a microSD slot or dedicated camera shutter button, you'll be disappointed.<br /> <br /> The First is an AT&T exclusive in the US, and it actively uses LTE bands 4 and 17, HSPA+ 850 / 1900 / 2100 and quad-band GSM / EDGE (its FCC docs also indicate the presence of LTE bands 2 and 5, as most AT&T smartphones do). The global model, on the other hand, promises LTE capacity on 850 / 1900 as well as HSPA+ 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 and quad-band GSM / EDGE. Both devices also provide dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, FM radio, a non-removable 2,000mAh Lithium-polymer battery and 16GB of internal storage (11.9GB of which is user-accessible).</div></div>

HTC First with Facebook Home review

With a billion users, it'd be an understatement to say Facebook has done a good job conquering the desktop world. Mobile, however, is...

مزيد من المعلومات »

PSA: HTC One pre-orders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="PSA HTC One preorders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow" data-src-height="420" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/htc-one-review-619.jpg" /></div>You've been eying the HTC One's zero-gap body for well over a month, and now it's your chance to do something about it. AT&T is launching its promised pre-order campaign for the One today: soon, if not as you read this, upgraders and new subscribers can plunk down as little as $200 for a 32GB model or $300 for the network-exclusive 64GB edition. While these buyers likely won't get their phones until closer to the April 19th store date, that free Media Link HD offer remains on the table to encourage an early commitment. And those who prefer service from the House of Hesse don't have long to wait, either -- Sprint's pre-orders for the One begin tomorrow, with a similar $200 outlay involved for the 32GB variant. All that's left is for T-Mobile's edition to follow suit.<br /> </div></div>

PSA: HTC One pre-orders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow

You've been eying the HTC One's zero-gap body for well over a month, and now it's your chance to do something about it. AT...

مزيد من المعلومات »

AT&T to sell the HTC One on April 19 for $200, pre-orders start April 4

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="AT&T to sell the HTC One on April 19 for $200, preorders start April 4" data-src-height="379" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/attone2.png" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Earlier we reported that AT&T's version of the HTC One would be going on pre-sale sometime this week, and the GSM carrier has finally revealed its official plans: the flagship HTC device will be ready for pre-order online starting April 4th. Both the 32GB and 64GB models, which will be $200 and $300 respectively, will hit retail store shelves on April 19th. The carrier will also offer a free Media Link HD to sweeten the deal, though it appears that it's only a part of the pre-sale and won't be available to customers who wait until the 19th to grab it. AT&T's keeping all of the standard features found on the global One, but it's also adding its own carrier-branded services -- we expect the full suite of bloatware, but the only ones specifically mentioned are the network's Ready2Go service and DriveMode to prevent texting and driving. Skip down to the press release for more details.</div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6HKmEHVn_4Q?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>

AT&T to sell the HTC One on April 19 for $200, pre-orders start April 4

Earlier we reported that AT&T's version of the HTC One would be going on pre-sale sometime this week, and the GSM carrier has fina...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and pay-TV providers

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and payTV providers" data-src-height="348" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/aereo-watching.jpg" /></div>Something tells us the US Court of Appeals for the Second District has no intentions to kid around with its latest decision, despite it coming down on the 1st of April. In what can only be viewed as a monumental victory for Aereo, the aforesaid court has just rejected an appeal from a smattering of TV networks that are hellbent on stopping the web-streaming company from treading on their territory. For those unaware, Aereo allows users to stream OTA television networks over the web, but this here court found that the system did not infringe on the broadcasters' copyrights. Of course, a battle at the Supreme Court level is a practical certainty, so it's definitely not out of the proverbial woods just yet.<br /> That said, a separate <i>Wall Street Journal</i> report sheds light on ongoing discussions between the startup and some very established players in the industry -- if you can't beat 'em, join' em... right? As the story goes, AT&T, Dish Network and DirecTV have all spoken with Aereo as the company hopes to expand its footprint beyond New York City and the surrounding areas. On one hand, a mega-corp swallowing Aereo could lead to near-instant demise for its technologies, but given the right owner, it could provide the disruption the pay-TV sector so badly needs.<br /> </div></div>

Aereo wins a crucial court battle, opens up partnership talks with ISPs and pay-TV providers

Something tells us the US Court of Appeals for the Second District has no intentions to kid around with its latest decision, despite it c...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Refresh Roundup: week of March 25th, 2013

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Refresh Roundup week of March 25th, 2013" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/rr-samsung.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!</div><h3 dir="ltr" id="title0" style="text-align: left;"> Official Android updates</h3><ul dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><li> Samsung Galaxy Express: AT&T gave a tip of the hat to its midrange Samsung smartphone with an OTA update to Jelly Bean. [AT&T]</li><li> Samsung Stratosphere II: Verizon Wireless has begun an OTA rollout of Android 4.1 for this messaging slider. [Verizon Wireless]</li><li> Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1: T-Mobile released an update to Android 4.1.2 for this Samsung tablet, only to suspend the delivery one day later. Support personnel now state that the update has been put on hold until further notice, which doesn't sound like much fun at all. [Android Police]</li><li> Samsung Galaxy S II: Coinciding with Sprint's release of Android 4.1.2 for the Epic 4G Touch, Virgin Mobile, Alltel and Three UK have done the same for their variants of the Galaxy S II. Meanwhile, AT&T released a maintenance update for its current Ice Cream Sandwich deployment on the GS2. [Thanks, Gary] [Android Central 1, 2] [Android Police]</li><li> Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0: An update to Android 4.1.2 is now available within India for installation to this 7-inch tablet. [FoneArena]</li><li> Samsung Galaxy Chat: Ever think that pairing Jelly Bean with an 850MHz CPU might not be the best of ideas? Samsung scoffs at such timidness, as it's released Android 4.1.2 within Spain for this entry-level messaging smartphone. [SamMobile]</li><li> Sony Xperia TX: Sony released Android 4.1 as an update to its former flagship handset. [Sony]</li></ul></div>

Refresh Roundup: week of March 25th, 2013

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refr...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Sony Xperia ZL goes on pre-order for US customers, off-contract: $720 for HSPA, $760 for LTE

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sony Xperia ZL goes on preorder for US customers, carrierfree" data-src-height="446" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/xperiazl.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Remember the Xperia ZL? While it lingered in the shadow of the waterproof Xperia Z back at CES, the phone does still exist and has now gone on preorder at Sony's own webstore. Withc the same 5-inch 1080p display, 13-megapixel camera and Snapdragon S4 Pro of the omnibalanced Z model, the Xperia ZL packs it into a smaller footprint and adds the courtesy of a physical camera button. Sony's NFC skills remain onboard and that lead camera is capable of HDR video capture, alongside recent improvements to the Xperia range's automatic shooting mode. While its own retail site is currently down (and there's no concrete date for when you'll get your hands on the phone), Sony says that it will be available from other online stores soon, pricing the Xperia ZL, contract- and carrier-less, at a hefty $720 on HSPA, or $760 for the 4G variant. That pricier option includes LTE Bands 2, 4 5, and 17, which means it should connect with AT&T's 4G network -- with or without any carrier branding.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>The Xperia™ ZL, the World's Most Compact Smartphone with a 5" Display, Comes to the US</strong></div>--5" Full HD Reality Display with the highest* phone-to-screen ratio, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2<br /> --13MP camera with Exmor RS™ for Mobile image sensor for HDR photos and videos<br /> --Easy One-touch connections to wirelessly share music, photos, and videos across other NFC-enabled devices<br /> --Sony's media applications deliver rich user experiences and instant access to entertainment services<br /> <br /> ATLANTA, March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Mobile Communications (USA), Inc. ("Sony Mobile") brings the Xperia™ ZL to the US, offering consumers the best of Sony in a premium smartphone. The Xperia ZL is now available online for pre-sale at Sony Store and will soon be available through other select online retailers.<br /> The Xperia ZL has all of the specifications expected from a premium smartphone and offers even more with best of Sony experiences. It combines a razor sharp 5" full HD (1920x1080p) Reality Display with an elegant and compact design. Intelligent camera features make taking high quality images easier than ever, and One-touch connections via NFC (Near field communication) allow the Xperia ZL to communicate with a wide range of NFC-enabled devices with a single tap.<br /> Compact design<br /> With Sony's expertise in design and craftsmanship, the Xperia ZL comes with subtly rounded edges, a curvature that fits naturally into the palm of your hand, and a compact layout that optimizes the iconic phone design.<br /> The power button also has high functionality, as the average user is likely to touch it an estimated 76 times per day, and exemplifies the premium build and craftsmanship that has gone into the Xperia ZL.<br /> <br /> Intelligent Sony Technology<br /> <br /> Xperia ZL's Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2, brings Sony's long-standing TV expertise to the smartphone and delivers an immersive viewing experience with optimized colors, contrast, and clarity. Most smartphones available today have screen ratios of between 60 and 68 percent. Xperia ZL has been precision engineered for an exceptional viewing experience while maintaining a compact design, allowing the brilliant display-representing 75 percent of the overall footprint*-to take the spotlight.<br /> <br /> Xperia ZL also shares capabilities with Sony digital cameras and features Exmor RS for mobile, the world's first image sensor with HDR** (High Dynamic Range) video for smartphones. HDR technology enhances clear images against strong backlight, enabling users to capture razor sharp pictures and videos, no matter the conditions.<br /> <br /> Sony's One-touch functions enable consumers to easily share music, photos, and videos from their smartphone to an array of NFC-enabled Sony devices including speakers, headphones, and TVs. With the latest NFC-capable BRAVIA TV, simply touch the Xperia ZL to the TV remote control to instantly enjoy your photos or view the content of your phone's screen on a large TV screen. With an NFC-enabled headset or speaker, listen to the songs on your Xperia ZL with just a tap.<br /> <br /> Xperia ZL also includes Battery STAMINA Mode that significantly improves the battery standby time by automatically shutting down battery-draining apps whenever the screen is off and starting them up again when the screen is back on.<br /> <br /> Discover, enjoy and share entertainment with Sony's media applications<br /> <br /> Sony media applications offer a consistent entertainment experience across a range of Sony devices. The "WALKMAN", Album, and Movies apps enable discovery of online and offline content through a single access point. Each application provides new ways to enjoy and share that content. The "WALKMAN" application provides access to all of your downloaded music, a library of 18 million songs to explore from Music Unlimited***, and Facebook social integration. The Movies application gives consumers access to over 100,000 movies and TV series from Video Unlimited***, while the Album application enables easy access to Facebook friends' photos-you can even browse photos by location.<br /> Key features for Xperia ZL<br /> 5" 1080 x 1920p full HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2<br /> 13MP Fast Capture camera with Exmor RS for mobile, HDR video (1080p), Superior Auto and Noise Reduction to effortlessly capture razor sharp pictures and videos in any conditions<br /> Battery STAMINA for improved standby time<br /> NFC-enabled and Infra-red capable<br /> 1.5 GHz asynchronous quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB RAM<br /> MSRP $759.99 (unlocked, Model C6506) and $719.99 (unlocked, Model C6502)<br /> Available colors: Black, White, Red<br /> Compatible network bands:<br /> Model C6502 HSPA+: 1,2,4,5,8 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900<br /> Model C6506 LTE: 2,4,5,17 & HSPA+: 1,2,4,5,8 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900<br /> Xperia ZL will launch on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)<br /> </div></div></div>

Sony Xperia ZL goes on pre-order for US customers, off-contract: $720 for HSPA, $760 for LTE

Remember the Xperia ZL? While it lingered in the shadow of the waterproof Xperia Z back at CES, the phone does still exist and has now go...

مزيد من المعلومات »

PSA: BlackBerry Z10 (finally) arrives on AT&T

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/blackberry-z10-sonos-backdrop.jpg" /></div>The American BlackBerry faithful have been waiting and while those with business (and T-Mobile) intentions got there a little early, the Z10 is now available to the more typical pay-monthly masses from AT&T. Priced up at $200 on a two-year contract, you can pick it up from Ma' Bell's for-real stores and online today, just click on that source link for all those carrier details.<br /> </div></div>

PSA: BlackBerry Z10 (finally) arrives on AT&T

The American BlackBerry faithful have been waiting and while those with business (and T-Mobile) intentions got there a little early, the Z...

مزيد من المعلومات »

Mobile Miscellany: week of January 21st, 2013

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr /> <div class="copy post-body"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Mobile Miscellany week of January 21st, 2013" data-src-height="400" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/mobile-misc-mini-1359181564.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought a new smartphone from Xolo to India, HTC's crackdown on a custom ROM distributor and the UK's largest mobile spectrum auction to date. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of January 21st, 2013.</div><h3 id="title0" style="text-align: left;"> Xolo A500 debuts in India with Android 4.0</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Mobile Miscellany week of January 21st, 2013" data-src-height="397" data-src-width="464" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/mm-lava-xolo.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> A new Android 4.0 smartphone known as the Xolo A500 became available within India this week, and from all appearances, it's entirely run of the mill. That said, with a price of ₹6,999 ($130), it may just turn a few heads. The Xolo A500 sports a 4-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, along with a dual-core 1GHz CPU (Snapdragon S4 Play) and dual-SIM functionality. You'll also find a 5-megapixel rear camera, along with a front-facing VGA shooter. The device includes a 1,500mAh battery, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage and supports microSD cards up to 32GB in size. [Fone Arena]</div><h3 id="title1" style="text-align: left;"> Ofcom kicks off 4G spectrum auction in UK</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/winstonvic.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The largest mobile spectrum auction to date in the UK began this week, which is set to nearly double the wireless resources available to Britons. In all, 28 lots of spectrum are available across the 800MHz and 2600MHz bands, which will add 250MHz of spectrum to the 333MHz in use today. Telefonica (O2), Vodafone, EE, Hutchison (Three), Niche Spectrum Ventures (BT), HKT and MLL are participants in the auction, which carries a total reserve price of £1.36 billion. According to UK regulator Ofcom, the auction will take place in several rounds over the coming weeks. [Android Central]</div><h3 id="title2" style="text-align: left;"> AT&T CEO reveals interest in smartphone financing</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Mobile Miscellany week of January 21st, 2013" data-src-height="410" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/mm-randall-stephenson.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Verizon's Lowell McAdam now has some company. During this week's earnings call, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson revealed that AT&T is similarly monitoring T-Mobile's shift to drop the subsidized business model and instead provide customers the ability to finance their new smartphone purchase. While Stephenson may lack grace with his words, the intent is clear: "We expect there to be some dynamics in the marketplace that -- and we'll have to respond to some of it -- we find interesting, like the handset financing that they're doing." Curiously, Stephenson admitted that AT&T has considered the approach in the past, but like Verizon, much of how his company responds will depend on consumers' reception of T-Mobile's new approach. [FierceWireless]</div><h3 id="title3" style="text-align: left;"> US Cellular now offers carrier billing for online shopping</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Mobile Miscellany week of January 21st, 2013" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/mm-buy-more-stuff.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> US Cellular announced this week that it now supports carrier billing for online purchases. The system was launched in partnership with Boku, and subscribers may pay for goods at participating merchants by entering their mobile number at checkout and then confirming the purchase with a text message. From there, customers will find the total amount of the purchase added to their wireless bill. [PhoneScoop]</div><h3 id="title4" style="text-align: left;"> AT&T working to integrate Data Sense for Windows Phone 8</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/lumia822-dsc04086-review.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Data Sense is one of the more unique features of Windows Phone 8, which allows users to monitor their data usage and squeeze more from their data plan through the magic of server-side compression. Verizon is the only carrier to support the feature within the US, but that may soon change, as AT&T has revealed that it's "exploring Data Sense and how to optimize the experience" for its subscribers. About damn time, right? [FierceWireless]</div><h3 id="title5" style="text-align: left;"> HTC forces shutdown of custom ROM site</h3><div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Mobile Miscellany week of January 21st, 2013" data-src-height="319" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/mm-htc-aggressive.png" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> A provider of many popular Sense-based ROMs is no more. This week, <em>HTCRUU</em> closed its doors and took its repositories offline in acquiescence to legal threats from HTC. Historically, HTC has taken an admirably lax approach to distribution of customized Sense ROMs, which are popular among enthusiasts of the company's smartphones. Naturally, many other sources exist for custom Sense blends, which raises the question of whether this move was but a one-off showing of legal force, or whether HTC will take a more active approach to ending the underground custom ROM community. Those interested can learn more of the situation on <em>Reddit</em>. [Android Police]</div><h3 id="title6" style="text-align: left;"> Other random tidbits</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Following in the footsteps of Android and iOS, Microsoft has upped the mobile data cap of app downloads and updates for Windows Phone to 50MB. [WPCentral]</li><li> The Meizu MX2 is now available as a subsidized handset for customers of China Unicom. The smartphone can be gotten for free with all two-year plans of ¥226 or more per month, or with all three-year plans of ¥156 or more per month. [GSM Arena]</li><li> Colombia's state-owned telecom, UNE EPM, announced that it would invest $2.5 million to bring LTE services to Barranquilla -- the country's fourth most populous city -- which sports a population of approximately 1.8 million. [RCR Wireless]</li><li> An internal leak has revealed that the HTC 8S will become available at Bell Mobility on February 1st. [MobileSyrup]</li><li> Videotron has announced that it'll begin selling the Nexus 4 on January 30th. Similarly, Fido is accepting reservations (and a requisite $40 deposit) for the smartphone, which it's targeting for an early February arrival. [MobileSyrup 1, 2]</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"> [Buy More Stuff photo credit: jbhthescots / Flickr]</div><div style="text-align: left;"> [Mobile Miscellany photo credit: Thristian / Flickr]</div></div></div>

Mobile Miscellany: week of January 21st, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened th...

مزيد من المعلومات »