Uh-oh. Looks like T-Mobile's Full Monty subscribers in the UK will be getting much less than they'd originally bargained for. T-Mo's British support unit recently confirmed that the carrier has capped speeds on its "all-in" unlimited plan at a rather dismal 1Mb/s -- in other words, this Full Monty act doesn't really go all the way. Perhaps T-Mobile representatives were too caught up in the moment at the launch event and merely forgot to reveal this little tidbit? Our Magic 8-Ball says, "Don't count on it." You'll find the confirmation tweet immortalized after the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile confirms Full Monty subscribers are capped at 1Mb/s, risqué plan becomes tame

T-Mobile confirms Full Monty subscribers are capped at 1Mb/s, risqué plan becomes tame originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   Coolsmartphone  |  @TMobileUKhelp (Twitter)  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/4/12 7:13 AM

The latest report is in from ComScore , and as you might expect, the news is sunshine and roses for the crews at Google and Apple. Both companies platforms charted some worthwhile month-over-month gains, as Android is estimated to account for 47.3 percent of smartphones in the US, while iOS runs a strong second with 26.9 percent. Meanwhile, former BlackBerry fans continue to scatter, as the platform now accounts for 16 percent of smartphone users. Similarly, Windows Phone (and whatever's left of Windows Mobile) have taken it on the chin, and have fallen to just 4.7 percent market share. Without ever gaining much traction in the US, Symbian now makes up 1.4 percent of the smartphone pie. You'll find a quick look at the manufacturing side of the equation, along with the full ComScore press release, after the break.

Continue reading ComScore: Android and iOS gallop ahead, US smartphone usage approaches 100 million

ComScore: Android and iOS gallop ahead, US smartphone usage approaches 100 million originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   TechFlash  |  ComScore  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/4/12 2:03 AM

HP's Enyo framework is an essential ingredient for allowing new apps to work on webOS devices with different resolutions, but due to some sort of ethnocentric hiccup, v1.0 hasn't officially reached all international webOS phones and tablets. Fortunately, WebOS Internals has prepared a nice little Preware install package that anyone, anywhere can enjoy. At this point, adding Enyo will only provide access to a few extra apps, but at least the world will be reunited in its preparedness for a glistening future , right?

webOS Enyo 1.0 now available to all, just requires patch and patience originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   webOSNation  |  webOS Internals (Twitter)  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/4/12 1:18 AM

You know the saying, second place is the first loser? Well, it looks like AT&T, which recently saw its attempt to absorb T-Mobile thwarted , is living up to that adage by petitioning the FCC to impose an "overly aggressive buildout" of Dish's planned mobile network . In a recent filing to the Commission, the satco countered this request for "LightSquared -like" requirements, defining its operation as a strictly retail endeavor, one that faces entirely different hurdles than that of its wholesale competitor. If granted, however, these conditions could see the fledgling network rushed to the marketplace before the completion of an LTE-Advanced standard and widespread availability of compatible devices -- both key elements of the MVPD's service strategy. The company also goes on to contest interference issues surrounding its 700MHz holdings, stating that it has no current plans to repurpose the spectrum for mobile broadband use, despite AT&T's claims to that effect. We'll keep you posted as this wireless battle plays out. In the meantime, hit up the source below to peruse the dense legalese.

AT&T seeks to impose conditions on Dish LTE network, FCC to settle wireless squabble originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   dailywireless , FierceWireless  |  FCC  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/4/12 12:44 AM

A new mobile gaming startup that's yet to release a single game isn't the sort of thing we'd normally cover 'round here, but the story behind Los Angeles-based Innovative Leisure is anything but ordinary. The man behind the company is the co-creator of the Xbox, Seamus Blackley, and he's brought with him eleven industry veterans that he calls "the dream team from Atari," including the likes of Van Burnham, Ed Logg, Rich Adam, Tim Skelly, Owen Rubin, and Ed Rotberg. While those names may not be familiar to everyone, you'll surely recognize some of the games they were responsible for: Asteroids , Centipede , Gauntlet , Missile Command , Battlezone , S.T.U.N. Runner , Major Havoc and Space Duel , to name a few.

Speaking with VentureBeat , Blackley describes mobile devices as "the new arcade" and 99 cent games as the "new quarter," adding that he's aiming to carry on where Atari left off, "focusing on innovation in gameplay." To help with that, the company has secured backing from THQ, which has reportedly agreed to an initial slate of ten games, seven of which are now in development (with only the iPhone and iPad mentioned as supported platforms so far). Unfortunately, details remain light beyond that, with Blackley only offering late summer or fall as an estimated release date for the first titles. In the meantime, you can find more of the backstory at the links below (THQ's press release can also be found after the break).

Continue reading Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup

Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  VentureBeat  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 11:38 PM

Some of you may have noticed that the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus is no longer listed as a supported, official developer device by Google. Despite rumors to the contrary, it doesn't appear this has anything to do with the kerfuffle over Wallet , but instead centers around technical issues relating to the APK files required for CDMA connectivity and the signing of those libraries. Other devices have also disappeared from the support pages, including the Nexus S 4G and the Verizon-branded Xoom . Google has posted an update explaining that, "for various technical reasons" CDMA telephony is handled by binaries provided by the carrier in newer devices. The result is different signatures being associated with those APKs than a pure AOSP builds and, thus, those essential components don't function properly.

Google explained the disappearance by saying "we aim to make sure that we are as clear as possible about the degree of support that devices have," before going on to promise all Nexus devices would continue to have unlockable bootloaders and that as many of the closed-source binaries as possible would be made available. For the complete statement hit up the source link.

Galaxy Nexus and other CDMA devices removed from Google Support pages originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Android Contributors (Google Groups)  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 11:16 PM

Continue reading Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 10:00 PM

Yahoo unveils app search page for Android and iOS, because we need it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   Android Central  |  Yahoo  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 9:16 PM

We were so beguiled by AD's bamboo-bound smartphone that we had to track down the designer to get some hands-on time with these work-in-progress prototypes. We met up with Kieron-Scott Woodhouse (pun unintended) and he offered to bring along several of the latest prototypes for us to get to grips with. While the finished product will arrive in the bamboo material but smoked to the darker finish. The darker model's button layout is also closer to what we can expect on the final device. The ADZero is still set to launch between the end of 2012 and the start of 2013. Sustainable smartphone fans can browse through our gallery below, or read up on the phone's journey -- and our impressions -- right after the break.

Continue reading ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on (video)

ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 8:28 PM

Continue reading Canalys: More smartphones than PCs shipped in 2011

Canalys: More smartphones than PCs shipped in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 8:02 PM

Ever wanted to order a tea and coffee , but found language to be a barrier? Then say bonjour, to Nokia Hello. Making creative use of NFC , Nokia Hello users can touch phones to exchange greetings, pleasantries, as well as the aforementioned beverage order. Mild joking aside, the project has been developed to ease those awkward international business interactions, which the team behind it somewhat ambitiously claim could be eliminated as soon as 2015. We're not sure how loud Nokia employees are but Dr Marcus Redströmm PhD, who led the project, thinks it can also cut their noise pollution by up to 85 percent. It's still awaiting final testing, but it'll be free once released -- just be sure to touch back to say kiitos .

Nokia Hello: breaks down borders, gets the drinks in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Nokia Conversations  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 6:46 PM

Dropbox offers up to 5GB of free space to anyone willing to go beta originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   Android Police  |  Dropbox Forums  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 6:22 PM

Facebook and Twitter are more addictive than alcohol and cigarettes, a new study finds, as social networking becomes an increasingly obsessive habit. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 6:15 PM

Facebook's expected IPO set the stakes high for the social network, but dizzying heights may mean a harder fall. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 6:03 PM

A pending bill in Missouri requires wireless carriers to show cell phone locations to law enforcement pursuing missing persons cases, as laws catch up with the pace of today's technologies. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 5:54 PM

The NFL has hired a private company to monitor all social media the day of the Super Bowl, suggesting the importance services like Twitter and Facebook play in major events. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 5:40 PM

Are you ready for a showdown? You're in luck! In the latest edition of our fine weekly, Myriam Joire tackles wrist-top computing, comparing the inPulse and WIMM One smartwatches. Also in this issue, Zachary Lutz takes the BlackBerry Curve 9360 for a spin; Dana Wollman puts HP's latest Envy 15 through the paces; and Joe Pollicino tries to keep Klipsch's Mode M40 headphones in place. If that wasn't enough to pique your interest, our former editor-in-chief, Ryan Block, returns to take on the Distro Q&A and Box Brown offers a comic look at becoming an iBooks Author . So go on and get to downloading!

Distro Issue 26 PDF
Distro on the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Android Market
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Distro Issue 26: Smartwatch face-off, Ryan Block and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  iTunes , Android Market  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 5:30 PM

Google is beefing up security in the Android app market with its "Bouncer" software, aiming to fight malware and earn back consumer trust as competition with Apple heats up. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 5:01 PM

We know what you're thinking, because we initially thought it too, but this isn't your average AR. With the help of chip designer ARM , a number of developers are building a new type of augmented reality that is altogether more powerful than the usual sprite-on-a-surface routine. Instead of requiring well-lit, artificial and often indoor surfaces and markers, this new technology sucks every ounce of juice from a smartphone's processor in order to recognize, track and augment real-world 3D objects like people and buildings. It's still at an early stage and far from being practical, but the exclusive videos after the break ought to prove that this approach has potential. In fact, it's probably what augmented reality ought to have been in the first place. Read on for more.

Continue reading Taking next-gen augmented reality for an ARM-powered walk around the block

Taking next-gen augmented reality for an ARM-powered walk around the block originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 5:00 PM

Amazon's Kindle Fire is a bigger success than most tablets on the market, but new research reveals several reasons why it has yet to match the iPad. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 4:23 PM

Apple won a reprieve against a German court order banning online sales of Apple's devices, but Motorola eked out a victory that may affect future patent battles. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 3:51 PM

European regulators asked Google to delay its new privacy policy, throwing up a roadblock to the Internet giant's plan to consolidate its services to compete against Facebook . www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 3:44 PM

Anyone keeping a close eye on the mobile market knows that Samsung and Super AMOLED , much like peanut butter and jelly, are inextricable bosom buddies. So, this recent tech marriage between the Korean electronics giant and Corning (of Gorilla Glass fame) shouldn't come as much surprise for fans of super saturated screens. Under terms of the agreement, both parties will jointly manufacture Lotus Glass for use in smartphones falling under the Galaxy umbrella, as well as Super OLED TVs . The substrate, heralded for its ability to withstand "higher processing temperatures" without compromising structural stability, will help create a range of less power consumptive, high-resolution devices. Unexciting? Sure, but you didn't think those 720p displays were going to make themselves, now did you? Official PR after the break.

Continue reading Corning and Samsung ink new joint venture, plot Lotus Glass future for OLED devices

Corning and Samsung ink new joint venture, plot Lotus Glass future for OLED devices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 2:48 PM

Sure, we've read the specs and we've seen the press shots, but we didn't expect to get up close and personal with Samsung's Galaxy S Advance (GT-I9070) until Mobile World Congress later this month. Fortunately, Filipino tech blog TechPinas was able to get a hands-on with the handset -- complete with photos and video. The Gingerbread -packing phone, which looks like a cross between a Galaxy S II (in front) and a Nexus S (complete with curved glass), features a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 768MB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a five megapixel AF camera with flash, an HSDPA 14.4Mbps radio and a 1500mAh battery. It's expected to launch the week of February 27th, and according to UK retailer Clove, it's going to cost £295 ($467) plus tax. That's lovely and all, but without the Galaxy S III on the menu let's just hope Samsung's hiding something special up its sleeves for Barcelona. Until then, check out the pictures and video at the source link below.

Update: An additional set of photos of the Galaxy S Advance (in silver) just landed in our tip jar, direct from Vietnam.

Samsung Galaxy S Advance snapped in the wild, pricing in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   Android Community  |  TechPinas , Clove , Mai Gnuyen  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 2:08 PM

Apple is widening its patent case against Samsung in Australia, suggesting the lawsuit between the two competitors is going to intensify before any resolution. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 1:53 PM

The Obama administration is urging a nationwide transition to digital textbooks, underscoring a need for partnership between tech companies, publishers, and schools to improve learning. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 1:38 PM

Research In Motion is offering free BlackBerry PlayBooks to Android developers, as the struggling company tries to boost apps for its stumbling platform. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 1:02 PM

President Barack Obama has started an initiative to develop video games that are educational and healthy for people of all ages, using gaming's growing audience to boost citizens' fitness and political participation. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 12:51 PM

Public corporations still aren't disclosing security breaches, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, highlighting the need for either greater incentives or harsher punishments. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 12:12 PM

A mobile carrier with a new way of pricing promises flexibility and fairness as big-name networks' elimination of unlimited data continues to confuse consumers. www.mobiledia.com | 2/3/12 11:55 AM

As far back as September, security researchers discovered a "critical" bug in many HTC Android handsets that exposed users' WiFi credentials to any hacker who cared to look. The flaw affected recent devices like the Thunderbolt and EVO 4G all the way back to the Desire HD . The researchers promptly notified HTC, but the manufacturer waited a full five months before acknowledging the flaw publicly a few days ago. Sounds shady, perhaps, but HTC sent us a statement clarifying that this is standard policy to protect customers. It says it waited to develop a fix before it alerted the big bad world to the vulnerability. Most newer devices have already received their fix OTA, but owners of some older phones -- we'll update this post when we know exactly which ones -- will need to check the HTC Support site for a manual update next week. Meanwhile, in manufacturer's defense, the guys at the Open1X group who discovered the bug say that HTC was "very responsive and good to work with." Here's HTC's statement to us:

"HTC takes customer data security very seriously. If there is a known breach of sensitive customer data, our priority is customer notification along with corrective actions. It is our policy, and industry standard procedure, to protect customers, which sometimes necessitates not increasing data security risks by disclosing minor breach issues where no malicious applications are detected. In those cases, premature disclosure of vulnerabilities could spur creation of malicious apps to take advantage of any vulnerability before it is fixed. For this specific WiFi bug issue, we worked closely with Google and the security researchers from the date of notification and throughout this process to ensure that the majority of affected HTC phones had already received the fix prior to the vulnerability being made public."

HTC acknowledges long-running WiFi security flaw, says it deliberately kept it quiet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   TheNextWeb  |  My War with Entropy , HTC Support  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 11:13 AM

Harken back to the days of Windows 95, and you may remember downloading a few shareware titles to your Compaq or Packard Bell courtesy of Tucows and its network of mirror sites. While the company is no longer of much relevance in the software arena, it's recently launched a mobile service called Ting that operates on Sprint's network, and like many of its competitors (think Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile ), no contract is needed. That's not to suggest everything is the same, however, as unlike other carriers, Ting offers to reimburse you for your unused voice, text and data allotments -- think of it as rollover to your wallet. Curious to know more? We've laid out and explained the full spread of Ting's phones and plans after the break.

Continue reading Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network

Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   TechCrunch  |  Ting  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 5:58 AM

So far, Google Wallet has its official US availability on NFC-compatible handsets limited by unfriendly carriers with their own mobile payment services in mind , but it appears that is no longer the case for Nexus handsets with AT&T SIMs inserted. Droid-Life reported the app is available in the market for AT&T-SIM'd HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus phones, which we were able to confirm on our own device (over any connection, as long as the AT&T card is in, switching back to a T-Mobile SIM made it disappear from the market again, although of course the app still worked). We also found it was available on our Nexus S under the same conditions, however that official blessing did not extend to the NFC-compatible Galaxy S II Skyrocket or Galaxy S II Global we tried. Interestingly, Droid-Life has also noticed easy access downloads for VZW Nexus that are rooted with their bootloaders unlocked, and of course there's still always another way to get it.

AT&T connected Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S get Android Market Google Wallet installs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Droid-Life  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 2:30 AM

By now, you're well aware of the Lumia 900 , the LTE-wielding Windows Phone that's set to do battle with the Titan II on AT&T. While we're still looking to a March arrival , if you happen to live close to a Microsoft retail store, you can pre-order one of these fine handsets for yourself today. We reached out to the folks in Redmond to confirm the news, who tell us that a Lumia 900 -- which has yet to be blessed with an official price -- can be secured for just $25. Of course, if you're nowhere within reach of a Microsoft outlet, well, it appears you've got a long drive ahead of you. Anyone road tripping it for this one?

Nokia Lumia 900 up for pre-order at Microsoft Store, $25 down puts you in line originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   The Verge  |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/3/12 1:02 AM

Continue reading AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Reuters  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 11:29 PM

Our friends at Negri Electronics hooked us up with the BLU Studio 5.3 ($260) and BLU Touch Book 7.0 ($230) for a short time, giving us the chance to play around with them for a little bit. Rather than doing a full review on both items, we felt it was more appropriate to first give the product lineup a formal introduction to the site. BLU, meet Engadget. Engadget, BLU. Let's dive in.

Continue reading BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on

BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |   | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 9:30 PM

Google has had its fair share of malware-related problems in the Android Market , but that's hopefully about to change, now that the company has announced a new security-enhancing service. Codenamed "Bouncer," Mountain View's new program sounds pretty simple, in principle: it just automatically scans the Market for malware, without altering the Android user experience, or requiring devs to run through an app approval process. According to Hiroshi Lockheimer, Android's VP of Engineering, Bouncer does this by scanning recently uploaded apps for spyware, trojans or any other lethal components, while looking out for any suspicious behavior that may raise a red flag. The service also runs a simulation of each app using Google's cloud-based infrastructure, and regularly checks up on developer accounts to keep repeat offenders out of the Android Market. Existing apps, it's worth noting, will be subject to the same treatment as their more freshly uploaded counterparts. Lockheimer went on to point out that malware is on the decline in the Market, citing a 40 percent drop between the first and second halves of 2011, and explained some of Android's fundamental security features, including its sandboxing and permission-based systems. Head for the source link below to read the post in full.

Google's 'Bouncer' service scans the Android Market for malware, will judge you at the door originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Google Mobile Blog  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 9:30 PM

If you thought Mango was the bee's knees, just wait till you get a hold of Apollo . No, seriously, keep waiting 'cause we have no idea when that will happen. While we still can't say when Windows Phone 8 will be making its way to a handset near you, we do have quite a few new details about the mobile OS courtesy of the folks over at PocketNow . The site managed to snag a copy of a video starring Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore talking about what's coming in the next major revision. Those of you concerned with Microsoft's inability to go toe to toe with Apple and Google on specs can breathe a bit easier as new screen resolutions (four in total) and dual-core CPUs will be supported, while those clamoring for more storage will be happy to hear that microSD support has returned -- this time in an official capacity . Rounding out the new hardware features will be NFC support, including the Beam -like ability to share content by tapping, though, it'll have the advantage of being able to share with Windows 8 based tablets and laptops as well. And, speaking of Windows 8, its similarly numbered, phone-centric sibling won't just share a UI, it'll have many of the core components, including large chunks of the kernel, networking stack and security features -- which should make porting apps from the desktop to the handset a relatively simple affair.

Amazingly enough, the list of improvements doesn't end there. If you've been wondering when Microsoft was going to put its Skype acquisition to good use, wonder no more. A Windows Phone app for the VoIP service will debut alongside Apollo and will feature deep integration with the OS, including the ability to place calls the same as you would standard voice calls. A new live tile and app called DataSmart will make it easier for users to manage their data usage and ensure they don't end up eating insane overage fees. To milk every last bit out of that data plan Windows Phone will favor WiFi over a cellular connection and can be programmed to automatically connect to carrier-owned hotspots when they're in range. And, if that weren't enough, Microsoft plans to use proxy servers to compress web pages before feeding them to the mobile version of Internet Explorer 10, not unlike Opera Mini . Those of you who doubted that Windows Phone could actually keep pace with Android and iOS, now might be a good time to reevaluate your position. Hit up the source link for a few more details.

Update : If you want to get all of the details in a nice easy to glance list head after the break for a convenient bullet point presentation.

Continue reading Windows Phone 8 detailed: dual cores, Skype Integration and NFC are a go

Windows Phone 8 detailed: dual cores, Skype Integration and NFC are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Pocketnow  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 9:16 PM

You may have already moved on to more Amaze-ing HTC phones , but there's nothing like a new coat of paint to rekindle consumer interest in its older, less Sensational offerings. And so, the handset that ushered in Sense 3.0 and its signature lockscreen is getting a visual refresh and a belly full of Google's latest mobile OS, just not at the same time. A release from Dutch PR firm Whizpr has that handset, newly encased in a White Ice-colored unibody, pegged for a March 1st release overseas running Ice Cream Sandwich . No mention was made as to whether the device would actually ship with the new UI onboard or if it'll bear the marks of Sense 4.0, but knowing the company, you can likely count on it. For the rest of you current Sensation owners, don't despair, an OTA update keeping that O.G. handset up-to-speed should be on the way "soon."

Update : HTC reached out to let us know that this white ice Sensation will actually ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread out of the box. A planned update to Ice Cream Sandwich is still on track for some time early this year.

HTC Sensation puts on a white coat to match its Ice Cream Sandwich innards (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink    |  Whizpr (Translated)  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 7:16 PM

Continue reading ADzero Bamboo cellphone's aiming for the giant Panda market (video)

ADzero Bamboo cellphone's aiming for the giant Panda market (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   TechDigest  |  Middlesex University  | Email this  | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 6:31 PM

An Android phone made of bamboo will hit the market in China, as demand for style and character fuels a new suite of creatively designed mobile devices. www.mobiledia.com | 2/2/12 6:12 PM

Smartphones users can move beyond the touchscreen with new gaming accessories like the Xappr Gun, which brings laser tag to the mobile generation. www.mobiledia.com | 2/2/12 5:57 PM

Facebook's official filing to become a publicly traded company offered a glimpse of its skyrocketing financial picture, but also points to challenges that could stall its rate of growth. www.mobiledia.com | 2/2/12 5:48 PM

Sprint has officially taken the wraps off the ZTE Optik and, as expected, the 7-inch tablet will be landing for a measly $100 on contract. Of course, to hit that price point you'll have to make some sacrifices, like signing up for a two-year agreement and an appropriate data plan. Not to mention you'll have to settle for a 3G connection -- there's no WiMAX or LTE in sight. Underneath the hood is a respectable dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon and 1GB of RAM pushing Honeycomb to the 1280 x 800 screen. There's also the usual Bluetooth and GPS antennas on board, as well as dual cameras (5MP rear and 2MP front-facing), 16GB of storage and a MicroSD slot for adding more. If you're not keen on locking yourself into a two year contract for a CDMA-only device, you can pick up the Swype-sporting tab for $350 obligation-free on the same day -- February 5th. Check out the complete PR after the break.

Continue reading ZTE Optik tablet hits Sprint for $100 on February 5th, hopes EVDO is good enough

ZTE Optik tablet hits Sprint for $100 on February 5th, hopes EVDO is good enough originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple hired a former member of Microsoft's Xbox Live team to head its App Store in Europe, in a move to boost its momentum in apps and games. www.mobiledia.com | 2/2/12 5:12 PM

Qualcomm and Ericsson are developing technology that will let phones switch between 3G and 4G networks mid-call, signaling future smartphones will handle voice and data equally with less battery drain. www.mobiledia.com | 2/2/12 4:39 PM