Samsung Fascinate leaked in the wild, launch imminent? and more

Samsung Fascinate leaked in the wild, launch imminent? and more

In This Issue...


Samsung Fascinate leaked in the wild, launch imminent?

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones

Samsung Fascinate in-the-wild

With all of the latest Samsung Fascinate rumors surfacing as of late, you would think Verizon Wireless has already announced the device, but alas, we’re still waiting for Big Red to post a press release.  Earlier today, we reported about the likelihood for Verizon to launch the Fascinate on September 8 based on a leaked spec sheet.  September 8 is a little over a week away, so Verizon still has a few days before it will have to announce the Samsung Fascinate.  In case you’re sick of looking at screen shots of spec sheets and inventory leaks, BGR received a tip of the Fascinate in the wild.  No, the image above is not the official press image, but it is still a clear picture of the Galaxy S on Verizon.  Of course, if any other rumors of a launch date leak between now and September 8, we’ll keep you updated.

Via [BGR]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Phillips introduces first Android MP4 player, the GoGear Connect

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video

GoGear Philips has announced the launch of the GoGear Connect, the first Android powered MP4 player. The device offers users the ability to use apps from the Android Market and sports WiFi, a 3.2-inch screen, a camera, noise isolating earbuds, Full Sound technology, and a MicroSD slot. It will be available at the end of October and will retail for about $300US.

Read [Philips]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »




Samsung plans event for September 16, set to unveil Media Hub and latest Android device

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones

Samsung Event Invitation

One of the more exciting apps from Samsung—Media Hub—is just about to launch, as Samsung promises to unveil the new app on September 16 at their next event in New York City.  The Media Hub app is a service that allows Galaxy S users to rent and purchase TV shows and movies for a small fee.  In addition, Samsung plans to announce its “latest Android-powered device.”  Interestingly, Samsung calls its next product a device instead of a smartphone, giving rise to the possibility Samsung is going to announce the Samsung Galaxy Tab.  Of course, there is always the possibility Samsung will introduce the Fascinate which is set to launch sometime in early September (current rumors indicate September 8), but the event is in mid-September, so I doubt it will be the Fascinate.  We will recap all the information announced at the Samsung event, so be sure to visit back on September 16. 

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



LG Optimus Pad, yet another Android tablet on the way

Section: Computers

LG LG announced their plans to release an Android tablet at IFA this week. Details were scant-all LG would say is that it was thinner and lighter than it’s competitors and would offer superior performance. No other specs were release nor was a release date or pricing discussed. LG is just the latest company to jump on the tablet computer bandwagon and try its hand at an iPad killer. Do you think any Android tablet is a contender for the title? Why or or why not?

Read [Engadget]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Bing announces Android app, will be available only for Verizon users

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Bing announces Android app, will be available only for Verizon users

Microsoft has officially released a Bing app for Android users. Though, this release comes with a catch and a catch that does not only involve the version of Android that you may be running. As of now—the app is available only for Android users on Verizon Wireless. With that, aside from needing to be a Verizon customer, the Bing Mobile app for Android is actually quite nice looking. Users will be able to do most everything you would expect including web, image and news searches as well as maps, directions and more. In addition there is also voice recognition for times when you are not as free to type. As you would expect, the Bing app is available for free and can be found in the Android Market.

Read [Bing Community Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



RIM avoids another shut down

Section: Communications, Smartphones

Facebook RIM has avoided yet another shut down of its service, this time in India. The country, like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the UAE, is demanding RIM give them the ability to monitor all user activities including email, texting, and IMing. RIM has apparently reached the same deal with India that it did with Saudi Arabia and will likely place a server in that country as well. India has defended its demands saying it is necessary for the government to monitor BlackBerry data to insure terrorists aren’t using the device to plot attacks.

Read [Cnet]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Apple to live stream September 1st event

Section: Apple, Gadgets / Other

Just in case you have been living in a cave, under a rock, or in the depths of the ocean, Apple is having its fall event tomorrow. While much of the blogosphere is in a frenzy concerning the actual content of the event, Apple has released a PR notice saying that they will be streaming the entire event. There is one catch, of course. In order to receive the stream, you must be using an iPod, iPhone, iPad or a Mac running Safari.

If you are one of the people who do not qualify to watch there are a plethora of liveblogs from around the internet that will be covering just about every word Jobs himself will say.

Read [Apple]

Full Story » | Written by Hunter Clarke for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Scammers exploiting TweetDeck

Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

TweetDeck TweetDeck is warning Twitters users not to click on any links claiming to be a critical TweetDeck update because the update is actually malware. Scammers, upon hearing that the popular third party Twitter app was preparing to issue a real update, quickly rushed to take advantage of it. The fake update install a Trojan which then contacts another server and downloads a variety of other malware including a keylogger. TweetDeck will be issuing a real update later today as Twitter has yanked support for a programming interface they use.

Read [PCWorld]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Energizer offering free batteries to Facebook users

Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

Energizer offering free batteries to Facebook users Energizer has announced that it will give the first 30,000 people who “Like” their page and fill out the form there a coupon good for a free 4-pack of Energizer Recharge AA batteries. The company says these batteries last 4 times longer in digital cameras, and can be recharged up to 250 times more than other rechargeable batteries.

This is a really good deal. Pick up a charging unit for $17 from Amazon and you’re good to go. Rechargeable batteries save money and are better for the environment. I signed up, now it’s your turn!

Read [Facebook]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Roku lowers prices on SD, HD & HD-XR set-top boxes

Section: Video, Content, HDTV, Video Providers

Those who have been holding out for a lower priced Roku set-top box are in luck. In fact, $30 worth of luck. The Roku player device lineup consists of the Roku SD, Roku HD and Roku HD-XR and they have all been given a $30 price cut and are now priced at $59.99, $69.99 and $99.99 respectively. Sounds like a good time to make a purchase. Me personally, I would opt for the middle of the line Roku HD for $69.99, but the HD-XR for $99.99 is tempting. Of course, the main difference between the two is the addition of Wireless-N on the HD-XR and as I do not yet have an N-capable network in my home means I can deal without that feature. Otherwise, the Roku is a great Netflix streaming device, plus it also has a wide variety of other channels and other content available.

Product [Roku] Via [HackingNetflix]

 

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Motorola gives Milestone 2 an (accidental) official debut

Section: Communications, Smartphones

Milestone 2

We knew it was coming eventually, and Motorola just let us know about it a bit too soon.  The Milestone 2, the International edition of the Droid 2 with Motoblur is coming soon, we just weren’t supposed to know it yet.

The reveal came from a promo video posted on Motorola’s YouTube account.  The video was quickly yanked from YouTube, but not before some were able to see it, and others were able to get ahold of it to post it on the site again.  Again, the content of the video isn’t exactly too surprising but apparently Motorola wasn’t ready to release it just yet.

From the video we know that the Milestone 2 look exactly like the Droid 2, just with a slightly different paint job and the Motorola Blur logo on the back.  The specs shown are: 1 GHz OMAP processor, a 5 MP camera, 512 MB of RAM and the same 8 GB of on-board storage (expandable up to 40 GB, which Moto is happy to point out).  The phone runs on Android 2.2, and includes the standard WiFi hotspot and Flash player capabilities.

It makes sense that we’d see this phone eventually, but the video being pulled makes me wonder when Motorola plans on debuting the phone.  We’ll obviously be seeing it soon, but apparently not yet.  The sooner the better for Motorola, those outside of the US deserve to have the same phone as those of us here, even if it does have Motoblur installed.

Read [Engadget]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



No, Facebook Places isn't the root of all evil

Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

Facebook Shortly after Facebook unveiled it’s new Facebook Places feature, status updates began popping up with warnings like “Facebook launched Facebook Places. Anyone can find out where you are when you are logged in!!! It gives the actual address & map location of where you are as you use Facebook!!! Make sure your kids know!!!”

I’m sure you’ve seen at least one-they are all over Facebook now. I’m happy to tell you the warnings are completely false. Facebook Places does not and can not allow anyone to find out where you are when you are logged in, nor does it track your every moment. It can’t, for instance, tell the world you’re playing Farmville while sitting on the toilet. It is simply a location based app that allows you to “check-in” to different locations such as attractions, stores, and restaurants, and post your location to your Facebook page. However, and this is very important, it won’t and can’t do so unless you install the app and tell it to. It’s not some kind of big brother spy app. It can only do what it’s told to. Someone else who’s using the app can not track you, period. They can tag you if you happen to be in the same location but the privacy tools described in the status warnings are there to prevent that if you want to do so.

Why do people use such apps? For one thing, it makes them eligible for discounts and coupons from participating stores. When they check in to a store location they often receive such offers. It’s also just fun for a lot of people. It helps them discover new things about the city they are in. Don’t worry though, they really aren’t going to violate your privacy!

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Samsung Epic 4G officially available today, $199.99 with Wirefly or $249.99 with Sprint

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Samsung Epic 4G officially available today, $199.99 with Wirefly or $249.99 with Sprint

Today is the day that the Samsung Epic 4G officially comes available and as usual depending on where you make the purchase will depend on how much you will need to shell out. As Natesh mentioned the other day, the Epic 4G will be priced at $199.99 with Amazon. But just in case you have a thing against Amazon, rest assured because there are other options available. You can make the purchase by way of online retailer Wirefly and also spend $199.99. Or, there is always direct with Sprint—but that will cost a little more—$249.99. And that Sprint price comes after a $100 mail-in-rebate, which means you will spend $349.99 at the time of purchase. Bottom line, if you want an Epic 4G, go to Wirefly or Amazon. And just in case you were on the fence about a purchase, Natesh has a great review posted.

Product [Wirefly] and [Sprint]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Official T-Mobile G2 images surface, runs vanilla Android

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones

T-Mobile G2

Presently, the G2 is rumored for a September 29 launch on T-Mobile, and even though the phone has been teased by T-Mobile, official press images have not yet been released.  Just today, however, CellPhoneSignal managed to find official G2 images which shows off the sleek looking device and its full slider QWERTY keyboard.  One of the interesting pieces of information these images seem to confirm is the existence of Vanilla Android, instead of Android with HTC Sense on top.  Generally users and Android developers prefer a clean Android OS, meaning it is not bundled with crapware.  However, carriers usually preload apps onto their Android smartphones, but the notable phone running Vanilla Android is the Nexus One. 

Let’s recap the G2 to see what we currently know about the device.  It features a 3.7 inch OLED display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 5MP camera, HSPA+ capability, WiFi, GPS, and a slider QWERTY keyboard.  No word on which version of Android the G2 will launch with, but hopefully it is Froyo.  Lastly, the latest rumors indicate T-Mobile will launch the G2 on September 29, but that date has not been officially announced by T-Mobile. 

Via [CellPhoneSignal]

T-Mobile G2

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Foursquare users top 3 million

Section: Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

Foursquare Foursquare users now top a reported 3 million and the company’s founder says over 18,000 new members join everyday. This is still tiny if you compare it to the potential 500 million users Facebook’s new Facebook Places tool could have, but at the same time they could be doing Foursquare a favor by bringing the location based service concept to a huge new audience. Foursquare’s other competition, Gowalla,is planning to take advantage of this by allowing users to import their check-ins and other data into the Facebook app.

I am new to the party, having signed up for Foursquare just yesterday. I thought it might be a fun and useful tool to have for my upcoming vacation. Do you use one of these services? Why or why not?

Read [PCWorld]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



BillShrink conveniently lays out Galaxy S cost of ownership

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Websites

Samsung Vibrant

Today marks the launch of the third Galaxy S smartphone in America, the Samsung Epic 4G.  Now, only one Galaxy S device remains to be launched, the Samsung Fascinate on Verizon Wireless.  If you are looking to sign with a new carrier, or renew an existing contract, and want to pick up a Galaxy S device, you may want to check out BillShrink’s convenient chart that can be seen below.  Three of the four smartphones are very similar in terms of aesthetics and specs, but the Epic 4G comes with a few additional features.  When all is said and done, all four devices are powerful, high-end Android smartphones, thereby making the decision of which to purchase based on carrier preferences.

The Samsung Vibrant on T-Mobile USA is the most cost effective phone as it costs $99.99 per month on a completely unlimited plan.  Over the duration of the contract, the Vibrant will cost you $2,635.  In terms of the cheapest minimum plan available, the honors go to the Samsung Captivate on AT&T, which only costs $54.99 a month and $1,520 over the contract.  The Samsung Fascinate on Verizon Wireless is the most costly phone as it costs $119.98 per month on the maximum plan and a whopping $3,080 over the contract period.  In addition to comparing various pricing options of all four Galaxy S devices, BillShrink includes a specs comparison, which does help to compare each device to the Epic 4G. 

Read [BillShrink]

BillShrink Samsung Galaxy S chart

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Verizon Palm Pixi Plus users: webOS 1.4.5 is ready for your downloading pleasure

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Verizon Palm Pixi Plus users: webOS 1.4.5 is ready for your downloading pleasure

Those sporting a Palm Pixi Plus with Verizon may want to go ahead and run their Updates app as webOS 1.4.5 is ready and available. Keep in mind, this round is only for Pixi Plus users on Verizon. In other words, Pre Plus users are going to have to sit tight for a little while longer. That said, according to the details posted on the Palm Support website;

System

  • Palm Pixi and Palm Pixi Plus phones can now run 3D games and other apps developed with the webOS PDK. Check App Catalog for titles that are compatible with your phone.
  • This release includes minor fixes and enhancements to support the public release of the webOS PDK.

Web

  • If a user enters text in a field on certain websites, the screen focus now remains on the text being entered.
  • This release fixes a rare problem so that podcasts now download correctly.

Security

  • This release addresses several security issues with the Palm webOS software.
  • We'd like to thank Nils of MWR InfoSecurity and Chris Clark for their help in identifying the issues addressed in this release. Individuals interested in contacting Palm to report suspected security issues can find more information at palm.com/security.

Read [Palm] Via [PreCentral]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ available today starting at $79

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ SanDisk announced the availability of the Sansa Fuze+ Portable Media Player, which is available in three different models.  The Sansa Fuze+ is the successor to the Sansa Fuze and it is designed to handle a variety of audio, video, and picture formats. 

First, the device features a 2.4 inch QVGA LCD screen, 4GB/8GB/16GB of storage, microSD memory card expansion for additional media storage, and it features slotRadio card support.  SanDisk touts the revamped GUI on the Sansa Fuze+ claiming it provides “a more natural, crisp and satisfying user experience.”  In terms of formats, the device supports MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC/M4A, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Audible, Secure WMA, H.264, MPEG-4, WMV, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, and PNG. 

The SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ is currently available in many colors such as red, white, black, blue and purple.  Once again, it comes in three different models of 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB storage capacity, and it costs $79, $89 and $119, respectively.  It sounds like a quality and capable MP3 player that won’t break the bank, but the player is marketed more towards people who prefer standalone devices. 

Product [SanDisk]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



MySpace raises its flag to Facebook

Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

Myspace raises its flag to Facebook

I never thought I’d see the day, but MySpace is now allowing its users to sync up their posts to Facebook. Way to give up on your baby, Tom. Facebook users will now be able to see their friends’ MySpace items without ever having to leave the wonderful world of Facebook. Oh how the mighty have fallen. But in all honesty, when was the last time you even logged into your MySpace? The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind until I heard the news. I suppose it would be in their best interest to ride the coattails of the social media networking juggernaut. I mean, it has come to the point that if someone references MySpace in pop culture, I feel like what they’re saying is outdated.

MySpace users will now be able to share music, videos, games and photos between both social networking sites. You can already sync your MySpace with a Twitter account in order to post updates on MySpace through Twitter and vice versa. Research firm eMarketer estimates that advertisers will spend $347 million on MySpace this year and $297 million in 2011. Facebook on the other hand is expected to rake in $1.29 billion in online ad revenue this year and $1.76 billion next year.

Where has the time gone? I almost miss the days of the “MySpace pose” and bathroom mirror pictures. Well, come to think of it, I don’t really. In any case, it can’t be as bad as the duckface phenomenon that has taken over Facebook by storm.

Read [MSNBC]

Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet shows up in Verizon's internal systems

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers

Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet shows up in Verizon's internal systems

Yesterday we showed you some pictures of the Samsung Galaxy Tab that had a CDMA marking on them, which meant it could be coming to either Sprint or Verizon here in the US. Well, as a nice follow up to that post—it looks like the Samsung Tab will be coming to Verizon. The news comes by way of a picture of an internal Verizon Wireless system showing the “Sam Galaxy Tab Demos.” In other words, the Samsung Galaxy Tab. With this tablet, and hopefully the 10” Android 3.0 running device that is expected later this year from Motorola it looks like Verizon users are going to have a few good tablet devices to choose from when making a purchase.

Read [BGR]

 

 

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



AMD kills the ATI brand, says users approved it

Section: Computers, Hardware

AMD graphics rebranding

Four years ago, AMD bought out ATI, and has continued to use the brand name for graphics cards.  That all ends today as AMD has announced that the ATI branding will no longer be used by the company.

AMD’s announcement sees ATI chipsets keeping the same names, so the Radeon and FirePro lines will still be around.  The only thing that will change is that the ATI name will be replaced with the AMD name.  AMD will remove it’s name all-together from stickers on computers with Intel CPUS, so it won’t be confusing with both AMD and Intel stickers on the same machines.  The killing-off of the ATI brand would also prevent possible confusion when AMD finally releases it’s Fusion chips with both both CPU and GPU cores on the same chip.

According to AMD, users approved of the change, essentially giving the company “permission” to follow through with the plan.  It seems most users who care about graphics chips were aware that AMD owns ATI.  The company also found that the AMD brand was viewed as “stronger than” ATI in comparison to other graphics card makers.  The final point was that the names on the lines of graphics chips (Radeon and FirePro) were already strong.

In all, it does make sense to kill off the ATI brand, especially considering the points above.  It’s not as if AMD is getting out of the graphics game, it’s just streamlining it’s branding.

Read [Electronista] and [Gizmodo]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Gadgetell Review: Samsung Epic 4G on Sprint

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Reviews, Features, Originals

Samsung Epic 4G

Recently, I have spent a few weeks trying out one of Sprint's latest Android smartphones, the Samsung Epic 4G.  Even after a few hours of testing the device I was really impressed by the Epic and its improvements over the other Galaxy S variants.  Since I have not reviewed the HTC EVO 4G—also on the Sprint Network—I cannot comment on which is a better smartphone, but I'm sure the Epic 4G is definitely tied with the EVO if not better.

What is it?

The Samsung Epic 4G is Sprint's version of the Galaxy S smartphone, but it features several noticeable improvements over the Captivate, Vibrant, and the Fascinate.  The most obvious difference is the addition of a physical slider QWERTY keyboard, which adds some bulkiness and weight to the device, but it isn't a deal breaker.  In addition, the Epic features 4G connectivity, a front facing VGA camera, and LED flash.  The only other Galaxy S variant to feature flash is Verizon's unannounced Fascinate.  In addition, the Epic features a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 16GB of onboard memory, 4 inch Super AMOLED display, GPS, WiFi, and it runs Android 2.1.  Sometime in the near future, the Epic—like all other Galaxy S devices—will be upgraded to Android 2.2.  Normally, high-end smartphones cost $199 on a two year contract, but Sprint is pricing the Epic at $249 on a two year contract, a price which sort of makes sense considering the front facing camera, 4G connectivity, physical keyboard, and LED flash. 

The Good

Plain and simple the Samsung Epic 4G is a powerhouse of a phone.  Whether you need to crank out a fast message using the slider keyboard, do work on a laptop or other WiFi capable device using 3G Mobile Hotspot, video chat with a family member, or surf the web on fast 4G speeds, the Samsung Epic 4G handles it all very well.  Even though it features a slider keyboard, which adds a little bit of bulkiness to the device, it still fits comfortably in my pocket and hand.  The device is completely black except for the silver bezel running around the device. 

In my past reviews of devices with touch screens, I always mention my personal phone is the LG enV 3 which boasts of a fast keyboard great for messaging, so it takes a good day to get used to typing quickly with a touch keyboard.  I reviewed the Motorola Droid (which features a slider keybiard), but I wasn't all that impressed with its keyboard.  That being said, the Epic offers a large, five row physical keyboard in which quick messaging is very possible.  The keys are slightly domed so you can tell which key you are pressing on.  In addition, the physical keyboard features the four home buttons invariably found on Android smartphones: the option soft key, home, back, and search.   

The rear facing 5MP camera takes excellent quality pictures and this is the first Galaxy S phone to launch featuring flash.  Personally, I believe flash should be a commonplace feature on every smartphone nowadays because it simply enhances your ability to take pictures.  It's important to note the Fascinate also features LED flash, but it won't be available until after the Epic launches.  On the front part of the device—to the right of the Sprint logo—you will find the front facing camera.  The main function of the front camera is simply for video conferencing using either the Qik or Fring app.  There is a camera option called self-portrait mode which takes a picture using the front camera, but don't expect much from a simple VGA camera. 

Like all Galaxy S devices, it features a powerful 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, 16GB of onboard memory, and a gorgeous 4 inch Super AMOLED display.  The 1GHz processor handles many tasks and the 16GB of onboard memory allows you to transfer your whole media playlist to your phone for music on-the-go.  It's hard to fully appreciate the Super AMOLED display by watching YouTube videos, but Samsung plans to launch its Media Hub app in the near future.  The Media Hub app will allow users to "Rent, buy and download your favorite TV Shows and Movies."  Since it's not yet available, I cannot comment on how well the service works, but I do look forward to its launch. 

The Bad

The Samsung Epic 4G is simply an epic device.  However, said epic device will not come cheaply and that is probably my biggest complaint with the phone.  First, you will need to pay $249 and sign a new two year contract to pick up this baby.  Customers are probably already annoyed because the Epic's price tag is already a good $50 higher than other high-end devices.  Second, on top of the required $30 unlimited data package, users will have to pay $10 for 4G service, regardless of whether you live in an area with 4G coverage.  At this point in time, I doubt many of our readers live in an area with 4G access, therefore you will be paying $10—for all intended purposes—a pointless feature.  Third, the 3G Mobile Hotspot feature—something that allows five additional WiFi capable devices to tether to the phone—costs an additional $30 per month.  When everything is said and done, the Epic is going to cost you at the very least $40 a month in data plans and $70 if you opt to include 3G Mobile Hotspot. 

With most smartphones, battery life is a constant issue and the Epic 4G suffers from it as well.  Using 3G Mobile Hotspot simply drains the battery and makes the back cover very hot to the touch.  Otherwise, the battery performs decently well but I find myself charging the device after a day of moderate usage. 

Final Thoughts

If you have a relatively large budget to spend on your cell phone bill, by all means, the Epic 4G is arguably one of the best devices currently available on any network.  However, for many of us, cost is always a big issue when purchasing smartphones and the Epic 4G will cost you a pretty shiny penny, so I would definitely think this purchase through before signing the contract. 

In the end, I believe if Sprint can keep the Epic 4G in stock, it will definitely gain additional customers and grow its profit.  The Epic is the best Galaxy S phone I have seen and I think it is one of the best, if not the best, Android phone currently available. 

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Samsung Fascinate Android smartphone tipped for September 8th release

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Samsung Fascinate Android smartphone tipped for September 8th releaserelease

Assuming we can believe that this latest Samsung Fascinate leak is the real deal, then it looks like we can expect to finally be able to purchase the phone as of September 8th. Yup, September 8th seems to be the launch date, that is, according to the “Samsung Fascinate SCH-I500 - Features & Specifications” sheet. Of course, we have seen similar dates for the Fascinate launch leading up to this, so we are going to assume this is the real deal. In other words, it is probably safe to mark your calendar, but just in case if something changes we will keep you posted. Otherwise, this September 8th date is noted as being for online sales, so if you are looking to go in-store and make a purchase you will have to wait a day longer, till September 9th. Either way though, the Samsung Fascinate should be available sooner than later.

Read [Android Does]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Wirefly brings the HTC EVO 4G to Facebook, will be available for fans only

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Websites

Wirefly brings the HTC EVO 4G to Facebook, will be available for fans only

It should not be any secret that I am a fan of Wirefly, and I say that from personal experience. That said, Wirefly is going to be offering a limited selection of HTC EVO 4G Android smartphones available today by way of a special Facebook promotion. The details are fairly simple, but you will need to head on over to Facebook and make sure you are a “Fan” of Wirefly. With that, check out the details for the offer below and then hit the ‘read’ link at the bottom of the post to become a Facebook Fan of Wirefly.

Wirefly Batch of HTC EVOs Exclusively for Facebook Fans!

Wirefly has received a cache of EVOs today! As you know, HTC EVOs have been hard to come by online or in stores. Because of the huge demand for the amazingly hot superphone and the limited supply constraints, we are reserving this offer to our loyal Facebook fans.  Sometime tomorrow, we will announce the HTC EVO 4G sale on Facebook– at a very special Wirefly price.  To take advantage of this offer, customers must be a 'fan' of Wirefly. 

Here is how it works:

  • Sometime tomorrow, Wirefly will announce the launch of the HTC EVO 4G sale on Facebook.
  • Wirefly will publish a link to purchase the EVO on the "Friends Only" tab of its Facebook page.
  • Non-fans will not will be able view or access the link.
  • Those not familiar with Facebook: To become a 'fan' of Wirefly, go to www.Facebook.com/Wirefly and click on the 'Like' button at the top of the page.

Reminder:  The EVO will not be available on Wirefly.com.  To access this limited-time offer, you must "Like" Wirefly's Facebook page

Read [Wirefly on Facebook]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Clearwire Rover gives you 4G for $5/day

Section: Communications, Mobile

Clearwire Rover Puck

A few weeks ago, Virgin Mobile released it’s pre-paid MiFi device for those who want 3G coverage on mobile device but don’t want to pay for it every month.  That coverage is nice, but what about those of us who want more than 3G speeds?  Sure, there’s open hotspots in many places, but WiFi is hard to find everywhere you want it.  Clearwire is stepping up with it’s solution: a 4G prepaid hotspot.

Clearwire today has introduced two new products, the Rover Puck and Rover Stick.  Both of these devices will all you to use Clearwire’s relatively small 4G network to connect at higher speeds than most 3G.  The Rover Stick, is as it sounds: a USB stick that will connect one device to the network which sells for $99.  The Rover Puck is a puck-shaped mobile hotspot, which retails for $149.

The draw of the Rover service is the price.  Users will be able to get one day of unlimited usage for just $5, with two free days just for signing up.  For a week it’ll cost $20, and a month will cost $50.  That ends up coming to just a bit more than Virgin’s $40 a month prepaid MiFi, but Rover does offer faster speeds.  Of course, which device you’d want to use depends on where you plan on using it.  The Rover taps into 4G only in those select cities with the coverage, while Virgin’s will provide coverage across most of the country.  With Rover, being able to pay for just the amount of time you’d need is a nice feature to have, and one that Virgin currently lacks.

Read [Clearwire] Via [Engadget]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Google introduces new priority mail feature

Section: Web, Google

Google Google is rolling out a new GMail feature called Priority Inbox that will present what it deems are your most important emails at the top of your emails, with starred ones and then everything else below them. Apparently the feature chooses the most important emails by looking at who emails you the most, who you reply to the most, keywords taken from the emails you open most often, and how a message is addressed. If a user isn’t happy with the emails it picks, they can train it by clicking an plus sign if an email is important and a minus sign if its not. For those not interested, the feature can be disabled.

What do you think? Will you find this feature useful? Why or why not?

Read [PCWorld] and [Gmail Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



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