• 28Oct

    If the BlackBerry Storm 2, Curve 2, Motorola Droid, or HTC Droid Eris don't tickle your fancy, perhaps the LG Chocolate Touch will.  According to rumors, the device is slated to land in Verizon Wireless retail locations in the coming weeks as part of the carrier's holiday lineup.  Featuring a 3.2-megapixel camera, VZ Navigator and other V CAST services, and EVDO Rev. 0, the device could do well if it's positioned at the proper price point, but Verizon has a habit of pricing their "enhanced multimedia devices" at prices close to their PDA counterparts.

    I'm guessing that the Chocolate Touch will require a data plan of some sort, but I'm sure it will be well received, despite its lack of resemblance to the BL40 family.  With numerous PDA devices launching in the coming months, will it make a dent?

    Source: BGR



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  • 28Oct

     

    Though most of the focus is around the Droid launch these days (the Motorola Droid, that is - or "Papa Droid," as I like to call it), the Droid Eris is still gearing up for a November 6th launch on Big Red.  Training appears to be in full force, as I discussed the other day, and according to gdgt's tipsters, the device will run for $99.99.  Yes, it's a noticeably low-end device when compared to the Motorola Droid, but at $99.99 and $199.99 respectively, I can see the two getting along as the introductory members of Verizon's "Droid" lineup.

    With a similar device priced $80 less than their Hero, will Sprint follow suit and cut pricing?  What do you think?

    Source: Engadget Mobile
    (Image: Android Guys)

     


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  • 28Oct

    Greedy resource mongers of the world, take note: Your favorite way to waste time is now on the iPhone.

    Settlers of Catan now comes as an app called Catan — The First Island. The decidedly un-techy, but addictive board game (which pits players against each other to build cities, roads and armies) went through a design overhaul to fit gameplay from a large board onto — well, the iPhone.

    Settlers of Catan for iPhone, called Catan — The First Island 1

    Settlers of Catan for iPhone, called Catan — The First Island 2

    Settlers of Catan for iPhone, called Catan — The First Island 3

    Apart from a few criticisms, including those that cover the UI (the colors are hard for some players to distinguish) and a lag in speed, most users generally consider it a decent game app that’s truer to the original than could’ve previously been imagined. But there is one giant hole: Remote play. The app doesn’t have Wifi or Bluetooth functionality. For a game that relies on multiplayer interaction, this is a glaring omission. Instead, friends compete by passing the handset around.

    On the plus side, the app does offer single player mode, so no need to wait for other people. Individual users can go against colorful virtual players, to keep those resource-hoarding skills nice and sharp. And since it’s a v1, that means future updates could bring a host of other features, like more game scenarios and maybe even that pesky Wifi/Bluetooth feature.

    Catan is also available as an online game, and a scaled-back version exists for feature phones, but iPhone users can pick up Catan – The First Island for $4.99 via iTunes.


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  • 28Oct

    I'm just out of a meeting with Motorola and Verizon reps in San Francisco, and headed back to the office, Droid review loaner in hand, to unbox the device on-camera and start testing. So here, from the BART train platform, are some first-impressions of Droid gleamed during my briefing with the PR folk. Bear in mind that this all comes from notes I took during a 30-minute meeting, and so really should just be taken as first impressions.

    Goes without saying I'll have much more for you, including hands-on video, very soon:

    • Droid is the most luxurious looking Android device to date. That much is apparent on first glance. While I wouldn't have chosen metallic gold accents to compliment the phone's Black metal and glass design, Droid's long lines and low, wide profile scream "high end smartphone."
    • Droid's display is big, bright, and very easy on the eyes.
    • Droid is big and heavy. That's not necessarily bad, as it's also pretty thin. It's got that heft about it that I once likened to what a Mercedes S-Class phone might look and feel like. Droid's footprint is a little larger than that of iPhone 3GS, and it was apparent as soon as I held it. Heck, to carry the car metaphor out a bit further, if iPhone 3GS looks kinda like an Audi TT, all curvy and sporty, Droid totally looks like a big, black Mercedes with tinted windows and, yeah, some aftermarket gold trim.
    • The combination of Droid's hardware and the Android 2.0 software seems to have yielded the fastest-responding Android device I've ever seen. I spied one "exception" warning box during the demo, but in general the phone zipped along from home screen to apps and back again, and transitions looked faster and smoother than on 1.x Android phones I've tested.
    • Android 2.0 is the first iteration of the OS that I might really call ready for the masses. I'll have to play with it for awhile myself to be sure.
    • From what I was told, and the little I saw, Android 2.0 is full of plug-in framework-type goodies that will make developers very excited about the future of the platform.
    • Google, Motorola, and Verizon really seemed to put some thought into how to market Droid to the new wave of "Mass Smartphone" users. From the polish of Android 2.0 to the nifty home and car docks that launch their own UIs, Droid is full of little consumer-friendly touches that 1.x Android devices have generally been lacking.
    • I didn't test the hard QWERTY during the briefing. It looks bigger than the one on MOTO Cliq, but not that much bigger.
    • The virtual QWERTY is multitouch aware. The Web browser is not multitouch aware but does support double-tap to zoom.
    • You've already heard this, but Google messed up an entire industry with that free navigation app that debuted on Android 2.0 and Droid today. We couldn't get a GPS signal in the building I was in, but the app looked solid and ties into Google's massive Maps database, so I'm guessing it probably works alright.

    I'm almost to my train stop now, so I'll stop here and get to some actual testing of the phone. But I'll leave you with this thought: In retrospect it seems like Google went with some of the smaller US carriers to launch Android, get the platform into the hands of developers and early adopter consumers, and generate some income via sales of the T-Mobile G1 and myTouch 3G while getting their first "real" consumer release, Android 2.0, ready. I don't mean that to say that T-Mobile, Sprint, or their customers got bamboozled with "not-ready" hardware and software. But between Droid & Android 2.0's feature sets and performance, and the more consumer-friendly look and feel of the Droid hardware, it's hard not to think that Google, Motorola, and Verizon were happy to bide their time over the past year or so until 2.0 and Droid were ready to blitz America in time for Holidays 2009.

     

     


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  • 28Oct

    I owe you all an apology. A few days ago I got a tip ensconced in a riddle shrouded in mystery. It was a good tip, a tip about HTC's forthcoming Android device, the Passion (aka Dragon), being a GSM phone and not a CDMA device bound for Verizon. The tip from a very good source, and it countered a few reports floating around the Web (including one of my own) sourced from a less known place. I wanted to run the tip but couldn't post certain details, lest I expose my source. So I wrote a rather hasty post in which I tried to prove my theory instead of saying "A reliable source just told me..." Why'd I go that route? Dunno, maybe because it was a Monday and I was all high on life? Dunno.

    Anyway ... Thanks first of all to Brian for pointing out in the comments that I couldn't even keep my battery icon and signal strength icon straight.  Jeez.  #EPIC_FAIL on my part:

    First things first, that is a signal strength indicator, not a battery status indicator. See that battery shaped icon right next to it? That's the battery indicator. (The dragon leaked photo has half battery and full service).

    Brian also pokes holes in the rest of my logic, and rightly so.  Read his comment here.

    Second, thanks to Barry for emailing me to suggest that I should have added this bit of clue to my fuzzy logic:

    I don't know if you're right, but CDMA phones usually have that LBS (Location Based Services) icon in the status bar, don't they? I don't see that on the Dragon shots in your photo. But I do see it on the Sprint Hero, which is CDMA.

    Right on, Barry.

    Third, John posted this tasty bit earlier today over on DroidDog:

    The phone will indeed be a GSM device first on T-Mobile UK (thanks, Jimmy).

    And last, which in retrospect should have been first, I got a tip from a very reliable source that the HTC Passion (or Dragon, or whatever it will ultimately be called) is not headed to Verizon. As said source pointed out to me, why in the world would Verizon launch an enormous ad campaign for the MOTO Droid only to then launch a competitively-spec'd Android device from HTC weeks later? Makes no sense.

    My source went on to say that the phone in question will be released by HTC before the end of 2009, and it will be a GSM device (at least at first, as John points out in that DroidDog post). Said source also told me I was missing something obvious, but that he'd already said too much.

    Me? Missing something obvious? Duh.

    Looks like there's more to this mystery. Let's hope HTC - or T-Mo UK, or somebody - clears it all up soon.

    More at DroidDog.


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  • 28Oct

    If a 2-year commitment’s not how you roll, then you might be interested in the Sony Ericsson Aino, which launched today for $600. (The Ay-no? Ah-no? Uh, no? Forget it. I have no idea how to pronounce this.)

    The Aino is a 8.1 MP, Wifi-equipped device that supports tri-band HSPA (which would make it compatible with AT&T) and offers Remote Play, to access multimedia on Play Station 3s. The downside? A measly 1000mAh battery and a 432×340 display. But, as if to make up for it, customers will also get an 8GB MicroSD card, a stereo bluetooth headset, and a dock.

    It came up as backordered at SonyStyle earlier today, but it looks like supplies have been replenished, so click here for more info or to buy.



    Pic via Engadget Mobile


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  • 28Oct

    BlackBerry Storm2

    Almost one full year later, RIM and Verizon Wireless are at it again with the BlackBerry Storm2, their second attempt at a full touchscreen BlackBerry device.  Despite the relatively strong sales numbers, reports of build quality problems, typing issues, and the like surfaced on the internet within moments of the device launching.  Months and numerous software revisions later, the world (and more specifically, the BlackBerry community) is well aware of the original Storm frustrations.

    My BlackBerry Storm2 came in today, and I'll be the first to admit - I was nervous.  I carried the original Storm twice - once when it first came out (that very day, to be exact), and a second time in early 2009.  Both times, I wanted to love the device.  It offers RIM's award winning e-mail solution, a giant touchscreen, and it's centered around multimedia.  Based on the paper specifications, I wanted it.  However, in the history of my love for all things RIM, the Storm was the first BlackBerry device that I have ever returned out of dissatisfaction.  Needless to say, I wanted the Storm2 to blow it out of the park.  The form factor was there from the beginning; the phone just needed some tweaks when it came to typing, as well as some screen improvements to become a great media-centric BlackBerry.

    Here's what I like about the BlackBerry Storm2:

    • The improved SurePress display: This improvement is major.  Not only does the screen stay in place (seriously, there's no movement like the old Storm), but the new SurePress display is mounted on four electronic actuators that generate an impulse when the screen is pressed.  In other words, the "clicking" of the screen on the new device is completely electronic, unlike the original.  When the Storm2 is powered off, the screen doesn't move.  When it's on, it clicks similarly to the old device.  What you'll notice right away is that the "click" itself is much more crisp, and more consistent across the board.  Remember how on the original, one corner of the screen would click differently than another?  Not the case here.  For the first time, I can type at almost the same speed as I can on a QWERTY-enabled BlackBerry device.
    • The modified design: It's not incredibly different, but it's a bit more curvy, and falls in line with RIM's latest design scheme.  The four buttons at the bottom are now a part of the screen (though they are independent from the SurePress screen - if you click them, the phone will power back on).  I also like the rubberized buttons on the side, as the chrome had a tendency to rub off after owning the device for a period of time.
    • OS 5.0.0.320: As the first device to support the OS at launch, it seems to supplement the Storm2 well.  Operating the device seems to be quick, and the accelerometer speed is noticeably faster.  And threaded text messaging out of the box - finally!

    The Storm2 excites me because it's genuinely a great product, it's proof that RIM can bridge the divide between "professional" and "multimedia," and more importantly, it's the company's first legitimate stab at the touchscreen market.  Everything I love about the BlackBerry product, it has, along with everything I love about touchscreen devices (particularly, the iPhone - I hate to compare it, but it's true).  My favorite improvement isn't a physical device improvement, but rather that with the launch of the Storm 2, non-BlackBerry users will finally view the device as a legitimate alternative to other touchscreen devices on the market.  More Storm 2 owners translates into a higher market share for the BlackBerry brand.  The original Storm missed the boat, but I can safely say that the Storm 2 is the first legitimate contender in RIM's corner.

    Believe me, I'll be running this device through its paces, so stay tuned for more reviews, comparisons, and more!  In the meantime, enjoy the pictures below.

    BlackBerry Storm2 Left Side

    BlackBerry Storm2 Right Side

    BlackBerry Storm2 Back


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  • 28Oct

    Some crazy stuff is happening in the world of nav. This has everything to do with Android, specifically in regards to Verizon’s Moto Droid, which was just announced today:

    The big news for the directionally challenged is the debut of Google Maps Navigation, a beta for a new voice-guided, turn-by-turn solution with 3D maps (more on that below). The new app will be integrated in Android 2.0 (which is only being offered on the Motorola Android phone for now).

    Anyone can guess that this is not good news for Garmin or TomTom. But yow — this level of bad is just shocking.

    Garmin, TomTom not doing so well in the wake of Google's Maps Navigation announcement

    Add in the fact that the Garmin nüvifone G60, which only just debuted like 5 minutes ago (okay, a few weeks ago, at $300), is now going for the contract price of $100 at Amazon, and the prognosis for the nav industry is starting to look a little scary.

    That presumes, of course, that Google Maps Navigation is really all it’s cracked up to be. Well, by all accounts — it sure is.

    Google Maps Navigation offers simple searching (you can look up a business name, just like on the original Google Maps, so no need for addresses), plus voice search, traffic info, street view close-ups (that automatically trigger when you’re near the destination), satellite view (that overlays your route on top of Google’s overhead imagery), and even a car dock mode for some devices, which provide bigger, cleaner-looking icons and auto-voice mode.

    Google Maps Navigation app for Android 2.0

    And, did I mention, that it’s a totally free app, unlike most of the other mobile phone software programs and all of the retail GPS solutions? (For a closer look at Google Maps Navigation, click here to see a video of it in action.)

    Maybe it’s too early to say “RIP, nav companies,” but this certainly looks like a potentially fatal blow. What do you think? Are there any compelling reasons why consumers should stick to traditional car GPS units, or is this the death knell of the navigation industry?


    [via Phone Arena, Phone Scoop, Engadget Mobile, Tech Crunch]


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  • 28Oct

    Hey, space fans: Bummed cause you missed the launch of the Ares I-X rocket today? Take heart — it doesn’t ever have to happen again, not with the NASA iPhone app.

    Not a simulation, game or third-party program, this is the official app from the space agency that was devised to keep enthusiasts up to speed with mission launches. Since the free app’s debut last week, the program’s ranked in the App Store’s Top 10 “Most Popular.” It’s not hard to see why. With real-time updates on current missions (and info on future ones), NASA App for iPhone offers an orbit-tracker that follows the movements of the International Space Station and other spacecrafts orbiting the Earth.

    Add access to the agency's huge photo library and its integrated Twitter feed, and you’ve got a stargazer’s geeked-out dream.

    (For any school admins out there who didn’t see the educational potential in smartphones, I have one simple question: What do you have to say now??)

    But don’t wait until the next launch to load this puppy up. You can get the full scoop on today’s voyage of the unmanned Ares I-X — a flight test that’s part of NASA’s grand mission to return to the moon and journey on to Mars — via this app, including all the timelines, pics and vids you can handle.

    For more info, hit up NASA’s website or click here to launch iTunes and pick up the app.

    The official NASA iPhone app 1

    The official NASA iPhone app 2

    The official NASA iPhone app 3

    The official NASA iPhone app 4


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  • 28Oct

    PhoneDog Logo   

    Just about three and a half years ago now I bought an unlocked Sony Ericsson w800i "Walkman Phone," borrowed a friend's MOTO RAZR, and sat down to write my first reviews for PhoneDog. Long before there were any YouTube channels, invites to catered launch parties, or even a blog to speak of, PhoneDog's Co-Founders had grown the company from an idea to a small but successful tool to help consumers shop for long distance services. A few years later we're all about wireless, but it's that work that Tom, Andre, and Rebecca did before anyone had even heard of Android or iPhone that allowed me to join the fold in '06, and PhoneDog to grow into a blog with an awesome team of Editors, a video channel on YouTube and iTunes, and now a network of mobile tech sites.

    It gives me all kinds of goose bumps to formally announce DroidDog.com and BBerryDog.com, the first two of PhoneDog's new network sites. DroidDog, our Android-focused destination, is already up and running under the masterful eye of John Walton. BBerryDog will be launching very soon (once you've finished voting on a logo design) under the also-masterful watch of Aaron Baker. John and Aaron will continue their great work for PhoneDog.com while also serving as Managing Editors of their respective labors of love. That's what makes this so exciting for all of us - it's truly a labor of love to cover the mobile tech industry and to do it for you, our readers, viewers, and always-spirited commenters. Whether you're making suggestions for dogfights, providing tips and tricks for your fellow readers, or calling us all sorts of names by way of disagreeing with a review, Top 5 list, or blog post theorizing about when and where the next hot new phone will launch, it's you all that make this job worthwhile.

    Honest. The catered launch parties and trips to Barcelona and Vegas are nice, don't get me wrong. But it's all of you who make it worthwhile for all of us.

    DroidDog Logo

    DroidDog and BBerryDog are the first of our network sites, and we've got plans on the drawing board for a few more in the coming months. But don't worry, PhoneDog isn't going anywhere. We're super excited to roll out some technical and content improvements designed to make it easier for you to interact with us and each other all across PhoneDog.com and our presences on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and whatever social networks crop up next. We know our Inboxes are overflowing and certain forum threads have been waiting for an answer from the Editors for far too long now. From the IT Guy to the Business Manager Gal to Adriana the Gadget Editor, we've all been working on ideas to make the site - now, the sites, plural - better for you. And we're eager to roll out our work and see how you like it.

    As our humble way of saying thanks, we're going to kick the One-Pawed Bandit up a few notches this Fall with a ton of high-end giveaways. Yes, high-end. Yes, hot new phones. The behind the scenes folks at PhoneDog always work hard, but they worked extra-hard this Summer to line up some seriously cool handsets to give away and a seriously great new partner to help us do it. So stay tuned for that - I think you'll like what we've got on deck in the giveaway department, even if you'll still need three handsets in a row to win on One-Paw. Yes, three handsets - three cherries is not a winner, sorry.

    So once again, thank you for allowing us to do what we do. No readers and no viewers would mean no PhoneDog, so we look forward to your (ahem, always honest) reactions to our new sites, new features, and new giveaways. And we look forward to continuing to do what we seem to be doing a pretty okay job at: Bringing you honest looks at the latest in mobile phones, wireless services, and whatever else the design and engineering geniuses in this industry have on tap for us next. 

    bbdog 1bbdog 2bbdog 3

    bbdog 4bbdog 5bbdog 7

    Thanks for coming along on this crazy ride with us. And feel free to invite some new friends to join the party ... Enough outta me, I've got an appointment with Motorola and Verizon to get to (yes, it's "Droid Day" today).

    With A Huge Thank You,

    Noah Kravitz

    Editor in Chief, PhoneDog   (PhoneDog Networks? PhoneDog Media? The PhoneDog Family of Awesome Phone Sites?)

    P.S.  Yes, my title changed. No, I won't stop making videos filled with lame jokes. Unless you really want me to.

     


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