BlackBerry starts selling unlocked Q10 and Z10 phones through its US site

BlackBerry now directly selling unlocked Q10 and Z10 smartphones

It has been possible to snag an unlocked BlackBerry Q10 or Z10 in the US for a while if you've been willing to search around, but you now won't have to. BlackBerry has quietly begun selling unrestricted GSM variants of the two smartphones through its US site at prices of $449 for a Z10 and $549 for a Q10. Either device remains LTE-capable, and both should play nicely with AT&T and T-Mobile. The direct sales aren't likely to attract many converts, but they should help American fans who may have a tough time finding a BlackBerry in stores.

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Via: N4BB

Source: ShopBlackBerry.com

BlackBerry Z30 reaches the FCC with Canada-ready LTE

BlackBerry Z30 reaches the FCC with North Americaready LTE

BlackBerry hasn't said exactly when the Z30 will reach North America, but we now know that it's getting close -- a GSM variant with compatible LTE has reached the FCC. The smartphone supports 4G on both the 1,700MHz and 2,600MHz bands, suggesting that it will soon launch through bigger Canadian carriers like Bell, Rogers and Telus. We'll still have to wait for an American model, however. Despite the US-friendly 1,700MHz LTE, this Z30 is missing both the 700MHz LTE needed for AT&T as well as the 1,700MHz 3G that T-Mobile would want. The promised Verizon model also hasn't received FCC approval. The news won't satisfy everyone wanting a big BlackBerry, but those who want to explore the Z30 in depth can check out both the Canadian phone and its just-launched European counterpart at the source links.

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Via: CrackBerry

Source: FCC (1), (2)

Engadget Mobile Podcast 190: Myriam’s farewell – 09.27.13

Engadget Mobile Podcast 179 - 05.09.13

This is it: Myriam Joire's last time serving as the host of the Mobile Podcast. If you haven't heard the news, she's taken a sweet gig as Product Evangelist for wearables startup, Pebble. We wish Myriam all the best on the new venture and expect it won't be the last time you'll hear from her on this front.

Our main man, "all-around rock star" and current co-host, Brad Molen, officially takes the lead position next week. So, don't worry -- this podcast will continue to live on and remain awesome as ever. Salutations all around.

Hosts: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen

Producer: Joe Pollicino

Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

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Coolpad intros 5.9-inch Magview 4 phone with CoolHub and cWatch accessories

Coolpad intros 59inch Grand 4 smartphone with Tegra 4, NFC hub and watch accessories

Oppo isn't the only company launching a 5.9-inch smartphone today. Coolpad has just unveiled the Magview 4, which mates a similarly large display with a 1.8GHz Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 13-megapixel f/2.0 rear camera and an aluminum chassis. The Android 4.2 handset doesn't offer as many built-in tricks as its Oppo counterpart, but it's arriving alongside a trio of clever accessories. The pocketable CoolHub combines a battery with a Bluetooth speaker, a microSD card reader and NFC tag support; the CoolHub 2 extends this with environmental sensors and a pedometer. Coolpad is also launching the cWatch C1, a waterproof smartwatch with alerts for calendars, calls and messages. While the company hasn't yet priced its add-ons, it will ship the Magview 4 to mainland China in October for ¥3,980 ($650).

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Via: Engadget Chinese (translated)

Source: Coolpad

Focal camera app removed from CyanogenMod, launched as standalone beta

CyanogenMod's Focal camera app goes standalone following licensing dispute

Not everyone is happy with Cyanogen as a company. Guillaume Lesniak, the creator of CyanogenMod's Focal camera app, doesn't like that licensing changes accompanying the new venture would limit his control. Accordingly, he has just removed Focal from CyanogenMod and launched it as a standalone beta. The app includes all the features from its ROM days, including burst shooting, a panorama mode and an equivalent to Google's Photo Sphere. While the release is a mild inconvenience for CyanogenMod users, it's ultimately a win for anyone who wants to try Focal -- they can now give the app a spin regardless of the firmware they use. If you're curious, you can download Focal through Google Play.

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Via: Phandroid, Liliputing

Source: Google Play

Engadget Mobile Podcast 189 – 09.19.13 (updated)

Engadget Mobile Podcast 179 - 05.09.13

Not to spoil anything, but this week is all about our post-review thoughts regarding the iPhone 5c and 5s. Fret not, though! We also spared some time for LG's latest Android handset, the G2. Ready your ears and get to streaming below. This is the Engadget Mobile Podcast.

Update: We've updated the files for those of you having issues with your downloads. Thanks for bearing with us!

Hosts: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen

Producer: Joe Pollicino

Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

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Republic Wireless to offer Moto X for $299 off-contract, plans starting at $5

Moto X fenced in

Republic Wireless' low-cost, WiFi-driven phone service has proven tempting. The rapidly aging smartphones attached to that service, however? Not so much. The carrier will soon improve that device selection, as it has just revealed plans to sell the Moto X for $299 off-contract -- roughly half of what it costs at other providers. Service is also expanding beyond the original $19 plan (now limited to the Defy XT), with steep discounts if you don't depend on cellular service. Rely solely on WiFi, and you'll pay just $5 per month for unlimited access; a $10 plan will be available if you need cellular voice and text messaging. There will also be more traditional plans with unlimited 3G and 4G data that respectively cost $25 and $40 per month. Republic Wireless hasn't said when its extra-cheap Moto X will be available, but the new rates should take effect in November.

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Via: Laptop

Source: Republic Wireless

HTC Desire 601 shows up at the FCC, likely headed to Sprint or Virgin Mobile

HTC Desire 601 shows up at the FCC, likely headed to Sprint or Virgin Mobile

While we've already spent precious quality time with the HTC Desire 601, we still weren't sure where exactly this mid-range smartphone would be available. Well, if this FCC listing is any indication, it could be arriving stateside some time soon, and with Sprint's LTE bands in tow. The documents show a HTC handset with the 601's "Zara" codename in the build number (as seen above) as well as support for LTE band 25, which seemingly points it in the Now Network's direction. This also lends credence to an @evleaks tweet posted two weeks ago that claimed the Desire 601 was headed to Virgin Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sprint. Other tidbits revealed from the FCC filing include Android 4.2.2 as the firmware and features such as WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC, most of which we already knew. Alas, we don't yet know the pricing and availability of the device, but we're guessing it'll show up any day now. In the meantime, treat yourselves to our in-depth hands-on to see if it's worth the wait.

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Via: Phone Arena

Source: FCC

Apple raises cellular download cap to 100MB for iOS

Apple raises iOS cellular download limit to 100MB

If you hadn't noticed, there have been a lot of app updates to accommodate the launch of iOS 7. You may not have to use a WiFi hotspot to grab them all, though -- Apple has quietly raised iOS' cellular download cap from 50MB to 100MB. You won't be loading Infinity Blade III while on the road, but the ceiling is high enough that moderately-sized apps like Sky Guide are now available over the air. Just make sure you've got enough spare bandwidth.

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Source: AppleInsider

Skype for iOS now lets you join group voice calls

Skype for iOS now lets you join group voice calls

Can't make it to the office in time to join the weekly conference call through Skype? Don't fret -- Skype has just updated its iPad and iPhone apps to let users join group voice calls. The releases also improve video and voice quality. Either update is otherwise quite light, but those who want to always stay in the loop can grab the new Skype versions at the source links.

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Via: The Next Web

Source: App Store (iPad), (iPhone)