MediaTek launches ‘world’s first’ quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC, we go hands-on (video)

Posted on 12/12/2012 by Myriam Joire

There's a new player in the quad-core SoC game and it's called the MT6589. MediaTek announced today that it's launching the "world's first" quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC and gave us the opportunity to take it for a spin -- in prototype form, of course. The MT6589, which includes the aforementioned quad-core Cortex A7 1GHz+ CPU, also features a PowerVR Series5XT GPU, high-performance multimedia support (13MP / 3D camera, 1080p video and display, Miracast) and a built-in 42Mbps HSPA+ / TD-SCDMA-capable dual-SIM dual-active radio. By combining competitive performance with high thermal efficiency and low power consumption in an affordable package, MediaTek's new chip is well suited for a wide-range of smartphones and tablets running Jelly Bean and beyond. The MT6589 will be available in devices starting Q1 2013. Check out the gallery below and hit the break for our impressions and benchmarks plus MediaTek's videos and PR.

Gallery: MediaTek MT6589 quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC hands-on

Continue reading MediaTek launches 'world's first' quad-core Cortex-A7 SoC, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile

Comments

T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users

Posted on 08/05/2012 by Richard Lawler

With CTIA 2012 getting under way, T-Mobile is the latest company to check in with an announcement, proudly informing the world of the latest developments in its 4G expansion efforts and Bobsled VoIP service. On the 4G (not faux G) front, it's selected "Release 10" hardware from Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks to support the $4 billion LTE rollout the company is undertaking (using AWS spectrum acquired from AT&T) starting this year and will continue through 2013. While nationwide LTE should be reality next year, right now T-Mobile is delivering HSPA+ to new markets, with HSPA+ 42 live today in Fayetteville and Little Rock AR, Lake Charles LA and Springfield, MO. Due later in the year, as expected, is 4G HSPA+ on the 1900 MHz band that should bring faster speeds, better building penetration and 4G access for the iPhone. While we're still not sure how the free Bobsled VoIP service figures into the company's plans, the company announced it has already broken through one million users. According to its stats, 95 percent are not T-Mobile wireless customers and 80 percent of calls originate from outside the country, however 90 percent of text messages sent are domestic. All the numbers and locations are in the press releases after the break, if you want to hunt down some high speed data action for yourself.

Continue reading T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users

T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

HTC One S for T-Mobile review

Posted on 18/04/2012 by Myriam Joire

A couple weeks ago we got to have our Ice Cream Sandwich and eat it too, thanks to a gorgeous couple phones from HTC -- the One X and the One S. Both run Sense 4 -- a thinner, lighter version of the company's polarizing UI -- and together with the entry-level One V, represent HTC's attempt to make a comeback after a lackluster year of me-too products. The first to make its way to the US is the One S which lands on T-Mobile April 25 for $199 on contract (with a $50 rebate). We just spent a weekend with Magenta's new flagship handset. So how does it compare to the global One S? Find out after the break.

Gallery: HTC One S for T-Mobile review

Continue reading HTC One S for T-Mobile review

HTC One S for T-Mobile review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

T-Mobile | Email this | Comments

HTC One X review

Posted on 02/04/2012 by Myriam Joire

HTC One X hands-on at MWC 2012 (video)

HTC Sense 4 review

HTC One S review

It's been a difficult year for HTC. After several successful quarters, things have started looking less rosy in recent months with the company facing stiff competition and suffering from apparent brand dilution -- the results of launching too many handsets with forgettable names, making too many compromises for the carriers, continuing to rely on Sense, and lacking an iconic flagship to take on Samsung's mighty Galaxy S II. We knew something important was coming for Mobile World Congress after HTC timidly revealed the Titan II at CES -- after all, the company has a long history of innovation.

A few days before flying to Barcelona and after being sworn to secrecy, we were quietly whisked into a San Francisco conference room with clear instructions: no pictures or video. There, in the middle of the table, was a white phone that instantly caught our eye -- the HTC One X. To write that we came away impressed after briefly using it is a massive understatement. This was obviously a halo device made for geeks like us, something designed to take on the Galaxy Nexuses of the world, something with the mother of all spec sheets, something running Ice Cream Sandwich with a significantly thinner and lighter version of Sense. Better yet, there were two other handsets with the same impeccable attention to detail -- the One S and the One V. HTC was finally showing some vision again with strong branding, gorgeous design and a polished user experience. While first impressions go a long way, there's a lot to be learned about a product by living with it for a few days. So is the One X truly HTC's comeback device? Are we still delighted? Is this the Engadget phone? Hit the break for our full review.

Gallery: HTC One X review