T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II firmware update appears, points to Jelly Bean and HSPA+

Posted on 17/09/2012 by Mat Smith

Samsung's new full-fat smartphone has hinted at appearances on both Verizon and AT&T, and now an update spotted at SAM Mobile suggests that -- just under two months since the original appeared -- there will be a Magenta-branded version of the Galaxy Note II... too. Going under the SGH-T889 model number, firmware from September 15th is now available to try -- if you have a phone that's not yet out on any official channels. The site's sources have said that the device runs closer to a global iteration, lacking any true LTE capabilities, but it's more than happy to substitute that for HSPA+ support. If you're part of Samsung's secretive cabal of handset testers you can seek out the new build at the source below.

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II firmware update appears, points to Jelly Bean and HSPA+ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II firmware update appears, points to Jelly Bean and HSPA+

Posted on 17/09/2012 by Mat Smith

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II firmware update appears, points to Jelly Bean and HSPA+ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a ‘true direct touch experience’

Posted on 11/09/2012 by Mat Smith

If you thought LG's Optimus G and Nokia's Lumia 920 had future touchscreen tech all sewn up, then be ready to welcome Sony's own contribution. Its sensor-on-lens touchscreen will debut on the Xperia V, combining the sensor and lens component of a standard capacitive display, reducing the number of layers, glare and other interference. This improves both image quality and the screen's responsiveness -- Sony reckons the experience brings it in line with the aforementioned on- and in-cell touch display technology. During our brief hands-on at IFA, we found the Xperia V was certainly responsive enough, but perhaps some of that sensation can be attributed to the new screen, rather than the dual-core Snapdragon processor powering it. We'll be sure to give it a thorough testing when our review model appears.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a 'true direct touch experience' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Distro Issue 56 is here with smartphones, Windows 8 hybrids and the best of the rest from IFA 2012

Posted on 07/09/2012 by Billy Steele

Last week, the tech world focused on Berlin for IFA 2012. Those few days were jam packed full of 84-inch 4K televisions, super-sized smartphones and both Windows 8 slates and hybrids. In the latest edition of our weekly tablet mag, we take a look at the best of what IFA had to offer this time around -- including all of the devices that made a lasting impression. In case you've been napping, the last few days have been all about phones. In "Hands-on" we take a closer look at what Nokia and Motorola revealed in recent press events. On the review front, we put the Canon EOS-1D X and the Sony Reader PRS-T2 through the wringer and offer our detailed analysis. "Eyes-on" catches a glimpse of the Jambox Remix, "Weekly Stat" compiles smartphone screen sizes, "IRL" has even more of our daily gadgetry and meme maker Mr. Weebl admits in the Q&A that all he really wants is a keytar. This week's issue is bursting at its e-seams, so grab it via your download method of choice to get the weekend reading started.

Distro Issue 56 PDF
Distro in the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Google Play Store
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile

Distro Issue 56 is here with smartphones, Windows 8 hybrids and the best of the rest from IFA 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xperia Tablet S now shipping on Sony’s UK site

Posted on 06/09/2012 by Joseph Volpe

Did you like the Xperiance Sony was selling at IFA 2012? If you answered yes, are in need of a new Android tablet and happen to live across the pond, the time has come to place your orders. Available now on the Japanese electronics giant's UK site (sorry, statesiders), the newly outed Tablet S is ready to ship in three configurations: 16GB / 32GB WiFi-only models that'll set you back £329 and £379 (about $523 and $602), respectively and a lone 16GB 3G variant that goes for £429 (about $682). For the money, you're getting a quad-core Tegra 3 slate clocked at 1.3GHz, a 1280 x 800 WXGA display, Ice Cream Sandwich and the company's signature hardware styling. Of course, if you're outside of the Euro zone and can't wait for pre-orders to be fulfilled, there's no harm in making this your next import. Hit up the source below to check out the goods for yourself.

Filed under: Tablets

Xperia Tablet S now shipping on Sony's UK site originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Inquirer | source

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RoMOS is Russia’s take on Android OS, shields users from Google’s prying eyes

Posted on 05/09/2012 by Jason Hidalgo

Whether it be Google's penchant for collecting search and browsing histories or Street View WiFi information, the company is no stranger to concerns about its healthy appetite for user data. Apparently, Russia also shares those worries as the country has produced its own take on the Android operating system minus Google's data collection. Unveiled at IFA in Berlin, the Russian Mobile Operating System or RoMOS reportedly mimics the look and feel of Android and works with Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System. The OS is scheduled to debut in tablet form by the end of the year, though RoMOS' project manager says it can serve as a smartphone operating system, too. The main customers for RoMOS will reportedly be the country's military, which has always had concerns about data collected by Google from Russian devices falling into US government hands. In addition to a military version of the RoMOS tablet, a consumer version will be launched as well. Just don't expect the variant for the hoi polloi to have the same bells and whistles. The military version, for example, not only will be waterproof -- it'll be shock proof, too.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software

RoMOS is Russia's take on Android OS, shields users from Google's prying eyes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PCWorld | source

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HTC Desire X with Beats Audio

Posted on 04/09/2012 by Al Hilal

Desire X is the lates HTC’s Android-powered smartphone entering the market. Unveiled at IFA 2012 in Berlin, Germany, the Desire X is powered by a dual-core 1GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon S4™ processor and packed in slim and compact body with a 4-inch super LCD WVGA touch screen. Scheduled to be available from September (yes, this month), HTC Desire X comes with HTC exclusive Beats Audio, a 5 megapixel camera, a f/2.0, 28mm wide-angle lens, and VideoPic that allows users to take video and stills at the same time.

This affordable smartphone runs Android™ 4.0 with HTC Sense UI and bundled with a 25GB of free online storage for two years, thanks to Dropbox.

“HTC Desire X is an extension of your social life,” said Jason Mackenzie, President, Global Sales and Marketing for HTC Corporation. “If you’re looking to enjoy and share high quality multimedia, wherever you are, this is the phone for you. It not only looks and sounds great, but also provides a super-fast, highly personal mobile experience at a great price.”

S Cloud spotted on Galaxy Note II, reveals Dropbox integration (video)

Posted on 03/09/2012 by Jamie Rigg

We're still recovering from the onslaught of goodies shown off at IFA 2012, but there's one thing we didn't notice while perusing Samsung's gadgetry. The team at German site BestBoyZ discovered S Cloud in the settings menu of the Note II, which included the option to sync user data with Dropbox. Apparently, Samsung reps didn't have much to say on the matter, and BestBoyZ believe that's because it's not quite working yet (we're willing to agree, given the various delays). It's looking like the feature might be ready in time for the Note II's launch, which ties in nicely with the 50GB of free Dropbox storage you'll snag if you pick one up. Owners of other Samsung gear needn't be disappointed though, as it's suggested that S Cloud integration will be part of the Jelly Bean upgrades expected soon. We've embedded the reveal vid below, and don't worry if you can't speak German -- you'll still get the gist.

Continue reading S Cloud spotted on Galaxy Note II, reveals Dropbox integration (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Storage, Software, Mobile

S Cloud spotted on Galaxy Note II, reveals Dropbox integration (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Withings revamps its WiFi bathroom scales, orders you to stop slouching

Posted on 02/09/2012 by Daniel Cooper

Withings has introduced a new set of wireless bathroom scales to spare us sedentary geeks the effort of recording our weekly weigh-ins. The updated set includes Position Control technology, which we assume means it tells you to stand up straight and suck your belly in while it's sending your details to the internet. All you need is a smartphone or tablet that can use its new Health Companion App. which came out earlier this month. It arrives in Europe at the end of September, and equipping yourself for a war on weight will cost you €120.

Continue reading Withings revamps its WiFi bathroom scales, orders you to stop slouching

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Wireless

Withings revamps its WiFi bathroom scales, orders you to stop slouching originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 07:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IFA 2012 wrap-up: Galaxy Note II, 84-inch 4K TVs, Windows 8 convertibles and much more

Posted on 01/09/2012 by Zach Honig

Europe's premier consumer electronics trade show has further cemented its status on the industry's radar, thanks in no small part to Samsung, Sony and a shocking number of 84-inch 4K TVs. Since Wednesday, we've welcomed a brand new Galaxy Note, a healthy heaping of smaller mobile phones, a few cameras (including that Android stunner) and enough laptops and tablets to keep us computing well into the fall. From your perspective, the show ran silky smooth, though Berlin's mobile data plague continued to take its toll on our productivity, while the Messe's absolutely insane sprawl left us with a few well-worn shoes. As always, we still had a blast bringing you all the latest gear as it hit the floor, and German hospitality (and beer) made the setbacks a bit more bearable. Since there's oh so much to get through, we're sorting out our grouping of news and hands-ons from major manufacturers, followed by some smaller device makers and a few one-hit wonders -- all tidied up just past the break.

Gallery: IFA 2012 wrap-up