3G iPhone touchscreen leaks out?

We're just four days away from WWDC, so the rumor mill is churning at a fever pitch -- and the latest context-less bits of info to emerge from the churn are these purported photos of the 3G iPhone's touchscreens over at iLounge. Yeah, that's touchscreens, plural -- if these are to believed, Apple's got two sizes of iPhone in store for us on Monday: a 3.2-inch model, and a smaller 2.8-inch model. Note that both of those sizes are smaller than the current iPhone's 3.5-inch screen, which seems slightly implausible -- but kinda-sorta matches up with other rumors we've heard, including those persistent "iPhone nano" whispers from last year. We still really doubt that Apple will shrink the iPhone's screen size, however, and there are literally hundreds of touchscreen iPhone KIRFs these panels could have come from, so we'd say there's a better chance this is just more hype -- but we know y'all have your own ideas. Let us know in comments!

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: apple,iphone,iphone nano,IphoneNano,rumor,rumors,wwdc ]

Nokia N78 for North America hands-on

We just got our hands on Nokia's sexy new N78, which it's bringing to us previously Nokia-starved North Americans in full-fledged, unlocked 3.5G. The phone boasts Nokia's new maps 2.0 app, along with photo geotagging, and of course all those N-series trimmings like WiFi and dual cameras. There's no N-Gage support yet, but a firmware update is forthcoming. Unfortunately for us, we had trouble getting geotagging or even online photo uploads in general to work at all -- we didn't stoop so low as to look at the manual, but Nokia certainly has some interface kinks to work out here. Maps 2.0 is all it's cracked up to be, and the phone tracked our walk down the block with accuracy bordering on creepiness. The keypad is a bit of a departure for Nokia, with ridges instead of full keys, but it didn't take us long to get comfortable with. We're less impressed with the touch sensitive "Navi wheel" on the d-pad, given Nokia's sporadic software support and its generally janky nature. The overall build of the device is classic Nokia, light but not too light, certainly not too thin but quite comfortable to use and pocket. We had no problem reading the screen in direct sunlight, and it's bright indoors as well. Though we can't recommend this unit without reservation, it's certainly one of the hottest phones for its form factor going, and once Nokia spruces up the new software a bit -- S60 3.2's new transitions are nice but aren't quite enough to make up for the shortcomings -- our gripes will be pretty much non-existent.
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: features,hands-on,n78,nokia,unboxing ]

Pre-WWDC iPhone rumor roundup: AT&T out of stock, subsidized pricing, last minute size changes

As we inch towards the towering precipice of WWDC 2008, rumors swirling around Apple's next iteration of the iPhone are being deposited onto the interblogs at an alarming rate. The latest set comes in three distinct flavors, the first of which recalls an earlier story that telcos would be offering subsidies for long-term contract signers. According to separate sources, Spain's Telefonica and the UK's O2 would offer the 3G iPhone at discounted rates (as low as €100) for those willing to put pen to paper, while some are claiming that O2 might also offer a "free" upgrade to the new phone for existing users. In other pot-stirring news, iDealsChina is reporting that the phone will suddenly be 2.0mm shorter and 0.5mm thinner than previously spec'd by Griffin in its new casing molds, thus causing all kinds of trouble for the accessory-maker... and people with big hands. Finally, we can safely report that AT&T has run out of stock of the device online (finally joining Apple). The site claims it's a "temporary" situation -- one which we suspect will be rectified by the appearance of a new model. Time to get in that line?
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: 3g iphone,3gIphone,apple,att,cases,griffin,iphone,o2,out of stock,OutOfStock,rumors,speculation,subsidy,telefonica,wwdc,wwdc 08,wwdc 2008,Wwdc08,Wwdc2008 ]

Microsoft's Device Manners Policy patent enforces "no-talking zones" and more

This is either the best or worst idea ever, depending on your point of view. Microsoft has patented what it calls a "device manners policy" (DMP), a wireless zone-enforced device protocol that allows local operators to turn certain features off (or on) based on local manner and safety policy. Similar to how wireless service on planes can lock out voice but allow data, Microsoft's DMP concept would allow local czars to enforce, for example, "no talking out loud" or "no photography" rules. Audio recording could be disabled at concerts, video recording killed at theaters, and ringers turned off at funerals. Of course, this all requires manufacturers to comply with the DMP protocol in their devices. In the end, we'd be looking at a pre-movie PSA that says "your phone is now being put on silent" rather than "please turn off your cell phone."

[Via: Unwired Review ]
[Tag: ]

TomTom / Tele Atlas a done deal, Nokia / NAVTEQ moving in that direction

Coincidence is a funny beast, is it not? On the very same day, releases have been put out touching on both of the major navigation deals that have long since been pending. To kick things off, we've got TomTom and Tele Atlas in quite the celebratory mood, as TomTom intends for Tele Atlas' listing on Euronext Amsterdam and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange "to be terminated as soon as legally possible." Can't blame a brother for wanting what's his, right? Moving on, we're hearing that Nokia will receive clearance from EU regulators "to buy digital map supplier NAVTEQ, as no formal charges are to be levied against the deal." It's also noted that the time for sending a statement of objections has passed, so from the outside looking in, it seems the two can at least move forward with their plans.
Read - TomTom / Tele Atlas deal
Read - Nokia / NAVTEQ deal

[Via: Washington Post ]
[Tag: acquisition,business,deal,industry,merge,merger,navteq,nokia,tele atlas,TeleAtlas,TomTom ]

iClooly iPod touch stand hopes to be an iMac when it grows up

There you have it, RockRidgeSound's iClooly stand for your iPod touch. The ?4,980 (about $47) accessory features a 90-degree pivot joint, dock-connector cut-out, and headphone extension cable in the box. The perfect little buddy for your iMac skipper when these set sail on June 7th.

[Via: Impress ]
[Tag: iclooly,ipod touch,IpodTouch,rockridgesound ]

Krakow says Gphone is delayed to 2009. Wait, what?

Seasoned tech pundit Gary Krakow has a real puzzler here. He's claiming that while the Android OS should be ready for launch through a couple manufacturers by the end of the year, an unnamed source has told him that the actual "Gphone" from Google has been delayed into next year. That's great and all, but we thought the whole Gphone buzz was pretty much killed dead when Android got real. Sure, there was that one-off Samsung rumor about a couple Google-branded handsets supposedly due for September, but there was never much followup there. Google itself has never done much hinting at a Google-branded handset, instead choosing to work with Open Handset Alliance in building an OS for everybody. We'll be keeping an eye on this rumor, but obviously if it proves true we won't be seeing anything out of Google until next year -- which basically puts us right where we started. Thanks, Gary.

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: android,gary krakow,GaryKrakow,google,gphone,rumor ]

Verizon slide deck reveals Verizon i770, Palm 800w, fun facts

First, the good news: we don't think the global roaming Samsung i770 Windows Mobile phone for Verizon is actually going to look like this. Now, the bad: it's probably pretty close. We're not here to bum you out, though -- come get the lowdown on Verizon's plans for the remainder of '08 by accompanying us on a magical journey through one of its fancy slide decks over on Engadget Mobile!
[Thanks, HTCkid]

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: 800w,cellphone,features,i770,palm,phone,samsung,treo,verizon,verizon wireless,VerizonWireless,vzw ]

Vodafone Station brings FMC service to Italy

Truth be told, Fixed Mobile Convergence still isn't talked about much (comparatively speaking) 'round these parts. Yeah, we've seen a few FMC routers scattered about, but Vodafone's taking a stand by rolling out its Station in Italy. The box, which was developed in cooperation with Huawei, is an integrated switch / router with ADSL2+, WiFi, UMTS / HSPA (via a removable USB key) and four Ethernet ports. Essentially, it's designed to combine voice with fixed and mobile broadband services, and it enables users to make calls on their handset through a fixed line connection when they're kicking back at home. We're also hearing that the device will eventually make its way to other Vodafone markets, but there's been no word yet on future rollout dates.


[Via: GigaOM ]
[Tag: 3g,adsl,data,femtocell,Fixed Mobile Convergence,FixedMobileConvergence,FMC,hspa,italy,landline,Telecom Italia,TelecomItalia,uk,umts,vodafone,vodafone Station,VodafoneStation,voice ]

Security cameras and a mobile phone help man track down mysterious house guest

Look, we're just as down on crazy Japanese stereotypes as the next guy. We watched Lost in Translation. We're with it. We know it's not all cosplay and weird game shows (but seriously, that human Tetris one? Awesome) and people dressing up as vending machines (pictured). That said, this story isn't doing Japan any favors. A homeless woman was recently arrested in Tokyo after living undetected in a man's closet for a year and sneaking food out of his kitchen. It was the missing food that tipped him off, so he installed some security cameras in his home to transmit images to his phone. Some motion was detected, so he called the police, and soon enough they spotted her in the closet -- where she had planted a mattress. Moral of the story? Move to Japan. Better cellphones and bigger closets. You can't lose.


[Via: ixplora ]
[Tag: homeless,japan,security camera,SecurityCamera ]

Dash Express now $300 on Amazon

If you were looking to snag a Dash Express, perhaps saving a Benjamin could be the excuse you're looking for. We don't know if it's because these things aren't selling well or if there was just some kind of pricing error, but the Dash Express -- was originally set to debut at $600, but then dropped to $400 at release -- is now on Amazon for $300. (And yes, it's still going for $400 on Dash's own site.)


[Via: Gear Diary ]
[Tag: dash,dash express,DashExpress,price drop,PriceDrop ]

RIM's BlackBerry 9500 "Thunder" captured on camera?

A retailer taking pre-orders for phones that haven't even been announced is considered business as usual, but there's something just a little out of the ordinary with Horizon Wireless' listing for the alleged touchscreen superphone outta Waterloo, the BlackBerry 9500 "Thunder" -- it's accompanied by a somewhat believable picture of the thing. Extreme blur always adds a healthy dose of credibility (we kid), but more importantly, the picture shows no telltale signs of being a render and looks essentially like what everyone's expecting it to look like. BlackBerry addicts who've been desperately fighting the urge to go to the dark side, consider this your shot of willpower for the day.
[Thanks, Yasim M.]

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: 9500,blackberry,cellphone,in the wild,InTheWild,phone,rim,rumor,thunder ]

LG Decoy Comes With Removable Bluetooth Headphone, Will Drop June 16 [Cellphones]

Verizon subscribers and slider phone fans can look forward to the new LG Decoy which, after a slight delay, is now set to launch on June 16. The phone is a CDMA dual band, with a QVGA 240 x 320 pixel display and a 2.0 megapixel camera. It supports video and mp3 playback and has an expandable microSD slot. The Decoy also comes with a built-in removable Bluetooth earpiece, so you're less likely to lose your BT headphone and risk not looking like a douche. Just kidding. It'll cost $349 for full retail, $249 with a 1 year contract and $179 with a 2 year contract. [Phone Arena]

[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[Tag: ]

StyleTap's Palm OS emulator officially coming to iPhone and iPod touch

In a move of unsurprising proportions, StyleTap announced today that it will be bringing its Palm OS emulator to the iPhone and iPod touch... officially. This basically means that every one of those precious Palm apps you couldn't live without will now be easily accessible via Apple's devices, thus seriously threatening the argument for keeping your Treo 600. Gregory Sokoloff, CEO of the company, said that the response to a video posted in February of a demo version of the software convinced them to take the plunge. Palm, now might be a good time to stun us with your new OS.

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: apple,emulator,iphone,ipod touch,IpodTouch,palm os,PalmOs,styletap,touch ]

How would you change LG's Vu?

With all this hubbub floating around about the elusive 3G iPhone, let us not forget about the latest touchscreen smartphone to land at AT&T: LG's Vu. After getting official earlier this month, we were able to sit down with the Mobile TV-supporting handset and form a few opinions of our own. Here, however, we're interested in your take -- do you feel the $549.99 (or $299.99 on contract) price tag is reasonable for what you get? Are you pleased with the hardware / software? Are you feeling buyer's remorse like never before? Go on and spill it, we're all friends here.

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: att,features,handset,how would you change,HowWouldYouChange,hwyc,lg,smartphone,vu ]

iRiver Spinn gets a release date, fleshed out details

We haven't heard much about iRiver's shiny new Spinn PMP since it was unveiled at CES earlier this year, but Crave has now turned up a couple of fresh new details on the device, including word of the all important release date. That'll apparently come sometime in August (in the UK, at least), although there's unfortunately still no word on prices. Otherwise, Crave has confirmed that the player will still be arriving in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB varieties, and that it'll be shipping with built-in DAB radio in the UK, as well as built-in Bluetooth and a dedicated (but unspecified) 3D acceleration chip to spice up the interface a bit. In case you missed 'em the first time around, you can find our shots of the device (under glass) here.


[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: iriver,iriver spinn,IriverSpinn,spinn ]

HTC ships first batch of Touch Diamond handsets

DigiTimes has it that HTC has already shipped its first batch of over 10,000 Touch Diamond mobiles to Hong Kong CSL, which has consequently sent our saliva glands into overdrive. The report continues on to say that deliveries to European / Asia-Pacific operators should get going in June, though no further details were mentioned. Meanwhile, North Americans are left to weep softly to keep from embarrassment.


[Via: SlashPhone ]
[Tag: diamond,htc,ship,shipping,ships,touch,touch diamond,TouchDiamond,windows mobile 6.1,WindowsMobile6.1,winmo 6.1,Winmo6.1 ]

TurboGrafx-16 emulation hits the iPhone

Finally, the ultimate dream of all iPhone owners has come to pass: TurboGrafx-16 emulation. Thanks once again to the massive talents at ZodTTD, Apple's phone has gotten another piece of the emulator puzzle in the form of Temper4iphone, a fully functioning recreation of everyone's favorite under-performing game console. The app can play both TurboGrafx and PC-Engine games, as well as CD-based ROMs. Right now the software is only available to beta testers (and donation-makers), though it's expected to hit wide release soon. Check the video after the break and see for yourself.

[Via: Joystiq ]
[Tag: emulation,iphone,pc-engine,temper4iphone,tg16,turbografx-16,zodttd ]

Griffin PowerDock 2 charges iPhones and iPods two-at-a-time

In case you're not swimming in Apple gear just yet (wait 'til the kids come...), Griffin Technology has just released a more modest solution to charging "just" a pair of iPhones / iPods or one of each. The two-port PowerDock 2 features a pair of universal docks and a collection of dock inserts to ensure that almost every iPod (and the iPhone) can get a seat at the table. It's available as we speak for $49.95.

[Via: PopGadget ]
[Tag: griffin,iphone accessory,iphone dock,IphoneAccessory,IphoneDock,ipod accessory,ipod dock,IpodAccessory,IpodDock,PowerDock ]

MSI's MS-5654 GPS unit finds the FCC

MSI's been making a lot of noise with the Wind lately, but we'd heard the company was going to be bringing personal navigators and PMPs to the US back at CES, and it looks like the first one has hit the FCC -- say hello to the MS-5654. As always, the gov's photographers don't exactly bring out the inner beauty of the device, but there's enough to see that the unit features a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 touchscreen, a 372MHz Centrality processor running Windows CE 5.0, 1GB or 2GB of internal storage with SD expansion, and the usual basic PMP features. Of course, there's no pricing or availability info, but if you're into detailed RF reports, heaven is just beyond the read link.

[Thanks, jkkmobile]

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: ms-5654,msi,pnd ]

Prototype iControlPad proves itself on video

Hah, did you really have the nerve to doubt CraigIX? The iPhone gamepad add-on that we heard about just last week is already inching closer to reality, and there's a video to prove it. In the somewhat unexciting clip posted up after the jump, you'll see a PCB mockup of the device doing its thang, though it's quite inelegant in its current form. If you just needed one more something to boost your interest / confidence that this critter was real, you know where to head.

[Via: zodttd ]
[Tag: controller,diy,hack,homebrew,iControlPad,iphone,iphone accessory,iphone controller,IphoneAccessory,IphoneController,joystick,prototype,video ]