HTC Sensation 2 Special Edition with Beats Audio details leak

Yes you read that title right, what we are hearing this evening is HTC is preparing to launch a HTC Sensation 2 SE or special edition with Beats Audio by Dr. Dre. First off I’m going to throw this instantly in the rumor mill for a few reasons. First being the Sensation hasn’t been out long enough to replace it, second being why call it special edition if all future HTC handsets are going to have the Beats Audio technology inside, just a thought.

















This could be completely accurate, and might just be blowing smoke but over at CNET they apparently have all the details. What we can “expect” to see is a HTC Sensation 2 SE that will feature an upgraded 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor like what the HTC Jetstream will be powered by. That is faster than the original Sensation and its 1.2 Ghz CPU. It will feature the same 4.3″ qHD display but the leaked document says “advanced HD screen” which also makes it sound like someone is confused.

If the rumors are true we will be seeing the same 8MP camera on the rear, a slightly thicker design because they’ve also boosted the battery going from 1,520mAH to a more respectable 1,730mAh. It will be bundled with a nice set of Beats Audio headphones and may even have a Beats Audio logo on the rear or during the boot animation. While this all sounds nice I just don’t see the point, although it might get the Beats and HTC name out there together as one.
These details are just leaking so take it how you want. If we hear more we will be sure to report back. What do you guys think is this real, or just some rumor?
[via CNET]

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MIUI Xiaomi MI-One Phone Now Shipping

This week the guys at MIUI have finally started shipping the MI-One smartphone in China with more locations coming soon. In case you’ve not been following along MIUI is the extremely popular custom ROM developers for Android and they’ve recently announced and are now launching their very own Android phone. Complete with their own custom version of Android 2.3.4 pre-installed, something I wish CyanogenMod would do too.

As for the hardware if anyone didn’t catch those details a few weeks ago we have a very nice custom made phone from the company Xiaomi. They aren’t widely known but this MIUI MI-One should help them out. The hardware includes a 4.0″ 480×854 resolution LED Display, a powerful dual-core 1.5 Ghz Qualcomm processor, 1GB of ram with 4GB of ROM. It also features a Micro SD slot, front and rear cameras and everything else we expect on a top tier smartphone these days.

The camera on the rear is 8 MP with LED flash and can record HD video, 2 MP front camera for video chat, as well as three capacitive buttons down below on the display. Another big part of the specs is they’ve included a huge 1930 mAh battery to ensure users get optimal battery life. Over on miuiandroid.com they’ve been posting plenty of pictures and videos throughout this exciting time.
If you’d like to see a full video of the MI-One smartphone Engadget received some hands-on time and the video is at the link provided. The team and MIUI has been nice enough to upload plenty of pictures over the past few weeks and they are all nicely below in the gallery for those interested. While we still don’t have any official info on when and if this phone will ship to other areas or countries, we can hope right?
[via MIUI]
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HTC Thunderbolt and Incredible Update to 2.3 Gingerbread coming this September

HTC today has just announced that the HTC Thunderbolt will finally receive the much anticipated update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread come sometime this September, basically in the next 30 days unless it gets delayed again. The announcement was just made over at HTC’s Facebook page.

This isn’t really big news, although users of the Thunderbolt have been begging for the official Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for what seems like months already. While many HTC devices have already been updated to 2.3 the Incredible and Thunderbolt have been left behind. Last we heard the Thunderbolt build was delayed yet again, but then a few days later the official 2.3 Gingerbread build was leaked then another the next day.
Then we have the DROID Incredible, we’ve been hearing different things about its update status for a month or so now. Originally a employee misspoke and said it would not receive Gingerbread but that was quickly corrected. We saw initial reports that the Incredible was getting the OTA to 2.3.4 a few weeks ago but that was quickly delayed too. It appears HTC has been having a few issues with these updates but that is probably because they are also adding the new bootloader unlocking into the updates.
Most likely both devices will get updated to Android version 2.3.4 but we can’t know for sure although the Incredible leaks suggest exactly that. You can download the 2.3.4 Incredible build here, and the Thunderbolt builds are linked to above, or just wait for the official update coming in the next 30 days or so.
[via HTC]
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Google Voice Updated, Fixes for delayed notifications and more

The Google Voice app received an update today folks. Not only did Google add some much needed fixes but there are a few new UI changes too. First off at the top of the list you’ll notice them reference being able to make calls without data connectivity. What this means is once you call a number once, Google Voice will remember it and you wont need a data connection to call that number in the future. More details below.

Make sure to check out the new widget, and after updating make sure to at least open the new Google Voice App once on your phone so everything can get dialed in and ready to go and route calls. Here is a list of some of the changes as seen in the photo above.
-Does not require data connectivity for making calls to all numbers you previously called
-Warns you when no data connectivity before you compose/send text messages
-Fix for bug that required to click the voicemail play button twice
-Fix for notifications delays for SMS and voicemails
In the past I didn’t know Google Voice used data but apparently it does this in the background to route calls to G Voice. Now that will only happen once on each number rather than every time you dial. I’ve always had a few issues with notifications so that is nice to see finally being updated and fixed. I really like the new widget as we now have a bigger box for text. Feel free to download and enjoy the new Google Voice in the Android Market by clicking here.

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Motorola Xoom with Android 3.2.2 and 4G LTE Spotted

Just like we mentioned earlier last week a select group of Verizon business accounts and government users were able to send in and update their Motorola Xoom to 4G LTE thanks to Motorola. The link above details the upgrade in detail, now after a 5 day turn around users are receiving their upgraded Motorola Xoom’s in the mail from FedEx with Android 3.2.2 Honeycomb.

We don’t know a lot of details at this point and it’s possible this is just something unique to Motorola but we haven’t seen Android 3.2.1 yet so why the jump to 3.2.2 is beyond me. The Motorola Xoom devices are being returned completely wiped of all user date, upgraded to 3.2.2 and obviously Verizon Wireless 4G LTE speeds. A user over on XDA was kind enough to supply the photo and details.
The XDA user mentions the devices was unlocked and rooted when he sent it to Verizon and it has been returned locked, and obviously no root access since its been wiped and replaced with a new build of Honeycomb. We don’t have any further details but most likely it will be as easy to unlock as “oem unlock” as the Xoom never had a locked down and protected bootloader, why start now.
The screenshot above shows it all, most likely this is a Verizon Employee but this should start soon for everyone else.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : XOOM

Manufactuer : Motorola

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : January 05, 2011

Release Date : February 24, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 10.10 Inch


• Resolution : 1280x800


• Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 9.80 Inch


• Width : 6.61 Inch


• Depth : 0.51 Inch


• Weight : 730 Grams

Battery & Power

• Battery Type:


• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 6500 mAh


• Talk Time : NA


• Stand By Time : 336 hours

Software

• Android OS:


• 3.0.x

• Audio Playback:


• AAC


• AAC+


• AMR


• MP3

• Video Playback:


• h.263


• h.264 / AVC


• MPEG-4 (MP4)

• Messaging:


• SMS

Hardware

CPU : Tegra 2

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 32.768 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution :5 MP

• External Storage:


• MicroSD


• MicroSDHC

• Camera Features:


• Auto focus


• Flash


• 720p Video Recording

• Sensors:


• Accelerometer


• Ambient light

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

• Network Technology:


• CDMA

• CDMA Band:


• 800


• 1900

Device Connectivity

• Wi-Fi:


• 802.11b


• 802.11g


• 802.11n

• Bluetooth:


• Bluetooth 2.0

• Location Features:


• Compass


• GPS


• Cellular location


• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

[via XDA Forums]

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Motorola Xoom Upgraded to 4G LTE in the wild

More Motorola Xoom 4G LTE news is coming out today. I guess I’ll start calling it 4G since the update is coming soon although we can’t call it the first 4G LTE tablet since the Galaxy Tab 10.1 stole that title. What we are seeing now is a Motorola Xoom with full 4G service in the notification tray below. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 looks a bit different and although this could just be fake, the possibility that it is real should excite a few Xoom owners.

Users have been patiently waiting for the 4G LTE hardware update to their Motorola Xoom tablets and last we heard it was coming sometime in September after the 4G Xoom made a pit stop at the FCC. September is right around the corner (like tomorrow) so we should be getting news any day now from our friends at Verizon or Motorola regarding the update.
Last we heard Motorola had started a little pre-run of the update and certain users were able to apply and start the upgrade process, but that it still was not ready for public use yet. It has been well over the 3 month time frame they gave when the Xoom was released so you’d expect them to have this all sorted out by now. Either way we are starting to hear reports that the upgrade has started, and a few users have already received the tablet back according to leaked photos from our source. More details should land shortly regarding the upgrade so stay tuned.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : XOOM

Manufactuer : Motorola

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : January 05, 2011

Release Date : February 24, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 10.10 Inch


• Resolution : 1280x800


• Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 9.80 Inch


• Width : 6.61 Inch


• Depth : 0.51 Inch


• Weight : 730 Grams

Battery & Power

• Battery Type:


• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 6500 mAh


• Talk Time : NA


• Stand By Time : 336 hours

Software

• Android OS:


• 3.0.x

• Audio Playback:


• AAC


• AAC+


• AMR


• MP3

• Video Playback:


• h.263


• h.264 / AVC


• MPEG-4 (MP4)

• Messaging:


• SMS

Hardware

CPU : Tegra 2

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 2

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 32.768 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution :5 MP

• External Storage:


• MicroSD


• MicroSDHC

• Camera Features:


• Auto focus


• Flash


• 720p Video Recording

• Sensors:


• Accelerometer


• Ambient light

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

• Network Technology:


• CDMA

• CDMA Band:


• 800


• 1900

Device Connectivity

• Wi-Fi:


• 802.11b


• 802.11g


• 802.11n

• Bluetooth:


• Bluetooth 2.0

• Location Features:


• Compass


• GPS


• Cellular location


• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

[via androidcentral]

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Department of Justice Files to Block T-Mobile Buyout, AT&T Responds

The U.S. Government and the Department of Justice apparently aren’t up for allowing AT&T to acquire T-Mobile. Today the DOJ has filed a formal complaint and anti-trust case against AT&T in the acquisition in an attempt to stop it from moving forward. AT&T was quick to respond so check out more details below.

Today AT&T received some bad news and apparently they weren’t expecting this once bit according to statements already made by AT&T this morning. The DOJ antri-trust complain clearly states that they do not agree on this union and here’s a quote from the filing:

AT&T’s elimination of T-Mobile as an independent, low- priced rival would remove a significant competitive force from the market,” the U.S. said.

While we knew many were opposed to the idea I don’t think anyone was expecting this. We recently saw the FCC looking for users to comment and share their opinion and even other carriers were quick to oppose the deal. While this is a huge blow and will add some serious delay, the deal isn’t completely a lost cause but it didn’t get any easier that is for sure.
AT&T has since released a statement and they don’t sound too happy, but they do seem a bit confident still.

We are surprised and disappointed by today’s action, particularly since we have met repeatedly with the Department of Justice and there was no indication from the DOJ that this action was being contemplated.
We plan to ask for an expedited hearing so the enormous benefits of this merger can be fully reviewed. The DOJ has the burden of proving alleged anti-competitive affects and we intend to vigorously contest this matter in court.
At the end of the day, we believe facts will guide any final decision and the facts are clear. This merger will:
Help solve our nation’s spectrum exhaust situation and improve wireless service for millions.
Allow AT&T to expand 4G LTE mobile broadband to another 55 million Americans, or 97% of the population;
Result in billions of additional investment and tens of thousands of jobs, at a time when our nation needs them most.
We remain confident that this merger is in the best interest of consumers and our country, and the facts will prevail in court.

We have heard many government officials and senators comment on this acquisition I don’t think many were expecting the DOJ to come out like this, either way this entire story is still developing so stay tuned as more details trickle in.
[via Bloomberg]
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Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Announced, 1.4 Ghz CPU and 4.2″ Display

The news is already starting to pour out of IFA and Sony Ericsson has just announced their new flagship Android offering, the Xperia Arc S. We can expect to see this new flagship phone debut this October and while the details are still pouring in we do have some pretty impressive hardware specs for you after the break.

The Xperia Arc S will feature a 4.2″ LED screen with Sony’s “Reality Display” technology. Boosted with a 1.4 Ghz Snapdragon processor, 8.1 MP camera as well as what Sony is calling 3D and 2D sweep panorama photography. You can shoot photos or video then use HDMI out and view the content in full 3D on your HDTV.
The Xperia Arc S will also ship with many of Sony’s increasingly popular services such as Music Unlimited, and Video Unlimited for all the streaming of digital content one would ever need.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson said: “Xperia™ arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia™ to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia™ family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited.”

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S is up to 25% faster than the previous generation and will be the best Xperia device yet. All powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread. So far we don’t have any actual pricing or availability, but Sony has said it will be available later in the year and possible as soon as October.
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U.S. government sues to block AT&T, T-Mobile merger

The U.S. government sued to block AT&T Inc. (T)’s proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA Inc., saying the deal would “substantially lessen competition” in the wireless market. AT&T shares fell as much as 5 percent.
In the complaint filed today in federal court in Washington, the U.S. is seeking a declaration that Dallas-based AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile, a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE), would violate U.S. antitrust law. The U.S. also asked for a court order blocking any arrangement implementing the deal.
“AT&T’s elimination of T-Mobile as an independent, low- priced rival would remove a significant competitive force from the market,” the U.S. said in its filing.
Should regulators reject the deal, which would create the biggest U.S. wireless carrier, AT&T would have to pay Deutsche Telekom $3 billion in cash. It would also provide T-Mobile USA with wireless spectrum in some regions and reduced charges for calls into AT&T’s network, for a total package valued at as much as $7 billion, Deutsche Telekom said this month.
Philipp Schindera, a spokesman at Bonn-based Deutsche Telekom, declined to immediately comment on the filing. Jessica Smith, a Justice Department spokeswoman, declined to comment on the suit. Michael Balmoris, an AT&T spokesman, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail and phone calls seeking comment.

Shares Drop

AT&T fell $1.02, or 3.4 percent, to $28.60 at 10:55 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading after declining as much as $1.49. Deutsche Telekom American depositary receipts dropped as much as 6.4 percent, to $12.93.
The purchase of Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile would combine the second- and fourth-largest carriers to create a new market leader ahead of No. 1 Verizon Wireless. The new company would have dwarfed current No. 3 carrier Sprint Nextel Corp., which argued against the deal. Overland Park, Kansas-based Sprint’s shares jumped as much as 9.9 percent.
Some U.S. lawmakers have said the deal may reduce competition and raise consumer costs. The Federal Communications Commission has given itself more time to study new data presented by AT&T.

Economic Models

AT&T in a July 25 filing at the FCC submitted new economic models that it said showed the merger would lower prices and increase service in large metropolitan markets. The models offer “further detailed support” for arguments that the merger will lessen strains on the company’s wireless network, lower costs and increase quality, AT&T said in the filing.
“Given the size of the cancellation fee that was negotiated into his agreement, AT&T has the incentive to fight,” said Andrew Gavil, a law professor at Howard University in Washington. “The fact that the Justice Department is challenging the deal doesn’t mean they won’t negotiate a resolution at some point.”
The case is U.S. v. AT&T Inc., 11-01560, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (Washington).

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