Refresh Roundup: week of October 29th, 2012

Reception and call quality 9.2 Display 8.3 Battery life 6.1 Camera 6.7 Ease of use 7.8 Design and form factor 9.5 Portability (size / weight) 9.2 Media support 7.6 Durability 8.2 Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.) 5.6

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Refresh Roundup: week of February 13th, 2012

By Zachary Lutz posted Feb 19th 2012 7:50PM Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
Motorola Atrix 4G: Android 2.3.6 is now available for download, which brings security, stability and WiFi refinements, along with the ability to launch Voice Command from Bluetooth headsets even when the phone is asleep. [Unwired View]HTC: The smartphone manufacturer has updated its bootloader unlock utility to include the Droid Eris, Hero and Legend, along with the myTouch 3G and myTouch 4G. Props to the company for bringing this choice to some of its older devices. [Android Central]Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (WiFi): A minor refresh was sent out this week that resolves issues with email attachments, auto-rotation and WiFi. Overall stability and power management have also been improved. Yes, it's still Honeycomb, but it's no doubt an improvement. [Unwired View]ASUS Transformer Prime: A very minor update is now available that bumps the tablet's software version from 9.4.2.13 to 9.4.2.14. It's said to resolve some power-related issues that users had with the earlier build. [Droid Life]Motorola Droid X: Software version 4.5.621 brings improved browser security, more reliable OTA updates, better hotspot connectivity and also corrects an issue that caused the handset to power on without user interaction. WAV files can now be played within visual voicemail, and fixes are also in store for the music and camera apps. [Droid Life]Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
Motorola Droid 4: Despite being the new kid on the block, a root method has already been released for the Droid 4. It's now available as a script that allows users to gain superuser access without breaking a sweat. [Android Community]LG Optimus 2X / G2x: This Tegra 2 handset (and its AWS variant) gained access to CyanogenMod 9 builds this week. While the ROMs are said to be stable enough for daily use, users will need to contend with a few bugs along the way. In particular, the camera and music apps are said to be glitchy, the camcorder doesn't work and support for hardware acceleration has yet to be implemented. Those who join the bleeding edge will most certainly want to take advantage of the updates as they trickle out. [Android Community]Motorola Droid 3: This is entirely unofficial, but two updates for the Droid 3 -- 5.7.902 and 5.7.905 -- were leaked, each of which can be applied within the phone's stock recovery environment. Both packages wield an updated baseband and kernel, and users have also reported increased speed and battery life. A word of caution: the update is a one-way street -- there's no going back. If your phone is currently rooted and you choose to apply either patch, you'll be able to return to superuser access with the previously mentioned Droid 4 method. [Droid Life]CyanogenMod: While the decision is nowhere near final, developers are currently evaluating whether to integrate Cornerstone into the official build of CyanogenMod 9. Cornerstone is an open source project that brings an innovative approach to multitasking on tablets -- it's somewhat reminiscent of tiled windows that can be placed out of sight. [Android Police]LG MyTouch: CyanogenMod welcomed a new entrant to its list of supported devices this week, as nightly builds for the LG myTouch (but not the myTouch Q) have now appeared on the project's official mirror repositories. Stable and experimental builds are not yet available. [Android Police]Samsung Galaxy Nexus: While this mod certainly won't be for everyone, users who'd prefer to eliminate perpetual on-screen navigation buttons may now gain a bit more screen real estate, thanks to a clever hack from mrx8836350. A flashable zip file is available for the HSPA+ model, and yes, you can still summon the necessary navigation buttons when they're needed. [Android Community]Motorola Droid Xyboard: If you're looking to take ownership of this tablet, a new root method from Dan Rosenberg is here to help. It's available as an executable script, which makes the process rather painless, and interestingly enough, the method is thought to work for all Motorola devices with either Gingerbread or Honeycomb. [Droid Life, Android Police]Samsung Epic 4G Touch: A pre-release build of Android 4.0.3 made its way into the wild this week, and was promptly deodexed, rooted and put up for download by the Android Creative Syndicate. Despite plenty of rough edges, WiMax and WiFi are said to work properly. [Sprint Feed]HTC Sensation: If that recent leak of the Endeavor got you all hot and bothered, you'll be glad to know that the phone's ROM -- complete with Sense 4.0 -- has been ported over to the Sensation. Integration with Microsoft's SkyDrive was also discovered in this build, although we'll need to wait for something more official to see if it sticks. [Android Community, Phone Arena]Refreshes we covered this week
Notion Ink's ICS build for Adam goes beta, adds 3G, GPSWindows Mobile takes up roost in Windows Phone, thanks to WML project (video)BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 release confirmed for February 21stCM9 for TouchPad gains access to nightly buildsiOS 5.1 leaked, bringing new unlock-to-camera action, more cultured Siri?Acer Iconia Tab family to be given Ice Cream Sandwich treatment, rolling out to A200 nowASUS delays Ice Cream Sandwich for Transformer, aims for 'Feb / March 2012' releaseMotorola outs Android 4.0 upgrade schedule, adds Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and others to the ICS party listHP rolls out more open webOS components, new Isis browser and some organizationHTC Endeavor specs revealed in leaked ROM: Tegra 3, 720p, Sense 4.0 (update: screenshots)

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Refresh Roundup: week of January 23, 2012

By Brad Molen posted Jan 29th 2012 10:44AM Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates HTC Rezound: Build 2.01.605.11 is now detailed on Verizon's site, which means we'll see it hitting OTA very shortly. Among the enhancements are an updated signal strength meter, resolved screen timeout issues, improved audio quality, improved device stability and other fixes related to the mobile hotspot, force closes and the task manager. [AndroidCentral]Samsung Epic 4G Touch: Sprint's rolling out a lot of security updates right now, presumably to remove Carrier IQ software from its lineup. The Epic 4G Touch's bug fix is beginning to hit units now, bumping the phone's software up to EL29. In addition to a "security update," EL29 also addresses CMAS (Commercial Alert System) and the ability to dismiss multiple calendar alerts. [PhoneArena, AndroidCentral, Sprint]Sony: This spring, around the same time its Xperia lineup receives ICS, Sony's tablet offerings -- the P and S -- will also be beneficiaries of the upgrade. [TheVerge]LG Optimus 2X (Fido): An update to Android 2.3.4 is now available in Canada for Fido's version of the Optimus 2X. [MobileSyrup]Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery HP TouchPad: CyanogenMod 9 Alpha 0.5 is available. It includes bug fixes, touchscreen improvements, incognito mode for the browser and faster charging. [Liliputing]Motorola Droid Razr: A leaked build of Android 2.3.6 (up from 2.3.5) is now available for you if you feel adventurous. No root is necessary to try it out, but you still need to be cautious and know what you're doing before you give it a shot. Follow the link for step by step instructions. [Droid-Life]Lenovo ThinkPad tablet: Now has root access. [AndroidPolice, XDA-Dev]MIUI: Version 4, which is MIUI's ICS-based ROM, is now available on the Galaxy S II and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. [AndroidCentral, TheAndroidSoul]Refreshes we covered this week

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CES 2012: Smartphones round-up

By Joseph Volpe posted Jan 14th 2012 12:13PM The Superbowl of smartphones? Why, that would be Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. But that didn't stop the mobile industry's heavy hitters from giving us a taste of the year in wireless to come at CES. With Windows Phones finally getting LTE, Intel's Medfield CPU making its handset debut, Sony synergizing under its mega brand umbrella and fringe manufacturers wowing attendees with stock Ice Cream Sandwich and super-thin profiles, it appears phone aficionados have plenty to anticipate. So, while you sit slack-jawed in front of that computer screen, let's revisit some of the highlights of this past week.
AT&T threw a curve ball at its keynote when it announced this Titan refresh would be hitting the states with support for 4G LTE -- a much welcomed first for devices running Microsoft's Mango OS. And as if access to those sweet wireless speeds wasn't enough, HTC's leapfrogged its US competition by beefing up the camera module on this 4.7-incher, bumping it to 16 megapixels with an f/2.6 lens and setting a new standard for imaging on stateside handsets. Unfortunately, that signature, elegant build has gone by the wayside, replaced here by a more traditional encasing.
Its LTE-packing thunder may have been stolen by AT&T's Titan II announcement, but Nokia's high-end Lumia still managed to hit a few high marks -- namely, for its 4.3-inch screen. The 900 is the first of Espoo's Mango pack to tread into large screen territory and it's headed for American mitts on AT&T sometime this spring (if the release rumors are indeed true). Inside, not much has changed, as we're still dealing with a single CPU. So, if you were holding out for a dual-core WP7.5 phone, you'll need to sit tight just a little bit longer.
Things are looking up for Huawei stateside. While brand recognition may still be somewhat low for the Chinese company, its fortunes could indeed about-face with the launch of its more premium Ascend line. The 4.3-inch P1 S and P1 are near identical twins, separated simply by thickness -- the former cuts a 6.68mm profile. And, perhaps heeding the call of Android fans everywhere, both phones are loaded up with stock Ice Cream Sandwich. If you like your devices unlocked and ultra-svelte, you might want to give these a go this April.
Lenovo certainly took us by surprise when it snuck this gem onto the showroom floor. Heralding the smartphone debut of Intel's Medfield chip, the K800 is a heavily customized Android smartphone bearing 2011 specs, like a 4.5-inch 720p display, Gingerbread, 8 megapixel rear camera). In fact, users not well-versed in the finer aspects of CPUs, would be hard pressed to note the 1.6GHz revolution taking place under the hood. We've only just skimmed the surface of this Asia-only device, so stay tuned -- a US bow can't be far off.
It's phone. It's a tablet. It's a... Padfone? No shockers here. We've had fair warning ASUS' slatephone combo was headed to market, and have had plenty of time to warm to the idea. The concept? A 4.3-inch handset that neatly docks into a 10.1-inch tab, transitioning its display seamlessly to the larger screen and giving you more real estate for that ICS OS. It's an effective solution for users that don't want to port around two separate devices, and it also doesn't hurt that the dock packs an extended battery.
After swallowing Ericsson hole and dispensing with the brand, Sony's reorganized its mobile house. And with that new face comes a new era of premium handset design. The Ion is one of two smartphones issued by the Japanese giant that features solo Sony branding, a solid build (bye, bye creaky plastic) and some very respectable specs: 4.6-inch 720p HD Reality display, AT&T LTE and a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU.
Not to be outdone by the Ion, the Xperia S appears poised to truly wear Sony's new mobile crown. Featuring a transparent illuminating bar, which actually functions as the antenna, this dual-core handset is what we consider to be, bar none, the apogee of CES mobile phone reveals. The 4.3-incher's not carrier-locked (yet), so fanboys and girls hoping to add this sleek beauty to their arsenal can get those credit cards at the ready come this March.

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CES 2012: headphone and speaker roundup

By Joe Pollicino posted Jan 16th 2012 11:15AM Audio-wares may not be on the forefront of many geek's minds during CES, but that doesn't mean you won't find a bevy of sound-pumping gizmos while traversing across the crowded show floor. From giant AirPlay and iPod dock systems to premium audiophile headphones (and a bevy of dinky iDevice-compatible buds), we've picked out a few of our favorites. Whether your focused on getting great sound or something packed with technology, jump past the break to visualize it all for yourself.
Behringer may have turned heads -- and shaken floors -- with its massive iNuke Boom (seen above the break), but Klipsch also had a giant system to show off. Dubbed the Console 2.1, this retro-looking speaker array can serve as an extremely loud center piece for your living room. Thanks to its construction, you'll also be able to throw some drinks on top without having them tip over from vibrations. Expect to pay about $7,000 dollars for this gigantic puppy when it hits later this year.

Of course, not everyone is looking for sound so loud that it'll rock your house's foundation, and thankfully, we also caught some smaller options. Bang & Olufsen, known for their opulent home theater systems and related gadgets, took to CES introducing its new B&O Play brand. Aiming for a "younger" crowd with money to burn, the company introduced its $800 Beolit 12 AirPlay-enabled speaker. With a portable, picnic basket-esque and functional design (complete with a tray to hold your iPhone), the unit is sure to please those who are out and about -- if they are willing to cough up the dough for it later this month, that is.

Keeping on the portable audio-dock front, we took notice of rapper Ludacris' extension out from headphones to speakers. His Soul Electronics brand hit CES with Party in a Box, a beefy and "portable" wireless speaker that can have you covered for nearly any social gathering. Featuring wireless over Bluetooth, AirPlay, and other speakers thanks to an included dongle, the festivities can will be able to stream from nearly anywhere. We'd be remiss not to mention that you'll also be able to hook in a mic whenever you feel like spittin' some lyrics. Sadly, price and availability is anyone's guess at this point.

We also found a select few other pieces of interesting speaker gear, including Griffin's Twenty wireless amplifier. By plugging in your Airport Express, you'll be able to wirelessly stream audio to your favorite "noiseyboxes," with 20 watts total of 2.1 sound to any speakers of your choice. AirPlay-enabled systems, meet, The Enabler. Expect it to hit some time this year for "under 200 US bones."

Not to be left out in the dust, NuForce also introduced a wireless solution as well, introduced to us as the Air DAC. Audiophiles looking to bypass AirPlay and and still get wireless to their speakers can use this dongle and connector setup to make the dream a reality. Best of all, you can bet it'll be less expensive than you'd think when it reaches shelves, in true NuForce fashion.

Then, there was LG's AirPlay-enabled speaker. It's a cube, it a has built-in clock and it's wireless, need we say more?

We'll never forget TOSY's mRobo dancing speakerbot. Beiber Fever and an unfortunately placed speaker, made this unveil the greatest day of at least one Engadget editor's life.

We even peeked a number of awesome headphones while in Las Vegas. Sennheiser revealed its latest audiophile headphone the HD 700, along with its first lifestyle headset, Amperior. Folks who always craved the HD 800, but were put off by it's $1,500 price, may find the 700 more appealing with its slightly less spendy cost of $1,000. We only had a quick listen to both, but Sennheiser says the HD 700 is aiming for a slightly "warmer and less-clinical" sound than its larger brethren. That Amperior we mentioned? Imagine the company's DJ-centric HD 25 repurposed for on-the-go audio. With a lower impedance of 18-Ohms (down from 150), and inline controller / mic, Sennheiser is hoping to hit the lifestyle headset market with some bravado when these cans launch in March for around $350. We gave the Amperiors a quick listen ourselves, and found 'em to be very comfortable with a thick, smooth bass and a vibrant high-end.

Logic3 hit CES with a full line of Ferrari-branded headphones. Clad in leather and featuring styles from racing- to street-inspired, fans of boom-boom bass and Vroom-Vroom cars might just have an audio-match made in heaven. No word on price just yet, but you can bet they won't be cheap. (Pro Tip: we also spotted some AirPlay docks as well.)
Saving the best for last -- our favorite audio-ware of the show had to be Parrot's Zik Bluetooth touch-activated headset. Sure, the AR.Drone 2.0 was certainly awesome, but we found this potential gem to be noteworthy. We've seen companies in the past try to load a pair of headphones with everything but kitchen sink, however, the Zik is the first one that may actually do it correctly. It's loaded with five microphones for calls and up to 20dB of active noise-cancellation, and even a jawbone sensor for clearing up your vocals.

There's also passive functionality if you drain its replaceable ( and rechargeable battery) -- not to mention an NFC sensor on the left ear cup, and touch controls for your PMP's playlist on the right. Add it all together with a design by Phillipe Starck that's as comfortable as it gorgeous, and even an app that'll enable a more "concert-like" listening experience, and the Zik itself becomes even more compelling. We weren't lucky enough to get a good gauge of what the audio quality will be like, but hopefully, it can keep up. Expect these to hit shelves for a whole load of cash when they arrive later this year.

So, those were just some of our favorites from the massive halls of the LVCC during this past CES. Be sure to grab a look at all of our audio coverage from the past week here. For now, here's to 2013!

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