Amy Eichelberg

HTC Desire users were pleasantly surprised on Friday when HTC announced the Android 2.3 update might be coming sooner than originally expected. HTC explained that the update testing had been “going well” and users could expect to see the OS update by the end of July. Desire users have been on a roller coaster recently with HTC and not an enjoyable one. Only last month HTC gave up on the  update citing lack of internal memory space, only to quickly change their mind by promising once again they would make every attempt to make the update work. Hopefully HTC took notes […]

Google unveiled its updated Google Maps 5.7  for Android devices which now boasts several new features. The feature that drew the most attention was Google’s Transit Navigation beta feature.  Transit Navigation essentially provides public transportation navigation in over 400 cities worldwide. The best part of the user experience is not having to leave the app open. Once the trip is started, Transit Navigation will alert the user automatically when their designated stop is coming up. Additional features include: Improved one click search for walking and driving directions Category Icons for improved search suggest Photo Viewer added to Places Google Maps 5.7 is free and

Patently Apple has unearthed news that Apple has been testing a new wireless sharing feature that would allow users to transfer files between iOS devices with ease. Apple undoubtedly is looking to compete directly with HP’s ‘Touch to Share’ feature, which enables the Palm Pre3 handset and TouchPad tablet to share files with one another. How exactly is Apple looking to stand apart? The patent describes Apple’s technology to include visual and audio effects. This suggests that an iOS user would be able to not only see the files being shared but hear them in an animated fashion. The technology could also feature physical intuitive gestures.

Sadly, it appears the highly anticipated Motorola DROID 3 will be shipping without an unlocked bootloader. According to Motorola’s support forum manager, the device will not be rocking the new unlockable firmware found on the Motorola Xoom. Not all hope is lost as Motorola did say the the new bootloader would not be available until “late 2011”, so it’s still possible we could see it turn up in a future software update. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Source

In a recent blog leak, Dell’s delayed Windows tablet shows off detailed specs and a codename to boot. The device codenamed, Peju or possibly Longitude ST, shows potential to rival ASUS’ Eee Slate. The Dell tablet looks to stand apart with its 5,500 mAh battery bragging a full 6-8 hours of real battery life, whereas the Eee Slate only gets 2 hours. Additional leaked specs include a Core i5 processor, 1080p display resolution, 4GB of RAM, rear five-megapixel and front 1.3-megapixel cameras, and a 64GB or 120GB solid-state drive. The Windows 8 compatible tablet is a heavier and thicker device than the

A historical day not only for space enthusiasts but nerds alike as a pair of Nexus S devices were part of the Atlantis shuttle launch today. The launch marks the 135th and last flight of the shuttle program. What will the dynamic duo of “Pure Google” phones be doing in outer space? The devices will be hard at work on Synchronized Position Hold, Engadget, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (appropriately acronymed Spheres), which are small CO2-powered contraptions that test orbital maneuvers. Spheres was developed at MIT and has been in use since 2006. The Nexus S devices are expected to provide additional computing

Usually when a device finally makes its journey to the FCC, the device is kept secret and we’re lucky to get our hands on leaked images. However, in the case of the Sony Ericsson Txt Pro, the device has already been marketed publicly through a Facebook campaign, so no secrets here. From what we can decipher from the FCC photos, the handset appears to be designed for text heavy consumers who wish to keep in constant contact with their virtual buddies over instant message or social media. With no 3G or 4G support, this device looks as though it may never make it

The Sprint Nexus S 4G is positioned for a decent update rolling out to users starting on July 11th. The update is version GRJ90 and is bringing the following improvements to users: Enables the NFC Secure Element 4G Settings Widget TTY Support NI Push Support Improved Wi-Fi connectivity, speakerphone audio quality, 4G throughout and signal acquisition Tuned signal strength indicators What’s interesting about this update is the NFC secure element could bring the Google Wallet along with it. We’re also excited to see improved Wi-Fi connectivity and 4G throughout. The update will roll out gradually over four days so be

In June, Nokia finally released the highly anticipated Mee-Go based N9 smartphone. Shortly after the launch, CEO Stephen Elop disappointed loyal Nokia enthusiasts by stating the N9 would be the last of it’s kind for Nokia.  Elop cited that Nokia needed to focus its primary resources on their commitment to Microsoft’s Windows phone OS. Singing a different tune, Klas Ström, Nokia’s Head of Portfolio Management, attempted to reassure N9 users by tweeting this on Tuesday, “We will support #NokiaN9 for years, AND release several SW updates… #nottoworry :)”   It’s too early to tell how Strom’s positive statement will effect the

July 7th marks the official start of Verizon’s new tiered data plans. In an attempt to soften the limited data plans for new customers, Verizon announced they will now alert customers of their data usage over text message. The carrier will notify each user of how many megabytes they have used up at 50, 75, 90, 100, and 110 percent of their monthly allowance. Users can choose to opt out of the 50 and 70 percent usage warnings but will not have a choice regarding the remaining three warnings. Verizon subscribers with My Verizon accounts can choose to receive the

This morning Verizon Wireless quietly added the highly anticipated Motorola DROID 3 to their available smartphone lineup. The DROID 3 marks the carrier’s flagship Android device and is priced at $199.00 with a 1 year contract. New customers to Verizon will have to make do with one of Verizon’s new tiered data plans. The Android 2.3 enabled device boasts  a dual-core 1GHz processor, a 4-inch qHD touchscreen display, a full slide-out QWERTY keypad, a 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture support, 16GB of storage, and global roaming support. The DROID 3 is available for purchase online immediately and will make its way into Verizon stores July

Motorola announced over Twitter that their Xoom Wi-Fi tablet will now be priced at $499. If a $100 price reduction wasn’t sweet enough, consumers who purchase the tablet from Motorola’s site will also get a free portfolio case. While Motorola did not explain the logic behind the substantial price reduction lackluster tablet sales could be to blame. Motorola reported a low 250,000 units sold in last quarter’s sales report. Analysts speculate the faster, thinner, and lower priced iPad 2, which launched just two weeks after the Xoom was released, also added to disapointing sales. The Xoom sports a 10.1 inch HD display with 1280

The popular web-based jailbreak tool JailbreakMe has returned. User feedback reports the tool is easier and faster than ever. Simply open JailbreakMe.com in Safari on your iOS device and follow the on screen instructions. Minutes later, you will be on your way to having an open and customizable iOS device. Additionally, JailbreakMe  is the first largely available tool which supports iPad 2 running iOS 4.3.3, which has numerous iPad owners fairly excited. The tool will support every other Apple iOS device with the below exceptions, Apple TV  iPad (iOS 4.3+) iPhone 3GS (iOS 4.3+) GSM iPhone 4 (iOS 4.3+) CDMA iPhone 4 (iOS 4.2.6+) third or fourth-gen iPod touch

Citadel Securities analyst Shing Yin released a statement today, citing the likely probability that Sprint could add the iPhone to its product portfolio before Christmas. The possibility of a Sprint branded iPhone seems logical now that Verizon has confirmed their move to limited data plans. Yin believes that Apple will feel stronlgy compelled to push their iPhone onto Sprint as it is the last of  four major U.S. carriers to offer true unlimited data plans. Yin went on to explain, “We believe Sprint could capture more than its fair share of iPhone sales, especially if it gets the new model at the same time

Verizon finally made an official statement confirming rumors that new data plans are in fact rolling out on July 7th. New customers or customers looking to change their existing plans will now have four basic data plans to choose from. 75MB plan at $10 (will cover non-smartphone users) 2GB plan at $30 5GB plan at $50 10GB plan at $80 Verizon confirmed their $20 tethering plan to still be in effect and adds 2GB of data that can be combined and used any way the user likes. Verizon customers who enjoy their 4G phones and unlimited device data can still have the unlimited LTE hotspot but