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Following up on the story we posted a few days ago about the Motorola Shadow Getting Started guide, we now have a quality photo of the device in the wild.  The photo was posted by wnrussell over at HowardForums, who just so happens to be the one that posted the photo of the Getting Started guide as well.  The Shadow has an HDMI out port similar to the EVO and is apparently lighter than a DROID.  Reported specs for the device, also posted by wnrussell, are: 4.1-inch screen, OMAP 3630 720 MHz processor, 8 GB of internal storage, and an 8 megapixel camera.  The specs seem believable, so now we just have to wait for Verizon to acknowledge the existence of the device.  Are any of you getting excited about the Shadow?  Tell us what you think!

I think the saying goes a little something like this, “If you love something set it free, if it returns it was meant to be.”  It looks like Google is finally showing some love to the Nexus One by allowing third party retailers to get the device off Google warehouse shelves and into warm new Android-loving homes, where they belong.  Today, i wireless, a third party wireless retailer based out of Iowa has announced that they will be carrying the Nexus One.  The N1 will be available for $299.95 on a two-year contract after the standard mail in rebate, and you’ll have more liberty to choose a plan that suits your needs than was offered through the Google store.  The pricing (in my mind) is still not where it needs to be to get people running out the door to buy one, but I suppose it’s a step in the right direction.  So, T-Mobile, any chance you’ll be selling the N1 for $179 to us loyal customers who are ready and willing to re-up?

Via Engadget

 

i wireless Introduces Android 3G Smartphones

Devices Offer Personalized Look, Feel, and Functionality

Coralville, IA (PRWEB) May 19, 2010 — i wireless continues to offer the latest smartphones by announcing the arrival of new Android operating system devices. Customers will be able to purchase Android devices, including models that are 3G capable, at over 250 retail locations or at the i wireless website beginning May 18, 2010.

Android devices allow users to personalize their phones look, feel, and functionality with over 40,000 applications (apps) available via download through the Android Market store. Preloaded with Google apps and built to multitask, Android feature-rich devices create a superior mobile experience.

“We are excited to add the most popular Android devices to our complete line-up of smartphones,” says Gary Baron, vice president of marketing, i wireless. “Customers will be given the option to choose from Motorola, HTC, and Samsung models that best fits their lifestyle.”

i wireless will offer several Android devices including the Motorola Milestone, 3G Nexus One by Google, HTC Hero, and 3G Samsung Behold II, all designed take full advantage of the wide array of available apps.

i wireless customers will have immediate access to 3G coverage and 10x faster data speeds in T-Mobile markets including Des Moines and Ames, Iowa, and over 130 cities in the U.S. serving over 200 million people. i wireless will rollout 3G service in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, and Iowa City markets throughout the summer, with completion scheduled for August 2010. In addition to faster speeds, customers will experience the ability to multi-task – text, email, or surf the web while talking on their 3G phone.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, i wireless is a partnership between T-Mobile USA and Iowa Network Services (a consortium of 127 Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies). i wireless has over 250 full-service company stores and authorized dealers across Iowa, western Illinois, and eastern Nebraska, offering customers the largest regional and nationwide coverage on the most advanced high-speed voice and data network. For more information, visit www.iwireless.com or contact Sarah Harpring at 319-390-7254.

We’ve heard that Google was planning on axing its online phone store, and now some are worried that since the AT&T Nexus One is “temporarily not available,” they are actually starting to close down the store.  While browsing earlier, I went to Google’s site to check out the Nexus One for AT&T since I’d been considering purchasing one for a while now.  When I got to Google’s phone store, instead of being presented with the option to purchase the device I was met with a message that said “Sorry, this item is temporarily not available.”  Feeling disappointed, I opened up a tab and began to scour eBay for a used Nexus.  After searching the Google support forums, however, I found a message from a Google employee named Ry Guy stating that they “should have more in stock within the next few days.”  So don’t worry, you won’t have buy an unlocked T-Mobile version and be stuck on EDGE with AT&T.

Via Google Support Forums

What’s Good: Beautiful unibody aluminum frame, optical trackpad, appears to be less laggy than its 528 MHz counterparts (DROID Eris, Hero, etc.).

What’s Bad: No multitouch in Google Maps.

Verdict: The Legend is the most beautiful mid-range Android device I’ve worked with.  Too bad it’s not available in the United States just yet.

I’ll get right to the point – from a design perspective, the HTC Legend is the most beautiful Android device on the market today.  The unibody aluminum case looks perfect with the black accents around the battery door and camera, and it’s incredibly minimalistic in nature.  Though the Legend sports physical buttons below the display (versus the capacitive touch buttons we’re used to on devices like the DROID, Incredible, and EVO 4G), it does offer HTC’s optical trackpad.

The Legend offers a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 HVGA touchscreen, and while it’s no 3.7-inch display, it gets the job done and looks nice to boot (I’ll admit, I’m a bit spoiled after working with the Nexus One and the Incredible).  Specifications include a 600 MHz Qualcomm processor, 512 MB ROM/384 MB RAM, Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot with support for up to 32 GB.  Since the Legend I’m working with is unbranded, packaging is subject to change depending on what country you’re purchasing it from.  That being said, the device shipped with an AC adapter, USB cable (which doubles as the charging cord), and earbuds. 

The 5.0-megapixel camera is similar to what’s found on the Eris and Hero, and picture quality was equally good.  Colors were crisp, and the autofocus works well.  Editing options include brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, color effect, white balance, resolution (four different options), quality (high, fine, or normal), and more.

The Legend I’m working with is an unlocked European version (900/2100 MHz), so I haven’t been able to test anything beyond EDGE on T-Mobile.  Still, data speeds are reasonable given the limitations, and call quality has been very good.  Callers were able to hear me, and I was able to hear them without issue.  I took the device to a known T-Mobile trouble spot in the Charlotte area today, and found the call quality to be very good (despite the occasional drop out).  My Plantronics Voyager Pro headset connected with ease.

I haven’t had the device long enough to perform any battery life tests, but I can say that the 1300 mAh battery has performed well throughout the day.  Then again, I’m sure EDGE versus 3G contributes to the numbers, so I’ll hold off on battery comments until I can get some extended hands-on time with the unit.

Sure, it doesn’t compete with Snapdragon-powered devices like the Nexus One, EVO 4G, and the DROID Incredible, but the HTC Legend is a great mid-range device that is absolutely gorgeous.  As the successor (in theory, at least) to the DROID Eris/Hero, it’s my hope that we’ll see this device in the States before the end of the year. 

As always, be sure to check out Noah’s video review, and stay tuned for more Legend coverage!

Last week I was pretty much blown away by what Google demoed and promised out of the next update to Android: Version 2.2 “Froyo.” From major speed increases to a comprehensive cloud to device API and then some, Android 2.2 brings a lot to the table and makes Google’s mobile OS an even more formidable player in the smartphone scene.

While the update is currently available to anyone with a Nexus One device, I turned to the man himself for an expert’s take on what many are calling the most significant Android update since 1.5: Our own John Walton. Froyo, as John says, is major:

“Despite my Sense fanboyism of the past, flashing the Android 2.2 ROM has caused me to fall back in love with vanilla Android, and madly.”

John’s overview of 2.2 is embedded here for your viewing pleasure. For more, head over to DroidDog where John and Andrew Steffy serve up five more Froyo vids along with screen grabs galore. And that’s just on the page I linked to – browse around DDog for more Android than you can wag a tail at.

 

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While there are probably many of you out there humming along with Froyo on your Nexus One without a problem, you may be interested to learn that that version of Android 2.2 may not be the “official release” that Google intends to push out to all users.  SlashGear has reported that a Google employee named “Ry Guy” has stated that Nexus One users will get an OTA update from Google once the official update goes live.  However, no one knows if the OTA “official release” will be any different than the version that is in use right now, so there may be no need to update.  Also, as long as you got the update from Google itself, it’s not like running that build of Froyo will do any harm to your device.  Ry Guy went on to say that Google is working to bring the official update “ASAP,” so it should hit some time in the next couple of weeks.  Are any of you running Android 2.2 on your Nexus One?  Tell us your experience with the update!

Noah’s full review of Microsoft’s Kin phones for Verizon. Part 2 of 2.

Between the EVO 4G, DROID Incredible, Ally, and more, it’s a great time to be an Android fan.  With numerous form factors, customizations (Sense, MOTOBLUR, and the like), and Android builds, there’s a device out there for almost anyone.  To that end, I have to ask – What current or future Android device has you psyched?

Be sure to vote for your favorite device, and defend it in the comments!

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In a recent press release announcing its HSPA+ expansions, T-Mobile referred to their upgrades as “4G speeds” several times, which may lead many to believe that what T-Mobile is rolling out is actual 4G rather than upgraded 3G.  AT&T has spoken out against T-Mobile’s announcement, responding by saying that T-Mobile needs to “be careful that they’re not misleading customers by labeling HSPA+ as a 4G technology.”  AT&T, who is planning to upgrade their own network to similar HSPA+ speeds before making the jump to LTE/4G, said that they are not labeling the upgrade as 4G, so T-Mobile shouldn’t either.  While T-Mobile isn’t technically saying that their network expansion is 4G, their wording could lead many to believe that it is since most people probably don’t really know what 4G actually is.  What are your thoughts on this situation?  Share them with us!

We anticipated that the HTC DROID incredible was going to sell out pretty quickly, and there have been shortages of the device ever since a few days after it launched.  Verizon’s CEO, Lowell McAdam, mentioned a few weeks ago that the shortage was due to components that were not being manufactured quick enough to meet the demands of VZW customers.  BGR is now reporting that it has just become even more difficult to purchase the device.  If you intended to order one via the VZW website you will be sadly disappointed to find out that, at least for now, you cannot.  Instead you will receive an error message that says “the selection you made is unavailable at this time.“  I’m not sure what’s going on or why that screen is appearing, but I’ll agree with BGR when saying, it’s just plain strange!

Anyone feeling a bit sad now?  I know I am.

Via BGR

Between FedEx, UPS, and Google I/O, I’ve gotten my paws on a bunch of new phones over the past few weeks. Some I’ve reviewed in full, some I’m still working with, and some have been pass along to other PhoneDog Editors for their take. So check back often for written and video reviews of all the latest smartphones and devices. 

In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. Click from the list below for more on each phone. Enjoy!

 

(Note: All prices are given as on contract/after rebate cost through the carrier)

 

HTC Evo 4G (Sprint) – $199, June 4

 

HTC Droid Incredible (Verizon) – $199, Available Now (Back-Ordered)

 

HTC myTouch 3G Slide (T-Mobile) – $179, June 2

 

Microsoft KIN One (Verizon) – $49, Available Now

 

Microsoft KIN Two (Verizon) – $99, Available Now

 

Garmin Garminfone (T-Mobile) – $199, Available Now

 

LG Ally (Verizon) – $99, Pre-Order Now

 

Palm Pre Plus (AT&T) – $149, Available Now

 

In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

Palm Pre Plus (AT&T) – $149, Available Now

 

I still love webOS and I still think Pre Plus is a nice improvement on the original Pre. But unless you absolutely must be on AT&T’s network, you’d be silly to buy this phone instead of the Verizon version. Why? Verizon offers the same device with free Mobile Hotspot service for $100 less out the door.

 

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In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

LG Ally (Verizon) – $99, Pre-Order Now

 

 

Me, I’d rather have an Ally than a Moto Droid. Why? QWERTY. The hard QWERTY board on LG’s first Android phone for Verizon generally delivers. I don’t like the placement of the space bar in the bottom row of letter keys, but the action on the buttons is great. And that’s a lot more than I can say about the action on Droid’s keyboard. Otherwise, Ally is a solid mid-range Android 2.1 device. You won’t get blazing fast performance, but you will get an entirely usable smartphone with a nice 3.2″ display at an attractive price.

 

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In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

Garmin Garminfone (T-Mobile) – $199, Available Now

Smartphone aficionados may dismiss the reinvented Garminfone as a mid-range smartphone running an outdated version of Android (1.6). But for those wanting a high-end personal navigation device and a smartphone in the same package, Garminfone actually delivers. Sleeker and smoother than the awful first round of Garmin nav/phones, this Garminfone offers a pretty decent Android experience that’s dressed up with a very user-friendly custom UI and pinch-to-zoom Web browsing. Add to that Garmin’s high-end navigation apps and GPS tracking that easily outperformed “regular” smartphones in my testing, and you’ve got a nice PND/smartphone hybrid. The device comes packaged with a full car kit, including mount and charger, to sweeten the deal.

 

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In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

Microsoft KIN Two (Verizon) – $99, Available Now

Ditto what I wrote about KIN One, except you get a larger display and better camera with HD video capture. But that 8MP camera is marred by ergonomic issues with the phone’s design that make for way too many shaky-hand photos and videos. If I were going KIN, I’d go Kin Two thanks to its widescreen design and two-thumb friendly QWERTY board. But I’d go Pre Plus or Droid Incredible before I’d go with either KIN on Verizon.

 

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In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

Microsoft KIN One (Verizon) – $49, Available Now

KIN’s brand-new operating system and UI are eye-catching, but working with KIN One ultimately left me wanting for all that it can’t do more than appreciating what it does do. KIN Studio and Zune Pass functionality are great, and K1’s hard QWERTY board is quite good for such a small device, but there’s no app store or calendar, sync options are limited, and Verizon will charge you a full-on $30/month for smartphone data. Unless you’re truly in love with KIN’s look and feel, you’re better off getting a Pre Plus or Android device.

 

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The Acer Liquid Stream, which we just recently saw at Google I/O (thank you Noah!) last week, decided to make its way over to the FCC to pass the ever-so-important inspection necessary for usage on US frequencies.  The device was cleared for 850/1900MHz which means it could be headed to AT&T’s network, though as of now it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing anything official until October.  The device is supposedly running Android 2.1 but you’ve got to hope it will at least be seeing Froyo by the time it launches.  It also has a “5 megapixel camera capable of 720p video capture,” according to Engadget.  No news on other specs as of yet, but you can be sure we’ll keep you informed as we hear more.

Does the Acer Liquid Stream suit your fancy?  Let us know in the comments!

Via Engadget

In case you don’t have the time or desire to read or watch full-length reviews, I’ve summarized my take on the recent wave of smartphones for you. 

 

Click here for the index of my latest smartphone Quick Takes.

 

HTC myTouch 3G Slide (T-Mobile) – $179, June 2

Don’t let the lack of a Snapdragon processor fool you – myTouch Slide is still plenty quick for most people’s daily use, and the 3.4″ HVGA display is crisp and responsive. mT3G Slide actually packs more features than just about any other Android device on the market, thanks to T-Mobile’s extra-customized version of the HTC Sense UI and a “Genius Button” featuring enhanced voice control and speech-to-text functionality. Add to that an excellent hard QWERTY board and you’ve got a Sidekick for the Android generation.

 

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So you want an Android phone but don’t want to be stuck in a long contract or pay an outrageous retail price for a DROID or EVO.  What’s an Android lover to do?  Head over to Boost Mobile and grab yourself a Motorola i1.  The iDEN device, the first pre-paid Android phone available, will be sold exclusively at Best Buy for $349.99.  From the look of things, Boost will be offering their standard $50 per month pre-paid option for unlimited talk/text/web on the i1, which seems like a great deal for a ruggedized Android phone, especially considering that the next best option on Boost is the aging BlackBerry Curve 8330.  As of now, there’s still no release date for the i1, but we’ll keep you updated as news continues to trickle in.  So, are any of you planning on going the increasingly popular pre-paid route and picking up a Motorola i1?  Share your thoughts with us!