San Francisco to Require Radiation Warning for Cell Phones

Despite conflicting findings on whether or not cell phones cause cancer, the officials in the City of San Francisco has unanimously approved legislation that requires cell phone shops to warn consumers about their products' potential radiation hazards.

The new law is the city's second attempt to put warning labels to cell phones. The first ordinance, which was approved last year, requires each cell phone's radiation absorption level (known as SAR) to be posted outside of its box. However, this law was stopped after the CTIA Wireless Association filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing that these SAR ratings would only confuse consumers into thinking that certain cell phones were proven to be more dangerous than others.

The new version of the law is a little more lax, as the specific radiation details are replaced by general warnings that cell phone shops need to put up. Of course, these shops are very unlikely to mention “cancer” in its warning signs.

This ordinance will be voted upon for the final time on July 26, at which point Mayor Ed Lee will need to sign it within 10 days to make it official. No word whether CTIA would sue the city again.
source: Gadget.com

HTC Flyer launched on T-Mobile – from £199 plus £25 data bundle

If you're looking to subsidise your purchase of HTC's nice little 7″ Android tablet, there's now an official T-Mobile option. The network is offering the Flyer on a data bundle for £25 per month, which gives users 1GB of data use – plus another 1GB of “quiet time” data for use between midnight and 10.00am.

For existing T-Mobile customers there's an upfront fee of £199 for the tablet itself, while new customers are expected to pay £229.

Neither of these deals are setting off any sort of alarms around here, but there you go. The option is there. The option is, in fact, here. Link via SoMobile.
source: Eurodroid

Samsung Nexus S arrives at Best Buy

While the Samsung Nexus S isn't the newest phone on the block, that doesn't mean it is a slouch. No sir, it is still very capable, and if Google were to release a new operating system update, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Nexus S will be one of the first models to receive it. Having arrived at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores this coming July 24th – the pre-sale starts from today onwards.

Meant to work on the AT&T network, the Nexus S currently comes equipped with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, where you will be able to enjoy its Super AMOLED touch screen display, while employing the processing muscle of its 1GHz Samsung application processor that is more than capable of handling rich 3D graphics. Come to think of it, since Fruit Ninja is free on the Android Market now, why not give it a go?

Best Buy will be selling the Nexus S for $99.99 a pop with a two-year contract, of course. Just in case you were wondering whether you should take that plunge, I would like you to check out our review before making a purchase decision. After all, a Benjamin can still go some way even if the dollar has depreciated to where it is today.
source: Ubergizmo

Motorola DEFY+ listed by O2 Germany – Android 2.3 plus 1GHz processor upgrade

The excellent yet sadly overlooked Motorola DEFY looks like it's about to see a hardware upgrade and relaunch, with a slightly rejigged version of the robust Android phone appearing online.

O2′s German site features a listing for a phone it's calling the DEFY+, although the image on the site currently links to a broken page so there's literally only this minuscule pic to go on…

…while the big US blogs claim the reworked DEFY+ will arrive with an upgraded 1GHz processor and running Android 2.3.3 from launch. It's unlikely to redefine any benchmarks, but if it's as solid and reliable as the original, the DEFY+ ought to be a decent choice.
source: Eurodroid

Virgin Mobile Motorola Triumph now available for $299.99

Right on schedule (well, almost), Virgin Mobile USA has started selling the Motorola Triumph. This was one Android-powered smartphone that you could have pre-ordered from Best Buy over the past few weeks. If, however, you haven't gone that route, you can now go to Virgin Mobile's website over here and pick up a Triumph.

The Motorola Triumph is probably one of Virgin's best devices at the moment, if not the best. Sure, it doesn't compete with the absolute high-end Android phones of today, but last year this would have been a flagship, so it's a decent performer even now. It has a 4.1-inch capacitive touchscreen, a 5 MP rear camera with 720p HD video recording, 512 MB of RAM, and a 1 GHz processor. The Motorola Triumph runs Android 2.2 Froyo.
source: Unwired View

Mysterious HTC Ruby shows up. Is it an Android or a Windows Phone handset?

A new and mysterious HTC smartphone has been spotted recently on the web – more exactly on Flickr. The smartphone is called HTC Ruby, and was used to take tons of photos of the HTC Flyer tablet (we don't know why would anyone take so many photos of the tablet from the same angle, but that's a different story).

The Ruby can be seen reflected into the Flyer's display. In fact, there are two Rubys that appear in the images. Unfortunately, only the back of the handset is unveiled. We can see a camera (apparently with dual LED flash), and a 3.5mm headset jack, and… that's about it.

What we certainly can not say is what OS the HTC Ruby is running. It could be Android, Windows Phone, or even Brew (HTC has some Brew phones, too). In any case, the handset surely is interesting, and we'll try to find out more about it as soon as possible.
source: Unwired View

Pantech MIRACH IS11PT Smartphone

The Pantech MIRACH IS11PT is a semi-rugged Android smartphone, which is waterproof and dustproof. The handset comes jam packed with a 1GHz second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 SoC CPU and a 3.7-inch WVGA screen with a 480 x 800 resolution. The Pantech MIRACH IS11PT runs on the Google Android Gingerbread 2.3 OS. Too bad, there is no further info about this smartphone. [Ubergizmo]

LG Optimus 3D now available on Three – from �35 per month

UK network Three is now taking orders for the LG Optimus 3D, with the chunky Android novelty phone now available. Prices are rather SKY HIGH, though – you can have an Optimus 3D for “free” if you sign up to a £35 24-month contract, or £40 if you want one connected via the network's “all you can eat” data bundle.

It'll also do you one on a PAYG basis for £449.99. Not amazingly good deals, but it does mean we get to use this amazing Optimus 3D photograph we've been saving for over a week:

We can't find the phone listed on the Three web site at time of writing. So to make sure you believe us and don't go disrespecting us on the internet, here's the press release:

LG Optimus 3D - now available on Three.

The world's first 3D smartphone, the LG Optimus 3D, is available now on Three, online from www.Three.co.uk.

The LG Optimus 3D's innovative 4.3" 'stereoscopic' touchscreen is capable of screening 3D content without glasses, whilst two inbuilt 5MP cameras also make it easy for people to create their own 3D videos in full high-definition.

Superior speed and power is also achieved with what LG is calling "tri-dual" core technology – a dual-core processor, dual cameras and dual-channel memory - enabling people to multitask, browse web pages, play the free preloaded games and watch movies more smoothly and speedily than ever before.

Sylvia Chind, Head of Handsets said "The 3D trend is red hot at the moment which is why we're particularly excited about bringing this handset to our customers. Coupled with Three's award winning network* our customers will experience a quick and reliable experience when enjoying their 3D content."

The LG Optimus 3D is available from £35 a month or £40 a month on The One Plan with all-you-can-eat data, 2,000 anytime, any network minutes and 5,000 texts.

PAYG customers can get the LG Optimus 3D for £449.99. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-days access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.

Key features:

Glasses-free LCD panel for 3D viewing

Record, watch and game

3D enabling dualcore processor TI OMAP 4

Full HD 2D (1080p) / 3D (720p) video playback

4.3" stereoscopic screen

Dual stereoscopic 5MP cameras

Mini HDMI output

You Tube 3D

3 Pre-loaded games

*Three is rated as the best network for speed, overall quality, ease of use and customer
source: Eurodroid

BlackBerry Bold 9930 caught in bed with Verizon Wireless

It has been documented that Verizon Wireless will be rolling out a trio of BlackBerry smatphones sometime this year, although there was nothing specific mentioned back then. Well, fast forward to today, and we know that the BlackBerry Bold 9930 will be one of the three at the very least, since this smartphone has been spotted wearing the Verizon Wireless badge proudly.

Just what is so special about the BlackBerry Bold 9930? For starters, it will be one of the first few devices that are powered by BlackBerry OS 7, complete with a Verizon boot screen of course. No idea on how much Big Red will be selling this for though, what do you think?
source: Ubergizmo

LG faces class action lawsuit over Optimus 2X power issues

LG is being sued in California over the T-Mobile's version of Optimus 2X - the G2x. It's being accused of knowing or that LG should have known about the screen bleeding, the random freezes and unexpected shut downs and other defects, and doing nothing about it.

We have to admit LG had that coming from some time. The Optimus 2X users are complaining about the power and screen issues since day one, but LG is still mum on the matter. And that's exactly the problem - LG knows all about the problems and ignores them.

The complaint is individual but on the behalf of other unsatisfied LG P999 G2X users that bought the T-Mobiles USA version of the Optimus 2X for $250.

So, LG is going to court unless it resolves this prior to the trial. But given the fact there are so many angry Optimus 2X users in the USA, we believe LG won't be able to make this complaint go away with a out-of-court settlement for a few thousand bucks. In the end, it's not about that $250 paid for the phone, it's about the LG's failure to recognize and take care of the issues reported by so many users.
source: GSM Arena

WIN! An HTC Sensation, courtesy of UK network Three

IT IS COMPETITION TIME! UK network Three has supplied us with a brand new HTC Sensation to give away to one of you lucky Android fans! Here's the official promotional text from the network explaining the offer in a little more detail:

The powerful HTC Sensation has something for everyone with its 4.3 inch high resolution touch screen and dual-core processor. Running Android Gingerbread right out of the box, it's available on contract for just £37 a month with 2000 minutes, 5000 texts and all-you-can-eat data.

To celebrate Three bringing the power of all-you-can-eat data to the HTC Sensation, we're offering you the chance to get your hands on one. Pre-loaded with a PAYG SIM offering all-you-can-eat data for just £15 a month, you'll be free to stream, download, tweet and surf the web without ever worrying about the cost – there are literally no limits.

For more details, visit http://www.three.co.uk/Pay_As_You_Go/

TO WIN THE SENSATION

Just answer this question:

What's the name of the first Android phone made by HTC?

HOW TO ENTER

Submit your answer in an email to compo@eurodroid.com – we'll pick one winner at random by generating a random number and picking the email that arrived in that position. As in, number 23 = 23rd email wins. We'll then contact the winner for their details and forward them to Three which will issue the phone. Simple.

TERMS Entrants must live in the UK. The Sensation will be a PAYG model containing a Three SIM, so there's no point us sending it to another country. Sorry, overseas people. We'll try to organise a SIM-free compo for you at some point in the future.

Please only submit one entry per email address. Multiple entries will be deleted.

CLOSING DATE

We'll pick a winner at 9.00pm on Sunday July 24.
source: Eurodroid

PopCap to pre-load its casual games on Sony Ericsson Android phones

Causal gaming masters PopCap have signed an agreement with Sony Ericsson, which will see some of the company's mainstream casual games arrive pre-loaded on the forthcoming Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro.

PopCap's Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle and Chuzzle are the titles chosen, with the games arriving on the two smaller Xperias when they launch in the next month or so. And it looks like that may be Europe's first chance to play the titles, as they're still currently only available in the US-only Amazon Appstore.

The announcement says that PvZ and Peggle will only be trial versions, but Chuzzle will be given away in its entirety. Poor Chuzzle. Here's the press release:

PopCap Games Announces Global Agreement with Sony Ericsson

First worldwide mobile partnership marks the arrival of PopCap's top game titles on Android in Europe

DUBLIN, Ireland - July 20, 2011 - PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual games, today announced that it has signed a global agreement with Sony Ericsson to pre-load Games By PopCap on Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini and Xperia™ mini pro smartphone models. The partnership will officially mark the arrival of PopCap's game titles on Android devices in Europe.

As part of the agreement, PopCap hits such as Plants vs. Zombies™, Peggle® and Chuzzle® will be embedded on smartphone devices that will start to roll out later this Summer. PopCap's multiple award-winning title, Chuzzle, will be pre-loaded in its entirety while other PopCap hits such as Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies will be included as unlimited trial modes - with the option to purchase full editions of the games using a directly integrated billing service.

"We are delighted to partner with Sony Ericsson to fulfill our promise to Android users and bring PopCap's hit mobile games to an ever-widening base of smartphone users," said Giordano Bruno Contestabile, PopCap's senior director of global product and business strategy for mobile. "As the Android ecosystem matures, PopCap is committed to providing best-in-class game experiences for Android game players. The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini devices are equipped with superior processing power and exceptional screen resolution on the Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, which provides an excellent platform for delivering the quality fun that our fans have come to expect."

"By partnering with companies such as PopCap, we are demonstrating our commitment to bringing the very best communication and entertainment experiences to our phones," said Fredrik Mansson, Global Product Marketing Manager at Sony Ericsson. "Games such as Plants vs. Zombies™, Peggle® and Chuzzle® are becoming increasingly popular amongst Android users and we are proud to be able to offer them exclusively on our Xperia™ mini and mini pro."

About PopCap

PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of more than 425 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units.
source: Eurodroid

Samsung says the Galaxy R hasn't been confirmed for the UK

Yesterday we got word that a new Samsung Android-powered smartphone would become available in the UK later this month – the Galaxy R. This in fact is just another name for the Galaxy Z that we've already seen pop up in Sweden, which itself is just a Galaxy S II spinoff, so to speak. Why Samsung would decide to confusingly add different letters to the Galaxy moniker in different markets for the same device is beyond us at this point, but, for all intents and purposes, the Galaxy R and the Galaxy Z are the same thing – a more affordable version of the Galaxy S II, with pared down components here and there.

If you've been anxiously waiting for this handset to hit the streets in the UK, here's some bad news. Samsung got in touch with TechRadar and told the guys over there the following:

“To date, the Samsung Galaxy R has not been confirmed for the UK Market. However Samsung currently has a range of Galaxy handsets available in the UK, including the Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Ace, and is committed to providing a range of smartphones at varied price options to suit different consumer needs.”

Notice how the spokesperson avoids to outright say that the Galaxy R is not going to come to the UK. For now, it's just ‘not been confirmed' for that particular market. Which, of course, may mean that it will arrive on those shores at some point in the future.
source: Unwired View

T-Mobile myTouch 4G Android 2.3 Gingerbread update starts today, rolls out until the end of the year

If you own a T-Mobile myTouch 4G Android-powered smartphone, here's some good news and some bad news. The good news is that T-Mobile will start rolling out the update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread for your device today. So after many months of waiting, the update is finally ready for the myTouch 4G.

The bad news is that the update will roll out “through the end of the year”, according to T-Mobile. That means this will probably be the slowest Android update rollout in history. Oh, and it will only be out today for a limited number of devices. A “limited pilot”, as T-Mobile likes to call it.

The broader rollout will begin “in the coming weeks”, whatever that may turn out to mean. So what's new in this update? Well, aside from all the bits and pieces that the Gingerbread system brings, you'll also get Exchange 2010 compatibility, a new version of Swype preinstalled, as well as some other improvements such as Bluetooth audio working better when you answer a call on the phone while Bluetooth is paired, the display is now more stable and responsive, and the domestic roaming data connection is more stable. Finally, there have been tweaks applied to the message inbox, and many software and stability improvements.

All that's left to do now is…keep doing what you've been doing for the past few months: waiting.

The last bit of bad news is that manually checking for updates, a trick that usually works in the Android world allowing you to force-install the update even before your phone gets a chance to notify you about it, simply won't work here. According to T-Mobile, “the timeline for receiving the update can not be expedited. T-Mobile will be unable to manually push the software to customers who ask to receive it.”.
source: Unwired View

Motorola Triumph from Virgin Mobile Available Now for $299

Never mind that Best Buy was selling the thing a bit early, Virgin Mobile’s stock Android handset the Motorola TRIUMPH is now available in stores and online. The phone will set you back $299, a hefty price if we were talking about a two-year contract, but there won’t be any of those with Virgin. For the price you get a 1GHz processor, dual cameras (5MP rear, VGA front), and a 4.1-inch display, not to mention HDMI output with 1:1 mirroring. Calling plans with unlimited data start at a very reasonable $35. Add all of it up and I’d say we’re looking at a bargain.

Consumers TRIUMPH over Costly Data Plans with New Smartphone from Virgin Mobile USA and Motorola

WARREN, N.J. - July 20, 2011 - Virgin Mobile USA continues to expand its Android™-powered smartphone lineup with the introduction today of Motorola TRIUMPH™, providing a new top-of-the-line smartphone option with the added flexibility of a no-contract plan. TRIUMPH, Motorola’s first smartphone available exclusively to Virgin Mobile USA customers, is available at national major retailers and online at www.virginmobileusa.com for $299.99.

"As smartphone ownership continues to accelerate, we are thrilled to offer Virgin Mobile customers this exciting, compelling new handset from a device leader like Motorola," said Mark Lederman, Business Line director, Virgin Mobile USA. "Motorola TRIUMPH is a leader in its class and provides users the freedom to enjoy unlimited data on Virgin Mobile, without overages or a contract."

Motorola TRIUMPH allows users to rev up their smartphone experience with a superfast 1GHz processor, 4.1-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera and, front-facing VGA camera for video chat, 720p HD camcorder with HDMI output, to allow for playback on HDTVs (requires HDMI cable sold separately).

"The prepaid segment is a key opportunity in the wireless industry," said Jeff Miller, corporate vice president, Motorola Mobility. "With Motorola TRIUMPH, we are excited to offer Virgin Mobile customers a device which provides a powerful Android smartphone experience with no compromises."

Additional features include:

Up to 32GB of expandable memory to power and store multimedia libraries

Access to corporate email, social media sites, like Facebook® and Twitter™ and a full suite of Google™ services, such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™, and Google Talk™

Android Market for access to more than 200,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience

Motorola TRIUMPH also is the first handset to come preloaded with the Virgin Mobile Live 2.0 social networking music application used to access the Virgin Mobile branded music stream, hosted by DJ Abbey Braden. The app also provides users of Android-powered devices free access to live music performance videos and “check in” features at special events. All status updates made using the app will also sync with Facebook and Twitter.

As the first new smartphone available on the new Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plan structure, TRIUMPH coupled with the$35 monthly plan provides the greatest value Comparison based only on competitor pricing of monthly web and data plans for Android-powered phones. Voice offers and limited time offers excluded. for an Android plan in the marketplace. These new plans are effective for new customers today:

Beyond Talk Rate/Month Messaging/

Data Anytime

Minutes $35 Unlimited 300

$45 Unlimited 1200

$55 Unlimited Unlimited

Existing Beyond Talk Virgin Mobile customers as of July 19 can keep their current plan pricing as long as they don’t let their account expire, and they can upgrade to new devices, including Motorola TRIUMPH, without changing their current plan.

ABOUT VIRGIN MOBILE USA

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk™ plans for mobile phone service and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access. Virgin Mobile branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Walmart. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Purchase and experience Virgin Mobile on the Web and at Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and www.virginmobileusa.com.
source: Android Phone

Samsung Galaxy S II hitting the US next month

Now here's some good news to you, our droid-loving American friends. The Samsung Galaxy S II monster of a smartphone will be landing on your shores next month. The confirmation comes from the president of the Samsung mobile division Shin Jong-Kyun, so you should be able to count on that.

The exact quote was "We expect to release the Galaxy S2 in the U.S. market sometime in August." This means that it might not even take to the end of the month as some earlier rumors suggested.

Of course, Shin Jong-Kyun didn't give any details of potential carrier versions or pricing, but those should be announced soon enough. The last thing we heard was that the AT&T version will have a redesigned exterior and that maybe the US carrier versions won't have their own names this time.
source: GSM Arena

HTC's myTouch 4G Slide now available on T-Mobile's website

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide is finally available! Anyone interested in purchasing the new HTC phone with the best camera around can find it on T-Mobile's website, priced at $199 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a two year contract. The latest entrant into the myTouch family features a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor from Qualcomm, 3.7-inch WVGA SLCD display, Android 2.3, and a T-Mobile customized version of HTC Sense 3.0.

The main draw for the new myTouch 4G Slide is the phone's four-row Slide out QWERTY keyboard. While HTC has the best on-screen keyboard available for Android devices, many (like myself) are still drawn to devices with physical keys. But if you're not interested in the keyboard, the 8 megapixel camera may be exactly what you are looking for. HTC and T-Mobile have worked together to produce one of the best Android camera phones ever made. The camera on the myTouch 4G Slide includes improvements for low light performance, zero shutter lag, Sweep shot for panoramic pictures, photo burst, and ClearShot HDR.

If you simply want to test out the camera on the myTouch 4G Slide you'll have to wait another week or so. T-mobile will not be launching the phone in their retail stores until July 27th. If you do happen to pick one up online, please let us know what you think of it and if the camera really lives up to all the hype.
source: HTC Source

HSPA+ 42Mbps Handsets Coming to T-Mobile from Samsung, HTC, LG

With T-Mobile's HSPA+ network now firing on its 42Mbps cylinders, it's due time for a few compatible smartphones to launch. We've already caught a glance from the Huawei Sonic, and a report from DigiTimes says more devices are on the way. HTC, LG, and Samsung are all expected to deliver 42Mbps-capable handsets during the second half of 2011.

Little is known about specific devices, but rumors have it that one will be the Samsung Hercules, a variant of the 4.5-inch Infuse 4G from AT&T. The phone will feature largely the same specs, though a bump to a dual-core CPU is possible.
source: Android Phone

Australia: HTC Wildfire S now available at Telstra

The HTC Wildfire S has finally made its way to Telstra in Australia, a couple of months after we first heard it would. The HTC Wildfire S is the Taiwanese manufacturer's lower-midrange Android offering for 2011, and it comes with some pretty decent specs and is generally quite affordable (at least compared to HTC's other smartphones).

You can now get a Wildfire S from Telstra for $0 upfront if you get it with the carrier's $49 per month Freedom Connect Plan. If you'd rather buy the Wildfire S without hopping on a contract, you'll have to pay $360.

If you're interested in picking up a Wildfire S from Telstra, go here.

The HTC Wildfire S has a 600 MHz processor, 512 MB of ROM, 512 MB of RAM, a 3.2-inch 320x480 capacitive touchscreen, a 5 MP camera with autofocus, LED flash and video recording, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, and a microSD card slot.
source: Unwired View

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G will cost $149.99 with three-year contract, $549.99 outright

Last month we first heard that Rogers was getting ready to release the Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G, which is its version of AT&T's Infuse 4G, an Android superphone that comes with a mammoth 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen.

Since the original announcement in June though we haven't heard a thing about Rogers' Infuse 4G. Until now, that is. MobileSyrup managed to get information about the pricing for this device from a source that we hope proves trustworthy.

The Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G will apparently launch in the next few days, and it will cost $149.99 if you sign a new three-year contract with the carrier. If you only want to commit for two years, you'll have to fork out $449.99 for the handset, and $499.99 with a one-year term. If you'd rather get the smartphone without a contract, you'll have to shell out no less than $549.99.

So there you have it. If you're interested in gigantic screens on smartphones, it doesn't currently get any better than the Infuse 4G for you. And in just a few short days, you may go and grab one from Rogers.
source: Unwired View

Motorola Droid Bionic to have Netflix support at launch

About a week ago, Verizon Wireless put up a Droid Bionic page on its website, hinting at an imminent release of the uber-delayed new Moto smartphone. While we still cannot say when exactly the Bionic will hit the shelves (it should happen sometime in August), we have a piece of info that may please some potential customers: the new Droid will have Netflix support at launch – just like the LG Revolution, launched back in May.

Droid-life has an image suggesting that Netflix support has been added to another two 4G Android smartphones from VZW, namely the Samsung Droid Charge, and the HTC Thunderbolt.

Netflix aside, the Droid Bionic should feature a 4.3 inch qHD display, dual-core processor, 8MP camera, and, hopefully, Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
source: Unwired View

Smartphone Wireless Photo Android Mobile Devices Canon pixma printers Samsung Galaxy Q with Android Gingerbread headed to Rogers

Rogers is getting ready to launch another Samsung Galaxy smartphone – although not a high-end one, like the Galaxy S Infuse 4G is.The new handset is called Samsung Galaxy Q, and seems to be an entry-level device with a sliding QWERTY keyboard.

According to Mobile Syrup, the Galaxy Q should feature a 3.2 inch screen and Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and will be available sometime before the end of September. There are no other details on the handset for now, just the photo seen below (the Galaxy Q is the phone in the middle).
source: Unwired View

Android legal losses could lead to more MeeGo/Windows Phone devices?

We all know that HTC and pretty much every Android manufacturer could get into big trouble if Apple's recent lawsuit succeeds. Combined with Microsoft's patents (that HTC are paying off for its devices) things aren't looking too good for Android right now. While Google is stepping in to try and prevent the downfall of the mobile platform, it looks like other companies are starting to plan ahead.

According reports online companies like ZTE and Huawei are looking to distance themselves from Android due to patenting issues. If they do, that means creating an operating system of their own, or turning to an alternative, which in this case could mean Windows Phone or MeeGo. With Windows Phone, companies would have to pay a $15/phone licensing fee while MeeGo is free. But at the moment, there's no telling if MeeGo infringes on any of Apple or Microsoft patents; in the future it could lead to a case similar to what Android is going through right now.
source: Ubergizmo

Nokia makes a mobile man from recycled phones

What do you do with phones that don't work anymore? You usually leave them in a drawer somewhere, throw them away or recycle them. While not all of us are tree huggers by nature, Nokia is trying its best to encourage green behavior - by rewarding folks who recycle their unused phones. In an attempt to make the world a greener place (in case you didn't know, Nokia makes the world's greenest phones) the Finnish giant is rewarding phone recyclers in Beijing by giving them free movie tickets with every phone they turn in.

All folks have to do is visit a post office to put their handsets in designated envelopes, which they will exchange for the movie tickets and a receipt that provides the details to keep them updated on the status of their phones (which will be taken apart and recycled). And as part of the promotional stint, Nokia will be parading “Mobile Man” at random postal branches to promote their go green message.

The Mobile Man is a man-sized non-motorized creature that is made from over a thousand mobile phones and accessories. While it can't move by itself (it would awesome if it could but alas Nokia is a phone company, not a robotics manufacturer), it goes to show what can be built out of old phones and a little creativity. I'd like to see someone fashion something similar as a Halloween costume. How many of you would trade your old unused phones for free movie tickets?
source: Ubergizmo

Telstra Australia Launches HTC Wildfire S

Telstra Australia has just announced the availability of the new HTC Wildfire S on their network. The handset retails for $0 on a $59 Freedom Connect plan for 24 months or $360 without contract. In case you didn't know, the HTC Wildfire S packs a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 touchscreen display, a 600MHz processor, a 512MB RAM, a 5.0-megapixel autofocus camera, HTC's Sense Custom Interface, GPS, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headset jack and runs on Android 2.3 OS.
source: TechFresh

Windows Phone hardware update packages appear

Own a smartphone that runs on the Windows Phone 7 operating system? Well, if you answered yes, then perhaps this nugget of information might be of interest of you. It seems that the rollout of Windows Phone hardware update packages have started to appear, with specific versions for the HTC Mozart, LG Optimus 7 and Samsung Omnia 7 spotted.

So far, neither one of the three have lofty claims that new features will be added to the handset – but these hardware-specific updates will sport enhancements that intend to make your touch navigation experience a whole lot smoother. Not only that, your smartphone's battery life ought to see an increase, while call quality should also be improved.

If new features are what you are looking for, then the Mango update is what you need to wait for, so be a little bit more patient there. It seems that owners of the mentioned phones who reside in Europe should be looking out for the update really soon.
source: Ubergizmo

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play on sale for $99.99 at Verizon

If you happen to like the Android operating system and playstation games, you'll probably like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. You'll be even more ecstatic to hear that you can get the device for half of its original price from Verizon.

Verizon claims to be selling the device for $99.99 with a new two year contract for its back to school sale, but for all we know it could be starting a price war with AT&T, who just announced they would be carrying the device as well. If you are unfamiliar with the Xperia Play, it spots a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor, a 4-inch touchscreen with 480 x 854 resolution, a 5 megapixel camera in the rear, and a unique slide-out game pad which spots dual analogue sticks, a d-pad, and additional shoulder pads. The device ships with the latest version of Gingerbread pre-installed.

I am sure that more people will purchase the device due to its lower price, but if Verizon and Sony Ericsson wish to increase sales, they should try to improve on the Sony games available and look to provide a better gaming experience on the device.
source: Unwired View

Pantech announces the new MIRACH IS11PT smartphone

Usually when it comes to handsets that have been created specifically to withstand varying levels of abuse, they generally do not look very pleasing to the eye. Then again we're guessing users who buy them for its protective features probably don't pay too much attention to its looks anyway. But what if you were looking for a device that could withstand slight abuse, but look pretty good at the same time?

Introducing the Pantech MIRACH IS11PT mobile phone, which the company claims is both waterproof and dustproof, although it does not look like it will be able to withstand hard knocks or drops. Specs wise, the device is said to be sporting a second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 SoC which boasts a 1GHz CPU, a 3.7-inch WVGA screen with a 480 x 800 resolution, and it is also purported to run on Android's Gingerbread 2.3 platform.

Unfortunately not much else is known about the device or its availability and pricing, although chances are it will be launched in Japan, which means those of us living in the US will most likely not see the device available on our shelves.
source: Ubergizmo

T-Mobile Rapport with Android coming soon (it's a re-branded Huawei U8180)

Already released in the UK as Orange Stockholm, the Huawei U8180 X1 will be available via T-Mobile, too. Apparently, T-Mobile will sell the handset under the T-Mobile Rapport name – that's what the Bluetooth SIG is suggesting anyway.

Now, we don't know when T-Mobile plans to launch the Rapport. But when it will do it, the handset should come with Android 2.2 Froyo, a 2.8 inch QVGA touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, 3.2MP camera, and MicroSD card support.

Most probably, the Rapport is will be introduced by T-Mobile only in Europe.
source: Unwired View

HTC Flyer launched on T-Mobile – from �199 plus �25 data bundle

If you're looking to subsidise your purchase of HTC's nice little 7″ Android tablet, there's now an official T-Mobile option. The network is offering the Flyer on a data bundle for £25 per month, which gives users 1GB of data use – plus another 1GB of “quiet time” data for use between midnight and 10.00am.

For existing T-Mobile customers there's an upfront fee of £199 for the tablet itself, while new customers are expected to pay £229.

Neither of these deals are setting off any sort of alarms around here, but there you go.
source: Eurodroid

Softbank releases Sharp's new 3D AQUOS Phone 009SH

"Et Voila" Sharp's latest 3D Android 2.3 Smartphone is now available via Softbank under the name 009SH The Premium. Available in four different colors including, Champagne, Black, White and Pink this new Smartphone comes with a 4" QHD (540×960) 3D New Mobile ASV Screen with a 8Mpix Camera for a size of 61.5x123x12mm and a weight of 129g.

Like Sharp's first 3D Smartphone, this 009SH comes with a single Camera and will require you to make a "Swipe" panorama move to shoot 3D photos.
source: Akihabara News

BlackBerry Monza appears in Dubai, selling for $1,500

Well well, we would not have expected anything less than for the yet unreleased BlackBerry Monza (also known as the Storm 3 or BlackBerry Touch as listed online) to appear in Dubai's Craigslist option – and as you know, that oil-rich state has plenty of folks who probably use dollars for toilet paper and literally burn money to light up a cigar, so to fork out $1,500 for an unreleased BlackBerry should be of no problem at all.

The thing is, how genuine is this deal? After all, it could just be a prototype that somehow managed to sneak out from the factory, which means there is no guarantee at all for it to be in full working condition. Perhaps a really hardcore BlackBerry fan might not mind dropping such serious coin on the smartphone, which has been rumored to feature a 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, a 5-megapixel camera, a 3.7″ display and the all new BlackBerry 7 operating system. Do you think this is the real deal?
source: Ubergizmo

Samsung Galaxy R (Z) with Android Gingerbread and Tegra CPU coming to the UK this month

The new Samsung Galaxy Z, which was officially introduced in Sweden last month, is also headed to the UK. It won't be called Galaxy Z there, though, but Galaxy R.

Coming as the little brother of the Galaxy S II I9100, the Galaxy R / Z features a 4.2 inch S-LCD WVGA display, 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, 5MP rear camera with 720p video recording, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 8GB of internal memory, and a metallic back case (which makes it a bit heavier than the S II: 135g vs 116g).

According to Cnet, the Galaxy R will be available to UK customers before he end of July, thus starting the next couple of weeks.
source: Unwired View

Google to help HTC fight Apple

HTC hasn't been doing too well in its latest patent battle against Apple, with the ITC (International Trade Commission) ruling in favor of the Cupertino-based company in its initial judgment. In case you haven't been up to date with the case, Apple filed a lawsuit against HTC to block sales of its Android devices that are allegedly infringing on Apple's patents.

The ITC has initially ruled HTC guilty of violating two of the patents in question but obviously unwilling to let it go without a fight, HTC has isn't going to just bow out. Because the patents in question affect pretty much every Android handset in existence - not only HTC's devices, it would be a huge blow to Android manufacturers if Apple wins the case. In turn, this could possibly be a hefty loss for Google, the owners of the Android operating system.

This has caused Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google to announce that it will be helping HTC in this fight against Apple. It hasn't been mentioned what Google will be doing to help out, but when asked about potentially providing financial support if HTC loses, Schmidt was quoted as saying, “We will make sure they don't lose, then.” But since overturning an administrative law judge's ruling is not going to be an easy task, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Can you imagine a country where Android phones aren't allowed to be sold? For consumers' sake, let's hope this injunction never comes to pass.
source: Ubergizmo

Motorola Droid X2 Gets its First Custom ROM

The first ever custom ROM for the Motorola Droid X2 has been made available in beta form today. The milestone should mark the opening of the homebrewed software floodgates for the dual-core handset from Verizon. The new ROM is coated in a slick, black gloss and features plenty of under-the-hood enhancements, though there is still room for improvement. As these things always go, only install if you are willing to accept the risks that go along with rooting and altering your handset’s stock hardware. If that’s all kosher to you, head over to the XDA link below for the details.
source: Android Phone

Samsung is now attempting to distance themselves from Anymode's Smart Case

Earlier on today we had reported on an Apple Smart Cover lookalike for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 by the company Anymode. While Samsung had not actually authorized the production of said cover or designed it themselves, their tacit approval spoke volumes. It seemed a little odd that they would approve of a product so similar in design to Apple's Smart Cover, considering that both companies are currently in a legal battle over patent infringements.

As it turns out, a couple of hours after the covers had hit the internet and news of it spread like wildfire, Samsung announced that they had not given Anymode permission to use their name with its products, and that they're currently trying to distance themselves from the blatant imitation product that was put out.

According to the official statement given by Samsung:

“As a general practice, Samsung Electronics reviews and approves all accessories produced by partners before they are given the “Designed for Samsung Mobile” mark.

“In this case, approval was not given to Anymode for the accessory to feature this official designation. We are working with Anymode to address this oversight and the product has already been removed from the Anymode sales website. The product has not been sold.”
source: Ubergizmo

Hands-On: Motorola's Droid 3 Wants to Kill Your BlackBerry

Motorola's Droid 3 comes with business-friendly features, much like RIM's BlackBerry phones. Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired.com

As the latest iteration of Motorola's Droid-branded devices, the Droid 3 caters to the professional crowd. With its pre-loaded QuickOffice software and slide-out keyboard, it's meant for those accustomed to doing more on their phone than just playing Angry Birds. After we spent some time with a test device, we're ready to get to work.

Immediately noticeable is the phone's physical bulk. Like its two predecessors, the Droid 3 is chunky, almost an electronic brick in your pocket. Granted, at .50 inches thick, it's slimmer than both previous generations of the model (though only by four-hundredths of a millimeter). Couple the bulk with hard lines and a squared-off design, and you've got a phone that's an enemy of most pants pockets.

But Motorola isn't aiming for your jeans. It's a professional's device fit for a blazer pocket, complete with the full Qwerty keyboard that so many white-collared BlackBerry users know and love. The idea is to move those with older generations of corporate-friendly RIM phones — people reluctant to change devices for fear of change — into the Android environment. I fired off a few e-mails on the keyboard with relative ease; the raised buttons make quite a difference for typing compared to the flat ones of the first Droid phone.

While the keyboard itself is nice, the slider mechanism leaves us wanting. It's a bit sluggish, as if there's something stuck between the two halves of the phone. Unfortunately, it's nothing like the snappy, responsive slider on Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play.

There's another big draw for the U.S. business crowd that does any overseas traveling. The phone comes with a SIM card, allowing for calls in countries outside of the states. The SIM runs on the Vodafone network, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. That means you'll have cellular capabilities in over 200 countries. There's one catch: Data roaming charges outside of the states could cost you over 20 buck per megabyte. But if you're on the corporate dime, who cares?

The Droid 3's waist size may have shrunk, but its screen certainly hasn't. Motorola added an extra .3 inches to the screen size, measuring in at an admirable 4 inches of real estate. It's more than enough space to view movies and photos, especially on the qHD screen.

Speaking of photos, the 8-megapixel back-facing camera takes rather good ones. I shot a few indoor photos, and the flash worked well in grabbing details under low light conditions. The phone also comes with a front-facing camera, which takes decent enough pictures, and can be used for video chat.

Another big difference from previous Droid models: The Droid 3 comes sporting a dual-core 1-GHz processor, a trend amongst powerful smartphones debuting this year. Unfortunately it's only backed up by 512 MB of RAM, but we didn't run into any problems running apps.

Overall, we think it's a solid phone at first glance. Whether or not it will usurp the BlackBerry, however, remains to be seen.
source: Gadget Lab

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray coming to O2 UK in September

As (probably) expected, Three UK isn't the only British mobile carrier that will release the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray in September.

O2 will also do it – and we know this because the carrier has just added the Ray to its website's Coming Soon section (where it joined the Xperia Mini Pro, and the Sony Ericsson Mix, among others).

Officially announced last month, at the same time with the Xperia Active, the Ray features Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a 3.3 inch FWVGA multi-touch display, Bravia Mobile Engine, deep Facebook integration, Wi-Fi, DLNA, GPS, HSDPA, 8MP rear camera with Exmor R technology, front-facing camera, 1GHz processor (single core), and MicroSD card support (a 4GB card is pre-installed).
source: Unwired View

HTC Hero 4G to be the final name of Sprint's HTC Kingdom?

Last time we heard about it, the HTC Kingdom had passed the FCC, and was on its way to Sprint (with WiMax connectivity in tow).

Now, new details have been uncovered, suggesting that “Kingdom” will not be the smartphone's final name.

Say, how do you like the “HTC Hero 4G” name? This has appeared on a DLNA certificate, as well as on some photo sharing websites, making PocketNow believe that it will be the handset's official moniker.

Back in October 2009, Sprint released the now obsolete HTC Hero (running Android 1.5 at the time), so it would make sense for the carrier to come with a 4G successor to it.

Phandroid is reporting that the Kingdom / Hero 4G “has been in testing for the past few months”, so it shouldn't be long until Sprint releases it.
source: Unwired View

Nokia's Windows Phone Given a Clandestine Hands-On

If even Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop could not help himself from spilling the beans about its first WP7 smartphone, you cannot blame others from doing the same. A quick hands-on video of the Nokia “Sea Ray” has been making the rounds lately, which gives us an idea on how the phone operates.

Judging from the video's surrounding sound, this was taken inside a Chinese factory, with the phone being placed on the floor as it is filmed clandestinely. In the video, the N9-like handset is turned on, showing a speedy boot-up into its Windows Phone 7 OS. The person taking the video also showed how the phone's camera works, which features a dedicated shutter button–something that is missing on the N9.

Engadget speculates that the phone's reddish theme could mean that the Sea Ray would be heading for Vodafone, but we cannot confirm that.
source: Gadget.com

Motorola Atrix 4G set to receive Android 2.3 Gingerbread update

Are you a proud owner of the Motorola Atrix 4G living Stateside? If you have answered in the affirmative, then you would be pleased to know that the smartphone will be getting the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update very, very soon, with around a 1,000 owners already receiving invites to check out a beta version of the update.

While the Atrix 4G was released on AT&T around a couple of months after Android 2.3 was available, said smartphone shipped with 2.2, and it was believed that development issues prevented the operating system from reaching phones until this summer.

Well, better late than never, we say, and keep a keen eye out for the real update which should be arriving very, very soon!
source: Ubergizmo

Samsung Admire leaked

Samsung might have their own mobile operating system in the form of bada OS, but that does not mean the company isn't big on Android phones – no sir, you can tell that Samsung has placed a huge chunk of money investing in the development of high end to mid-range Android-powered smartphones, and this time around we have the latter in the form of the Samsung Admire leaked.

The Samsung Admire is said to hit MetroPCS with Android 2.3 Gingerbread right out of the box, where it is also known by its model name SCH-R720. Touted for a release next month (or perhaps September if things do not go well), the Samsung Admire will feature 3G connectivity, a 3.5″ HVGA display, an 800MHz CPU, TouchWiz UI, a 3.2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in addition to GPS support.

Expect to fork out around $149.99 for the smartphone after the relevant rebates with a 2-year contract.
source: Ubergizmo

HTC Bliss and HTC Kingdom cases arrive on Amazon

Amazon, one of the largest retailers on the Web, has started to put up for sale a couple of cases which are meant to fit two unannounced HTC smartphones – the HTC Bliss and HTC Kingdom. Both of these devices have appeared on the rumor mill to date, with the Kingdom being pictured to date, so to see cases for the Kingdom and Bliss appear are definitely confirmation that the smartphones are already on their way to hit the market regardless of what anyone else says. It doesn't make sense, after all, to sell a case that has no phone to fit, right?

The HTC Kingdom looks set for Sprint and is rumored to feature a 1.2GHz single-core processor, a 4″ qHD display, 768MB RAM, and Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread right out of the box. As for the Bliss, we remain blissfully unaware (pardon the pun) of its specifications apart from the fact that it will most likely head for Verizon Wireless and end up being a female-focused handset – perhaps due to its design and color configuration.
source: Ubergizmo

Micromax A70 Android Smartphone Launched In India

A new Android smartphone from Micromax has just been launched in India. Called the A70, the handset packs a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 touchscreen display, a 600MHz processor, a 0.3MP front-facing camera, a 5MP rear-facing camera, a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), GPS, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 3.5mm headset jack, a 1450mAh battery and runs on Android 2.2 Froyo OS. The Micromax A70 sells for Rs. 7,999 (about $180) without contract. [Micromax]
source: TechFresh

LG launching Optimus Net and Pro with Gingerbread

We've seen plenty of flagship Android smartphones shipping with Gingerbread, but Gingerbread is not just for the high-end folks — even the entry-level guys need a little rhizome flavoured love now and then. But don't worry, as LG have you covered with their latest Android phone.

The company is introducing a pair of devices to its Optimus line dubbed the Net and Pro. The Optimus Pro, just like its similar moniker Droid Pro, is a candybar QWERTY device with a 2.8-inch touchscreen. The Pro comes in a trio of color options, including something called “titan.”

The Net, on the other hand, is a fully touchscreen affair (though, the North American version may sport a sliding QWERTY pad), with a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 display. LG is pushing its Social+ widgets that put Twitter and Facebook on your homescreen — something we all know others have had tons of success with. Both devices pack a 1500mAh battery and an 800 MHz CPU, which should be enough for less demanding smartphone users.

They'll be rolling out this summer starting in Europe with a much affordable price.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Upcoming Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro

The FCC has recently approved the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro. For your info, this upcoming Android handset features a sliding QWERTY keyboard, a 3-inch (320x480) touchscreen, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and the Google Android Gingerbread OS with Sony Ericsson's custom user interface. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro also has a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording, and a front-facing VGA camera for video chatting purposes. No word on pricing or availability so far. Stay tuned for more updates. [UnwiredView]
source: TechFresh

ZTE Skate gets priced in the UK, pre-orders start, may ship on September 19

Ever since MWC in February, we've been patiently waiting for ZTE to bring the Skate to market. The ZTE Skate is a smartphone running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and it comes with a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, an 800 MHz processor, and a 5 MP camera. So this phone is a midranger, with one spec (the screen) not previously seen in this price range.

Speaking of price, we were expecting this phone to have a killer price/features ratio, and even if we didn't so far get an actual price to speak of, there have been rumors here and there. First in Greece where €250 was mentioned, then in France when it fell to ‘less than €200′. All in theory, of course, since we've yet to hear any official word on this from ZTE.

In the meantime, one online retailer in the UK has started taking pre-orders for the device. Clove now offers you the chance to be one of the first people in the UK to own a ZTE Skate (at least one carrying ZTE's brand, since Orange may launch it sooner as the Monte Carlo). The price being asked is a very reasonable £249.99, VAT included of course. The smartphone is expected to become available on September 19, which means it will miss the first intended shipping time frame of ‘summer'.

A big caveat applies to all of the information above, though. Clove says that official price and availability information has yet to be confirmed. The translation of that is that both the price being listed now, as well as the September 19 release date may change before the handset hits the streets. So keep that in mind.

We're hoping the price does change indeed, yet not by increasing, rather by getting even lower. The lower the price, the more ZTE will sell of these devices, that's for sure. We'll keep you posted.
source: Unwired View

ZTE reveals their upcoming Windows Phone 7 device

As we all know, ZTE will be one of the manufacturers that Microsoft had listed for their Windows Phone 7 devices. In fact, one such device was shown during Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference 2011 last week, and it is the device pictured to the right. However it looks like Dr. Luo Zhong Sheng, General Manager of Mobile Communications at ZTE, posted on his Weibo account (China's version of Twitter) a photo of ZTE's upcoming Windows Phone 7 device, which looks nothing like the one they revealed the week before.

It's not necessarily shocking as the device could have underwent cosmetic changes during its production, and combined with the understanding that ZTE will be releasing multiple Windows Phone 7 Mango devices around the same time, what we are actually looking at could in fact be a totally different Mango device.

Unfortunately the specs of the device was not revealed, although keeping in mind Microsoft's strict hardware guidelines for WP7 devices, it will be exciting to see what ZTE will be able to produce. For an alternative to ZTE, you can check out the post we did on Fujitsu's IS12T WP7 device here.
source: Ubergizmo

Sony Ericsson Xperia Active pre-orders start in the UK for £229.99, shipping on September 9

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active was announced last month alongside the Xperia Ray, but while we've heard quite a lot about the latter, the Active has managed to keep a low profile up until now. The water-resistant and dustproof smartphone has gone up for pre-order in the UK, courtesy of well known online retailer Play.com.

The price being asked is £229.99, and the release date is set for September 9. That's still quite far off, but if you want to make sure that one of the first Xperia Active devices in the UK ends up in your hands, you'll probably just head over to Play.com and pre-order one for yourself.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is, as its name implies, aimed at those with ‘active' lifestyles, where ‘active' apparently means ‘involving water', since it comes with a unique feature called ‘wet finger tracking', which makes the phone work perfectly even if the screen or the user's hands are wet.
source: Unwired View

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini and Mini Pro up for pre-order in the UK on contract, free from �15/month

Sony Ericsson announced the new Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro (the successors to the Xperia X10 Mini and Xperia X10 Mini Pro) back in May. Since then, we've seen the Mini go up for pre-order in the UK in its unlocked and SIM-free form for £239.99.

And now both phones can be pre-ordered with contracts from all the major UK operators except Three, thanks to independent third-party retailer BuyMobilePhones.

The Xperia Mini can be yours for free if you choose a plan that costs at least £15 per month. For that exact amount, you can go with an Orange contract that includes 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 250 MB of data each month. For £15.32 per month, T-Mobile offers 300 minutes, 300 texts, and ‘unlimited' data (probably subject to T-Mobile's 500 MB fair use policy). There are many other options to choose from, the most expensive being a £47 per month contract on O2, which would bring you 1200 minutes, unlimited texts, and 500 MB of data. If you're interested in picking up an Xperia Mini make sure you head over to BuyMobilePhones and pick the plan that's best suited for your particular communication needs.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro can be had for free with contracts starting at £15.32 per month. For that amount, T-Mobile will give you 300 minutes and unlimited texts. The cheapest plan to come with data traffic included is a £20 per month from Orange, which has 200 minutes, unlimited texts, and 250 MB of data. Again, there are literally dozens of other options to pick from – the most expensive being a £45 per month contract on Orange, which gets you 900 minutes, unlimited texts, and 750 MB of data. To pre-order the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro now, go to BuyMobilePhones here.

Unfortunately, BuyMobilePhones doesn't currently list any information about when these two Android-powered smartphones will actually be released, so if you want to get either one on contract, it's probably best right now to pre-order and then patiently wait for the delivery. When we find out how long that wait has to be, we'll be sure to let you know of course.

Both the Xperia Mini and the Xperia Mini pro have a 3-inch HVGA (480×320) scratch-resistant capacitive touchscreen, a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, a 5 MP autofocus camera with 720p HD video recording, a 2 GB microSD card preinstalled, a 3.5 mm headset jack, HSPA, Wi-Fi with DLNA, GPS, Bluetooth, and a 1200 mAh battery. Software-wise, both phones come with ‘Facebook inside Xperia', Sony Ericsson's Facebook integration throughout the UI, as well as an office suite preinstalled, and PlayNow and Track ID. They both run Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
source: Unwired View