Verizon's HTC Fireball could be launched as Droid Incredible 4G. LG Lucid 4G and blue Motorola Razr also coming soon?

The HTC Fireball is a handset which was first mentioned back in December 2011, when we found out that it should be one of Verizon's new LTE smartphones of 2012. According to Droid-life, the Fireball is coming soon, and it will be officially introduced under a new name: HTC Droid Incredible 4G. It's quite possible that the Fireball / Incredible 4G is that unnamed HTC device leaked a few weeks ago (pictured below). If that's the case, it should feature Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, an AMOLED display of unknown size and resolution, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 8MP rear camera, and a VGA front-facing camera. At this very moment, Verizon is selling three Android smartphones made by HTC: the Droid Incredible 2 ($9.99 on contract), the HTC Rhyme ($149.99 on contract), and the HTC Rezound ($199.99 on contract). It remains to be seen how much the Incredible 4G will cost – I assume not more than $200. (image via PhoneArena)

ASUS might be the first to bring Android 5.0 Jelly Bean

ASUS is taking all the rumor glory lately. We have just reported that the manufacturer is planning to work with Google to bring a Nexus Tablet, with a Tegra 3 processor and a $200 price tag. All of this right after ASUS' Corporate Vice President Benson Lin mentioned that there is a high chance they will be the first to bring Android 5.0 to the market. “Asus is very close to Google, so once they have Android 5.0 I think there will be a high possibility that we will be the first wave to offer the Jelly Bean update.” -Benson Lin Everything is now starting to make sense. If ASUS is, in fact, making the Nexus Tablet we have heard about, this representative probably knows about it. So it is highly possible that Benson Lin is right about this one. As Nexus devices are always the first in line to get updates. Even if the Nexus tablet is not in ASUS' future line-up, though, the company is very known for being highly efficient with software updates. If things don't work out as rumored, you can at least be sure that ASUS will be bringing those updates sooner than most manufacturers. As it goes with these rumors, though, let's not hold our breath on anything. And add those sodium dosages to the equation. Let's stay tuned to see what news come in the future, about this. Here goes for a great future with ASUS and Google!

ASUS claims it may be among first to get Android 5.0, confirms Jelly Bean moniker

We've seen some pretty incredible smartphones and technologies at MWC, but it goes without saying that one of the hottest topics at the show was Android, and speculation over the release and alias of its next-gen operating system. Based on Google's update schedule, it's within reason to expect Android 5.0 to hit within the next year - but which popular confection will bear the honor or representing the latest OS flavor? There's been little doubt that the jelly bean will fill that role, and now ASUS has confirmed to TechRadar not only that delectable moniker - Jelly Bean - but also that the company will likely be among the first to get the new OS. That claim came from VP Benson Lin, who said "Asus is very close to Google, so once they have Android 5.0 I think there will be a high possibility that we will be the first wave to offer the Jelly Bean update." So, there you have it. Now go get to scooping up every variation of the Je!!y 8ean domain.

CyanogenMod 9 nightlies now available for more devices

The CyanogenMod team had some issues with their servers a couple of weeks ago. After receiving some great support from the community, the team was able to raise enough money for new hardware, and things are ready to go. The take-off has been quite rewarding, and CyanogenMod has just added some devices to the CM9 nightly builds availability. New Devices with CM9 Nightly Builds: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – WiFi and I/O editions Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – SGH-T859 (T-Mobile) Samsung Galaxy S II – International ASUS Transformer – TF101 ASUS Transformer Prime – TF201 If your device is listed, just click on the links above to head to the CyanogenMod website and download your custom ROMs. As always, remember that installing a custom ROM (as well as rooting your device, which is necessary for this) can affect the functionality of your device, and there is a risk of “bricking” it. If this happens, the responsibility falls solely on your hands, so be careful. With that said – who is trying CyanogenMod 9?

[Hands-On] Sony Xperia P and Xperia U

Here you are Sony's top of the line Xperias, behold the Xperia P and Xperia U. The First model, the Xperia P is a true wonder and comes with a gorgeous 4"WhiteMagic display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine, a 1Ghz Dual Core CPU, with 16GB of storage, a really capable 8Mpix Camera with HD Video recording and capable to capture both 2D and 3D panoramic images. Easy HDMI, DLNA, NFC, Xperia SmartTags, Android 2.3 upgradable to Android 4.0 all in a aluminum body! The Xperia U could be compared as a stream down version of the Xperia P, and comes with a 3.5" screen, a 1GHz Dual Core CPU, a 5Mpix Camera capable to shoot HD Video as well as 2D and 3D panoramic photos.

HTC Titan aka Triumph to become China's first official Windows Phone

Look who just beat Nokia, ZTE and Lenovo to launching the first official Windows Phone in China? At the opening of HTC's first Chinese flagship store in Beijing yesterday (pictured after the break), Sina Tech's Zāng Zhì Yuān noticed that the company's already accepting pre-orders for the 4.7-inch Titan, which is priced at ¥4,399 or about $700 sans contract - very much in the high-end of the market, surprisingly enough. In fact, we had already heard HTC's managers claiming to have the first Chinese Windows Phone at MWC last week, except they couldn't comment on the actual timing.Judging by the sign above, the only noticeable difference here - depending on your Chinese literacy - is that the phone's dubbed Triumph locally; but additionally, HTC informed us that its first Chinese Windows Phone will be powered by WP7.5 Tango, with its Facebook and Twitter integration replaced by the likes of Sina Weibo, Tencent Weixin and SkyDrive to play the local rules. If you'll recall, such localization is very much what Nokia's Stephen Elop had confirmed in our Engadget Show interview back in November. So, any bets on who's next in line to climb over the Great Wall?

ThingSling Review

I'll admit that when I saw the ThingSling for the first time, I was not impressed – a small strap for the back of your phone? More basically – something else somebody wants to stick on my phone? I already have a case that demands I adhere some micro-Velcro to it, and a car mount that needs a metal disk stuck on there, now a strap? Come on. However, I am really pleased to tell you that the ThingSling is actually a cool item! The packaging is pretty minimal – a cellophane sleeve and cardboard insert holds the ThingSling in a rather clever way, and there is also a small instruction sheet (English only) included that makes use and installation pretty clear. Their website is well done and supportive – if there is any question the instructions do not answer, the site will. The package also includes an alcohol wipe to prep the attachment site – everything you need to get it on quickly. The ‘made in the USA' ThingSling itself is basically two components. There is a 2.5″ x 3x4″ ‘bowtie'-shaped plastic piece that sticks to the phone with a 3M adhesive and anchors the strap, and the short, less than 1x2″ wide elastic strap. The unit is stuck in the package in such a way that as soon as you take it out, it is ready to go with no other protection on the adhesive. This is great if you are ready for it, but if you remove it prematurely, you may accidentally set it down while you prep the phone or something. The unit currently comes in black and white, but the colors and shapes may evolve over time. ThingSling on my Samsung Epic 4G phone It does not add much thickness The instructions recommend placing the ThingSling on your middle finger and finding the ‘right' place for it to stick to. While I understand the theory here, in actual use I find that I would prefer it in a slightly different location depending on what I am doing, so a neutral ‘middle, bottom half' location seems to work best for me. Place it, press it for about 30 seconds, and done. It will cure for about another 24 hours or so. It is also removable as long as you take it easy and gently pry it off. Mine came off with no problems at all. Two things to note: My favorite finger position Front view of my favorite position Holds it pretty nicely, eh? OK, I installed it. Now what? Now it is almost like the phone is Velcroed to your finger! I use my phone a LOT to read ebooks, etc. With the ThingSling, I can read, get up and do something – even carry stuff – without either putting the phone down or actually holding it. Sure, the inventor designed it for hiking and sailing and other active things, but it has shown itself to be handy for much more mundane situations. In the last few days, I ended up using it in a lot of commonplace ways: Changing from computer to reading chair without actually holding it Getting up to get drinks, use the bathroom, or fetch something – again, without actually holding it or having to drop it in a pocket Laying in bed and reading without actually holding the phone, just letting my arm rest propped on a pillow Fall asleep reading, and have the phone stay safe and handy Checking weather and notifications walking to my car – one-handed and secure – while also fumbling for my keys and such, while carrying stuff Surfing the web while holding the phone, and being able to do both comfortably It is not perfect. It adds a little thickness (about the same as 2 quarters) and does not work with fabric or silicone cases. It also may conflict with other things on the back of your phone, like my already mentioned metal disk for the magnetic car mount. On the other hand, for only $12.95, it is a pretty cool accessory! ………………………………………………………………………………….. Now, for something completely different. I mentioned the metal disk on my phone for a cellphone mount. I use Honda cellphone magnets to not only mount my phone in my 2003 Honda Element, but I also use on on top of the dashboard to hold decorative things. But, I was not 100% happy with the cell phone mounting location – did not do horizontal well and was not in a good place for GPS use. I had a brilliant idea – combine the magnetic mount with the ThingSling! Angle iron, wheelchair brake knob, padding, and Honda cell phone magnetic mount I took a piece of 2″ angle iron, like you would use to support a shelf, and slipped a wheelchair brake knob over the ‘upright' arm to add some bulk and prevent sliding back off. Then I cut off about half of the horizontal leg and added a little rubber padding to it to prevent slipping. Now, the bracket can sit on the magnet, and the phone sits on the bracket! It is not very level since the ThingSling is on the bottom half of the phone, but it holds it well, and is easy to adjust. It is also the perfect location for GPS use, etc.! I can even use the bracket without the magnet as a small stand for the phone to watch movies, etc. hands-free. As a quick GPS mount Not too bad, huh? Lots of added value to the ThingSling for about $1.50 worth of parts (A bit more if you don't have a handy bin of wheelchair parts around.)

Israel Samsung Galaxy S II users getting Android 4.0 on March 15

As we keep waiting for manufacturers to update our devices, Samsung's Israeli division has brought a little light to our darkness. The company has posted, on its official Facebook page, that Galaxy S II users would be getting an Ice Cream Sandwich update come March 15th. The Android 4.0 upgrade is said to come to both carrier-locked and SIM-free versions. This is leading us to believe that there is a slight possibility that the update could be coming to the international version soon, as well. Details about the matter are scarce, though. Regardless, this probably means that other countries will get it soon, as well. Except for the US, which has carrier-specific Galaxy S II versions. The process should take a bit longer for American Galaxy S II devices. Let's just stay tuned and wait until we hear more about this. You can be sure that we will be here to tell you about it.

SmartDock Docking Station For Sony Ericsson Xperia P

Sony Ericsson has unveiled the SmartDock docking station for the Sony Ericsson Xperia P smartphone. The SmartDock provides a pair of USB ports and an HDMI port, allowing you to hook up the docking station to your HDTV. If you have an HDMI-CEC compatible HDTV, you can also control the docked Sony Ericsson Xperia P using a TV remote. Unfortunately, there is no info on pricing at this time. [Ubergizmo]

Halcyon Dual SIM Android Smartphone

Here we have another dual SIM Android smartphone from Chinavasion, the Halcyon. Priced at just $78.28 fully unlocked, the handset packs a 2.6-inch 320 x 240 resistive touchscreen display, a 416MHz processor, a 271MB RAM, a 256MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot (up to 16GB), dual GSM SIM card slots, a convenient numeric keypad, a 0.3MP front-facing camera, a 0.3MP rear-facing camera, WiFi, a 1000mAh battery and runs on Android 2.2 OS. [Product Page]

Samsung Galaxy S2 to get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update

Samsung did promise that one of their best selling smartphones to date, the Galaxy S2, would be on the receiving end of the latest Android operating system, which is the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, sometime in the first quarter of the year. Well, the first quarter is definitely a very vague form of description, so you would be hard pressed to tell just when exactly – and where, that will happen. We now have a slightly clearer picture of the situation, although it does seem as though only folks living in Israel will benefit from the Ice Cream Sandwich release. After all, a Facebook post by Samsung Israel claims that March 15th is when Ice Cream Sandwich will roll out, although history does seem to suggest that other European markets might just be on the receiving end of the update slightly earlier. Whatever it is, patience is a virtue worth practicing at this moment, unless you don't mind purchasing a smartphone that already has Ice Cream Sandwich preloaded.