You will now be able to purchase VIZIO’s 8″ “budget” tablet at select stores nationwide. This 8″ 1024×768 capacitive multitouch tablet hopes to become your home entertainment companion without draining your wallet. If you take a look at the hardware you’ll find it average at best. Sporting a single core 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM, and 4GB of on-board storage (2GB user available, 32GB micro-SD expandable), the VIZIO 8″ tablet can be outperformed by the majority of current smartphones. It will be running Android 2.3 and while it’s not Honeycomb it does allow users to enjoy a much larger selection of applications. In addition to Android 2.3, the VIZIO tab will be running VIZIO’s V.I.A (VIZIO Internet Apps) Plus interface allowing for a unified, easy-to-use and recognizable interface across select future VIZIO HDTV’s, Blu-ray players and more.
VIZIO’s New 8″ Tablet Hits Stores at Just Under $300
Droid 3 Review
From the first, to the second, and now the third, the Droid series has been one of the most promoted and well-known Android devices on the market (at least in the U.S.). The Droid 3 was defiantly a huge upgrade from the Droid 2, which lacked some key features for its time.
HTC Status Review
If Facebook is your thing, you will probably be interested in the HTC Status from AT&T. To start, here is a general overview of the Status. The specs include:
- Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread
- 800 MHz Processor
- 512MB RAM
- 512MB Internal Storage
- 2.6″ HVGA (480×320) Display
- 2GB Micro SD Card preinstalled
- 5 megapixel Camera
- VGA Front-Facing Camera
- Portrait QWERTY Keyboard
- “Facebook” Button
The HTC Status is the American version of the HTC ChaCha, which is available in Europe. Not only is the Status a social media fanatic’s dream phone, it also joins a new breed of Android devices. This breed is, of course, portrait QWERTY keyboard Android devices, that resemble Blackberries in design. The HTC Status will run you a low $50 with a new 2 year contract from AT&T. Check out the unboxing and my first impressions of the HTC Status below.
Samsung, Best Buy Announce $99 Nexus S for AT&T
Samsung and Best Buy Mobile have announced today that the Pure Google phone that is the Nexus S will soon be available for AT&T customers, in an exclusive retail offering. The Android 2.3-powered handset will run subscribers a very attractive $99 with qualifying two year service agreement when it debuts this Sunday, July 24th. Can’t wait to get your hands on it? You’ll be happy to know that you can pre-order one through Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores today. Oh yeah, you can also get it at this place called the internet, too.
Press release follows.
Sprint Announces $149 Motorola Titanium for July 24
Sprint has just announced that the Motorola Titanium will be available to customers this coming Sunday, July 24th. The rugged, military-grade handset will run $149.99 with new, two-year service agreements and $100 mail-in rebate. Specifications for the i1 successor include a portrait QWERTY keyboard form factor, a 3.1-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera. The Titanium will join Sprint’s lineup exactly one week before another Motorola handset, the Photon 4G.
LG Formally Unveils Optimus Net, Optimus Pro
LG unveiled another pair of Android devices today in the form of the mid-range Optimus Pro and Optimus Net. Expected to hit 30 markets across Europe this summer, both devices run Android 2.3 Gingerbread and look to find a home among first time smart phone buyers.
The Optimus Pro features an increasingly popular portrait QWERTY form factor and offers a 2.8-inch display (240×320), an 800 MHz processor, 512MB ROM, 256 RAM, 150 MB of storage. The smart phone is also outfitted with a 3-megapixel camera and support for Wi-Fi, aGPS, FM radio and Bluetooth. The Optimus Pro will be available in white, black, and titan.
The Optimus Net specs and form factor will change depending on the market, but the internals will largely consist of a 3.2-inch display (320×480), an 800MHz processor, 512MB ROM, 512MB RAM, and 150MB of storage.
Photon 4G Launching on Sprint July 31st
Sprint and Motorola officially announced the Motorola Photon 4G, another addition to their 4G Android lineup, last month. The Photon 4G is a nice-looking device, and we recently reported that Sprint would launch it in July. Sprint officially announced today that they will be launching it on July 31st, and it will go for $199.99 with a 2-yr contract. If you are a Sprint Premier User, you will be able to get this device on July 28th. It’s Sprint’ second 4G, dual-core device, and it features the same qHD screen we saw on the Atrix 4G.
So, if you’re looking for a 4G Motorola Android device, and want to get it from Sprint, the Photon 4G might just be the one for you. Anyone planning to grab one of these when it drops? Leave a comment below or on our Facebook Wall! The full press release from Sprint can also be found below.
Motorola PHOTON 4G Debuts on July 31 for $199.99
Sprint ID just added to impressive list of features for Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), July 13, 2011 – Offering a phone packed with a powerful balance of features to complement a consumers personal and professional life, Sprint (NYSE: S) and Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI) today announced the July 31 availability of Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone, Motorola PHOTON™ 4G. Motorola PHOTON 4G, featuring a 1GHz dual-core processor, will cost $199.99 (excludes taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement1.
Sprint Premier Customers will have the opportunity to purchase Motorola PHOTON 4G – online only – three days before the national launch, while supplies last. Customers who have elected to receive email notifications from Sprint will be notified of the details on July 28. Premier customers can also log on to their account atwww.sprint.com on July 28, click “show me my rewards” and then “Sprint Premier Community” for additional details.
“Sprint is thrilled to build on the strength of our relationship with Motorola by bringing customers Motorola’s first Sprint 4G device with a dual-core processor,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Motorola PHOTON 4G brings our customers the latest in Android technology combined with enterprise-quality security for business users and international GSM capabilities for those who travel abroad. It is spectacular to bring yet another Sprint 4G device to our customers.”
Announced in early June, Motorola PHOTON 4G has already received praise from well-respected device critics:
- “I dig the way the PHOTON looks. The qHD screen is very nice indeed. Colors are rich, and the resolution was very good.” – PC World
- “It’s big, it’s businesslike…. Sprint’s brand-new Motorola PHOTON 4G will face down the HTC EVO 3D this summer in a battle of the high-end Android super-phones.” – PC Magazine
- “It’s a strong competitor and one that seems aimed equally at business customers as it is to regular consumers.” – GigaOm
Making Android Easy
Motorola PHOTON 4G is Sprint’s seventh Sprint ID-capable device. Sprint ID delivers a variety of apps, widgets, shortcuts, ringtones and wallpapers – designed to meet users’ specific mobile needs and interests – in a few simple clicks. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan, and users can download five at once – including Professional (features tools to help busy professionals with travel plans, organization, communication), Green (tips to live a greener lifestyle), MTV Music ID (mobile music experience), HSN (shopping on the go) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ID Pack. To see all Sprint ID packs, visitwww.sprint.com/sprintid.
Built with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Motorola PHOTON 4G, combined with Sprint’s 4G network, lets users browse, download and multitask at maximum speeds to support their busy lifestyles. Motorola PHOTON 4G provides an array of versatile tools, such as the Motorola webtop application, allowing users to access and create content from a larger screen while connected to a Motorola HD Station dock (available for purchase following device availability).
Additional features include:
- Dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor with each core running at 1GHz and 1GB of RAM
- Large 4.3-inch touchscreen with qHD (Quarter High Definition) display
- Dual cameras – 8-megapixel, dual-LED flash camera with front-facing webcam and VGA front-facing camera for video chat
- Android Market™ for access to more than 200,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
- 16GB of onboard memory, support for up to 32GB SD Card, for a total of up to 48GB
- Worldphone capabilities to access emails, calendars and news from anywhere around the globe
- 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks.
- Supports critical IT device policies commonly requested by enterprises and governmental entities, including integration ease, cost-of-management and data security concerns
Robust Accessory Ecosystem
Customers will appreciate the wide variety of Sprint and Motorola exclusive accessories available to customize their Motorola PHOTON 4G experience. Options include
- Paired with the HD Station, which includes a Wireless Remote and HDMI Cable, users can do more than ever on a larger screen. When docked, the Motorola PHOTON 4G launches the Webtop application, providing users with instant access to full Firefox® multi-window browsing capabilities. Additionally, users can connect up to three USB peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse or memory stick to be even more productive at home or on-the-go. The HD Station will be available when the device launches for $99.99 (excludes tax).
- The full-size Wireless Keyboard allows Motorola PHOTON 4G users to work faster with Bluetooth®technology and a super thin design. The Wireless Keyboard provides quick access to Android® apps using dedicated shortcut keys and navigate through Web apps powered by Android in a snap. Available when the device launches, the Wireless Keyboard will retail for $69.99 (excludes tax).
- Hitting the open road for summer vacation? The Vehicle Navigation Dock for Motorola PHOTON 4G is the ultimate travel companion providing users with easy access to maps, favorite contacts, hands-free calling, music, turn-by-turn navigation and more. Equipped with integrated Motorola ESP technology to automate the screen preferences, and allows streaming audio & music via the 3.5mm audio jack through the vehicle speakers. The Vehicle Navigation Dock will be available when the device launches for $59.99 (excludes tax).
- When it comes time to recharge Motorola PHOTON 4G, Sprint offers a wide variety of power solutions, including a Battery Only Charger and Battery Bundle. This high performing, 1700mAh Lithium Ion replacement battery gives the device the power to talk, send texts, take pictures, or just be on standby. The bundle includes a battery-only charger, providing users the option to charge the spare battery separately and is available on August 21 for $49.99 (excludes tax).
Sprint offers a variety of cases, skins and gels to protect Motorola PHOTON 4G and other devices from inevitable nicks and scratches. Sprint offers the following phone covers and wraps for Motorola PHOTON 4G. Each of the accessories below will be available on July 31.
- A Holster and Shield Combo make a nice protective cover to prevent scuffs and scratches. This cover and holster combination carry solution provides convenient protection for the Motorola PHOTON 4G device. It is available for $24.99 (excludes tax).
- The protective Gel surrounds Motorola PHOTON 4G like protective gloves with precision cut-outs for access to the device’s bright screen, control buttons and keypad. It’s available in purple and retails for $19.99 (excludes tax).
- The two-piece Phone Cover for Motorola PHOTON 4G slides together easily to protect the top and bottom of the device. Available in gray with black leather inlay, the phone cover will retail for $21.99 (excludes tax).
Additional accessories will be available after launch. Customers seeking more information can visit their local Sprint store or www.sprint.com/accessories.
Motorola PHOTON 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB web or $9.99 per month versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB web. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. (Pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.)
Sprint was unbeaten among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction according to results from the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. In addition to tying for first place among wireless carriers, Sprint was also the number one most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last three years, according to the survey.
As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
Starting on July 18, register at https://www.shopmotorola.ca/photon4g for a chance to win a Motorola Photon 4G or a trip for two to a Live Nation® concert of your choice2.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint atwww.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprintand www.twitter.com/sprint.
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Source Phandroid
AT&T Announces $49 HTC Status for July 17
AT&T has just announced that the Facebook-heavy HTC Status will be arriving this coming Sunday, July 17th. The Android 2.3.3-powered (Gingerbread) handset will run $49.99 with a two-year contract and will be available in four colors (black, silver, pink and blue). Best Buy will also offer the device in an exclusive color, however it’s not immediately clear which one they’ll have mauve. If you “Like” the idea of a Facebook phone, then you’ll be happy to know that you can pre-order one for yourself today!
HTC Takes to Facebook to Announce AT&T Status
In a move that makes total sense to us, HTC has taken to Facebook to announce the social networking-heavy HTC Status for AT&T. Perhaps this is could be considered more of a re-announcement than anything being that the carrier was expected to offer the phone since it was unveiled (HTC ChaCha) back at Mobile World Congress. And really, there’s no firm launch date (“summer”) or price to share with you at this point.
T-Mobile Announces $199 myTouch 4G Slide for July
The T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide has officially gone from rumored to confirmed, thanks to a late night press announcement. If there’s one thing that this $199.99 handset ($50 mail-in-rebate) has, it’s a top of the line camera. Or at least that is how T-Mobile will be positioning the device. The press release is laden with details and features of the 8-megapixel shooter, even going so far as to call it a “true camera and camcorder replacement.”