What big, wireless brother wants, big, wireless brother gets. With its pay-as-you-go subsidiary already packing this particular piece of mobile kit, ’twas only a matter of time before Sprint got its hands on the Transform Ultra. Officially announced for the third place carrier today, Sammy’s Droid Charge with a QWERTY twist packs the usual array of mid-range specs. The 3.5-incher runs Android 2.3 atop a single-core 1GHz processor, with a VGA front facing / 3 megapixel rear camera, 512MB RAM, 2GB of storage and 1500mAh battery in tow. It’s no next gen, 4G beastie, but sometimes you just need a workhorse to get things done. Pricing and availability have yet to be released, although we’re sure that bit of crucial info’s right around the corner. Official presser awaits you after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Transform Ultra does the QWERTY slide for Sprint

Samsung Transform Ultra does the QWERTY slide for Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, that was fast. Just two days (barely) after the Android 4.0 SDK was released, a resourceful dev claims to already have the code up and running on a handset that isn’t the Galaxy Nexus. Android Central forum user Breezy is working on delivering a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich to the Nexus S 4G. It’s already pretty clear that particular handset will be getting the upgrade at some point, but we know how impatient you can be. Breezy hasn’t released his ROM just yet, because there’s still some bugs to work out — like the non-functioning WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data and the wonky touchscreen. So, while you wait for him to get the kinks ironed out, enjoy the additional photo after the break, which sports the same alternate orange theme.

Continue reading Ice Cream Sandwich already unofficially ported, Nexus S 4G gets first dibs

Ice Cream Sandwich already unofficially ported, Nexus S 4G gets first dibs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We all knew it was coming, it was just a matter of time — that, of course, is the Motorola Admiral that Sprint sure had a difficult time keeping a secret. But no matter now, as the fleet captain is ready to hook you up with the Now Network’s CDMA-based Direct Connect service online starting October 23rd (November 13th for all sales channels) for $100 on a two-year commitment and after a $50 mail-in rebate. Summing up the specs: the Admiral features a 1.2GHz CPU, 5MP rear camera with 720p HD video capture, rugged 810G mil-spec design, 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to five devices at the same time, a 3.1-inch VGA display and Android 2.3. For a smartphone that you can kick the trash out of, that’s not too shabby. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Motorola Admiral to directly connect with Sprint on October 23rd for $100

Motorola Admiral to directly connect with Sprint on October 23rd for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung and Google still haven’t officially revealed which US carriers will be getting the Galaxy Nexus next month — even though Verizon has been leaked, is shown in the official trailer (included after the break, look at 0:22), and there was a quickly-retracted Facebook confirmation earlier today. Now, the official signup page for release info on Samsung’s site allows users to show their carrier preference between AT&T, Cellular South, Metro PCS, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon. It’s hardly a confirmation this latest Android phone will ever be available on all of them, but even if you’re not on Big Red, we won’t kill your Ice Cream Sandwich dreams yet.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Galaxy Nexus signup page includes seven US carriers, endless speculation

Galaxy Nexus signup page includes seven US carriers, endless speculation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• We’re live from CTIA!
• Wilson Electronics debuts the AWS 70
• Live from CTIA’s day one keynote with Dan Hesse, Dan Mead and Ralph de la Vega
• T-Mobile Springboard hands-on (video)
• Motorola announces the LapDock 100 for Atrix 2, Droid Bionic and Photon 4G
• Cadillac unveils CUE infotainment system
• Motorola Atrix 2 for AT&T hands-on (video)
• TeleNav 7.1 for Sprint Android phones: this time it’s personal
• Samsung Stratosphere for Verizon hands-on (video)
• Pantech Pocket for AT&T hands-on (video)
• Samsung Transfix for Cricket hands-on (video)
• Navigon demos MobileNavigator for iOS, WP7 and Android
• The Engadget Mobile Podcast, CTIA edition!
• LG Optimus Slider for Virgin Mobile hands-on (video)
• Kyocera DuraMax for Sprint hands-on (video)
• EcoATM offers instant money for your old phone
• A look inside Verizon’s test car

CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2011 wrap-up: Springboard, Atrix and CUE originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ready to play PC with your smartphone? If you aren’t picking up a Lapdock 100 from AT&T on the 17th, you won’t have to wait very long — Motorola’s faux-laptop phone dock has been outed for a October 21st launch date for Sprint via an employee rewards email. Passing the Lapdock 100 Sprint Rewards Me training quiz nets employees $10 in Sprint scratch and the opportunity to sell you a rig that lets a handful of devices play netbook. The laptop shell gives users a full Firefox browser, Quick Office, Google Docs, Adobe Flash, a PC-like File Manager and a luxurious 10.1-inch screen. Still no word yet on just how much this ultra-portable peripheral will set us back, but we’ll keep hoping that it’s cheaper than the Atrix 4G’s axed lapdock.

[Thanks, David]

Motorola Lapdock 100 hits Sprint October 21st, earns employees extra scratch originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 09:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thinking about buying an iPhone 4S from Sprint? Depending on how clumsy you tend to be with mobile devices, you might want to consider adding the $99 AppleCare+ option at purchase, since those Total Equipment Protection plans are definitely out. A Sprint employee wrote in to detail us on upcoming service procedures, which include grouping a damaged device within three categories — green, yellow and red — after diagnosis. As you might imagine, green repairs are the easiest to deal with, and include ‘minor damage’ (i.e. cracked screens are out). These repairs will be handled for free within the first year for all customers, and within two years for those who purchased AppleCare+. Next up, the yellow category covers damage that doesn’t fall within green, but is still repairable. Non subscribers will pay $199, while those with AppleCare+ will pay $49. Klutzes beware: you’re limited to two yellow repairs, regardless of whether or not the device is in warranty. Finally, the red category is reserved for iPhones that provide little function beyond holding down a stack of papers or propping open your door. You’ll need to pay the full replacement cost for red-labeled phones. None of these repairs will be handled in store — iPhones will be shipped to Apple, though you’re welcome to start the process at Sprint. Our recommendation: reach out to Apple directly, since your iPhone is probably headed there either way. And if you want AppleCare, don’t forget to buy it at launch.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Sprint to offer three levels of iPhone service, ‘yellow’ AppleCare+ repairs will cost $49 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, everyone loves Google Maps Navigation, it’s free, and it comes on every Android handset. However, those wanting a more personal experience from their phone’s GPS (and are on the Now Network) should check out TeleNav GPS Navigator 7.1. Among the changes from prior iterations of the app are a new home screen with real-time traffic updates and customizable “Home” and “Work” buttons to show your impending commute times. So you can pick the fastest way home (or the most direct route to happy hour) 7.1 also recommends multiple routes to your chosen destination and provides drive times and traffic conditions for each route. As if that weren’t enough, you can also download three widgets to put on your Android home screen: a map showing your current location, a search bar, and a widget that shows your home and work commute times. We enjoy celebrities giving us directions and all, but it’s good to see some new functional features coming to the GPS game. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading TeleNav 7.1 for Sprint Android phones: this time it’s personal

TeleNav 7.1 for Sprint Android phones: this time it’s personal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking to harness all the power of your smartphone PC-style? Motorola is looking to help with its Lapdock 100 for a number of devices, including the Atrix 2, Photon 4G and Droid Bionic. The laptop shell sports a 10.1-inch screen (smaller and hopefully cheaper than the Atrix 4G’s axed lapdock), keyboard with dedicated Android keys, touchpad, multi-tasking and tabbed web-browsing via WiFi or your phone’s data plan. You’ll also be able to utilize a full Firefox browser, Adobe Flash, Quick Office, Google Docs and a PC-esque File Manager. Just in case your smartphone’s SD card doesn’t offer enough storage space, the dock packs two USB ports for all those extra documents you might collect. Looking to stay ultra-portable, the peripheral weighs a hair over two pounds (less than 1Kg) and touts five hours of battery life — which can also be used to recharge that tired handset if needed. If you’re looking to snatch up one of these bad boys, you’ll have to wait until October 17… and even then, it’ll only hit shelves at AT&T. Verizon and Sprint customers will get their chance “later this quarter” and there’s no word yet on pricing. Need more info? Hit that coverage link for product page and get yourself better acquainted.

Continue reading Lapdock 100 brings a Webtop IQ boost to Moto phones on Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T

Lapdock 100 brings a Webtop IQ boost to Moto phones on Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A 3D phone? Who woulda thunk it? HTC would have, and the EVO 3D is the product of its labor. The jury’s still out on whether 3D will end up being more than just some over-marketed, over-sensationalized fad, but judging by the sales of this thing on Sprint’s network, someone is into the concept. We saw it as one of Sprint’s stronger Android offerings, but the lackluster battery life and par-for-the-course display were quirks that we couldn’t quite overlook. For those who bit, what are your main annoyances? Would you change the design at all? Toss in a different panel? Would you tweak anything about the Sense implementation? Is the 3D camera serving you well? Let us know in comments below!

How would you change HTC’s EVO 3D? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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