Archive for Mango

LG Jil Sander Windows Phone now available in Europe

LG Jil Sander 560x178 LG Jil Sander Windows Phone now available in Europe

Second generation Windows Phone handsets, running the Mango update, are slowly making their way to wireless carriers. One of the first devices to be widely available, aside from the Japan-exclusive Fujitsu-Toshiba IS12T, is the LG 9606, a designer handset from Jil Sander’s German fashion house.

The handset goes on sale today (October 7) in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. As previously reported, the LG Jil Sander will include a 3.8-inch WVGA display, 1GHz processor, and 5MP camera with flash and 720p video. Essentially, it’s a Mango version of the LG Optimus 7. Pocket-lint notes that these are pretty good specs for a “fashion phone,” which often choose form over function.

The stylish handset also comes with a case and premium headphones which, as one might expect, perfectly coordinate with the phone. The device also comes pre-loaded with exclusive apps which tie into Jil Sander’s other properties.

[Pocket-lint]

T-Mobile roadmap leaks pricing and availability for Android and Windows Phone devices

T Mobile Fall 2011 Roadmap 560x418 T Mobile roadmap leaks pricing and availability for Android and Windows Phone devices

A leaked T-Mobile roadmap has revealed some very interesting information about the network’s fall device lineup. The company also officially announced the specs for the next generation myTouch handsets on Wednesday.

The device roadmap kicks off with mid-October launches for the HTC Amaze 4G (codenamed “Ruby”) and Samsung Galaxy S II (codenamed ”Hercules”). The release dates on the roadmap are incorrect, but the two handsets will indeed launch in October for $259 and $229 respectively. The Huawei “Wayne” will hit T-Mobile on October 19 for $99. Of course, the prices for all three Android devices factor in a $50 a mail-in rebate.

November 2 will be T-Mobile’s biggest day, ushering in the launch of the HTC Radar 4G Windows Phone for $199. Also set for release are the LG Flip II at $149 and the Samsung “Ancora” at $99, which TmoNews believes might be the successor to the Samsung Exhibit 4G or the next Samsung Galaxy phone.

The LG myTouch (“codenamed Maxx”) and myTouch Q (codenamed “Maxx Touch”) will also be released on November 2. Both Android handsets, which were officially announced this afternoon, will include a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, 5MP camera, and 4G network speeds. The myTouch will sport a 3.5-inch screen, while the myTouch Q will have a slightly larger 3.8-inch display.

Last, but not least, is the BlackBerry Torch 9860 (codenamed RIM “Dumoine”), which is scheduled to hit T-Mobile stores on November 9 for an as-yet undetermined price.

[TmoNews via enConnected | Engadget]

Microsoft accelerates Windows Phone 7.5 Mango rollout

Windows Phone Update Icons Microsoft accelerates Windows Phone 7.5 Mango rollout

Microsoft delivered good news to Windows Phone customers on Monday. The Redmond software giant has accelerated its plans and begun rolling-out the Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” update faster than originally expected. 50% of Windows Phones are now receiving the update, with the remaining half joining in the near future.

The plan, when Mango was released last week, was to deliver the update to 10% of customers immediately, followed by 25% shortly thereafter. There would, however, have been a two week wait before the rollout quickly ramped up to 100%. Obviously, this is no longer the case. 50% of customers have already been notified about the update, with the rest coming as soon as Microsoft collects enough data to determine that everything is proceeding smoothly on all carriers and devices.

Of course, those eager for the update don’t have to wait. Microsoft is encouraging Windows Phone enthusiasts to download the update right away, thanks to a work-around that has existed in the Zune software client for some time.

Some users are also reporting that they have received an additional firmware update for select Samsung handsets, which fixes a few minor issues.

[Windows Phone Blog]

Windows Phone 7.5 handsets start hitting international stores

Samsung Omnia W Windows Phone 7.5 handsets start hitting international storesThere’s been a lot of Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” handset news lately, including quite a few international announcements. Most of these devices are just new names for previously announced handsets, but it’s exciting nonetheless.

First up is the HTC Ultimate, which is headed to Brazil sometime in the near future. The device was revealed by Brazil’s FCC equivalent, the Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (ANATEL). It has the exact same specs and chassis as the impressive HTC TITAN, which means it’s probably a simple re-branding. Although some believe it might lack the TITAN’s HDMI-out port.

The HTC TITAN and its counterpart, the HTC Radar, are also up for pre-order on RTV EURO in Poland. They’re currently only available in the unlocked variety, which means they’ll cost a pretty penny sans contract. But the price might be worth it if you’re someone who just can’t wait to get their hands on a second generation Windows Phone.

Of course, if you’re in the Netherlands, you won’t have to wait long at all. The HTC Radar will reportedly go on sale at CoolBlue retail stores at midnight on October 4. The HTC TITAN is only up for pre-order at the moment, but it too will go on sale sometime soon.

Last, but certainly not least, the Samsung Omnia W will be launched in India sometime in the next month or so. The Omnia W, as previously reported, is the international version of the Samsung Focus Flash. We also now know that the device will include 512MB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory, and a 1,500 mAh battery.

[WMPoweruser | WMPoweruser | Pocketinfo.nl via WMPoweruser | wp7.com.pl via WMPoweruser]

Nokia Ace and Sabre specs leak, Nokia Maps app uncovered

Nokia Windows Phone Nokia Ace and Sabre specs leak, Nokia Maps app uncoveredSpecs for two of Nokia’s Windows Phone 7.5 handsets–the Nokia Ace and Nokia Sabre–have leaked shortly after the device names were revealed by Microsoft Canada.

An anonymous tip sent to the MyNokiaBlog claims that the Nokia Ace will include a 4.3-inch AMOLED Clear Black Display (CBD), a 1.4GHz processor, 16GB of internal storage, and an 8MP Carl-Zeiss camera. The Nokia Sabre (703), meanwhile, will reportedly sport a 3.7-inch LCD Clear Black Display, 1.4GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage, and a 5MP camera. While the Nokia Sea Ray (800) is technically positioned in between the two handsets, it will include specs very similar to that of the Ace but with a 3.7-inch AMOLED CBD.

The three devices are expected to be officially announced at the Nokia World conference on October 26, with the Sabre also including an interchangeable back cover.

Sharp-eyed enthusiasts have also uncovered a placeholder for Nokia’s upcoming map app for Windows Phone, complete with screenshots and a description. It will utilize Nokia’s Ovi Maps service to complement the built-in Bing Maps on Windows Phone. “Nokia Maps helps you to be a local anywhere you go. See where you are and discover places nearby in a snap. Get reviews, uncover new destinations and reach them with smart routing for public transport, walking and driving.”

[MyNokiaBlog via LiveSide | wpxap.com via istartedsomething]

Nokia and Samsung Windows Phones confirmed by Microsoft Canada

Microsoft Canada Contest Details 560x195 Nokia and Samsung Windows Phones confirmed by Microsoft Canada

Microsoft Canada appears to have leaked the names of three Windows Phones: the Nokia Sabre, Samsung Yukon, and Samsung Wembley. This information was revealed in the description for a Windows Phone Mango app challenge put on by Microsoft Canada.

“The type of Windows Phone 7.5 will vary and will be selected at Microsoft’s choosing (examples include Samsung Yukon, Samsung Wembley, NOKIA Searay and NOKIA Sabre). Wireless carrier and wireless service not included. Activation terms and conditions are at the sole discretion of the phone manufacturer and wireless carrier.”

Microsoft Canada has since edited the page, lending credence to the leaked information. The Nokia Sabre is rumored to be a 3.7-inch handset with a micro-SIM slated for release on AT&T before next summer. Nothing else about the device, or the two Samsung phones, is known. Although it’s possible that Yukon and Wembley are codenames for other Samsung devices like the Focus S and Focus Flash.

The Sea Ray, however, is Nokia’s first Windows Phone. Information about the device has been leaked on multiple occasions, and it is expected to be announced at the Nokia World conference next month. Nokia is also rumored to be working on an app for 3D voice-controlled navigation, as seen on a T-Mobile marketing poster in Germany.

[Microsoft Canada via WPCentral | WinRumors]

Windows Phone 7.5 handset announcements continue with LG Jil Sanders

LG Jil Sander Windows Phone 7.5 handset announcements continue with LG Jil SandersMicrosoft and its partners just won’t let up, and we mean this in the nicest way. The latest handset in a long line of device announcements–which are becoming difficult to count–comes from LG. It’s the oddly named LG Jil Sander, based on the German fashion house by the same name.

The device is very similar to the LG Optimus 7 (e900), which was released last year. The phone has a 3.8-inch WVGA display, 5MP camera with 720p video, and support for HSDPA 7.2 on the 900, 1900, and 2100MHz bands.

Pocketnow notes that while the device chassis is strikingly similar to its predecessor, it’s actually slightly larger. It’s also 15 grams lighter than the Optimus 7.

Like the rest of the Windows Phone 7.5 handsets, pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet. What we do know, however, is that the device will run the Windows Phone Mango update, as well as include a custom bright blue theme and “exclusive Jil Sander content.”

[Pocketnow]

Microsoft OK’s workaround for forcing the Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” update

Generic Windows Phone Update Microsoft OKs workaround for forcing the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update

According to Bill Cox, Senior Director of Communications at Microsoft for the Windows Phone Division, forcing the Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” update early is not only safe, but encouraged!

“People are digitally cutting in line for the @windowsphone 7.5 update. We can’t blame them — it’s sweet. No harm, no foul.”

When asked if he was suggesting that the method of forcing the update was OK to use, Cox responded with “Yep, it’s fine. Go get some juice.” This is excellent news for many users who were hesitant to update using a semi-unofficial method.

Thankfully, those who don’t use the workaround won’t have to wait long either. 10% of users have already received Mango right away, with another 25% being added soon. The remaining users will be added within a few weeks. This ensures that the update process will go smoothly and without issue. And don’t worry; those who force the update won’t delay it for everyone else. “We just add capacity automagically,” said Cox.

So how exactly do you force the update to Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango?” Hit the jump to find out.

Continue reading…

HTC Radar 4G coming to T-Mobile

HTC Radar 4G 560x423 HTC Radar 4G coming to T Mobile

It’s been quite a week for Windows Phone, with new announcements coming hard and fast. Windows Phone 7.5 (codenamed “Mango”) is already on its way to first generation devices, but the second generation handsets will be here before we know it. The latest device announcement is the HTC Radar 4G.

The HTC Radar 4G is the T-Mobile variant of the HTC Radar, which was announced earlier this month. It has a 3.8-inch WVGA TFT display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM, and 8GB of internal memory. The phone also includes a 5MP camera with LED flash. It will, of course, also support T-Mobile’s 4G network. Microsoft’s Ben Rudolph went hands-on with the device and noted that the HTC Radar 4G’s unibody aluminum chassis “almost feels like polished stone.”

T-Mobile has yet to announce pricing or availability yet, but the device will be available later this fall. The entire press release can be found after the break.

Continue reading…

Microsoft launches Windows Phone Web Marketplace

Windows Phone Web Marketplace Banner 560x148 Microsoft launches Windows Phone Web Marketplace

Windows Phone Mango is now publicly available, if you hadn’t heard already. In conjunction with this simultaneous worldwide release, Microsoft has given the Windows Phone website a massive makeover and added a few new features. Specifically, Marketplace and My Phone.

The new Windows Phone Web Marketplace perfectly complements the Windows Phone device and Zune software client, allowing customers to access the Marketplace at any time from wherever they are. It includes all the usual features you’d expect from the Windows Phone Marketplace–categories, ratings and reviews, ways to sort apps, featured apps, and more–as well as a few you wouldn’t. Downloading apps is a snap. The Web Marketplace simply sends a notification to your phone, starting the download immediately. There’s also the option to email the phone a link to the app.

My Phone has been moved from Windows Live over to the Windows Phone website, where it belongs. Users can, as before, view their device information, last-known location, and SkyDrive camera roll. There’s also quick links to Xbox LIVE features, Office documents, contacts, calendar, and the email inbox (Hotmail only). Best of all, you can see a list of all the apps you’ve ever downloaded and quickly reinstall them on your phone.

There’s also a link to a new feature: Bing Scrapbook. This neat app aggregates all of your Windows Phone check-ins into a single location, allowing you to see where you’ve been. It’s almost like a scrapbook of your travels. There’s also the option to delete all check-ins from Microsoft’s servers, if you’re privacy-conscious.

The new Windows Phone website is an excellent update. Those looking for quick access to the site can also pin it to their Windows 7 taskbar using Internet Explorer 9.

[Windows Phone Blog]