The super sexy HTC Hero is at the FCC’s labs. We’re talking about the version of the device that can sing along AT&T (NYSE: T)’s and Canada’s Rogers (NYSE: RCI) Wireless 3G networks. The question is will AT&T pick it up? They have a good relationship with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), which might be pissed to see such a contender being offered by their carrier partner. On the other hand, AT&T shouldn’t want to miss the Android wave, hence we may see them start offering the Hero alongside the iPhone.
Anyway, that’s something we’re still speculating on. The good thing is that the paperwork needed for launching the Heroic launch in the States is getting close to an end, and you’ll always be able to grab the device unlocked, sans any strings attached.
We’ve already heard Archos is moving forward to introduce the Android-powered device. Now we have a new tidbit of information to add to the pile.
According to RegisterHardware, the company’s Managing Director of Northern Europe operations — Tony Limrick — has confirmed such device will be unveiled this September. As a matter of fact, he said it’s September 15th when we’ll hear some hot news from Archos.
Limrick described the upcoming Tablet as “Android-based devices with phone, email, Google (NSDQ: GOOG) apps and Android Apps.”
Earlier we’ve heard the specs and are hoping they’ll stay intact: 5-inch screen, HSPA connectivity, 500MB of storage, 10mm thick, HD movie playback capability and 800MHz TI OMAP 3440 CPU. The price is unknown at this stage, but judging by the specs, I doubt we’re talking about a cheap device.
Now this is an odd one. Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) New Zealand has reportedly pulled the HTC Magic from their website. Calls have been put in to Vodafone in the region, and the response was somewhat ominous: the Magic can be purchased for $1,099 NZD, but no more are in stock and it isn’t clear when more will be available. Very strange indeed. Blogger Ben Gracewood has also reported that not only is the device no longer available online, but all stock has been removed from stores. If you’re in the region and are hoping to pick up a Magic, looks like your best bet would be to either call Vodafone or pop down to a local store to see if you can nab the now elusive device. (Either that or catch a flight to Australia).
Something isn’t right here for sure. The Magic was launched only last week in New Zealand at a large party with many celebs in attendance. One thing is for certain, time will tell us what’s going on here.
Note: It’s interesting to note that the HTC Magic in New Zealand is a ‘Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Experience’ device. I suppose it’s possible Vodafone is having some issues with Google? Who knows. Let’s wait and see.
Yes, finally a Crokinole game for mobile! Ha ha, not sure if anyone out there is familiar with this great little game, but around these parts my friends refer to me as ‘Old Croke’. I love the game.
New for Android is Carrom3D Pro. The game features not only the classic game of Crokinole, but 3 other ‘Carrom’ games for your enjoyment. The developers at Kinetic Bytes put a lot of effort into getting the physics just right, and they’ve done a pretty good job. In fact, you can even adjust the physics of the whole game via settings built right into the app. Adjust the sliding friction, rolling friction, coefficient of restitution and more. This makes for a totally custom gaming experience… Just tweak the settings until you get it how you like it!
If you’re a fan of Crokinole or Carrom, you’ll want to pick this one up right now. It’s available in the Android Market via a free trial, or you can throw $1.99 down for the full version.
Chances are if you were one of the eager beavers signing up on the T-Mobile myTouch 3Gmini site, you have received an email to add fuel to the fire…. Pictured above, T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) has sent out this mailer to help build some much needed anticipation for device launch. Nothin’ too crazy here, but the mailer does point out that myTouch 3G pre-orders should arrive and be in-hand by August 3rd.
In case you missed it, a press event is scheduled for July 8th in New York City, where the myTouch 3G will be formally announced. From that point pre-orders for existing customers will be available. Latest rumors have the device available for general consumption on August 5th, but we’ll see. These dates have a way of changing.
Wattpad keeps conquering new mobile platforms. After BlackBerry and iPhone, the popular “YouTube For Ebooks” is hitting the Android world, too.
A dedicated application is available in the Android Market, using which users can discover new ebooks, share their collection with the world, and download ebooks other people have shared.
According to Wattpad, each month over 10,000 stories are published by thousands of passionate writers, including many well-known writers such as John Gregory Betancourt, whose story Alien Still Life was first published online on Wattpad…
SPB Software is out with another educational game called SPB Geo Game — it’s about time they remove the “SPB” part from their titles, don’t you think?
Anyway, the game is designed to educate players on world’s capitals and national flags. On that note, SPB’s press release says that today’s global diversity is represented by 235 countries (including small islands and independent territories), 235 flags, and 234 capitals. SPB Geo Game helps users memorize all this information and “widens one’s horizons in a fun way,” as a result.
The finger-friendly app also features 3G globe view, as well as educational animations. It is readily available for touchscreen smartphones running either Windows Mobile or Android, and you can grab it for $4.95.
T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) has announced a July 8th myTouch 3G media event in New York City. It’s no surprise that this event comes on the same day that pre-orders are to become available. What a co-inky-dink, right?
At any rate, one thing is for sure… after this event we’re going to see many more leaks and spy shots of the myTouch 3G. Get ready for all of the black, white and ‘merlot’ myTouch 3G goodness you can handle. Again, the myTouch 3G media event will take place Wednesday July 8, at 11:00 AM EST.
Lately there’s been a lot of talk about whether or not the Sense UI unveiled for the HTC Hero will be available on other handsets, either Android and Windows Mobile. Well, some clever chaps have managed to cram Rosie onto the HTC G1/Dream and demoed it on video for the world to gawk at. Everything seems to run pretty smoothly through the eight minutes of navigation, but feel free to watch the whole thing for a nice tour of what will likely end up on the Hero. There are full instructions on how to get the HTC Hero’s user interface on your own G1 in broken, Google (NSDQ: GOOG)-translated English, but just keep in mind the ROM is still half-baked and prone to a few bugs. In the long run, Sense won’t officially make it onto Android phones “with Google” due to licensing issues - the UI is HTC’s baby, not Google’s, after all.
Are you in the UK and can’t wait another moment to get your hands on the HTC Hero? If this is the case, there is some good news for ya, but be prepared to drop a few hard earned dollars, ermmm, I mean, pounds in order to make it happen.
Unlocked HTC Hero handsets are now available for pre-order via Amazon.co.uk. With a price tag of £429.99, the Hero’s offered up here are unlocked and sim-free. Apparently these devices will be released/shipped on July 15th.
If you don’t mind waiting just a little bit longer, both Orange and T-Mobile will have the HTC Hero up for grabs within the next few weeks. Both carriers are gearing up to offer the device free of charge if they can lock you into a new contract for a few years.
Still can’t wait huh? Check out the HTC Hero at Amazon.co.uk.
