Gizmodo: unconfirmed

Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder Is BlackBerry 9500, Has Higher Res Screen Than iPhone

matt buchanan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:01:16 EDT

A bit more tricklage on RIM's "Apple Killer," the touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder: The official model number is the BlackBerry 9500, and the touchscreen is a bit higher res than the iPhone's (360x480 to 320x480). It'll be running OS 4.7.0 (the Bold runs 4.6). As we inch closer to the September release date expect to hear a lot more, since RIM's ship ain't exactly the tightest one on the seven seas. [BlackBerry News]

Sprint Airave Femtocell Launching Nationwide July 15

matt buchanan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT

It's been a while since we've heard about Sprint's Airave femtocell—basically a little box connects to your router and sends your calls over the internet so you have cell service even where you don't—but it looks like it's finally set to launch nation-wide, maybe as early as July 15. (It's been (in Denver and Indianapolis since Sept.) The Sammy-made station is apparently set to go for $99 at retail, which ain't so shabby. We're guessing the $30 per family (or $15 per user) monthly fee will either stick or actually go down (undercutting is one of their major strategies of late). [Sprint Users, Thanks Art!]

Nikon D700 Leaked in Magazine

Mark Wilson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:12:00 EDT

Guess what was spotted in the latest issue of Germany's ProfiFoto magazine? Yes, you guessed it—the absolutely worst-kept secret in the photography world, the Nikon D700. We're still expecting the official announcement on July 1st (as it's been long-rumored). Until then, enjoy this small scan of the magazine from which one can pull absolutely no details other than, like, it has a flash and extended battery mount. [Nikon Rumors]

Nikon D700 Mid-Range Full-Frame DSLR Leaked, Has D3's Image Sensor and Autofocus

matt buchanan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:48:36 EDT

More on that rumored mid-range full-frame DSLR from Nikon, and this looks a lot realer, with some decently convincing promo materials for the D700. Specs include a full-frame 12.1MP CMOS sensor (same as the D3's), and a 51-point AF system, also the same as the D3. ISO range is 200-6400, or 100-25600 extended. So, uh, what differentiates it from the D3 other than the apparently small body and hopefully smaller price? Beats us for now, but we're hyped. Update: Supposed full spec list added.

Price (body only) :US $ 2999(2999美元)

Sensor(感光原件) :
• 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor
• FX format
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter
• 12.9 million total pixels
• 12.1 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio

Image processor(影像处理器) :Nikon EXPEED

A/D conversion(数模转换器) :14 bit

Image sizes(图片尺寸) :
(FX format)
• 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP]
• 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP]
• 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP]
(DX format)
• 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP]
• 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP]
• 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]]

File formats(文件格式) :
• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW)
• NEF + JPEG
• TIFF
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21)

Lens mount(镜头接口) :
• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
• No field of view crop (full-frame)
• When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop

Usable lenses(可使用镜头类型) :
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36×24)/5:4 (30×24) image size
• AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Auto Focus(自动对焦方式) :
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
• Multi-CAM 3500FX
• AF working range: -1 to +19 EV
• Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode

Exposure modes(曝光模式) :
• Program Auto [P] with flexible program
• Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
• Aperture-Priority Auto [A]

Metering(测光模式) :
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
• Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame
• Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

White balance(白平衡) :
• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor)
• Presets (seven) with fine tuning
• Manual presets (four)
• Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)
• White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)

Sensitivity(感光度) :
• Auto (200 - 6400)
• Up to ISO 25600(expanded range)

Flash Sync Mode(闪光模式) :
• Front-curtain Sync (normal)
• Red-Eye Reduction
• Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync
• Slow Sync
• Rear-curtain Sync

Languages(菜单语言) :
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
• Dutch
• English
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish

Storage(存储) :
• Compact Flash Type I or II
• UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported

Power(电源) :
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh)
• Included battery charger MH-18a
• Optional AC adapter EH-5a
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip

Vertical grip(外接手柄) :
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip
• One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries

[Nikon Rumors, Nikon Rumors, PB]

Nintendo's Working on Improved Wii Storage? Maybe?

Jason Chen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EDT

Nintendo's Laurent Fischer recently got in trouble when he said only "geeks" and "otaku" want more space on their Wii to store stuff. Now he has to not only apologize, but say that Nintendo knows "there is an issue in this," and that they're working on something. Maybe. Laurent follows up that with a quote saying they have "no plan to issue hardware," which kinda makes knowing that there's an issue a useless point. [Games Industry via Kotaku - Image Credit]

Microsoft to Release 60GB Xbox 360?

Mark Wilson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:48:00 EDT

With E3 just around the bend, Trusted Reviews is reporting that Microsoft will announce a new Xbox 360 SKU at the event—a 60GB unit that's been rumored for a while. There's no word on just how Microsoft will incorporate system into its line (which is currently three models offering no hard drive, a 20GB hard drive or a 120GB hard drive), but we're betting that it will outright replace the 20GB Xbox 360 Premium. And hopefully its 60GB drive will be available as a cheaper standalone upgrade than Microsoft's current college-tuition-inhaling 120GB drive. [Trusted Reviews]

No Tethering for iPhone 3G

matt buchanan — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

We suspected this when Apple didn't mention tethering and AT&T told us after repeated prodding that all device features were up to the manufacturer—i.e., the tethering ball is in Apple's court—but iPhone Atlas says they've learned that there won't be any tethering for the iPhone 3G.

As we mention in our ultimate iPhone 3G FAQ, written by the esteemed author of How to Do Everything With Your iPhone, they didn't allow tethering with the first iPhone either (not that EDGE would've been a wild ride anyway). This just seems to make it more of a lock—at least without some hackage. If Apple winds up allowing tethering, AT&T will probably come up with a plan, or simply apply its standard smartphone tethering plan, but either way, we'll let you know if we hear different. [iPhone Atlas via TUAW]

iPhone Firmware 2.0 Could Hit June 27

Mark Wilson — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:26:00 EDT

It's not official word from a press release, but Apple's Australian site is showing the new App store as hitting June 27th—which would point to iPhone 2.0 firmware hitting at the same time. That's earlier than Jobs' "early July" designation from the WWDC keynote. But you know, toilets flush differently in Australia and everything, so a date typoesque mix-up could have happened. [Apple] Thanks everyone!

iPhone SDK Agreement Prohibits "Real-Time Route Guidance" and Saving Lives

matt buchanan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

It looks like hopes for a more robust GPS app for the iPhone 3G, with say, voice turn-by-turn navigation—or just a different way of doing things—might be well and dashed. The SDK agreement has a curious little clause that would seem to ban TomTom (or anyone else) from working their GPS magic:

"Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes."

The possibility of no new GPS wares is disconcerting—banning remotely controlling vehicles or robots is downright disturbing. And why don't they want app makers to save lives? Does this mean your iPhone would explode if you built an app for a GPS-guided, remote-controlled robot that saves lives? [BBG]

These Boxes May Hold a New Apple Product (Oohhh!)

Mark Wilson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:25:00 EDT

Forbes spotted an interesting pile of unmarked brown boxes at Quanta Computer in Fremont, CA, the company that handles West Coast distribution of Apple's gear (along with that of plenty of other companies' stuff). But what's so interesting is that the boxes right were spotted right beside iMac freight (those white boxes), and they look to be about the same size and shape. So what could be inside? Take a look at more shots to decide for yourself:

Funny side note: Forbes straight up labeled these pictures "iPhone" in the file names.
And here's a mega shot of our own. Those trucks have been busy. Seeing as the boxes are the same size and shape as iMacs, who knows if they're iPhones—one of many rumors we went through earlier today. [Forbes and Alley Insider]

Is Sony Cloning the Wiimote Next?

Mark Wilson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EDT

We've already heard pretty substantial rumors about an Xbox 360 "Wiimote" called "Newton," but now some are talking about the possibility of a PS3 motion control peripheral as well. Well, actually just one. A small site named PlayStation Lifestyle claims to have the scoop on Sony's latest from an interview with a focus tester. So if you're interested in what may or may not be, then keep reading.

The piece claims that Sony has Wiimote-like wireless controllers that are used without any nunchuk-like peripherals. Supporting up to four players at a time (3 less than the system's native spec), a 12-inch tripod plugs into a USB port and...does some sort of voodoo with the remotes.

According to the report, Sony had a number of different designs on hand for people to grade on comfort. And they demoed a really incredible paintball game, along with some other minigames. I wonder how well such a system would sell for the PS3 or Xbox 360. Whether or not this particular report proves true, I'm betting we'll know soon enough. [PlayStation Life via Joystiq]

Free Starbucks Wi-Fi Launches Tomorrow

matt buchanan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:23:18 EDT

Our friend and Starbucks addict Dave Zatz says that Starbucks' long-overdue free Wi-Fi is officially launching tomorrow. Info comes from the manager of his usual haunt, who gave him a peek at the store memo and signage, though he couldn't take photos. No word on whether iPhone access is coming back tomorrow (or June 9th), unfortunately. Makes sense, given that AT&T's service has been there since May 1 for AT&T customers. Anyone planning a run just to celebrate? Just remember you need to register a Starbucks card and use it once a month to get your two free hours a day. [Zatz Not Funny, Thanks Dave!]

Dell Leaks Rugged E6400 ATG and XT2 Ultraportable Tablet

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:03:00 EDT

The Boy Genius report has gotten their hands on Dell's upcoming Latitude roadmap. The big news? Among a whole line of upgrades, Dell will release a rugged E6400 ATG and lightweight XT2 Tablet. The ATG will run 14.1" and resist dust and humidity while featuring a spill-proof keyboard and shock-mounted hard drive (available this June). The XT2 will be under 3.5lbs with a 12.1" touchscreen display and a Centrino 2 processor (available this November). Hit the link for details on the full lineup. [BGR]

More Details on the Rock Band Stage Kit

Mark Wilson — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:10:00 EDT

If the latest update over at Gamestop is correct, we have new details on Rock Band's upcoming stage kit, an easy way to bring real lights and fog to your otherwise fake performances. (Hey, I'm not bashing it. 99.9% of the population has failed at their dreams of rock stardom, including those who actually play instruments.)

The new kit is said to be released August 15th of this year and cost $100. And at this time it's available for pre-order now on the Xbox 360, but not listed as a PS3 option (which may or may not mean something). That said, we're still holding out for Rock Band's next, most promising simulation peripheral—the groupie kit. [Gamestop via Kotaku]

Intel To Bundle SSDs With Centrino 2?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:49:00 EDT

So far, Intel has been lackadaisical in supporting solid state drives, just toying with the market a bit. But according to DigiTimes, Intel will soon be introducing new SSD drives with the Centrino 2 platform as a standard—2.5-inch and 1.8-inch SATA drives with 80GB of storage. In 2009, Intel plans on expanding capacities all the way up to 250GB. That's still a hefty amount of space for standard laptop drives. No word on pricing at the moment, but we're guessing they'll be the most expensive "Centrinos" ever. To see Intel's pitch on SSD, hit the jump.

[DigiTimes via Engadget]

iPhone Firmware 2.0 To Add Geotagging?

Mark Wilson — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:53:00 EDT

According to some allegedly leaked screens from the new iPhone software beta, the iPhone camera is now asking permission to transmit the user's location before loading. The screen in question certainly implies geotagging with the message "'Camera' would like to use your current location," but it doesn't outright confirm an iPhone 2 with GPS, since the iPhone's current Skyhook service could be used for geotagging just as easily. And since Skyhook could work, then all current iPhones could get geotagging, too.

Just remember, these kinds of screenshots can be made in one minute with the SDK or the independent Toolchain. [appleinsider]

100% of MacBooks Getting LEDs in 2009

Mark Wilson — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT

According to the Taiwan-based Economic Daily News (who has spoken with Apple's chief LED supplier), every MacBook shipped in 2009 will have an LED-backlit display. Consider the news unconfirmed, but the transition would certainly make sense, as Apple already uses LEDs in its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines. Aside from LEDs being an eco-friendly solution for display production, they're also excellent for brightness, color and battery life. We'll be pleased to see this happen. Literally. [Digitimes via Electronista]

Rumor: T-Mobile Will Allow Blocking of Text Messages, Maybe Calls

Jason Chen — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:30:00 EDT

There's no official confirmation yet, but TMONews says that T-Mobile is working on a system to let its users block SMS, MMS, email and IMs from other users one at a time through a call to customer care or a visit to a retail store. It's unclear whether you can block calls, which would be even better thanks to annoying automated calling systems that somehow call you for days on end but don't say anything. Is T-Mobile the first provider to activate call and message blocking? Why don't more providers do this? [TMONews]

Xbox 360 Spring Update Bringing 80 New Functions?

Mark Wilson — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:03:00 EDT

Our ground PONG-snorting buddies over at Kotaku have gotten their hands on a potentially legitimate list of new functions coming with the annual Xbox 360 Spring Update. In the list we see more confirmation of the Newton motion controller, as well as hints at a news/weather service, more hard drive game data caching and four-person video conferencing. Microsoft has denied the list by saying, "We don't comment on rumors or speculation, but what we can tell you is we've never seen this list before." Honest denial or tricky wordplay? You can decide for yourself with the list after the jump.

Xbox LIVE 1. Option to delay sign-in to Xbox LIVE upon booting console (to allow user to set Online Status). 2. Option to promote Child Account from Family Settings. 3. Disallow Child Accounts (over 18) to override Family Settings by launching Privacy Settings through a title. 4. Option in Family Settings for Child Accounts to enable child-oriented/non-mature advertisements. 5. Introduce a group chat (4) for Private Chat and conferences through Video Chat. 6. Support to indicate media being watched to gamercard status (video content from Marketplace only). 7. Extend height for Bio field in Personal Profile, easier navigation through text. 8. More fields present in Personal Profile - recent achievements, interests, games, movies, links, custom section. 9. Compact Personal Profile for new fields (navigating to field will open it up). 10. Mandatory option to delete duplicate titles from gamercard (excludes Games for Windows - LIVE). User disconnected from Xbox LIVE when booting any title until action complete. 11. Option to remove payment information from gamertag. 12. New payment methods for international users. 13. Download History on Account Management better organized - games, genre, type, download date, miscellaneous. 14. Long descriptions of items on Marketplace can be scrolled using right stick. 15. Better organization of free content on Marketplace. 16. Option to 'ping' when testing connection. 17. Allow re-connection to Xbox LIVE if Ethernet cable is re-inserted whilst powered on. 18. New strip colors available to developers, staff gamercards. 19. New corner icon available to ambassadors. 20. Re-introduce Messages button for Inside Xbox updates only. 21. Option to store up to 10 messages permanently on server (excludes invites, status messages). 22. Increase character limit for text messages between friends only. 23. Option to disable invites from non-friends or all players. 24. Option to disable invites from titles not on gamercard (excludes demos). 25. Option to have smaller items moved up in Active Downloads. 26. Automatically re-connect to Xbox LIVE if disconnected unexpectedly (set intervals). 27. Option to download gamer picture (if available) from a gamercard being viewed. 28. Display random tips to replace static text on Xbox LIVE and Games blades. 29. New button on Marketplace for optional dashboard features - uses Storage Device memory. 30. Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID. 31. Option to purchase Membership for charities (includes benefits). 32. Integrate file-sharing for selected titles on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE. 33. Disable notifications to friends of user repeatedly signing into service (set period). 34. Option to see 'snippet' of text message in notification. 35. Windows Live Mail integration - includes support for Xbox LIVE Vision. 36. Web feeds integration - text, images, audio. Includes support for specific item codes on Marketplace. 37. Option to display gamer picture or standard picture as display picture in Windows Live Messenger. 38. Support for headset, Xbox LIVE Vision in Windows Live Messenger. 39. Support for limited 'winks' that display on dashboard interface. Option to disable 'winks' and 'nudges' added. 40. Notifications separate from Windows Live Messenger to Xbox 360 notifications. 41. Disable multiple languages from being used in any Xbox LIVE editable fields.
Games
1. Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements (excludes some titles that will be re-added to launch another title).
2. Organize My Games at the Games Library section better (includes disc-based titles) - sort by genre, platform (Games for Windows - LIVE), percentage completion.
3. Support to display friends leaderboards for disc-based titles.
4. Show dates of an achievement unlocked when comparing.
5. Preload Games Library upon dashboard bootup for faster access.
6. Game updates now shown as items in Memory, increased amount of updates on Storage Device.
7. Option to delete game updates, removed 'cheat code' as no longer needed.
8. Support for more titles to display banner when accessing guide in-game.
9. Option to re-introduce awarded gamer pictures from titles that do not have their own re-introduce feature (requires saved game).
10. Disable gamer pictures from being awarded from trials.
11. Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading.
12. Synchronization to achievements offline/online that were deleted and then re-added from developers.

Media
1. Option to hold LT and RT for rewinding/fast-forwarding video content.
2. Option to delete individual music tracks from storage device.
3. Option to rip music CD at different quality.
4. Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.
5. Support for menu, top-menu features on video content downloaded from Marketplace.
6. Section added for audio delivered through feeds (podcasts). Option to stream, download to Storage Device.
7. Support added for video titles/description to gamercard status.

Dashboard/Miscellaneous
1. Option to navigate quickly out of several menus back to respective blade home (applies to Games, Media, System).
2. New blade trim styles added.
3. Introduce expanded Inside Xbox as a portal to news, weather, entertainment, help and community features.
4. New sounds for various functions (notifications, blades, navigation).
5. Calibration options for display/sound.
6. Calibration options for motion sensor devices.
7. New effects for Xbox LIVE Vision and dashboard background.
8. Disable changing of Theme when on Memory to prevent 'hanging'.
9. Preload recent, limited items upon dashboard bootup on Memory.
10. Faster loading of Themes section on guide.
11. Option to see what items will not work offline due to DRM license changing from Memory.
12. Option to automatically associate new DRM to items downloaded for free.
13. Indicate 'charging' status on guide when Play & Charge kit is connected.
14. Option to change text colors on guide to better contrast some backgrounds.
16. Language improvements.
18. Word censor updated for fields.
19. Privacy Settings/Family Settings updated for new features.
20. Voice, picture messages can be read at Xbox.com (Gold accounts).

[Kotaku]

Xbox 360 Slim Might Come in 2009?

Jason Chen — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:48:00 EDT

TGDaily has a very interesting rumor about the Xbox 360 getting not just upgrade parts, but an entire redesign based on upcoming hardware. After the next 65nm chip upgrade, the next 45nm one won't just be a die shrink, but it'll be a complete redesign, integrating multiple components onto one chip (system-on-a-chip design).

By doing this, Microsoft can shrink the number of parts in their 360, leading to a possible slim version much like how the PS2 slim replaced the standard PS2 a few years ago. Or, they could use the chance to do a redesign of their hardware, making it less likely to red ring or fail. We'd prefer the latter. [TGDaily via 360 fanboy via Uber Gizmo]

On the other hand, 8bitjoystick has their own opinion on the matter, saying that there's no way Microsoft will do a redesigned 360 this generation. The reason that makes the most sense to us is their current accessory design. The face plates to the external hard drives to the wireless adapters are all made for the current 360, and it doesn't make sense to have accessories that don't match the new design. Plus, it's unlikely Microsoft would put out all new accessories for the new box either. [8bitjoystick]

Xbox 360 "Lips" Getting Announced Tomorrow?

Mark Wilson — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:12:00 EDT

8bitjoystick (a site known for some good Xbox 360 intel) has confirmed that Microsoft has been working on an Xbox 360 accessory known as "lips." What's "lips," you ask? No one knows for sure, though we know it's not the Wiimotesque Newton, and voice certainly comes to mind. As does kissing and some dirtier stuff. Meanwhile, major gaming forum NeoGAF spotted "lips" in the lineup of Microsoft Gamer's Day tomorrow. We'll keep you updated if the announcement hits. In the meantime, speculate away as to what "lips" could be in the comments. [8bitjoystick and NeoGAF via 360-HQ]

Rumor: New Dell Inspirons Take Shot At Macbook Air, Lenovo X300

Mark Wilson — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:50:00 EDT

While Apple and Lenovo may have started the latest thin laptop trend, Engadget reports that Dell is entering the ring with their Inspiron 1435, 1535 and 1735. The three laptops are said to share a similar design, with a graduated thickness from 1 to about 1.5 inches. With processors up to Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz, each model will support optional 3G and slot-loading Blu-ray. It sounds good so far, but we'll have to see how competitively they are priced if/when the first of the models hits later this month. [Engadget]

.Mac Push Email Coming To iPhones

Mark Wilson — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:30:00 EDT

According to what look to be leaked screens of the upcoming iPhone firmware, .Mac push email could be coming to the iPhone. A new "Fetch new data" button will lead to the list of email accounts (in the picture here). Notice that some are listed as "fetch" while .Mac is listed as "push." And while we realize that even the hardcore Apple fanbase tends to steer clear of .Mac, there are bound to be like, 5 or 6 people who are just thrilled. [TUAW]

Rumor: AT&T Says No Employee Vacations Between June 15 and July 12 For the 3G iPhone

Jason Chen — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:29:00 EDT

According to cellpassion, AT&T's pulling a similar move as Apple did last year, disallowing any employee vacations for a period from June 15 to July 12. If this is true, there's only one reason why AT&T would do this: the 3G iPhone. Why did they pick June 15 when the keynote for WWDC is June 9? Beats me. It seems more and more likely that the phone is coming, however, so don't buy anything until after June unless you want to be a sad sack. [Cellpassion]

BlackBerry Niagara Full Specs Leaked (Has 3G After All)

Mark Wilson — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:50:00 EDT

It looks like The Boy Genius Report has scored some more information on the BlackBerry Niagara. Apparently it's a 3G (EVDO) device after all, planned for Verizon in May 2009. It's said to feature QWERTY, 480×360 LCD, aGPS, 3.2MP camera and OS 4.7. But to make things more confusing, there's a very similar model called the Javelin, featuring quad-band GSM/EDGE. In other words, the Javelin sounds like the what we thought the Niagara was yesterday, a dumbed-down Blackberry 9000 for cheapskates. Boy, isn't this fun! [BGR]

Rumor: Next-Gen Sidekick Prototype Details

Jason Chen — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:30:00 EDT

In a Q&A with the Sidekick maker Danger's CEO, Financial Times asks him about what he's got in his pocket. Surprisingly, Hank Nothaft tells.

A prototype of the next Sidekick (mobile-cum-internet device). It's thinner and less wide but has a bigger keyboard. Now I no longer keep it on a belt, I'm always losing it. I was known as the "absent-minded professor" as a student.

Bigger keyboard, thinner and less wide? Sounds like a winner to us. If you're really a Sidekick fanboy, head over to FT for the rest of the interview. There isn't a whole lot of pertinent Sidekick detail, but you can get some insight into their leader. [FT - Thanks tipster!]

Update: Is this the Sidekick 4, code-named Gekko or Aspen? TmoNews has more details.

Asus Eee PC Tech Support Seems Kind of Lousy

Jason Chen — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:12:06 EDT

Everyone seems to love the EeePC's tiny body, but their tech support seems kind of lousy. Reader John purchased one, but couldn't get it to work with his 2Wire router. When calling Asus support, he found out that not only does the Eee not work with 2Wire routers right now, but they don't even have one to test it with. Wha?

I have had a Eeepc for less than a week. I have never been able to connect to the Internet wirelessly. The dreaded "pending" problem. I decided to call technical support. The tech asked what router I had. I replied "two wire". He says "oh, I have never been able to make one work with two wire." "It's a known issue. We are working on it but DON'T HAVE A TWO WIRE ROUTER TO TEST IT WITH." He continued "I got a friend in the valley who has a two wire router, ive been meaning to go see him and test it out. But he lives pretty far away." Now here I am, having spent $348 on a nice little computer that can only work when hardwired to the router. I already have a computer hardwired, I don't need a tiny little one hardwired. So I ask the tech "what am I supposed to do with this computer? Should I send it back?" He responds "yeah I guess you could do that." I know customer service is bad all around but a big company like Asus doesn't have a router from a larger manufacturer to test their equipment on? Give me a break, you sent out a computer that has not been tested on a commonly used router? I love the machine, but its useless if it doesn't work!!!!!!!!! Asus, get your act together, my goodness!!!!!!!!!

Any readers able to get it working with 2Wire? Seems pretty strange that any laptop wouldn't work with a router, seeing as, you know, they follow a standard. [Thanks John!]

AT&T's 3G iPhone Is $199 This Summer

Jason Chen — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:44:45 EDT

According to Fortune, AT&T's going to further subsidize the iPhone down as much as $200, making the final retail price a scant $199 with two-year-contract. The rumor is that the $200 bonus will only be available in AT&T stores, not in Apple stores, so people buying and exporting or using it with T-Mobile will be paying the higher price. Current first-gen iPhone users probably won't get this $200 subsidy when upgrading either, unless perhaps they renew for another 2 years.

If you're buying straight from Apple, it seems like their prices will still be $399 and $499 for the 8 and 16GB models. Fortune's source also says that the phone will have GPS and be 2.5mm thinner, not thicker as previously indicated. And you'll know when the new phone is coming—Apple will cut off shipments of the old phone in order to clear up inventory and give a subtle hint that you should wait before buying. [Fortune]

Update: It looks like Scott Moritz is the same guy who made predictions before that didn't come true. He comes from thestreet.com, who, via Jim Cramer, made the prediction that the iPhone would get 1.5 years of free service. The rumor sounds less credible to us now.

Sidekick 4 Coming in July?

Jason Chen — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:30:02 EDT

It's been a while since we first heard rumors about a the Sidekick 4, but TmoNews has a scoop on two devices headed to retail in July that could fit the bill. The first is code named "SK Gekko" and will be released on July 27; the second is the "Sidekick Aspen" on July 30. No details other than the code names, so we're left in the dark as to what they look like, who they're made by and if Microsoft has had any influence in development. [TmoNews]

Foxconn Building 3G iPhone, Prepping June Launch?

Mark Wilson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:36:00 EDT

The China-based Commercial Times has reported that Foxconn, the company behind the first iPhone, is prepping a 3G model for late May. With Apple's anticipated announcement expected at WWDC in early June, Foxconn is preparing for shipments of three million 3G iPhones during that month. And through the product's lifespan, the manufacturer anticipates shipping 24-25 million 3G iPhones. So does that mean we finally have a better rumor on our hands? UNCONFIRMED: APPLE PREPPING 4G iPHONE. [digitimes] Thanks everyone!

LG Prada II Cellphone Details Leaked

Haroon Malik — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EDT

According to a leaked specifications list, LG has a Prada II handset in the works, and it sounds like it will be packing quite a punch. The details that have been leaked suggest the cellphone will have a 3-inch (400x240) WQVGA touchscreen, 5MP camera, front mounted camera for video calling, Wi-Fi connectivity, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, USB 2.0, Full HTML browser, FM radio, TV-out, microSDHC support and—we just can't believe it until we see it— a full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

LG will be working on all the decent phone features, while Prada will be putting together crap themes, annoying ringtones and other stuff to ensure the handset is just a little rubbish. The LG Prada successor is expected to launch in Q4, 2008. We're excited. [Eprice via Unwired View]

Microsoft's Zune Video X Could Be Xbox Live Marketplace Meets iTunes

Jason Chen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EDT

Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet has a pretty interesting rumor on a Zune Marketplace-like service in development code named "Zune Video X". It's supposed to take what Microsoft's learned from their Xbox 360 Live Marketplace endeavor (menus, selling movies, renting movies, organization, etc) and port it into a Zune ecosystem. The point? "A single hub where Zune users could buy and download music, videos, TV shows and more entertainment content."

If this is true, it'll be interesting to see when Microsoft will roll this out. They've already revamped the Zune UI in the 2nd generation Zunes last Fall, and to redo the entire Marketplace portion of the suite again this year might be too many changes in too short a time. Then again, we'd really like Zune to support video and movie rentals that are tied into Xbox Live's movie rentals. [ZDNet]

Rumor: Next-Gen Nintendo DS Unveiled at E3 2008

Jason Chen — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:37:30 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Hirokazu Hamamura, the head of gigantic Japanese gaming mag Famitsu's parent company, made a prediction that Nintendo will unveil the next-generation DS at E3 2008 this summer. Normally we wouldn't think anything of some businessman making predictions, but if anyone knows what's going on with Nintendo, it's Famitsu (the gaming industry and gaming press are really tight over there). Kotaku says it took two years between the transition from DS to DS Lite, so a summer DS Lite to DS EXTREME transition might be possible. Our prediction is that they'll do away with the GBA port altogether, saving space and hardware costs. [Bloomberg Japan via Neogaf via Kotaku]

Lenovo's Entire New ThinkPad Line Leaked, X300 Gets Siblings

Mark Wilson — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:49:00 EDT

A few months back, we broke news on Lenovo's ultra-thin, ultra-functional X300 laptop. Now we've gotten an update on what the company's been up to during the interim. All of their lines are seeing a major refresh, but the biggest news is that starting this September, the famous X300 will have a family.

Soon joined by the 12-inch X200, the 14.1-inch X400 and the 15.4-inch X500 (all armed with 45nm Penryn processors), customers will be able to pick the precise display size of their choice on one of the most lust-worthy laptops on the market. The X-Series will also feature HSDPA and EVDO, 25% improved battery life, beefy 6MB L2 cache and lots of fanboy drool.

Here's the rest on Lenovo's new ThinkPad line-up:

R-Series (refreshed)
This line will continue representing the entry level. We're light on specs, but we know it will include the R400 (5.1lbs) and R500 (6.4lbs). Expect these to be refreshed in July 2008.

T-Series (refreshed)
This line will continue to represent the mid-range, featuring 256 or 512MB ATI HD3650 discreet graphics that can be turned off to conserve battery life. We don't have sizes, but the T400 will weight 4.3lbs and the T500 will clock in at 5.8lbs. Shipping starts June 3rd, 2008.

W-Series (brand new)
The W-Series is a completely new line. Where the "W" used to stand for "Widescreen," now it stands for "workstation replacement." Described to us as less bulky than similar machines from Dell, the 15-inch W900 will feature the same discreet graphics as the T-Series. A 17-inch version is in the works for the future.

And here's the good stuff:

Many or All Models Will Have:
• 6MB of L2 cache
• Turbo Memory option (think Ready Boost, up to 2GB)
• Blu-ray drive option
• Two PCI Express Slots
• 1.6GHz DDR3 RAM
• LED Backlighting (excludes R Series)
• HSDPA and EVDO (Lenovo claims to have no deals with Sprint)
• 9 cell batteries (same form factor as former 6-cell, 25% more life)
• GPS, WiMAX, and wireless USB are scattered through models
• The x300's solid state hard drive option (excludes W)

Lenovo is starting new ThinkPad manufacturing in May so that there are plenty of units to fuel demand. And from the sound of it, some of the X300's most appealing features are making their way to the entire ThinkPad line. We're just wondering what the pricing will look like between the X200 and X300. Will we be paying a premium for size or for screen space?

Thanks Odd Job!

3G iPhone's Upcoming Chip Found?

Jason Chen — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:45:00 EDT

The iPhone SDK Beta 3 has barely been out for a few hours and Zibri, maker of the ZiPhone iPhone tool, has found references to a future 3G chip inside the new firmware. The chipset is the SGOLD3, which follows up the current S-GOLD2 in today's iPhone. Here's what the S-GOLD3 has support for, not all of which will make it into the next-gen iPhone: HSDPA category 8 (7.2 Mbps), cameras of up to 5-megapixels, MPEG4/H.263 hardware acceleration and "video telephony, streaming, recording and playback." Again, Apple might not enable all these features in the actual 3G iPhone, but at least we know that they're theoretically possible. [ZiPhone]

Nintendo Power Contest: Wii Wheel Cost Driven Down to $9.99

Jack Loftus — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:30:57 EDT

Your friends still aren't worth the cost of admission to your place for a game with Nintendo's Wii Wheel, but they're getting closer now that a Nintendo Power contest rules page lists the peripheral at $9.99. [GoNintendo]

Sony Ericsson Paris Image Leaked; Face Job Works Wonders

Haroon Malik — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT

The last time we caught Sony Ericsson's Paris on the tubes it looked a little chunkier, but now the aesthetics have been immensley improved. For the proof, check out the image above. USEB has run a complete rundown of the expected specifications, so jump in for the best of what they found.

Along with what we have already heard, the cellphone will now carry an alleged QWERTY keypad with multifunction keys, a metal construction, sliding lens cover for the 5MP camera, Bluetooth 2.0, 3G capability, UIQ 3.3 touchscreen WQVGA display, Google Maps and Wayfinder 7.0 support, as well as the excellent Mobile Opera 9.5 web browser. If all that holds to be true, this looks to be shaping up very nicely indeed.

On a side note, the source, USEB, tends to be so accurate with their Sony Ericcson-related information/leaks, word has it they know about SE products before the R&D department does. Weird. [USEB]

Wii Wheel Gets $14.99 Price Tag; Your Friends Aren't Worth it

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:30:00 EDT

Looks like the fellows at Gamestop let the pricing for Nintendo's Wii Wheel slip, and $14.99 is the price you'll be paying for each friend you have over on Mario Kart Wii day, (April 27th.) The game will retail at $49.99, which includes one Wii Wheel to boot, but for multiplayer mayhem, you're going to have to fork out that little bit more. Friends suck...not in a good way. Jump to see a blown up shot of the flier with the figures. [Gamestop; Thanks, David W]

iPhone Firmware 2.0 to Have YouTube Plugin for Safari, Says BGR

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:30:00 EDT

BGR is claiming iPhone firmware 2.0 will provide a YouTube plugin for MobileSafari.app. They aren't citing their source, but they're pretty confident in their assertion:

"You heard it here first, people! The latest version of the iPhone 2.0 firmware that was just seeded to developers has a YouTube plugin for MobileSafari.app"

BGR tends to be a solid source, but we cannot confirm this to be true without some more evidence. Nonetheless, if true, YouTube video playback from within Safari will be possible on the iPhone, without launching a separate application for the content. That sure would make surfing the web and viewing content a helluva lot easier; here's hoping BGR is bang on with this one.

Boy Genius also goes onto suggest that this may be indicative of some form of native Flash support, but we just can't raise your hopes like that. It wouldn't be right. [BGR; Thanks, Ted B. Image via Limited Edition iPhone]

Asus Eee Desktop PC EP20 Images Leaked

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

We brought you news about the Eee Desktop PC EP20 a little while back, but it looks like the chaps at Hot Hardware have managed to get hold of some shots of the final, production line models. Unfortunately, they aren't willing to cite their source, but they are willing to say that the images "are indeed shots of an Asus Eee PC Desktop product that should be arriving to market some time in the next quarter or so." From what we have previously seen, the EP20 isn't quite as small as a Mac Mini, but we're still liking the design. The bubbly pattern on the side of the white edition just makes us all fizzy with excitement. We can't wait. [Hot Hardware]