Smartphones

T-Mobile Android handsets lag behind rivals in OS updates

After seeing the recent report showing the various versions of Android on today's handsets, I began to wonder just which phones are holding the platform back. Are we simply waiting on Motorola to catchup or are there other devices responsible for the "legacy" pie chart looking this way?

As of today, every Sprint and Verizon handset comes with Android 2.1, while other carriers play catch up. AT&T's current handset, the Backflip, should see Android 2.1 at some point in the third quarter of the year, though its two recently announced phones, the Aria and Captivate, will run Android 2.1 when they arrive.

But what about T-Mobile? Though the carrier was the first to carry Android smartphones in the United States, its handsets are looking outdated and underpowered. In fact, T-Mobile is responsible for all but one Android handset not running 2.0 or higher. We've already told you about the expected updates to the Cliq and Cliq XT, but the Moto phones aren't T-Mobile's only Android phones.

Two T-Mobile models, the original G1 and Samsung Behold II are dying a slow death as neither phone will see an update beyond Android 1.6 Donut. I can't say I am surprised by the G1, as it felt like a beta phone from the day it was released. Unfortunately, the device was not built to handle the rapid growth of the platform. Indeed, today's Android handsets not only have more-advanced hardware, but they simply look more appealing on the shelf.

The Behold II, however, is another story. The G1 got 1.6, but Samsung's phone is still sitting on last summer's 1.5 version of the platform even though it went on sale in November 2009, a full year after the G1's debut. Even worse, Samsung issued a statement a few weeks ago saying that the Behold II was "not upgradable beyond Android 1.6." With this being one of Samsung's first Android phones, I think it fell victim to the same problem that plagued HTC and the G1. These are exactly the types of issues that should slow over time as Android continues to grow. … Read more

Lowest-radiation cell phones

This week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to require cell phone stores in the city to post the specific absorption rate (SAR) of each handset sold. Though manufacturers and carriers typically list a phone's SAR in its user manual, San Francisco is one of the first places to require them to do so.

Though there's no scientific consensus that cell phone radiation is harmful--even from the long-awaited Interphone study--we encourage consumers to be informed about the issue and know the SAR for their handsets. That's why I've updated our gallery of the 20 phones sold in the United States with the lowest SAR. … Read more

Samsung Galaxy models sparkle through FCC

With all the Samsung Galaxy news this week it's no surprise that Galaxy models are beginning to sneak through the Federal Communications Commission's certification process. In the last few days we've spotted the Galaxy 3, the Galaxy Beam, and what should be an upcoming Galaxy model for T-Mobile.

Because the FCC has to certify every phone sold in the United States, not to mention test its SAR rating, the agency's online database offers a lot of sneak peeks to those who dig. And to save you the trouble, Crave has combed through the database for you. … Read more

Apple releases Find My iPhone app

Apple has released a new app to help users track lost iPhones on the go. The Find My iPhone app does what the Web application version, found on me.com, did previously, but allows users to log in from another iPhone or iPad to aid in the search on the go.

True to Apple form, the interface is simple, elegant, and easy to use. Users need only log in to the application using their MobileMe user name and password to begin the search for their lost iPhone or iPad. Each device connected to the user's account will show up … Read more

RadioShack offers trade-in credit for old iPhones

This week in particular, RadioShack has shown that it is no longer just a place to pick up cables for your new HDTV. Not only did the electronics chain announce that it will sell the iPhone 4 when the handset is released next Thursday, June 24, but also it said over Twitter this week that customers can trade in a used iPhone 3G or 3GS for store credit.

RadioShack will pay up to $200 in store credit for an iPhone 3GS and up to $100 for an iPhone 3G. Note that your trade-in value will depend on your handset's … Read more

Best Buy to offer HTC EVO 4G in white

Starting July 11, Best Buy stores around the country will offer a white variant of the HTC Evo 4G. Engadget got an anonymous tip about the promotion earlier today, and we have on good authority that it's a go.

Best Buy will be the exclusive provider of the handset until August 8, at which point Sprint locations will begin selling it as well. September will see other retailers, like Radio Shack, picking up the white model. Customers anxious to get their hands on one can preorder the phone from Best Buy for $199.99 after a two-year service agreement. … Read more

Freebie: Vlingo voice launcher for myTouch 3G Slide

If you've got an Android-powered T-Mobile MyTouch 3G Slide, voice company Vlingo wants to do you a favor--by giving you its $9.99 app for free.

Speak the words and Vlingo's voice launcher for Android will open apps on your phone, update your Twitter and Facebook status, dial contacts, and send e-mails and texts as you dictate them. You can also tell it to search the Web and Google Maps. Its SafeReader feature can relay incoming e-mails and texts so drivers can keep their eyes on the wheel.

So, what prompted Vlingo's sudden generosity, and why is … Read more

Motorola updates chart for Android upgrades

Motorola recently updated its owner's forum to let customers know when to expect Android 2.1 for their handsets. Aside from the Droid rollout back in March, not much has changed here in the United States since that last time we checked the forum.

That list, however, has grown considerably longer with the addition of new Moto models. As the Backflip, Dext, and Quench hit carriers across the globe, Motorola is beginning to evaluate when an upgrade would be feasible.

I spent a few minutes talking with the MotoDev team at Google I/O and pressed them on the … Read more

How to load EPUBs into iBooks

Apple's iBooks app includes a storefront of thousands of titles, many of which are free, public domain books. But if you really have a thing for free books, online repositories, such as Project Gutenberg and Google Books offer a vast selection of e-book titles that users can download to their computers.

These same files are also compatible with Apple's iBooks app, but it isn't exactly obvious how to load them onto your device.

The following CNET How To walks you though the process of downloading an online EPUB book file, loading it into iTunes, giving it cover … Read more

The 404 604: Where oh no, I've said too much (podcast)

Unfortunately, Natali Del Conte is still posted up in the West coast covering E3 2010, but the three of us are still in New York and today we're talking about a New York assemblyman whose mission is to ban the iPhone 4's FaceTime videochat application from the road.

New York State Democratic assemblyman Felix Ortiz wants to make it illegal for drivers to use FaceTime in the car based on the principle that "any object which distracts a driver's attention while they are driving should be banned regardless of whether it is a cell phone or … Read more