Adobe confirms no Flash in Windows Mobile 7 (updated)
Look, it’s pretty clear that Windows Mobile 7 will be revealed by Microsoft at Mobile World Congress. We’ve been feeding on a veritable feast of WinMo7 rumors for several months now all pointing to Steve Ballmer’s keynote scheduled for 3PM Barcelona time (9AM in New York). Now Adobe has issued a statement apparently confirming what we’ve already heard: Windows Mobile 7 will not support Flash. Unfortunately, the actual quote carried by Phone Scoop doesn’t mention Windows Phone 7:
“Microsoft and Adobe are working closely together. While the newest version of Windows Phone won’t support Flash at initial availability, both companies are working to include a browser plug-in for the full Flash player in future versions of Windows Phone. More details will be shared at Microsoft MIX next month.”
Of course, the “newest version of Windows Phone” is technically 6.5.3 — a WinMo update recently announced (but hasn’t shipped) and presumably still works with Flash 10.1 beta (but isn’t guaranteed). And since we can’t find the Adobe statement on any of its usual press channels, we can’t say for sure this quote is related to Windows Mobile 7. Still, we don’t doubt the accuracy of Phone Scoop so don’t get your hopes up for Flash in the initial builds of Windows Mobile 7 Windows Phone 7 Series devices.
Update: Sorry kids, we have independent confirmation: Windows Phone 7 will not support Flash at initial launch.
Adobe confirms no Flash in Windows Mobile 7 (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Is this the face of the iPhone 4G?
There’s very little to go on at this point, just a series of photos posted to a forum by a device repair company, but if their suspicions are correct, this could be the front panel of the presumably upcoming “iPhone 4G.” iResQ claims to have obtained the sample part from a “reputable source” that has provided genuine parts to it in the past, parts which iResQ uses for repairing products — even if those products don’t exist yet. Interestingly, the LCD is factory glued to the digitizer on this 4G wannabe (like on the original iPhone), as opposed to them being separate elements on the 3G and 3GS, meaning higher replacement costs. But most notable about this face part is the fact that it’s roughly 1/4-inch taller than previous generations. Your guess is as good as ours as to why it’s taller, since the screens themselves seems very similarly sized. We’re also incredibly curious as to whether this here face would line up with that supposed 4G midboard we saw a little while ago. So, elaborate scam by iResQ to get its name up in lights? Prank played by a fun-loving parts supplier? Earth shattering iPhone form factor change unearthed? And just what is that “reflective surface” supposed to be for? Beats us. The flip side of the screen can be seen after the break.
[Thanks, Todd F.]
Continue reading Is this the face of the iPhone 4G?
Is this the face of the iPhone 4G? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Wall Street Journal: Windows Mobile 7 coming next week
We pretty much knew that Windows Mobile 7 is coming next week at MWC, but the Wall Street Journal has a piece up confirming the announcement, along with a few other interesting details. As we’d heard, the new UI is a riff on the Zune HD interface, and the OS “reflects a much tighter focus” on hardware / software integration, all based around a “small number” of hardware chassis specs — pretty much what we’ve known, but it’s interesting that the Journal’s source says the plan is to “limit the wild variation” that’s typically been the hallmark of Windows Mobile. The WSJ also says that the long-rumored Pink project is a separate phone designed to replace the Sidekick — which we also basically knew — but that it won’t make an appearance at MWC at all. Hmm, sounds like someone ought tell all those Twittering Danger employees. We’ll see what happens — it all goes down early on Monday.
Wall Street Journal: Windows Mobile 7 coming next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
TiVo patent points to new sharing and interactivity built around closed captions
The rumors are already flying for that upcoming March 2nd TiVo event, but a recently granted patent gives us one idea of what TiVo’s been up to of late. The basic idea of the patent is to use embedded meta data in TV broadcasts, primarily the closed caption text, to create “event identification data” that makes the DVR — when synced up against related data online — smarter about the content. Example uses include overlaying interactive ads from the content provider, creating “tagged” video files for viewing on a portable device, extracting tagged clips, or even “sharing” segments with other TiVo users. Some of this info, like the commercial detection, is already in use, but the opportunity to “share” a sequence with a friend would be a powerful workaround for existing limitations from broadcasting companies that don’t want users sending copyrighted content to each other. Using the TiVo to merely “tag” the relevant portion of something already recorded by a friend (hopefully with the addition of our helpful “OMG” and “LOL” commentary) makes a lot of sense, and even if we don’t see it in this upcoming revision, it could be a pretty nice win for TiVo in the ongoing war between the well dressed, successful people who create our content and us schlubs who are trying to consume it conveniently.
TiVo patent points to new sharing and interactivity built around closed captions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Debunk: Palm not halting Pre / Pixi production, just on hold for Chinese New Year
Oh boy. Research firm OTR Global is making some waves today with a report claiming that Palm ordered all Pre and Pixi manufacturing to be halted, but apparently they didn’t look at a calendar — or, you know, call Palm. We just talked to Palm and here’s the real deal: Pre and Pixi orders were halted for the Chinese New Year on the 14th, and production will go back online at the end of the month. That’s the whole story — Palm also told us that production for Verizon was ramped up early in the year to cover the downtime, so there shouldn’t be any effect on availability. We’ll be getting an official statement soon, we’ll update as soon as we get it.
Update: Here’s the official word from Derick Mains, Palm’s director of corporate communications:
Palm regularly adjusts its product manufacturing levels to manage inventory. In anticipation of the Verizon Wireless launch and Chinese New Year, we increased production levels prior to February, and anticipate ramping production back up after the Chinese New Year ends.
Move along, nothing else to see here.
Debunk: Palm not halting Pre / Pixi production, just on hold for Chinese New Year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Is this the Nokia N98, or the twisted brainchild of a Sidekick fanatic?
There’s no shortage of reasons why we should throw this render in the trash. First is the simple fact that it’s a render at all, and we all know how extraordinarily talented the world’s artistically-inclined phone fanboys and girls are. Second, we’re hearing that this is known as the N98, which runs counter to other rumors (and retail evidence in the X3 and X6) that Nokia is moving to a one-letter, one-digit naming convention across its smartphone range. Third, this looks like a straight-up cross between a Sidekick 2008 and a Sidekick LX 2009 (save the tilt-up display, of course). All that said, we can’t help but feel that a device exactly like this makes sense for Nokia’s high-end, multimedia-savvy Symbian range — a proper successor to the N97 that might clear up some complaints like the off-center spacebar.
Anyhow, rumor has it the so-called N98 features a 4-inch touchscreen (likely capacitive, considering the precedent set by the X6) with 32GB of internal storage and a launch date in time for holiday 2010 at around €450 ($617) — and we’re even seeing an HDMI logo silkscreened on the side, too. This actually mixes pretty closely with another recent rumor that says we can expect an N8 model this Summer with a 3.5-inch capacitive display, 12 megapixel sensor, and Symbian^3, so an alternate possibility is that we’re actually looking at that N8 here. Either way, if any of it is real, it could see a debut anywhere between MWC next week and Nokia World later in the year — but admittedly, our fake-o-meter’s reading pretty high on this one until we see an announcement. Nokia fans: is this what you’re looking for in a next-gen device?
Is this the Nokia N98, or the twisted brainchild of a Sidekick fanatic? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nokia N8-00: first Symbian^3 handset with 12 megapixel camera, 720p video, and HDMI leaked in summer roadmap?
Nokia’s already tipped its hand for the year Twenty Ten by publicly stating its intent to deliver a sleeker, more attractive, and faster Symbian UI; fewer nags; and at least one Maemo handset before the year is done. What we’ve been missing though, are the details. While we still don’t have the complete story, it is beginning to take shape according to alleged leaks received by Tom’s Guide. First up is a new naming convention, something already telegraphed by Nokia’s Xseries launch and Cseries trademark. According to the French language site, Nokia will end the use of monikers like XpressMusic or Classic as it simplifies around the following five ranges:
- C: voice-centric handsets.
- X: targeting youth, entertainment.
- E: business focused.
- N: high-end.
- S: limited editions.
Tom’s Guide claims to be privy to 14 new models, a few of which it spilled the beans on today. Click through for the gossip.
Nokia N8-00: first Symbian^3 handset with 12 megapixel camera, 720p video, and HDMI leaked in summer roadmap? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Apple to sell 99 cent TV shows at iPad launch?
Today’s “people familiar with the discussions” prattle carried by both the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times has Apple reducing the price of some of its US television shows to 99 cents in time for the iPad launch. A quick search through the iTunes store makes it apparent that Apple has already been experimenting with the 99 cent rate (and a few freebies) on select iTunes episodes; shows that previously ran $1.99 for standard definition quality or $2.99 in HD. Of course, this could all change by the time the iPad launches since the talks are ongoing. Unfortunately, discussions between Apple and content providers to provide a monthly TV subscriptions have stalled according to sources at the Wall Street Journal, although Apple remains open to the idea.
It’s worth remembering that prior to adding video support to its iPods, Steve Jobs regularly lambasted the idea of watching video on a tiny, handheld display. The iPad, with its big 9.7-inch 1,024 x 768 pixel IPS panel, is certainly better positioned for video consumption so it’s no surprise to hear rumors that Apple’s trying to jump start its video business by getting back to the magical 99 cent price point it so loves.
Apple to sell 99 cent TV shows at iPad launch? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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FCC paper trail suggests AT&T getting Pre in May?
Palm still won’t really fess up to it, but AT&T was more than happy to drop the bomb back at CES that it’s picking up webOS for the first time in 2010 — and a little creative connecting-of-the-dots gives us some idea of when we might see the gear hit the streets. The company’s Pre with North American 3G — model number P100UNA — is already in use by Telcel in Mexico, but confidentiality in its US FCC filing doesn’t expire until mid-May. Why does that matter? Historically, Palm’s US releases have come very close to their FCC confidentiality lifts, meaning that we could see this thing on AT&T by the time Summer rolls around. Of course, in light of the Pre Plus, it’d be pretty sweet if AT&T just moved on to the next big thing in Palm’s pipeline, but we certainly wouldn’t put it past ‘em to launch outdated equipment.
FCC paper trail suggests AT&T getting Pre in May? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Apple Store down globally, let the speculation begin (updated)
Update: 64-bit Aperture 3 with faces and places tagging announced. Store’s back up. Even after the NVIDIA Optimus announcement we’re still left waiting for those elusive Core i5 and Core i7 MacBook Pros.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple Store down globally, let the speculation begin (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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