Android

T-Mobile G2X in house

As soon as we posted that the T-Mobile G2X was launching today, we got our very own G2X in the mail. Indeed, we've had it in our hands for only a few minutes so far, but it's starting to make a good impression already.

The 4-inch display is quite the stunner at first glance, and the dual-core processor speed is immediately evident even when scrolling through menus and launching apps. We've yet to really put it through its paces, but so far so good.

We'll have a full review for you guys on Monday. What would … Read more

Sprint announces eco-friendly Samsung Replenish

Sprint unveiled its latest Android effort today in the eco- and wallet-friendly Samsung Replenish.

Powered by Android 2.2, the phone features a portrait-QWERTY design that includes a 2.8-inch touch screen and 2-megapixel camera. The handset also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and support for microSD cards.

The Replenish is the fourth Sprint handset to bear the eco-friendly title. Other details that make this one environmentally sound: it uses fewer sensitive materials, it has an energy-efficient charger, and its packaging is fully recyclable. What's more, for $29 you can attach a unique back cover with solar panels that will … Read more

The 404 800: Where we're skipping straight to Web 5.0 (podcast)

We're wrapping up this week of 404 episodes with special guest Jason Fischell, Vice President of Product for CNET.com. We're taking questions from the chatroom about Jason's history with CNET, his opinions on the current state of consumer technology, and the possibility The 404 replacing Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men.

The 404 Digest for Episode 800

Rumor: Next Nintendo console to debut at E3 2011.

Taco Bell testing taco shells made out of Doritos. Is it too soon to recreate the Japanese earthquake disaster in a video game? Follow Jason on Twitter.

Episode 800 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Rogers taking preorders for Xperia Play, Arc

Our Canadian readers will be happy to learn that Rogers has begun taking orders for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and Xperia Play. According to recent reports, both Android 2.3-powered handsets are expected to arrive later this month on April 28.

Pricing is consistent other high-end Rogers smartphones at 99.99 Candadian dollars ($103) with a 3-year commitment or 549.99 Canadian dollars ($571) outright. Effective today, interested customers also can go to their local Best Buy and preorder either phone with a $50 down payment.

As a refresher, the sleek Xperia Arc features a 4.2-inch super LCD … Read more

Why doesn't the iPad support multiple users?

It's been just over a month since I got my iPad 2 on launch day. For the most part, I absolutely love it. More often than not, I find myself reaching for it at times when previously I'd open up my MacBook. It's totally filled a void in my tech life I had not known existed, and for that I am grateful.

However, unlike my MacBook Pro, the iPad is curiously missing what I think is a must-have piece of functionality. Why doesn't the iPad support multiple users? I asked a few colleagues around the office what they think are the reasons for such a gross omission and far too often I got responses like, "But the iPad is such a personal device," or "They just want every household to buy one for each person living there."

Regarding the first excuse I immediately call foul. Yes, the iPad is a personal device, but it's no more personal than my MacBook Pro--which has no issues with giving my wife or me that deliciously satisfying cube-rotation animation when logging in and out. When I think "personal device" I think of, say, a toothbrush. Since the iPad is not a toothbrush (yet), it should let my wife and me maintain separate identities or system states so we don't continuously need to log in and out of e-mail accounts, Facebook, Twitter, and the like 20 times a day. Sure, iOS was originally conceived for a phone, but the iPad is not a phone that I carry around in my pocket.… Read more

How to back up your Android phone

Android doesn't offer a native backup service, so it's easy to ignore the need to do so. But don't wait until it's too late to start thinking about backing up your phone. Many of us rely on our phone cameras to snap day-to-day photos of our lives and save text messages to have some of the most important conversations. So before a thief swipes that phone, or a spilled cup of coffee bricks it, follow these tips:

Google has your back. Go to Settings > Privacy, and make sure that "Back up my settings" … Read more

Samsung Gem review: Edgy personality in a basic Froyo phone

Does it have Samsung's signature high-polish glossy body? Of course! But the Samsung Gem, an Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone for U.S. Cellular, also has some style all its own. With its swooping lines and repeated pentagonal, superhero-esque accent, it doesn't look like just any other Android phone.

We're pleased that Samsung left its custom TouchWiz interface off this model, giving us the default (some would call it "pure") Android experience.

The specs are typical for a … Read more

Altec Lansing InMotion Air review: Stylish Bluetooth speaker

Let's start with the good stuff. Altec Lansing's InMotion Air IMW725, which retails for $199, is one of the better-looking compact wireless Bluetooth speakers out there. It's got a unique, modern design and comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, which allows you to take it outside without having to plug it in. We also liked the hideaway dock on the back of the unit for the small remote and the inclusion of a USB dongle. The dongle lets you stream audio from your Windows or Mac computer to the InMotion Air, using it as a computer speaker--whether … Read more

Droid Incredible 2 should hit Verizon stores April 28

Monday we brought you more details on the upcoming HTC Droid Incredible 2, and now it appears that the smartphone will land at Verizon Wireless on April 28.

According to a tipster, there's a 99 percent chance that the upgrade to theDroid Incredible will go on sale two weeks from today "barring any unforeseen complications." We still don't know pricing, but we suspect that it will cost in the $199 range with service.

We also got to peruse the marketing flier, which confirms that the handset will offer a 1GHz processor, a front-facing camera for video … Read more

Motorola's rugged 7-inch tablet aims for enterprise

Motorola could be in the early stages of developing a new, rugged Android tablet. According to information passed to Engadget, the company has begun work on a new 7-inch tablet that looks to feature a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. Other preliminary specifications peg this unnamed tablet with an 8-megapixel camera on the back, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI output, and a USB port for "snap-in" peripherals.

The presentation slide alludes to a "rugged" tablet that would be able to withstand extreme temperatures and drops from 4 feet. Motorola has already … Read more