New Update in the Works for Motorola Charm, Testers Needed
No, Motorola hasn’t changed their tune about Android 2.2 on the Motorola CHARM but they are planning on issuing an update to the handset nonetheless. The update is currently in the testing phase, and Moto is seeking out 500 Charm owners to give it a go before its official release. The new firmware will enable T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi calling, improve overall phone stability, and bring in an array of other fixes and tweaks you can read up on at Motorola’s support forums.
If you want to be one of the 500 to get early access, you will need to register and complete a survey before 7PM PST on March 10th.
[via AndroidCentral]
T-Mobile bringing ‘affordable’ Android phones this holiday season
T-Mobile is bringing a quartet of sub-$100 phones to market in time for the holiday season. They are:
- T-Mobile Comet: Also known as the Hauwei Ideos, available Nov. 3 for $9.99 after $50 rebate and two-year contract. Also available at Target, Radio Shack and Best Buy for less than $200.
- LG Optimus T: Available Nov. 3 for $29.99 after $50 rebate and contract.
- Motorola Charm: $49.99 after $50 rebate and contract.
- Motorola Defy: $99.99 after $50 contract and rebate.
The Charm’s been out for a bit, but it’s good to finally see dates and pricing on some of the others. Full presser is after the break.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Apple sues Motorola over multitouch on its Android smartphones
Another day, another patent lawsuit. And this time around it’s Apple suing Motorola over multitouch on nearly all its Android phones — basically everything up to and including the Droid X. In addition to the multitouch infringement claims, there’s also:
- Object-Oriented System Locator System
- Touch Screen Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Determining Commands by Applying Neuristics
- Method and Apparatus for Displaying and Accessing Control and Status Information in a Computer System.
- Support for Custom User-Interaction Elements in a Graphical, Event-Driven Computer System.
Needless to say, this will take a while. And, no, if Moto loses it doesn’t mean your phone will be taken away — it just means Moto will have to either change how it’s doing things — and/or pay a bucketload of money to Apple. Get the full breakdown on the suit at the source link. [Patently Apple via 9 to 5 Mac]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Charm review
The Motorola Charm is the embodiment of the "smart-messaging phone." It runs Android, but make no mistake — it’s not what you would expect from your typical Android phone. It has an excellent qwerty keyboard, a small screen well designed for messaging applications (but little else), and a price point that makes sense. Hit the break to see my impressions of Android’s version of the Kin.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Charm — hands on with T-Mobile’s tiny messenger
That little bitty phone you see in that big meaty paw is the new Motorola Charm from T-Mobile. The form factor is a first for Android, and one many of us (myself included) have been looking forward to. While it may not be running the latest and greatest hardware, and many would say that MotoBlur hinders it, I’m going to go forward and be optomistic about what it can, and does bring to the table.
Under the hood the Charm betrays it’s tiny outsides. Android 2.1 (with MotoBlur), a 600 MHz OMAP processor, 512 MB of ROM and RAM, and all the connectivity you’d expect — Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and a 1700/2100 GSM radio for T-Mobile 3G. The real sore spot is the screen. At 2.8 inches,, and 320×240 resolution, you might have trouble using this as you would a ‘standard’ Android phone. The rear mounted track pad (TrackBack) and full qwerty help out. A lot. I’ll be sure to put it to the test for a bit and we’ll see just how it measures up after. For now, enjoy the video after the break.
Posted originally at Android Central
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T-Mobile Charm available today
You can have it in golden bronze, or you can have it in cabernet — but either way, you can have the Motorola Charm on T-Mobile today for a mere $74.99 after contract and rebate. With it you get this little (that’s a 2.8-inch screen, folks) square monster with a full QWERTY keyboard. There’s a 3MP camera, Adobe Flash Lite, Motoblur, Android 2.1 and the back of the phone doubles as a trackpad. So ‘fess up: Who’s getting this guy? [T-Mobile]
Posted originally at Android Central
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T-Mobile confirms Motorola Charm for Aug. 25 release for a mere $75
T-Mobile has confirmed via Twitter that the Motorola Charm will be available on August 25. We were pretty sure this was the date, as we saw a leaked T-Mobile document a few weeks back with the same date, but it’s always nice to get confirmation from the carrier instead of riding the coattails of a rumor. We also have pricing: $75 after the usual contract and rebate stuff.
While the Charm doesn’t necessarily qualify as a superphone high-end smartphone, it does carry a very interesting form factor, especially for users who are textaholics. Yes, I mean you (and me) ex-BlackBerry users. The bar style with a decent looking QWERTY should appeal to many, and the rear trackpad is one gimmick that I’m in love with. Anyone picking one of these up? [T-Mobile via Twitter]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Charm is now charming Telus [video]
In early July, we were promised that the Motorola Charm would be released in the U.S.sometime this summer — exclusively on T-Mobile. We’ve also seen it listed by Best Buy for $250. Last time we checked the calendar, summer only has a few weeks left here in the states. Where is our Charm T-Mobile?
Well, it looks like our Canadian neighbors beat us to it. The Motorola Charm is now available today for Telus customers. If you don’t mind the old-school Motoblur and want to give the new "Backtrack" rear touchpad a feel, swing by your local Telus store and pick one up today. If you’re scooping one up, let us know in the comments. Hit the break to see the hands on video. [MobileSyrup]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Charm listed at Best Buy for $250
Hey, look at that. It’s the Motorola Charm at Best Buy, listed at $249.99. That’s either one of BB’s famous placeholder prices, or the unsubsidized price. Either way, we’re still no closer to knowing when this thing’s actually coming out on T-Mobile, but there you go. [Best Buy] Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Dummy T-Mobile Charm shows its square face
OK, handling so a dummy phone — basically the shell with none of the fussy radios, microchips or any of the other important thing than turn a piece of plastic into a cell phone — isn’t quite the same thing as actually getting a hands-on. But it’s a good way of seeing what the thing looks like in your hand. And the fact that T-Mobile stores apparently are getting dummy versions of the Motorola Charm probably is a good sign that they’ll be out sooner rather than later. That said, our tipster confirms an earlier TmoNews rumor that the Charm has been delayed, saying that Motorola’s had battery issues with the little square thing. So maybe we’re getting closer to launch, or maybe someone wanted to wash their hands of some dummy phones. Time will tell. Thanks, @jeffnucci!
Posted originally at Android Central
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