T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide now official, to hit stores in July

After several leaks T-Mobile has finally listed the myTouch 4G Slide on its US site as a coming soon handset. The HTC-made handset will be available for as low as $199.99 on a two-year bond with "America's largest 4G network", starting next month. There are no specifics on the required monthly fee just yet or any mentions of a potential SIM-free deal.

The phone will be offered in two color versions - white and "khaki" (meaning a beige spinoff) and will be exclusively offered by T-Mobile.

The myTouch 4G Slide is joining the already pretty large family of droids on the T-Mobile shelves. Its myTouch 4G keyboard-less brother and myTouch 3G Slide predecessors were quite popular so expectations for this one will be high too.

The myTouch4G Slide brings along a 3.7" S-LCD display, the latest Android meant for smartphones, Gingerbread 2.3, a dual-core Snapdragon processor, FullHD 1080p video recording and an 8 MP camera. T-Mobile were keen to brag that the myTouch 4G Slide camera packs an ultra bright f/2.2 lens, just like the Nokia N9, which should benefit its low-light performance.

Naturally the smartphone also offers HSPA+ support, meaning downlink speeds of up to 21 Mbps and uplink of 5.76 Mbps. Oh and a full physical QWERTY keyboard, which slides out from its body.

With a specs sheet like that the myTouch 4G will surely be a great catch for Android enthusiasts with a thing for texting.

T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide photos surface, no 3D screen in sight

The HTC-made T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide has show up in a couple of out-of-focus shots. Some specs were confirmed, but others were refuted – most notably the 3D screen rumor is apparently false.

The T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide initially leaked through an XML as the HTC Doubleshot and there was even a camera sample from Picasa. Later we found out that “Doubleshot” was the codename for T-Mobile USA’s myTouch 4G Slide.

The new photos confirm that this droid is running Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread with HTC Sense 3.0. The screen is reportedly nothing special and not 3D as initial rumors suggested. Neither is the 8MP camera on the back of the myTouch 4G Slide (so, Doubleshot didn’t refer to two cameras).

T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide

Anyway, the device supposedly runs much faster than the myTouch 4G (1GHz Scorpion) and was as smooth as the Sensation, which seems to confirm the 1.2GHz dual-core CPU on the myTouch 4G.

The phone has a metal back cover and the slide-out QWERTY keyboard was comparable to that of the T-Mobile G2. The screen has WVGA resolution, though there’s still no info on its size.

The leaked T-Mobile USA roadmap pegs the myTouch 4G Slide for a 6 July launch but we haven’t seen confirmation of that yet. The roadmap did prove accurate for a couple of other T-Mobile phones though.

T-Mobile USA announces Exhibit 4G and Gravity SMART droids

T-Mobile USA and Samsung just announced two budget-friendly droids – the Samsung Exhibit 4G and the Gravity SMART. They’re intended to be an easy entry into Android land, both costing under $100 after a $50 mail-in rebate.

You may be thinking “meh” but don’t judge these droids by their price – the Samsung Exhibit 4G features speedy HSPA+ 3G connectivity (it’s not actually 4G but it does reach 21Mbps download speeds) and a fast 1GHz processor.

The Exhibit 4G runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with TouchWiz on top. You also get a secondary video call camera for video chats. The main camera isn't particularly impressive – it’s a 3MP unit – but any more and it will be encroaching on Galaxy S territory.

The second phone for today is the Samsung Gravity SMART. It’s a messenger at heart with a four-row slide-out QWERTY keyboard and Android 2.2 Froyo with Group Text support (a service that sends a message to up to 50 people).

It’s got a 3.2” screen with Swype preinstalled for quick text entry even when the keyboard is closed. The Samsung Gravity SMART also packs a 3MP camera.

Both the Samsung Exhibit 4G and the Gravity SMART are expected to launch some time in June. The leaked T-Mobile roadmap suggests both should be available on 8 June.

Android 2.2 Froyo update hits the T-Mobile Motorola Defy

For some owners of Motorola's resilient smartphone the Defy, the wait is finally over. Those on T-Mobile in US are finally getting the Froyo 2.2 update that some Android users have been enjoying since as far back as summer last year.

The Defy shipped with Eclair 2.1 and, at the time, offered plenty of bang for your buck. However as time passed and competition improved the smartphone started slipping down the ranks. Fortunately now Motorola are bringing the Defy's first update, which will help it regain some ground.

The Android 2.2 Froyo update is available over the air. You can get it by going to "About Phone" in the device's Settings menu and hitting "System Software Updates". The download itself is around 112MB so it's advised to get it onto your handset whilst connected over Wi-Fi or using an appropriate data plan.

The Defy's Android Froyo 2.2 update brings benefits such as Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality (up to 5 devices), Flash support and allows you to install apps to the SD card as well. On top of these blanket improvements, Motorola have also been tinkering and tweaking the Defy's performance and have added new profiles, each with three customisable home screens, contacts search from your dialler, LinkedIn account integration to your contacts, social networking and messaging updates and revamped gallery UI.

Across the pond, European Defy owners should soon too be able to start getting Defy updates, according to Motorola's update schedule.

T-Mobile G2x on sale online, $200 on 2-year contract in the US

The T-Mobile G2x is available for anyone looking for some dual-core Android goodness. You can grab it only from T-Mobile USA’s website for now but it’ll be in brick and mortar stores as soon as next week.

The T-Mobile G2x is the twin brother to the LG Optimus 2X but unlike it, it runs vanilla Android 2.2 Froyo (the Optimus 2X has LG’s UI customizations on top and Froyo underneath). The phone is powered by a 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 chipset. If you want to learn more about the T-Mobile G2x, you can read our Optimus 2X review. Just gloss over the customized interface bits.

The 2X is getting Gingerbread in the summer, but we don’t know when the G2x can expect it. It should be easier to port since it’s a vanilla Android, but that doesn’t mean it will come out sooner.

Anyway, the T-Mobile G2x can be had right now from the site for $200 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) and with a 2-year contract (at least $30/month). Starting 20 April (that’s next Wednesday) it will be on physical store shelves as well.

The G2x also boasts access to T-Mobile’s “Largest 4G network”, which as you probably already know is actually an HSPA+ network.

Oh, the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G will join the G2x on the shelves starting 20 April. It runs Android rather than Danger OS, but it’s still good if you’re nostalgic about Sidekicks.

T-Mobile G2x now available online for $200, hitting stores April 20th

T-Mobile's Android roster is growing in number and sheer benchmarking virility today with the launch of the LG-produced G2X. This handset runs bone stock Android (Froyo today, Gingerbread in the future) atop a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 system-on-chip, and just like its international twin the Optimus 2X, eschews the physical flair and focuses on being the best damn 4-inch smartphone that it can be. It costs $199.99 on a two-year contract and can be bought online today or in stores starting April 20th. Also scheduled for general availability on that date is the QWERTY slider-equipped Sidekick 4G, though that sleepyhead is missing out on any early web availability -- it's probably too busy adjusting its tricked-out Android skin and checking that its magenta accents are all spotless. Links are below, whether you're feeling inquisitive or acquisitive.

Leak: T-Mobile G2x launches 15 April, T-Mo G-Slate to cost $530

The T-Mobile G2x went official last month but we still don’t have an official launch date. We do have an unofficial one though thanks to some leaked materials from T-Mobile - next Friday, 15 April, is the purported launch date.

The Tegra 2 powered droid is the T-Mobile cousin of the LG Optimus 2X. As such, the T-Mobile G2x packs a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 8MP still camera with FullHD (1080p) video recording.

How much those specs are translated in terms of money is not clear at this point, but if those leaked materials are legit (and even if they are, they are subject to change) we’ll be seeing the G2x hitting T-Mobile shelves by the end of next week.

Speaking of money, the T-Mobile G-Slate (an LG Optimus Pad variant) is coming to T-Mobile stores “soon” for $529.99 according to the same leaked materials. And it’s bringing its 3D-shooting dual-camera with it.

We don't know if 3D will become popular on mobile phones, but we're interested what you use your phone for right now - tell us by taking our survey.

T-Mobile CEO confirms Sidekick 4G, Galaxy S 4G; Froyo for first Vibrant coming soon

T-Mobile USA’s new CEO Phillip Humm confirmed at an event on Thursday that the carrier will soon launch a pair of new “4G” HSPA+ phones. Humm noted that T-Mobile will soon announce a 4G version of Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone as well as a 4G addition to the popular Sidekick line that will run Android. “We will launch as new the Samsung Galaxy S 4G … and coming soon, will also be a Sidekick 4G. Everybody knows the Sidekick, and we’re going to relaunch the Sidekick and bring it as a 4G device, Android based, into the market,” Humm said at the event. While he didn’t refer to the Vibrant 4G by name — instead, he called it a “Galaxy S 4G” — Humm’s confirmation certainly firms up our exclusive report from earlier this week. We can likely expect both handsets to be announced next month at Mobile World Congress, and Humm confirmed that both devices will launch in the first half of this year. T-Mobile also said at the even that its current Vibrant smartphone will finally receive a software update “very soon,” and that the carrier will not offer Apple’s iPhone in the near future due to the device’s incompatibility with its AWS 3G network.

UPDATE: Check that. It looks like T-Mobile went with the “Galaxy S 4G” moniker instead of “Vibrant 4G.” Since it’s basically the same phone with the addition of newer HSPA+ compatibility from the looks of things, the carrier likely wanted to distinguish it from its predecessor as much as possible.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G hands-on!

As tech writers we get to play with a ton of phones, but nothing really takes us back to our high school days like playing with a Sidekick — and we just had a chance to sit down with the first one powered by Android. Built by Samsung, the Sidekick 4G features Android 2.2 (Froyo) and, despite our initial fears that it would be a lackluster device compared to the high-end beauties recently announced, we were pretty pleased with what the Sidekick 4G offers. It includes a horizontal-slider form factor, a throwback QWERTY keyboard with rounded keys, and more power under the hood than any Sidekick before it. Hit the jump for our hands-on with the Sidekick 4G, and some initial impressions.

The Sidekick 4G is powered by a 1Ghz Cortex A8 Samsung Hummingbird processor, so unlike previous models that had a feature phone feel, the Sidekick 4G has enough kick to keep up with T-Mobile’s high-end smartphones. It felt well built and its display hinge felt very sturdy when we popped it open to reveal the keyboard. Moving around the custom user interface was fluid and fun, but we think tweens and teens will probably enjoy the colorful UI a bit more than we did. The Sidekick 4G has a 3-megapixel camera but sadly, it lacks a flash. For those up on video-chatting, however, there’s also a front-facing camera.

Overall, the Sidekick 4G felt light in the hand and well built, but it also reminds us a bit more of a feature phone than a smartphone. That’s OK, though, given that it has the power of a smartphone with the features users expect from a Sidekick: Easy and quick messaging with a great keyboard and a fun user interface.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G images uncovered

Following T-Mobile’s confirmation last week that it would soon launch an HSPA+ compatible Sidekick sequel, leaked images of the Sidekick 4G have been revealed. Enthusiast blog TmoNews published the images on Thursday along with some preliminary details. The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is manufactured by Samsung, and the device pictured is said to be running a customized version of Android 2.2.1. It is unclear if this is a final build for the phone or if it will launch with a newer version of the Android operating system. From the image above, it appears as though the display will feature a sliding mechanism that opens at a forward angle like the Nokia N97, or allows the display angle to be adjusted like the HTC Touch Pro2. There also appears to be a front-facing camera on the device for video chat. Hit the break for more shots of the upcoming T-Mobile Sidekick 4G.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G gets official, coming later this spring

Remember your first Sidekick? That black and white screen… but oh, the AOL Instant Messanger. T-Mobile is back at it with a brand new Sidekick, though quite a few things have noticeably changed. For starters, this isn’t your younger cousins’ Sidekick Slide — Microsoft-owned Danger is nowhere to be found on here — Google’s Android OS powers the Samsung-manufactured device, and it’s pretty feature packed. The new Sidekick 4G rocks a 3.5″ display, support for T-Mobile’s 21Mbps 4G HSPA + network, a 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird CPU, front-facing video camera, signature Sidekick QWERTY keyboard with “pop-tilt” hinge, and is preloaded Twitter and Facebook applications. Two color choices, matte black and pearl magenta will be available from T-Mobile when the device launches “later this spring”. Pricing has not yet been announced. Full press release after the jump!

T-Mobile Sidekick Is Reborn

New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub, Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS — March 15, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.,1 today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4GTM by Samsung. The new AndroidTM-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile’s fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G NetworkTM, the new Sidekick 4G is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a touch screen and its sturdy “pop-tilt” hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status as an exceptional messaging device.

The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group TextTM and Cloud TextTM to redefine messaging. Sidekick’s Group Text feature lets customers create, name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms, whether from the comfort of their PC’s large screen and keyboard, or from their new Sidekick 4G.

“Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile’s 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers customers both speed and style,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “We’ve reinvented the messaging experience that made the Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network.”

Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, “We are proud that T-Mobile selected Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class hardware, combined with T-Mobile’s 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and TwitterTM applications, and provides easy interaction with customers’ social networks by allowing them to update their status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone’s address book, which lets them post to their friends’ walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with the Sidekick 4G’s jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications.

In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go is a breeze. Sidekick’s Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies, YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill.

Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QikTM, to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to their next destination — all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer dynamic media features and integrated GoogleTM services, including GmailTM, Google MapsTM and access to thousands of applications on Android MarketTM.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmartTM from T-Mobile, a first-of-its kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated, DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and will respond when it’s safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the wheel.

Offered exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be available later this spring in two stylish colors — matte black or pearl magenta. Customers can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G to launch April 20th, tweets RadioShack

If you’re a member of the T-Mobile family and are intrigued by the new, Android-based Sidekick handset, listen up. RadioShack has taken to Twitter to let its customers know that the device will be on store shelves beginning on April 20th. “The new @TMobile Sidekick 4G comes to The Shack on April 20,” reads the post. “Who’s your fav sidekick? Tweet us a pic!#BestSidekickEver.” Announced on March 15th, the Samsung-made horizontal-slider will be priced at $99.99 with a signed 2-year contract. The device will sport a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 4.5-inch display, 21 Mbps HSPA+ radio, and will run Froyo (Android 2.2) — the Sidekick will be available in matte black or pearl magenta. What was unknown, up to this point, was when the Sidekick would be available for purchase.