This morning AT&T announced the availability of the HTC One X, just as expected from what we heard yesterday. The One X official release date is May 6th, with pre-orders beginning on April 22nd. In contrast to the price shock of the Samsung Galaxy Note, the HTC One X is priced at the “standard” $199.99 with a two year contract price-point.

If you needed a quick refresher, the AT&T HTC One X features a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 1GB of RAM, 4.6-inch 720p HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 32GB of internal storage, Beats Audio and Sense 4 on top of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Check out AT&T’s preview video or the full press release below:

Full Press Release:

HTC One X Available Exclusively from AT&T Beginning May 6 for $199.99

4G LTE Entertainment Superphone features Amazing Camera and Beats Audio Experience, Runs on Android 4.0 and HTC Sense 4

Dallas, Texas, Bellevue, Washington, April 18, 2012

Key Facts

• The first new smartphone from AT&T to run the latest version of the Android operating system (4.0), the HTC One X, will be available from AT&T beginning May 6 for $199.99.
• HTC One X is AT&T’s first smartphone with Beats by Dr. Dre™ Audio built-in to the hardware and software.
• HTC One X is the first smartphone from AT&T to offer HTC Sense™ 4 to deliver an amazing camera with improvements to the lens, sensor and software, an authentic sound experience with Beats by Dr. Dre Audio, and long-lasting battery performance to accommodate heavy mobile use.
• Pre-orders for HTC One X will begin April 22.  Customers can visit any company-owned retail store or http://www.att.com/onex for more information.

Sound at its Finest

HTC One X is the first device from AT&T with HTC’s authentic sound experience featuring Beats by Dr. Dre Audio integration, offering rich, full sounds with professional-grade sound engineering to play the music how the artist intended.  Beats Audio provides a distortion-free sound at higher volume and rich bass at all levels for whether you are watching movies, playing games or streaming music.  HTC One X is custom tuned for the best audio performance when used with Beats by Dr. Dre accessories,** including the Beatbox (AT&T exclusive), Wireless HD Stereo Bluetooth Headphones, Beats™ Solo™ HD Headphones, and UR Beats™ In-ear Headphones.

With built-in software on the HTC One X, customers can connect it to a computer and HTC’s Sync Manager software automatically installs to your computer and once connected, makes it easy to move music and playlists to your phone from your music library.

Entertainment Everywhere

Consumers’ ability to incorporate their smartphones into every aspect of their lives continues with the HTC One X.  Watching TV shows or movies will be even more enjoyable on its 4.7-inch 720p HD screen with sharp images that appear detailed and visible from every angle – even angled up to 80 degrees.  HTC Watch gives you access to thousands of Hollywood blockbusters with minimal wait time and offers companion content to find out more about the film.  You can begin watching the movie moments after it starts downloading and wirelessly share the content on any HD TV using HTC’s wireless HDMI Media Link HD adapter.**

The laminated cover glass and touch layer eliminates light reflection for superior sharpness and clarity, and is protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass.  HTC One X is made with a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody design that showcases its clean lines and seamless construction.

Superior Camera

For many consumers, their smartphone doubles as their camera.  HTC One X’s 8MP HD camera features ImageSense and rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera including the lens, sensor and software, while integrating HTC’s new ImageChip to make quality picture taking a breeze.

Fumbling with the menu and settings on your smartphone is frustrating when the perfect shot is right in front of you. In less than one second, you can launch the camera from the lock screen and within another second the camera’s autofocus zeros in on your subject and zero shutter lag lets you take continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button.  HTC One X takes beautiful photos under low-light, no-light, and back-light conditions. The Video Pic feature allows the capture of still pictures while recording video in HD as well as the ability to capture a still image from previously recorded video.

The HTC One X’s next-generation 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 dual-core processor allows customers to run heavy duty tasks such as creating and editing homemade videos smoothly without any lag, while the 1,800 mAh embedded battery, and software enhancements that improve battery performance by 50-100 percent over previous HTC phones, offers hours of uninterrupted entertainment time.

HTC Sense 4

HTC One X will be one of the first devices in the U.S. with the simple and intuitive HTC Sense 4 user experience.  It helps make the Beats Audio experience possible while listening to any audio component and features camera enhancements including a quick launch feature for the camera on the HTC One X – dramatically cutting down the time needed to move from the lock screen to snapping a picture.

It features 6 watts of power delivered through 2 speakers and 10 watts of bass from a sub-woofer. With the installation of the SONR app on your phone, the wireless remote can control volume, play/pause and skip track. Controls are also on the speaker dock itself.

You can purchase the speaker dock from Digital Innovations, ThinkGeek or Amazon for $99.

The Archos G9 series Honeycomb tablets haven’t been on sale that long, and it was only just a couple of weeks ago when they received their first firmware update. And now Archos has another update ready with some bug fixes and improvements. The new software is Version 3.2.56 and is available now for the G9 80 and G9 101 tablets from the Archos support website or over-the-air by going to Settings > About Tablet > Check For Update. Here’s the full changelog from Archos.

• Android browser: add support for new browsing modes in settings (using various tablet/desktop user agents)
• Network shares: improve browsing behavior robustness and mounting reliability
• Memory management: reduce time for an application to load
• Wi-Fi: achieve faster reconnect
• Wi-Fi: fix mobile access point support
• Accessories: add support for some USB Ethernet adapters (chipsets: RTL8150, ASIX AX88xxx, Davicom DM9601, SMSC LAN75xx, SMSC LAN95xx, NetChip 1080, MosChip MCS7830) on micro USB port
• Video: fix sound being lost sometimes while playing and need to seek/play/pause to recover it
• Filebrowser: make it usable with Archos remote application
• Battery: apply less intrusive low battery warnings
• Keyboard: no need to reboot to apply keyboard layout

Press Release:

Motorola Mobility Unveils the New Motorola RAZR™:

Impossibly Thin Meets Head-turning Innovation

With an ultra-thin, lightweight design and mind-blowing features, Motorola RAZR is about to make heads turn

Oct. 18, 2011

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Oct. 18, 2011 – Say hello to the jaw-dropping new Motorola RAZR, brought to you by Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI). Impossibly thin at 7.1 millimeters with sexy curves to boot, this beauty will be available in North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa starting this November. Boasting a gorgeous sculpted glass face, diamond-cut aluminum accents and a hyper-vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display for incredibly vivid images. Motorola RAZR also sports KEVLAR^® fiber (yes, that KEVLAR) and Corning^®Gorilla^® Glass to help the screen stand up to scratches and scrapes. In fact, every part of Motorola RAZR is protected by a splash-guard coating – even the electrical boards inside. This work of art is a force to be reckoned with.

If that’s not enough, pop the hood and find a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor with an impressive 1GB of RAM, all powered by Android^™ 2.3.5. You’ll fly through tasks up to two times faster than single-core processor phones. Stream or download music and photos from your home or work computer with the easy-to-use MOTOCAST^™ app¹. Watch movies on a screen that sports a wider range of colors than most LCD HDTVs. And for that inspiring filmmaker in you, use the 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p video capture for crisp, clear, cinematic-quality images.

“Motorola RAZR is an iconic brand, and one that originally revolutionized the mobile device industry by turning a functional necessity into an object of desire,” said Sanjay Jha, chairman and CEO, Motorola Mobility. “Now we’ve done it again with a head-turning, ultra-thin smartphone that offers users breathtaking speed, innovative apps and revolutionary accessories.”

Close to Home, Wherever You Go
Your favorite music playlists, from classic rock to heavy metal. Pics of every vacation, from road trip to romantic getaway. With Motorola RAZR it’s all at your fingertips, all the time. With the free preloaded MotoCast app, you can stream content from your computer straight to your pocket (or purse) so your personal content is always within reach. Whether you’re across the street or across the country, you can rock your playlists or breeze through photos instantly – without hogging your device’s memory. And, because you don’t have to upload to a third-party site, you’re saving time while gaining peace of mind. That’s right – your files stay safe because they stay with you.

Life Has Never Looked Better
“Super AMOLED Advanced display technology.” It sounds futuristic because it is. Whether you stream or download your movies, hyper-vibrant colors make watching flicks on-the-go just as thrilling as watching at home on your HDTV. And zero motion-blur keeps the action smooth, so you can focus on the story, not the screen. Capture the excitement of your own life with the 8-megapixel rear camera and 1080p HD video recording, or chat with a friend using the front-facing HD video camera. No need for clunky, expensive camera equipment.

Work Smart. Not Hard.
Featuring government-grade encryption for protecting your email, contacts and calendar, this device has been deemed “Business Ready” by Motorola’s enterprise experts. Even your strict IT manager will be impressed. Hassle factor? Zero. Plus, Motorola RAZR is equipped with the Motorola Smart Actions app that lets you automate everyday tasks and enable better battery life. Smart Actions can turn down the ringer when you step into work, change the Bluetooth and GPS settings when you get home to save battery, or send a text to someone if you miss their call. It’s the simple things in life that make all the difference.

Accessories Unlock a World of Experiences
Motorola RAZR is powerful on its own, but when combined with Motorola’s accessories (sold separately), you unleash a world of possibilities. Use the new Motorola Lapdock^™ 500 Pro or Lapdock^™ 100 to let loose Motorola’s revolutionary webtop application, giving you the power to edit documents and browse the Web with a desktop-class Firefox^® browser – all while powering the device. Or, plug your Motorola RAZR into the HD Dock or HD Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers and other productivity peripherals for large-screen entertainment. And now, you can control your content, browse the web, and use your Android apps from the comfort of your couch with the Smart Controller. The built in touch-pad lets you zoom, pinch and rotate content just like a touchscreen. Best of all, no more running for your phone when a call comes in, you can make and take calls while your phone is docked. You can also connect a navigation dock for GPS and directions, battery pack for extra life, Bluetooth^®-enabled keyboard for efficient typing, and the elegantly designed, almost-invisible Motorola ELITE SLIVER^™ headset for discrete, hands-free talking. You’ll have the brains, brawn and beauty to make the impossible possible.

For more information and multimedia assets for Motorola RAZR and Motorola DROID RAZR by Motorola, please visit our press kit: Motorola RAZR press kit. Availability information by region and carrier will be made close to availability dates.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Been shopping around for a Bluetooth speakerphone, but not liking all the drab options? How about something with a bit of Android flair to it? This little guy is a full fledged 2-watt Bluetooth 3.0 speakerphone for your car or desk. You can stream music from the tiny but powerful little speaker, and there’s also a microphone for hands-free phone calls. The robot’s head acts as a control for your music, twisting it to either side changes tracks, or push to pause. The battery is good for about 10 hours of use, and charges via a mini USB cable which is included.

This little guy is now available from MobileFun for £19.95 (approximately US $31.33).

The Sony Tablet P is a different kind of beast. The same Tegra 2 processor is under the hood, but instead there’s a clamshell form-factor, and dual 5.5 inch displays with 1024×800 resolution. There’s only 4GB of internal storage, but it’s expandable via a microSD card slot. There will also be 4G support on the AT&T network, no word if it’s the HSPA+ or LTE variety, probably the former.

Both models have front and rear facing cameras and are currently running Android 3.1, but Sony has promised Android 3.2 by launch time. There’s also heavy cross integration with other Sony devices, such as DLNA support with compatible Bravia HDTVs, both are compatible with Sony Mediea Remote via WiFi and infrared remote control support is baked into in the Tablet S.

Full Press Release:

Two Optimally Designed Android™ Devices Deliver Portability, Easy Handling and an Immersive Entertainment Experience

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony today announced the market launch of its first two Sony Tablet™ devices. The Android-powered Sony Tablet S and Sony Tablet P devices combine unique hardware, content and network services with seamless usability to create a world of engaging networked entertainment experiences.

Available for pre-sale today and on shelves next month, the Sony Tablet S device is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 9.4-inch touchscreen display. With a powerful NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor, the Sony Tablet S device lets you enjoy the web as well as your favorite content and applications on its large, high-resolution screen. Weighing in at just about 1.33 lbs., its unique asymmetric design allows for hours of comfortable use and built-in Wi-Fi® compatibility means Internet connectivity virtually anywhere there’s a hotspot.

Available later this year, the Sony Tablet P device is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. With its innovative folding design, two 5.5-inch displays and weight at about 0.83 lbs., it can easily fit into a pocket, purse or backpack. It features the same NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor and is both Wi-Fi compatible and 4G capable exclusively on AT&T’s mobile broadband network,(1) offering users access to digital content including videos, games, and e-mail, while on the go, nearly anytime.

Both devices run on Android, Android 3.1 on Sony Tablet S devices(2) and Sony Tablet P devices will be equipped with Android 3.2 by the time they ship. Both models feature front and rear facing cameras that allow for video recording and capturing still images. The devices also support micro USB interface and SD card.

Sony Tablet devices are also distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: optimally designed hardware and software, a “swift and smooth” experience, network entertainment services and cross-device functionality.

“These devices truly represent the best of everything Sony has to offer,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Networked Technology and Services Division. “From hardware to software and services, Sony Tablet devices embody all our innovations rolled into one.”

Optimally Designed Hardware and Software

Unlike other tablet devices, Sony Tablet S device has an ergonomic, asymmetric design which allows it to be easily held or carried for long periods of time. The unique form factor shifts the device’s weight closer to your palm, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading an e-book or watching a video. The screen is sloped when placed on a flat surface, enhancing visibility and making typing more comfortable. Placing a Sony Tablet S device onto a specialized charging cradle (sold separately) converts the device into a digital photo frame, a digital clock that displays customizable information or chumby with access to over 1,500 fun and entertaining apps.

Software taking advantage of the unprecedented design of the Sony Tablet P device allows its dual screens to be used for different functions simultaneously such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller or reading email on one screen while using the other as a virtual keyboard. The displays can also be combined to form a single large screen for Internet browsing and more. By holding the device vertically, you can also read eBooks much in the same manner you would a physical book.

Both Sony Tablet devices are equipped with Sony’s TruBlack™ displays which reduce reflection and glare from sunlight or fluorescent light for high-contrast visibility both indoors and out.

Swift and Smooth Experience

A combination of Sony technologies, Quick view and Quick touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen as well as an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions or auto word complete make email and texting a breeze.

Networked Entertainment

Both Sony Tablet devices come complete with access to a full suite of Sony’s network entertainment services.

• Sony Entertainment Network services: Video Unlimited is your ticket to the latest releases from every major movie studio to rent or own. A pre-open campaign for the Sony Tablet devices will be offered at device launch with limited content and more content will continue to be released over time.Music Unlimited, available in October, offers instant access to a global catalog of over 10 million songs from every major record label (numbers vary by country). Simply sync to the cloud and enjoy the music you love on Sony Tablet devices or any other Internet-enabled Sony device. A six month trial basic membership from Music Unlimited and a free movie download from Video Unlimited come with the purchase of each device.
• PlayStation® Certified: Sony Tablet devices are the first PlayStation® Certified tablets that provide out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites “Crash Bandicoot” and “Pinball Heroes.”
• Reader™ Store: Access bestsellers, new releases, classics, magazines and more from more than 2.5 million titles at Reader™ Store by Sony. The store’s intuitive reading interface is ideal for on-the-go reading, allowing book lovers to set bookmarks, make highlights and adjust font sizes as they read. A free eBook download is included with the purchase of the device.
• Personal Space™ by Sony: This free service allows you to easily share pictures and videos captured on Sony Tablet devices. You can also access albums that were previously uploaded from other devices.

Video, music, games and other content can be directly accessed by way of the “Favorites” menu without the need to re-launch any of the respective applications.

Cross Device Connectivity

Control your home entertainment system and enjoy content in new ways. With Sony Tablet devices, you can “throw” personal pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions such as BRAVIA® HDTVs with the touch of a button. You can also throw music to compatible wireless speakers such as Sony’s HomeShare™ speakers. The Sony Tablet S device, which is equipped with infrared technology, can act as a remote control for multiple home entertainment components such as TVs, Blu-ray Disc™ players, cable and satellite boxes, and more. The built-in Universal remote not only controls your Sony products, but other brands as well. Sony Tablet S device is the world’s first Android Tablet running Honeycomb with a built in A/V remote control. Both Sony Tablet devices are compatible with the Media Remote™ app which allows you to control Sony devices, including BRAVIA televisions, through Wi-Fi® technology.

Wide Range of Applications

A variety of applications add to the entertainment options. With access to the Android Market™, you can browse thousands of useful time-saving and fun apps. Sony Tablet devices also provide instant access to Google™ mobile services and applications, including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. To make app discovery even easier, Sony offers its Select App site which highlights new and unique Android applications in a number of categories, recommended for Sony Tablet devices. Recommended applications will be spotlighted at launch with more to come in the following weeks and months.

Accessories, Pricing, Availability

A range of optional accessories includes a cradle, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable for Sony Tablet S devices, and a rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and detachable panels for Sony Tablet P devices. A Bluetooth keyboard is also available for both models.

The Sony Tablet S device is available in both a 16 GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and other authorized retailers nationwide for about $499 and $599, respectively. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/tablet or check out www.sony.com/tabletvideo for a video unboxing.

It’s not the typical kickstand style that’s integrated into phones like HTC EVO, or even the first case we’ve seen with an integrated stand. But it’s useful nonetheless. This is a new case from a Korean company called UCO, and the name of the case is called Buckle Up. Providing protection for the phone and doesn’t block your camera or important ports. The only drawback I can see is that it probably can’t hold your phone in the portrait position. Priced at 24,000 Won (about $24 USD), it’s available now from the UCO online store in three different colors, “smog” (pictured), red and pink.

[via Akihabara News]

CrunchGear recently reviewed the GoBiz i-Microphone (Why so many products copying the iSomething naming?), and I find the product really interesting. While I imagine the demand for external microphones on smartphones isn’t particularly high, I can see the usefulness for some people. There’s many times when recording a video, or sometimes audio, that you loose a lot of sound quality and you end up with a C-grade YouTube clip. They say it’s compatible with the iPhone, Android phones and Blackberrys. Well, at least any phone with a standard jack, CrunchGear tested it on a Motorola Droid. It features gains of up to 12dB louder than a built-in microphone. While the sound is louder, that doesn’t always mean better. I wouldn’t try to record a concert or in a loud bar with it. From what I can tell, it doesn’t look like you can face it any direction than up, which means you’re more likely to capture the commentary from your buddy next to you more than what you’re videotaping in front of you.

Bottom line: If you want quality audio, record from something other than your smartphone. If you want a happy medium in between, it’s priced at 26 bucks.

[GoBiz i-Microphone EIM-001 on Amazon - $25.99]

There are more than a few types of gloves out there with special fingertips that allow you to use your capacitive touchscreen phone while keeping your hands warm. But some people prefer to actually touch their phone. New York based company Freehands has developed a line of gloves with removable fingertips for your index finger and thumb, allowing you complete control of your touchscreen phone or tablet. The tips also have built in magnets to keep them out of your way when you’re typing out that important email or text. Available in many different styles for men and women. With budget conscious pricing from $16, all the way up to $80 if you’re a fan of cashmere. So even if your Christmas is white, doesn’t mean your fingers have to get frostbite.

[$19-$39 at Amazon]

[via The Gadgeteer]

Have you ever been in a hurry to get to work or were late to an important dinner date, got in your car and rushed there, only to realize you forgot your phone? Well, never again with a handy little device called Bringrr. The premise is quite simple, you pair the device with your Android phone’s bluetooth, then leave it plugged into your car’s 12V outlet. When you start your car, if Bringrr doesn’t detect your device within range, the blue LED changes to red and an alarm sounds so you know your phone is still in the house.

How much will this luxury run you? The basic model is $29.95 with free shipping at Amazon. There’s also a model with built in USB charger for $39.95 at Amazon.

No word on how well it works if you ride in another vehicle or take the bus.

[Bringrr website]