Just yesterday we were saying that Casio’s built-to-be-beaten G’zOne Brigade would be launching today — and sure enough, it just went live on Verizon’s web site.

As a rugged phone, it’s flagship feature is that it’s.. well, a rugged phone. These things usually don’t pack much functionality beyond that. This one, however, sneaks a full QWERTY keyboard into its clamshell body, along with push to talk, visual voice mail, and a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash.

Alas, durability doesn’t come cheap; the G’zOne will set you back $299 on a 2-year contract, though they’ll knock that down to $249 if you buy it online.

Offering mobile coupons through an opt-in company mobile site, you can now sign up for the program at m.target.com or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET). You will receive text message with a link to a mobile Web page that contains multiple offers, all accessible through a single barcode. The offers on the mobile site can be redeemed by scanning a barcode on the phone at checkout.

“At Target, we know that mobile phones are an integral part of our guests’ lives, and mobile coupons are just another way we’re providing convenient, on-the-go shopping solutions,” said Steve Eastman, president of Target.com.

In addition to using the new mobile coupons, Target guests can access their Target Mobile GiftCards, view online assortments, check product availability and store locations, manage their Target gift registry and lists, browse the weekly ad, and receive text and e-mail notifications of great deals – all via their mobile phones.

[via engadget]

We recently learned that AT&T had taken Android’s precious Google Search bar and incorporated Yahoo Search instead – a virtual “in ‘yo face” to the search engine giant. But hey, them’s the rules and AT&T is playing by them, right? Well now Motorola could be playing that same game.

A vague (and somewhat awkward) Reuters article suggests that Motorola has a new partnership with Bing that will utilize its search and mapping services on the manufacturer’s Android phones.  They say the deal will be “starting in the coming weeks with phones in China,” which leaves the door open for expansion in other countries. Utilizing Bing in China makes sense given Google’s current standoff with the country’s search censorship, but what does it mean in the long run elsewhere?

Motorola has already announced the allowance of Chinese customers to use Baidu as a search alternative so introducing Bing shouldn’t be a huge surprise. But allowing an alternative (Baidu) and engaging in a partnership (Bing) that likely has financial agreements attached to it are two TOTALLY different things. If Motorola’s Android Phones include Google by default, but Microsoft is bidding to have it replaced with Bing, why WOULDN’T the company be open to negotiations? It would be financially irresponsible NOT to leave that door open.

I think most of us agree that Google Search and Google products such as Maps, Mail, Finance and more offer customers a superior experience. But having those products embedded in a mobile device generates revenue – revenue for which other service providers are willing to bid. And if that opportunity is lucrative enough, will Google be willing to bid on placement in its own Android-based phones?

I’m not sure how deep this Motorola and Microsoft partnership goes but the question has been raised and the issue illustrated. AT&T replaced Google on the Backflip, Motorola  could strategically use Bing in sensitive countries, and these occurences could and likely will continue and grow over time. In one sense this is the beauty of Android. In another, it is the scenario that could continue to contribute to consumer confusion.

I am a whole-hearted believer that consumers need to do their own due diligence in researching a product before they purchase, but will people be buying Android phones with the idea it’ll be bundled with Google services but instead get Yahoo, Bing and other alternatives strewn all over the place? And will we be able to replace them?

Please save the “just root your phone” comments for another discussion… we’re talking about the everyday consumers who often think Android Phones are just “Google Phones” and aren’t likely reading this article. Like it or not, these are the people who move the needle the most and compose the bulk of market share.

I think this new discussion brings up a great point that Google has been pushing all along: they truly have created an open mobile OS that can be customized and controlled by the manufacturers and carriers. They’ve created a level playing field to take mobile to the next level and just want an opportunity to play on the playground, believing their own software and services are superior and will win out in the end. And in the end I think they’re right… unless any of you out there would prefer Yahoo or Bing as your phone’s default?

I’m guessing the above numbers will speak for themselves. By enabling mobile phones as web devices, more people will have more access to the web at more times every single day. Inevitably, people will be exposed to Google in these new encounters which will inherently drive additional revenue for Google. The Big G is helping to provide mobile web access to the masses and being rewarded because, simply put, people naturally choose Google over the competition.

I’m sure Google is leveraging their creation of Android in their dealings with Microsoft, AT&T and other manufacturers and carriers. But it is clear that these stakeholders are by no means obligated to select Google as a partner… but wouldn’t you want to? An Android Phone stuck with Yahoo or Bing integration with the inability to rid it of that plague would be a primary reason for me NOT to buy that particular phone. I’m guessing there are many others like me… and I guess Google knew that when they pursued Android in the first place.

The Entourage eDGe is a dual-screen, Android-based eReader/tablet that is currently available for $500… but if you fork over $29.95/month more you’ll have access to 1500 newspapers and magazines (or 99 cents/issue or $9.95/31 issues of anything). The opportunity comes with a partnership between eDGe manufacturers and Newspapers Direct.

Subscription to the service comes through PressDisplay.com and some of the publications available include:

The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Globe and Mail, National Post, The Guardian, Daily Mail, International Herald Tribune, Irish Independent, Le Figaro, The Australian, New Zealand Herald, Gazeta Wyborcza, Marca, Bangkok Post, and Kommersant.

Take a look at the eDGE in aCTIOn:

You heard them…

Read. Write. Surf.

Simultaneously.

But can it compete with the likes of the Kindle, Nook and others?

[ShinyShiny.tv via CrunchGear]

It’s not just you. Been about an hour now… right when I was about to talk to some very important people about very important things.

Google keeps piling on the features for their “Maps” software, an already impressive service that continues to pile on features and capabilities. The latest addition is biking directions:

The entire map changes when you select biking directions to highlight roads/streets without vehicles, with bike lines, and other streets recommended for cyclists. You can also select a biking layer to display ALL recommended bike routes – a GREAT feature for planning a biking trip in uncharted territory.

Google has already said they’ll make Biking Directions available for mobile and I assume it will become a “Layer” within Google Maps for Android in the near future. I’d recommend going into Google Maps on your Android Phone, pressing “Menu”, then “More”, then “Labs” and seeing what new features you can “test” that are in beta. Right now Bike Directions aren’t on there… but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them soon – especially seeing how handy it would be when on the go.

[Via Press Release]

You know the good feeling you get when you think about how your computer is running Folding@home all the time, or that you’ve been careful to clip six-pack rings all your life? Well, soon you might have one more warm fuzzy feeling, if this project underway at Intel Labs Berkeley comes through. They’re designing portable air-quality sensors that monitor and sample the air around you throughout the day and allow it to be shared and analyzed later.

The current sensors are a little bigger than a phone, but one “long-term” plan is to use mobiles as sampling points; just write an app, add a sensor to the phone (could be an accessory), and let people do their thing. It could upload quality, temperature, and GPS location in real-time. Sounds good to me, I just hope it doesn’t kill my battery.

If you’re looking for a note-taking Android Application and ask around, chances are someone will direct you to Evernote. It does a lot more than just take notes:

Evernote for Android is a free application that allows individuals to create notes, snap photos, and record audio. Users can instantly find any notes that were created on their phone, desktop computer, or the web. In addition, Evernote automatically makes snapshots containing printed or handwritten text searchable — great for business cards, whiteboards and wine labels.

The company has joined forces with Samsung and many of the manufacturer’s Android handsets will now come pre-installed with the application. The Samsung Behold 2 for T-Mobile recently enjoyed a software updated and Evernote was included in the package, becoming the first to incorporate the new partnership.

Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote, commented on the development:

“We’re incredibly excited to be working closely with Samsung on their line of Android phones. Android represents Evernote’s fastest growing mobile platform. This partnership helps Evernote reach a huge new audience with our promise of perfect memory for everyone.”

I’m all for manufacturers and carriers pre-installing apps on their phones, often times reducing the burden for smartphone/android newbies to hunt down applications they might enjoy or find useful. Evernote definitely fits in that category.

Any Evernote users? Chime in with your experience – both good and bad!

[Via Press Release]

A few lucky lads in the Netherlands are already reporting that their HTC Legend’s are arriving, so say members of the Dutch site Tweakers.net. And just in time for the rest of Europeans awaiting the device, reviews are starting to pop up that fulfill all your need-to-know-abouts for the phone.

The must thorough review I’ve seen thus far from Tracey&Matt who first provided a short demo of the device:

And then do a HUGE review covering nearly aspect of the hardware and software. They conclude:

Overall the HTC Legend is as good as I thought it would be. It may not suit everyone due to its size but for those of you that have big hands then the HTC Desire will be with us soon. It seems to do everything very well and with great ease. I love the new features in Sense UI and I’m sure these will get even better in time. With Windows Phone 7 Series being launched later in the year and manufactures not being allowed to customise the user interface HTC can concentrate on their Android devices. What ever happens, if I had to use the Legend for the next year I would be more than happy to. Another Stirling job HTC. Good on ya!

The always dependable Engadget also performed a lengthy review and seemed to agree that the Legend is more than capable:

It’s safe to say that HTC’s broken yet another mold with the Legend, stunning the world with both its hardware and software design. There’s no question about the unibody’s toughness, and many other features we’ve seen here are of significant improvements over the Hero, namely the AMOLED screen (in general), FM radio, optical trackpad (debatable), still camera and the new goodies plus performance boost in Sense UI. Sure, there are major flaws in the battery life and video recording performance, but the positive mind in us are hoping that these can be fixed via a software upgrade, if they weren’t of hardware glitches.

Now that those who pre-ordered the Legend are having it arrive on their doorstep, I’m sure it isn’t long before a whole heap of HTC Legend reviews hit the net. But with these two whoppers of reviews, I’m not sure you’ll need any others.

Take a break from reading our hard-hitting news coverage and take a look at these cute little things. Perfect stocking stuffer (I know, a little early) for your favorite app developer and/or iPhone fanatic. What with these things, those Android pillows, and all the other tech knickknacks I’ve been seeing, it seems that pretty soon they’re going to need a whole online store just to hold all of them.

They are quite cute, though.

[via Chip Chick]

In the old days we used to see lucky ladies and gents unboxing brand new devices as soon as they got them and with great excitement. In the last few years though, as more companies push buzz through their own blogs, “official” unboxings have become much more regular. They lack a certain luster that fanboys provide when they rip open a package for the first time, but hey – an unboxing is an unboxing:

Gustaf was on vacation so Marten helped out on the official unboxing of the X10, performed by the Sony Ericsson Product Blog. The box is retail ready but what’s inside could of course be customized for each carrier and I suppose the exterior could as well. The Xperia X10 has been a LONG time coming so it’s long awaited arrival will be very welcome, if not only to move it out of the upcoming/leak/rumors associations.

“Windows Phone 7 isn’t just Microsoft’s attempt to compete against Apple’s iPhone. It’s also the introduction of the first portable Xbox platform. During GDC today, we talked to Xbox Live GM Ron Pessner and XNA Game Studio manager Michael Klucher about how games integrate into the mobile platform and what gamers and developers can expect in the future.”

If you’re interested in learning a little more about the user and development experiences of games — both Xbox LIVE-enabled and not — on a Windows Phone 7 Series device, head over to Joystiq to read an interview with Xbox LIVE GM, Ron Pessner, and XNA Game Studio Manager, Michael Klucher. And for the Gamerscore-obsessed among us, take note. Much like the majority of Arcade games on the Xbox 360, each game will pack 200 Gamerscore points for you to unlock, and as you do, you can expect to hear that satisfying “Achievement Unlocked” sound you’ve grown to love.

We know, we know, you’re sick of future iPhone OS rumors… but one more couldn’t hurt right? The folks over at 9to5Mac have been exploring the new iPhone 3.2 beta 4 SDK, and have found a few files that could indicate more gestures are coming to the next iPhone OS. Something we reported on a pretty decent amount of time ago. The two files, “3Tap.plist” and “LongPress.plist, are located in the “gestures” library folder and, according to 9to5Mac, are not in previous versions of the SDK. Now, we know that “three taps” does not have a defined OS-wide function in the current iPhone OS, but we’re pretty sure that a “long press” will bring up a contextual menu to copy, cut, and paste among other things. For those iPhone haters out there, we’re pretty sure we know what one fingered gesture you want to give the iPhone… but unfortunately the “FlipBird.plist” file was not included in this build of the SDK. Check out the full report at 9to5Mac.

Read

Tired of all that boring ol’ two finger pinching-and-zooming and swiping on the iPhone? Ready for some fancy new gestures to be thrown into the mix? Wish granted. Soon. Maybe.

Last night, Apple released a new beta of iPhone OS 3.2 to developers. As is par for the course at this point, people almost instantly began tearing through the OS looking for secrets hidden within – and it looks like they just found one.

Tucked deep within the file system is a set of gesture recognizers, defining which fancy finger tricks that iPhone OS can recognize. In this latest build, it seems that two new gestures have made the list: “3tap” and “LongPress”. While no one has nailed out any way to make use of either just yet, we’re pretty sure we can deduce what they are from the names: three finger tapping, and long-hold presses.

Neither of these are really brand new; long-hold presses are already used by Apple to rearrange apps on the homescreen, and developers could have been detecting three-finger taps manually from the beginning. Their presence as official gestures, however, indicates that Apple might be looking to make them more easily accessible to developers and more widely used throughout the OS.

I’m having a hard time thinking of ways that a three-finger press could be used in an intuitive way where alternatives wouldn’t work just as well. Any ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

Update: As Mike points out in the comments, “3tap” could also mean 3 taps in quick succession. For example, 2 quick taps on a map could be zoom, while 3 quick taps could be super zoom. What say you?

[Via 9to5mac]

Handset manufacturers are usually pretty good about holding their tongue about specific release dates until the launch date is a sure thing, so it’s not too often that we see delays in the mobile world. What’s even more rare than a delay, however, is something shipping way earlier than expected.

And yet, that seems to be exactly the case with the HTC Legend.

No one was expecting this thing to launch until April, but a handful of forumgoers over at Dutch gadget blog Tweakers.net are reporting that their lovely new aluminum uni-bodied handsets arrived fresh from the factory early this morning. Alas, there’s still no official word as to whether or not this thing is ever coming stateside (though unofficial word points to “Yes.”)
[Via Engadget]