Mobile Miscellany: week of July 2nd, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, the HTC One V marked its debut at US Cellular and Verizon announced a dumb phone with a surprisingly handy feature. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of July 2nd, 2012.
HTC One V arrives at US Cellular for $129 on-contract
HTC's entry-level smartphone for 2012, the One V, is now available at US Cellular for $229 before a $100 mail-in rebate. Similarly available from Virgin Mobile for $199 outright, the Android 4.0 phone features a 1GHz Snapdragon S3, a 3.7-inch S-LCD display and a 5-megapixel camera. Just remember to send in those rebate forms, folks; the carrier is kinda hoping you'll forget, and that'd be a shame. [HTC press release]
Microsoft said to be developing one-handed keyboard for Windows Phone 8
The proof is in the pictures, and well... here's the picture. WMPoweruser published this goodie during the week, which is said to have leaked from a Microsoft Research presentation. According to the source, the folks in Redmond are working to develop a one-handed keyboard for Windows Phone 8. As you can see from the example, this one will come with a slight learning curve. [WMPoweruser]
Verizon Wireless launches Samsung Intensity III for $79 on-contract
Remember this? It's called a dumb phone -- or euphemistically, a feature phone. Regardless, if you want a name for the device, just go ahead and call it the Intensity III. Designed as a QWERTY slider, the phone offers a 2.4-inch display, a 2-megapixel camera and is manufactured from 80 percent recycled materials. Best yet, though, the Intensity III includes a "fake call" feature that'll help get users out of awkward situations. The phone is available online for $79.99 on-contract and will arrive in stores within the coming weeks. [AllThingsD]
Ported Google Now APK released for rooted Ice Cream Sandwich devices
Google Now, known for its ability to withstand some rigorous interrogations, is now available to all Ice Cream Sandwich devices. Unlike the previously-leaked Sound Search, however, this one requires root. If you're properly motivated, the installation instructions are just a click away. [Android Pipe]
Nokia releases Kaliki news reader for Windows Phone
We're not about to say that reading is just for suckers, but if you want to stay in the loop with the latest news and not have to read a single sentence, then make haste and download Kaliki from the Nokia Collection today. With the Windows Phone app, users may listen to news stories from a variety of sources, but what's better, each article is read by a professional voice actor. If you're curious, be sure to check out the demo video that comes courtesy of WPCentral. [WPCentral]
Nokia Music hits version 3.0
Nokia Music fans will find a worthwhile upgrade awaits with version 3.0, which was released this week. The app introduces the ability to download mixes for offline listening, which users may similarly pin to their start screen. Additionally, Music 3.0 also introduces the ability to search for concerts by artist, venue and city. [WMPoweruser]
Other random tidbits
US Cellular will begin shipping the Galaxy S III to pre-order customers next week. Soon thereafter, the company expects to mark the in-store arrival of Samsung's premiere smartphone. [Thanks, Chuck] [US Cellular (Facebook)]
A new version of Samsung Apps is now available, which features an overhauled user interface. [Sammy Hub]
Nokia released version 1.3 of its Play To app this week. Unfortunately, very little is known what has changed. [WMPoweruser]
