Mini3i
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Dell Aero slips though the FCC, ready for Q2 launch
With FCC approval out of the way it looks like the Dell Aero is all set to meet the leaked Q2 launch goal. Sure, we've already seen a generic Dell Mini 3iX (model V02B) pass through the FCC with AT&T (Canadian Bell Mobility, Telus, Rogers) bands back in November. But today's Mini 3iG (model V01B) sports 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, UMTS 1900 / 850 support, and the undeniable "Aero" marketing name destined to grace the first of many Android handsets made by Dell (uh hem, Foxconn) to be sold Stateside. For whatever that's worth.
Thomas Ricker05.06.2010
Dell divulges Mini 3 details, tablet (Mini 5?) caught running Android 1.6 (update: video!)
We just got out of Dell's mobile roundtable, and despite an extended tangent on China's phone market, we did manage to get some details on its AT&T-bound Mini 3 and yet-to-be-officially titled "Streak" tablet. Let's get down to brass tacks here: the Mini 3's been customized with ActiveSync for our own (corporate) email systems. There is Android market, but for future reference, that's always going to be up to the carrier. As for naming the 5-inch tablet that's so far been rumored / codenamed the Streak, the company "might as well call it a Mini" said Dell, perhaps jokingly -- Mini 5, anyone? During a quick hands-on we got to check out the keyboard, which was very nice and included a numpad on the right in landscape mode (pictured). We also witnessed someone checking out the system details, and sure enough, this custom skin is running Android 1.6 -- no telling if that's what it'll ship with, though. There's also a front-facing camera on the Streak, and much to our delight, capacitive multitouch is alive and well on both devices mentioned here. As for method of distribution, the company will sell phones via Dell's online store (in addition to the carrier stores), but whether or not they'll be unlocked is something the company will "most certainly experiment with that at some point, but that's not [its] first priority today." Update: We've got some quick-and-dirty video of the customized Android UI and awesome keyboard -- it's after the break. %Gallery-82286%
Ross Miller01.08.2010
Dell creates communications division for push into handheld market
Turns out Mini 3i is only the beginning. Dell has announced plans to create a new Communications Group with a focus on mobile phones and similar portable devices. Current consumer division head and former Motorola exec Ron Garriques will take the helm. Not much else to say at this point, but make no mistake, Dell is now officially in the phone business for the long haul.
Ross Miller12.04.2009
Dell Mini 3i OPhone detailed ahead of this week's China Mobile launch
After so much speculation and rumor, it's hard to believe that Dell's first modern cellphone is ready to launch. And while we've already seen the official press release announcing the Mini 3 for Brazil and China, today we get a followup release with a bit more detail. As expected, the Chinese Mini 3i variant is quadband GSM/EDGE only (no 3G) and packs a 3.5-inch nHD, 640x360 touchscreen display just like that found on Nokia's N97. The 58.35 x 122 x 11.7-mm OPhone will ship in "Red Passion" and "Oiled Bronze" colors packing Bluetooth, a 3 megapixel auto-focus camera with flash and video capture mode, microSD slot, and GPS with pre-loaded maps. And in case you're wondering why China first, that's easy: Dell's going after China Mobile's 500 million subscriber base when its first handset hits authorized stores later this week.
Thomas Ricker11.23.2009Dell Mini 3i officially set for imminent launch in Brazil and China
It would appear those leaked and unintentional early peeks at Dell's first foray into smartphones did not happen in Brazil and China by accident. Hans Erickson of Dell Latin America has announced the decision to "give priority" to those two countries, who will be first to experience the Mini 3i's Android glory, with China receiving devices "in the coming days" and Brazil getting 'em later this year. Interestingly, China Mobile will be making do without 3G, while Brazil's Claro will be offering a 3G-enabled handset. Dell remains mum on pricing and the rest of the spec, though all the information so far indicates that Brazilians will be able to buy the same WiFi-packing FCC-certified 3iX handset that's heading to the US. Either way, we've got another heavyweight's presence in the smartphone market, and we'll be even happier once we know what Dell's value-add will be. Update: Official Dell press release is out making it clear that this is just the "initial" smartphone from Dell. [Thanks Marcos R.]
Vlad Savov11.13.2009
Dell Mini 3iX shows up at FCC, with WiFi and 3G in tow
Having already witnessed the case and UI of Dell's incoming Android invader, we can now pretty much complete the picture with the latest info from the FCC. Reassuringly, WiFi and 3G -- the two big modifications from the China-bound Mini 3i -- both make it onto US soil, leaving us with only the timeless questions of when and how much. The Chinese version of the phone runs a 360 x 640 resolution on a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, which makes for a nice base to get all that wireless communication (Bluetooth included) flowing. We can expect the Mini 3iX to find its way onto AT&T's awesome networks some time in 2010, joining a growing army of Android devices vying for your cash, love and understanding. [Via Unwired View]
Vlad Savov11.06.2009
Dell Mini 3iX has WiFi, 3G, and a number of leaked UI photos
You know what's ridiculous? Modern smartphones without WiFi (why hello there, Pixi and Tour). Looks like Dell's getting the message with the supposed Brazil-bound Mini 3iX, which as far as we can tell is the Mini 3i as it should've been -- same specs, plus WiFi and 3G connectivity. The OPhone-esque user interface also seems to have gone through some changes, at least cosmetically, and Cellular Cafe has the vivid imagery -- so might this be the little guy rumored to be coming to AT&T, or will we get the 2G variant instead? How about we just skip this one altogether and get the Streak?
Ross Miller11.02.2009
Dell bringing Mini 3i Android set to AT&T?
Dell, Android, and AT&T have been mentioned in an awful lot of whispered sentences over the past few months, so today's Wall Street Journal report on a Round Rock-sourced Android set for Ma Bell isn't exactly a huge surprise. Apparently Dell's making some tweaks to the Chinese-market Mini 3i in preparation for a 2010 Stateside launch -- obviously the China Mobile-specific OPhone build would have to go away in favor of full-flavored Android, and we'd bet that WiFi and a nicer camera make their way into the casing as well. That's really all we know for now, but we're sure Dell's soon to hold an 8AM event where some random exec will pull it out of his pocket for 10 seconds before putting it away and announcing Inspiron laptops can now be ordered with giant Affliction dragon logos painted on them. You just keep doing what you do, Dell. [Via Phone Scoop]
Nilay Patel10.07.2009
Dell Mini 3i breaks cover for most complete photo shoot to date
It may have been briefly, sort of official before Dell decided to do some backtracking earlier this month, but it looks like the company's China-bound Mini 3i smartphone has now made yet another public appearance, and Sina has thankfully delivered what looks to be the most thorough hands-on with the phone to date. That, as you can see above, also includes a peek at the phone's Android-based and China-centric OPhone operating system, which ditches the familiar Android Clock in favor of new, different clocks -- and a slew of other interface changes. Hit up the link below to get started.
Donald Melanson08.31.2009
Dell Mini 3i is like totally not official, man
Oh, how we love PR people and their eternal clarifications on things. Apparently, the Dell Mini 3i's apperance at a China Mobile event on Monday was merely a proof of concept, and -- wait for it -- "it wasn't officially, formally introduced so much as it was waved around." Thank you, Dell, for our quote of the week. Unwilling to yet commit to the handset and specs on display, Dell is saying that it was there to support China Mobile in its role as a development partner rather than to promote any retail products. We wouldn't read too much into this supposed refutation -- if the phone were indeed a concept, that'd have been made clear at the show (and it wasn't based on the original report), and what we're experiencing now feels very much like post-event spin. [Via Mobile Review]
Vlad Savov08.18.2009
Dell officially developing 'mobile devices' for China Mobile
If you're going to go, you might as well go big, right? In a confirmation for the ages, Dell spokesperson Andrew Bowins has clearly stated that the company is "developing mobile devices for China Mobile," giving the Round Rock powerhouse access to the biggest mobile subscriber base on the entire planet. Unfortunately, he didn't confirm nor deny whether the Mini 3i that we peeked this morning would be amongst the first to launch, but obviously you won't find us gasping should it happen. Beyond that, details on the whole arrangement are scant, but here's hoping that Dell trucks those handsets over to this side of the drink in short order.
Darren Murph08.17.2009
Dell Mini 3i smartphone gets official outing in China
At last, the much rumored Dell cellphone has made its first official appearance. The 3.5-inch 360 x 640 pixel device with capacitive touchscreen was on display in China running the Android-based Open Mobile System (OMS). The Mini 3i was on-hand as part of the launch of China Mobile's new Application Platform that offers music, video, and app downloads to mobile phones from Nokia, Samsung, LG, and apparently, Dell. The candybar device lacks WiFi (or Chinese WAPI) and is strictly 2G GSM (no 3G) but does come with a 3 megapixel camera, microSD slot, Bluetooth, and 950mAh battery. Guess now we know why the early prototypes were met by a collective meh by mobile carriers earlier this year. No idea when this will ship but it looks China-bound for at least the near future. A few more pics after the break.[Via Cloned In China]Read -- China Mobile's Application PlatformRead -- Dell cooperating with China MobileRead -- Dell Mini 3i unveil
Thomas Ricker08.17.2009
Engadget Podcast 159 - 08.14.2009
Get ready for a wild one, folks -- we recorded this week's Engadget Podcast with a live (chatroom) studio audience, and things got a little rowdy. Join Josh, Paul and Nilay as they run down the new Zune HD, Windows 7, two new Dell machines and three new Samsung cameras before finally -- at the urging of the crowd -- tackling the Apple tablet rumors. Definitely a fun show -- we'll have to do more like this in the future. Until then, what are you waiting for? Get downloading! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Powerglove - Tetris Hear the podcast 00:03:23 - Zune HD lands September 15th, up for pre-order today 00:19:55 - Windows 7 review 00:23:45 - How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it 00:28:05 - Dell's Zino HD crams desktop parts into miniature enclosure 00:38:46 - Dell's slim new Inspiron Z family is totally carb free 00:47:02 - Dell Mini 3i smartphone captured in pair of spy shots 00:54:20 - Video: Samsung's TL220 and TL225 cameras add a LCD in front to help with your self-portraits 00:55:20 - Samsung's new compacts in person: front LCDs, GPS and WiFi don't go to waste 00:59:50 - Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot 01:08:15 - Apple might be planning keynote for week of September 7th, might have new products on offer Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Trent Wolbe08.14.2009
Dell Mini 3i smartphone captured in pair of spy shots
Well, it's looking increasingly like those very first shots of a rumored Dell smartphone that cropped up way back in June were indeed the real deal, as two separate sets of purported spy pics have now turned up showing an identical-looking phone. Better still, they also show the device powered on, offering us our first look at Dell and China Mobile's customized Android interface for the thing. The Boy Genius Report also goes one step further with a complete list of the phone's purported specs, which includes quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, a 3.5-inch 640 x 360 display, a 3-megapixel camera with a flash (and support for 30 fps video), Bluetooth, A-GPS, and a microSD card slot for expansion, to name a few features. Head on past the break for one more, equally blurry shot, and dive into the links below for a few pics and details.Read - Cloned in China, "Dell Mini 3i spy shots"Read - Boy Genius Report, "Dell's smartphone pictured again, spec'd, other Android details"[Thanks, xleung]
Donald Melanson08.13.2009
Dell's China-bound smartphone possibly called 'mini 3i,' but questions abound
Alright, you know how Dell's seemingly been going through hell and high water for years now to try to bring a smartphone or two to market? China's been a special focus of this clandestine effort, and we've got some new information here -- possibly. Chinese site NetEase is reporting on an email supposedly received by developers on China Mobile's Mobile Market mailing list, discussing a handful of S60, WinMo, and Android-based Open Mobile System (OMS) devices that the carrier would really love devs to concentrate on as Mobile Market goes live and tries to gain some footing. Most of the content is mundane, but there's a section for an OMS device called the Dell "mini 3i," a name that would certainly fall right in line with Dell's branding -- but there are a couple issues here. First, the phone is said to operate on China Mobile's legacy GSM network, not the homegrown TD-SCDMA 3G tech that the carrier is working diligently to deploy right now; it seems illogical at best for Dell to get into the game with a phone that's immediately walloped by Lenovo with its 3G-capable O1 as the first volley of OMS phones comes to market over the coming weeks. Secondly there's absolutely zero discussion about the supposed email on OMS' official forums, which seems odd if the email's real. To its credit, the claimed 640 x 360 -- that's a perfect 16:9, if you can't be bothered to get out your graphing calculator -- sounds about right to match the rumored shot we've seen floating around lately, but we're still staying guarded on this one until we hear something official from the folks in Austin or Hong Kong. [Via Cloned In China]
Chris Ziegler08.10.2009