We're live in Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress. Stay tuned to this very page for all the news we're covering here at the event, from Android to ... something that starts with Z but is also related to Android. That's how we do.

We're here the 13th through the 16th and running like crazy in a timezone that's conveniently many hours ahead of the US, so there's a better than even chance you'll wake up to fresh new announcements for the rest of the week. Peachy, innit?


LG announces Optimus 3D - World's first dual-core, dual-channel and dual-memory smartphone

By Sean Brunett  | Feb 14 2011 | 6:50 am  | 21 Comments

Optimus 3D

LG unveiled their newest flagship device this morning at MWC, the Optimus 3D. The Optimus 3D features the world's first dual-core, dual-channel and dual-memory architecture. 

It features two 5MP rear cameras for 3D recording, which are powered by a dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP 4 processor.The screen is a 4.3-inch, WVGA display that also features the world's first stereoscopic scree, which means glasses free 3D. 

Other specs include 8GB memory, a 1500 mAh battery and DLNA/HDMI support. Full press release after the break. 

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LG press event liveblog!

By Phil Nickinson  | Feb 14 2011 | 5:50 am  | 0 Comments

LG press event

We're live from LG's press event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The Optimus 3D is in definite effect, and maybe we'll see a tablet or two. The presser's scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time (that's GMT +1), so join us after the break!

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Motorola Xoom coming to Europe beginning of Q2, brings 3G and WiFi-only options

By Sean Brunett  | Feb 14 2011 | 5:39 am  | 9 Comments

Xoom

Motorola Mobility announced this morning that the Motorola Xoom will be coming to Europe with 3G and WiFi-only options and will be available at the beginning of Q2. 

The European Xoom will sport the same specs without Verizon branding of course; we haven't heard specific details of a WiFi-only Xoom yet for the US.

No word on price, which will likely be figured out after it's initial release in the US. Full press release after the break.

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Motorola Pro announced today, brings Droid Pro to Europe

By Sean Brunett  | Feb 14 2011 | 5:21 am  | 1 Comment

Motorola has announced that their business-oriented phone the Droid Pro is coming to Europe as the Motorola Pro.

The European version will be identical to the American version, just sans the 'Droid' label. It will still sports Android 2.2 (Froyo), a 1GHz processor and a full QWERTY keyboard that is best described as 'BlackBerry-style'. It is a popular device for enterprise because of enhaced security measures such as remote wiping of the device and SD card, SD card encryption and complex password support.

Full press release after the break. [PRnewswire]

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LG and YouTube team up to bring a full 3D experience to mobile devices

By Chris Parsons  | Feb 13 2011 | 10:30 pm  | 6 Comments

While we're still a little on the fence about all this 3D on mobile devices business that hasn't stopped LG or YouTube from working out some arrangements to bring us the best 3D can offer. The latest press release from LG and YouTube outlines what they have been working on for the LG Optimus 3D:

3D technology has traditionally been reserved for the major Hollywood movie studios,” said Francsico Varela, Head of YouTube Platform Partnerships“With the new LG Optimus 3D anyone anywhere in the world can shoot 3D videos, upload them to YouTube and share them with their friends. We’re excited to see the creative videos our community captures and shares with this new technology.

Whether or not you're interested in 3D on your mobile device, it is coming. LG and YouTube are looking to be the leaders in that area. For more info, you can hit the press release after the break. If you just want to know when the LG Optimus 3D will be release, we can tell you that you'll see it globally starting in Europe early in the second quarter of 2011.

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Mobile World Congress Podcast Special! Sony Ericsson and Samsung shenanigans

By Phil Nickinson  | Feb 13 2011 | 9:50 pm  | 7 Comments

Audio-only stream below

We're live in Barcelona, Spain. Mobile World Congress doesn't even start until Monday, and we're already seeing new phones. Enjoy!

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LG counting down to something big

By Jerry Hildenbrand  | Feb 13 2011 | 8:13 pm  | 7 Comments

LG Countdown

Not willing to be outdone by all the Samsung and Sony Ericsson news of late, LG has their own presentation to give in Barcelona.  They have put up a countdown post on their Facebook page, telling folks to be ready for Feb 14 at 10:00 AM Barcelona time (GMT).  We'll be there, and you can bet we will get you clued in on what's going on just as soon as they tell us.

We can never be sure of everything we're going to see from a company as big as LG, but we're pretty sure the Optimus 3D is going to play a big part.  How do we know this?  Hit the break and see the Optimus 3D teaser video LG attached to their Facebook post.  [LG Mobile's Facebook page]

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Hands-on with the 10-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab with Android 3.0 Honeycomb

By Phil Nickinson  | Feb 13 2011 | 6:58 pm  | 52 Comments

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10-inch with Honeycomb

You didn't think Samsung would be left off the Honeycomb train, did ya? The Korean manufacturer that brought the first usable Android tablet with the 7-inch Galaxy Tab has roared into the 10-inch tablet market with a larger device by the same name. And this Galaxy Tab definitely takes Sammy into the next generation of Android tablets.

The Motorola Xoom has gotten all the Honeycomb tablet love (and press) since Android 3.0 was announced, but the new Galaxy Tab appears to be a worthy competitor.

The 10.1-inch display has a 1280x800 resolution, and it's being powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor. Just like the new Galaxy S II, it has an 8MP camera on the rear and 2MP up front, with 1080p recording and playback.

If you've held the Xoom before (what, you haven't?), the new Galaxy Tab feels very familiar. Similar size, similar weight. But the back of the Galaxy Tab is more of a matte plastic than the rubberized feeling of the Xoom. That's not a bad thing, just a differentiation, and quite nice, actually.

Honeycomb, well, it looks and feels like Honeycomb. There weren't any customizations that really stood out -- which maybe be because the code hasn't been finalized yet, or it could be because Google might be cracking down on manufacturers. It's probably the former more than anything, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Other specs of note: It's 246.2mm tall, 170.4mm wide and just 10.9mm thick. It weights 599 grams. The Tab has a 6860mAh battery and Wifi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0.

Pricing and availability is up in the air.

More pics and hands-on video are after the break.

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Samsung Galaxy S II to come with AT&T, Canadian HSPA+

By Kyle Gibb  | Feb 13 2011 | 5:59 pm  | 35 Comments

Samsung Galaxy S 2 wireless bands

For those of you too impatient to wait for an official release of the Samsung Galaxy S II in Canada or the United States, get excited. Why? Well, the stock international Galaxy S 2 will come compatible with both  the Canadian (Rogers, Bell, and Telus) and U.S. (only AT&T, sorry T-Mobile users!) 3G bands right out of the box. In addition, it can use HSPA+ for up to 21 Mbps if your carrier has it deployed. Plus, you won't have to worry about any meddling from the carriers. [Samsung]

 

Xperia Neo Hands On [MWC]

By Dieter Bohn  | Feb 13 2011 | 4:17 pm  | 2 Comments

 

The Xperia Neo looks to slot itself into the bottom of the new Xperia lineup. Sure, it sports the same 854x480 screen and 1GHz processor as it's big brother, the Xperia Pro, but the materials and overall feel of the Neo make us pine for the Arc. But if that Arc is just too thin for you, we'll tell you that the 8.1 megapixel shooter on the back has us impressed, as does the deep red color option (yes, we're that easy to please).

It should launch in March worldwide in two versions - one with 900/2100 HSPA and another with 800/1900/2100 HSPA. Grab some photos after the break and assuming our hotspot holds out here, a video a little later.

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