Otherwise it’s the same 4-inch WVGA display and 1GHz processor, along with 16GB of storage, a 5-megapixel camera and WiFi/Bluetooth. You’ll need to send off a $50 mail-in rebate and submit to a two-year agreement if you’re interested, of course, but at least you get a copy of Inception pre-loaded.

Supplies of the better T-Mobile phones- like the Vibrant and the G2, are likely to be rather constricted. If you plan to hit up a store, you’d better get there early. Nothing gets people to commit to expensive, multi-year contracts like a shiny free phone.

That’s what T-Mo’s betting on, anyway. The imminent Verizon iPhone has them quaking in their magenta boots. This is a (slightly desperate) attempt to reduce the potential pool of Big Red iPhone owners. Two million or more are expected to sell, so T-Mobile has their work cut out for them.

[Via T-Mobile]

No specific release dates for either 4G device have been confirmed, though we’re guessing Samsung will want to rush the Galaxy S 4G onto the market as soon as possible before the dual-core Galaxy S2 makes its rumored debut at Mobile World Congress next month. Meanwhile, there’s still no timescale for the release of Android 2.2 Froyo for existing T-Mobile Vibrant owners.

[via Android Community]

There’s also the same 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor and 16GB of internal storage, along with a 5-megapixel camera on the back and a front-facing camera for video calls. T-Mobile has partnered with Qik – now owned by Skype, of course – for the video chat software.

According to other spec sheets, the Vibrant 4G will come preloaded with a copy of the movie Inception as well, together with doubleTwist Air Sync, Samsung Media Hub, Amazon’s Kindle app and Mobile HD TV powered by T-Mobile TV. No word on pricing or availability.

[via Android Community]

The promotion allows people who sign up for a family plan at T-Mobile to save some serious money for a full year. The new program starts today and lets people who buy the Samsung vibrant get a second Vibrant free after a $50 mail-in rebate and new agreement.

Those who sign up for qualifying plans from now through November 2 can get a free add-a-line service for kids with up to three lines at no charge until 2012. Naturally, you do have to pay taxes and an activation fee for each line. Normal pricing goes back in to effect the first day of 2012.

Best of all, there’s no need to root your phone beforehand, and the whole process is reversible should you need to return your Galaxy S to the carrier at some point.  Obviously any modification of this sort runs the risk of leaving you with a bricked phone – and we can’t see too many warranties holding up to unofficial tweaking – but the reports in general seem pretty positive about the unlock’s stability.

[via Android Community]

As with the Galaxy S, you get the bright, vivid display technology that Samsung are currently keeping all to themselves, paired with their 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 16GB of storage, a 5-megapixel camera and 3G.  There’s also WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0, all in an impressively slimline – if a little plasticky – chassis.

We’ve got the Vibrant in for review at the moment, but until that goes live check out our full Galaxy S review.  The two devices are basically identical, bar some button changes and T-Mobile branding.

[via Android Community]

The Best of R3 Media

Samsung Vibrant Releasing July 15th: We can chalk this one up to pretty strange. After officially announcing the Samsung Vibrant, T-Mobile confirmed that the device would be hitting physical and digital store shelves beginning July 21st. But, thanks to some leaked T-Mobile documents, it’s now been more or less confirmed that it’s actually releasing on July 15th. A full week early, and on the same day as the Droid X by Motorola for Verizon. Interesting choice, especially considering they are still cutting it dangerously close to that date, and still haven’t told anyone. Tricky, tricky, T-Mobile. [via Android Community]

Apple Activates Their Kill Switch: The application in question is called NDrive, and it’s a GPS app created from a small group of folks. Basically, it’s an indie app, lost amidst the other high profile GPS applications out there in Apple’s App Store. At least, that was the case until today, when the application suddenly disappeared from the App Store, and people’s computers as well. Oh, and from iPhone owner’s handsets, too. That’s right — the app just disappeared. The company doesn’t seem to know what’s going on, either, but everyone’s trying to figure it out. What it looks like at the moment, is that Apple pulled their kill switch, and this is the result: utter confusion. [via SlashGear]

Opera Mini Updated to 5.1: Updates are bound to happen to anything out there that can be updated, and it’s never a bad thing when they make things better. The update to 5.1 for Opera Mini brings the removal of some icons, as well as the visual speed dial tool for the User Interface, but the changes are said ot make the browser faster, and more stable for devices with less memory. So, if this fits your device’s description, it looks like your browser choice just got a little better. [via PhoneMag]

The Dredge ‘Net

Solar Impulse Flies Overnight on Just Solar Power: There’s skeptics for everything out there, and solar power (and especially any kind of adoption of the alternate power source) has its fair share. One of the reasons for that skepticism is its fundamental behavior at night. Or, if it can work. Well, thanks to the Solar Impulse and the power of the sun, those skeptics can start to quiet down. The solar powered plane completed a 26-hour, straight, flight through the day and night. It was able to recharge its batteries throughout the night thanks to its 12,000 solar panels, which gathered more than enough energy through its flight during the day. [via Physorg]

AQUA2 is Fast and Amphibious: The AQUA2 was created at McGill University in Montreal, and sure enough, it’s the first of its kind. Specifically designed to be able to move around on land, but be just as free-roaming in the water, the AQUA2 can indeed traverse the landscape, as well as dive and swim under water. It can dive down to 120 feet, and it’s capable of being controlled by a remote control tethered via ethernet or fiber optics. And thanks to those flippers, the swimming thing it’s definitely got down. [via Engadget]

This Bike Can Fold Around a Lamp Post: Keeping your bike safe is a pretty high priority for anyone that owns a bike. After all, it may be your best (or only) means of transportation. But, just using a chain to lock your bike to something may not be enough in today’s day-and-age, so that’s why we can thankfully welcome this new foldable bike design from a 21-year old by the name of Kevin Scott. He’s created the world’s first bike that can literally fold at the center, and be wrapped around a post, or whatever else you want, without the need of an extra chain. The lock is actually built into the bike itself, right under the seat, so you just wrap the bike around the post, so that the handlebars reach the lock, and there you go — safe and secure. We want this bad boy right now, and Scott is trying hard to get it picked up by a bike lover with money. So, keep your fingers crossed. [via Daily Mail UK]

As for the remainder of the roadmap, it suggests several new Android smartphones headed to T-Mobile USA in the last six months of the year.  The Motorola CHARM officially announced yesterday is pencilled in for July 21st, along with the Samsung Vibrant, with a CLIQ/CLIQ XT update following in August.

Then, in early September, the HTC Vanguard and Emerald will debut, together with two further Motorola Android devices.  The roadmap is also peppered with various LG, Nokia, Samsung, RIM and other logos, together with indications of new netbooks.

[via Android Community]

The Best of R3 Media

HTC Sabor Features 2GHz Processor: When it comes to cell phones, smartphones, or superphones, there’s no getting around the fact that they’re getting powerful. Ridiculously powerful, if you ask us. And we already know that Motorola’s Sanjay Jha wants a 2GHz Android-based device of his own by the end of 2010, so this rumor doesn’t seem to be too far off. But, according to a “person in the know,” it looks like HTC’s all set to launch the Sabor, which is a 2GHz Android-based device. Also noteworthy, is the idea that HTC is going to make their own display to combat Samsung’s AMOLED variations. So, start your rumor mill, folks. [via Android Community]

iPhone 4 Class-Action Lawsuit is a Go: General negligence, breach of express warranty, an defect in design. Those are all named in a new class-action lawsuit, amongst a lot more. And, truth be told, no one should have been surprised that this was coming. People do this kind of thing for all sorts of crazy reasons, and if you buy a new phone and it doesn’t actually work as a phone for design reasons (and not the network), then people probably have a place to to complain. We’ll have to see where this one goes, because it’s definitely getting interesting. [via SlashGear]

Motorola Charm and Samsung Supersonic Prices Leak: Oddly enough, we look forward to seeing leaked images of a price sheet. We really do. (We don’t have much to look forward to, okay?) As far as this sheet goes, it’s nothing all that groundbreaking. The Motorola Charm is a MOTOBLUR device featuring Android 2.1, and it’s all set to get launched for $74.99 on a new, two-year contract. And the Samsung Supersonic? Well, we think that’s the Samsung Vibrant, just with a different moniker for this particular sheet. Price wise, you’re looking at the standard $199.99 on a new, two-year contract. So, start saving up for that 4-inch AMOLED displaying, TouchWiz 3.0 on Android 2.1-goodness. [via PhoneMag]

The Dredge ‘Net

Le-Samourai Eyewear Has a Built-in USB Stick: We honestly have no idea why anyone would want this, but here it is. They are a concept of eyewear that has a built-in USB stick, just in case you ever really need one right there and now. They don’t look half bad, and the designer is aiming to get sunglasses and prescription-versions available some time in the future as well. We can see this actually being interesting if they were integrated with some kind of 3D technology, so we could watch a movie right on our glasses, but just to have a USB stick on-hand seems kind of ridiculous. [via Ubergizmo]

Fujitsu PH520 Netbook Ships for $599: Netbooks usually hit the mid-range or expensive marker, and in this case, one might consider it a bit expensive, but at least the specifications aren’t terrible. This Fujitsu model features an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 pixel display, 1.7GHz AMD Athlon II Neo K125 processor, and an option for a 320GB hard drive. You also get Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11b/g/n, and 2GB of RAM. Yes, it could be better, but at least it won’t break the bank, either. Plus, it comes in a nice red color. And that’s always nice for your tech gadgets. [via Liliputing]

The Samsung Vibrant features a 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Physically speaking, you should expect a slender device, with a 5MP camera on the back that can take video up to 720p. You’ll have capacitive touch buttons on the front as well, which is exactly like the Galaxy S. Also similar is the 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird applications processor underneath the hood, making sure everything ticks along.

You’ll be using Android 2.1, along with Samsung’s proprietary TouchWiz 3.0 User Interface. You’ll have GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth for connectivity, and you’ll be able to access the devices microSD card slot for extra storage (up to 32GB). Additionally, there’s going to be an exclusive game pre-installed on the device, along with Amazon’s Kindle software, which will give you access to over 600,000 titles to read on that glorious four inch screen. And finally, on an extra 2GB microSD card, you’ll get James Cameron’s AVATAR flick, which I’m sure by now you’ve seen more than once or twice.

As for availability, the Vibrant should be available to all T-Mobile customers starting July 21st. You should be able to kick-off on pre-orders starting the first of July, though, at places like Radio Shack. And when it comes to pricing, you’ll be expected to drop $199.99 to get your hands on the latest and greatest from the Magenta wireless carrier.

Press Release:

BELLEVUE, Wash. and DALLAS — June 28, 2010 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, today announced the Samsung Vibrant™, a Samsung Galaxy S™ device available from T-Mobile.
Through pre-installed applications and pre-loaded content, the Samsung Vibrant’s comprehensive multimedia capabilities combine all your entertainment and communication needs into one device — it’s a television, bookshelf, radio, movie library, gaming system, and of course, a smartphone. The Vibrant comes fully loaded with exclusive entertainment features including “James Cameron’s Avatar” on an included 2GB external memory card and an exclusive collector’s edition of a popular game. The Vibrant also brings the Amazon Kindle for Android™ application with access to more than 600,000 books, MobiTV with live and on-demand TV, and much more.

The Vibrant’s 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display gives customers a vivid, sharp color HD-like viewing experience, whether consumers choose to play a game, watch a movie or read an e-book while on the go. Featuring a slim and sleek design, the Vibrant is one of the most portable and accessible mobile entertainment devices available to U.S. consumers. The speedy Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor and six-axis sensor are optimized for media and gaming, which gives consumers a seamless, immersive experience while reading, watching and playing. The Vibrant is also the latest smartphone in T-Mobile’s lineup that can benefit from enhanced speeds in locations with T-Mobile’s super-fast HSPA+ network.2

“By combining best-selling, award-winning content and amazing hardware that brings that content to life, T-Mobile continues to deliver on its commitment to bring innovative mobile entertainment experiences to consumers’ fingertips,” said Paul Cole, vice president, devices and accessories, T-Mobile USA. “We are proud to introduce the Samsung Vibrant as the latest addition to our growing lineup of Android-powered devices.”

“The Samsung Vibrant contains all of the premium core features that the Galaxy S portfolio offers to consumers, including an industry leading display and powerful processor. The Galaxy S devices make the smartphone brilliant,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. “When you combine the Vibrant’s incredible hardware with preloaded content like ”Avatar,” along with thousands of applications available on the Android Market, the entertainment and customization possibilities are endless.”

‘“James Cameron’s Avatar” is in many ways the most innovative film ever produced, and in working with Samsung and T-Mobile we are now able to offer this eye-catching experience to viewers in a new and dynamic environment on the Samsung Vibrant,’ said Peter Levinsohn, president of new media and digital distribution for 20th Century FOX Film Company.

The multimedia experience that makes the Samsung Vibrant a great option for entertainment enthusiasts includes the following:
20th Century Fox’s “James Cameron’s Avatar,” full-screen movie pre-loaded on the Samsung Vibrant, takes consumers back to Pandora, the fictional world created by James Cameron, in the highest-grossing film in history.
Amazon Kindle for Android application provides direct access to more than 600,000 books, including a vast majority of The New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases. Before consumers purchase a book, they can read the first chapter for free. They also can read reviews and recommendations from Amazon.com and its customers. With Kindle for Android, customers can sync their reading with their other Kindle devices so they never lose their place or are without their reading.
MobiTV mobile phone application offers consumers access to live and on-demand TV available in English and Spanish — including more than 35 channels of news, sports and entertainment. Favorite channels such as Bravo, Disney Channel, ESPN, NBC and more are available for Samsung Vibrant consumers to watch at home or away. Plus, when Vibrant consumers subscribe to MobiTV, their first 30 days of service are free.3
Slacker Radio mobile application comes pre-loaded on the Samsung Vibrant, allowing anyone to listen to free personalized radio. Slacker offers more than 120 genre stations and the ability to create your own. With millions of songs from thousands of artists, Slacker is the best way to discover new artists and hear your favorite music.
Gogo® Inflight Internet service offers a bonus to consumers who purchase the Samsung Vibrant: up to a month of free in-flight Wi-Fi access on their device, with Internet access on more than 3,000 daily flights and growing every day in the continental U.S.4
Samsung Media Hub, expected to be available in the near future, is a full library of video and literary content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The Samsung Vibrant’s assets go beyond its impressive entertainment features. Running Android 2.1, the Samsung Vibrant offers a seven-paned home screen and access to Android Market™ to personalize the device with 65,000 applications, including applications for social networking, gaming, travel and more. Samsung’s Social Hub service helps consumers to easily keep in touch with family and friends through integrated contacts, calendars, social networking sites and group messaging, including the ability to “reply all” for up to 10 contacts. The Vibrant also supports six languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian and Korean.

The Vibrant delivers advanced phone features such as GPS functionality with access to turn-by-turn navigation and Swype® text input for fast, accurate communication. It also features a 5-megapixel camera with digital zoom and autofocus, and a video camera for recording crystal-clear, high-definition (720p) videos and photos for playback on an HD television. With support for up to 32 GB of external memory, the Vibrant provides ample space for consumers’ entertainment favorites. Consumers can customize their Vibrant with two battery cover options in dark blue and lavender that will come packaged exclusively with the T-Mobile device.

Availability
The Samsung Vibrant and its exclusive pre-loaded entertainment content is expected to be available to T-Mobile customers beginning July 21. Customers can visit http://galaxy-s.t-mobile.com for more information.

In addition, it is expected that beginning on July 1, customers may pre-order the Samsung Vibrant at any one of more than 4,000 RadioShack® stores. To pre-order, customers must purchase a $50 gift card, which will be applied toward the retail price of the device. Customers can schedule an appointment to pick up and activate their devices at RadioShack stores with anticipated availability starting July 21. Customers who pre-order at RadioShack will receive a $50 gift card by mail after purchasing their phone with qualifying voice and data plan on a two-year contract. The ability to pre-order is also expected to be available online at http://www.radioshack.com/vibrant beginning July 1.