AT&T Advancing Upgrade Dates Ahead Of iPhone 5 Launch?

The part I love most about competition is being in the list of those that receive its benefits. History seems to repeat itself as AT&T is apparently already offering early upgrade discounts to certain customers just weeks ahead of the expected iPhone 5 launch. If we all remember, this was thesame deal that AT&T customers were offeredduring the iPhone 4 launch, and after seeingVerizon follow those same footsteps last week, it was only a matter of time before AT&T brought the strategy back.

Sadly this is still not open for everybody and it just seems as if AT&T has begun to roll this out quietly for a reason, but some readers are already reporting having their discount eligibility being moved up. Some people report only partial discounts and others a full drop in price.

AT&T hasn't mentioned anything about these offers, so let's keep it as a rumor for now, and do yourself the favor of checking your upgrade eligibility because you might just be in luck. 

HTC Ruby/Amaze 4G Gets Pictured In Black And With Specs?

We've all been waiting for HTC to finally release their new gem, which in the past was known as the Ruby, but which we later learned will be called theAmaze 4G at least for T-Mobile. New leaks bring even better news to the block, as it seems that the HTC Ruby will not be exclusive to T-Mobile. This new blurry cam shot shows the gem in full glory, this time black instead of white, and with no T-Mobile branding.

According to the source, HTC is testing the new device in Thailand's DC-HSPA+ network speeds, and everything seems to point to its ability to reach up to 42Mbps date speeds. The source also mentions that the device brings the expected 4.3-inch display at qHD resolution, an 8 megapixelcamera with dual-LED flash and its 1.5GHz dual-core processor. It'll be running the much-anticipated HTC Sense 3.5 over Android 2.3 and will have 1GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. Some of the images show it running stock Android, but the source was clear that Sense 3.5 is part of the end result.

We're hoping this means that the device will be available on more US carriers, or even unlocked for those that prefer that system. No dates are yet available, but we'll keep you posted of any new hints that may arrive our way. 

Amazon U.K.: Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray Coming September 5

After being launched at the end of June, the SonyEricsson Xperia Ray was expected to hit the British market initially in August and then the phone even went on pre-order at the beginning of July.

Turns out that the Xperia Ray should land in the U.K. on September 5, that is according to Amazon. They have the device listed for £329.99 (around $535) unlocked and the note clearly states that "this item is due to be released on September 5, 2011". September 9 was mentioned in another report that had Play.com as its source but regardless of the four days between the two, the phone should land next week either way.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray pakcs a 3.3-inch display with Mobile Bravia Engine, 1GHz processor, eight-megapixel camera with Exmor R sensor and Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread. 

Apple wins German injunction against Samsung, Galaxy Tab 7.7 pulled from IFA

Apple's ongoing patent battle with Samsung has taken yet another twist, now that Cupertino has won an injunction blocking German sales of the recently unveiled Galaxy Tab 7.7. According to FOSS Patents, Samsung pulled its new Android tablet from both the IFA show floor and its German website on Saturday, in compliance with a Friday decision handed down by the same Düsseldorf Regional Court court that banned sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last month. The 7.7-inch slate had previously been on display with a sticker that read "Not for sale in Germany," but, as we noticed yesterday, all demo models, posters and other promotional materials have since been removed. Samsung spokesman James Chung told Bloomberg that the new injunction "severely limits consumer choice in Germany," but confirmed that the Korean manufacturer "respects the court's decision," and vowed to do everything it could to defend its intellectual property. Details on the ruling remain hazy and Apple has yet to comment, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

Zero1 VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)

Are you one of those old-school types who still watches TV programs on an actual television? Then you probably also own one or fifteen of those cordless channel changer contraptions -- you know, the kind that use AA batteries and magic beams of light to command station and volume adjustments. Well, set down the remote, lean back in that oversized plastic-covered velvet sofa, and get ready to toss out your last pair of alkalines. Zero1's new VooMote Zapper remote module has been making the rounds at IFA, letting you use any iOS device as a universal remote. Sure, the concept itself isn't new -- there have been other iOS-integrated remotes -- but the Zapper is small, relatively inexpensive, and interfaces quite nicely with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Your programmed selections are stored on the Zapper itself, so you can easily use it with multiple iOS devices.

The $70 device can be matched with identically colored cases ($20 and up), and also includes rather comprehensive TV Guide functionality, enabling you to see local programming, watch previews of unfamiliar content, and send an infrared signal to your TV to launch a program -- during its scheduled airing time, of course. We took a look at the app / itsy bitsy hardware combo, and it seemed to work well, with an easy setup process (codes for nearly every device come preloaded) and fast response time. VooMote reps said the device has a range of 25 feet, which is more than plenty for our tiny apartment configs, but may not suffice in some stadium-style media rooms. At the end of the day, it's really just a (very) elegant touchscreen universal remote solution, so we'll leave it at that. Jump past the break to see the Zapper in action.

VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)