Nokia C7 rumored for T-Mobile launch under Astound moniker, to cost $80 on April 6th

If you've been listening to the Engadget Mobile podcast lately, you'll know that we don't much like this trend of using verbs as phone names, but T-Mobile clearly hasn't gotten the message, as one of its upcoming handsets is rumored to be called the Astound. What exactly this rebadged Nokia C7 is supposed to astound us with, we're not really sure. We've seen its Clear Black Display already, which is very nice, but we've also seen the dead OS walking that is its Symbian installation. Still, for $80 on contract, it doesn't necessarily have to compete with the crème de la Gingerbread to be an appealing option. Look out for it early next month, waving the Magenta flag with pride.

Toshiba and Vizio expected to join Google TV bandwagon in January

Content providers could be a ban on Google TV left, right and center, but the hardware partners do not seem to lose all enthusiasm. After openly admitted to contemplate a Samsung HDTV with hardware and software, Google built its own TV, Toshiba and Vizio now have firm plans to introduce these new products at CES in January 2011. Although neither the manufacturer is established, confirming that last bit of inside information, Toshiba American GM Jeff Barney, is quoted as saying, "Google is certainly a key partner for us from the PC side and probably essential for us on the side of the TV as well." How else could work for Google as a key partner of the television with his experience as a TV connected to the Internet?