Review » Angry Birds Update for Windows Phone Provide Additional Level 90

Angry Birds

After a fairly successful visited several mobile platforms, like Android, IOS, and Symbian. As from last month's game Angry Birds finally available also for Windows platform Phone.

Interestingly, as quoted PULSAonline via pocketnow, reported that the developer Angry Birds, Rovio, now has game updates for the Windows platform apiknya Phone in order to add some level for the fans.

Windows Phone that had covered only 135 levels, now with the updated versions of games for the Windows platform Angry Birds Phone, fans can finally enjoy this game a battle between birds against this pig up to 225 levels.

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Review » Kyocera Echo

 

 Kyocera Echo

For me, a full blown tablet is nice real estate wise, but it can be tedious to type on. By contrast, a smartphone is nice and handy for thumb pecking out email and posts to Facebook, but the screen is so darn small. Would there could be something in the middle which would offer larger screen real estate, but not kill the battery and still let me type on the go.

Enter the Sprint Kyocera Echo. The Echo is an interesting dual screen smartphone, with twin 2.5” WVGA screens which separate thanks to an ingenious hinge, allowing for single screen phone use or dual screen tablet mode (where it stretches out to 4.7 inches square). And I have to say that the hinge had me a bit worried when I read about it. I had this ugly image of the hing breaking after a few months use, leaving angry users stuck with an expensive repair or replacement bill because they aren’t eligible for a new phone. But Kyocera has made the hinge design pretty robust and after a few months of daily use, it isn’t even lose. Hats off for making a tough design.

In addition to the tablet mode and single screen mode, there’s also a SimulTask app, which allows you to use the screens independently and in concert with one another. This is easily seen with the Billiards game app which shows an overhead view of the pool table on one screen, and the playing view on the other. Or the YouTube screen which gives you the video on one screen and a list on the other (YouTube can also play in Dual Screen mode). When in dual screen mode, the Echo enjoys a full 960 x 800 screen resolution keeping it league with it’s big brother tablets running Android 3 (Honeycomb).

And that’s where there’s a bit of a drag. The Echo uses Android 2.2 (Froyo), which makes it feel a bit like last year’s news since the world has moved on to vs. 2.3 (Gingerbread) and beyond. Even though it’s powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with 1GN of RAM on board, it still doesn’t have the latest Android software update – which it is by no means alone. In a rush to get phones out, manufactures have been willing to go with last year’s OS and a promise of an eventual Android update. But even then, updates like Gingerbread are being stalled by carriers who are skittish about being in the rapid fire update cycle that is Android. But it’s advantage is that it isn’t bogged down with annoying overlays which slow down the phone. It’s nearly a pure Google experience as you can get without having the Google logo on the back. But frankly, as an Apple snob, I’m still not an Android fan. I can see how others are, mind you. Android is to PC as iOS is to Mac. And the iOS interface is simply more elegant and intuitive. But the Android OS and it’s market downloads work and will take over the world. Leaving me and my precious little iPhone right where we belong, in the niche market.

Another lagging indicator is that unfortunately, the Echo is a 3G phone. It won’t work on Sprint’s Wimax 4G universe. Therefore, speedwise, it’s definitely in an also ran, second tier category. No real need to go into details here. If you have 4G now, you know. If you don’t, then you don’t really know what you’re missing. But since the Echo came out about the same time as 4G, I’m a bit puzzled as to why Sprint didn’t ride the unique train one stop further and push for 4G in the Echo.

Other features include cameras include a single, rear facing 5MP camera with flash, autofocus and a 2x digital zoom that shoots HD video in 720p. Again, this is where the Echo feels like yesterday’s news as it won’t be able to enjoy one of the smartphone’s growing new applications – video chatting. Without a front facing camera, a user is simply left in the dark being unable to do video Skype or Tango with their friends and family. Digital stills with a 5MP camera are marginal in an 8MP+ world, which is really too bad. But at least it’s a camera that can capture the “Kodak moment” when it comes and you can’t juggle the phone to dig the still camera out of your bag. But you’ll be wishing you had as it simply is OK in terms of picture quality. Last year, it would’ve been tops.

As for battery life, here’s where things get interesting. When we first saw the Echo unfold and turn on (which takes longer than we had hoped, BTW), we were convinced it would suck the life out of it’s 1370mAh battery faster than a 10 year old downing a Slurpee from 7-11. After all, running dual screens should mean twice as fast. But we were surprised that with modest use, the Echo could last the day. This is with standard phone use, checking your email, doing some surfing, and then a session or two of Angry Birds just to break the day up. But with heavy use (like when I gave it to my son Cody and told him to play games and watch videos till it was dead), it ran out of battery life by lunchtime making heavy use of the dual screen for entertainment albeit guaranteeing you’ll be plugging it in to recharge at least once throughout the day. Or, you can use the backup battery unit that Kyocera includes which plugs directly via microUSB (a rather quirky option). It also doubles as a charger. And what I like about this addition is that while phones like the HTC Thunderbolt lived in denial about it’s bad battery life until it was forced to provide an extended life battery (at an additional price, mind you), Kyocera is up front about it saying with a dual screen … it is what it is.

So, what is there to say about the bottom line of this odd little duck? Well, to be frank, it’s more a toy than a phone. It works fine as a phone, but it seems to me that makes for a better mobile media/gaming device than a workhorse smartphone. But that isn’t all bad. If you definitely like the eclectic, like the idea of a larger screen when you need it and longer battery life when you don’t, the Echo gives you the best of both worlds. But if you want speed, higher performance from your camera and options like video chat, then it’s time to move on to a 4G phone with dual cameras, not dual screens.


Pros:

• Dual WVGA Screen that can be used in tablet mode or separately.
• Collapsible for regular phone calls and to fit conveniently in purse or pocket.
• Slim in dual screen mode, but bulky folded up.
• Standard MicroUSB charge/sync cable
• extra battery unit

Cons:

• “The line” of the dual screen
• Android. 2.2 makes it yesterday’s news
• As does it’s single 5MP rear facing camera.
• Not 4G
• Battery life, depending on if you’re a heavy user or not (but at least you get a backup battery)

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Review » VoIP over 3G: Viber Now Available on Android

Viber has made a name among iPhone users. Hitherto reserved for iOS devices, the VoIP Skype application has eclipsed for many users for the simple reason that it works on the 3G network and it requires no registration. Now the Viper is available for Android mobile phone.

Indeed, the application uses the address book of the user and displays the contacts for which it is possible to make a call Viber. Of course, the application is free, which contributes to its success.

In the case of installing the Viber Google mobile OS by taking the full functions as the one on iOS version, we can get even a few extras such as notifications for text messages or the presence of an option to use Viber as a default call.

It’s been seven months Viber that is available and the service already claims 12 million active users. Sure, the arrival of the Android application should contribute to the rapid growth of user base.

Video: How to Make Free Call with Viber (VoIP)

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Review » Lane Splitter: a New Free 3D Arcade Game for Android

This game contains the main features of Kamikaze Race 2D with handling the accelerometer to move and some special actions when an executable portion. For example, if I want to pitch: I support a long time on the screen with a finger, and made to pass between two cars makes us gain more points. Obviously, the more the journey evolves over the speed and number of points earned increases.

Following, find a video demo of the game:

• World Rankings
• Facebook integration: competing with your friends and get the best score
• Realistic sound effects

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Review » Archos G9 Tablet Gets Priced

Archos has formally announced the costs of its upcoming Android Honeycomb-powered tablets called G9.

The Archos G9, which is expected to be released this September, comes in two models: an 8-inch 80 and the 10-inch 101. The smaller of the two devices will start out at $299.99 and the larger model at $369.99, both in 8GB capacity. Note that the two models will also come in 250GB options, making the Archos G9 a great storage device for all your media files.

To refresh your memory, the Archos G9 features Seagate’s 7mm Momentus Thin HDD technology, an ultra-fast OMAP 4 dual-core 1.5GHz processor, and Flash support.

Source: Archos, via Engadget

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Review » Ingenium 2.3 Android Tablet

While tablets are quickly becoming more and more popular, there are still some issues that people have with this relatively new portable computing device. Not all tablets are able to do everything that a user needs. There seems to be certain limits in terms of features that do not usually sit well with users. The high price for the popular tablets today does not make it any easier. But if you wish to have a tablet that relatively does what a user needs, the new Ingenium 2.3 Android Tablet may be worth checking out.

The Ingenium 2.3 Android Tablet is a 7 inch tablet that comes with a capacitive multi-touch display. It is powered by Android and has a 1.2 GHz Telechips TCC 8803 Cortex processor. It also comes with a 512 RAM, 4GB storage with an additional microSD slot that can accommodate up to 32GB of added storage.

The Ingenium 2.3 Android Tablet also comes with a 3.0MP front facing camera, built-in speakers, WiFi as well as 3G support and a mini USB 2.0 and an HDMI port. Its Lithium 4200 mAh battery is good for 4 hours of continuous use per full charge. The Ingenium 2.3 Android Tablet is available at Chinavasion for around US$193.

Image Source: Chinavasion

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Review » Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo

Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo, dual-core smartphone from Sony Ericsson again shows itself in the virtual nature.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Two A9500 NovaThor likely to use the chipset, which combines core Cortex A9 with the Mali-400 GPU. The chipset is basically the same as that used Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II, but the Xperia Duo CPU even higher, namely 1.4 GHz.

Based on other rumors that the Xperia Two reportedly also will be packaged with a pin Qualcomm MSM8260 Snapdragon chipset, which is now also used by HTC Sensation.

The good news is that at least would have the Xperia Duo CPUs overclocked version of one of the leading chipset later.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo will come with a treat-sized 4.5-inch QHD screen which has been pinned Mobile Bravia Engine technology. Gingerbread Android smartphone platform is also said to have a camera with 12 MP resolution and a battery-powered 2500 mAh.

Since this news is still a rumor, it is difficult indeed to guess when this smartphone will be released to the market, as well as for banderolnya. We can only hope, I hope the official announcement will come in the next few weeks.

Specifications

• Networks: 2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G HSDPA 900 / 2100, HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100.

• Screen: 4.5 inch, LED-backlit LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, 540 x 960 pixels, Scratch-resistant surface, Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate, Multi-touch input method, Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine, Proximity sensor for auto turn -off, Timescape UI; Main camera: 12 MP, 4000x3000 pixels, autofocus, LED flash, Touch focus, image stabilization, geo-tagging, face and smile detection, video continuous autofocus, video light.

• Secondary Camera: no.

• Memory: 1.5 GB of RAM, microSD up to 32GB.

• Connectivity: Wi Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, EDR, microUSB v2.0, 3G HSDPA, HSUPA.

• CPU: 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, Qualcomm MSM8260.

• Operating System: Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread).

• Messaging: SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM.

• Browser: HTML.

• Radio: Stereo FM radio with RDS.

• GPS: A-GPS support.

• Java: Java MIDP emulator via.

• Other Features: Digital compass, an HDMI port, Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV player, MP3/eAAC + / WMA / WAV player, TrackID music recognition, NeoReader barcode scanners, Google Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Facebook and Twitter integration, Document viewer, Adobe Flash 10.2, Voice memo / dial / commands, Predictive text input, 3.5 mm audio jack.

• Battery: 2500 mAh Li-Po.

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Review » Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830

It was difficult to stem the increasingly aggressive steps with Samsung that its Google's Android. South Korean vendors are really ready for combat. The new weapon is fired for this year's return to Indonesia, Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 Ace or one of them.

In the design of the Samsung Galaxy Ace is packaged in a glossy black candybar with the body and rounded corners, but implies a firm impression. At first glance, the Samsung is like trying to show something new through the Galaxy Ace.

This phone looks like a want to escape from the Galaxy before a family trait. There is the impression of more simple and tend to adopt a style that developed the iPhone 4. Striking differences exist in the rear casing is coated with a rough texture and finishing abrasive.

On the left side of the body is only pinned to the volume buttons. On the right side of the body implanted power button / lock key and a micro SD slot that is hotswap. While the 3.5 mm audio port and port appear side by side on the top side of the body Galaxy Ace.

The phone also has proximity sensors buried in the upper right corner of the front body. Position sensors are completely camouflaged and almost invisible. It functions like a radar sensor, detects the distance between the screen and the object in front of him. When you call these sensors will menonaktfikan screen if it is near the ear.

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Review » Samsung Release Update Gingerbread for Galaxy Ace

Samsung has just released the official update to the Galaxy Ace Gingerbread via Kies. The new update is available on a limited basis for specific countries such as Russia and Poland. But no need to worry because in the near future updates will be available to other countries.

As quoted from SamFirmware, Galaxy Ace Samsung users can update to its Android version 2.3.3. With the update, the owner of the Galaxy Ace can enjoy the benefits of the new OS. Starting from a better visual appearance, ntuk patches several security holes to feature a more recent copy and paste

Just a note, not the official version of the Gingerbread for Samsung Galaxy Ace has actually been leaked since a few months ago. However, Samsung's new party is now officially released the update.

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Review » Nasa App for Android Now with Better Acess: Images, Video and Information

Application of NASA for Android will not be the ultimate in futuristic technology but will be more than appreciated by all owners of a mobile phone with Google operating system. The application which replaces another program already released some time ago by the U.S. space provides access to virtually huge amount of content that NASA is holding including images, video, information on the position of satellites, space stations , news and much more.

The program also lets you keep an eye on the schedule of the live movie proeizioni notice by the aerospace industry, and the videos seem to work all over the world.

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LG announces the implementation of two new services that will enable all customers to receive expert assistance remotely in real time and take full advantage of all services and the potential of its Android smartphone. In particular, the “Remote Call” offers a diagnosis of problems and “FOTA service” (Firmware Over-The-Air) allows you to keep your phone software up to date.

What is Remote Call?

The Remote Call pre-loaded on the smartphone LG, represents the first type of remote service offered directly by the manufacturer and allows users to identify problems of their smartphone without having to visit health care centers Thanks to remote control by an operator specializing LG.

To access the service, simply register by contacting Customer Service by LG and to give his permission to access the device via 3G or Wi-Fi network. For security reasons, in fact, a protection system prevents the operators have access to personal information – messages, emails, images – without the user’s explicit consent.

What is FOTA service?

LG FOTA is instead the new intelligent system that through the application of the same name, provides the latest news on updates and software for the Android operating system. It then becomes easier for users to stay constantly updated without having to connect to a computer or visit a service center.

Services that many users probably already know but LG are now presented in a formal and officially proposed for those who were not yet aware. Small steps to build a solid foundation for a complete products to satisfy users. The year 2011 was the year of entry into the world of LG Android top range and after a first run, it seems that the producer is improving its service.

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Gadget News: Information on the New Android Market for Smartphones

A new version of the Android Market for smartphones was discussed at the Google I/O, in May. The release date was scheduled for June, but as you can see, the time has been exceeded. This new application is intended to replace the current version, which is not necessarily the tastes of all and show only very few categories. As for the shelves as Honeycomb, an update already proposed content presented at the Google I/O.

Today, Google has published a note in which he speaks of this consolidation. Alignment with the Android Market and web Honeycomb also involves the integration of books and films. Unfortunately, the first category is still largely filled outside of the United States and the second is completely empty. But the Mountain View giant reassures us by saying that these services will arrive soon in some countries.

For games and applications, there is a complete redesign. There are inspirations to the interface of Windows Phone 7 with rectangles. On the home page, you can see the different categories and several content made before. Some are the traditional form while others simply display an image. It was really an interface much more original than before.

Once the category selected, you can switch to a different classification by simply sliding a finger right or left. The rendering is very nice but no new users may find this feature directly. The lists are now in the form of grids which can display twice as many applications on one screen.

Developers complained that they had a low visibility should be delighted with the arrival of this new interface. The new Android Market will arrive in the coming weeks for all phones (or tablets that are not under Honeycomb) Android 2.2 and 2.3. This limitation is unfortunate, although as with previous versions, a second wave should be compatible with older versions of the system.

Source: Google

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Review » ASUS EeePad Transformer to Sell 4.5 Millions by the End of 2011

Monthly sales of the Asus EeePad Transforming come to exceed 400,000 units. Internally, the Taiwanese now shows the ambitions of 4 to 4.5 million units sold in 2011. It is no longer a mystery today: the Asus EeePad Transformer is the shelf under the Honeycomb selling now. In April and May, 400,000 units have passed while stocks were weakened by events in Japan.

If this tablet is selling more than others, it should be the result of a combination of several elements. First, the innovative concept, with the possibility of connecting to a physical keyboard. The second is an unbeatable value compared to the competition, which saw fit to match or even exceed the price of the Apple iPad. The last track is updated copy as Android 3.2 is already in test.

Production Asus EeePad Transformer has exceeded 400,000 units as announced in June. Officially, the goal is to sell 2 million copies by the end of the year (information given to vendors). But Taiwan has asked that providers are increasing their shipments to reach upto 500 000 pieces in this quarter.

This upward revision of orders is also accompanied by a change in objectives internally. They would now come to sell 4 million to 4.5 million units by the end of 2011. This is still double the original estimates which again confirms the success.

If this were the case, Asus could register as the second largest manufacturer of tablets behind Apple.

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Review » Sprint Photon 4G Launch Date and Price Unveiled

Sprint unveiled the Motorola Photon 4G last month providing everything but the release date. However, yesterday the carrier said that the phone will be arriving on the Now Network on July 31st for $199.99 with a 2-year contract. You’ll of course need to select an applicable everything plan to achieve the carrier’s discounts, which start at $69.99.

The Photon 4G is a Tegra 2 powered smartphone running the Android operating system. It sports a 4.3-inch qHD touchscreen, 16GB of built-in storage, an 8 megapixel camera, and 3G/4G connectivity. When it ships later this month, a number of accessories will be available for the handset. The HD station is a remote and HDMI cable allowing you to plug the handset into your HDTV and control your stored media, surf the web or attach up to 3 USB devices for $99.99. There is a full sized keyboard that costs $69.99 and a vehicle navigation dock that is probably nothing more than a glorified mount for $59.99.

Starting July 18th, Sprint will let you register to win a Photon 4G or a trip for 2 to Live Nation concert.

Full press release after the ‘leap’

Motorola PHOTON 4G Debuts on July 31 for $199.99


Sprint ID just added to impressive list of features for Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 13, 2011 – Offering a phone packed with a powerful balance of features to complement a consumer’s personal and professional life, Sprint (NYSE: S) and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced the July 31 availability of Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone, Motorola PHOTON™ 4G. Motorola PHOTON 4G, featuring a 1GHz dual-core processor, will cost $199.99 (excludes taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement1.

Sprint Premier Customers will have the opportunity to purchase Motorola PHOTON 4G – online only – three days before the national launch, while supplies last. Customers who have elected to receive email notifications from Sprint will be notified of the details on July 28. Premier customers can also log on to their account at www.sprint.com on July 28, click “show me my rewards” and then “Sprint Premier Community” for additional details.

“Sprint is thrilled to build on the strength of our relationship with Motorola by bringing customers Motorola’s first Sprint 4G device with a dual-core processor,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Motorola PHOTON 4G brings our customers the latest in Android technology combined with enterprise-quality security for business users and international GSM capabilities for those who travel abroad. It is spectacular to bring yet another Sprint 4G device to our customers.”

Announced in early June, Motorola PHOTON 4G has already received praise from well-respected device critics:

“I dig the way the PHOTON looks. The qHD screen is very nice indeed. Colors are rich, and the resolution was very good.” – PC World
“It’s big, it’s businesslike…. Sprint’s brand-new Motorola PHOTON 4G will face down the HTC EVO 3D this summer in a battle of the high-end Android super-phones.” – PC Magazine
“It’s a strong competitor and one that seems aimed equally at business customers as it is to regular consumers.” – GigaOm
Making Android Easy

Motorola PHOTON 4G is Sprint’s seventh Sprint ID-capable device. Sprint ID delivers a variety of apps, widgets, shortcuts, ringtones and wallpapers – designed to meet users’ specific mobile needs and interests – in a few simple clicks. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan, and users can download five at once – including Professional (features tools to help busy professionals with travel plans, organization, communication), Green (tips to live a greener lifestyle), MTV Music ID (mobile music experience), HSN (shopping on the go) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ID Pack. To see all Sprint ID packs, visit www.sprint.com/sprintid.

Built with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Motorola PHOTON 4G, combined with Sprint’s 4G network, lets users browse, download and multitask at maximum speeds to support their busy lifestyles. Motorola PHOTON 4G provides an array of versatile tools, such as the Motorola webtop application, allowing users to access and create content from a larger screen while connected to a Motorola HD Station dock (available for purchase following device availability).

Additional features include:

Dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor with each core running at 1GHz and 1GB of RAM
Large 4.3-inch touchscreen with qHD (Quarter High Definition) display
Supports critical IT device policies commonly requested by enterprises and governmental entities, including integration ease, cost-of-management and data security concerns
Dual cameras – 8-megapixel, dual-LED flash camera with front-facing webcam and VGA front-facing camera for video chat
Android Market™ for access to more than 200,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
16GB of onboard memory, support for up to 32GB SD Card, for a total of up to 48GB
Worldphone capabilities to access emails, calendars and news from anywhere around the globe
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks
Robust Accessory Ecosystem

Customers will appreciate the wide variety of Sprint and Motorola exclusive accessories available to customize their Motorola PHOTON 4G experience. Options include

Paired with the HD Station, which includes a Wireless Remote and HDMI Cable, users can do more than ever on a larger screen. When docked, the Motorola PHOTON 4G launches the Webtop application, providing users with instant access to full Firefox® multi-window browsing capabilities. Additionally, users can connect up to three USB peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse or memory stick to be even more productive at home or on-the-go. The HD Station will be available when the device launches for $99.99 (excludes tax).
The full-size Wireless Keyboard allows Motorola PHOTON 4G users to work faster with Bluetooth® technology and a super thin design. The Wireless Keyboard provides quick access to Android® apps using dedicated shortcut keys and navigate through Web apps powered by Android in a snap. Available when the device launches, the Wireless Keyboard will retail for $69.99 (excludes tax).
Hitting the open road for summer vacation? The Vehicle Navigation Dock for Motorola PHOTON 4G is the ultimate travel companion providing users with easy access to maps, favorite contacts, hands-free calling, music, turn-by-turn navigation and more. Equipped with integrated Motorola ESP technology to automate the screen preferences, and allows streaming audio & music via the 3.5mm audio jack through the vehicle speakers. The Vehicle Navigation Dock will be available when the device launches for $59.99 (excludes tax).
When it comes time to recharge Motorola PHOTON 4G, Sprint offers a wide variety of power solutions, including a Battery Only Charger and Battery Bundle. This high performing, 1700mAh Lithium Ion replacement battery gives the device the power to talk, send texts, take pictures, or just be on standby. The bundle includes a battery-only charger, providing users the option to charge the spare battery separately and is available on August 21 for $49.99 (excludes tax).
Sprint offers a variety of cases, skins and gels to protect Motorola PHOTON 4G and other devices from inevitable nicks and scratches. Sprint offers the following phone covers and wraps for Motorola PHOTON 4G. Each of the accessories below will be available on July 31.

A Holster and Shield Combo make a nice protective cover to prevent scuffs and scratches. This cover and holster combination carry solution provides convenient protection for the Motorola PHOTON 4G device. It is available for $24.99 (excludes tax).
The protective Gel surrounds Motorola PHOTON 4G like protective gloves with precision cut-outs for access to the device’s bright screen, control buttons and keypad. It’s available in purple and retails for $19.99 (excludes tax).
The two-piece Phone Cover for Motorola PHOTON 4G slides together easily to protect the top and bottom of the device. Available in gray with black leather inlay, the phone cover will retail for $21.99 (excludes tax).
Additional accessories will be available after launch. Customers seeking more information can visit their local Sprint store or www.sprint.com/accessories.

Motorola PHOTON 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB web or $9.99 per month versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB web. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. (Pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.)

Sprint was unbeaten among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction according to results from the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. In addition to tying for first place among wireless carriers, Sprint was also the number one most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last three years, according to the survey.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

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Review » HTC Status ‘Facebook Phone’ pre-orders start today; launches July 17th for $49.99

AT&T on Monday announced pre-order availability of its first “Facebook Phone,” the HTC Status. Social butterflies on the nation’s No. 2 wireless carrier can pre-order the sleek smartphone for $49.99 on contract beginning immediately, and the phone will arrive in stores this Sunday, July 17th. Aimed squarely at young Facebook fanatics, the HTC Status features Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread, a QWERTY keypad, a 5-megapixel camera and a dedicated Facebook sharing button. “We can’t wait to put the HTC Status in the hands of our young customers who will waste no time tapping into Facebook to update their friends,” said AT&T Senior VP of Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets Jeff Bradley in a statement. “We’re also really pleased to offer the hottest new smartphone at an affordable price to this important, socially savvy youth market.” Also of note, Best Buy will be the exclusive purveyor of the HTC Status in a special limited edition mauve color when the phone launches next week. AT&T’s full press release follows below.

HTC Status Offers One-Touch Facebook Sharing For Just $49.99


First Mobile Phone with Dedicated Facebook Share Button Available for Preorder on ATT.com Arrives in AT&T Stores on July 17


Dallas, Texas, July 11, 2011

Key Facts

• AT&T begins presales of the HTC Status today on http://www.att.com/.
• The first phone with a dedicated Facebook share button, the HTC Status is exclusive to AT&T customers for $49.99 with a two-year contract.
• Best Buy stores to offer exclusive color.
• HTC Status available in time for back-to-school shopping season.

HTC Status

The ultimate phone for customers who love posting on Facebook what they’re doing, seeing or listening to, the HTC Status is the first phone to feature a dedicated Facebook share button. Not just a link to a mobile Facebook application, the button lets you quickly share what you are doing on Facebook with a simple press. It is also context aware and lights up when there is an activity to share, such as a song you are listening to, a website you are viewing or a photo you have taken.

The Facebook share button allows people to:

• Post instantly on your wall or a friend’s wall by pressing the Facebook share button from your home screen.
• Take a picture or shoot a video and share it instantly with a press of the Facebook share button. You can also post multiple pictures at one time and label and tag them before posting. Or even post photos automatically as you’re taking them.
• Check in to Facebook Places by pressing and holding the Facebook share button from the home screen.
• Share something cool on the Web with a quick press of the Facebook share button and be the first with the news.
• Let your friends in on the music you love with the push of a button by pressing the Facebook share button to post the song title and other details.

The HTC Status runs on the Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) platform, AT&T’s first smartphone to do so. It is also the first phone in the US with an enhanced version of HTC Sense™ that integrates Facebook into more places than ever before. Facebook content and information is integrated in the clock, dialer, calendar, address book and photo gallery. The HTC Status also features a Facebook chat application that lets you maintain your chat conversations, even when you navigate away to take a call, browse the Web or play a game. And the Facebook chat widget shows who is available to chat and allows you to initiate a conversation with just a tap.

The HTC Status, with its uni-body design with sleek metal accents, is easy to customize to reflect your style with widgets, shortcuts and wallpapers, and its customizable lock screen lets you open your favorite application quickly when you unlock the screen.

The HTC Status also sports a 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash on the back and a front facing camera to easily capture and share self portraits. Above the dedicated physical keyboard, HTC Status has a 2.6-inch touch screen with 480 x 320 resolution and capacitive navigation buttons.

Exclusive custom cases and a screen protector will also be available for sale with the HTC Status at AT&T company-owned retail stores. Customers can choose from hard- and soft-shell case options from Speck and AGF. The HTC Status will be compatible with a number of universal micro-USB charging options, Bluetooth headsets and corded stereo headsets such as the IFrogz Luxe corded headsets with integrated microphone, which will be available in four colors, black, silver, pink and blue. Accessories will also be available for sale in AT&T’s online store.

Pricing and Availability

Arriving in stores as the lead device in AT&T’s back to school promotions starting July 17, the HTC Status will be available in AT&T stores and online for $49.99 after a two-year contract. (Minimum $15 data plan required.) Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores will feature an exclusive mauve edition.

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Review » Skype for Android Gets Updated, Video Calls Now Possible

 

Skype for Android has been updated to the relief of long-time Skype users, who can now make one-on-one video calls with fellow Skypers on both WiFi and 3G connections. Users can even make video calls from their Android phone with their Skype contacts on iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, and even on select Internet TVs.

The update also enables users to navigate more easily through contacts, access their personal Skype profile and change personal details, share via the mood message box, send SMS messages, and check the balance of their Skype Credit.

The updated Skype app can be downloaded from the Android Market or type Skype.com/m on the phone’s browser. Note that the smartphone has to be running on Android 2.3 or above and have a front-facing camera for the app to work properly. Compatible handsets include the HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro, and Google Nexus S.

Source: TechCrunch

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Review » Brando’s Gadmei P83 3D PMP Player Does 3D without Glasses (video)

Still seeking that 3D experience but not ready to plunk down a few grand on a compatible LED TV?  Fear not my furry friends, Brando has you covered.  The electronic retailer is hocking the Gadmei P83 PMP Player, which claims to be a 3D PMP sporting an 8-inch 1280×768 that doesn’t require those pesky 3D glasses.  Course, finding compatible video and images will be entirely up to you since there clearly isn’t a store, at least that we’re aware of, that sells such movies.

However, it should be compatible with your favorite brand of 3D capable point and shoot camera, which are still fairly few and far between, but in existence nonetheless.  Storage is a scant 4GB, though it is compatible with USB sticks and SD cards.  If you’re willing to take the dive, you can grab one for $179.

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Review » Movie Pass: Unlimited Movie Theater Tickets for $50 a Month

For as little as $9.99 a month you can rent an unlimited amount of DVDs from Netflix.  When the company launched it was met with skepticism and apprehension.  But after years of fighting the big boys, such as Blockbuster, they’ve emerged the winner.  Now a company called Movie Pass is looking to enter the space, but instead of offering an unlimited amount of DVD rentals, they want you to pay $50 a month to watch as many movies as you’d like in the movie theater.

Over 100 theaters are currently participating, but from what we understand the beta program has kicked off in San Francisco.  Users simply sign up on their website and then using an accompanying iPhone or Android app, present a reservation code to the movie clerk.  Seats and tickets can be reserved online, and Movie Pass is even promising discounts on the popcorn, access to advanced screenings in addition to restaurant vouchers, though we’re not sure how the latter works.


Since movie theaters often make their profits on concessions, it stands to reason that these movie goers could be more profitable than an average attendee.  Though if you attend the theater on a regular basis you’ll probably skip the popcorn and soda since it’s novelty factor will wear off quickly.

On average today’s movie theater tickets cost about $12.  So 4 visits a month to the theater could pay for Movie Pass.  However, that means attending the theater more than once a week, something most busy people don’t have time to do, hence why theaters are most busy on weekends.  We’ve heard that special movies, such as those presented in 3D and Imax, will include an additional surcharge per viewing, though that info isn’t on their website.

So will you sign up for Movie Pass if and when it comes to your state?

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Review » Android vs Windows Mobile 6.5: a duel on equal devices

Which of the two operating systems for smart phones more functional, more comfortable, more promising? It is considered that the future - for Android, and Windows Mobile too old and has to be forgot. But let's not make hasty conclusions. Let's try to start to compare these operating systems, giving them an equal chance to prove themselves.

HTC is as if specially provided us with this opportunity, releasing two communicators with nearly identical hardware equipment, but different OS - HTC Tattoo with Android and HTC Touch 2 with Windows Mobile 6.5. There is no better ground for comparison than these two devices. Both smartphones are based on the same integrated platform, Qualcomm MSM7225 processor with a frequency of 528 MHz, equipped with identical amounts of memory, air interfaces, cameras, and even an FM-tuner.

Well, let's move on to the software capabilities.

Interface for both devices is actually the same - it's HTC Sense. However, the differences between versions for Android and Windows Mobile are really great. Common, in fact, is only the main screen. In Windows Mobile Sense it is a set of windows which can be browsed through the horizontal swipes or using icon (icon at the bottom of the screen - a kind of roots of bookmarks). The composition displayed applets can be customized; however it is limited to on / off individual tabs. Android is all about applets, including the objects of the main window - its widgets, they can be also placed on the seven pages of its interface. Some of them repeat the design of Sense applets; others are taken directly from Android. In sum, the shell came out slightly better in Tattoo: flexible configuration options, more modern graphics and animation.

As for specific to the OS interface elements themselves, Android is the leader by a wide margin. Notification bar that stretches on to entire screen is more convenient than it is in Windows Mobile; HTC even added a function for it to show in a separate window. Standard application interface elements are bigger and better placed in Android.

Performance. According to stereotype, Android is faster than Windows Mobile, especially than WM 6.5. It's not entirely true, as we saw both systems are working equally fast. In terms of pure speed experiment both OS's are running virtually at same speed, this also applies to interface renderer and applications. Programs' launching speeds depend on their specific implementation under each operating system, there is no systematic lag in any one of the smartphones. However, there are two "buts". Windows Mobile has the ability to collect "bugs" and "brake" during a session (without rebooting). This problem usually appears after some time, while Android keeps high performance even at very high and use of system and applications.

Working with files. The Windows Mobile users and applications have full freedom of handling files, virtually the same as in the desktop Windows. File management in Android is a huge problem. There is no file manager preinstalled. Finding and installing programs is not difficult, however applications use strict bindings to their work folders. Many applets can only work with documents in a folder with a specific name.

Working with e-mail. Until recently, Windows Mobile has been setting the bar for functionality, flexibility and compatibility, but Android is setting new standards in working with e-mail. It's not just a normal Gmail client, which allows the most convenient way for the mobile device display and manage correspondence, and work with related services, Google (Calendar, Contacts), but also in the implementation of other protocols. In HTC Tattoo supports POP3/SMTP, and Microsoft Exchange. Android works more stable and is better when different encodings in the body of letters. But it has problems with file attachments. If your mail client is set to save files to SD, it won't save files at all if there is no SD card. There appears the same problem with file management (if the mail client is configured to save them to SD. The second problem is that Tattoo did not have any preinstalled software to work with Microsoft Office documents.

Work on the Internet. Android is the leader here. The HTC Touch 2 has Opera Mobile 9.5, but it is fairly slower than Android browser. Android browser is faster in rendering pages, better in compatibility with web design technologies and user-view control. Android also works better with caching in your browser, which further enhances the ease of navigating through the pages.

Telephone communication. There are no dramatic differences in implementation of telephone applications in Android and Windows Mobile. At least, this applies to HTC products. Both have a simple call via interface or the hard button, large keys, direct access to your address book. In both cases, they used Windows Mobile users search method by applying a mask of all the letters on entire array of data. Android features slightly more modern graphics and slightly better virtual service keys. But here we should not forget that Windows Mobile is not used only on HTC. Typically, each manufacturer has its own smartphone, "dialer" and, as a rule, it is somewhat worse than that of HTC.

Multimedia. Capabilities of both systems for playback of graphics, audio and video files are roughly equal, players and viewers are comparable in terms of functionality and ease of management. The only problem on Android is again its file management system.



As a result, a comparison between two identical devices with different operating systems breaks the stereotype that Windows Mobile is worse than Android in all the aspects. In the hands of producers who have experience with Microsoft and striving to make their devices of high-quality and attractive for consumers, both OS's running approximately equal. Android has a much better interface, and it is more stable under prolonged heavy use, but it has some problems with the file management.

Our experience also shows that device manufacturers play a key role in the development of the operating system and its adaptation to the needs of the user. Consortia and software companies are more concerned about the functional expansion of the platform, supported by new technologies than on particular aspects of its capabilities and comfort of use. As a result, the general definition of Android as a "crude and unbalanced equipment", and Windows Mobile - as "unstable and slow". But the knowledgeable and skilled work of HTC equals them out.

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Review » Microsoft and Intel to create Wintel platform for tablets in 2012

Intel and Microsoft are preparing a new platform for the tablets, influencing the producers of tablets in hopes of a successful competition with Apple iPad. It is expected that tablets which may appear in 2012 will be more successful than models featuring «ARM + Android» combination.

Most manufacturers are disappointed with the fact that sales of tablets on ARM + Android were lower than expected. And they are blaming errors in the Android OS on one hand and the attractive image of the brand Apple on the other hand, manufacturers are figuring out options for changing their strategy.
Focusing on the needs of tablets manufacturers Intel and Microsoft recently introduced their plan to create Wintel platform for tablets. The new version of the platform will include the Intel processor with a TDP of less than 5 watts and Microsoft Windows 8 operating system.

It is expected that Intel will set lower prices for the new processors to encourage manufacturers to switch to Microsoft Windows 8 which will leave in the past all the problems with unfinished Android 3.0 and 3.1 OS's.

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