SPG -- All News

Skyfire submits browser app to the Apple Appstore

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:07:52 +0000

Here's hoping this one get's through the Apple meat-grinder, I like Skyfire and used it a lot on Windows Mobile...

Just last week, a couple of much-trusted birdies popped into the MobileCrunch office, claiming to have some details on SkyFire (a Flash-friendly mobile browser already available on a number of smartphone platforms) and its impending iPhone release. “They’ve entered the very final round of testing!” they said. “It’s going to get submitted to Apple early next week!”

We’re one day past what we’d personally consider “early next week”, but sure enough: SkyFire has just announced that they’ve submitted the browser for Apple’s oh-so-important stamp of approval. Start the timers, folks.

SkyFire is sure to be at least somewhat controversial, as it brings support for a good amount of the web’s Flash video content to a platform that very openly lacks it. We’ve all seen the mudslinging between Apple and Adobe on the matter of Flash on the iPhone, so to see it potentially find it’s way onto the handset in any form is interesting.
This is very good news, I like the Skyfire browser...

However, it’s worth noting (because it’s the primary reason SkyFire might not be instantly denied for breaking Apple’s guidelines): SkyFire doesn’t actually play, or interpret, or transcode Flash content on the handset. It uses a bit of proxy magic to remotely convert Flash video content into something a little more iPhone friendly, and then embeds that video content for playback at the user’s request. As a result of this conversion, SkyFire can handle Flash video — but most other Flash content (like games, or embedded music players) is a no go.

SkyFire seems to be pretty confident that they’ll get approved quick, saying that the application was developed “with significant oversight and feedback from Apple”, and that “it adheres to every guideline put forth by Apple regarding HTML5 video playback for iOS”.

I’m expecting to get a build of SkyFire for iPhone before the day is out, so check back in over the next few days for our early impressions, and maybe, just maaaybe (read: probably) some SkyFire-vs-Opera-vs-Safari speed tests.

Credit: MobileCrunch

Notifo - Now with user to user messaging & realtime Twitter notifications!

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:00:23 +0000

I spotted this in my MobileCrunch RSS feed. An interesting application called Notifo for the iPhone...

Last time we wrote about Notifo, we called it a “simple mobile notifications platform for anything” — and really, that’s probably the best way to describe it. You take your iPhone, install the Notifo app, hook it up to your favorite services (like Twitter, or GitHub) or any of the “Projects” (read: plugins, like Growl alert forwarding, or Chrome-to-Notifo ), and bam! You’ve got push notifications coming down to your iPhone from just about anything you could imagine.

All that notification sending takes two things: users to send the messages to, and a message pushing backend to handle all the heavy lifting — the same two things, as it just so happens, that one would need to create a basic instant messaging service. And so they have.

In an update to their iPhone app that went live this afternoon, Notifo launched a service they’ve had in the making for about four months: free text and picture messaging. Alas, it’s only built for messages from Notifo-user-to-Notifo-user, rather than Notifo-to-phone-numbers — but with all that messaging going on between users and the backend, connecting users with each other was really just the obvious next step.

You can read the full article over at MobileCrunch!

HTC launching the HD3 on September the 15th?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:38:26 +0000

The rumour mongers are out again concerning HTC, it's looking likely that a press event is to be held by HTC in London on September the 15th and that the guest of honour will be the HTC HD3.

The specification is looking to offer a tablet shape 4.5-inch, AM-OLED touchscreen with a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution -- giving it a larger, higher resolution display than current models like the Motorola Droid X and HTC EVO 4G.

Allegedly running Windows Phone 7 it has been completely redesigned to be consumer focused.

It will use a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB RAM and 32 GB of storage, if unconfirmed reports are correct. This would give it a significantly faster chip than is in any current smartphone.

This HTC model is supposedly going to have an 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash. It will be able to record high-definition video and well as play it over its HDMI port.

Also on the leaked feature list is 3G and 4G cellular-wireless networking, as well Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Powering all this will reportedly be an 1800 mAh battery.

So far, the only carriers who has been linked to this smartphone are O2 in the UK and Telsra in Australia.

Turn your iPhone into a Microscope, cheaply!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:33:23 +0000

I like the weird and the wacky, so discovering this in my RSS feeds was marvellous...

"These odd images were all taken using an iPhone cleverly equipped with a 45x microscope. The best part though? You can add such an upgrade to your own iPhone for about $10. The video above claims that the iPhone microscope modification costs only five dollars, but we've found that the microscope used—an SE Mini 45X—will run you about seven dollars on average and that the case you'll attach it to will be another three bucks.

That aside though, the project is pretty simple. All you're doing is attaching the microscope's viewfinder to your case and securing that to your iPhone. It's that easy and you can create images like the ones in the video or here:"

Source: Gizmodo

Nuu Mini Key brings physical keyboard goodness to the iPhone 4

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:51:03 +0000

As you know, I like my physical keyboards, so I found this interesting...

"For all the benefits of touchscreen keyboards, there are many who maintain a steadfast allegiance to the gods of tactile feedback. So how does this Mini Key case with sliding QWERTY for the iPhone 4 strike you?

Unfortunately, the keys were a bit hard to press on the backlit prototype keypad handled by Engadget Spanish, and it links to the iPhone via Bluetooth, not the iPhone's dock connector (there's a cutout at the bottom for a cable to pass through).

And no, all that added bulk still doesn't include an extended life battery pack. Perhaps some of this will change before it goes on sale before the end of the year for $60 / €60, we doubt it though."

Be interesting to see what everybody else thinks!!

Source: Engadget

Windows Phone 7 advert states 'the revolution is coming'

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:41:27 +0000

Windows Phone 7 advert states 'the revolution is coming', this was shown at the presentation of Lawrence of Arabia at London's Secret Cinema event :

O2 Dell Streak update to OS 2.1 is out

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:39 +0000

Well it's finally out and available, the OS2.1 Android upgrade to the Dell Streak on O2:

In preparation for the Android 2.1 update, make sure you back up all your data. Anything not stored on the SD card will be erased. Check the Android Marketplace for applications that can back up user content (like contacts, SMS, etc.) Applications can be re-downloaded from the Downloads tab in the Android Marketplace.

Please ensure you switch to WiFi before initiating the update download to avoid additional data charges.

The total process (both the download and installation) will take roughly 30 minutes, depending on your connection speed. If you have less than 50% battery, make sure the Streak is plugged into the charger.

[Source]

O2 HTC Desire 2.2 Froyo upgrade available....... well it was!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:41:21 +0000

O2 UK this morning released their much anticipated ROM upgrade to Android 2.2 (Froyo), but it was pulled a while later as some customers were experiencing problems with it. Have a look at the thread on the O2 forums starting here onwards.

Has anyone out there got any experience of the upgrade they could relate to us?

Quote from Site Admin on the O2 forum:

"Hi all
As some of you will have noticed the Android 2.2 Froyo update for HTC Desire on O2 went live this morning. While we’re pleased that so many of you have been able to download it successfully and are enjoying the benefits of 2.2, we have seen that a small number of people are having problems installing the update.

While we check out these issues we’re putting the 2.2 update on hold. We’ll update you as soon as possible and would like to thank our HTC Desire customers for their patience.

Thanks
JP

PS. Crossposted to two threads as both seem to be active!"

Samsung Galaxy Tab now 'Coming Soon' on Vodafone

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:28:16 +0000

The eagerly awaited new 7" slate from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab, is now officially 'coming soon' to Vodafone

Their device page has a lot of information about it's capabilities and these are looking very good indeed!

If you’re looking for a multi-function tablet that uses Android’s popular FroYo 2.2 operating system, get the new Samsung Galaxy Tab from Vodafone.

All of the web - none of the wait

Samsung Galaxy Tab supports Flash 10
Because it runs on the Android 2.2 operating system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab can display Flash videos and websites – so you see them in the way they were meant to be seen. It’s ideal for watching hilarious YouTube clips with friends or colleagues, as well as for making the most of sites which use Flash, like BBC News.

Browse faster on the Galaxy Tab with 3G
With 3G connectivity as standard – together with Wi-Fi when you need it at home or out and about – the Samsung Galaxy Tab makes browsing quick. You’ll also feel the speed of its 1.2GHz processor together with the Android 2.2 operating system – making everything (including the web) respond fast. It adds up to more time enjoying and less time waiting.

Perfect for streaming and sharing

Catch your favourite TV with the Galaxy Tab
There’s no need to worry about missing the shows you love when you’re stuck on the bus. The Galaxy Tab has BBC iPlayer, Sky + and Sky News built in. So relax and catch up wherever there’s a Vodafone signal. And if you fancy watching a movie while you’re away from home, check out the great films on Samsung Movies.

Share things across three screens
The Samsung Galaxy Tab's generous 7-inch screen is great when you're browsing, editing documents or reading eBooks on your own. But when you want to share what you're enjoying, you can send what's on the Galaxy Tab's screen to a laptop, PC monitor or Samsung TV. The All Share app (with a clever technology called DLNA) connects your devices together. So you can share the latest programme from BBC iPlayer when you’re at home – or your presentation when you’re at work.

Great for staying in touch
Make voice and video calls to friends and family
A 3.2 megapixel camera just above the screen on your Samsung Galaxy Tab means it’s easy to enjoy video calling – or video conferencing, if you’re using it for business. Callers can see you, and you’ll be able to see them if their device has video calling features. The Samsung Galaxy Tab can also be used for voice calls, just like a normal mobile phone. If you’re one of our business customers, we’ll include minutes as part of your Galaxy Tab price plan – helping you to stay in touch with colleagues and customers while you’re on the go.

Connect to Twitter and Facebook
Staying in the loop with your favourite social networks is simple thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Tab’s built-in communication features. Fire up the apps for these and other social services – you’ll find over 70,000 apps in Android Market – and you can be tweeting and updating your status wherever there’s a 3G signal or Wi-Fi hotspot.

Ideal for reading and editing

Read digital newspapers and magazines
Forget carrying around half a dozen of your favourite daily, weekly and monthly reads – enjoy them in their digital form with the Samsung Galaxy Tab’s Reading Hub feature. It makes it simple to find, read, store and organise digital publications.

View and edit any Microsoft Office document
Why wait till you reach the office to start editing important documents? With ThinkFree software on your Galaxy Tab, you open, view and edit Word, PowerPoint and Excel files without being tied to your desk. You can also view PDFs – handy for that restaurant menu or those directions you downloaded.

Specifications:

Networks
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz

Networks
3G (HSUPA 5.76Mbps): 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz

Screensize 7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)

Processor Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540

Connectivity 30 pin connector / micro SD Connectivity WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth 3.0

Memory Size
16GB internal memory, up to 32GB external memory slot

Memory Size
4GB NAND Flash for 3rd party applications + 4GB SDRAM for Application Processor

Memory Size
+ 1GB SDRAM for Modem chip

Size 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm

Weight 380g

Battery 4,000mAh (7 hour movie play)

Google landed with a class action lawsuit over Nexus One

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:13:22 +0000

Good though Google's Nexus One Android phone was reputed to be, a number of people had problems with it failing to connect to 3G services.

Their inability or unwillingness to address the problem has now landed them with a class action lawsuit according to AndroidThoughts.

My first Android device was a Nexus One, and I experienced these exact same issues. I spent plenty of time on the phone with HTC, who claimed I was just in bad coverage areas (everywhere I went). Even when I could switch my SIM into another 3G-capable device and have a perfectly stable connection in the same location. I was offered the option to send my device in for replacement, but after reading various posts of people on their 4th or 5th device, I decided to get a refund to find another phone. While I am against most suits, I think Google deserves this one.

Perhaps this was one of the reasons they decided to kill the Nexus One off so quickly?

LG WP7 phone and its media capabilities leaked (with video)

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:06:13 +0000

With the run up to the imminent release of Windows Phone 7, we are starting to see some near-production phones being demonstrated, and quite tasty they appear to be too

At this week's IFA conference in Germany, the LG Optimus 7 (AKA GW910 or Panther) pre-production phone was actually seen on the LG TV stand at the Expo, demonstrating the DLNA capabilties of the TV; stand staff appeared to know little about it, but the Mobileburn staffers were able to pick it up and play with it

At IFA in Berlin Germany, we were stumbling through the LG booth when we came across a DLNA display. Curious to check out DLNA performance running from a mobile phone, which looked to be a Windows Phone 7 device based on its key layout and Windows logo, we decided to give it a whirl.

After booting it up, it turned out the device was indeed running a full version of Windows Phone 7 and looked like what's being called an LG GW910 (Panther) on the internet. We're currently speculating that this could be marketed as LG's Optimus 7 when it hits retail shelves as a Windows Phone 7 smartphone. Based on its speed, it's possible that this is also running NVIDIA's new dual-core Tegra 2 processor. That's some serious processing speed.

The DLNA functionality on the device allowed me to drag photos and videos upward on the screen, as if dragging it through the air to the HDTV itself. Quickly the videos and photos began playing on the HDTV. There wasn't a hard menu to surf through or anything, it was just a simple drag-and-drop action

This is their video of the device:

Screenshot of myPhone for Windows Phone 7 leaked

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:47:43 +0000

WMPoweruser has obtained an anonymous screenshot of the desktop version of Microsoft myPhone for Windows Live Mobile

As can be seen in the attached image it is very similar to the current version but is integrated into the Live Mobile system. From the picture seen, there's no evidence of the current version's backup/restore facility but I'd assume it must be there somewhere, unless that's going to be handled by the Zune system.

Angry Birds for Android - beta available

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:46:30 +0000

Angry Birds is now available in a Beta form on the Android Market. It's a highly addictive game which was only meant to be in "closed beta" this week but, due to massive demand, the developers have put it out today for everyone.

[Info]

Samsung to focus on Android

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:55:03 +0000

Reuters are reporting that Samsung are going full steam ahead with Android / Bada in the future and that they will introduce a smartphone running Microsoft's new Windows version later this year. They state about that OS:

"There is still some professional, specialized demand there"

Which does not sound that hopeful for support, and they are obviously unaware (unless they know more about the MS roadmap than we do) that WP7 will initially be aimed at the consumer market.

[Full article]

HTC 7 Trophy gets approved

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:44:33 +0000

Yet another HTC phone gets "approval". The name is the HTC 7 Trophy and it received approval from the Global Certification Forum (GCF), which is a partnership between OEMs, operators and the test industry to basically certify phones.

The OS on the HTC 7 Trophy is not known either but there are two hints:

It has '7' in the title
The 'Trophy' was rumored awhile back (like December 2009)

Apple iOS 4.1 Coming Next Week, iOS 4.2 Coming in November

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:42:20 +0000

Steve Jobs, speaking at an event in San Francisco yesterday, officially announced iOS 4.1, an upcoming update for Apple's operating system for the iPhone and iPod touch. This company's CEO also gave a sneak peek at iOS 4.2, which will bring new features to the iPad.

Apple iPhone OS 4.0: Game KitiOS 4.1 is going to include a few enhancements, most notably the release of the Game Center. This social networking service for mobile gamers was first unveiled several months ago, but is just now being released.

Game Center will allow users to play head-to-head games, challenge friends, etc.

Most of the other enhancements are more minor, such as improvements to the camera's image quality and the ability to upload high definition video over a Wi-Fi connection.

iOS 4.1 will also include a fix for the proximity sensor issue that some iPhone 4 users have reported. This causes the screen to turn itself back on during phone calls.

Versions of this software upgrade for recent iPhone and iPod touch models will be released next week. They will be available for free.

Apple iOS 4.2 Pre-announced
Steve Jobs had good news and bad news for iPad users today. They aren't getting a version of iOS 4.1, so they will have to continue to use iOS 3.2 for several more months. Near the end of this year, however, iOS 4.2 will be released for this tablet computer.

Read a Review of Apple iOS 4.0This will bring many highly-anticipated features to the iPad, including multitasking and application folders.

In addition, iOS 4.2 is going to allow users to do wireless printing.

This new operating system version will be released for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch in November.

[Source]

HTC Sync updated for Android 1.5 - 1.6 - 2.1 and above

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:27:24 +0000

Updated European versions of HTC Sync for Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.1 and above have recently been released, as usual I don't know what the fixes are as we are annoyingly never told. The latest 2.1 version does look graphically better though.

You can find the Android 1.5 and 1.6 HTC Sync 2.0.40 version here, and the Android 2.1 HTC Sync 3.0.5422 and above version here on the HTC Europe website. Full installation instructions are given by HTC, but remember to remove the older version of HTC Sync first before installing.

Samsungs Android powered Galaxy Tab is now official!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:11:35 +0000

Samsung have today announced that the Android powered Galaxy Tab is a reality. This 7" screen tablet is set to rival the iPad, and could well do as it already has one big advantage, it can be used as a phone too!

I really like the look of the Galaxy Tab, it's rather large but it's meant to be large which should be a boon for surfing and typing onscreen.

Visit the Samsung website for more details, specifications and videos.

Windows Phone 7 – Released To Manufacturing

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:15:53 +0000

The guys over at the Windows Team Blog have just published the good news:

Today is the day that the Windows Phone team has been driving towards, and we’re very excited to say that we’ve reached the biggest milestone for our internal team – the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows Phone 7! While the final integration of Windows Phone 7 with our partners’ hardware, software, and networks is underway, the work of our internal engineering team is largely complete.

Windows Phone 7 is the most thoroughly tested mobile platform Microsoft has ever released. We had nearly ten thousand devices running automated tests daily, over a half million hours of active self-hosting use, over three and a half million hours of stress test passes, and eight and a half million hours of fully automated test passes. We’ve had thousands of independent software vendors and early adopters testing our software and giving us great feedback. We are ready.

I last posted on this blog when we reached the Technical Preview milestone, and we’ve received some great feedback since then which we’ve been able to respond to and improve the smart design throughout the OS. For example, folks loved the Facebook integration in the People Hub, but they also wanted ways to filter their contacts so only the Facebook friends they really know will show up in their contact list – we’ve added support for that. We’ve also made it easy to “like” a post right from the People Hub, or quickly post a message to someone’s Facebook wall directly.

This has been one of the most incredible product development efforts I’ve ever been a part of. Today’s milestone is exciting not just because of what we’ll deliver to customers later this year, but how it sets us up for success over the long term in the mobile space… we’re really just getting started.

We reached today’s milestone because of the tremendous efforts of the entire team including our partners, early adopters, and independent software developers providing feedback. I want to send a huge THANK YOU to this extended team– we couldn’t have done it without you!

Paul Thurrott notes that there has been several last minute changes to Windows Phone 7 including:

Facebook contacts filtering in the People hub
Facebook "Like" capability from the People hub
Various user interface updates, including a new Search button in the contacts list.

Windows Phone 7 is expected to be available in October for us folks in Europe and November for those in the US.

What OUTLOOK (and other PIMs) can not do

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:08:38 +0000

Posted on behalf of Andreas Erle, who is also a fellow MVP for Mobile Devices:

Several months ago I asked the Norwegian programmer Ronny if he can write a small app for me. I use Outlook heavily and face quite often the situation that I have to shift many appointments and/or tasks from one day to the other. In Outlook and (so far as I know) in all other PIMs (Exchange, Google Calendar etc.) you have to do that manually, which is a tedious task.

With this new Windows Mobile app you can move all appointments and/or all tasks from one or more weeks to another OR from one or more days to another in one go. And you do that in 10 seconds no matter how many days or weeks (or hours) you want to shift. When done, just sync your PDA with your PIM and you are done.

Thus, this app is – to my knowledge – the first and only one worldwide which can shift one contiguous block of PIM-data.

I love this app and I know your readers will do the same.

You can find a Step-by-step guide with 2 short videos (which prove that one can do it in 10 seconds) here.

My opinion; the app is worth the price (9.99 USD). Let your readers go and get it on Windows Mobile Marketplace
( https://marketplace.windowsphone.com/ )

HTC HD3 launching in October? Renamed as HD7?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:32 +0000

Engadget are reporting:

We've been tipped off that the HD3 -- HTC's mythical successor to the wildly popular HD2 -- is not only alive and kicking, but headed for a bright and sunny Windows Phone 7 future, starting as early as October 18. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, all the evidence we have for now is the above spreadsheet, which we're told is an internal planning doc from UK carrier O2. It's not exactly the hardest thing in the world to forge so keep your skeptical wits about you, but as silly as this inflationary renaming to HD7 may sound, we find it strangely believable.

Fact / fiction / fantasy, I guess we'll have to wait and see!

New iPhone 4 from 30th September?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:55:31 +0000

Mexican technology site canal-mx is reporting that Apple will be redesigning its iPhone 4 antenna and that the redesigned handsets will be available after September 30th.

The news (rumour) comes from Marco Quatorze, Tecel’s Director of Value Added Services. Telcel recently began offering the iPhone 4 to its customers and Mr. Quatorze was on the record when he explained that his company would have the same version of the iPhone 4 that is sold in the U.S.; complete with antenna attenuation issues. He noted that Telcel’s customers would be eligible for a free case until September 30.

Quatorze then stated that after the 30th a new revision of the iPhone 4, with some sort of internal antenna fix, would be made available by Apple. The news, if true, certainly will rekindle the antenna-gate talks, and no doubt bring to life raging existing iPhone 4 owners demanding a new machine!

Motorola MILESTONE™ 2 Gives You More for all your Smartphone Needs

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:42:48 +0000

Today, Motorola have announced the MILESTONE 2 to the European masses:

Motorola today introduced MILESTONE™ 2 enhanced with MOTOBLUR™. The Android™ 2.2 device offers more speed, more connectivity, more messaging, more storage, more web with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, more multimedia and more personalisation than the original award-winning MILESTONE.

The powerhouse device features a 1Ghz processor, allowing users to sift through their content quickly, even when running multiple applications simultaneously or a number of open web browser pages. Respond to e-mails or texts quickly with an improved and more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility for easier typing. MILESTONE 2 also acts as a 3G mobile hotspot1 to connect up to five WiFi® enabled devices, so you turn practically anywhere into a hive of productivity.

“MILESTONE 2 offers more power, more speed, with an improved keyboard, so users can send, access and share information even quicker than before to manage their work and personal life,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. “This introduction not only reaffirms our commitment to innovate on Android but offers consumers the leading edge features they crave including fast web browsing, messaging, application downloads and multimedia.”

MILESTONE 2 also features the latest version of Motorola’s unique solution, MOTOBLUR, which makes it even easier to manage all of your emails, messages and social updates in one easy place with the additions of filtering, resizable widgets, added corporate security and a versatile battery manager.

Further enhancements to the original MILESTONE include 720p HD video capture and playback allowing you to capture life’s moments in crystal clear detail, whilst the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 allows mobile users to experience millions of rich websites the way they were meant to be seen, including rich video and gaming content, and you can share all of your multimedia with DLNA compatible devices. The experience is rounded off with a connected music player delivering lyrics to your songs, additional artist news and information, as well as integrated social applications for sharing and giving recommendations. Users will have plenty of room for their content with up to 8GB internal memory and an 8GB microSD card inbox, expandable to 32GB.

A suite of Google™ mobile applications including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™ are also integrated onto the device. Plus you have access to Android Market™ which has more than 70,000 applications.

Smart Accessories

The device ships with an 8GB micro SD card and wired headset, and owners can also download free the Motorola Media Link software that makes transferring your music and other multimedia from computer to phone even easier.

Make the most of Motorola's MILESTONE 2 at home, in the car or at the office with the optional smart accessories:

* The car cradle is ready for the road. Simply drop in your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE and it automatically turns into car mode. This gives one-touch access to your favourite in-car applications, including your handsfree calling contacts, your music, internet radio, podcasts, Google Maps™ with Navigation™ and more. Plug, play, drive and charge your MILESTONE 2 with the rapid in car charger that plugs into your cradle
* The multimedia station is a stylish dock for your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE. When docked, your phone automatically changes to desktop mode showing alarm clock and favourite multimedia applications such as a slide show of pictures. Desktop mode can be personalised allowing you to show the applications you want, all whilst charging your device.

Key MILESTONE 2 features include:

* 1Ghz processor now with 802.11n support
* 3G mobile hotspot – connect up to five other Wi-Fi devices
* Latest version of MOTOBLUR
* Adobe Flash Player 10.1
* Multi-touch, pinch to zoom, double tap zoom
* 720p HD video capture and playback
* 5MP imager with dual LED flash
* Up to 40GB of memory
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Enterprise Exchange support
* Improved design; more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility
* DLNA / WiFi / Bluetooth® 2.1 connectivity

Additional functionality and apps include:

* Full suite of the Google applications: Google Search, Google Maps with Latitude and Street View, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Talk™
* Unified Google and Exchange Contacts
* Navigation: GPS, Google Maps, E-Compass Latitude
* Email Support: IMAP/POP3, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Corporate Sync, Push Email
* Quick Office document viewer
* IM Support: Google Talk
* Calendar: Exchange, Calendar

Availability

MILESTONE 2 will be available in Europe beginning Q4 2010. For more information please visit www.motorola.com/milestone2

Windows Phone 7 App Categories Finalized

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:12:55 +0000

App categories are Microsoft’s way of organizing applications so that users can more easily find what they are looking for. For Windows Phone 7, there are 41 categories and sub-categories to help organize applications for users. When you submit your app to Marketplace you can choose from one of the categories below to help users find your app. Apps can only be placed in one category.

1. Books & Reference
- eReader
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Reference
2. Business
3. Entertainment
4. Finance
5. Games
- Action & Adventure
- Board & Classic
- Card & Casino
- Family
- Music
- Puzzle & Trivia
- Shooter
- Sports & Racing
- Strategy
- Xbox Companion
6. Health & Fitness
- Diet & Nutrition
- Fitness
- Health
7. Lifestyle
- Community
- Food & Dining
- Out & About
- Shopping
8. Music & Video
9. Navigation
10. News & Weather
11. Photo
12. Productivity
13. Social
14. Sports
15. Tools
16. Travel
- City Guides
- Language
- Planning
- Travel Tools

[Source]

Bing for Mobile comes to your Verizon Android

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:11:33 +0000

MS announce the first official Bing for Mobile Android App available to Verizon customers. You can now download the free Bing App from your Verizon Wireless Android phones’ Marketplace.

The app homepage features the Bing image of the day, complete with clickable hotspots that you can explore and discover related trivia. Did you miss one of the latest images? Don’t worry; you can still swipe through up to 7 days’ worth of Bing images.

[Full Article]

One does wonder if this will ever be released for the rest of us!

Google drop support fo the Nexus One

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:09:14 +0000

Google has ended their phone support for the Nexus One. Up until the last day or so you could get support from Google for issues with your Nexus one, but now if you dial the old tech support number (888-486-3987) today, you’ll receive a recording with a new number to call for HTC support (888-216-4736) instead.

Dell Streak to get an upgrade from O2

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:02:44 +0000

O2 are to release an upgrade to the surprisingly lowly Android 1.6 OS on the Dell Streak. The device has been well received and people were expecting it to go straight to Android 2.2 but no, O2 are doing an intermediate release to Android 2.1 first!

PC Pro are reporting....

Dell Streak owners will finally get an upgrade from the ageing Android 1.6 operating system that the tablet PC launched with – but not to the latest version.

and...

Dell hadn't come back to us to explain the disappointing delay at the time of publication, but O2 said it was releasing a 2.1 upgrade, with a 2.2 revamp scheduled for an unspecified later date.

“We haven’t made any announcement about 2.2, so I wouldn’t even describe it as ‘knocked back’ to 2.1,” an O2 spokesperson said when we questioned the limited upgrade. “We’re just planning to offer 2.1 first (this week) and then 2.2 after that, exactly when is still to be announced.”

To some extent O2 should be applauded as Dell aren't releasing the upgrade, it's an O2 initiative.

Read all about it here

Viewsonic jumping on the Tablet chariot now

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:50:25 +0000

Viewsonic are launching their take on the Tablet and it will have a 7" screen so sits between the Dell Streak and the iPad. However, where it usurps the Streak is the fact it comes with Android 2.2 (FroYo) whereas the Streak only comes with 1.6 out of the box with O2 about to release a 2.1 (Eclair) upgrade (see other news story) still leaving it behind the current release.

The timing maybe to try and usurp Apple with it's announcements tomorrow (whatever they may be - rumours aplenty) and getting a few column inches in now before it gets swamped in all things Cupertino!

I must say it looks nice. That makes this and the Samsung Galaxy Tab looking very good so far.

PC Pro has more details but I quote...

ViewSonic has launched a 7in tablet - only a day before Apple is rumoured to be unveiling a mini version of the iPad.

In a similar vein to the Dell Streak, the ViewSonic ViewPad 7 is an Android-based device with 3G data and phone capabilities. However, the ViewPad not only trumps the Dell with another two inches of screen, but with the latest version of Android, offering 2.2 compared to the Streak's 1.6.

LG to release 1.3GHz WP7 Phone?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:50:12 +0000

Engadget are reporting a news item from a Polish Android site which shows that LG are planning to release the fastest ever mobile phone, with the Snapdragon 1.3GHz chip, and capable of 720p video playback and recording.

Quote:
Android.com.pl has the best pre-release shots of the 3.7-inch LG E900 yet, replete with some titillating specs. We're told that the upcoming Windows Phone 7 device will be driven by a 1.3GHz Qualcomm QSD8650A system-on-chip -- basically a Snapdragon with the training wheels taken off. It promises better 2D and 3D graphics acceleration, integrated GPS, HD video recording and playback, and multi-mode UMTS and CDMA 3G connectivity. As to the handset itself, light and proximity sensors have been spotted on its body, along with a miniUSB port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

LG are certainly making good on their promise of some tasty WP7 hardware!

XBox Live subscription rising in November?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:41:04 +0000

The XBox Live US site has an announcement of a $10 per year price hike from November 1st. The UK site has no mention of it, but presumably we can expect a similar rise? At least the US site has a special offer for those renewing before November 1st, for whom the price is £39.

This does seem a little odd at a time when Microsoft are releasing WP7 and hoping to attract new users due to its integration with XBox Live.

Presumably they feel it will be better to apply the rise before the majority join up, rather than shortly afterwards, or is this just an attempt at some easy money making?