Articles

LG Optimus 3D Max to be released soon.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:11:52 +0000

LG's Optimus 3D was released last year and they promised an updated version soon. It now looks as if the 3D Max will launch in Korea next month and in other locales shortly afterwards.

Some general improvements over the previous version are included- a 4.3" 3D display and a dual core 1.2GHz processor among them. It also has NFC capability.

Quote: LG Press Release via EuroDroid
LG WOWS THE WORLD AGAIN WITH OPTIMUS 3D MAX AT MWC 2012

More Than Just Glasses-Free 3D, Optimus 3D Max Pushes the Boundaries of Power Features and Performance

SEOUL, Feb. 22, 2012 – Following in the footsteps of last year’s glasses-free 3D smartphone, LG Electronics will publicly unveil the Optimus 3D Max at the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC). With powerful 3D technology and sleeker design, the Optimus 3D Max provides a complete 3D entertainment platform and marks a big leap forward in the ever-expanding 3D ecosystem.

“The Optimus 3D Max was born from LG’s constant efforts to bring user entertainment experience to a higher level,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The introduction of the Optimus 3D last year ushered in a new era for smartphones and Optimus 3D Max is real proof of LG’s commitment to portable 3D entertainment.”

LG Optimus 3D Max is equipped with diverse innovations and offers users with advancements including:

¦ True Performance Muscle with Latest Mobile Technologies
LG Optimus 3D Max is a powerful smartphone in both 2D and 3D mode and a pleasure to view with LG’s exclusive brightened display. 3G’s network speed has been also improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps. LG Tag+ offers advanced NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities designed to promote greater user convenience. One of its benefits is automatic setting changes which are possible by creating predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode. Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.

Beyond its already innovative features, attendees of MWC 2012 will see some of the future benefits that will be made available through a Maintenance Release or an application available on the LG SmartWorld (www.LGsmartworld.com). Additional features include:

- HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth;
- Range Finder to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation;
- Out-focusing Shot to enhance camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.

¦ True 3D Entertainment Features with Improved 2D-3D Compatibility

Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter. Furthermore, 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus 3D Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D. LG also plans to continue expanding video contents, applications and games optimized for the 3D Converter available from the 3D Zone at LG SmartWorld.

¦ True Excellence in Design with Slimmer and Lighter Body

The LG Optimus 3D Max’s premium design comes from LG’s commitment to fine details. LG focused on trimming details on the design of the Optimus 3D Max by keeping only the essentials and eliminating everything else. Measuring only 9.6 mm thin and weighing 148 grams, the lean body with metallic and rounded edges incorporates the best 3D features in addition to desirable 2D features. The Optimus 3D Max includes unique 3D-style cubicle icons which users can customize with their own photos through the Icon Customizer.

The Optimus 3D Max will first launch in Korea in March and will gradually roll out in other markets starting in Europe. The device will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread shortly after the launch.

Key Specifications:
o Chipset: 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor (OMAP4430)
o Display: 4.3-inch 3D WVGA Display with Corning? Gorilla? Glass 2
o Memory: 8GB Internal Storage, 1GB Internal Memory
o Camera: 5MP Dual-lens
o OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
o Battery: 1,520 mAh
o Others: HSPA+ 21Mbps, HDMI connection 2D/3D TV/monitor up to 1080p via MHL, DNLA for wireless connection with TV/PC (3D video also supported), NFC Full Support, LG Tag+

View attachment: lg_optimus_3d_max-1-small.4news.jpg

New Swype Beta supports ICS

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:01:49 +0000

A post on XDA Developers has news that Swype is now available in a beta version that includes support for Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

It also has a direct link to Dragon Go voice control.

Quote:

Swype is one of the many excellent keyboard replacements available for your Android device. It’s popularity can be seen in many places, from it’s installation as a factory default for many phones to the world record set by a Swype user for fastest text. The newest version of Swype will officially support Android 4.0+ (Ice Cream Sandwich). This will no doubt bring a sigh of relief to long time Swype users who have upgraded to ICS devices.
Swype is offering a chance to beta test the upcoming release at their website. Anyone can sign up, but they warn that the beta version will not work on devices that came with Swype pre-installed. In addition to support for Ice Cream Sandwich, the beta version also adds several new features. From the Swype website

Swype Beta

The latest and greatest from Swype includes:

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Support
Swype Add-ons with DragonGo!
Downloadable languages for tablets
Accuracy improvements

Visit the Swype beta page here

View attachment: swype.jpg

4Browsers comes to WP7 from iOS and Android

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:19:37 +0000

Askpi Systems has ported its 4Browsers app to Windows Phone 7, adding to its existing Android and iOS versions.

Essentially this allows the user to see a grid of up to four browser windows on screen at the same time and switch or scroll between them.

Maybe of limited practical use on a small screen, but an interesting concept. See it in the Marketplace.

Quote from WMPoweruser:

Marketplace has many app that are web browsers. 4Browsers is an app that is designed to multitask 4 different web browsers in a single screen.

4Browsers is an app that is designed to emulate windows style multitasking on a Windows Phone device. It runs 4 independent web browsers on single screen. This app was designed and developed by Askpi Systems. The app can multi-task 2 different browsers at once. Each browser has its own storage to the homepage. If the user desires, he can maximize a single web browser to use only that and scroll the screen to access the rest of the browsers. In addition, this app features single browser view.

4Browsers app was available Android and IOS devices. The app was first released to Apple iPad in June, 2011. After 2 months releasing the iPad version, iPhone version was released. A month after that, version 2 of the app was released with many improvements. In January, 2012, the app was ported to Android tablets with Android 3.0 and above.

4Browsers for Windows Phone was released on February 17th, 2012. The app was developed during span two months. In the release for the Windows Phone, there is an extra feature that is not available in the previous release. It is the feature to multitask only 2 web browsers.

4Browsers is $0.99 without a free trial unfortunately and can be found in Marketplace.

View attachment: 4browse.jpg

Microsoft Office coming soon to the iPad?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:47:21 +0000

There have long been rumours that Microsoft are developing a version of their Office Suite for the iPad. Currently, iPad users are limited to third party apps such as Documents to Go or Quick Office Connect, and good as they are they both still have some compatibility issues.

The Daily now appears to have a screenshot of a native iPad Office front end, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Further details are scarce, but the app is rumoured to have been submitted to Apple for approval. If so, it ought to appear within a matter of weeks.

We keep our fingers crossed!

Quote:
Back in November, The Daily initially uncovered the existence of an iPad version of the Microsoft Office Suite. Sources now say that the app will soon be submitted to Apple for approval.

A brief hands-on with a working prototype of the software revealed a number of new things. The app’s user interface is similar to the current OneNote app, but it has hints of Metro, the new design language that can be seen in Windows Phone and in the as-yet-released Windows 8 desktop operating system.

Word, Excel and PowerPoint files can be created and edited locally and online. But it’s unclear if Microsoft will support other Office apps at launch or at all.

Sources close to the matter also commented that an Android version of Office is not in the works, and that an updated OneNote iOS app will also be released to reflect the Metro design language.

An exact launch date is unknown, but the design team has since wrapped up the project, meaning it could be released in the coming weeks.

View attachment: ipad_office.jpg

Windows Phone 7 about to overtake Symbian in some markets

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:37:54 +0000

There is no doubt that despite a shaky start, Microsoft's WP7 platform is starting to gain ground (admittedly from a very low baseline). This has been helped enormously by Nokia's adoption of the OS to replace the ageing Symbian platform.

Figures this month from Kantar Worldpanel Commtech seem to show that WP7 is now poised to overtake Symbian in terms of device sales. Maybe not too much for MSFT to gloat about, but a landmark nevertheless!

WPCentral has this to say:

In a happy yet somewhat odd metric of success, Windows Phone sales are on the verge of passing those of Symbian, at least in the UK. The data comes by way of Kantar Worldpanel Comtech who collected data from 15,000 users including which device they are using and if they bought a new one.
The story of who's at top is a familiar one with Android with 36.9 percent and the iPhone at 28.5 percent for installed-base stats. But the site Electric Pig points out, the monthly sales figures are a little more revealing with Symbian crashing from 15% a year ago to 2.8% in January 2012--not at all surprising with Nokia all but abandoning the platform. But Microsoft's Windows Phone has bounced from 0.4 percent to 2.2 percent year-on-year with a current adoption rate which will bypass Symbian's figures in the next month.
Of course passing a nearly dead OS is perhaps not the best thing to celebrate and clearly Windows Phone is miles behind iOS and Android in terms of market share. But trends are important and it seems clear now that Nokia is having a big impact on Windows Phone sales in the UK (Comtech's scores don't break down by OEM, just OS but we think it's a safe assumption).
It will be even more interesting to see Kantar Worldpanel Comtech's numbers in the coming months to see if the +0.15% per month increase for Windows Phone has increased with Nokia's recent marketing blitz there--those January numbers were just the beginning of that push for the UK.
View attachment: windows-phone-symbian1.jpg

Qualcomm S4 Krait chipset raises the performance bar once again

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:26:48 +0000

We have seen successive iterations of the various ARM based chipsets leapfrog each other over the past few months, with NVIDIA and Qualcomm being the main contenders with their Tegra 3 and Snapdragon series.

Qualcomm are about to up the ante once again with their dual core S4 Krait chipset announced this week and we are likely to see S4 equipped devices at the forthcoming MWC.

Anandtech has been putting Qualcomm's development device, the MSM8960 MDP through its paces, and in most benchmarks it shows significant gains. Both singe core and dual core performance sees gains of up to 100% over previous chipsets. Graphics performance is not quite so spectacular as the S4 still uses the Adreno 225 processor rather than the new 300, but it is still up there with the best.

This is a long article, so follow the link to read it all.

Here is the summary:

It goes without saying that MSM8960 is a hugely important SoC release for Qualcomm. It's the first release with Qualcomm's new Krait CPU architecture, an entirely new cellular baseband with support for nearly every air interface, and is manufactured on TSMC's 28nm process. It says something that we're able to hold 28nm TSMC silicon in our hands in the form of the MDP, and it's only a matter of time before we start seeing Krait show up in devices in 2012.
We've gone over basically all of the benchmarks available to us on Android right now, and yet subjective performance impressions are still valuable. The MDP8960 is the absolute fastest we've seen Ice Cream Sandwich thus far - the UI is absolutely butter smooth everywhere, and web browsing in either Chrome or the stock Android Browser is also the smoothest we've seen it. There's no stutter bringing up the application switcher, or taking screenshots, two places that 4.0.3 still drops frames on the Galaxy Nexus.
Krait offers another generational leap in mobile SoC performance. The range of impact depends entirely on the workload but it's safe to say that it's noticeable. The GPU side of the equation has been improved tremendously as well, although that's mostly a function of 28nm enabling a very high clock speed for Qualcomm's Adreno 225. We are eager to see what the Adreno 3xx GPUs that will pair up with future Krait SoCs can do.

The big unknowns today are power consumption and the performance of shipping devices. While we were able to provide power numbers using Qualcomm's handy Trepn tool, we couldn't produce a reference point on older silicon. The move to 28nm and a second generation of cellular basebands has generally been heralded as being the answer to our battery life issues, particularly with LTE. It remains to be seen just how much of an improvement we'll see there. Knowing how much power MSM8960's cellular architecture uses is especially relevant when you consider that MDM9615 includes the exact same modem as MSM8960.
These initial results look extremely promising, however. Krait based devices should begin shipping sometime next quarter, the wait is almost over.

View attachment: q_multi.png

BlackBerry Playbook 2 OS released

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:51:57 +0000

With the poor take-up of it's BlackBerry Playbook hardware, RIM have needed to rethink it's strategy with respect to improving the features offered.

The Playbook 2 OS has now been released and if offers a significant enhancement for those who do not wish to tie themselves to a BlackBerry phone- the inclusion of a stand alone email client. Why this essential feature wasn't included in the original is mystery- perhaps RIM overestimated how many users were already wedded to it's own service.

The BlackBerry bridge communication link has also been enhanced to cover many more connected devices.

The Verge has this report

When we took a look at the BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 OS back at CES, we called it "the most polished version of the PlayBook OS yet." Whether that's enough to turn sales around for the tablet is quite another matter, but it does show that RIM is able to push out new versions of the OS that is going to eventually form the basis of BlackBerry 10.

The biggest new feature is that RIM is finally including a native email client on the PlayBook, which features a unified inbox, tabs, and a rich text editor. Along with the email client, the PlayBook 2.0 OS will also pull relationship and event information from multiple sources into built-in Contacts and Calendar apps. RIM has updated Documents To Go, added Print To Go, and fully integrated the necessary hooks to let IT managers provision PlayBooks with BlackBerry Fusion.

RIM also updated the BlackBerry Bridge software the PlayBook uses to communicate with BlackBerry Smartphones. It allows users to make their smartphones "remotes" for the PlayBook, with input from the keyboard, trackpad, and touchscreen all in tow. Interestingly, the remote capabilities work with many devices — including the PS3 console and Android tablets like the HTC Flyer and Motorola Xoom — that support the Bluetooth HID profile.

Today also sees the release of the BlackBerry Video Store in the US and "thousands of new apps" in the BlackBerry App World including a selection of Android apps that run on the PlayBook. RIM's also releasing an initial version of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion for the management of BB smartphones and tablets in enterprise settings.

The 505MB download of the version 2.0.0.7971 update is available now via the PlayBook's Software Updates menu.

Update: We managed to upgrade (over Wi-Fi) from the 2.0.0.7111 developer beta to the production release in about 45 minutes. It took another ten to populate the PlayBook with Twitter, Facebook, and two Google-hosted email accounts. Seeing the native Messages, Calendar, and Contacts apps light up with live data without an assist from BlackBerry Bridge and a BlackBerry handset turns the PlayBook into much more useful device. We'll be back later with deeper insight into the PlayBook OS 2.0 release and our thoughts on the state of RIM in general.

View attachment: BlackBerry-PlayBook.jpg

Panasonic about to enter Android market in Europe with Eluga?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:59:30 +0000

We have been hearing rumours that Panasonic are contemplating a return to the European phone market; a report on Coolsmartphone now suggests that their return is imminent.

Panasonic are to release the Eluga Android phone in April, with a very high spec and good looks to go with it. Although shipping with Android 2.3 it will get an upgrade to ICS in the Summer. Sporting a 4.3" qHD screen and an ultra slim body it also has NFC and DLNA capability. Oh, and it's waterproof too!

Specs (from Panasonic site)

Basic Specifications
. TI (Texas Instruments) 1GHz processor (dual core)
. 1 GB RAM
. 8 GB integrated memory
. Micro SIM
. Colours: black /silver

Operating System
. Android Gingerbread (Version 2.3)
. Update Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) from June 2012

Camera
. 8MP-Auto Focus Camera
. Digital zoom
. Image stabilizer
. Video recorder
. Video Codec H.263; H.264;
MPEG4, DivX support

Sensors & Receivers
. G-Sensor
. Ambient Light sensor
. GPS receiver
. Accelerometer

Power & Battery
. 1150 mAh Battery (integrated)
. Standby: 300 h / Talktime: 240 min

Connectivity
. Baseband: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 / Band1, Band8; GPRS / EDGE / HSDPA 14.4Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps, (HSPA+ 21.1Mbps)

Screen
. Size: 4,3” / 10,9 cm
. 16 Mio colours, capacitive QHD
. QHD (960x540)
. Full Touch screen

Data
. MicroUSB Connector
. Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
. NFC
. DLNA
(V1.5/M-DMS/M-DMP/M-DMC/M-DMD/M-DMU)

Inbox Items
. Smartphone
. MicroUSB cable
. AC-Adapter
. Headset
. IC Tag Card
. Quick Start Quide (QSG)
. Manual

View attachment: eluga.jpg

ZTE announces dual-core Mimosa X: Android 4.0 powered by Nvidia’a Tegra 2 chipset

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:58:16 +0000

ZTE to Show New Mimosa X Handset Featuring NVIDIA Tegra Dual-Core Processor and NVIDIA Icera Modem at MWC 2012

ZTE smart phone to target high spec video and audio handset sector

February 21, 2012, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, is set to launch a new Android handset, the ZTE Mimosa X, running the NVIDIA® Tegra® 2 mobile processor and the NVIDIA Icera 450 HSPA+ modem, at the global telecoms industry event Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The ZTE Mimosa X will run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and have a high quality QHD (960 x 540 pixel) capacitive TFT touchscreen. It will also come equipped with a 5 MP autofocus and flash camera, with a 0.3 MP front facing camera for video-calling.

The Mimosa X will also have a wide range of user-friendly capabilities built in, including GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, an accelerator for screen orientation management and firmware over the air (FOTA) updating, and a proximity sensor.

The ZTE Mimosa X handset, powered by the Tegra 2 processor, will be targeted at smart phone users who take their handset audio and video capabilities seriously. Features of the handset will include advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP), Dolby sound, digital living network alliance (DLNA) compatibility for easy sharing of content, HD video record and play, dual microphones, and built-in gyroscope. It also includes an Icera baseband processor, making it the first phone to incorporate this cutting-edge technology that was acquired last year by NVIDIA.

“The Tegra processor and Icera modem will play an important part in the development of the mobile handset market, and ZTE has worked closely with NVIDIA to develop the Mimosa X smart phone in time for launch at this major global telecoms industry event,” said Mr. He Shiyou,Executive Vice President and Head of the Terminal Division of ZTE. “We expect that the Tegra processor will have a big impact on the mainstream mobile communications world in the coming months and years.”

“The ZTE Mimosa X sets a milestone for the mobile computing industry,” said Michael Rayfield, General Manager of the Mobile business at NVIDIA. “This is the first time that both NVIDIA Tegra and Icera processors are powering a smartphone. The Mimosa X brings the outstanding performance and long battery life that Tegra has quickly become known for, into the mainstream smartphone market.”

The Mimosa X will be launched around Q2 2012.

View attachment: mimosa_x.jpg

LG's New Design Strategy for Mobile Devices to be revealed at 2012 MWC

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:56:13 +0000

LG Electronics (LG) makes its boldest move yet in its strategy to attain smartphone leadership with the launch of its new design identity, L-Style, at the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The core essence of L-Style involves a timeless design with finer details that further differentiate LG's mobile devices from the competition. LG's design leadership has been well established in the past with a successful track-record that includes the Black Label Series phones such as the Chocolate and Shine.

"Design is consistently the top or second most important factor for customers when choosing a mobile phone," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "With smartphones, we sometimes took a more functional approach to design but with L-Style we're going back to our roots as a company focused on how our products fit into the lifestyle of our customers."

L-Style's design philosophy is comprised of five aesthetic elements: Modern Square Style for a comfortable grip, Floating Mass Technology for a slimmer look, Seamless Layout for a more intuitive arrangement of keys, Harmonized Design Contrast utilizing metallic accents and Sensuous Slim Shape that naturally draws one's attention.

Three new smartphones to be unveiled at MWC will initially feature the L-Style look. The Optimus L3, with a 3.2-inch display, will first launch in Europe this March. This smartphone will be followed by two other devices in the first half of the year running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: Optimus L5 with a 4.0-inch display and Optimus L7 featuring a 4.3-inch screen.

Market availability and additional hardware specifications of all three models will be announced at a future date.

View attachment: screen-shot-2012-02-21-at-09.01.47.jpg

Sony Xperia S promo video leaks showing new UI changes

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:35:46 +0000

Sony is aiming for a big year in 2012 with Android and today we have a brand new promo video that has leaked. It shows us plenty of what we’ll be seeing with their new phones. Xperiablog got their hands on a promo video highlighting key new features of the Sony user interface that shows off a some beautiful new widgets, and even calls the UI “UXP NXT:

View attachment: 2012-02-21_093334.jpg

Samsung unveils the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy Mini 2

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:31:35 +0000

With Mobile World Congress right around the corner, Samsung has decided to unveil official specs of both the Galaxy Ace 2 and the Galaxy Mini 2. Both have mid-lower tier internals, but the Ace 2 has better hardware of the two. Both devices will initially launch in Europe, but we could see variants under different names later on.

The Ace 2 carries an 800MHz dual-core processor, 1,500mAh battery, 3.8″ WVGA screen, and 4GB of internal storage. It also has a navy blue battery cover, whereas the Mini 2 comes in bright yellow. As for specs, the Mini 2 runs an 800MHz single core processor with a 1,300mAh battery and 3.27″ HVGA screen.
Both devices will be equipped with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), and should be available this spring. The Mini 2 will rollout to France in March, and the Ace 2 should arrive in the UK sometime in April.

[Source]

View attachment: galaxyace2galaxymini2front.jpg

Samsung Google Galaxy Nexus 16GB for £399.99

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:47:47 +0000

Special offer from eXpansys today:

For today only we've got the Samsung Galaxy Nexus at only £399.99, however, there's only 200 at this price. Once all of the units have sold out the price will have to go back to the pre-promotion price of £449.99, so make sure you grab yours before they all go!

[Online Advert]

View attachment: 2012-02-20_154454.jpg

Fujitsu bringing WP7 and Android devices to Europe

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:44:02 +0000

WMPowerUser are reporting Fujitsu are considering bringing some of their devices to Europe...

Personally I'm not sure they have the branding - not many people remember their joint venture with Siemens and their Loox machines (as good as they were!)....

The first company to create a Mango handset, the Fujitsu IS12T, was ironically also one of the least known Windows Phone OEMs, Fujitsu, and this is likely due to the devices remaining firmly in Asia.

Now it appears more of us will be able to take a bite of their sweet products, with Fujitsu announcing they will be bringing a range of smartphone and tablets running Android and Windows Phone to Europe.

Fujitsu already has about 20% of the market in Japan, and its latest handsets, such as the dual CDMA/GSM Fujitsu IS12T, can be used globally.

It is expected to bring high end devices to Europe which utilize features such as Fingerprint Readers, LTE and NFC, all common in Japan.

The company is targeting a “double-digit” market share in the next three to five years.

Robert Pryke, director for Fujitsu’s mobile phone business in Europe, said the group had already spoken to operators about adopting the range. “The Japanese market has been in a silo from a technology and design perspective, but Fujitsu is bringing out a global product,” Mr Pryke said.

It is not known when the first handsets will hit the continent, but hopefully it will not be too long before we can have our own waterproof Windows Phones also.

View attachment: image129.png

Google competing with foursquare?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:58:15 +0000

The latest addition to Google Maps is an unadvertised feature. When you check into a Location in Latitude you are now presented with a leader board showing you being awarded points and also where you rank along side your friends.

You get points and achievements based on various details with a check in. So far, it seems this Google version is just giving you points with no clarification on what the points are for.

Right now, it looks to me like it’s just an unfinished feature that was left in by mistake, but this could be big. You know how people get when you add badges and leaderboards as incentives.

View attachment: Screenshot_2012-02-20-08-13-52.jpg

New SkyDrive Mac and Windows clients with paid storage coming?

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0000

A Brazilian website, Gemind.com.br (English translation) has posted a set of SkyDrive screenshots which appear to show some new features: A SkyDrive client for Windows or Mac, and some paid storage options.

The Brazilian site posts one screenshot showing a banner promoting SkyDrive applications for PC or Mac (where in the current version you see a promotion for Windows Phone and iOS apps:

Users have been calling for desktop clients for SkyDrive since it was first introduced, similar to what is offered by competitor Dropbox. Looks like we may finally get what we’ve been asking for.

Next up is “Managed Storage”, or a way to pay for additional storage on SkyDrive. The prices, if they hold up, seem quite competitive, as Dropbox pricing is more than double what these screenshots show SkyDrive pricing to be (of course SkyDrive offers 25gb of free storage, too, while Dropbox only offers 2gb).

While we still don’t have a client in hand, it’s good to see that SkyDrive is continuing to improve its services, especially in light of more evidence of an upcoming G Drive from Google, and the continued popularity of Dropbox.

[Source]

View attachment: skydrive-paid-english.jpg

LG Optimus Vu revealed with stylus and LTE

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:09:41 +0000

LG has officially revealed the LG Optimus Vu, the company’s new flagship for MWC 2012 next week and its stylus-toting challenge to Samsung’s Galaxy Note. Based around an iPad-matching 1024 x 768 resolution, 4:3 aspect display, the 5-inch Optimus Vu “phablet” uses a 650 nits IPS LCD panel for better outdoor visibility, and comes with a stylus for annotating documents, drawing sketches and making handwritten notes in LG’s Memo app.

LG believes the 4:3 aspect is the ideal one for note-taking. The Optimus Vu has a smaller screen than that of the 5.3-inch Galaxy Note, but it’s shorter and broader for longer lines in the Memo app. Overall, the Vu is – at 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm and 168g – shorter and thinner than its Samsung predecessor, as well as being lighter, but LG does make do with a smaller 2,080 mAh battery versus the Note’s 2,500 mAh.

Other specs include LTE and T-DMB – at least for South Korea’s SK Telecom and LG Telecom – along with WiFi Direct, DLNA and HDMI connectivity. There’s a rear 8MP camera with autofocus and flash, a 1.3-megapixel front camera, and 32GB of internal storage.

View attachment: lg_vu_official_2-540x349.jpg

More HTC phones to get ICS

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:48:08 +0000

HTC's Facebook page had a small announcement posted on their wall this afternoon.

Verizon wireless customers that own the HTC Rhyme, HTC Thunderbolt, and HTC DROID Incredible 2 will be getting the Google Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich operating system update soon.

The HTC Raider in Canada was also on the list of smartphones getting the upgrade.

Bing Vision now available in UK - Image Matching for Newspapers coming

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:46:56 +0000

A short post on the Bing UK blog is announcing that as of today, Bing Vision is officially available for Windows Phones in the UK. A number of sites have previously reported that the service has been up and running since late January, and is also available in France The service, which has been available in the US since Mango, allows you to scan a bar code or barcodes, CD, DVD and book covers, and get product information provided by (previously) Microsoft owned Ciao, a European shopping website (the US info comes directly from Bing, providing reviews, pricing, and apps related to the search).

(update: even though Ciao still uses the “Ciao from Bing” logo, and has a partnership with the European shopping site, it actually was put up for sale last April and sold to LeGuide.com, apparently in December)

UK Windows Phone users have had the Bing Vision icon in Bing Search since Mango, but it only read QR codes. Now just framing a barcode, or even a magazine, cd, dvd, or book cover can get you product information right from your phone. Apparently a server side update, if you’re in the UK (let us know if it works for you elsewhere in Europe), the Bing Vision “eye” icon in Bing Search should now read barcodes and cd/dvd/book/magazine covers.

Also coming, to all Windows Phone users, is a new feature called “Image Matching for Newspapers”. From the blog post:

Enabling people to quickly find the digital version of a print magazine or newspaper article, Bing Image Matching for Newspapers allows users to take a photo of an article using their Windows Phone camera and link directly to a digital version of the article online.

Offering global access, consumers will have access to content from over 3,000 publications worldwide.

[Source]

Google patent depicts future lockscreen features on Android

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:17:48 +0000

After Apple patented their “Slide To Unlock” lockscreen method, Google has been busy readying their own next-gen unlock features. Surprisingly, it looks to work just like the one used in HTC Sense 3.0. By sliding applications to the respective unlock area, users will be able to instantly access particular apps with ease.

This proposal manages to dodge Apple’s patents, so there’s a good chance we could see it in a later version of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or even 5.0 (Jelly Bean). There were actually multiple menu elements proposed within the filing, so it’s hard to say which one they will end up going with – but each implements application access straight from the lockscreen.

[Source]

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HTC One X full specifications leaked before MWC

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:16:09 +0000

We’ve been drooling over the newly-christened HTC One X (formerly the Endeavor and/or Edge) for months now, due in no small part to its ultra high-end rumored specifications. Paul “Modaco“ O’Brien has got a mostly complete list of specifications from a tipster, including all the details you’ve been wondering about. First of all, the shiniest jewel in the One X’s crown is a quad-core Tegra 3 processor from Nvidia this runs at 1.5Ghz, and is supplimented with a full gigabyte of RAM.

The screen was previously rumored to be of the AMOLED variety, but Modaco claims that it’ll be coming in a Super LCD version instead. The panel is a massive 4.7 inches and has a full 720p resolution. 32GB of storage space will have to do – there’s no MicroSD card slot at all. On the plus side, HTC has implemented a standard USB Mass Storage mode, in stark contrast to the Galaxy Nexus’ MTP-only file transfer system. The One X runs Ice Cream Sandwich with HTC’s custom Sense UI, now in its 4.0 form.

Elsewhere you get an 8MP 1080p rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, an 1800mAh battery (which may or may not be removable), an NFC chip and FM radio capability. Standard HSPA+ (international version) is complimented with WiFi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4. The reportedly slim body hasn’t got full dimensions yet, but it will have Nexus One/Galaxy Nexus-style electrical contacts, for easy insertion and charging on a desktop or car dock.

As far as buttons go, the One X will have only the power and volume rocker. Contradicting the leaked photos, HTC will be using virtual navigation buttons, at least according to the leak. Beats Audio and Beats-branded accessories are a given.

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HTC One V to be announced at MWC

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:13:02 +0000

As the week continues it appears that HTC’s new naming scheme is all but confirmed. Yesterday we reported that the new names for a few of their upcoming devices were the HTC One X and the One S. Today new details have also leaked mentioning a third device to be announced at Mobile World Congress. Previously known as the HTC Primo this Beats Audio focused phone will be the HTC One V.

As we already know and have link to below, the One X will be the official name for the quad-core HTC Edge, while the HTC Ville will be known as the HTC One S. Sources from Pocket-Lint have now confirmed the One V and possibly even a HTC One XL too. The new naming scheme is a bit odd but they look to be taking the same approach as the others — like Samsung’s Galaxy, and LG’s Optimus to keep things simple. As long as we don’t get names like Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, (way too long) I’ll be happy.

If sources are accurate the new HTC One V will be their newest and most audio-focused device yet. Clearly using the Beats Audio integration and bundled with new headphones from Beats Audio. Being the smallest of the three we are expecting to see at MWC 2012 with a 3.7″ display the One V will be powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Sense UI 4.0 and have a single-core 1.0 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It will be a mid-tier budget friendly device with a 5 megapixel camera. As we mentioned above it was previously rumored as the HTC Primo but we can expect it to be announced at the end of the month as the HTC One V. Stay tuned for more details as we will be live at Mobile World Congress.

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Swype keyboard updated with Android 4.0 support

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:10:56 +0000

The superb little line-drawing keyboard now works with the Galaxy Nexus, with the latest Swype Beta update bringing compatibility with Google and Samsung’s hot new mobile, plus anything else out there that may be running Android 4.0 out there in some form.

[Blog]

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5 White Nokia Lumia 800s to be won in global competition

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:09:16 +0000

So often we have contests only open for entrants in some countries, which is annoying for a world-wide internet audience.

For their new white Nokia Lumia 800 contest on Facebook Nokia is not making the same mistake.

In their simple test of response times, you only have to tap the flashing white tile, and when you manage enter your details. Nokia is giving away 5 handsets worldwide, with the contest closing on the 1st March 2012.

[Facebook Link to Competition]

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Sky Go on Android launches on 22nd February

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:36:45 +0000

Sky Go on Android has been given a launch date of the 22nd February…. just a few days away! This app has been available for iOS devices for a while now and has allowed Sky customers to be able to watch certain TV channels on their phone.

The bad news is not all devices will support the service. TechRadar have said

Initially, Sky Go for Android will be released for only HTC and Samsung phones. The following phones will be compatible with the app: HTC Desire,HTC Desire S, HTC Desire HD, HTC Incredible S, HTC Sensation, Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy S2.

Sky have not confirmed why these are the only launch phones, more could be added at a later date.

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Facebook for Android updated to include faster browsing, games, etc

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:34:01 +0000

Facebook was recently updated on Android, and brings many much-welcomed improvements to the table. First up, you can navigate to any tab quicker than before. The ability to view friends tags on pictures and play Facebook apps and games were also added. All this and more, but many early adopters have already started to report some problems.

Mainly, battery drain seems to be a culprit of the new version – but then again, it does state that faster notifications were a big part of the update. You’re now alerted in realtime through push notifications, which likely takes up more battery life than before. You’ll be able to edit push settings within the application, so those of you with problems could should give it a try.

Right above the timeline, you’ll notice easy access to a user’s friends list and subscriptions have migrated over too

[Market Link]

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Apple v. Samsung: Cupertino's latest complaint alleges 17 devices infringe 8 of its patents

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:32:11 +0000

We were waiting for the details of Apple's new lawsuit in its global battle against Samsung, and now that the court has posted the complaint, we have them. These fresh allegations claim Sammy has... you guessed it, infringed upon Apple's intellectual property. Turns out, there are eight patents at issue, with four of the patents in question having been granted since the last time Apple filed suit against the Korean firm. Among these are patents for missed call management, slide-to-unlock and data-syncing technology. Apple isn't just targeting the Galaxy Nexus with this suit as previously thought, either. In fact, at least 17 devices are alleged to have infringed, including all the US Galaxy S II variants, both the Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and Galaxy Tab 8.9. So, should the Northern District of California decide to grant Apple's request for a preliminary injunction, a hefty chunk of Samsung's mobile products will be barred from store shelves in the States.

[Source]

Palringo IM app now in public beta in WP7 marketplace

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:30:55 +0000

Palringo have now made their app available for free in Marketplace as a public beta:

We would like to invite you to try out our new public Beta for Palringo on Windows Phone 7. You can utilize all of Palringo’s core functionality including sending text, voice and photo messages to groups and friends.
Palringo is the leading cross-platform messaging app available on all major mobile devices as well as PC and Mac.
The Palringo Windows Phone 7 Beta allows you to stay connected and socialise with friends on iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Java, Symbian, PC, and Mac, or build new relationships within our community of over 320,000 groups. These groups cover every area of interest from sport and entertainment to gaming and technology. You can even chat with your friends on other social platforms such as Facebook, Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger.
Palringo Windows Phone 7 Beta is available in English for free.

[Market Link]

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O2 Nokia Lumia 800 update running through from MS servers

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:25:19 +0000

I'm happy to confirm that the OS update to version 7.10.8107.79 is now running through the MS servers for the Lumia 800 as I've had my update through this morning, along with a separate update from Nokia described as a 'Nokia Update for Windows Phone'.

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HTC quad-core machine to be called the HTC One X

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:20:25 +0000

We’ve been hearing a lot regarding HTC’s upcoming smartphones slated to be unveiled in a few weeks at Mobile World Congress, and with good reason. They’ll be debuting their new and first quad-core device in what we are now hearing will be called the HTC One X. Previous reports and leaks called this phone the HTC Edge and Endeavor but the official retail name will be the One X.

The dual-core HTC Ville will launch as the HTC One S, other sources confirm.