Friday, February 18, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

5 Best Mobile Security Apps For The iPhone

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:42 PM PST

The iPhone has come to dominate the smartphone market. Huge amounts of energy was devoted to creating the infrastructure to support one of the most advanced mobile phones that have ever been developed for private use and nearly every developer and coder in the industry has set their sights on the iPhone to get their own piece of the smartphone pie.

This also includes attention from less than reputable sources who are attempting to find ways to hack into and abuse this amazing infrastructure. Security apps are being developed and perfected for personal and business security for iPhones and iPhone programs. Here are 5 security apps for the iPhone, which every owner should take a look at.

1. iPortScan Pro
Whiteside Solutions, a company oddly enough known for paintball training tools, developed a security app that could be a lifesaver for every system admin. iPortScan Pro allows for admins to check if any services are listening on a known system that are not authorized. It is a quick and useful tool to scan ports on the fly and then forward automatically forward to URL’s or e-mail databases.

2. AVG Mobile Security
For personal security on the phone. AVG is well known for its cult-like following in the PC and Mac protection sector and is using this reputation to develop one of the best real time, anti-malware, mobile protection apps. This is great news for every iPhone user as AVG has a large team of dedicated programmers updating and perfecting this app almost daily.

3. Mobile Malwarebytes
Where AVG mobile security ends, Malwarebytes begins. This program comes in two styles, a free version and paid version. The goal of each is to target Trojans, viruses, rootkits, and other malicious worms and code. The difference between the two versions comes down to real-time protection. The free version does not allow for real time protection and instead relies on routine sweeps of the phone and downloads.

4. Snap
While these other programs help with malicious software and intruders, Snap provides useful information to the user of the phone. Snap sweeps nearby devices, hotspots, wifi, and other networks to discover which nearby ports are open, which local networks are secure, and what other users are on each network.

5. Splash ID
People have dozens of user names and passwords for emails, bank accounts, and credit cards. With all these complex numbers and words, this sensitive data is many times written down, forgotten, and lost. Splash ID provides a secure program in which the iPhone can save and protect hundreds of passwords and screen names with a 256-bit Blowfish Encryption and backup syncing to all authorized PC’s.

Britney Baker is a freelance blogger who normally ranks prepaid phones for PrepaidCellphones.net. Her latest review covered the Tracphone.

O2 Launches Guru TV Channel on YouTube

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:29 PM PST

The UK’s leading mobile phone operator, O2, has launched its new YouTube channel – O2 Guru TV. The channel promises to be a valuable source of information on new mobile phone models as well as user guides and help on subjects such as setting up wi-fi capabilities and learning to use complicated smart phones.

The channel has already been extremely popular, with over 80,000 channel views, making it one of the fastest growing commercial channels on YouTube. The videos are presented by qualified O2 gurus who are trained to help O2 users set up their mobile phones and get the most out of their handsets.

As of February 2011, O2 started adding hundreds of new videos to their channel in order to help address some of the most common issues and problems experienced by mobile phone users. The idea is that users will no longer have to battle with instruction booklets or expensive telephone helplines – they can simply log on to YouTube and see a live example on their computer screen. The unique aspect of the O2 Guru TV Channel is that it has absolutely no focus on sales. O2 don’t sell anything through the channel, nor do they promote their products or services. It really is just a very helpful tool designed to assist O2 customers and mobile phone users.

The O2 videos are all very professionally produced and contain step-by-step information presented by their knowledgeable and informative Gurus. Being able to see the steps carried out on the screen in front of you, as opposed to having to read through the steps in an instruction booklet, is absolutely invaluable. Many of the videos are only seconds long, which goes to show just how simple many of these tasks are to carry out when someone shows you, rather than tells you, how to do them.

The O2 YouTube channel also contains a number of reviews of new mobile phones, so if you’re thinking of changing or upgrading your handset, you might like to have a look at some live, real-life reviews and see the phone in action before you decide on which one to buy. There are even helpful videos on checking mobile broadband coverage, checking your allowance, connecting to O2 wi-fi, and setting up your O2 email account.

This move further underlines O2′s commitment to customer service and ensuring that you are able to get the best out of your mobile phone package. There are no sales adverts or techniques whatsoever – just handy, helpful tips.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb Playing Nice on HTC Desire HD: Video

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 07:57 AM PST

Okay, Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a tablet specific operating system from the Google guy’s right? But that being the case doesn't stop some clever hacker from slapping a version of Android 3.0 Honeycomb onto a smartphone now does it.

So for your viewing consideration today we have some video footage of Android 3.0 Honeycomb playing nice on none other than the HTC Desire HD, which comes our way courtesy of Ubergizmo and by way of the guys over at XDA-developers and YouTube user RiotNOR.

Apparently its currently a proof of concept, but does show that it can be accomplished although would require quite a bit of work to get Android 3.0 Honeycomb scaled down to suit the smaller displays of smartphones.

Word is if you want to give it a go on your HTC Desire HD you can download the necessary from T3hhaxx0r, but naturally you do so at your own risk.

So for those that would like to see Android 3.0 Honeycomb playing nice on the HTC Desire HD, jump on down, mash that play button and enjoy.

Android 2.2 Froyo Update for Samsung Epic 4G: Happy Days

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 07:28 AM PST

Now if all correct that the Android 2.2 Froyo update for the Samsung Epic 4G release is coming February 21 then we can see it being happy days for the smartphone's customers.

According to Phandroid by way of BGR the Samsung Epic 4G will get the OTA Android 2.2 aka Froyo update on the date given above, according to a source of BGR they claim that the build number will be EB13, which is different to earlier speculation that was EA17.

This OTA update will happen on Feb 21 and will roll over a course of four days, many Android handsets are still running 2.1 so to see 2.2 making it to the Samsung Epic 4G will be fantastic news for its customers.

The Sanyo Zio is apparently getting the same update; obviously this has not been confirmed that either phone is getting the update so please treat this as a rumour until further notice. What do you think?

Source – Mobile Whack

iPhone 5 May Release on Verizon and AT&T Simultaneously

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 07:19 AM PST

It’s probably not too surprising but when the iPhone 5 eventually see release at some point later this year, the iPhone 5 may simultaneously launch on both Verizon Wireless and AT&T networks, which would be a bit of a bummer for those Verizon customers who have just picked up the Verizon iPhone.

According to an article over on Ubergizmo and by way of Beat Week, apparently Apple has laid “too much groundwork” to no go ahead with a simultaneous launch of the iPhone 5 on both networks.

There’s also mention that eventually Apple will deliver the iPhone 5 to both T-Mobile and Sprint as well as the mention of a carrier free iPhone 5 this summer, although personally I can’t see Apple delivering an iPhone 5 without carrier intervention somehow.

I’m not quite sure where they got their information so for now at least this should be treated as pure speculation, although personally I see no reason why Apple shouldn't release the next generation iOS smartphone to Verizon and AT&T at the same time.

What are your views on this matter, do you think Apple should push out the iPhone 5 to both AT&T and Verizon simultaneously or do you feel AT&T should get the first bite of the cherry and Verizon gain the iPhone 5 at a later date?

National Battery Day: Mobile Phones Without Life

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 07:12 AM PST

Today is National Battery Day and it would be hard to imagine a mobile phone without life, so for fun we are asking all owners to pull out their batteries to show support.

Today February 18, which happens every year is 'National Battery Day' and we should all respect the battery because without it we would all be left without gadgets like mobile phones whilst on the move.

Can you ever fathom your mobile handset without one? So for fun and respect for the battery we are asking you all grab your mobile phone and pull the battery out for a few minutes, one it shows you what it will be like without a mobile phone and it is always good to pull the battery to give your handset a quick reboot.

If you feel more in the mood for fun please email us a picture of you and your mobile phone with the battery out to mark@phonesreview.co.uk

For more info about National Battery Day please visit Holiday Insights

Lenovo Android 2.2 Froyo LePad Releasing in June

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 06:48 AM PST

Not sure if you remember but back at CES 2010 last month Lenovo announced their Android tablet the Lenovo LePad but at the time we didn't know when the Lenovo LePad would likely hit the mobile space, but now we do.

According to an article over on TechnoBuffalo, and by way of PC World, Lenovo will release the LePad in China at the end of March followed by a global release sometime in June.

Spec wise the Lenovo LePad offers a 10.1-inch display and weighs roughly 2 pounds, and will come out to play sporting the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system but may possibly be updated to Android 3.0 Honeycomb at some point, and is powered by a Qualcomm 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor.

Lenovo hasn’ come across with any specific global release date other then June and it is expected the Lenovo LePad would have a price tag somewhere between $399 and $449 although that isn’t concrete.

We do have a quick demo video of the Lenovo LePad for your viewing pleasure below though courtesy of LenovoVision, so jump on down, hit that play button and check out the tablet and feel free to let us know it the slate has captured your attention or not.

iPhone and iPad Accessories: Bluetooth P25-M Printer Announced

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 05:55 AM PST

Innovative provider of electronic payments solutions, Blue Bamboo has announced their mobile Bluetooth P25-M Printer made for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, and the device is now in the final testing stage for MFi approval.

Customers and merchants will be able to experience a completely wireless experience with the new Blue Bamboo wireless payment solution, which delivers the benefits of secure encrypted magnetic stripe card data by wirelessly passing it from a printer to an iOS device.

The Bluetooth P25-M is fast, durable and lightweight, and supports Bluetooth, USB, Serial and Apple port connectivity and can print up to 200 coupons and barcodes per charge and can print payment receipts wirelessly along with swiping credit cards for mobile finance applications.

Blue Bamboo Corporation CEO Justin Anderson says…"With our P25-M mobile payment system, we introduce the second in a series of products that works with iPhone, iPad and iPod, include our industry-leading security, deliver the latest features and technology for the lowest total cost of ownership, and thus will enable merchants to deliver new services to their customers today and well into the future."

Apparently the Bluetooth P25-M Printer is the first to the market and will be processing global mobile payments by spring and summer this year.

Touchless Gestures Via Camera, Smartphone On Horizon

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 05:13 AM PST

It appears that a smartphone sporting a front facing camera isn’t just for video chatting with your nearest and dearest, as apparently future technology will be bringing the ability to control your smartphone via its front facing camera with just the wave of your hand.

According to an article over on Cnet, the chief tech officer of Extreme Reality, Ofer Sadka, has stated that a type of “touchless gesture interface” is heading for mobile phones.

Apparently 2 variations of the “gesticulation-sensitive interface” where demonstrated at the Texas Instruments booth during Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona, with one using close range gestures by rotating a fist to zoom in and out while the other was used to flip through an image gallery.

Apparently the other was demonstrated from approximately eight metres and used a sweeping arm gesture. The demo was apparently done on an Android powered Texas Instruments hardware development system.

So what do you reckon, is waving your hand in front of your smartphone the future of mobile technology or do you feel it’s taking things a step too far by enabling the user to control the device without actually touching it?

iOS Apps Now Get Previewed on Twitter

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:49 AM PST

If you own an iOS device and download iOS apps to your iPhone, iPod Touch or Apple iPad, you need to hit up the App Store to check out what apps you are looking for; however it appears that now you can get a preview of iOS apps via Twitter.

According to an article over on iPhone Download Blog, the guys over at Macgasm are reporting that Twitter has now integrated App Store app previews into their system, which contain links to the previewed app.

So basically anyone that tweets a link to the App Store, Twitter will show your tweet with a screenshot of the app along with the app description and thus enables easy viewing of apps in tweets.

The guys tried out the new App Store Twitter integration by posting a test tweet and the image above is how it shows up on Twitter; however apparently the preview is only available when clicking on a tweet through Twitter.com and not by clicking a link within your timeline.

So what do our iPhone and Apple iPad users think of this new feature on Twitter, will it cut down on your visits to the App Store or do you think it’s just a flash in the pan?

HTC Droid Thunderbolt Delayed Further

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:28 AM PST

For the poor souls who have been patiently awaiting the release of the HTC Thunderbolt on the Verizon network and have been hoping against all hope that the Android 2.2 Froyo device would become available as of the 24th of this month, it looks like you’ll be disappointed.

According to an article over on Droid-life by Kellex, the guys over at Android Guys is reporting that the HTC Thunderbolt has been delayed a further four days and will now release on the 28th of the month.

However, according to an article over on Droid Attic it may even be later, but certainly wont be offered by Best Buy next week.

The reason apparently is due to production problems rather than anything to do with Verizon or Best Buy, but that still doesn't change the fact that yet again potential customers have been let down when it comes to a release date for the device.

Are you hanging on for the HTC Thunderbolt, or have you decided to opt for another smartphone, feel free to voice your annoyance at this latest delay with the device to our comments area below.

I Am Number Four App: Wallpapers, Photos & Ringtones

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:09 AM PST

I Am Number Four is the next big movie and we wanted to let you know about a new iOS app for your iPhone that we think you may like.

I Am Number Four is a stunning movie produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg through DreamWorks and is an American teen science fiction film, which releases today.

The iOS application via iTunes for free is called 'Number Four’s Phone', and number Four has lost his phone and only you can help him complete set missions to keep the mobile phone out of the Mog's hands.

Whilst doing these missions you will get a lot of information about Number Four himself, the upcoming release of I Am Number Four and his planet Lorien.

You can play games and even bump phones to unlock wallpapers, photos and ringtones from the film, get the app now and please enjoy. For more in-depth information about this movie we do recommend you visiting IMDb for the lowdown, you can also visit the official Find Number Four website as well. Check out a few images below of the app:

Microsoft Windows 8 Tablet Codenamed Peju From Dell in 2012

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:04 AM PST

Seems like the world is being inundated with tablets lately with the likes of the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, LG Optimus Pad, BlackBerry PlayBook, Motorola Xoom and an abundance of others, and apparently there will be a Windows 8 tablet coming from Dell next year.

According to an article over on Itproportal, and by way of Android Central, Dell is to push out a Windows 8 sporting tablet, which has an internal codename of Peju in Q1 of next year.

Apparently the Dell Peju wont have an Android alter ego and they say that the device may be a slot-in replacement for Windows 7 in Rosemount, a tablet also show in a leaked roadmap and means that the Rosemount will be an X86 tablet rather than being ARM based.

According to said Dell roadmap from Android Central, Dell will also deliver 4 Android tablets, the Android 3.0 Honeycomb Dell Gallo coming in April this year, the Dell Steeling in Q4, the Dell Opus One and Dell Silver Oak in Q1 of next year.

It is expected that Windows 8 will be released sometime near the end of this year with numerous Windows 8 products following thereafter.

London Fashion Week: Best 6 Ovi Apps

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:51 AM PST

For those Nokia faithful that have a liking for fashion, as London Fashion Week begins in a few days time perhaps you’d like some info on the six best Ovi applications you can download to your Nokia device so you can get the best out of London Fashion Week.

This list of the six best Ovi apps comes our way courtesy of the guys over at NokNok, so we thought we’d pass it along to any of our Nokia toting readers who might be attending or have an interest in London Fashion Week, so let’s get right to it…

First up is an app called Zara, this Ovi app enables the user to browse the Zara department store for the latest in fashion and even lets the user purchase gear via their Nokia smartphone, search pictures and catalogue so you can locate that perfect outfit.

The Zara app can be downloaded to you Nokia handset, you will need to make sure your device is compatible by using the Nokia mobile selector, from the Ovi Store as a free download.

Next up is the House of Fraser app, which is apparently one of the best Ovi apps for shopping whilst on the go and delivers a complete search capability via category, brand, keyword, and enabling new customers to create an account.

The House of Fraser app for Nokia devices allows users to pick items by gender, images and type and also allows purchasing of garments right for your Nokia device. The House of Fraser app is a free app available from the Ovi Store.

Then there is the Daily Front Row app, which delivers the latest up-to-date news from the fashion world direct to your Nokia smartphone, with hundreds of fashion images from across the globe.

The Daily Front Row app enables the user to read the latest news articles, watch videos, whilst selects devices ca share content via Facebook or SMS. The Daily Front Row app can be downloaded to your chosen Nokia handset from the Ovi store at a cost of £1.50.

Next up we have the Elle app for Nokia devices, Elle is one of the world’s most popular fashion outlets and this app delivers the ultimate fashion fix with up-to-the-minute news on celebrities, beauty and fashion.

The Elle app allows the user to keep up with all the latest from the catwalks of London, Paris, New York, and Milan, and is available to download from the Ovi Store as a free application.

Almost there we have the Fashion Week Live app for Nokia, which is a mobile gaming app that enables the user to wile away their time playing the role of a fashion designer’s assistant gearing up for Fashion Week.

The Fashion Week Live app takes the user through different stages with the designer enabling them to deal with situations whilst unlocking different gaming features and earning kudos from your boss. The Fashion Week Live app is a free app from the Ovi Store.

Lastly we have The Sartorialist, one of the most critically acclaimed fashion photographers and blogger who has a regular feature in the GQ magazine and enables the user to follow the trends and styles of fashion.

The Sartorialist app offers the user an insight into the working of the Sartorialist in New York and Milan so you can keep up with the tips on fashion. The Sartorialist app is available from the Ovi Store as a free app.

So there you have it, six best app from the Ovi Store for all you fashion hungry Nokia owners out there; however we know there are loads more fashion apps available so if you have your favourite then feel free to share.

iPad 2 FaceTime Camera Like iPhone 4: Screen Protector

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:04 AM PST

When it comes to the new Apple iPad 2 speculations and rumours are quite dominant and that is why we are hoping new images of the screen protectors for the next iPad installment are real.

The reason we are hoping they are real because if you look at the images below you will notice an extra hole, yes this new hole punch in the iPad 2 screen protector is for the new front-facing FaceTime camera like the iPhone 4 so that you can video chat.

Thanks to Geeky Gadgets by the way of 9 to 5 Mac the later source got their mitts on the screen protectors that clearly shows the camera location, according to 9 to 5 Mac the new iPad 2 could and hopefully be a little bit taller and narrower than the current iPad.

Apparently the SDK suggests that the iPad 2 will stick with the same 1024 x 768 display like the current iPad, what kind of bezel will it have then on the iPad 2?

If you visit Reuters they spotted at the Rupert Murdoch’s splashy digital newspaper launch the latest iPad 2, ok it was only a prototype but still good to know that there is still hope for the iPad 2 yet.

Just for a little bit of talk, do you think the new Apple iPad 2 can challenge the new Sony S1 PlayStation tablet?
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