Monday, March 7, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

HTC Thunderbolt Release Now Possibly Delayed Until March 16th

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 12:13 PM PST

Well now, here’s the latest rumour doing the round over the release debacle that is the HTC Thunderbolt. Apparently the Android 2.2 Froyo touting Thunderbolt may have seen yet another delay making potential customers wait even longer.

According to an article over on the Examiner, Pop Herald is claiming that the HTC Thunderbolt could well see release on the 16th of March; the reason apparently is due to the release of the Apple iPad 2.

The Pop Herald post is claiming that Verizon is now planning on releasing the HTC Thunderbolt after the 11th although that’s not final, but their source has also stated that the Big Red is “avoiding long lines and cluttered stores,” and apparently “Verizon thinks March 16 is the perfect release date.”

Of course as always with this type of info, nothing has been confirmed by anyone that actually matters and should thus be treated as such, but surely Verizon can’t continue delaying the HTC Thunderbolt for much longer or risk every customer saying enough is enough I’ll go with something else.

Android Robot Gets Mechanised: Video

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 07:21 AM PST

Now the Android faithful have something the iOS faithful don't have and that is the Android bot, available in several colours so the Android faithful can show their allegiance to the platform, but your bot probably doesn't do anything, but now it can if you have a mind to do so.

We have a video of mechanising the Android bot for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the guys over at Phandroid and by way of Gizmodo, which shows you what can be done to liven up that Android bot, although the video doesn't show you how to accomplish the feat.

The mechanised Android bot doesn't do a great deal but it can flash out Morse code with its eyes and spin its head from side to side, not a great deal I know but could keep your friends amused for a few minutes.

If you fancy having a go at mechanising your own Android figurine then all the instructions to accomplish the mod can be gained by hitting up Instructables. So check out the two minutes video below, and if you give it a go feel free to let us know how you get on…enjoy.

iPhone 5 May Sport Logo Antenna and Shiny Aluminium Casing

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 06:39 AM PST

Okay so virtually everything is now known about Apple latest piece of tech the Apple iPad 2, so the rumours now move back to the main event, the approach of the next generation iOS smartphone, the Apple iPhone 5.

Well the latest speculation on the iPhone 5 comes our way courtesy of the Boy Genius Report via Macrumors and Macotakara, which apparently has it that Taiwanese rag the Economic Daily News says that “anonymous sources” claim Apple may be changing the design for the new iPhone 5.

So what is the rumour? Well apparently Apple is considering moving away from the antenna design of the iPhone 4 and replacing with an integrated rear “logo antenna” and also that the iPhone 5 may sport an aluminium backing.

Macotakara has even come up with a mock-up of what the shiny aluminium iPhone 5 could look like which is pictured above.

So take a butcher’s at the image and feel free to let us know what you think, would you love to own a shiny silver iPhone 5 or would you still prefer Apple to deliver on an all white iPhone rather than a aluminium model?

Sony Ericsson Windows Phone 7 Prototype Pictured Again

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 06:06 AM PST

If you happen to be one of the Sony Ericsson faithful and hoping to get some Windows Phone 7 goodness sometime in the future, then it looks like you may at some point, although just what the Sony Ericsson WP7 device will be called is a mystery.

A few more images of the rumoured Sony Ericsson prototype handset sporting Windows Phone 7 have hit the net and come our way courtesy of Slash Gear and by way of WMPoweruser who say the pictures of the SE WP7 device showed up on Esato and Chinese website lizecome.

Unfortunately though the pictures weren’t accompanied by any specs or details but what can be gleaned from the images is that the device will be a side-slide QWERTY keyboard, and that this handset is marked “prototype and not for sale.”

According to the guys over at WMPoweruser the smartphone is running an old version of the Windows Phone 7 user interface and may have been scrapped after SE couldn't reach an agreement over Xbox Live, while other speculation says Sony Ericsson is still working on a WP7 handset.

So it could be that these are new images of the previously rumoured mothballed SE WP7 device rather than a new prototype, but it apparently still remains a mystery if or when Sony Ericsson will come up with a Windows Phone 7 smartphone.

HTC Thunderbolt Lovingly Handled on Video

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 05:10 AM PST

Watch and drool HTC Thunderbolt hopefuls, you have been waiting for what seems forever to get your hands on the latest Android 2.2 Froyo packing HTC Thunderbolt and your lengthy wait still continues but someone got to play with the device on video.

According to an article over on Android Central one of their members, ibejack96 got lucky when he found himself in a Verizon sponsored area at a golfing tournament when a Big Red rep suddenly whipped out an HTC Thunderbolt.

Apparently Jack then managed to finagle some hands-on time with the Thunderbolt and videoed the occasion which we obviously have for your viewing pleasure below and delivers just on two minutes of Thunderbolt goodness.

Apparently Jack also inquired about the release date for the HTC Thunderbolt, and here’s what was said… “I asked the lady at the stand if she knew when it was expected to be released, and she told me that she didn’t know, but that it was supposed to have already been out (the date was pushed back because of problems, namely the battery, which was dying too early. I think it must be because of the battery life the LTE data required.)”

Anyway, if you are still hanging on the edge hoping to snap up the HTC Thunderbolt when it does eventually see release head on down, hit that play button and have a couple of minutes drooling time…enjoy.

Android Honeycomb Now Playing Nice on HTC HD2: Video

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 04:49 AM PST

For an operating system that was reportedly tablet specific it sure looks like the Google guys Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS is doing the rounds of smartphones courtesy of the hacker community. We’ve already seen Honeycomb ported to the T-Mobile G1.

Now according to an article over on Ubergizmo, it would appear that the guys over at XDA-Developers have managed to post Android 3.0 Honeycomb over to the HTC HD2 smartphone, although currently not all features are working.

What is working is the device boots, touch screen, hardware buttons properly mapped, graphics hardware acceleration, LED and screen off, browser, SD mounting, and apparently data should work. What isn't working is virtually everything else.

Of course they guys posted some video footage of the Android Honeycomb port to the HTC HD2 as proof of the event which we have for your viewing pleasure below and lasts almost three and a half minutes.

So all you need do now is hit up the video and check out Honeycomb on the HTC HD2, and if you want to try it out for yourself you can download all the necessary by hitting up Here…enjoy.

Nexus S For Sprint Website Coming Soon

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 04:20 AM PST

It would appear that all clues are pointing towards Sprint pushing out their own version of the Android 2.3 Gingerbread toting Google Nexus S smartphone at some point in the not too distant future along with a couple of over handsets.

According to an article over on Engadget by Chris Ziegler, if you hit up now.sprint.com/nexus you are transported to a blank page with the image, which is posted above, although when I hit the page the text saying, “Opps… we’re not quite ready yet. But come back because this page will be ready soon” was removed, so they are probably still working on it.

According to the Engadget article if their sources are spot on the Google Nexus S for Sprint will be known as the Nexus S 4G and will sport both WiMAX and CDMA radios, and apparently there are rumours of Sprint EVO View and Sprint EVO 3D handsets although those links take you to the Sprint homepage.

Now as CTIA 2011 isn't that far away we could well see Sprint revealing more info on all three of these smartphone during their special event, or we may even see the Nexus S 4G page go live a little before, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see; more as and when we hear.

Nokia E7 Heading For Three UK In April

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 03:58 AM PST

For the Symbian faithful in the United Kingdom that have may be been wondering when the Nokia E7 would come to play in the UK on the Three network, it appears that you may not have much longer to wait.

According to an article over on Unwired View, by Vlad Bobleanta, 3UK announced via their official Twitter account that the Symbian^3 sporting Nokia E7 would become available from Three UK sometime in April.

Here’s what Three UK tweeted… “We’re going to range the #Nokia E7 :) Check out our coming soon page…http://ow.ly/47Uws”

The link shoots you off to the 3UK coming soon page where the Nokia E7 does show up. Unfortunately though they haven’t given and firm release date in April, nor have they offered up any asking price for the Nokia E7 or if the handset will be offered as a free device on contract.

But as April isn’t too far off, Nokia E7 hopefuls in the UK shouldn’t have much longer to wait unless of course the Nokia E7 sees more delays.

Apple iPad 2 White And Verizon Models Not Listed on Best Buy

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 03:23 AM PST

It would appear that if you are in the market to pick up the latest iOS tablet out of the Apple camp, the Apple iPad 2 and want one on the Verizon network or a white model, then don't head for Best Buy because apparently Best Buy has neither listed.

According to an article over on 9to5 Mac, Best Buy is currently only listing WiFi only and WiFi + 3G Apple iPad 2 tablets on AT&T and only available in black, not sure why they aren't listing Verizon models or white versions but hopefully this will change by launch time.

Best Buy is also dropping their prices of the original Apple iPad to clear stock for the arrival of the Apple iPad 2, with prices now at $399 for the 16GB WiFi version – $499 for the 32GB WiFi version – $599 for the 64GB WiFi version – $529 for the 16GB 3G – $629 for the 32GB 3G – $729 for the 64GB model.

So f you are looking to pick up the original iOS tablet now may be a good time to snap up the device, or if you are hoping to purchase a Verizon or white model then you may have to look elsewhere.

iPhone 4 Accessories: LifeProof Case: Video

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 02:56 AM PST

If you own an iPhone 4 you are obviously going to want to protect you iOS device from such things as dust, dirt, and such and you’ll also want to make sure that if you accidentally drop your treasured iPhone 4 into water it will come out unscathed.

Well according to an article over on Digital Trends, the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4 protects your beloved smartphone from just about everything, drops, weather, snow, grime, and apparently protects your device when being submerged in water.

The LifeProof case for the iPhone 4 delivers access to all the functionality of your iPhone and only adds 1.5 millimetres to the handset profile and has been designed to military spec for shock and water resistance up to 2 metres.

And just so you can see for yourself how affective the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4 is, we have some video footage of the case being put to the test courtesy of YouTube user Angieshorez, which can be viewed below.

So if you fancy keeping your shiny iPhone 4 protected, the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4 is available for pre-order from LifeProof.com and commands a price tag of $69.95…enjoy the video.

Motorola Xoom Will Still Upgrade to 4G LTE Even If Rooted

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 02:29 AM PST

If you have been tinkering with your Android 3.0 Honeycomb sporting Motorola Xoom to get the tablet unlocked and have been worrying that now you’ve unlocked the device you wont be eligible for the upgrade to 4G LTE, stop worrying.

According to an article over on Engadget by way of the Motorola Support Forums, Motorola has now officially confirmed that they will attempt to upgrade all Xoom tablets on the Verizon network whether they have been unlocked or not.

Here’s the word from the forums…” All Motorola XOOM tablets on the Verizon Wireless network are eligible to receive an upgrade to support 4G LTE. This includes those that have been unlocked; however, those units must be submitted for upgrade with the original factory software reinstalled and the device relocked in order to receive the upgrade.

For devices that are returned unlocked, Motorola will attempt to complete the upgrade, but may be unable to update the software. In these cases, the device will be returned to the consumer with just the 4G LTE modem installed.

More details on the process will be available closer to the upgrade availability.”

So there you have it, if you want to upgrade your unlocked Motorola Xoom to 4G LTE then you just have to relock the tablet and send it back to Motorola. Seems like Motorola is playing the good guy with their Xoom tablet when it comes to 4G.

HTC Thunderbolt May Release Tomorrow

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 01:45 AM PST

Looks like the total confusion over just when the HTC Thunderbolt will be released continues, the rumour is that the new Android 2.2 Froyo packing Thunderbolt will see release as of the 10th of the month although there has been no confirmation from either Verizon or the HTC camp.

However according to an article over on Unwired View the HTC Thunderbolt release date on Best Buy could well be tomorrow the 8th of March according to a recent tweet that apparently quotes a Best Buy rep.

The release date for the HTC Thunderbolt came from @realdslayton…“http://yfrog.com/hsox1rfj The BestBuy Rep, gave me a release date of the 8th of March… we’ll see. #thunderbolt #android@droid_life”

Now of course one has to remember that this new release date for the HTC Thunderbolt hasn’t been confirmed in any way so should be taken as pure rumour for the moment, as all it really does is add more fuel to the fire which has been burning over just when the HTC Thunderbolt will actually see release.

Will the HTC Thunderbolt release tomorrow the 8th, or perhaps the 10th of March…who know, we’ll have to wait and see.

Android Gains iBoobs App

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 01:24 AM PST

Ah yes the infamous iOS app that is renown for its wobbly bits has finally hit the Android platform for all you hot blooded Android guys, and is available to download to you Android smartphone running OS 2.1 and above.

For those Android users that may not remember iBoobs, we have a quick demo video of iBoobs for Android for your viewing pleasure below that comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Daily Mobile and by way of YouTube user MysticGD and delivers almost three minutes of wobbly action.

According to the blurb on the Android Market the iBoobs app for Android guarantees laughter, features shake control, touch screen support, stays tracking, and the ability to change such things as boob weight and gravity.

There’s also a warning of addiction to the app along with a mention of a “secret Easter egg cheat code,” about which more detail will come later. Two versions are available from the Android Market, iBoobs Lite for free and iBoobs for a £1.59…enjoy the video.

Apple iPad 2 AT&T, Verizon Plans and Release Time

Posted: 07 Mar 2011 12:57 AM PST

I’m pretty sure by now most of the iOS faithful out there know that the Apple iPad 2 will go on sale as of the 11th of this month, that’s this Friday at 12.01AM Pacific Time, but that is for online purchases. If you prefer to pick up the second-generation Apple iPad in store you can do so as of 5PM the same day.

But how much will an Apple iPad 2 monthly plan with either Verizon or AT&T cost the customer? Well according to an article over on Macrumors, the guys over at AllThingsD have come up with a handy chart that gives the plan prices for both AT&T and Verizon.

The plan chart goes like this…prepaid on AT&T is the same as the iPad 1 with 250MB for $14.99 and 2GB for $25 and if you run out of data you pay again. There is now a post-paid option that charges overage at a set amount, which is $10 per 1GB.

When it comes to Verizon the Apple iPad 2 data plans go like this…1GB for $20 a month – 3GB for $30 – 5GB for $50 – 10GB for $80, and other than the 1GB option overages will be charged at $10 per 1GB while the 1GB for $20 option overages are charged at $20 per 1GB.

It is expected that there will be long lines at Apple stores when you want to pick up the Apple iPad 2 in store rather than purchase on line, but if you want the iOS tablet before the following week you’ll need to brave those line.

So who of our readers is going to order the Apple iPad 2 on line and who’s going to hit their local Apple store early in order to purchase?
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)