Thursday, March 24, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

iPhone 5 NFC Chip Hype and Q3 Production

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 06:23 AM PDT

New rumours are surfacing surrounding the fifth-generation iPhone 5, it is claimed a trial production of the phone is currently being conducted and this will lead to full production in the third quarter of this year.

Now, as we previously reported the iPhone 5 was expected to be released sometime in June, see our article here. However, these latest revelations appear to indicate the iPhone 5 may not be available in the quantities that we were hoping for and that therefore, some stores may have to wait for their stock, which could cause an inconvenience to their customers.

It has also been revealed by 9to5mac.com that there is speculation in the China Times that in response to blown up displays on Android superphones, the iPhone 5 will have a 4 inch touchscreen display. This story apparently goes on to indicate that the phone will have a NFC Chip for contactless payments and also to improve the phones reception the chassis of the iPhone 5 will be made of a scratch-resistant metal.

We previously posted an article in January regarding NFC Chip Technology being introduced into iPhone 5 and iPad 2 during their production, see above link for more information.

More information on the introduction of the NFC Chip is in an article by mobiletoday.co.uk, in which the O2 CEO Ronan Dunne told them that "it may be a slow burn start, but the big retailers are gearing up for it…" see the full article here.

So what is your take on new NFC Technology? would you like to be able to use your mobile phone, as you would a debit card to make payment?

iPad 2 Cases by Speck: PixelSkin HD and iGuy

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 05:45 AM PDT

The Apple iPad 2 is already out in the U.S and coming to the UK this Friday and what better way to protect and make them look good with new iPad cases, we had a press release sent in today about two iPad cases named PixelSkin HD Wrap case and another called iGuy. Check them out

Before we go on the price of the PixelSkin HD Wrap case is $49.95 and the iGuy (Looks great this one) is $39.95.

Following the launch of the game-changing iPad 2, Apple has once again caused a stir in the digital world — and Speck, a world leader in cases and bags for electronic devices, has responded with updates and redesigns to some of its most popular iPad cases as must-have iPad 2 accessories.

These include the two-layer hard-shell CandyShell Wrap with a flip-close cover that converts to a stand, and FitFolio, Speck's ultra-lightweight, custom-fit folio case that’s ideal for reading, working, gaming and lots more.

Speck is also releasing a series of all-new cases for iPad 2: the super-sleek glossy-matte PixelSkin HD Wrap case for iPad 2 ramps up Speck's award-winning, pixel-pattern CandyShell Wrap for the first gen iPad to iPad2 size. And the iconic iGuy makes a triumphant return as a web-only exclusive: this freestanding foam case for iPad and iPad 2 is the perfect way for kids (and a good few adults that should know better too) to give their tablet some personality while keeping it totally protected.

"Apple has managed to refine a product that is nearly perfect. We're applying the same mentality to our cases for the iPad 2," said Irene Baran, CEO of Speck Products. "Not only is Apple's new tablet a drop-dead sexy piece of hardware, we're acutely aware of the new ways people will be using it. We're adding fresh functionality as well as style and protection."

There will be many more innovative and stylishly Spexy cases coming that will make using your iPad 2 more safe, more comfortable, and more fun, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

In the meantime, Speck's current iPad bags and sleeves are a perfect fit for the iPad 2—and are available right now in stores and on the Speck website.

Xperia Play BackStab Action Game Exclusive by Gameloft: Hot

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 04:52 AM PDT

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play aka PlayStation Phone is a lovely looking gaming smartphone and no matter how well it works it is no good without decent games on board, this is where you say hello to BackStab by Gameloft.

Gameloft as we know are leading developers of awesome games and they are joining forces with Sony Ericsson to give the Xperia Play a game it deserves, the new action/adventure thriller game called "BackStab" will be exclusive to this device.

Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president Publishing of Gameloft said "We are truly excited to continue our support of Xperia Play with an exclusive release of BackStab, bringing the action adventure experience to a new level," and "We already have a strong line-up for Xperia PLAY and its capabilities as a fully enabled smartphone with dedicated gaming controls make this device one powerful contender in the gaming space."

BackStab looks stunning (Screenshots below this article) and is an epic story of revenge set on an 18th century Caribbean island, you will play hero Henry Blake and go on to seek vengeance on his British jailers.

BackStab features open 3D environment for free roaming, missions include side quests and activities such as duels and races. This game will release on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Q2 2011.

Source via email sent to us, you can read more via the Gameloft Blog

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline and Star Battalion will also be embedded into the Gaming smartphone, good device, and good games, what more could you want?

The Screenshots

HTC Incredible S India Price: Less On Pre-order

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 04:12 AM PDT

The HTC Incredible S, which was announced by HTC at the Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona last month and which, is the successor to the popular HTC Incredible smartphone, is the latest HTC phone to be launched on the shores of India.

Now there is good news for those wishing to pre-order the Incredible S, according to the guys at techtree.com the price of the phone at launch will be Rs.28,900, which is Rs.2,000 more than the pre-order price.

The price of the HTC Incredible S on the site of flipkart.com is currently shown as Rs.26.999, which includes a 1 year HTC India Warranty.

HTC Incredible S smartphone, currently runs on Android 2.2 Froyo. However, this will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread when the phone is made available.

Further specs for the Incredible S, as revealed by fonearena.com include: a 1Ghz processor, 4 inch touchscreen display, HTC Sense, an 8 megapixel camera with auto focus and dual LED flash, HD (720p) video recording, 1.3 megapixel front camera, Bluetooth 2.1 with FTP/OPP, WiFi connectivity, 3.5mm headset jack, micro-USB and more.

For more information on the HTC Incredible S, why not check out our article on the release of the Incredible S in the UK or the In-Depth Video Review of the phone.

Top Party Songs Karaoke Style iOS iPhone App

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 03:55 AM PDT

Top party songs is what everyone loves and Karaoke Now iOS iPhone app will bring you all the fun and laughter you need, summer is going to be hot so sing your heart out.

Karaoke Now is a great application for your Apple iPhone that allows you to become a singing sensation that includes over 40,000 songs of you choice, you can buy the songs from the built-in store or you can simply import your own songs.

The main features include vocal versions of the songs so that you can practice with a band or a singer, new songs released monthly, if you own MP3+G ZIP songs you can import them straight into the player or buy songs and add them to Karaoke Now! 2.0 later.

This App Contains: New Fast Interface, Playlist management, Online Manual, Remove from playlist option, Direct support page, Wide Screen and Vertical Player option, Quick Play, Affordable, Legal, and Large selection of Songs and Optional "Lead Vocal" tracks.

You can play, stop and even pause songs, fast forward or rewind and so much more. Be a singing party sensation and download Karaoke Now via iTunes.

Microsoft Employees HTC 7 Trophy Great Rate Offer via Verizon

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 03:29 AM PDT

Microsoft employees is receiving a great offer on the HTC 7 Trophy smartphone via Verizon, if you work for Microsoft then you will really love this deal.

MS employees can get their hands on the HTC 7 Trophy for $199 and will also be blessed with a $100 line credit; this credit is based on extending the contract for another 2 years. They will also get a free vehicle power charger and a free case.

So employees will get a phone on the cheap, free case, free charger and $100 line credit, the HTC 7 Trophy Windows Phone 7 smartphone is hopefully going to be released tomorrow March 24th. Please visit the Verizon offer landing page for more information.

Check out the two offer choices below, what one will you pick Microsoft employees?

Offer 1: Extend service agreement for line activated prior to 11/8/2010 – receive $100 bill credit!
Offer 2: WP7 HTC Trophy, vehicle power charger, and leather case – for only $199.99 plus tax!

Screenshot of the offer:

Source – WPCentral via WMPoweruser

BlackBerry PlayBook Price & Release Date: Messaging Strength

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 03:05 AM PDT

Many Tablet PCs are being released and the BlackBerry PlayBook is one of them, RIM has now stamped a price and release date to it. How well will it do against the likes of the HTC Flyer, iPad 2 or even the Motorola Xoom?

The BlackBerry PlayBook will release April 19 starting from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, the 32GB version will be $599 and the 64GB Wi-Fi version will cost you $699. We must remind you that the LTE and HSPA+ versions will be coming soon as well but no price or release dates for these versions have been announced as of yet.

So why should we buy the BlackBerry PlayBook? You do not have to but here are a few specs to see if it is the tablet for you, it features a 7-inch WSVGA capacitive touchscreen with 1024×600 pixels resolution, 1GB of RAM, 1GHz dual-core processor, 64GB of internal memory, six-axis motion sensor, GPS accelerometer, digital compass, plus a 5-megapixel camera on the back and a front-facing 3-megapixel camera, 1080p high-definition video capture and HDMI out port.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is all about messaging and has been designed to give you secure access when linking your BlackBerry smartphone to it, contacts and communications can be handled by PlayBook users smartphones. In a nutshell all personal data can stay on BlackBerry handsets and will not be under threat when synchronised to the Playbook.

Other BlackBerry PlayBook Features: Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR, BlackBerry browser, apps, 130x194mm, Windows Media Audio, MP3, H.264, Mpeg4, AAC and WMV video, multi-tasking, stereo speakers and so much more.

There is no news on UK price and release dates as of yet but we will keep you informed, main competitors will be the iPad 2, Motorola Xoom and HTC Flyer, more competition will come as the year goes on. We will not go into things such as iPad 2 versus BlackBerry PlayBook and all that at the moment as that can get a little too boring even though we will probably bring you comparisons sooner or later, we have to it is what we do.

As a reminder Sprint now has the BlackBerry PlayBook on its website, read more about that via our previous article, you can pre-order the PlayBook via Best Buy now.

Source – PC World

HTC Thunderbolt or Samsung Droid Charge Choice

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 01:09 AM PDT

Verizon already has the HTC Thunderbolt 4G LTE smartphone on its system and coming soon is the newly announced Samsung Droid Charge, now it is time for one to make a choice.

As we all know customers of the HTC Thunderbolt have been experiencing problems with battery life and mobile hotspot with some users saying they are not having any issues with either, but nether the less can the Samsung Droid Charge outshine the Thunderbolt and become the users choice.

Yesterday we reported on the Droid Charge 4G LTE handset by Samsung featuring a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, it also comes with Android 2.2 with TouchWiz. PhoneArena has the full specs and some of those include multitouch, proximity sensor, light sensor, 8-megapixel camera with auto focus / LED flash / video capture and HTML, HTML5, and Flash. The Droid Charge also has built-in Facebook, Twitter and Picasa, YouTube, WiFi, Bluetooth, microSD and microSDHC card slots.

The HTC Thunderbolt is also a 4G LTE smartphone and also features Android 2.2 (Froyo) OS, 8 MP camera with autofocus, dual-LED flash, Geo-tagging, face detection and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, 1GHz processor, Accelerometer sensor, Proximity sensor, microSD card slot, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 720p video, see full specs via GSM Arena.

Both smartphones are pretty close when it comes to specifications and we would love for you to let us know if you prefer the HTC Thunderbolt or the recently confirmed Samsung Droid Charge. The easiest way to do this is a poll; all you need to do is scroll down a little and choose your choice then submit.

If you prefer one rather than the other please do vote and PLEASE do let us know why in the commenting area provided below. Thanks

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
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