Friday, March 25, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Angry Birds Rio Spread Its Wings to WebOS and Symbian^3 Next Month

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:11 AM PDT

Looks like the latest Angry Birds game is about to get onto virtually every smartphone platform there is except Windows Phone 7, as Angry Birds Rio is already available on iOS and Android and is soon to head for Symbian^3 and WebOS smartphones.

According to an article over on Phone Arena and by way of Geek.com and Symbian-Freak, Angry Birds Rio, the latest in the hugely popular multi-platform game series will hit the Ovi Store and Palm App Store as of the 8th of April.

So by the 8th most green pig slaughtering lovers should be able to get their hands on Angry Birds Rio, with the exception of anyone with an Android device outside the US of course as most are aware Amazon has exclusivity over Angry Birds Rio for Android and isn't an international store.

As an Angry Birds fan in the UK I did attempt to get Angry Birds Rio, you can download the Amazon Android Appstore app, but you can’t actually download anything else, so pretty pointless if you don't live in the USA.

I also put in an email to Rovio asking when Angry Birds Rio would be made available to international Android owners via the Android Market but as yet I haven’t received a reply.

iPhone 5: The Speculation Continues, Albeit Very Thin

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 08:39 AM PDT

Now that Apple doesn't really have anything new to offer the eager mobile space, all Apple rumours tend to fall at the door of the next iOS smartphone, the one that has become known as the iPhone 5, and today more speculation hits the net waves.

According to an article over on Redmond Pie and by way of 9to5 Mac, the speculation now is that the iPhone 5 will come out to play packing a 4-inch touch screen and is expected to release before the 30th of June.

Apparently this latest iPhone 5 rumour comes via Italian site Mela.Blog, who have apparently notices a hand-made case listed on the Apple online store, and apparently comment that the design hints at a larger future iPhone, so presumably the iPhone 5.

Personally I don't see any difference that would warrant saying the case was for anything other than the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS or iPhone 3G like the store indicates, but check out the picture below to see what you think.

As for that speculation that the iPhone 5 will arrive before the 30th of June, well this is placing quite a bit of credence on a book listing for a book called “iPhone 5 Made Simple” on Amazon that has a release date of the same time, but really doesn't mean Apple will let iOS users get the device on or even before that date does it.

Still make of it what you will, but to accept these as further proof that the iPhone 5 will be bigger and release before the end of June maybe pushing speculation a bit too far. Is anyone becoming tired of all this speculation over the iPhone 5?

HTC Thunderbolt Accessories: BodyGuardz Armor Skin: Videos

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 07:40 AM PDT

So now that you have finally got your 4G surfing HTC Thunderbolt in your grasp you may list like to beautify the Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone up a tad with say a custom carbon fiber armor skin.

Well while at CTIA 2011, the guys over at Android Community and Slash Gear were contacted by BodyGuardz and asked to check out their BodyGuardz Armor skin for the HTC Thunderbolt and the guys captured the occasion on two videos, which of course we have for your viewing pleasure below.

According to the BodyGuardz website the BodyGuardz Armor Carbon Fiber for the HTC Thunderbolt is a strong PVC based film with a carbon fibre texture that is custom designed for each device and adds no bulk to the HTC Thunderbolt whilst protecting the smartphone from scratches.

In the video footage from Android Community you get to see the Armor skin attached to the HTC Thunderbolt so you get an idea on how easy it is to apply the three-piece custom cut skin to the device.

In the video footage from Slash Gear we also get to see what the custom carbon fiber-ish skin looks like when attached to the Motorola Xoom along with other skins for the Apple iPad 2, and again how to apply the skin to the HTC Thunderbolt.

I have to say that applying the new skin did look reasonably easy, and when done does make the devices look cool. The BodyGuardz Armor Carbon Fiber skin for the HTC Thunderbolt can be purchased from BodyGuardz for $19.95 and includes the ScreenGuardz Ultra Touch Screen Protector, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, one back skin and a squeegee.

Logitech Squeezebox controller app for Android devices launched

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Now there is some great news for those of you out there with Android enabled smartphones and tablets, Logitch have released an official controller app for the Squeezebox.

This new controller app will give you full control of your Squeezebox player from your smartphone or tablet anywhere in your house via WiFi.

The guys at Engadget are not certain that this is the 'ground breaking new product' that Android engineers were hired by Logitech to produce. But, this will be wonderful news for those fans of the Squeezebox who currently possess an Android phone or tablet.

On Logitech’s official site they state that the app is intuitively consistent, with every command you want from your player. Therefore, it you have a Squeezebox Boom, Duet or Touch and an Android enabled phone or tablet in your possession, why not visit Android Market now and get this app downloaded to your device and take advantage of its functions. The control of your Squeezebox player may have just got easier.

There are a number of Android enabled devices out there at the moment and a number which are soon to be released, here are a few we have written about recently which Squeezebox fans may wish to possess now or in the future and download the app too, the Samsung Epic 4G, the HTC Thunderbolt which was launched on 17 March 2011 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, which are expected to be released in the US on 8 June, and hopefully soon after on UK soil.

Apple iPad 2, BlackBerry PlayBook Comparison Video

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:43 AM PDT

So if you haven’t yet decided to pick up the latest iOS tablet out of the Apple camp, namely the Apple iPad 2, and are maybe holding off to see what else comes along, or perhaps considering the new RIM tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, we have a little comparison video footage for your viewing pleasure below.

The aforementioned video footage was done by the guys over at Crackberry while at CTIA 2011, and comes our way courtesy of the guys over at the Daily iPhone Blog, and delivers just under two minutes of comparing the two tablets.

Unfortunately though the video isn’t a full on comparison but rather a comparison of size, weight, and general look and feel, but the Crackberry guys have promised a full on comparison once the BlackBerry PlayBook comes out to play.

The guys do say though that compared with the BlackBerry PlayBook the Apple iPad 2 does feel somewhat delicate in the hand, so for that short comparison between these two giants of the tablet world head on down and hit that play button…enjoy.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9 Prices and Release Date Revealed

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:53 AM PDT

For the Android faithful out there that have been waiting to get their hands on the two now Samsung Galaxy Tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, the prices and release of those Android tablets has now gone official.

According to an article over on Engadget, old Sammy has now gone all official with their Apple iPad 2 challengers, announcing that the WiFi model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will hit US streets as of the 8th of June sporting a price tag of $499 for the 16GB model, while the 32GB model will hit your pocket for 599 bucks.

As for the 10.1′s smaller sister, the Android 3.0 Honeycomb packing Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, apparently Sammy hasn’t given a hard and fast release date and has opted in stead to say the device will become available early summer.

However price wise the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi model will command a price tag of $469 for the 16GB tablet while the 32GB version will command a price tag of some $569.

So there you have the prices for the WiFi enabled Galaxy Tabs along with June release for one and early summer release for the other, so are you of a mind to snap up one of them when they hit?

Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing App for iOS Devices

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:33 AM PDT

Are you one of those that are swayed by the moon, and the signs of the zodiac, do you own an iOS device? If so you can keep an eye of moon changes and use a guide to the zodiac with the Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing app for iOS devices.

The Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing App is for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, and features an exclusive guidebook along with three months free Lunar Calendar data beginnig as of the first time of usage.

The Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing iOS app, according to acclaimed writers Johanna Paungger-Poppe and Thomas Poppe, delivers a practical day-to-day guide to the signs of the zodiac along with ancient knowledge, and is a tool for planning ahead for perfect timing for activities in such things as diet, hygiene, nutrition, health, gardening and household.

With the Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing iOS app the user can create graphic displays of people’s biorhythms along with partner rhythm comparison. The Lunar Calendar – Art of Timing iOS app is available to download from iTunes at a cost of $1.99.

Android and Maemo Firefox 4 RC Released by Mozilla: Video

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:12 AM PDT

For the lover of using Mozilla Firefox as their preferred mobile web browser, if you own an Android or Maemo device you may like to know that Mozilla has now released the Firefox 4 Release Candidate for Android and Maemo.

According to an article over on Engadget, and by way of Mashable, Mozilla went live with Firefox 4 RC on Monday and is now available to download to your chosen Android device as a free download from the Android Market or for the Maemo packing Nokia N900 from Mozilla.

Apparently this new build of the mobile Firefox browser delivers a better overall user experience, improved Firefox sync, faster scrolling, Smart screen shortcuts, Firefox add-ons, Persona themes, and tabbed browsing.

We also have an introduction to Firefox 4 RC video for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the Firefoxchannel YouTube page, which lasts almost three minutes whereby you can check out what the new release has to offer, so hit up that play button and check out Firefox 4 RC for Android and Maemo…enjoy.

Diet2Go Weight Loss iOS App Updated

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:43 AM PDT

Many want to stay health conscious and keep an eye on their weight, and if you are an owner of the iPhone there are several iOS apps available fore weight loss, and one such app has now been updated, the Diet2Go weight loss app for the iPhone.

The Diet2Go iOS app to date has been downloaded over a million times, and is the number one health and fitness app in seven countries, and according to an article over on Prmac, delivers the largest mobile collection of diet plans.

The Diet2Go app for iOS devices provides numerous diets for varying types including vegan, vegetarian, low-card, detox, diet according to blood type, fruit, and so on, and offers automatic diet updating, shopping lists, integrated Facebook and Twitter, weight loss tricks and tips, BMI calculator, meal reminders integrated to your calendar, and a plan manager to guide you through your personal weigh loss plan.

We also have a short Diet2Go app demonstration for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the guys over at Daily App Show, which gives a little insight into using the iOS app.

The Diet2Go app for iOS devices is compatible with the Apple iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone running iOS 3.0and above and can be downloaded for free from iTunes.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Vodafone Pre-Order: UK Pricing

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:19 AM PDT

Now, for anyone out there looking to get there hands on the new Sony Ericsson Experia Play smartphone, you can now get the ball rolling by pre-ordering the device via Vodaphone UK.

But there is also better news, as revealed by the guys at Engadget, if you are willing to pay £35 or more a month you can get the Experia Play for free over a 2 year contract. Too me this sounds like a great deal, as I am sure this device also known as the Play Station Phone is going to cause a lot of interest when it is finally hit's the stores.

On Vodaphone's UK site they are also offering a free desk stand to all pre-orders made before 1 April and are aiming to deliver the orders by 5 April. Click here for more information.

Now as we stated in a previous article, the Experia Play is due to be released in the UK on 31 March 2011 and is expected to be the biggest ever marketing campaign done by Sony Ericsson in the UK. See full article here.

The Experia Play is expected to come with a 4 inch touchscreen display, a 1Ghz processor, run on the latest version on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and come with 6 pre loaded games. But if your not happy with the games on offer with the phone, why not check out my colleague Mark's article on BlackStab an exciting action/adventure/thriller game that is exclusive for this device.

If you have any views you wish to share with us regarding the Sony Ericsson Experia Play smartphone, please enter them below in the comments box.

Apple iPhone vs DSLR: The Camera Convenience

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:16 AM PDT

The humble mobile phone camera has come a long way since if first appeared; now being able to be used for video conferencing, glasses free 3D viewing, and still snapping that good off-the-cuff picture when on the move.

But how good are mobile phone cameras when compared to a DSLR, or in particular can the Apple iPhone camera match up to a DSLR when put to the test?

Well Steve Russell of Geekaphone decided to find out and placed the iPhone against his DSLR in a comparison test and compared the contrast between the devices to “emphasise the strengths and limitations of the iPhone camera.”

The article is fairly lengthy, so I’ll just summarise here and you can of course check out the full article by hitting up Steve’s website. So Steve lists the limitations of the iPhone camera as…

The iPhone user cannot control shutter speed, cannot control aperture setting, has no interchangeable lenses, image quality degrades in low light, no white balance control, the small lens limited producing quality prints bigger the 8 x 10, and is a 5 megapixel camera.

However the iPhone does appear to have one advantage, and that is its portability and is usually always with the user for those moments when that off-the-cuff picture opportunity turns up and is less intrusive when taking pictures than a DSLR and of course you can immediately email an image from the iPhone making the iOS device more convenient.

So there it is basically the iPhone and its camera are more convenient that carrying round a DSLR, but if you are really looking for that high quality picture than can print larger then the DSLR comes out tops.

Do you agree that the iPhone is a convenient way to take pictures or are you a dedicated DSLR user and wouldn't use a mobile phone camera to capture the good images you’re after?

HTC EVO 3D First Commercial: Your Mobile Life In 3D

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 03:12 AM PDT

For those that are of a mind to check out some 3D goodness when the new HTC EVO 3D hits the streets on Sprint, you can now view what the Android packing HTC EVO 3D offers as HTC has now pushed out its first commercial for the smartphone.

The HTC EVO 3D commercial video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Android Community and by way of the HTC YouTube page and lasts the usual time for touting on TV and shows off the handsets video record and playback along with 3D objects bursting from the display…obviously the handset doesn't actually do this.

The Android 2.3 Gingerbread packing HTC EVO 3D has the tag line…”Your mobile life in 3D” and touts the fact that a user doesn’t require the use of 3D glasses with the HTC EVO 3D handset due to its 4.3-inch qHD display.

With the HTC EVO 3D handset, users not only have the ability to view 3D content without glasses, but can also create their own 3D content using the two 5 megapixel rear cameras that shoot in 720p HD 3D. So all you need do now is head on down, hit that play button and check out the first commercial for the HTC EVO 3D…enjoy.

Are you hoping to snap up the HTC EVO 3D once it becomes available?

Apple iPad 2 FaceTime Camera Seeing Freeze Problems

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:42 AM PDT

It would appear that several iOS tablet users are experiencing a freezing problem with the front facing camera of their tablet device when attempting to make a video call using the FaceTime app, apparently the camera locks up.

According to an article over on 9to5 Mac, several Apple iPad 2 users are posting their problems with the camera to Apple Discussions, although it isn’t too clear how extensive this problem is at the moment, but the word is the problem comes from a bug that could be fixed in the next release of iOS.

Apparently the camera freeze problem will not go away until such times as the user restarts their iOS device, but apparently this freezing isn't the only problem users are experiencing…

Some users are experiencing issues not only with the front facing camera but the rear facing camera as well, with one user posting…” I had this problem on my iPad 2 as well. I restored the iPad and it was fixed, but during a FaceTime call I switched to the back camera and it froze the video on both ends of the call (but NOT the local video / video of me on my end and video of them on their end).”

Thus it looks like several users are experiencing this freezing problem with their Apple iPad, so we’d like to know if any of our readers are experiencing the same problems and if so let us know by posting to our comments area below.

Harry Houdini Facts & Life: Top Two iPhone / iPad Apps

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:23 AM PDT

The Google Doodle today is to celebrate Erik Weisz well known for being Harry Houdini who was born in 1874 and died in 1926, this man was a legend in his own right and was and would probably say still is considering his feats are still with us today.

Magician Harry Houdini was an amazing stunt performer, escapologist, film producer an actor, well to celebrate the legend we decided to bring you two apps, one for the Apple iPhone and one for the Apple iPad.

The first app is for the iPhone and is titled "Houdini at The Jewish Museum, New York – Acoustiguide Smartour" This is all about art and magic and this app will tell you all there is to know about the escape artist and showman extraordinaire. The Houdini: Art and Magic exhibition shows of stunning posters, dramatic historic photographs, and the application also features archival footage of Harry Houdini performing, audio tour and much more. For more information please visit iTunes.

The nest app is simply titled "Harry Houdini", if you are a fan of this legend then this app will be loved very much, this is the best animated version of the first volume of the brand new series ‘Harry Houdini’. Another great digital comic, animated by Ave!Comics. The apps main features include animated digital version of the complete comic book, Easy and intuitive navigation between pages and panels and Full support for multi-touch, swipe, landscape mode.

The app also features a revolutionary reading experience using kinematics that create an animated path through the stories, page mode to display the original layout of the comic book and exploration mode to dive into each panel, zoom and pan. To get this app on iPhone please visit iTunes – for the iPad click here.

Android Hits Back At If You Don’t Have An iPhone Ads

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:13 AM PDT

Not too long ago Apple decided to push out three new adverts for the iPhone 4, and each of these TV commercials for the iOS device used the line “If you don't have an iPhone, you don’t have…”, you can check out those ads (here).

I closed that article jokingly with “If you don’t have an iPhone, well, you probably have an Android” and it appears that Android is now hitting back at those iPhone ads with a video called “If you don’t have an iPhone, you have…”

Basically the new Android video reels off what you have if you don’t have an iPhone, such as freedom, choice, true multitasking, a decent OS, and a multitude of others and apparently was made in retaliation to the iPhone 4 commercials.

Of course we have that new Android video for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the guys over at Daily Mobile and by way of YouTube user Mmace.

Apparently the video was made because the Apple adverts make people believe that the iPhone is the only mobile operating system capable of things they say, when it isn’t.

So check out the video below and feel free to let us know if you agree or disagree that Android offers just as much as iOS if not more…enjoy.
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