Saturday, April 16, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

HTC Sensation ROM, Sense 3.0 Software Offerings

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 12:24 PM PDT

For those out there that have purchased one of the many HTC smartphones to have recently come on the market, you may find your nose put out of joint, by a leak indicating that the HTC Sensation will come to play on the mobile market with the HTC Sense 3.0 software.

The HTC Sensation, which is the UK version of the HTC Pyramid will be the first phone to come with the HTC Sense 3.0 software, when this Android smartphone is initially released exclusively through Vodafone in May and other mobile operators sometime in June.

However, according to an article by AndroidPolice, coming to us via Mobiputing, it would appear the hackers may have already infiltrated the Sense 3.0 and figured out how to incorporate some elements of it on to existing phones, like how to extract custom wallpapers and ringtones from the software. This all stems from a pre-release build of the HTC Sensation software being leaked and therefore, becoming available for download via a Chinese forum (or from a mirror site).

Now whilst, Google Android is built on open source software, the HTC Sense 3.0 is not on open source software, so at present it is not clear whether hackers will be able to port all of the new features to the existing phones, or even whether they will want to. This leak gives us a great insight in to what the software interface will look like for upcoming HTC phones.

Why not check out the walkthrough videos, if you are currently considering purchasing the HTC Sensation and let us know your views on it.

iOS 4.3.2 Jailbreak with RedSn0w: Discuss

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 09:32 AM PDT

We advised that iPhone jailbreakers and unlockers should steer clear of Apple's new iOS 4.3.2 update, but it would appear that there is now some good news.

In the article by my colleague James earlier today, it was explained that those that had the jailbreak on their devices, should avoid the update until such times as the Dev Team had tested it, to make sure it was safe. However, there was an indication that Apple had failed to patch the kernel exploit in the iOS 4.3.2 update – see article here.

Now this would appear to be true following an article from the guys at iDB in which they were able to jailbreak an iPhone 3GS on 4.3.2 in approximately 2 minutes, by using the latest version of RedSn0w.

The article goes on to explain that they ran RedSn0w and then instead of pointing it to iOS 4.3.2 they pointed it to 4.3.1 instead, and a couple of minutes later, the iPhone rebooted and Cydia was installed. However, at present instead of the Cydia icon, they currently have a blank one, but they should get it back by editing the right files.

As explained this was conducted on an iPhone 3G, so at present we are unable to confirm whether it will work on any other devices. The guys at iDB had no problems rebooting the iPhone 3GS as it has an old bootrom. Any newer models will more likely be tethered. Please note that James did another article today for iPhone 4 users, regarding a tethered jailbreak that needs PwnageTool, see his article here.

If you are interested in the RedSn0w jailbreak for your iPhone, you can follow a step by step tutorial here, and after please let us now if you have encountered any problems, by leaving your comments below.

Android Froyo T-Mobile G2x Unboxed and Handled on Video

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Earlier today we posted an article concerning the availability of the Android 2.2 Froyo packing T-Mobile G2x smartphone and that is was now available to purchase online. Well now if you are considering buying the device we have a little unoxing and hands-on video for your consideration below.

The T-Mobile G2x unboxing and hands on video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Android Community and delivers almost three minutes of unwrapping and showing off the Android smartphone in all its glory.

Aside from that Froyo operating system the T-Mobile G2x spots an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor along with an 8 megapixel camera, 4-inch WVGA touch screen, HDMI out, and is a GSM world phone, and comes with Need for Speed Shift HD, T-Mobile TV Live and a demo of N.O.V.A.

I’ll stop right there as not to spoilt your viewing pleasure of the footage too much and let you jump past all this if you haven't already done so to check out that unboxing and hands-on with the T-Mobile G2x…enjoy.

Android 2.2 Froyo Hannspree SN10T1 Handled on Video

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:08 AM PDT

So here we have a new Android tablet, the SN10T1, made by Hannspree and has been shown off today at IFA 2011, and is a 10 inch tablet with a Tegra 2 processor and runs Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, and we have a video hands on with the Hannspree SN10T1 for your viewing pleasure below.

The hands-on with the Android tablet video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Slash Gear and delivers almost four minutes of getting up close with the SN10T1 device that apparently comes with the AndroidPIT App Center preinstalled as an alternative to the Android Market.

The guys also say that due to the lack of twin cameras and a 1024 x 600 display rather than a 1280 x 600, the SN10T1 can’t run Android 3.0 Honeycomb, however the Android tablet does come with an attractive price in tow at 349 Euros which is roughly $505, and less than the Motorola Xoom.

Unfortunately the SN10T1 doesn’t come with 3G, but the tablet does offer Bluetooth and WiFi, and apparently the Android SN10T1 will be making its way Stateside at some point in the future.

So with all that said I’ll just let you make the jump and hit that play button to check out this new Android tablet for yourself…enjoy.

BlackBerry PlayBook Accessories: Case-Mate POP! Case

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:51 AM PDT

For all the devout followers of BlackBerry devices, it appears that the BlackBerry PlayBook is not getting a very good press, prior to the tablets release expected on 19 April.

Initial reports came in surrounding the delay to the Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook, indicating that the delay was due to Apple taking up the majority of the touch screen panels, see our article dated 7 April 2011.

In addition, according to early reviews of the PlayBook, indications are that it will not be as flattering as the Apple iPad 2, due to the lack of apps. However, why not make up your own mind on which tablet is the best, by checking out the comparison video of the BlackBerry PlayBook and Apple iPad 2.

Now, I am sure that this recent bad press given to the BlackBerry PlayBook will not detour the BlackBerry faithful towards the iOS tablet and therefore, I would like to bring to your attention the Case-Mate POP, which is a case that has been specifically designed for the PlayBook tablet.

The Case is made from plastic and soft rubber that have been added together to create a hard case that has a soft touch. It also comes with a built-in stand that extends for an ideal viewing screen or can remain hidden to create a flat back cover

The Case-Mate POP case will protect your device from any unexpected impacts, whilst still keeping the tablets screen off the surface, and features contemporary colour pairings for that modern look. With Rubber sides, you will be able to gain an easy grip of the case, and not forgetting that you have access to all ports and functions. If you are Interested in the Case-Mate POP case, you can purchase it via the Crackberry online shop for $34.95.

T-Mobile UK Royal Wedding Dance Video

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 07:17 AM PDT

As you are aware, T-Mobile UK is in the habit of putting out some crazy singing and dancing videos, and it appears that the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton isn't off limits. As a T-Mobile customer with my Samsung Galaxy S I received an email invite earlier to view the latest T-Mobile video and thus have posted it for your viewing pleasure below.

Here’s what the T-Mobile email invite said…” Dear James

You are cordially invited to be one of the first people to see our brand new event…
Dancing at Liverpool Street Station… singing at Heathrow airport… if you liked all that, you’ll love this. It’s a magical event of truly fairy tale proportions and it’s only available online. It literally went live 30 seconds ago. So pick up a Union Jack, grab a hankie and say ‘I do’ want to watch it on YouTube now.

Enjoy!

T-Mobile”

At the bottom of said email is said ” Oh, and don’t forget to share this with your friends – and spread the word” so feel free to skip on down and mash that play button and check out T-Mobile’s Royal Wedding footage with a host of celebrity look-alikes, with music from East 17…enjoy.

Charlie Chaplin Google Doodle Prompts Top 5 Apps

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 06:53 AM PDT

As you probably noticed if you’ve used Google today, the Google guys are honouring the 122nd birthday of legendary Charlie Chaplin by having a video of Charlie as they Google Doodle, and this occasion has prompted us to take a look at a few Charlie Chaplin iOS apps.

Thus what we have done is come up with our top 5 pick of Charlie Chaplin related apps for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, and of course we have also embedded that Chaplin video below. So let’s get right on with those apps shall we…

Kicking off we have the Charlie Chaplin HD Videos app for the Apple iPad, an iOS app that delivers twenty-one all time favourite films of the legendary comedian and actor in a single application that you can uses wherever you like.

The Charlie Chaplin HD Videos app does require an Internet connection to be able to play the footage, and includes such greats as The Masquerader, The Good For Nothing, The Knockout, His Favorite Pasttime, Mabels Strange Predicament, and more all from 1914. The Charlie Chaplin HD Video app can be downloaded to your iPad from iTunes for $2.99.

Next up is the Charlie Chaplin Video Wall app for iOS devices, and app that features nine short films featuring the clown of comedy, with Charlie scripting, directing, acting and producing most of his movies of the silent era.

The Charlie Chaplin Video Wall app enables the user to simply tap the icon to receive the full screen videos, and with this app you don't require an Internet connection. The Charlie Chaplin Video Wall app can be yours from iTunes for just $0.99.

Or how about the Charlie Chaplin on the Go app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, an app for the ardent Charlie Chaplin fan and lover of his movie works and features thirteen complete movies from the legends early days.

The Charlie Chaplin on the Go app features such movies as The Vagabond, Shoulder Arms, The Tramp, The Kid, Easy Street, and more along with a biography and images of the man himself. The Charlie Chaplin on the Go app is available from iTunes for $2.99.

Enjoy listening to audiobooks? Well how about the Charlie Chaplin and His Times app, an audiobook by Kenneth S. Lynn that delves behind the mystique of the legendary worldwide celebrity and covers Chaplin’s childhood, family, friends, his 4 wives, and associations with Douglas Fairbanks and more.

The Charlie Chaplin and His Times app delivers roughly 22 hours of narration and features an elegant design with clear controls, a sleep timer, chapter skip, one touch chapter and bookmark browser, chapter timings, and much more. The Charlie Chaplin and His Times app can be downloaded from iTunes at a cost of $9.99.

Last but not least we have the Charlie Chaplin” His Favourite Past Time app, an iOS app that delivers more movies from the silent era clown including Cruel, Cruel Love, Between Showers, and By the Sea, and contains 41 minutes of silent movie footage.

The Charlie Chaplin” His Favourite Past Time app for iOS devices delivers fully functional TV episodes and films, a synopsis and information page, director biography page, and doesn’t require a 3G or WiFi connection. The Charlie Chaplin” His Favourite Past Time can be yours for just $1.99 from iTunes.

So there they are, obviously there are many, many more iOS apps on Charlie Chaplin in iTunes but perhaps you already have your favourite, and if so feel free to let us know by dropping us a comment.

iPhone 5 Carbon with 8MP Camera & A8 processor

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 06:39 AM PDT

We are all wondering what the fifth-generation iPhone will look like and what features it will contain when it finally arrives, well here is a little something to wet your appetite.

H.D.I Design have created an iPhone 5 Carbon concept, just to tantalise our taste buds, whilst we await the release of the smartphone, possibly in September or October and even as late as 2012. The concept shows a 4-inch display, with an 1120 x 780 pixel resolution and an 8-megapixel camera, capable of 1080p HD 30 fps video capture.

The camera uses a dual LED flash, other features include: Apple A8 processor (which at present is somewhat of a mystery to us), considering that the latest CPU from Cupertino was the A5 dual core one at almost 1GHz, with the battery on the handset providing up to 18 hours on WiFi and up to 8 hours of 4G functioning time.

With the outer casing made of carbon and glass, this iPhone 5 concept looks quite stunning and fits in well with many of the recent rumours flying about indicating that the phone will have a dual core CPU, 4 inch screen, smaller bezels and no physical Home button.

Brought to our attention by the guys at Concept-Phones, what do you think of this iPhone 5 Carbon concept and its features? Please let us know below.

IPL 2011 Prompts Top 4 iOS Apps

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:48 AM PDT

For those iOS device users out there that may be interested in keeping up with all the news and information on the Indian Premier League 2011, or just enjoy cricket, you guessed it, Apple has an app for that.

So what we thought we’d do today was bring you our pick of the top four IPL 2011 iOS apps for your consideration, so let’s not hang about and get right to those apps…

First up we have the IPL2011MatchSchedule app for iOS devices, and delivers a complete timetable of the Indian Preier League 2011 matched so you don't miss out from the 8th of April to the 28th of May and covers 74 matches.

The IPL2011MatchSchedule app delivers the four playoff games, game A between 1st and 2nd ranked teams in the group stage, game B teams ranked 3rd and 4th in group stage, game C between the losers of game A and game B, and the final between the winners of game A and C. The IPL2011MatchSchedule app is available to download from iTunes for $0.99.

Next up we have a fun app for cricket lovers, the IPL 4 2011 Quiz HD app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, an app that enables the user to quiz themselves on which cricketer play for what team in the Indian Premier League 2011.

With the IPL 4 2011 Quiz HD app, the user can stay on top of the many cricketer moving from franchise to franchise and who is moving and how much they are worth and where to with over 150 cricketers listed in the app. The IPL 4 2011 Quiz HD app can be yours for just $0.99 from iTunes.

Or how about the IPL Indiagames Cricket T20Fever app, the official app of the Indian Premier League cricket game, which features all 8 IPL teams, all official players, the ability to play the complete IPL season 3 tournament with your favourite teams.

The IPL Indiagames Cricket T20Fever iOS app also delivers TV broadcast style cameras, supports Facebook Connect and Scoreloop community, a new power play battle mode, and the ability to submit scores online and compare with friends. The IPL Indiagames Cricket T20Fever can be doenlaoded from iTunes for $4.99.

Lastly for those that prefer free apps we have the iZat IPL Cricket Lite iOS appwhich is absed on the popular game “Howzat,” and enables the user to play a quick two-over game between two of the IPL’s top cricket teams.

The iZat IPL Cricket Lite app for the iPhone features a spinning picker that decides the outcome of each ball, integrated sound and music, auto game save on quit, animated stick-man graphics and accelerometer driven control. The iZat IPL Cricket Lite app is available for free from iTunes.

So there you have our 4 top iOS IPL app picks but I’m sure if you are an ardent cricket fan you’ll have your own favourite app so feel free to share in our comments area below.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play O2 UK Release & Update

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 04:54 AM PDT

If you are still deciding whether to get the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play smartphone, you may be pleased to know that O2 have almost sorted out all the software issues that came with the device.

Now a number of other network operators also claimed to be experiencing issues with the Xperia Play (aka Playstation Phone), however, these issued seemed to surround the logistical shipping of the device, due to last month's earthquake that hit Japan, claiming it was wreaking havoc on the supply chain from Sony Ericsson, thus, causing a delay.

The Head of O2's testing team, Stuart Hibberd said in a blog post that a new software update had been received from Sony Ericsson for the Xperia Play, which fixes many of the bugs that “would have stopped our customers having a great experience when they use the PLAY”.

He goes on to add that the prices and specific release dates will be published soon, and that in the meantime anyone interested in the Xperia Play can register their interest via O2′s dedicated Play page. Another thing to note, is that O2 will apparently be the only phone operator to have the Xperia Play in white.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, is the first phone of its kind to come with a proper gaming keypad, which is directly connected to the award winning PSP range. It operates on Android 2.3, with a 1GHz single core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, has a five-megapixel camera with flash, 4-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen and comes with six preloaded games, as detailed in an article by ITProPortal.

Why not check out the Video Review and decide if this is the phone for you. If you have purchased the Xperia Play and are experiencing software issues, please let us know.

Android Gingerbread on Droid X Without Rooting Guide Video

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT

If you are an owner of the Motorola Droid X and want some Android 2.3 Gingerbread goodness on your smartphone but don’t wish to go through the hassle of rooting your Android device, there is a way of doing so, and we have a video guide for you to follow below.

The how to put Gingerbread on Droid X (without rooting) video comes our way courtesy of Jon Rettinger over at Technobuffalo, who decided to give it a go and recording to occasion after seeing a written guide over on Droid X Forums.

Here’s the instructions from the Droid X Forums…” You need to flash this from stock recovery, not clockwork. Yes, just rename the file to update.zip. Here's how to get into stock recovery:
Power off, hold the home button then press and hold the power button until the android guy with the triangle shows up. Hit the search key, use the volume buttons to scroll down to apply update from sd card and select it with the camera button, it will start the process, takes about 4 minutes, then reboots. If it Bootloops just pull the battery, do the factory reset procedure again, choose wipe data/factory reset this time, then reboot when it finishes.”

So if you are of a mind to give Android 2.3 Gingerbread with the updated version of MotoBlur a go on your Motorola Droid X then head on down and hit the play button to find out how Jon got on with his Droid X in the almost four minute video guide…enjoy.

Skype for Android App Open to Privacy Hacks

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 04:13 AM PDT

There have been several reports over mobile applications sending out personal information in the past and another has apparently come to light today, Skye for Android, which apparently leaves your personal info wide open to attack.

According to an article over on Engadget, the guys over at Android Police reports that the Skype for Android app features SQLite3 databases for storing all a users personal data and apparently Skype hasn’t encrypted the files or even enforced permissions.

Thus what this boils down to is rogue apps could access and grab all your personal info from your smartphone, just like a test program Android Police built called Skypwned so they could prove the vulnerability.

And just so you can see for yourself we have a video demo showing the vulnerability in Skype and Skype for Android for your viewing pleasure below. However the guys do say that Skype Mobile for Verizon seems to be unaffected at the moment, while the word is Skype is investigating the issue.

HTC Flyer Tablet UK May Release Date & Price

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:49 AM PDT

Anyone in the UK hoping to get his or her hands on the HTC Flyer Tablet, should now only have to wait until early next month to receive this Android device.

This is HTC first Android Gingerbread tablet and is expected to release on the 8 May, we had an inkling that the device would surface in the United Kingdom sometime in May as a few outlets, Amazon, Carphone Warehouse and Clove were all excepting pre-orders for the tablet with a May expected shipping date.

In an article By Stuart Dredge, CNet UK, which comes to us by way of ZDNet it is claimed that details when operators will start selling the HTC Flyer are scarce, but it appears that in the meantime the device will be available via a number of independent retailers.

At present HTC have kept quiet on the flyer's price, however, in our article dated 12 April 2011 we reported on the expected price of the tablet being £600 and this would appear to be the backed up by outlets offering the device for pre-order with the same £600 price tag.

Some of the features for the HTC Flyer, which is covered with an aluminium unibody casing are Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with an updated version of the HTC Sense software and a single-core 1.4GHz processor. For more information on the HTC Flyer tablet, why not check out the 'official intro video'.

With a large £600 price tag hanging around its neck, will you be deterred from getting your hands on the HTC Flyer?, please let us know your views below.

T-Mobile G2x Up For Online Purchase and Store Release Date

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:45 AM PDT

For those that have been contemplating purchasing the Android 2.2 Froyo packing T-Mobile G2x smartphone, you just may be pleased to know that you can now purchase the handset online and a none too hefty price.

According to an article over on Engadget, T-Mobile online is offering the LG made T-Mobile G2x as of right now for just $199.99 based on singing up for a 2-year agreement on a qualifying plan and requires a 50 buck mail in rebate card.

However, if for some reason you prefer to walk into a T-Mobile store so you can handle the goods first, the Android smartphone will be available in sores as of the 20th of this month.

In case you’ve forgotten, the T-Mobile G2x offers a 4-inch capacitive touch screen, 8 megapixel rear auto-focus camera with LED flash, 1.3 megapixel front facing camera, 1080p video capture and sharing, 720p video recording, NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz dual core processor, 8GB internal memory, microSD expansion up to 32GB an upgradeable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

So any of our reader going to purchase the T-Mobile G2x online or are you waiting for the device to hit store shelves?

iOS 4.3.2 Remains Susceptible to Untethered Exploit

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:25 AM PDT

As the iOS faithful are no doubt aware, Apple has released iOS 4.3.2, and thus far the iPhone Dev Team has advised iPhone unlockers and jailbreakers to steer clear of the update until such times as they have tested to make sure it is safe.

However according to an article over on iPhone Download Blog, userland hacker @Comex has tweeted a little bit of interesting info concerning i0n1c’s iOS 4.3.1 untethered jailbreak exploit saying the kernel exploit doesn’t appear to have been patched in iOS 4.3.2.

Here’s what @Comex tweeted…” By the way, iOS 4.3.2 is (as far as I can see) still vulnerable to @i0n1c's untether vulnerability.”

The word was that iOS users who updated to iOS 4.3.2 could only use a tethered jailbreak, which should mean that Apple patched i0n1c’s exploit; however if the tweet is true it may appear that Apple failed to make the patch.
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