Friday, April 22, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Jailbreak iOS 4.3.2 Untethered iPhone 4, iPad, 3GS Guide Video

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:39 AM PDT

For all the iOS unfaithful out there that jailbreak their iPhone or Apple iPad the latest version of Redsn0w can now jailbreak your iOS device fully untethered on Apple's newest iOS 4.3.2.

And just to be extremely helpful the guys over at Redmond Pie have delivered a written guide on how to accomplish the task. However if you are not one for following written guides but prefer to watch a video we have one for you below.

The How to jailbreak iOS 4.3.2 (Full Untethered) for iPhone 4, 3GS/iPod 3G, 4G/iPad [REDSNOW RC14] video guide comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Daily iPhone Blog and by way of iPhone Arena YouTube page.

The video guide on how to jailbreak iOS 4.3.2 untethered last a tad over three minutes and rather than me write it all out for you, which would defeat the point as you can hit up Redmont Pie if you want that, I'll simply leave it there and let you hit that play button…enjoy.

Poor HTC Thunderbolt Battery: iSound Portable Backup 8000mAh Battery

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 11:03 AM PDT

So you purchased the new Android 2.2 Froyo packing HTC Thunderbolt on the Verizon network, and you are somewhat disappointed by the Thunderbolt's poor battery life, but fear not as there is a way round that little annoyance.

If you are fed up with your HTC Thunderbolt battery draining away too quick you may need the iSound Portable Backup 8000mAh battery as this little juice giver is compatible with the HTC Thunderbolt, along with numerous other smartphones such as the HTC EVO 4G and the HTC Desire HD and more.

The iSound Portable Backup 8000mAh battery features a compact design and sports five USB ports enabling the user to charge any USB enabled device, whilst delivering up to 240 hours of handset playback time.

The iSound Portable Backup 8000mAh battery has LED indicators so you know when your device is fully charged and has a built-in flashlight so you can see in the dark and includes USB to mini and microUSB cable.

The iSound Portable Backup 8000mAh battery is usually price at $79.99, but HTCPedia is currently offering the accessory at a discounted price of $69.99.

T-Mobile G-Slate Android Tablet Review: All about 3D

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 10:27 AM PDT

There has not been too much in the way of advertising for the T-Mobile G-Slate tablet, but we can now reveal the PC tablet became available yesterday.

The Android 3.0 T-Mobile G-Slate tablet was first brought to our attention at the CES 2011, see our article dated January 6th, 2011. The T-Mobile G-Slate is the first of a new breed of what are to be known as “tweener” tablets, this reference refers to tablets sporting 8.9-inch displays, putting them between the more portable 7-inch models and the larger 9.7 and 10.1-inch tablets that are currently on offer by the majority of contenders.

At 1.37 pounds, the G-Slate is slightly heavier than Apple’s iPad 2, which comes in at 1.34 pounds (for the version with Wi-Fi + 3G). However, do not despair as Melissa J. Perenson of PCWorld states in her article "Still, I found the dimensions very agreeable as a middle ground. Holding the tablet to read felt fairly balanced, and its smaller size made it less obtrusive while I was out and about with it". However, she does go on to mention that she had glare problems with the screen and image rendering issue, which causes images to look blurry.

Nevertheless, what sets this tablet aside from the rest other than the size of its screen, are the twin rear-facing cameras at the back. The cameras make it easily possible to do 3D video capture and, whilst to some this may sound gimmicky, it could actually be a lot of fun. The tablet is small enough to hold up as a video camera, and as Melissa goes on to explain, "the video captured looked pleasing on the display, when viewed with the included anaglyph 3D glasses". However, she does advise not to try using the 3D glasses if you already wear glasses, as they will not fit so well – see Melissa’s full article here.

For more info on this little known tablet, why not check out our article 'G-Slate Previewed on Video' and after why not leave your thoughts on the device below.

Real Racing 2 HD App Update: What’s New

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:42 AM PDT

If you are into the racing thing on your iOS tablet, you may like to know that the Real Racing 2 HD app has been updated specifically for the Apple iPad and Apple iPad 2, so now you can play the ultimate racing experience on your iOS tablet.

Real Racing 2 HD now delivers exceptional graphics, which will push the iPad to its limits and take full advantage of the Apple iPad 2 enhanced hardware with 30 cars from real world makers, along with 15 locations and regular updates.

The Real Racing 2 HD iOS app features precision controls, world class career mode, multiplayer mode, and you can take your game anywhere by saving games between Real Racing 2 HD and Real Racing as your progress is always synced.

Real Racing 2 HD now has full HD 1080p TV-out along with dual screen gaming support for the Apple iPad 2, memory optimisations for fewer crashes, enhanced visuals for San Arcana and Alkeisha tracks on the iPad 2 and numerous fixes and improvements. The Real racing 2 HD app can be downloaded from iTunes at a cost of $9.99.

The Impossible Game iOS App: Very Addictive

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:25 AM PDT

If you enjoy the challenge of a hard game, and own an iOS device we may just have the game you are looking for as this game could well be the world's hardest game, and is the best selling Xbox Live Indie game.

The iOS app is called The Impossible Game and is for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad that has been called "insanely addictive," great fun, well made and stylish, a great boredom buster and so on and is number 2 in the US and Canada.

The Impossible Game for iOS devices features just a single control, tapping the display to jump, the user guide their orange square over spikes and jump onto boxes to reach the end of a level, although you have to be good because any mistake will result in failure and you're sent right back to the beginning of the level.

The Impossible Game app also has a practice mode that enables the user to place checkpoints along the way, and you can try to unlock medals in your quest. The Impossible Game for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad is available from iTunes for $0.99.

BlackBerry PlayBook Poor Sales: Your Reviews

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:05 AM PDT

Although Canadian BlackBerry maker Research In Motion has now finally released their first tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook to the masses, the word is the RIM device isn't doing too good in the sales department and isn't flying out of retail stores.

According to The Register by way of Reuters, as of launch date several US and Canadian stores carried the BlackBerry PlayBook, but were limited in stock to just a handful of devices; apparently four stores in Toronto were checked and each one only had five of the RIM tablets in stock.

Furthermore, apparently after mid-day all four stores still had stock of the BlackBerry PlayBook, which could suggest that people simply aren't purchasing the device as expected.

Apparently BGC Partners analyst, Colin Gillis told Reuters… “It’s going to be a tough sell to the consumer,” while adding the BlackBerry PlayBook although sleek, is a flawed gadget that does not offer RIM's secure email.

Of course the poor uptake of the BlackBerry PlayBook could be down to Apple releasing the Apple iPad 2 not so long ago, although analysts have indicated PlayBook sales should pick up over time.

So hat we'd like to know is if any of our readers purchased a BlackBerry PlayBook and if so we'd love to read their personal reviews of the tablet, whether you think the PlayBook is the best or the pits, feel free to post your opinion to our comments area below.

iPhone 4 Accessories: Royal Wedding Kate & Will Cases

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 09:02 AM PDT

With the imminent royal wedding of William and Kate only just around the corner, memorabilia for this momentous occasion is coming at us from all angles and it does not stop at just cups and plates. Barely There are offering a selection of commemorative iPhone 4 cases to mark the occasion.

The William and Kate Wedding case collection have been made in celebration of the upcoming royal nuptials and featuring custom designs of the blissful couple – under the following names: Classic Monogram, Modern Britannia, Regal Heart and Well Wishes. These commemorative cases embrace this historic event as a keepsake item that will forever be part of history.

The cases are available in the minimal and slim 'Barely There' case, the designs are printed directly onto the cases for a vivid look. If you would like to own your own personal piece of history in the form of a Barely There royal wedding iPhone 4 case for $34.99, then please visit the Case-Mate online store.

Also of interest could be our articles on the 'Royal Wedding Union Jack Pouches' again for the iPhone 4, Note to the Royal Couple iOs app or for a bit of light-hearted fun check out the 'Royal Wedding Dance Video' from T-Mobile UK.

AT&T Quarterly Earnings Up Despite Verizon Success

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 08:44 AM PDT

Yesterday AT&T reported their quarterly earnings that showed despite many believing the release of the Verizon iPhone would have a dire effect on AT&T, the report showed that AT&T's quarterly earnings were up.

According to an article over on Apple Insider, AT&T laid claim to 3.6 million iPhone activations in Q1 of 2011, which is an increase over the previous year of 33 percent. However, when it came to tablet activations, AT&T managed to scrape in just 322,000.

Apparently iPhone activations rose by a million in Q1 of 2011 while apparently 23 percent of those were new to AT&T, and thus the figures would suggest that although the Verizon iPhone was released in Q1 the initial impact of the Big Red's CDMA iPhone wasn't great.

Revenue wise, AT&T earnings rose to $3.4 billion or 57 cents a share, while revenue also went up by 2.3 percent to $31.25 billion. Although the release of the Verizon iPhone did have some impact as new activations on AT&T fell from 400,000 the previous quarter.

Good Friday Android App: The History

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 08:27 AM PDT

Well Easter is almost upon us and tomorrow will be Good Friday, but are you aware of the origins of Good Friday, or could you do with brushing up on a little history? If so and you own an Android smartphone there is an app available to help you out.

The app is simply called Good Friday and is a guide to the history of the day, which is also known as Great Friday and Holy Friday and is a religious holiday to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ and his death at Calvary.

See Easter and Good Friday isn't just about having time off work, going on egg hunts, chasing the Easter bunny and generally just having a good and enjoyable time, there is a religious side as well.

So if you are inclined to find out all about the religious history of Good Friday you can download the Good Friday app for Android device from the Android Market at a cost of $0.99.

Apple (AAPL) Earnings: Amazing Q2 Results

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 08:07 AM PDT

Apple released their Q2 results earlier and well, as no doubt everyone expected the iPhone and iPad offering company results were up in the billions, with Apple posting almost a whopping $25 billion in revenue.

According to an article over on iPhone Download Blog, 18 million iPhone 4 handsets were shipped across the globe, and after Apple announced the impressive figures they held a questions and answers session.

Apple senior VP and CFO, Peter Oppenheimer was there to give a few details on the effects to the supply chain of the Japan disaster, and basically confirmed that Apple isn't having any problems with supplies although that could change depending on the Japan situation.

Someone also inquired from Apple acting CEO Tim Cook, about Steve Jobs state of health, to which Cook responded "Steve really wants to return to work full time, but is currently still on medical leave," although apparently Steve is still involved in major decisions.

When analysts inquired about future Apple gear, Apple dodged the subject; however, Tim Cook did take time to reiterate their stance on 4G tech saying… "First generation LTE chipsets still cause major design compromises that Apple isn't willing to make. We are happy with the performance and the sales of both the iPhone 4 and the 3GS thanks to the $49.99 AT&T promotion."

Apparently Apple also said that the large numbers were in part due to releasing the Verizon iPhone, something most of us out here in the mobile space reckoned would have a positive effect anyway.

Apple iPhone: Just How Green Is It

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 07:43 AM PDT

The Apple iPhone is one of the widest used smartphones on the face of this planet so there is a lot of them about, but have you ever wondered what affect the iOS smartphone was having on the environment?

Well the guys over at Geekaphone have completed their green study of the Apple handset and have come up with in interesting infographic on the subject of how green is the iPhone that delivers a few facts for your consideration.

Facts such as if every iPhone handset sold in 2010 were charged once; it would be equal to leaving a light bulb turned on for a whopping 357 years, seems like a long time and a lot of energy to me.

Other environmental fact include less than 10 percent of phones are recycled, 47 million iPhones where sold in 2010 with 4,700,000 being recycled even though Apple offer free recycling of their iOS handsets. Anyway, check out the infographic below and feel free to share your thoughts to our comments area below.

how green is the iphone
Geekaphone’s How Green is the iPhone Infographic

Samsung Fascinate Android 2.2 Froyo Update: Download

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 06:45 AM PDT

We have some great news for anyone in possession of a Samsung Fascinate, Verizon have finally revealed that they will be sending out the 2.2 Froyo update for the device tomorrow.

Verizon have now finally gone public on the Android 2.2 Froyo update for the Samsung Fascinate, which will happen tomorrow, April 21, 2011. This update will bring the phone nearly up to the newest mobile operating system, that being the Android 2.3 Gingerbread. We would expect the update to start shooting out across the air tomorrow in some areas of the country.

However, if you just cannot wait that long, then there is always a manual download, which comes to us by way of AndroidCommunity. Rather than wait for the server to send you your update, you can get it yourself by following the simple steps below. Please note that you can also use these steps whenever you want to check and see if there is an update.

Step 1: From the main menu tap Menu Step 2: Select Settings Step 3: Select About phone Step 4: Select System updates Step 5: Select Check New. When it pops up on the screen to say you have got a download available, press OK. Then once your download has completed, select OK to install it and once your software is installed, press OK again – all done! If you receive this update as a notification from the server, you will essentially be doing the same thing except you will only need to press OK once!

If you want to find out what the benefits of doing this lovely update are, you can visit Verzion Wireless' support site [here]. Whether you opt to download manually or via the server, please let us know what you think of the update.

Samsung Droid Charge Accessories & Promotional Cards

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 05:42 AM PDT

Earlier this year at the CES the Samsung Droid Charge, was officially unveiled as 'unnamed'. There is still not a lot of information coming out with regards to this device, but it can only be a good thing when accessories and promo cards start showing up.

The arrival of accessories and promo cards does not necessarily mean the Droid Charge will be making an appearance soon, as a similar situation occurred with the HTC Thunderbolt, which still took months and months to arrive. Nevertheless, it lets us know that the wheels are still in motion for Samsung's Droid Charger, which can only be a good thing.

Now initially this phone was reported as being called the Stealth V, see are article dated March 10, 2011 on the release date and specs. However, since that article it would appear that Samsung have changed the name to Droid Charger.

The Samsung Droid Charger Verizon 4G LTE smartphone is sure to catch the eye of many a prospective buyer and could do very well in the market place, that is of course when it is finally prised away from Samsung's clutch. As indicated in the article by AndroidCommunity this handset is a bigger brother to the Galaxy S and features the same 1 Ghz processor, but with an amazing upgraded 4.3″ AMOLED Plus display.

Are you waiting for the release of the Samsung Droid Charger? If so, how long are you prepared to wait?

iPhone 5 or Droid Bionic: Clash of the Titans

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 04:01 AM PDT

Two of the hottest and eagerly anticipated smartphones could clash when they both become available on the mobile sales market, with only a month between their respective release dates.

Apple is scheduled to sell its 5th-generation iPhone, or more commonly known iPhone 5 handset in September, this is according to an article by Reuters. This will mean that its release would be a quarter later than the date of the iPhone 4, when it was released last year.

Now the report by Reuters cites unnamed sources, and goes on to claim that the mass production of Apple's iPhone 5 will start early next quarter (July/August), and that the new phone will look largely similar to the iPhone 4, so there will possibly be no complete redesign for this device.

There have been quite a few claims posted on the internet regarding the iPhone 5, and what it could come with, such as a new iOS version, faster processing power courtesy of iPad 2′s already-popular A5 chip and possibly a 12.6 megapixel camera. However, at present these are just rumours and speculations, and therefore, should only be taken at face value.

Something that has come out of the reported September launch of iPhone 5 is that it could clash with the expected summer release of Motorola's Droid Bionic LTE smartphone (see email received by my colleague Mark from Motorola, regarding the delay and release of this smartphone). Unlike the iPhone 5, we are aware of what tech specs the Motorola Droid Bionic is bring with it – see our article on the First Look Video.

As indicated in the story by PopHerald, will some iPhone customers be swayed over to the Motorola Droid Bionic due to its expected month-ahead release date? In addition, when these two meet head to head on the market, which will be left standing? Please leave us your views below.

Image via Flickr.

Need iPad 2, New App Finds Stores with Stocks

Posted: 21 Apr 2011 02:19 AM PDT

If you are having problems finding your ideal iPad 2 in the right colour and connectivity of your choice locally, then help may be at hand in the form of an iOS app.

Now despite shipping times from Apple currently at one to two weeks for the iPad 2, many customers are opting to get theirs sooner by trying their luck at local stores. However, as indicated in an article by CNet this does not always work, as trying to find the device in the specific colour and connectivity of your choice is not an easy task, and can be a hit-or-miss affair when you shop at nearby retailers.

However, help could be at hand with an iOS app called 'FindOne', which gathers stock information from Wal-mart and Target stores then lets users chose the specific models they want to see, if they are available and where they can get them from.

This application makes use of your location to work out how far away you are from the stores and provides details like addresses, phone numbers and hours of operation, so you can contact the store to verify the information shown on the app and possibly reserve your ideal iPad 2.

Please note that this app does not support Toys “R” Us, Best Buy, RadioShack or Apple store locations, at present. However, on the support site of developer Debra Orton, she says RadioShack and Toys “R” Us will be included in future updates. This app is free of charge and can be downloaded from iTunes, and is only available for iOS devices. So, why not check it out and then tell us what you think.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)