Thursday, April 28, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Easy iOS Download with ipswDownloader for Windows

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 11:02 AM PDT

For those of you out there that search the internet for iOS firmware downloads, we bring you a nifty tool that will enable you to find and download firmware in minutes.

The ipswDownloader was initially developed for the Mac to enable the user to manually download almost any iOS firmware version for their iOS Device and the only downside was that it was only available on the Mac. However, that has now all changed, as Ryan Burke (@ryanb93) was able to port the software for use on Windows, so now Windows users can also have the benefit of being able to download firmware with this easy tool.

The initial Windows version released doesn't yet include all the features of its Mac counterpart. In a quote, coming to us by way of IPD from RazorianFly, Ryan states, "I've ported over ipswDownloader from Mac to Windows, its initial release doesn't include all the features of the OSX version but I'm working on adding them in the future."

So if you are a Windows user and you want to find and download specific versions of iOS firmware with ease, then why not download the free Windows version of ipswDownloader here. Just to remind you that when Apple updates iOS, iTunes will automatically download new firmware.

If you download either the Windows or Mac version of ipswDownloader, please let us know what you think.

HTC Tube is Phone, Tablet & Laptop: Release It Now

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 09:42 AM PDT

We've seen quite a few concept devices in our time, some definitely deserve a place on the store shelves, whilst others… well umm, say no more. But it looks like the HTC Tube concept is most definitely one we would like to see on the store shelves.

The design of the HTC Tube is by Antoine Brieux, who has shown us some amazing designs in the past and has almost definitely designed something quite amazing with the HTC Tube concept. In an article by Concept-Phones they state that the HTC Tube Phone and HTC Tube Tablet were detailed a while ago, so with the introduction of a laptop to the mix, which integrates the other two devices the set is now complete. Well there is also a stick handset, but that will be detailed in a later article.

Therefore, the HTC Tube consists of a multimedia laptop that uses both the cartridge tablet and a keyboard accessory, a basic phone integrated for quick answering, a stick handset and a cartridge-powered notebook. The article by Concept-Phones goes on to indicate that considering the concept HTC tablet features, the laptop must use the 10.4 inch S-AMOLED multitouch display, 128GB of memory (at least), HDMI port, and either Windows Phone 7 or Android.

The HTC Sense is believed to be the UI of choice, with the HTC Tube Phone possibly providing its 3.2, 5 or 12 megapixel camera in different configurations. The design is absolutely brilliant and sets it apart from all other modular devices out there. Any company would be crazy not to invest in such amazing gear. When we here more on the NAK Stick Phone, we will let you know.

Please let us know what you think of the HTC Tube concept, would you like to see it released now?

(via: NAK Design)

Android Asus Eee Pad Transformer Reviewed on Video

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 08:33 AM PDT

So are you in the market for the Android sporting Asus Eee Pad Transformer tablet, a device that appears to be selling quite well in the mobile space, but if you are still sitting on the fence deciding whether to pick up the tablet, perhaps a video review may help you make up your mind.

Thus we have for your viewing pleasure below a video review of the 10.1-inch Android Asus Eee Pad Transformer for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Jon Rettinger over at Technobuffalo, which delivers twelve minutes of insight into the device.

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is a unique Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet in as much as it can transform into a clamshell style laptop/netbook, and is available for less than rival tablets selling for $400 for the WiFi-only 16GB version and $500 for the WiFi-only 32GB model.

Spec wise the Asus Eee Pad Transformer offers an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 10-inch display, 5 megapixel rear facing camera, 1GB RAM and a compatible QWERTY keyboard dock, but is it the tablet for you, does it beat all the rest?

So with all that said all you need do now is head on down, hit that play button and check out the Asus Eee Pad Transformer video review to see if it makes up your mind about the tablet…enjoy.

Android and iOS Cross Platform Video Calling with Qik App

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 07:31 AM PDT

So if you are an Android use and have friends who use the iPhone thus far you couldn't make a video call to your iOS friend, but apparently that has now changed with Qik releasing their new Qik Video Connect app.

According to an article over on Android Community the latest version of Qik, Qik Video Connect apparently enabled video calling cross platform between Android and iOS devices.

The Qik Video Connect app also features the ability to share video on social networking sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, along with video mail, and supports both rear and front facing camera on most handsets.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb devices such as the Motorola Xoom are not supported by the app, while Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, Telus Fascinate 4G, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Samsung Galaxy Player will deliver VGA quality video over WiFi.

The app's video mail feature is free until June the 1st, and your Android device needs to be running Android 2.1 or above. The Qik Video Connect app can be downloaded for free from the Android Market and of course iTunes.

Apple to Fix Location Tracking Problem With Software Update

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 06:52 AM PDT

The word is there's quite a bit of concern over the location tracking issue with the iPhone and Apple iPad, something Apple says is a bug and they are not tracking users, and has thus released a statement on the matter.

According to Apple Insider, in a Q&A style release Apple apparently stated that with devices such as the iPhone, complex tech issues are "hard to communicate in a soundbite," and has also said they are to release a free update to iOS to address the location bug.

That iOS update should be released sometime in the next few weeks and will cease backing up the cache, delete the cache entirely when location services are turned off, and reduces the size of the crowd-sourced WiFi hotspot and cellular tower database cached on the iPhone

Apple says that they are not tracking location on the iPhone, have never done so and have no plans to ever do so. For the complete Q&A release by Apple you can hit up Apple Insider.

White iPhone 4 Official Release Date 28th: The Countries

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 06:05 AM PDT

The iOS Faithful have been waiting for this moment for a donkey's age, but it is finally here as Apple has now gone all official with the release date for the much delayed white iPhone 4, announcing the pale version of the iPhone will be available from Verizon, AT&T and Apple online as of tomorrow the 28th of April.

So what other countries can expect to see the release of the white iPhone 4 as of tomorrow? Well according to Crunch Gear, the white iPhone 4 will release in the US, the UK, along with…

"Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, and Thailand."

In a release Apple senior VP of worldwide product marketing, Phil Schiller said, "The white iPhone 4 has finally arrived and it's beautiful. We appreciate everyone who has waited patiently while we've worked to get every detail right."

Price wise the white iPhone 4 will command a price tag of $199 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB on a new 2-year agreement. So there you have it people, finally you will be able to grab hold of the elusive white iOS smartphone from tomorrow…happy?

HTC Thunderbolt Battles T-Mobile G2x in Comparison Fight

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:45 AM PDT

We have a comparison battle between Android on T-Mobile and Android on Verizon for your consideration below, a two-part video comparison pitting the T-Mobile G2x in a face off against the HTC Thunderbolt.

The HTC Thunderbolt against the G2x comparison videos come our way courtesy of Aaron Baker over at Phone Dog who digs deep into the comparison between the two Android smartphones over a nice long 28 minutes in total.

Both smartphones came out to play sporting Android 2.2 Froyo, but the T-Mobile G2x offers a 1GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 4-inch touch screen, while the HTC Thunderbolt offers a 1Ghz single-core Snapdragon processor and a 4.3-inch touch screen, while both deliver an 8 megapixel camera.

The T-Mobile G2x can play nice on T-Mobile's HSPA+ (4G) network while the HTC Thunderbolt plays nice on Verizon's 4G LTE, but can one of the smartphones out pace the other and come out on top?

Well you should know by now I'm not going to tell you the outcome, but let you skip on down to mash the play buttons to find out for yourself, and feel free to let us know if you agree or disagree…enjoy.

iPhone Tracker App for Child Immunisation

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:30 AM PDT

I'm sure Apple are getting fed up with the word 'tracker' being associated with their devices, but on this occasion they have nothing to worry about, as it refers to an iOs app that helps parents in Ireland monitor their child's immunisation.

It can be very hard for parents to keep note on when their baby is due its vaccines, especially within the in first 12 months of the child's birth when multiple vaccines are due. However, to ease what is an essential but challenging task the Irishhealth.com have developed the Child Immunisation Tracker app.

This app was developed to help parents living in Ireland ensure that their new family member is protected against a range of life-threatening diseases to which young children and especially infants are most susceptible. When vaccines are due, the app sends 'push' reminders to your iPhone.

The app provides lots of information on childhood diseases and the vaccines used to prevent them and has an exclusive feature that, in the event of a disease outbreak e.g. measles or swine flu, Irishhealth.com can send an instant 'alert' via the app to all parents. The app also includes reminders for 12-13 year old schoolgirls of the Cervical Cancer vaccine, which was recently launched in Ireland.

It takes no more than two minutes to set up a new child's record and each record can be customized with the child's photo if you wish, and their blood group (if known) as well as recording your GP's phone number, so you can call your GP directly from the app and set up your next appointment. There is also a 'live' feed, which informs parents of any breaking news stories on child health.

The data used in this service is based on the current guidelines from the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and is only intended for parents of children in the Republic of Ireland. So if you live in Ireland and want to keep on top of your child's immunisation, head on over to iTunes and download this app, which is available free of charge thanks to the support of Aptamil.

Apple iPad 2 Accessories: Quirky Fender Bumper: Video

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 05:15 AM PDT

So you have your Apple iPad 2 and obviously you want to keep your beloved iOS tablet in pristine condition so maybe you also purchased the Apple Smart Cover, but does the Smart Cover deliver all the protection you need?

If not then we have an Apple iPad 2 accessory for your consideration called the Fender Bumper for iPad 2 from Quirky, and we have a video demo of the Fender Bumper for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of Slash Gear.

The Fender Bumper for iPad 2 has been designed to work in conjunction with the Apple Smart Cover with the Fender Bumper delivering a clear plastic shield for the rear of the tablet as well as rubber bumpers for each corner of the device and simply snaps onto the iPad 2.

The Fender Bumper for the Apple iPad 2 is available for pre-order from Quirky and commands a price tag of $18.00. So head on down and check out the Fender Bumper for the iPad 2 footage and see what you think…enjoy.

iOS Losing Out To Android In Smartphone Desirability

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:41 AM PDT

If you are of the opinion that more people over in US prefer Apple's iOS over Android you could be forgiven for believing so up until now that is, as apparently when it comes to smartphone desirability the Android platform is now ahead of iOS.

According to the guys over at the Boy Genius Report, the latest survey by Nielsen, back in June and September of 2010, when respondents were asked which smartphone platform they intend to purchase, 33 percent said iOS, 26 percent said Android while 13 percent said BlackBerry.

But now that platform desirability has changed slightly with Nielsen figures showing that when asked the same question between January and March this year Android pulled in 31 percent, while the iPhone garnered 30 percent and BlackBerry managed 11 percent.

Furthermore half of the people surveyed in March this year who said they had brought a smartphone in the last 6 months say they opted to go with Android, a quarter had purchased the iPhone and 15 percent had chosen a BlackBerry handset.

Sp if the figures are anything to go by it would appear that Android is more desirable than iOS albeit only slightly, agree or disagree?

Sony Ericsson Concept Teaser: New eXperience

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:24 AM PDT

If you have been wondering what Sony Ericsson have been up to lately, it looks like they may have been getting themselves ready for the launch a new device, coming soon.

In an article by Concept Phones, they have reported on receiving a teaser poster from Victor Cao for his upcoming Sony Ericsson concept, which is being previewed through the motto "New eXperience". See poster below.

Unfortunately, there is no more information on the device at present. However, from the motto we can only assume that it will be another Xperia device, to follow the recent release of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. Who knows this new device could be one that is mainly focused on multimedia, we will just have to wait and see.

The article from Concept Phones goes on to indicate that Victor will reveal more details in the following days to come and we will let you know when we hear more.

If a new device from Sony Ericsson were soon to be launched, what would you hope that it would mainly focus on? Please let us know below.

GarageBand Hacked onto iPhone 4: Video

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:03 AM PDT

The GarageBand app is for iOS tablets only but as with all apps in the mobile arena apps being confined to tablets don't mean it will stay that way, and this is what has happened with GarageBand of iPad, it's been hacked onto an iPhone 4.

The occasion was captured on video and sent to the guys over at 9to5 Mac thus we have that video for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the Pspfano YouTube page.

Apparently you require a jailbroken iPhone 4 and it involves transferring the GarageBand app with changed metadata to the iPhone 4 by OpenSSH, and the guy says, "Surprisingly, it didn't crash as much as I expected it to do." The guy in the video believes that Apple will bring GarageBand to the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 because in parts he can "perfectly pan" around the app.

No doubt at some point in the future Apple will probably make GarageBand available for the iPhone as well as the Apple iPad just like they did with iMovie, but until then you can check out GarageBand playing nice on the iPhone 4 by hitting the play button below…enjoy.

Acer Liquid Mini Specs and Features

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 03:38 AM PDT

We have some great news for anyone in India who wants to purchase an affordable mobile with all the great features of a high-end smartphone. Acer who have become a big player in the Indian handset market have announced the launch of a new Android enabled smartphone called 'Acer Liquid Mini'.

The introduction of the Acer Liquid Mini on what is a highly competitive Indian market, follows the impressive performance of their Liquid Metal smartphone and it would appear that Acer are trying to grab more shares with their latest Android device. This new smartphone runs on Android 2.2 Froyo Operating System, has a 3.2 inch HVGA touchscreen display with 480 x 320 pixels resolution and is powered by 600 MHz ARM 11 processor and Adreno 200 GPU.

Other specs provided by oneindianews include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 5 megapixel camera at rear capable of recording 480p video, stereo FM radio and DLNA connectivity. This 3G enabled handset also has an internal memory of 512 MB and comes with a 32 GB micro SD support. Acer bundles a 2 GB memory card along with the set and the handset will be available in a choice of 3 different colours, Piano Black Jet Silver and Royal Blue.

Acer state that the Liquid Mini smartphone offers a standby time of 400 hours, 6.5 hours of talktime on 3G network and 8 hours on 2G network, and will be priced around Rs 11,000. Please let us know if this mini smartphone will be on your shopping list.

Droid Bionic Being Purged from Motorola Website

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 03:33 AM PDT

There seems to be some confusion over whether the Motorola Droid Bionic has been cancelled in favour of the Motorola Targa as reported previously (here), or whether the Motorola Droid Bionic has simply been delayed as we reported (here.)

So for most who are waiting for the Droid Bionic to hit Verizon it would appear that things are becoming less clear as according to an article over on Phandroid by way of Droid-life, it appears that the Droid Bionic is slowly being purged from the Motorola website.

The word is that a link of the handset's main page, the front page carousel sends one to the product page showing all devices and when clicking through "Android devices" you are show a list of Motorola Android products where the Droid Bionic isn't listed.

However, apparently according to Droid-life the Droid Bionic was scheduled for release as of the 12th of May but will now appear as an enhanced version sometime this summer, presumably the Motorola Targa.

Having said that it could always simply be a mistake by Motorola that the Droid Bionic is disappearing from their website as the Droid Bionic still shows on the MotoDev website.

So what do our readers make of this, do you think Motorola is purging the Droid Bionic from existence, do you still want the Bionic rather than the Targa?

iPhone Vs. Android Vs. RIM Vs. Microsoft: Developers Choice

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 03:09 AM PDT

Apparently developers are finding it somewhat difficult to keep up development of apps for the iPhone, Apple iPad, and the Android platform according to a recent survey of 2760 mobile developers which apparently shows that over the last 6 months developer interest in both iOS and Android had remained flat.

According to Technology Review, a joint survey by IDC and Appcelerator, developers say the problem with Android is that the platform is deployed on numerous devices it is apparently becoming increasingly difficult to develop for it.

Scott Ellison of IDC says, “Google has enormous momentum in terms of shipment numbers, but that’s not carrying over as cleanly as we might expect to developer interest. There’s still distinctly more interest in Apple than in Android. Developers are choosing the number-two platform in installed base and shipment numbers.”

Apparently the survey showed that besides the Android and iOS platform "treading water" the BlackBerry platform might well be heading for "serious trouble." Apparently developer interest in BlackBerry fell 11 points since the last quarter while just 27% of developers said they are "very interested" in developing for BlackBerry.

When it comes to Windows Phone 7, developer interest also fell 7 points to 29% of respondents but managed to pull ahead of BlackBerry in overall developer "mindshare."
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