Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review


New HTC Thunderbolt Update Fix: 3G connectivity & GPS

Posted: 03 May 2011 03:04 PM PDT

If you own the HTC Thunderbolt smartphone you will be pleased to hear a new update has started to roll out to customers that promises to fix a few things.

Droid-Life uncovered this update last Friday and now confirms via the Verizon Twitter feed that the update has started rolling out today, some will get and other may have to wait as it is rolling out in stages.

Go to your System Updates screen, you will be notified when you can update. The source above says that it is not like Motorola's Blur that allows you to pull updates manually.

This new HTC Thunderbolt update will fix a few things such as GPS updates will load a lot faster in Google Maps and you will get better 3G connectivity, it will also sort out a few bug fixes. Hopefully battery life will be a little better too, fingers crossed as they say.

If you have had the update please do let us know what it has done for you, we would like to know if the update went smoothly and if your encountered any problems. Thanks

Apple iPhone 3GS Or O2: Signal Issues?

Posted: 03 May 2011 02:25 PM PDT

As the owner of an Apple iPhone 3GS, I have always been impressed by the features of this device. However, recently I have been encountering problems with my signal.

The majority of the times I have no problems with my iOS device. However, on occasion when I go to use my iPhone to send a text, make a call or search the internet I get 'no service' appear in the top left hand corner and the device is then rendered useless for the task. I then find myself waving the device above my head trying to get a signal or switching it off and then back on, with limited success.

Now, when I first received the iPhone 3GS smartphone I had no problems whatsoever with the signal and prior to owning the 3GS, I owned an iPhone 3G again with no signal issues. However, this problems seems to be more frequent now and can be quite frustrating, especially when I need to use the device urgently.

I began thinking that the issue could be with my network operator O2 UK, but I have been with them for some time now, and have purchased many different devices through them, such as Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Nokia models and have never experienced the network issues before. I have checked with other people who are on O2 and some say they have also experienced signal issues and not all of them are using iPhones.

It came to mind that it could be the area where I live, having a poor signal strength, but as I said earlier, I have owned a number of other devices whilst living here in Kent and have never encountered this problem. So, I am just putting the feelers out now and just want to know, if you own an iPhone device are you experiencing the 'no signal' issue? If so, what network operator are you currently with? Please leave your comments below.

Samsung Droid Charge Walmart Prices: Pre-order

Posted: 03 May 2011 02:20 PM PDT

You can now visit Walmart Wireless where you can pre-order the new Samsung Droid Charge 4G LTE smartphone on Verizon; we have two different price tags for you to choose from plus the main specs and features.

The Droid Charge by Samsung is now up for pre-order on Walmart Wireless with two different price tags and are as follows; if you want it on a new 2-yr service contract it will cost you $249.99, or you can buy for $679.99 phone only with no plan purchase, which is $10 of the normal $689.99.

The Droid Charge Main Specs and Features Include: Android 2.2 OS, 1.3 MP Front-Facing Camera, 8 MP Rear Camera, 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus Display, DLNA Capable via Allshare, Amazon Kindle Reader, 1GHz Hummingbird Processor, Integrated Google Mobile Services, Mobile Hotspot Capable, 32GB microSD Card Pre-installed, HTML Browser with Adobe Flash 10.1, Blockbuster Mobile Application and much more.

When you by this phone via Walmart you will get in the box the smartphone itself obvious, plus Standard Lithium Ion Battery, USB Cable, User Manual, Pre-installed 32GB microSD Card and Wall Charger.

For more information and option to by the Verizon Samsung Droid Charge please visit Walmart Wireless now, please do let us know if you will be getting this 4G LTE smartphone.

Just a quick recap on a poll we published earlier: We asked "What 4G LTE Verizon phone do you prefer?" and these are the results

• Motorola Droid Bionic (59.0%, 298 Votes)
• Samsung Droid Charge (15.0%, 74 Votes)
• LG Revolution (11.0%, 58 Votes)
• HTC Thunderbolt (10.0%, 53 Votes)
• None of the above (5.0%, 24 Votes)

Windows openIPSW aka ipswDownloader Shows iOS Jailbreak Info

Posted: 03 May 2011 01:34 PM PDT

We really wanted to put more in the title when it comes to openIPSW aka ipswDownloader download tool, but it would have been too long but we will let you know what all this means.

The iOS firmware download tool was called ipswDownloader but has now been named openIPSW; this download utility has been made for Mac OS X and has now been made for Windows. This new Windows version has had a massive update allowing openIPSW users to download any given iOS version showing jailbreak information fro the chosen iOS.

Main Features Include (Via iDB): Jailbreak information, Updated GUI, if you are a Windows 7 user you will be happy to know that there is now a progress bar in the task bar icon, bug fixes included and much more.

The good thing about this tool is that it will show users if iOS is jailbreakable and if there are unlocks for these, if you would like the free openIPSW please visit the developers website.

Do you think openIPSW is worth it or just another piece of worthless rubbish? Please do let us know what you think.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update for Chinese Meizu M9

Posted: 03 May 2011 01:09 PM PDT

There may be many of you out there not aware of the Chinese Meizu M9. Well just to let you know, this device is now receiving an Android 2.3 Gingerbread update.

It would appear that the guys over at Meizu are certainly on top of things when it comes to their successful M9, many people were just wondering what the owners of this device could expect for the future. Well now, we can reveal that users of the Meizu M9 received their first taste of Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Users received their Android enhancement in the form of a downloadable update, which rather than waiting for a carrier to push out an OTA, is a much quicker way of getting an update out to users and perhaps this method should be adopted by more companies.

However, according to an article by Engadget coming to us via Phandroid, some users that have downloaded the update on to their smartphone have experienced small annoyances such as, display and power issues. However, I'm sure that given Meizu's new track record, they will soon offer a new update to deal with these issues.

For those that are not too familiar with the Chinese Meizu M9, why not check out the YouTube video below, which shows some of the unique UI elements in action.

Motorola Xoom Problems & Tips: Black Screen Issues

Posted: 03 May 2011 10:54 AM PDT

If you have a Motorola Xoom and have been experiencing problems with the tablet either not turning on or being stuck on a black screen, stop ripping out your hair, as we may have a solution.

A number of owners of the Motorola Xoom have had problems with the their device just not wanting to turn on or have been left staring at a black screen, which at times leaves the power button almost useless.

It is not known why some of Motorola’s Xooms have these problems, but don't despair as there is a simple fix that can be applied, which only involves pressing a couple of buttons on the tablet PC.

According to an article by the guys at Droid-Life, here is what to do: Hold Volume Up button and Power button until the Xoom turns on and that is it. This simple fix can be used to get you out of all sorts of jams that you may experience on your Xoom. Please note that if ever your device is switched on or off and you cannot make anything happen, this simple fix should get you back up and running.

Please let us know if you have experienced any problems with the Motorola Xoom. Moreover, whether this simple fix has got you out of any problems you may have experienced with your tablet.

New BlackBerry 7: Flash Support & Android Apps No Go

Posted: 03 May 2011 09:51 AM PDT

For those fans of BlackBerry that were hoping to see Android Apps and Flash Support on the soon to be released BlackBerry 7 OS, unfortunately the update will be coming with neither.

When there was an indication that QNX OS for RIM's BlackBerry Playbook would enable the user to load Android apps for use on the tablet, everyone was excited at the prospect and it seem like an easy transition between RIM's Java based system and Android's Dalvik VM. However, the excitement was short lived when the Playbook released without the touted Android capabilities.

Although it was hoped that BlackBerry 7 OS would offer some of the features from the QNX operating system, today it has been officially confirmed by RIM that there will be no Android apps (or Flash) on the new soon to be released BlackBerry 7 OS update, which is upsetting for the BlackBerry faithful.

However, don't be too disheartened, as according to an article by PCMag coming by way of the guys at Phandroid, Andrew Bocking, RIM's vice president of handheld software product management has indicated at the possibility of the new QNX OS being introduced to handhelds.

The problem now is the phones need to feature a dual-core processor, which RIM does not offer at present. He did however mention that they are working hard on a more portable handset version of the OS, which we can expect to hear more about later this year, as it is nowhere near ready yet.

What do you think about the BlackBerry 7 OS update not coming with Android apps or Flash? Please let us know your views.

HTC Desire HD Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update: ROM Download

Posted: 03 May 2011 09:10 AM PDT

If you own the HTC Desire HD and were wondering where the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update is, you will be happy to know there is a stable release ready for download.

You must all remember that this Gingerbread ROM leak is exactly that and even though suggest by Tech2 it is stable you should download at your own risk (We here at phonesreview.co.uk are not responsible if you brick your phone, you do this at your own RISK).

We mentioned a while back that the HTC Desire HD would be getting the new Android 2.3 Gingerbread update and as of yet no official release has been released, but there have been a few leaks. The first ROM leak was a test build and was pretty bad because it was unstable but this new one is said to be good a stable (DO NOT mark our words on that).

This new leak may possibly be the official update, which should be released soon. If you cannot wait for the official Android 2.3 Gingerbread update then visit 911Sniper Blog where you can download this ROM aka build 187331.

Apparently this update contains an updated version of the HTC Desire HD radio, please REMEMBER this download may brick your phone, it may not but always best wait for the official release. Up to you if you want to download so do not come crying to us if it does not work. If you do decide to download this update please do let us know how it goes. Thanks

Jailbreak for iPad 2 by Geohot: p0sixninja Challenge

Posted: 03 May 2011 08:44 AM PDT

p0sixninja has challenged famous hacker Geohot to jailbreak the Apple iPad 2 and he has accepted even though he does not have an iPad.

Gamepur and TiPB have reported that the jailbreak for iPad 2 is coming soon thanks to p0sixninja challenging Geohot by dumping the iPad 2 bootrom in front of me, hopefully we can see some light at the end of the tunnel fairly soon.

There have been many jailbreaks for the iPhone 4 such as Sn0wBreeze etc but nothing has been done for the iPad 2, but this is all about to happen very soon and owners of the Apple tablet will be very happy indeed.

There is not a lot to go on at the moment but please keep coming back because we will have plenty more news covering this as soon as we hear more. Please join us on Facebook or Twitter for instant updates.

Whilst on the subject please be aware that there is a fake jailbreak for the iPad 2 floating around called A5-2LiB02, for more information on this we suggest you visit iSmashPhone

BlackBerry PlayBook Android Apps Demo Video

Posted: 03 May 2011 08:19 AM PDT

As you probably know it is Research In Motion's intention to allow Android application to play nice on their BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, and apparently RIM has now demonstrated said Android app on their tablet at BlackBerry World 2011.

And of course we have a video of that demonstration for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of Slash Gear via Android Community and by way of Ewan Macleod at Socialcam. The video demo unfortunately only lasts 30 seconds so doesn't really show a great deal.

Apparently Android apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook will each run their own virtual machine that are delivered to the user as regular shortcuts with the emulator auto-loading.

Word is developers will submit apps to Research In Motion independently of the Android Market whereby RIM will approve submitted apps themselves and the Android apps will be made available via BlackBerry App World.

So with that said, all you need do is head on down, hit that play button and check out this very short demo video of Android apps on the BlackBerry PlayBook…enjoy.

Apple iOS 5: New Notification System Details

Posted: 03 May 2011 08:17 AM PDT

With the officially unveiled of iOS 5 expected to be during WWDC 2011 in June, it is no wonder that rumours and speculation surrounding Apple's operating system start to pick up. The latest speculation surrounds a new notification system for the iOS 5, which could be correct, as for years the current notification system has been highly criticized.

On April 28th, my colleague James did an article on 'iOS 5 Being Tested With Apps by Apple and AT&T' – see full article here. Now it is being rumoured that Apple will be purchasing a small company in order to build its notification technology into iOS.

In an article by Cult of Mac, coming to us by way of iDB they have stated: "There were rumors last year that the iPhone's notification system would be fixed after the chief architect of Palm's system, Rich Dellinger, returned to work at Apple. However, the system still hasn't been fixed, and according to our source, Apple is now trying to buy a small app developer to fix it. Our source, who asked to remain anonymous, didn't know the identity of the company, except it already has an iPhone app in the App Store."

As indicated by Cult of Mac, candidates for a buyout by Apple are Boxcar, who through an iOS app currently offer their own method for push notifications. However, Boxcar declined to comment when asked about a possible Apple buyout.

The current pop-up style of the notification system has required a change for some time now. If Apple is planning to revamp the notification for the iOS 5, see video below of an interesting concept of what it could look like from iSpazio via YouTube.

Are you dissatisfied with the current notification system? If so, would you like to see a new notification system in iOS 5?

AT&T and Samsung Mobile Special Event Date: Galaxy S2 or Tablets

Posted: 03 May 2011 08:10 AM PDT

AT&T and Samsung Mobile are preparing for its special event on May 5 and everyone is hoping that it will announce the new Galaxy S2 to USA.

This special event on May 5, 2011 at 5 – 6PM will feature product demos and executive remarks, hopefully it is the Samsung Galaxy SII and if not then we would like what IntoMobile suggests and that's the Infuse 4G for AT&T.

There maybe a chance that the event will reveal a new tablet PC could be an Android 3.0 Honeycomb beauty on its way who knows. The event could announce any of the above, or even a new Galaxy Tab or a new Windows Phone 7 smartphone, all speculation at the moment so just have to sit back and wait.

What do you think the AT&T and Samsung Mobile Event will announce? Please post all your comments in the area provided below. Have some fun

Cydia Alternative: Lima Jailbreak iPhone App Store

Posted: 03 May 2011 07:51 AM PDT

Now you all know about Cydia but maybe it is not what you want to use at the moment, there is always something in the works and this time it is the different Lima jailbreak app store installer.

That is right a new web app called Lima is just like a browser-based dpkg installer like Cydia, Gagdgetsteria has =some great info covering this new web app that will allow you to download and install jailbroken apps direct from Mobile Safari.

There may be many of you that do not like the Infini-dev's product called Icy and that is why this Cydia alternative jailbreak app store will be just what you need.

Please watch the YouTube video below courtesy of ipwnm0nster and let us know what you think of the new Lima in all its glory. Is this the next best web-based jailbreak app download service?

Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread Rolling Out OTA to Nexus One

Posted: 03 May 2011 07:49 AM PDT

If you own an Google Nexus One smartphone you may be pleased to hear that word has it that the Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread over the air update has started hitting devices, an update that apparently delivers Gtalk voice chat.

Having said that according to an article over on Phandroid, as the Google Nexus One doesn't feature a front facing camera that particular feature isn't of much use, so will probably be absent from the update.

Apparently the Android Gingerbread update does include several goodies along with numerous bug fixes so it's worth grabbing, and to check if it is available for your smartphone you can hit Menu>Settings>About Phone>System Update, and you should be able to see 2.3.4 available for download.

According to the guys the Android Gingerbread update can also be used for the Google Nexus S as long as your Nexus S is currently running Android 2.3.1 or 2.3.2, and there is a video below showing how to manually update the Nexus S courtesy of QuantumRand a member of the Android Forums.

So if you have grabbed the Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update for your Nexus One feel free to let us know how it went, and if you try it on your Nexus S we'd like to know if it works well or not…enjoy.

Android Honeycomb Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Previewed on Video

Posted: 03 May 2011 07:09 AM PDT

Thinking of getting an Android tablet, perhaps one from Samsung? How about the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 that is expected to become available on June the 8th? How about having a quick look at the Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet in action?

That's what we have for your viewing appraisal below, a preview video of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi model I action courtesy of Phone Arena by way of Engadget and NewGadgets.de, which delivers just over two minutes of previewing the device.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 in the footage is a working model of the device, but alas doesn't come up with anything informative concerning the tablet's capabilities, but it at least does give us a look at what we can expect from the new Android device..

As stated earlier the expected release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is the 8th of June and price wise the 16GB version commands $469 while the 32GB model commands a price tag of $569. So anyone hoping to snap up the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 come June the 8th?

No comments:

Post a Comment