Thursday, May 5, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Doodle God Lite iOS App: Mixing Elements

Posted: 04 May 2011 02:34 PM PDT

Do you like the idea of creating your own world; well you can on your iPhone and all from the comfort of your chair, with the Doodle God Lite iOS app.

With the Doodle God Lite iOS app, you can add elements together to build armies, create storms, grow a civilization and more. With the Doodle God installed on your Apple iPhone, you will have the power of creation right there in your hands.

This iOS app enables you to mixing and matching all kinds of different elements together to create newer ones, so you can work your way up from bacteria and beetles, to clay and ceramics, tools, weapons and who knows where.

You are not completely alone on your epic journey, as every time you successfully create a new procedure or item you are rewarded with the wit of some great comedians and the wisdom of some of the greatest philosophers.

The Doodle God Lite iOS app brings the rise and fall of mighty empires to your iPhone screen in clear and colourful graphics. The features of the app enable you to mould the 4 basic elements (fire, water, earth and air), encourages thoughtful and creative play with an intuitive one-click gameplay, provides hundreds of interesting, funny and thought-provoking quotes and sayings and creates over 100 advanced concepts and items.

So why not visit iTunes, install this free app and unleash the inner god in you! Please come back and let us know how it went.

Notion Ink Adam Tablet: Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update

Posted: 04 May 2011 01:38 PM PDT

For those out there that are interested, we would like to tell you about the Notion Ink Adam getting an Android 2.3 Gingerbread update.

The Gingerbread update has been confirmed by Notion, which also provides a new eBook reader client and a new browser. Now as you may well know, Notion has been blogging the step by step process of building their Adam Android tablet from scratch. All went quiet for a while and then last month, they popped up and announced updates to their tablet were forth coming.

Ever since the Adam was launched, Notion has run into customer service and shipping issues, which have caused many potential customers to turn their attention to other models. Notion say that by updating to Android 2.3 Gingerbread it will bring the kernel and all apps closer to a Honeycomb merge, which will require conversion to eMMC OS.

In an article by Notion Ink coming to us by way of AndroidCommunity, it is indicated that the update will fix usability issues and will added a new multi-tasking environment, and includes simple video and music players.

Rohan Shravan the Notion Ink CEO said that licensing issues relating to the book reader were the cause of the delays experienced before, it now appears that these issues have been resolved. The promise of an update is made, but is still yet to be seen. If you are one of those put off by the delays, please let us know in the comments box below.

iPad 2 Accessories: LTD Tool Case

Posted: 04 May 2011 11:16 AM PDT

For anyone with an iPad 2 who wants to give their tablet that added bit of protection, we bring you an amazing case for your device.

Called the iPad 2 LTD Tool Case, this file-designed case that is actually made of powder-coated aluminum on the outside adds protection to you Apple iPad 2, whilst still giving your encased tablet a great look.

The LTD Tool Case comes with a clam shell cover that can hold your iPad 2 in either a horizontal or a vertical position, it also has a silicon cushion on the inside, so the Apple tablet remains well protected and secure from within. The case also provides a digital clock display with time and date.

This iPad 2 case comes to us by way MobileTechReview via NewLaunches and has some more cool features including a clasp at the back so you can hang your device on a wall, a sound output slot, and a variety of colour options: gray, charcoal, canary yellow and blue. The case can be purchased for $140 via the LTD Tools online store.

Also of interest could be our articles on the Eco-Vue Green Case or the iRest Stand ideal for the lap or desktop. Please let us know what you think in the comments box below.

T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Amazon Price Drop: Very Cheap

Posted: 04 May 2011 09:10 AM PDT

Usually with the release of a big named phone, there comes a big price tag to match, which can sometimes put the device out of reach for those on low incomes. However, with Amazon you are never too far from an amazing deal, like their price drop for the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G.

There may be a few people out there that are unfamiliar with the Sidekick 4G, which features 4G HSPA+ connectivity and comes with Google's Android, whilst still maintaining that iconic Sidekick form factor that many have come to admire, so for more information on this 4G smartphone, see our article on the release specs.

Normally the Sidekick 4G would set you back $79.99 on a new 2-year contract. However, this is where Amazon steps in, as today they posted a listing for the device with a price tag of just $29.99 with a 2-year contract, making the device even more attractive and affordable to those on a budget.

Information on this deal comes to us by way of MobileWhack. So why not check out the listing over at the Amazon online store, and if the price and specs have not swayed you to this handset, see our previous article featuring an introductory video of the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G and see what you think. Please let us know if you like what you see.

LG Optimus Black vs. LG Optimus 2x: Your Choice

Posted: 04 May 2011 08:54 AM PDT

LG have recently released both the LG Optimus Black and the Optimus 2X. LG will be hoping to triumph on the battleground that is the phone market with either or both of these phones, so which handset is the most likely to succeed?

The big cry from LG is that the new Optimus 2X has the world's first dual core processor. How does this stand up against competitors and, for that matter, the LG Optimus Black? Well, the Optimus 2X's dual core processor is certainly a lively piece of kit. With both cores running at 1GHz, the processor of the 2X is noticeably faster than the single core of the Black. The Optimus 2X and the Black both have 512mb of RAM, which, in comparison to the 1GB of RAM available in some other phones, is perhaps a bit lacking, especially considering the dual core processor of the 2X.

Both of the LGs use similar screen technology "Nova display" which is claimed to be a third brighter and with half the power consumption of AMOLED screens. In practice, both screens perform excellently and are also decently sized at 4" each.

There is a marked difference as far as cameras are concerned. The Optimus 2X comes with an 8mp offering, much like many of the top end phones on display currently, and also has autofocus and an LED flash. The Black is not as impressive and has a 5mp snapper, which though good, is superseded by the 2X's. Thankfully, the Black does feature an LED flash and autofocus, though it has to make do with 720p footage at 30fps whereas the 2X features 1080p recording from its camera.

Both phones are shipped with the less than sparkly new Android 2.2 Froyo. Though not quite up to the standard of Gingerbread Android 2.3, Froyo does do a decent job and LG assure us that updates will be available at a later stage.

As looks go, both the LGs are attractive and very slim. The Black is a super-thin 9mm, making it one of the slimmest smartphones in the world, and the 2X is only slightly wider at 9.2mm. Both are pretty looking devices but are made from plastic, which just doesn't give the same impression of a luxury product that their aluminium competitors can boast.

Overall, we have to say that LG have created two very nice machines here. The 2X boasts the better camera of the two and the Black is slimmer, but ultimately the fact that the 2X has a dual core processor gives it a real edge and in our opinion makes it the more worthy phone. How the two will stand up to competitors from other manufacturers remains to be seen.

The article above was written by guest writer Cormac Reynolds, for more information on the phones mentioned above please visit these dedicated links – LG Optimus Black and LG Optimus 2x

What smartphone above would be your choice of purchase? Please use our poll system below and vote for your favourite model.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Sirius XM Radio iOS & Android Apps: Huge Profits

Posted: 04 May 2011 08:30 AM PDT

Sirius XM Radio begins a new schedule as of Wednesday, which will see most channels move to new numbers although there will be a few that remain the same but there is a guide to the new schedule available on the Sirius XM website.

According to a report by Syracuse, Sirius XM has announced their first quarter profits have risen by a whopping 88% due to subscriber growth and posted revenue of $724 million for the quarter according to Forbes.

So we thought we'd bring you the info on a couple of Sirius XM Radio smartphone apps in case you don't already have one, one for the iOS platform and the other the Android platform, so here they are…

First up is the SiriusXM Internet Radio for iOS devices, an application that delivers access to in excess of 120 SiriusXM channels including sport, music, comedy, entertainment and chat and news, the ability to see what's playing on other channels whilst listening to a song, and the ability to purchase songs by placing them in the integrated shopping cart.

The SiriusXM Internet Radio app allows the user to listen "in the background" when using the iPhone 4, 3GS, and 3rd gen iPod Touchand is available as a free download from iTunes.

Then there is of course the Android version called Sirius XM Premium Online, which again delivers 120 channels to your Android smartphone along with live performances, dedicated artist channels, and music that covers every genre.

The Sirius XM Premium Online app for Android also delivers the same features found in the iOS application and again can be downloaded to your Android device running Android 1.5 or above for free from the Android Market.

Samsung Galaxy S2 PAYG Price Hunt: Is O2 The Cheapest

Posted: 04 May 2011 08:09 AM PDT

The Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII) is now on sale and we are concentrating on non-contract buy now versions, it seems O2 UK is the cheapest.

Earlier on today we reported that the Samsung Galaxy S2 PAYG smartphone can be yours for only £399 and we cannot find anywhere cheaper than this. Amazon has it for £498.27 SIM free and Play.com is £499.99 for a SIM Free Galaxy S2.

We would love for any reader to find anywhere that sells the Samsung Galaxy S2 handset on either pay as you go or SIM Free, if you find anywhere please let us know in the comments area below this article with price and URL link to the store. Thanks

Samsung Galaxy S2 Main Features Recap: 4.3-inch WVGA Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen display, 1GB RAM, 8-megapixel camera on the rear with a 2-megapixel one on the front, 16GB built in storage, dual core 1.2GHz Exynos system, plus Record and playback in 1080p, 8.49mm thin, Android Gingerbread OS and much more.

Does it look like customers will head on over to O2 UK to buy the PAYG Samsung Galaxy S2 or is there a chance of someone finding somewhere cheaper.

Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.3.3 Leaky Gingerbread

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:55 AM PDT

If you own a Samsung Epic 4G, we have news of an Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread build leak for your device. However, please note that there are still a few bugs with the build, which need sorting out.

The bugs that are associated with this build include the non-function of the WiMAX and no Ext4 support for the snapshot, which is Android 2.3′s preferred file system, and whilst, this build is great news, the appropriateness of it for daily use might have to be reconsidered.

This leaked build is currently dubbed 'Leaky Gingerbread', due to the bugs mentioned. The source of the leak is xda-developers and comes to us from AndroidCommunity via Engadget.

There was some speculation last month surrounding the release of an Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread update for the Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint. However, it was not known it he report was real or fake. See my colleague Mark's article dated April 18th, 2011 here.

Why not check out the video below to see the Samsung Epic 4G operating with Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread. So will you be flashing the 'Leaky Gingerbread' build to your device or waiting for the official update from Sprint?

Google I/O 2011 Official Android App Released

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:44 AM PDT

If you are not one of the privileged few that will get to attend Google I/O 2011 next week fear not because the Android faithful can keep up with the event's goings on as Google has now release the official Google I/O 2011 app for Android.

According to the guys over at Android Community the Google I/O 2011 app is a good app to have to keep up with the sold out Google I/O 2011 event that features numerous speakers and sessions at the event which is held on the 10th and 11th of May.

The Google I/O 2011 Android app enables users to view the schedule, look through information on companies in the Developer Sandbox, get the current news on I/O through real time search stream, view the conference map, and create and manage notes.

For those interested in the Google I/O official app for Android you can download the free app to your smartphone from the Android Market.

HP Veer 4G for AT&T Release Date and Price Announced

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:21 AM PDT

Today AT&T has officially announced the webOS HP Veer 4G smartphone release date and pricing, and the HP Veer 4G is the smallest full features webOS smartphone to date and will be exclusive in the US to AT&T customers.

According to a report on Pocket Now, AT&T has given the official release date for the HP Veer 4G as the 15th of this month and will command a price tag of $99.99 when signing a two-year agreement.

Spec wise the HP Veer 4G sports a 2.6-inch touch screen, 5 megapixel camera with video capture and geotagging, Facebook integration, Qualcomm 800 MHz Snapdragon processor, slide down QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, WiFi, 8GB internal storage and a 910mAh battery.

The HP Veer 4G will also feature WiFi hotspot capability for up to 5 devices and also AT&T Navigator and is Touchstone compatible. So any of our AT&T readers thinking about purchasing the webOS HP Veer 4G?

Orange UK Motorola Atrix No Show: Get HTC Sensation

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:13 AM PDT

The Motorola Atrix is supposed to go live and on sale today on the Orange UK online shop and yet it is still a no show, is it time to head on over to Vodafone UK and get the HTC Sensation.

T3 reported yesterday that the Motorola Atrix will hit the store May 4, today is that day and yet still we see nothing in the way of getting it. What we do see on this dedicated Orange Web page is it saying "Out of Stock" oh shock horror.

The Motorola Atrix featuring a 4-inch QHD display, 1GHz dual-core processor, Android 2.2 FroYo OS, 1GB of RAM, 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and geo-tagging can be yours for free on contract.

Everything Everywhere partner 24 month £35 per month contract will get you 600 monthly minutes, unlimited text messages and 750MB of data. Oh that sounds nice but why is it not showing up at the stores yet?

If you would like to know more about the Atrix Android smartphone you can do so by visiting this stunning page revealing all. Please let us know if you will buy the Motorola Atrix via Orange UK.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Desire HD and Incredible S OTA Update Released

Posted: 04 May 2011 06:26 AM PDT

Well folks, for all you Android faithful that own the HTC Desire HD or HTC Incredible S and have been waiting to get updated to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the good news is that HTC has begun the roll out of Gingerbread to both smartphones over the air.

According to an article over on Android Central by way of Engadget, the HTC Europe support website has posted that the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the HTC Desire HD and HTC Incredible S has begun OTA roll out.

This means that if owner head to Settings>About Phone>System Software Update, they should be able to download Android 2.3 Gingerbread to their device. If you own the HTC Incredible S you should receive version 2.12.405.7 while HTC Desire HD owners should get version 2.36.405.5.

Reports have it that many are gaining the Gingerbread update, so if you haven't yet received it just hang on as it will hit your smartphone before too long as if you handset is carrier subsidised the OTA update requires their approval.

However feel free to shout out your joy if you have already gained Android 2.3 Gingerbread to our comments area below.

AT&T Prepaid Fight vs. Verizon Wireless Unleashed Plan

Posted: 04 May 2011 06:08 AM PDT

When it comes to prepaid plans two big names such as AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless always rival each other, this is good and healthy competition that always keeps the pricing down. So who will win the fight for glory?

RCR Wireless have hit on this subject and it is somewhat very interesting indeed, Verizon Wireless have a plan called "Unleashed" and this offers customers unlimited mobile Web services, unlimited messaging and unlimited calling over its network for $50 per month, the only downside to this is that they only have three phones that use this plan. There are a few limitations such as lack of phones and its mobile Web experience is limited to the Web browser that is included on the three handsets and this does not give you the full web browsing experience.

The Unleashed plan according to the source above undercuts available prepaid plans, the ones that offer SMS messages at 2 cents per text, unlimited calling for $2 per day or unlimited bundles costing $10 or $20 per month.

Over Tracfone Wireless Inc.'s Straight Talk the Unleashed plan is $5 per month that included unlimited calling, messaging and data using the Verizon Wireless network and feature phones.

Now looking at AT&T Mobility's GoPhone unlimited plans with prices at $60 per month for unlimited text messages and voice calls and its $75 per month for extra 200 megabytes of data transmission what would you choose? If you choose the AT&T Mobility GoPhone you can pay $2 per day for unlimited calls and text messages and data packages ranging up to $25 per month for 500 MB.

Who wins the pre-paid market then?

HTC ChaCha Facebook Phone Possible Release Dates Revealed

Posted: 04 May 2011 05:59 AM PDT

The Android packing HTC ChaCha smartphone was announced back in February there wasn't much detail on just when the HTC ChaCha would come out to play other than the handset would be available in Q2 in Asia and Europe.

Well now according to the guys over at Slash Gear by way of The Unwired, a release date seems to have been revealed for the HTC ChaCha by none other than the HTC Germany Facebook page.

Apparently the HTC ChaCha Facebook phone, called so due to sporting a dedicated Facebook button for sharing content, will be showcased on tour in Germany, Switzerland and Austria as of the 18th of June up until the 16th of July.

Thus it would appear that the Android Gingerbread packing HTC ChaCha should see release in Germany, Switzerland and Austria during this period, although of course nothing has really been confirmed by HTC.

New Blackberry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones with BB7 OS

Posted: 04 May 2011 05:49 AM PDT

For the BlackBerry smartphone users out there, you may be pleased to know that Research in Motion has announced at the BlackBerry World Conference in Orlando, Florida that their Blackberry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones will come with an updated Blackberry 7 operating system.

However, for those that were hoping to see Android Apps and Flash Support with the BlackBerry 7 OS, unfortunately it comes with neither, as mentioned in my article yesterday. Nevertheless, despite the absence of the Android Apps and Flash Support the Blackberry 7 OS provides an easier and faster user experience through improved web browsing, voice activated searches and the ability to manage personal and business content separately.

In addition, Chris Martin of The Inquirer has mentioned that Docs To Go will be pre-loaded onto the handsets, with all premium features enabled, to handle Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel files. These two smartphones come with the all too familiar Qwerty keyboard and trackpad that we are use to seeing on BlackBerry's phones and have a 2.8in Liquid Graphics capacitive touchscreen that has 640×480 resolution.

The devices each run a 1.2GHz processor and are just 10.5mm thick, making them RIM‘s fastest and most thinnest smartphones to date. They have 768MB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a 5MP camera that can record HD 720p video, near field communications technology and a 1230mAh battery. Each handset weighs in at 130g and is made with brushed stainless steel frames, and has a high gloss fibreglass backplate.

The difference with the two handsets is the 9930 offers dual-band HSPA+ and dual-band CDMA, whilst the 9900 offers tri-band HSPA+. However, both come with quad-band GSM/EDGE. Will you be getting your hands on one of these BlackBerry smartphones when they release worldwide at the beginning of Summer? Please let us know.
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