Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

HTC Thunderbolt Accessories: Body Glove Case

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 10:23 AM PST

HTCPedia now have a new Body Glove Snap-On case for the ever elusive HTC Thunderbolt smartphone. The case has a hard durable shell which is covered in a textured glove material to give the phone extra protection against damage and scratches, the material also enables the phone to be gripped more securely.

The Body Glove Snap-On case is currently priced at $14.99 online: at shop.htcpedia.com. However, before you draw out your credit/debit card to place an order, they are currently, ‘out of stock’. The expected availability is 24 March 2011.

Is it just me, or does it seem very strange that there are a number of accessories for the HTC Thunderbolt smartphone, but the phone has not been released yet?. In an earlier post by my colleague James (phonesreview.co.uk),it would appear that nobody knows for sure when the phone will actually be released. There seems to be a lot of speculation, but nothing concrete just yet.

Apparently, the cause of the delay in the release of the phone is due to a problem with the phone having a poor battery life, which needs sorting out before Verizon will release the phone, please see the earlier post on this issue by Mark (phonesreview.co.uk).

If you wish to leave your comments on any of the issues raised, please feel free to fill in the comments box below.

Turn Your iPhone 4 Transparent With This Kit

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 09:06 AM PST

Now personally I’m not one for having gadget innards on display, but there are those out there that like showing off what their tech gadget looks like inside, and apparently now if you own an iPhone 4 you can do this to your iOS device.

According to an article over on 9to5 Mac, a Chinese accessory maker is offering a transparency kit to turn your beloved iPhone into a show off everything smartphone by replacing the glass panels with transparent ones.

However, there are a couple of possible downsides to turning your iPhone 4 into an artistic looking smartphone, one the transparent panels probably wont sport Gorilla Glass toughness and two, the transparent panels will no doubt leak in light when you go to take that all important picture.

But if you want to go the transparent route with your iPhone 4 apparently you can now purchase all the necessary by hitting up M.I.C Gadgets where the kit costs $23.90.

So if any of our readers take advantage and decide to turn their iPhone 4 into a transparent version, feel free to let us know how you get on and if there are any drawbacks.

HTC Thunderbolt Release Date: Too Much Confusion

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:42 AM PST

Well now, we are all aware that basically HTC and Verizon have created a right stir up of releasing the much sought after Android 2.2 Froyo HTC Thunderbolt, shifting the expected release date from one date to another, and now apparently the latest date offered is the 10th of March.

However, as I reported earlier, Verizon is claiming that the release date for the HTC Thunderbolt hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Now according to an article over on Technology Gather, they claim that based on an image of the Best Buy internal system, the release date for the HTC Thunderbolt is the 11th of March. (Care to clarify that date Technology gather?)

Now, I’m all for giving info on when a device is likely to see release, but it would appear that the guys at Technology Gather are somewhat blind, or are suffering from a typing problem, as if you check the image which originates from Android Central you will note that it states the “10th” and NOT the “11th.” We covered this Best Buy 10th of March release date for the HTC Thunderbolt previously (here)

The aforementioned images states 03/10/11 which is the 10th day of the 3rd month of 2011, and NOT the 11th day of the 3rd month of the 2010…It just goes to show how confusion sets in when people simply can’t get something right.

As for that elusive release date for the HTC Thunderbolt, it will happen eventually, although if HTC and Verizon isn't careful it may be too late and potential customers would have moved on to another device.

Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Nexus One Update Causes Problem

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:25 AM PST

So apparently the latest smartphone operating system from the Google guys, Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread is being pushed out over the air to Google Nexus One owners, but the word is the manual update has cause a problem for some Nexus One owners out there.

According to an article over on Engadget, the Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread update broke Google Voice on their Nexus One smartphone and they had to fix the problem by downloading an old GV.apk.

Apparently there are quite a few people who manually updated and are suffering the same Google Voice issue after the Android Gingerbread update. However according to the Engadget article if you download an old GV.apk then update to the latest version in the Android Market by way of Google support’s instructions it gets fixed.

So if you are an owner of the Nexus One and have been suffering from the loss of Google Voice after updating feel free to let us know if the solution works for you by dropping us a comment.

HTC Thunderbolt Review, Dummy Never Excites

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:05 AM PST

Everyone is waiting on the HTC Thunderbolt release and wait seems to be the optimum word here it is still delayed. Well at least there is some good news covering a hands-on review, do not get excited just yet though.

HTCPedia has got their hands on a HTC Thunderbolt dummy but it is the real thing that will excite the dummy never excites, but hey it is a start to give you an idea of what to expect when it finally releases. It will release soon enough and hopefully the suggested problem of battery life will get sorted.

The HTC Thunderbolt dummy will not bring anything great to the table but HTCPedia do have a few photos to show everyone that must admit looks stunning, you can at least get to see the design against the HTC Desire HD and the Thunderbolt's unibody construction.

Looking at the dummy the source above says that the microUSB port has been moved to the side and no longer at the bottom like the HTC Desire HD, apparently the delayed smartphone will not fit into the Smartphonepedia Incredible Desktop Cradle either. Get ready for a bunch of new HTC Thunderbolt accessories.

The Latest News Update: Verizon has no idea when the release of the Thunderbolt will be and their Facebook page gives you their response, apparently the latest is it could and yes we say COULD release March 4 (Fingers crossed).

LG Optimus 2X Releasing in Europe This Month

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 07:38 AM PST

For those in Europe who are waiting for the first dual-core Android smartphone, the LG Optimus 2X to be released, the word is you wont have to wait much longer as the Android 2.2 Froyo packing device is heading your way.

According to an article over on Android Central, LG has now officially announced that the LG Optimus 2X Android handset will see release in Europe sometime this month, although no specific date was given nor which countries would see the LG Optimus 2X.

Furthermore, although the LG Optimus 2X will come out to play sporting Android 2.2 Froyo, LG has confirmed that the device is up gradable to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but hasn’t given an upgrade schedule.

Quick spec reminder for those hoping to snap up the device…4-inch WVGA touch screen, 8 megapixel camera, 1.3 front facing camera, 8GB memory, 1080p video recording, NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core 1GHz processor, microSD expansion up to 32GB, and Adobe Flash 10.1 support.

SO any of our European readers hoping to pick up the LG Optimus 2X once it eventually lands in Europe later this month?

Apple iPad 2 May Suffer Limited Supply

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 07:12 AM PST

Well now if you are of a mind to snap up the next generation Apple iPad after the 2nd of March, which by the way is tomorrow, when Apple unveil the iOS tablet and presumably release the device shortly thereafter, you may have to move quick to grab the tablet.

Why? Well according to an article over on Slash Gear by way of Apple Insider, the choice of the “super-thin” glass screen Apple have opted to go for has apparently led to supply chain delays for the Apple iPad 2, according to Goldman Sachs analyst Bill Shope.

Apparently the shortage isn't with the tech but one of yield, although the analysts does say that "volumes [will] ramp fairly quickly as the process improves."

Shope wrote…” It appears that Apple is once again pushing the technology envelope by making the device far thinner than the original iPad, and the iPad 2′s ultra-thin glass screen is generating yield issues … As of now, we are not assuming Apple will expand the storage capacity for the iPad, which should enable the company to enjoy better product margins over time."

So if the analyst’s speculations are indeed true it may be that numerous Apple iPad 2 hopefuls will be left without and waiting for their chosen new iOS tablet to land in their laps, so make sure you get your orders in as quickly as possible on release day.

HTC Thunderbolt Battery Life Causes Delay, Verizon Facebook

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:45 AM PST

The HTC Thunderbolt news still carries on and Verizon has responded on its Facebook page, the delay is apparently down to battery life issues. Stick with us, as we will cover until released.

The HTC Thunderbolt delay according to Android Community suggests that it could be down to the battery life, apparently the poor battery life needs sorting before Verizon can release the smartphone and HTC is trying to fix this problem. Apparently the Thunderbolt can only give 3 to 4 hours of battery life running the LTE/4G connectivity.

Earlier on today phonesreview.co.uk writer James reported via sources that Verizon does not have a clue, if you visit the Verizon Wireless Facebook page you will see that they have responded to the delay and have said and quoted:

Hey fans, we appreciate all the excitement about the anticipated launch of the ThunderBolt by HTC. We’re excited too! Verizon 4G LTE is America's fastest, most advanced 4G network & we want to ensure the advanced technology behind our first 4G LTE phone is flawless. We will announce its release date as soon as it is confirmed. Thanks for your support & patience while we work to bring you the ThunderBolt by HTC.

Droid-Life has reported that the HTC Thunderbolt ads have been removed from YouTube, which were live on Verizon's YouTube channel, they are all now private and cannot be viewed.

The last we heard the HTC Thunderbolt will now be released to market on March 4, this has not yet been announced as of yet so please do not get annoyed with us as we only report what we hear, but trust us you will be the first to know when it does officially release. Thank you for being patient.

If you would like to talk about this handset and anything to do with delays etc please join our discussion page.

Angry Birds Raps it Out: Video

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:37 AM PST

Well Goehot did it to draw attention to his plight with Sony and the PS3 jailbreak lawsuit, so it seems everything is fair game when it comes to putting out a rap, and even includes the multi-platform mobile game Angry Birds.

Yes folks someone has finally got round to p0enning a rap about Angry Birds, and there is video evidence top support it, which of course we have for your viewing pleasure and ear bashing below courtesy of the guys over at Daily iPhone Blog.

Apparently the Angry Birds Rap was penned and rapped by Brandon Shapiro, otherwise known as Bshap and edited by Zachary Durand, and they have a disclaimer on their YouTube page asking Rovio not to sue.

For those that want to learn the lyics so they can rap along to the Angry Birds Rap said lyrics are posted to the YouTube page, while if you want to download the MP3 you can do so by hitting up here.

That’s about it, all you need do now is make the jump and punch the play button to check out the Angry Birds Rap, it’s quite a catchy tune, but I wonder what will be next to get the rap treatment…enjoy.

Kidz World By GameDope App for iOS Devices

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:13 AM PST

Keeping your kid entertained is always something that needs to be done, and if you can combine entertainment with educations then all the better, and if you own an iOS device you can achieve that with the Kidz World app for iOS devices by GameDope.

This iOS application has been listed in the “Top Free iPhone Education Apps” in India along with being featured on the “News & Noteworthy” section of the Indian App Store.

The Kidz World app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad uses the alphabet to entertain, amuse and educate your child and associates each letter of the alphabet with an image and the word related to that image enabling the young to learn with ease.

The Kidz World app also features a classic children’s story by G. E. Farrow, The Jungle Baby, along with counting stars, and images of fruits.

The Kidz World By GameDope app is available to download to your Apple iPad, iPod or iPhone running iOS 3.1.3 or above as a free download by hitting up iTunes.

Windows Phone 7 Apps Free: Chickens Can Dream

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 06:07 AM PST

If you are looking for Windows Phone 7 Apps then might we suggest the new "Chickens Can Dream" game by Amused Sloth, this game is free and is the prelude to "Chickens Can’t Fly"!

This Chickens Can Dream is a cool Windows Phone 7 game where you enter the Mystic Rooster’s dream where you dream about the future of the chickens, are you a great scientist?

You are the scientist and the Mystic Rooster can see the grim future of the chicken race, this game features more than 30 facts to check (More coming soon), Diverse obstacles that you have to overcome such as flame throwers, circular saws, boots-on-a-stick and more, plus you can get 10 power-ups to help you (slow time, corn magnet, indestructoid) or hinder you (confused controls, parasite worm, sausage, booze).

Just guide your chicken through the obstacles and dangers, how long can you keep your chicken alive? This game will work on any WP7 devices, for more information please visit official website Amused Sloth, we do suggest you checking out the 'Chickens Can Dream' page as well where you can see many screenshots and noted problems that have occurred.

Please visit the Marketplace Link to download, if you would like to see the game in action then just scroll down this page a little (below this article) and watch the video provided.

T-Mobile UK Announce 4 New Business Pay Monthly Plans

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:21 AM PST

For small businesses in the United Kingdom T-Mobile UK has announced 4 new business pay monthly phone plans that have been tailored to small business customer needs, and is the only network to offer a six month plan with a free device to businesses in the UK.

T-Mobile has also launched an 18-month plan with the value one would expect with a 2-year plan, a 30-day SIM only plan and a 24-month phone plan which aims to deliver flexible options to the small business customer.

The director of SME Markeing at T-Mobile, Martin Lyne says…, "Our customers told us it didn't make sense for their business to be locked into long term contracts when times are changing. Having the flexibility to adapt things quickly if needed is key to a small business' ability to survive and thrive, so we believe these shorter term plans, will be a great fit for small businesses."

Whilst Geraldine Brooks of woman’s networking group, sugargroup, and T-Mobile customer says…"As a small business owner, it's often difficult to predict how your business will be doing 6 months ahead, let alone much longer, so having the flexibility to adapt is really important."

Apparently T-Mobile is also running a competition for the small business customer to tie in with these new offerings whereby the winner can scoop £2000. Entries for the contest end on the 1st of April and more info can be found here.

Mobile Phone Gaming in UK and US Is Rising

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:00 AM PST

Personally I’m not into gaming on my smartphone but the word according to a recent study is that mobile phone gaming popularity is on the up in both the United Kingdom and the United States according to a survey by gaming firm PopCap.

According to an article over on Mashable, the research by PopCap shows that 52 percent of 2425 participants in the research survey stated they have played a mobile game on a mobile device, whether their own handset or someone else’s.

Apparently we in the UK are more mobile game hungry that our cousins over in the States, with 73 percent of UK respondents saying they played mobile games, while the US had 44 percent. Roughly a third of all those taking part in the survey said they had played a game on their mobile phone within the last month.

1-in-4 also stated they play a mobile game weekly, while others say they’ve only played once. The largest gaming area is the smartphone user with 83 percent playing a minimum of 1 game in the past week, which places them in the “avid mobile gamer” category apparently.

As for whether men or women domineer the mobile game playing arena, apparently it's a close call with men playing game only slightly more than women, and the smartphone user is more likely to purchase a mobile game than a feature phone user, with average figures showing that in 2010 smartphone users purchased 5.4 games as opposed to 2.9 purchased by non-smartphone users.

So are you a mobile gamer, do you really get into playing games on your smartphone or do you consider yourself just a casual gamer that only plays when there’s nothing else to do?

iOS Notifications Possibilities, MobileNotifier Beta3 Video Demo

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:37 AM PST

MobileNotifier creator Peter Hajas has a new video of his new update, the video shows you how iOS Notifications should be, plus we have a few detail features of MobileNotifier beta 3.

9to5Mac mention that the video below is how iOS notifications should have been implemented please watch the video below about message notifications and see what you think.

The new MobileNotifier is jailbreak-only and can be obtained via Cydia at this repo; you must remember that MobileNotifier is open source. Access the source on GitHub (It’s BSD licensed).

Main MobileNotifier Features Include: AlertDashboard, New alerts, Full push notification support, Lockscreen View, Numerous usability improvements, Time encoding support with each alert, Completely reworked MNAlertManager and most importantly Bug fixes relating to 3.x compatibility, alert display and other internal aspects of the utility.

Please visit the official peterhajas.com blog for in-depth information, now head on down below and watch the demo video provided via YouTube.

Apple’s Top Brit Designer At Loggerheads Over Return to UK

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:33 AM PST

Apparently the senior vice president of industrial design for Apple, Jonathan Ive, who worked on Apple’s iconic iPhone, iPod and Apple iPad is a Brit and he wishes to return to the good ole UK, but apparently Apple isn't too happy about it.

According to an article over on The Brisbane Times by way of Mashable, Ive wants to come home, but Apple my have warned the designer that if he returns to England he can’t work for them any longer.

According to articles in The Daily Mail and The Times, Ive has been at loggerheads with the iOS company over the amount of time he spends back in the UK, where apparently the father wants his kids to go to school.

Apparently a close friend of Ive has stated, “unfortunately he is just too valuable to Apple and they told him in no uncertain terms that if he headed back to England he would not be able to sustain his position with them."

Ive is the top guy of Apple’s industrial design team, which was behind most of Apple’s iconic gear such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac, Macbooks and the upcoming Apple iPad 2.

So the big question is will Ive throw in the towel and head home or will Apple be able to convince the 44-year-old designer to stay, and if not, what will it mean for the future of Apple design?
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