Thursday, March 3, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

HTC Thunderbolt Release Delayed But Not Commercial: Video

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:40 AM PST

The HTC Thunderbolt as everyone is aware has seen delay after delay and there isn’t any real evidence when the HTC Thunderbolt is likely to see release other than Verizon commenting on their Facebook page that the smartphone will release soon as the release date has been confirmed.

However that doesn't stop HTC from advertising the HTC Thunderbolt with a new commercial and we have that commercial for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the guys over at Droid-life and by way of YouTube user Brumlevec08.

The HTC Thunderbolt commercial runs the usual 30-odd seconds for a TV spot and is apparently not from Verizon but has been made by HTC.

So although it would appear you don't deserve to know when you might be able to get your hands on the HTC Thunderbolt, you are allowed to have the device rubbed into your face and view the Android 2.2 Froyo handset on your TV.

Hit up the video below and check out the HTC Thunderbolt doing its thing even though you don't know when you’re likely to pick it up…enjoy.

iOS and Android May Gain BlackBerry Messenger

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:21 AM PST

Now previously the BlackBerry platform hasn’t shared any tech with other platforms as far as I’m aware, and recently the rumours have been the RIM is looking to put Android apps on not only their BlackBerry PlayBook but on their smartphones as well.

Well it appears that this works both ways as according to an article over on the Boy Genius Report they have heard from “multiple sources” of the unnamed variety of course, so still in the realms of rumour, that Research In Motion wants to deliver their BlackBerry Messenger app and service to the Android platform.

But is doesn't stop there as according to the BGR report RIM also wants BlackBerry Messenger on iOS devices as well at some point in the future.

Apparently no deals for the use of BlackBerry Messenger have been finalised but the word is that RIM is considering making the software free to anyone that wants it, although there is a chance RIM may also require a one off fee or a recurring fee to access their service on 3rd-party platforms.

The word is though that the BlackBerry Messenger offerings for iOS and Android could be stripped down version enabling users to contact anyone with a smartphone that uses BlackBerry Messenger, but may not be able to share video, location and images.

So what do our iOS and Android users think about this idea, would you use BlackBerry Messenger on your smartphone if this were to become a reality?

The Life Changing Apple iPad In One Year: Video

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:35 AM PST

During the Apple iPad 2 launch event yesterday Apple showed a video of one year of the Apple iPad, and now we have that video footage for your viewing pleasure below, which seems to be a kind of way of saying goodbye iPad hello iPad 2.

The One Year of the Apple iPad video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at 9to5 Mac and by way of Apple’s YouTube page and lasts almost six minutes and delivers words and wisdom from Apple people such as Phil Schiller, and Ron Johnson.

Basically the video is a look back at what the Apple iPad has brought to the world, slapping the iOS tablet on the back for being such a magical device and changing everyone’s life for the better…yes folks get those tissues out.

The blurb on the YouTube page says…” There’s never been anything like iPad. It changes the way students learn and teachers teach. It transforms how businesses do business. It helps doctors take better care of patients. And it’s a whole new way to see the world.”

Thus the mantel of greatness now passes from the Apple iPad over to its successor the Apple iPad 2, which in turn will eventually fade into the shadows when replaced by the iPad 3. Check out the video below and shed a tear for the passing of the iPad 1…shucks it’s like saying bye to an old friend…enjoy.

Apple iPad 2 Has Much Bigger Battery

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:00 AM PST

More info on that shiny new iOS tablet from the Apple tree, this time about the Apple iPad 2 battery, which apparently is considerably larger than the battery in their first tablet the Apple iPad, but still delivers the same 10 hours of life.

According to an article over on Daily iPhone Blog some guy on Twitter (so no idea who the source is) came up with the image and figures which show the Apple iPad 2 is 49 percent battery and 51 percent electronics, which is a 1.8 increase in battery size.

The guys over at 9to5 Mac agree, saying that the iPad 2 is more than half battery. So if the battery in the new iOS tablet is that much bigger then why does the device still only deliver the same battery life as the original Apple tablet?

Perhaps it has something to do with the Apple iPad 2′s dual-core A5 processor eating up all that extra battery life, anyone else have any suggestions?

iPhone Users Not Quickly Defecting to Verizon Says AT&T Boss

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:35 AM PST

When the Verizon iPhone was just a hope on the horizon many presumed that AT&T customers would defect to the Big Red once the mythical CDMA iPhone became a reality, well the Verizon iPhone exists and apparently AT&T aren’t worried about the rate of defection.

In fact according to the Boy Genius Report by way of the Wall Street Journal, Ralph de la Vega, AT&T’s top guy says that iPhone users are not defecting to Verizon any faster than expected, and goes on to state…

"We haven't seen any surprises, and everything is pretty much within our expectations." However, apparently the AT&T boss wouldn’t offer any figures on just how many iPhone users the carrier had lost to the Verizon iPhone.

Apparently Wells Fargo analysts earlier in the week stated that AT&T is expected to roughly 150,000 contact customers in Q1 of 2011, a figure that was down some 225,000 originally forecast.

So perhaps the uptake of the Verizon iPhone hasn’t been as big as expected, so does that mean that Verizon hasn’t done as well as they expected with the arrival of the CDMA iPhone 4?

Hot iPad 2 Cases via Proporta: Pre-order Now

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:20 AM PST

The Apple iPad 2 was a sensation last night and Steve Jobs announcement went very well, well new iPad 2 cases are being developed for the tablet and Proporta have some amazing new ones on the way and are now ready for pre-order.

Proporta have now put together renderings for iPad cases for the new iPad 2 and prices are £19.95 to £59.95, there will be 15 cases in total and two new Advanced Screen Protectors. Brighton based Proporta has sent us a couple of new iPhone 4 cases to review (Reviews Coming Soon) and hopefully after these reviews are done we will be sent a couple of these stunning iPad 2 cases, we will be getting the Apple iPad 2 soon as it is released in the UK (March 25).

All the cases will start shipping in four weeks time, please do head on over to this Proporta dedicated page where you can see these new iPad 2 products. Check out a few of these below.

Guy Monson, Co-Founder and Director of Proporta said, “It’s great to see magnets being used in the new iPad to switch the device on and off. Proporta will certainly be making use of that functionality in our new line-up of cases and accessories. I know we’ll also be working with our partners in the fashion industry to make sure our accessories stand out from the crowd.”

The range includes two styles of Proporta’s unique Aluminium Lined Leather Case, an eco-friendly Proporta Smart Recycled Leather Case, two exclusive Mizu flexible TPU shells, five fashion-focused cases from the Proporta Shine collection and a distinctive Maya II pouch range. Two Leather Sleeves, Profile Hard Shells, Leather Style Cases and a Black Leather Case complete Proporta's Apple iPad 2 protective case offering. In addition, Proporta has announced two crystal clear screen protectors: an outstanding Advanced Screen Protector and (another Proporta first) the Antibacterial Screen Protector with Steritouch, which will kill 99% of all known germs.

Aluminium Lined Leather Case for the iPad 2 £59.95
Part of the flagship Aluminium Lined range, which is exclusive to Proporta, it is made from the finest leather that is reinforced using lightweight aircraft grade aluminium. This provides excellent protection without adding weight or bulk to your iPad 2. Features include a notepad (for any old-school types) and an integrated, multi-position stand feature. Options available are black with a pinstripe interior or brown with a tartan interior.

Recycled Leather iPad 2 Case £39.95
Proporta has pioneered the use of recycled leather in protective cases in their Proporta Smart range. Now the legacy lives on by using this innovative, hardwearing material in a case with stand for the new iPad 2.

Mizu Flexible TPU Shell for the iPad 2 £24.95
The Mizu Shell is made from flexible TPU (a bit like hard silicone) and will fit your Apple iPod 2 like a glove, so it provides you with a high level of protection. Choose between red or black versions.

Real Leather Case for the iPad 2 £39.95
A classic, black leather, protective case for the iPad 2 with a built-in stand for easy operation and media viewing.

Shine High Gloss Case for the iPad 2 £39.95
This includes two very distinctive women's protective cases for the iPad 2, with a stand feature and room for business cards. Both cases have a high gloss exterior with patterned interior, the black version has a zebra print lining, and the red one features a beautiful floral interior.

Maya II Case £19.95
Available in three colours, black, pink and white, the Maya II cases all feature Proporta's unique Maya asymmetric lined detailing, which is what makes the Maya range stand out from the crowd.

Real Leather Sleeve for the iPad 2 £34.95
A smart and simple leather protective sleeve for the new iPad 2. The case is available in two colours, black with a pin stripe interior and brown with a tartan lining.

Leather Style Cases for the iPad 2 £34.95
Made from a hardwearing PU, both of these cases have a luxury leather look and feel. Available in brown or black.

Advanced Screen Protectors for the iPad 2 £14.95
Proporta has produced two varieties of Advanced Screen Protector for the new Apple iPad 2. Both feature crystal clear protection for your screen and one has an Antibacterial coating from Steritouch, which kills 99% of all known germs, including e-coli and salmonella.

Go to the Proporta PRE-ORDER page now and check out the above cases and screen protectors; we would love to know what you think. Comments most welcome. Check out a few images below

Please do visit Proporta.com as they have some amazing products, just a reminder that we will be posting hands-on reviews of two iPhone cases Proporta sent to us within a week or so.

THE IMAGES:

Apple iPad 2 Compared to iPad: Video

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:11 AM PST

Well as with all things tech when a new release of an old tech comes about one simply has to compare the new version with the older model, it’s the way of the tech world. Thus we have a quick comparison video for your viewing pleasure below of the new Apple iPad 2 up against the old iOS tablet.

The Apple iPad 2 versus the Apple iPad comparison footage comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Daily iPhone Blog and by way of the Shiny Media YouTube page and delivers a 33 second size comparison between the Apple tablets.

In the video footage you can see just how super slim the new Apple iPad 2 is compared to its predecessor, apparently the Apple iPad 2 weighs in at 601 grams and is just 8.8 millimetres thick.

Other than that there’s not a great deal to see other than the obvious excitement from the people involved in the video, so all you need do is head on down and punch that play button and check out this short size comparison between Apple’s two offerings…enjoy.

Samsung Galaxy S II Packs Tegra 2, Well Some Do

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:49 AM PST

The latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread touting smartphone out of the Samsung camp is the Samsung Galaxy S II, and previous reports have stated that the new Sammy handset would come packing Samsung’s own Exynos SoC, however apparently only some will sport that processor.

According to an article over on Slash Gear and by way of Android Community and Itporportal, NVIDIA has now confirmed that “some” Samsung Galaxy S II handset will sport the Tegra 2 System on Chip.

Apparently there’s no figures on just how many Samsung Galaxy S II units will have the Terga 2 SoC and there’s no way for the end user to know which chip the smartphone has on purchase.

The reason for the split between the two is apparently Samsung just can’t produce enough of their Exynos System on Chip to fill the demand for the Android device and thus contracted NVIDIA to deliver and unmentioned quantity of their Tegra 2 processor.

Now the big question with this is will the users actually notice the difference in performance between the two different processor smartphones, although apparently performance wise both handsets should be in line with each other.

HTC Thunderbolt Release: Samsung Infuse 4G Looks Good

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 05:35 AM PST

The HTC Thunderbolt has had no release date via Verizon or HTC and the delay seems to be going on a little longer than expected, have you ever considered the Samsung Infuse 4G.

The latest news that we have reported is that the HTC Thunderbolt has seen loads of speculated release dates, like February 24, then the 28th, Now it could be anywhere between March 4 and March 10. We will obviously bring you the updates as soon as they come in.

All those out there that want the HTC Thunderbolt but getting tired of waiting has you ever considered the Samsung Infuse 4G? Thanks to International Business Times they have put the two handsets side-by-side in the specifications comparison, see what you think.

The Samsung Infuse 4G will be with AT&T and we all know that the HTC Thunderbolt is for Verizon. The Thunderbolt features a 4.3-inch 480 x 800 pixel TFT capacitive touch-screen display whereas the Infuse 4G has a 4.5-inch 480 x 800 pixel Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touch-screen display. Looking good for the Infuse 4G smartphone.

On the camera side of things the HTC Thunderbolt wins here because even though both handsets come with 8-megapixel 3264×2448 pixel cameras the Thunderbolt has dual-LED flash, the Infuse 4G has LED camera flash. The Infuse video capture is 1080p and the Thunderbolt has 720p.

The Infuse 4G comes with TouchWiz 3.0 UI, accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, multi-touch input method, touch-sensitive controls, Swype text input and proximity sensor for auto turn-off. The HTC Thunderbolt comes with accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, HTC Sense 2.0 UI, proximity sensor for auto turn-off and multi-touch input.

The Samsung Infuse comes with microSD up to 32GB with no internal and the HTC Thunderbolt has 8GB storage built in (768 MB RAM) and a microSD Card slot for up to 32GB (32GB included).

The Infuse will get up to around HSDPA 14.4 Mbit/s) HSUPA 5.76 Mbit/s and the Thunderbolt will get up 3G Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps, LTE (Full Specs). AT&T plans to begin its launch of LTE service in mid 2011.

When it comes to the smartphones processors the Thunderbolt has a 1GHz Scorpion Adreno 205 GPU Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon processor and the Infuse 4G has a ARM Cortex A8 1.2 GHz processor. Both phones run on Android version 2.2 (Froyo).

The Thunderbolt will have a 1400 mAh Li-Ion battery whereas the Infuse will house the 1750 mAh battery. Both smartphones will feature A-GPS support, digital compass, organizer, voice memo-dial-commands, HTML browser, SMS threaded view, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM, 3.5mm jack, Google Search, predictive text input, YouTube, Google Maps, games, loudspeaker, Picasa integration, Google Talk and Gmail.

The HTC Thunderbolt does have SNS integration and video Skype plus a built-in kickstand. The Samsung Infuse has not had a release date as of yet but it is looking like March 10. The HTC Thunderbolt as yet to get a release date and March 4 or 10th is expected.

We also mentioned that you could download the new VZ Navigator App even though the Thunderbolt has not been released, silly really. Read more about that here.

So come on please be honest, vote for your favourite smartphone below. Will you now choose the HTC Thunderbolt with Verizon or will you opt for the AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G? VOTE NOW.

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

Bogus Support Calls Used to Hijack PCs

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 04:47 AM PST

It appears that fraudsters have turned to using bogus support calls to people in an attempt to hijack those people’s computers according to a report by the CEO of Trusteer, apparently using the likes of Microsoft to convince the end user the fraudster is genuine.

According to the CEO of Trusteer, Mickey Boodaei, they recently received a report from a Rapport user that claimed they had got a phone call from someone that claimed to be from Microsoft Windows Support and the caller was to help her due to error messages from her computer.

Apparently though the caller wasn’t from Microsoft Windows Support but tricked the customer into allowing him to gain access to the computer and proceeded to con the customer into purchasing bogus security solutions.

The bogus fraudster showed the customer a long list of viruses and transferred her to a supervisor that apparently tried to sell her a £300 security app. Fortunately the customer ended the call without handing over any personal information such as credit card details.

The Rapport customer however was worried that her computer was vulnerable to future attacks and contacted Trusteer’s help desk and they worked with the customer to ensure her PC wasn’t infected. Trusteer has recently added an awareness centre to their Rapport secure web access software, which gives info about recent scams and security alerts.

The moral of the story is I guess never trust anyone on the phone who can’t prove who they are and never part with your personal details over the phone unless you are sure the caller is genuine.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 04:36 AM PST

Just a quick bit of news for all Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 users, apparently there is a new Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for this smartphone thanks to TripNRaVeR.

Sony Ericsson according to Android Community may have dropped Android OS updates for the XPERIA X10 but xda-developers is showing that TripNRaVeR has developed the software based on the version running on the XPERIA Arc.

There is not a lot of information on this update other than the list of features are working well and not nothing really bad in the way of not working, apparently the ROM download is currently offline so that sound support can be added in.

However, as expected WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Sony Ericsson's Timescape, network and data all seem to work. For more information please visit either of the sources above.

Just another quick update, the SE Xperia Play aka PlayStation phone has been handled on video, please watch here.

Android 2.2 Froyo HTC Merge Hits FCC

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 04:21 AM PST

If you are becoming increasingly annoyed with the delay of the HTC Thunderbolt, and have decided to move on to another smartphone, perhaps the new HTC Merge might be to your liking and it looks like the HTC Merge just might make the spring release we’ve been hearing about.

According to an article over on Ubergizmo and by way of Droid-life, the Android 2.2 Froyo packing HTC Merge has hit the FCC and has a Verizon user guide in tow, so it’s pretty clear that the HTC Merge is destined for the Big Red.

The HTC Merge sports both GSM and CDMA radios, a 5 megapixel camera GPS< Bluetooth and WiFi, slide out QWERTY keyboard and a 3.8 inch touch screen, but unfortunately if you are looking to play nice on Verizon's 4G LTE network you wont be doing it with the HTC Merge.

Other than that all we need now is a confirmed release date for the HTC Merge and an inkling of how much the smartphone will cost. So any of our readers in the market for the HTC Merge once it sees the light of day?

Sprint Send Out Special CTIA 2011 Event Invites

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:53 AM PST

In just three weeks time yet another event kicks off, CTIA 2011 at the Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Florida, and apparently Sprint hasn’t been lacking in sending out invitations to their special event.

According to an article over on Android Community, Sprint has now sent out invites to publishers, which the guys say appears to be and announcement event at CTIA 2011, so has them playing the guessing game at just what Sprint could announce.

Sprint wont be the only one showing off during CTIA 2011 as in excess of 1000 companies will be showcasing their hardware, software, solutions and mobile apps. Including AT&T, Acer, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, HTC, Huawei, Jabra, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, OtterBox, Parrot, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sling Media, T-Mobile, Texas Instruments, Windows Phone, and many more, you can check out the complete list by hitting up CTIA Wireless.

The Android Community guys say that is roughly time for Sprint to announce a new device and they are hoping that some Android 2.3 Gingerbread and up devices get revealed during the event. Of course whatever goes down at CTIA 2011 we will bring you all the latest info as and when we hear it.

iTunes 10.2 Download, Features iOS 4.3 & Sharing

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:49 AM PST

Apple iTunes 10.2 update is now available for download; it has a few more features, including compatibility with iOS 4.3 and a much-improved home sharing support.

The iPad 2 was announced yesterday by Steve Jobs and will be releasing March 11 in the U.S and in the UK March 25, see prices here and a hands-on video.

The new iTunes 10.2 update now allows has compatibility with iOS 4.3 that will allow users to sync the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, there is also improved Home Sharing where you can browse and then play from iTunes libraries with Home Sharing on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.

For more information on the new iTunes download please visit here, it is also recommended you visit support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 for information on the security content of this update.

Please do let us know when you have downloaded the new update and how you got on. Your comments are very important.

Sources – 9to5Mac and MacRumors

iPad 2 UK, U.S March Release Dates and Price

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:14 AM PST

Yesterday was an eventful day and Apple really put on a good show announcing its new Apple iPad 2, Steve Jobs talked about features and what the new tablet could offer. Well we have UK and U.S release dates and prices for you.

The Apple iPad 2 U.S release will be March 11 and its prices will start from $499, the release date in the UK will be March 25 with start price at £439 for 16GB Wi-Fi and £539 for 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model.

You will be able to buy the Apple iPad 2 in either Black or White (Shame they cannot give us a white iPhone 4), the new iPad now features front and rear facing cameras and a new A5 processor chip. We will bring you full specs later on today please do come back.

For more information on the Apple iPad 2 for now please visit Apple U.S and Apple UK, we do recommend you visit our earlier article here and check out the hands-on video of the iPad 2.

Will you be buying the iPad 2 or do you prefer the Motorola Xoom? Please do post all your comments in the area provided below. Thanks

Sources – TechRadar & T3
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