Saturday, March 19, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Sprint HTC Arrive WP7 Review Videos: Worth It or Not

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:16 AM PDT

As you may be aware the Windows Phone 7 platform is set to hit the Sprint network with the arrival of the CDMA HTC Arrive smartphone expected to become available on Sprint as of the 20th of this month, and just so you can check out the HTC Arrive we have a two-part video review for your consideration below.

The HTC Arrive review videos come our way courtesy of Arron Baker over at Phone Dog, and combined the video review lasts nearly twenty-four minutes, but it the HTC Arrive worth getting?

The Sprint HTC Arrive is Sprint’s first Windows Phone 7 smartphone and comes with a slide out QWERTY keyboard, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 3.6-inch touch screen, 5 megapixel camera with 720p video, and most importantly comes sporting Microsoft’s NoDo copy and paste update.

The HTC Arrive Windows Phone 7 handset will be available on Sprint as of the 20th March can commands a price tag of $199.99 on a 2-year contract, but is the device worth 200 of your bucks? Find out by hitting the play buttons below…enjoy.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard iOS App Released

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 08:39 AM PDT

For all the iOS gamers out there that loves a bit of Rainbow Six action, Gameloft has now release Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard app for iOS devices to the App Store, and is the first time this mobile game has become available for the iPhone an iPod Touch.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard app is a new first person shooter that enables the gamer to lead an elite team of troops as a global terrorist organization places the world balance at threat.

With Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard app for iOS devices the Rainbow Six unit now has three new members, each one with their own unique abilities such as stealth, demolition and recon. The user can invite up to 2 friends in local or online co-op modes or go head to head in the up to 10 players multiplayer mode.

We have a gameplay video of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard for the iPhone for your viewing consideration below courtesy of the Gameloft YouTube page and delivers a minute and a half of Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard action.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard for the iPhone and iPod Touch can be yours for $6.99 by hitting up iTunes, and feel free to let us know if the iOS game lives up to its hype by posting your opinion of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard to our comments area.

Top 5 Currency Converter Apps: Exchange Rates for Mobile

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 08:09 AM PDT

Are you one of the travelling kind, those that adore to travel abroad for relaxation, work, fun, and love trying out the local delicacies or picking up that unusual souvenir? Of course the main pain with that is working out the currency conversion, but there are mobile apps that can take care of that for you.

So what we thought we’d do is bring you our pick of the top 5 currency converter mobile apps that can help you convert the exchange rate whilst on the move, 3 iOS apps and 2 Android apps, so without further ado let’s kick off…

First up we have Currency Converter! for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad, and app that is easy to use and is regularly updated with currency changes, and is a must for the traveller as this app can covert the price you are going to pay for an item.

The Currency Converter! iOS app delivers an intuitive and friendly interface with currency change being updated every time the user launches the app, and also works without Internet connection. The Currency Converter! app for iOS devices can be downloaded from iTunes at a price of just $0.99.

Next we have the Quid ★ Universal Currency Converter app, which auto-retrieves daily exchange rates for over 180 world currencies, and the user can add more currencies if needed although they would need to manually enter exchange rates.

The Quid ★ Universal Currency Converter app for iOS devices always performs currency conversion both ways, calculates as the user types, live currency exchanges in currency list along with history of past conversions. The Quid ★ Universal Currency Converter app is available from iTunes for $0.99.

Or how about The Currency Converter app for the Apple iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone, an app that delivers updated currency conversion on all commonly used currencies and features an easy to use interface.

The Currency Converter app enables the user to choose their base currency and add currencies that interest them and enables the viewing of all currencies in a single view. User preferred currencies can be added, re-ordered or removed as and when needed. The Currency Converter app costs just $0.99 from iTunes.

If you own an Android device you might like the Exchange Rates app for Android devices, which is a travel currency converter app and exchange rate tool and doesn’t include adverts.

The Exchange Rates app features an integrated calculator, multiple currency displays, every world currency; invert rates and override rate, auto-sync, currency charts and an offline mode. The Exchange Rates app is a free download from the Android Market.

Lastly we have the Currency Converter app for Android, which is a simple currency converter that converts 80 currencies, the ability to track currencies from around the globe, and easily converts the users favourite currencies.

The Currency Converter Android app enables the user to set up portfolios of currencies for easy tracking, delivers graph currency pairs over time, and delivers the latest news on each currency and also has an offline mode. The Currency Converter is again a free download available on the Android Market.

So there you have our top 5 mobile currency conversion apps for your use whilst travelling or at home, but if you use your own favourite currency converter app feel free to share with us in our comments area below.

Red Nose Day iOS App Puts Fun In Your Pocket

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 07:15 AM PDT

As most in the UK will know, today is Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day, a day for doing stuff to raise cash for worthy causes and the whole of the UK gets together to do something funny for donations to help change people’s lives and for those in need.

And if you own an iOS device you can of course download the Red Nose Day iOS app called Red Nose Day In Your Pocket, and app that will enable the user to keep up with all things related to Red Nose Day.

The Red Nose Day In Your Pocket app for the iPhone iPod Touch and Apple iPad delivers a special video introduction from Demot O’Leary along with access to previous introductions from Claudia Winkleman and ex-Dr Who, David Tennant.

With the Red Nose day In Your Pocket iOS app users gain all the latest news and video clips for Red Nose Day, links to exclusive content in iTunes, access to the Red Nose Day Twitter feed, Red Nose Day countdown clock, and more.

For your viewing pleasure we have a quick promo video of Red Nose Day 2011 courtesy of the Rednoseday YouTube channel, so don't forget to check that out, and we’d love to know if any of our readers are doing something special for this year’s Red Nose Day so feel free to let us know by posting to our comments area below.

For those who wish to take advantage and join in the fun fundraising this Red Nose Day you can download the free at to your Apple iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone by hitting up iTunes.

Android Froyo Samsung Epic and Transform Update Resumes Monday 21

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 06:42 AM PDT

The long, long wait for owners of the Samsung Epic 4G and Samsung Transform smartphone to gain the Android 2.2 Froyo update just might be finally coming to an end after Samsungs last failed attempt to push out the update.

According to an article over on Android Police and by way of Android Central, documents leaked to “anonymous tipsters” reveal that the Samsung Epic 4G along with the Samsung Transform and the Samsung Galaxy Tab will receive an over-the-air update.

Apparently the Samsung Epic 4G will be updated to ECO5, which apparently is the Android 2.2 Froyo update, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the Samsung Transform will receive EB28 again Android Froyo.

However, although the over-the-air update to the Android devices is scheduled for Monday the 21st, the word is it will take something like 4 days to get the update to all devices.

So does this news of Android 2.2 Froyo coming to play on your Sammy device make you happy or are you expecting things to go wrong like before?

Motorola Xoom For Sprint gets Pictured

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 05:34 AM PDT

Earlier we posted an article based on the rumour that the Motorola Atrix 4G and Motorola Xoom tablet may be destined to play nice on Sprint’s WiMAX network, well it would appear that the Motorola Xoom is almost certainly on its way to Sprint.

According to the guys over at the Boy Genius Report, r0fl, a forum member of Sprint Users, has posted what appears to be a picture of the Android 3.0 Honeycomb Motorola Xoom brandishing the Sprint logo, so it looks like part of that earlier rumour is true at least.

The Sprint version of the Motorola Xoom should still sport the same specs found on the Verizon Motorola Xoom, although it is somewhat unclear whether the Sprint Motorola Xoom will come out to play with WiMAX support at the outset or whether it will be upgraded at a later date.

Apparently the track record of r0fl is good as he previously leaked images of the HTC EVO Shift 4G and Sprint MiFi 4082which turn out to be spot on.

So anyone contemplating picking up a Sprint Motorola Xoom once the Android tablet gets released?

Android 2.2 Froyo T-Mobile SideKick 4G Introduced on Video

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 05:13 AM PDT

If you are a fan of T-Mobile Sidekick handsets you may like the video footage we have for your viewing pleasure below, as it is an introduction into the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G smartphone with a demo of the handset’s opening mechanism.

The intro to the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Engadget and by way of the T-Mobile YouTube page and delivers an almost two minute look at the new Android device on the T-Mobile network.

Goes to show that T-Mobile doesn't want to lose that Sidekick branding although this T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is made by Samsung and comes out to play sporting the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.

Also according to Phone Scoop, they have received confirmation that the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G will support USB tethering and mobile hotspot support along with WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, 1GB storage and microSD expansion.

So all you need do now is head on down and mash that play button, any of our readers looking to pick up the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G once it is available?

Angry Birds HD Apple iPad Users Annoyed With Adverts

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 04:06 AM PDT

Apparently the Angry Birds HD iOS game for the Apple iPad received an update during the night of the 16th, which delivers a new golden egg along with 15 new levels and a new feature that has caused annoyance with Angry Birds HD users.

According to an article over on 9to5 Mac, Angry Birds HD now has adverts, but not your ordinary run-of-the-mill unobtrusive type. Apparently these new ads smack players in the face when hitting the pause screen.

Word is these ads pitch the official products and force the user to wait until such times as the advert is concluded and as such hinders resuming gamyplay as quickly as possible, and some annoyed users have voiced their annoyance in reviews on iTunes.

Here’s one such review…” This impacts the time to restart the level and continuous fade-in animation is very distracting. Now we're forced to wait until the news loads EVERY SINGLE time the game is paused before restarting. Serious players will now have to wait an extra second or so each time a level restart is required”

Another posted…"really gives you the feeling that someone lowered the quality control bar and chose to add a poorly placed… and tacky-looking… advertisement on the pause / menu screen to push Angry Birds gear."

Whilst another says they would have given a 5-star rating to the game if it weren’t for the ads…"I buy apps to get rid of ads not to get bombarded with more."

So what about our readers that use Angry Birds HD on their Apple iPad, are these adverts driving you crazy forcing you to wait? Feel free to voice your opinion to our comments area below.

Motorola Atrix 4G and Xoom Possibly Destined for Sprint

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 03:41 AM PDT

Well now it looks like there’s rumour that Motorola may be spreading their Android wings into the CDMA arena as apparently the latest rumour doing the rounds is that Sprint may possibly gain a CDMA version of the Motorola Atrix 4G and the Motorola Xoom tablet.

According to an article over on Phone Arena, apparently a “trusted tipster” has told the guys over at Android and Me, that Sprint will announce the Android 2.2 Froyo Motorola Atrix 4G along with the Android 3.0 Honeycomb Motorola Xoom next month.

Apparently the Sprint CDMA version of the Motorola Atrix 4G will also be accompanied by the laptop dock and both will be made available to Sprint customers, and both smartphone and tablet will support Sprint’s WiMAX 4G.

Apparently the source of this rumour has previously delivered accurate Sprint info, so take it as you will but with a pinch of slat for the moment until some confirmation appears.

So, if the Motorola Atrix 4G and Motorola Xoom become available via Sprint, will you be picking up one or the other to play nice on WiMAX?

Sony Ericsson Issues Statement on Crisis in Japan

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 03:20 AM PDT

Yesterday mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson issued a statement saying they are closely following the crisis in Japan and that the safety of Sony Ericsson employees, approximately 1000 including consultants at 2 offices in Tokyo remains the highest priority.

Sony Ericsson has confirmed that none of their workers have sustained injury and that their offices have received no damage through the disaster.

However, the area in northern Japan that has been affected is home to a large part of the world’s electronics industry and the current situation will obviously have an impact on Sony Ericsson business.

Sony Ericsson is in contact with their key suppliers and is identifying the possibility of relocation of component manufacturing whilst looking for other sources of supply, but the full impact will take time to assess and thus Sony Ericsson anticipates some disruption to their supply chain operations.

Sony Ericsson also says that their thoughts go out to those affected by the tragic events in Japan, and will continue to monitor the supply situation daily.

Ascendancy iOS App Updated and Price Reduced

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 03:00 AM PDT

The sci-fi strategy iOS game Ascendancy from the Logic Factory, have now updated their flagship iOS game with new content along with the game being improved based on testing and feedback from Ascendancy users.

Ascendancy for iOS devices now offers improvements such as Long Range Ship Movement that enables the gamer to deliver orders to multiple craft over multiple star systems, and a new clean interface with more flexibility and freedom.

The co-founder of Logic Factory, Todd Templeman says, “It’s all about the specs. If the platform can accommodate depth and quality, we can produce it, and customers are eager to get their hands on it.”

Other enhancements to the Ascendancy iOS app include more 3D displays on the iPhone, multitasking support, over 30 other interface touches, performance enhancements for the iPhone iPod Touch and Apple iPad, and frame rate increase.

We have a quick video demo of Ascendancy for iOS devices for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of YouTube user Espno that lasts almost 10 minutes so feel free to check it out.

Along with updating the iOS game with new content, the game has now been given a temporary price reduction and now costs $4.99/£2.99/3.99 Euros and can be c downloaded to your chosen device from iTunes.

iOS Game Cut The Rope Wins BAFTA

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 02:28 AM PDT

Well now it appears that the popular mobile game Cut the Rope has won an award, well actually Cut the Rope has won a BAFTA at the British Academy’s Game Awards and thus has become the first iPhone game to achieve such a feat.

As the iOS faithful are no doubt aware, Cut the Rope was developed by Zeptolab and is published by Chillingo, a division of Electronic Arts, and the puzzler game for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad has so far sold over 6 million copies globally.

Last Night Cut the Rope grabbed the top slot in the British Academy’s “Best Handheld Award Category” grabbing the BAFTA from challengers such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

Co-general manager of Chillingo, Chris Byatte says, "Cut the Rope has been nothing short of a phenomenon on the iOS platform and we're delighted it's been recognized by the British Academy.”

Earlier in the month Cut the Rope also was awarded best iPhone game by PocketGamer and best handheld game by the Game Developer’s Choice Awards.

Of course for any of you iOS users out there that don’t have Cut the Rope, you can download the app for just $0.99 from iTunes.

HTC Thunderbolt, iPhone 4, Droid X Speed Tests Comparison Video

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 02:01 AM PDT

So now that the HTC Thunderbolt has come out to play, just how much faster is the Android 2.2 Froyo 4G smartphone when compared to other smartphones? Well you are about to find out as we have a little speed test video footage for your viewing pleasure below.

The HTC Thunderbolt 4G LTE speed test video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Phone Arena which runs a couple of speed tests on the Verizon 4G LTE enabled handset and then compares the Thunderbolt with the Motorola Droid X and of course the iPhone 4.

As you will see in the video the HTC Thunderbolt gained download speeds between 5 and 7 mbps, but apparently reached between 10 and 12 mbps at differing times during the day. However the guys say what is puzzling is the upload speeds with the HTC Thunderbolt hitting 30 to 40 mbps.

Anyway it does appear that the HTC Thunderbolt does cream the competition in the speed test stakes, so all you need do now is head on down and check out just how much faster the HTC Thunderbolt appears to be…enjoy.

iPhone 5 NFC Contradiction

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 01:36 AM PDT

As you are probably aware, the iPhone 5 was originally rumoured to be coming out to play carrying Near Field Communication technology, then not too long ago it was reported that Apple had told UK carriers NFC wouldn’t be included in the next generation iPhone.

Well the latest word on that subject contradicts that and says the iPhone 5 will come out to play sporting NFC tech. According to an article over on 9to5 Mac by way of Business Insider, Elizabeth Woyke, a tech reporter for Forbes used her Twitter account to tweet…

“Just met with an entrepreneur who says the iPhone 5 *will* have NFC…according to his friend, who works at Apple. Huh.”

Now obviously one tweet saying a friend who works for Apple says the iPhone 5 will have NFC tech doesn’t make it so, but adds confusion to the matter, so now the debate will be, will the iPhone 5 sport NFC or wont it?

When it comes right down to it, the only people who can really clarify whether NFC will be on the iPhone 5 is Apple, and they aren’t about to say anything. But in the end would the lack of NFC with the next-gen iOS smartphone be a deal breaker? Probably not.
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