Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

Android Gingerbread Update for HTC Thunderbolt and EVO Coming

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:35 AM PDT

It looks like those smartphone languishing on Android 2.2 Froyo will at some point in the future be updated with Android 2.3 Gingerbread; we know this because we posted an Android Gingerbread update schedule the other day.

However, there’s a little more new on an Android 2.3 Gingerbread update concerning two smartphones, the HTC Thunderbolt and HTC EVO 4G, which according to an article over on Technobuffalo, an by way of Unwired View.

According to Unwired View a reply to a person’s inquiry over on Talk Droid, about the when Gingerbread update would be released, HTC responded with both the HTC Thunderbolt and HTC EVO 4G will receive the update before the end of June baring any major setbacks.

Here’s what the HTC reply said…” I'm happy to inform you that both the Evo and the Thunderbolt are definitely on our list to receive the 2.3 Android OS update. At this time, we don't have an exact launch date, nor are we. However, we estimate that it will be available in the second quarter of 2011 (anywhere from the beginning of April, to the end of June), assuming that there are no major setbacks. Once we have a better idea of when this update will be available for your phone, we'll be sure to announce it.”

So there it is, if you own the HTC Thunderbolt, or HTC EVO 4G look towards the end of June if not before for Android 2.3 Gingerbread to hit your smartphone.

Spider Solitaire Download: iOS iPhone App

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:19 AM PDT

For those of you out there that love the card game 'solitaire', why not try out this iOS app 'Spider Solitaire', which has a great user interface and will keep you entertained for hours.

Spider Solitaire can be played on an iPhone or iPod and comes with some great features such as, Four Spider variations — 1-suit, 2-suit, 4-suit (traditional) and Spiderette, Subtle sound effects so you can enjoy your music, plus drag and drop cards or throw them.

It also comes with, beautiful art, cool particle effects and a fun user-interface, playable cards wiggle or glow — turn off for a bigger challenge, the more the cards wiggle the better the move, game state saved when interrupted and more.
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This Spider Solitaire app is one of the most popular variations of solitaire and was written by the same person that brought us Eric’s Solitaire Sample and Eric’s Ultimate Solitaire.

The Spider Solitaire app is available via iTunes for £0.59. If you have already installed this iOS app to you Apple device, why not let us know your views in the comments box below.

HTC Sensation Promo Video Released

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:03 AM PDT

Well not only has Vodafone gone live on their website with the HTC Sensation as reported earlier, HTC has now given the UK version of the HTC Pyramid a little officialdom by releasing an official first look promo video for the device.

The HTC Sensation first look video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Daily Mobile and by way of the official HTC YouTube page, and delivers 49 seconds of getting to know the Android smartphone, which should be hitting stores packing Android Gingerbread.

No doubt you already know what specs there are available on the HTC Sensation such as its 4.3-inch QHD SLCD touch screen, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 4GB internal memory, 8GB memory card supplied, 1.2 megapixel front facing camera, 3 megapixel rear camera with LED flash.

However, just when Vodafone will put the HTC Sensation out for public purchase still remains a bit of a mystery but you can sign up to be kept up to date on the handset over at Vodafone. So all that remains is for you to mash that play button and check out the first look footage…enjoy.

Angry Birds Seasons Gets Eggciting with Easter Update

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 07:28 AM PDT

The pesky thieving green pigs are still at it and they change with the seasons as word is Angry Birds Season will be getting an Easter flavoured update in the not too distant future, enabling the gaming fans to play along at Easter time.

According to an article over on Ubergizmo by way of Eurodroid, the guys over at Pocket Gamer have the first screenshots of the updated Angry Birds Easter the next instalment of Angry Birds Seasons.

Word is green pig bashing gamers will gain 15 new Easter levels with apparently 3 extra levels via Facebook and will no doubt be filled with such things as Easter eggs and the Easter bunny along with anything else Easter associated.

Word has it that the Angry Birds Easter update should hit the iPhone App Store next week, no word on the Android version though, but no doubt Android will gain the update before Easter hits. Will you be grabbing the Easter version of Angry Birds Seasons for your device?

Bluechip BC5i Big Button Mobile Phone with Spoken Numbers

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 07:24 AM PDT

The Bluechip BC5i mobile phone has a very large keypad and number display, which is very good for those that have poor sight that comes with SOS emergency function with dedicated button on the back of the handset.

This device via mobilefun.co.uk is on sale for £29.95 it seems like a good device considering it comes with 10 number speed-dial for one-touch calling, Loud volume for better sound, Integrated FM radio with digital tuner, and it even has a torch built in so you can be safe in the dark.

Bluechip BC5i Features Include: GSM 900/1800 networks, 750mAh Li-Ion battery, Up to 200 hours standby, Up to 4 hours talktime, this handset only weighs 154 grams and includes 100 number storage plus 10 speed-dials.

When you receive the box, it will contain obviously the Bluechip BC5i mobile phone, User guide. 750mAh rechargeable battery and Micro USB charging cable.

The feature we like most about the Bluechip BC5i is that the phone comes with spoken numbers, and in that we mean when you press the buttons it will speak out the numbers. Please do let us know what you think of this handset in the commenting area provided below.

Grooveshark Android Music Download App Totally Blanked

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 06:47 AM PDT

News is coming to us that Grooveshark the music-sharing service had their Android app removed from Google and at present they are not exactly sure why, as no policies had been violated. It is not know if pressure from music industry was the actual reason.

Grooveshark is an online service that enables its users to upload songs and then share them with other users. When queried by CNET as to why the app had been taken away, a Google representative would only comment by saying "We remove apps from Android Market that violate our policies"

Now it is know that some federal lawmakers are chastising Grooveshark over what they see as a lackluster effort by the company against anti-piracy. Also, at present Google are trying to add more content to their Google TV and upcoming digital music service by courting the entertainment industry.

This isn't the first time that Grooveshark, who have a cache of more than 6 million songs have been in this position where their app has been removed from a site, as in last August the Grooveshark iOS app was removed by Apple from the App Store, after the major labels complained.

Also in 2009, Grooveshark had to agree to license the EMI catalog, after the record label brought out a copyright suit against them. According to some sources, Grooveshark is still seen as a pirate operation by other big labels.

iPhone 5 in 3D: Your Views

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 06:40 AM PDT

Earlier today we posted an article about glasses less 3D being used on the Apple iPad 2, and more and more smartphones and tablets coming out to play in the mobile space are offering 3D, but what about Apple, will they ever pick up on the 3D craze?

3D appears to be the next big thing in the mobile arena with the likes of the HTC EVO 3D, LG Optimus 3D, which is of course the HTC Thrill 4G over in the States on AT&T, and aside from 4G, 3D is beginning to take off.

As we are well aware in the past Apple has been somewhat slow in picking up on the latest technology to hit the mobile space and always seem to bring the newest tech to their iOS devices long after everyone else, you only have to look at MMS and copy and paste to realise that.

So no doubt the next generation iPhone when it hits wont have 3D ability, unless of course Apple has that under their hat and is the reason we keep hearing a later and later than expected release date for the iPhone 5, but it is doubtful.

So our question is would the iPhone faithful out there like to see the iPhone 5 come out to play packing some glasses free 3D technology so the iOS smartphone can compete with other 3D enabled devices? Feel free to share your views on an iPhone 5 in 3D to our comments area below, and vote in our poll below…many thanks.

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

Apple iPad 2 on Verizon 3G Problems Fix Coming in iOS 4.3.2

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 06:31 AM PDT

Earlier my colleague Lawrence posted an article concerning the Verizon Apple iPad 2 experiencing 3G network connection problems, apparently some Verizon users have been reporting the issue, but fear not because a solution is apparently on its way.

According to an article over on TiPb, the guys over at the Boy Genius Report say that one of their “Apple sources” has told them that iOS 4.3.2 is due release in a week or two and will have a fix for the 3G connection problems Verizon iPad 2 customers are experiencing.

Furthermore, apparently iOS 4.3.2 will also deliver a fix for FaceTime problems that some are also experiencing, along with security fixes of stuff like the Webkit vulnerabilities.

Thus hopefully all the problems should soon be corrected once Apple delivers iOS 4.3.2. Have you been experiencing these problems with your iOS device?

BlackBerry To Sponsor New Category in National Business Awards 2011

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 05:30 AM PDT

The national Business Awards along with Orange has announced that BlackBerry is to sponsor a new award category, which will be known as the BlackBerry Business Enabler of the year and will recognise a business service provider that adds value above the product or service.

UBM Awards, MD Caroline Jackson Levy, says…"We are delighted to announce that BlackBerry has partnered with the National Business Awards to sponsor the Growth Strategy of the Year Award and also to bring nationwide attention to the contribution of the UK's best business service providers through the Business Enabler of the Year accolade. This is a group that is often neglected when it comes to recognition for the crucial part they play in helping organisations to evolve, adapt and expand – we are thrilled to be working with BlackBerry to launch this new award."

BlackBerry also sponsors the Growth Strategy of the Year award, which is designed to commemorate organisations that gain outstanding sales levels; profit and market share improvement and have a robust plan of financial growth.

Finalist of the award are to be announced on July 28th with winners being awarded at the National Business Awards bash at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on November the 8th and will be attended by George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The senior director of business marketing at BlackBerry, Rory O’Neill says… “These Awards uncover the best examples of starting and growing businesses that have succeeded in spite of a challenging economic environment and increased competition. We are proud to be aligned with the Growth Strategy and Business Enabler awards and the message they send to the business community."

Verizon iPad 2 Problems with 3G Network Connection

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 05:13 AM PDT

Some iPhone 4 and iPad 2 owners that were having 3G connectivity issues with AT&T, must have thought their dreams had been answered when the devices became available via Verizon's network. However, this soon turned to heartache when the Verzion 3G data network experienced the same problems.

A few owners of the iPad 2 showed their frustration via online forums, by claiming that they had to reboot their devices in order to reconnect to the 3G network.

In an article by International Business Times, an Apple Discussions’ forum member known as Nixxon2000 indicated that when they tried to connect to the data network, the word ‘searching’ or ‘iPad’ would show in the top of the screen and that by only doing a hard reset, could they get it to work.

Austin M. another forum member noted: “I’m having a similar issue, except mine always says “roaming”. Nothing I’ve tried so far gets me to Verizon. Occasionally I’ll toggle airplane mode and 3G on/off and Verizon pops up but only for a moment them it switches back to roaming.”

Around the time when the Apple iPhone 4 was first launched with AT&T; many owners reported instances of signal-loss, which were found to have been caused by the way the phone was held (known as the "death grip"). However, this latest Verizon 3G problem is another setback that Apple could definitely do without.

What do you think, should the 3G issue rest at the feet of the network providers, or could there be an underlying issue with the Apple iPad 2?

Samsung Galaxy S 2, iPhone 4, Galaxy S Size Up Video

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 05:11 AM PDT

Now that the official UK release date for the Samsung Galaxy S 2 has been outed, we have a little comparison video footage for your viewing pleasure below of the Samsung Galaxy S 2 against the Samsung Galaxy S and the iPhone 4 comparing the devices thickness.

The comparison video comes our way courtesy the guys over at Phone Arena and compares the thickness between the two Android smartphones and the iOS handset and shows that the crown for the “thinnest smartphone” out there now falls to the Samsung Galaxy S 2.

The original Samsung Galaxy S is 9.9mm thick, Apple claimed the “thinnest smartphone” title with their iPhone 4 coming in at 9.3mm but now the Samsung Galaxy S 2 snatches that title from the Apple handset as it measures just 8.49mm thick.

However, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 does still sort the trademark hump at the lower back of the Android handset, but even then that portion equals the thickness of the iPhone 4. So all you need do now is check out the comparison footage below…enjoy.

Android Gingerbread HTC Flyer Commands Hefty Price at Carphone Warehouse

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 04:46 AM PDT

If you are in the market to pick up an Android tablet in the United Kingdom and have been thinking about snapping up the Android Gingerbread sporting HTC Flyer, it looks like you may have to dig deep into your pocket.

According to an article over on Pocket-lint, the HTC Flyer will be offered by the Carphone Warehouse and will command a higher price tag than the Apple iPad 2 and the Android 3.0 Honeycomb packing Motorola Xoom, coming in at a hefty £600.

We recently reported that the HTC Flyer tablet would also be offered by PC world and Dixons, but as yet they haven’t offered any pricing on the Android device, while the Clove does have the HTC Flyer up for pre-order at that same £600 price tag.

That 600 quid price tag seems a tad steep to me, but perhaps when other UK retailers offer the Android tablet it will get subsidised, otherwise I can’t see many handing over that price in today’s UK hard hitting economy, but I could be wrong.

As for an actual release date for the HTC Flyer, there still isn’t one other than sometime in May. So is anyone interested in picking up the Flyer at that hefty asking price?

Samsung Galaxy S 2 Official Release Date For UK

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 04:20 AM PDT

For those Android faithful in the United Kingdom who perhaps are waiting to upgrade from their Samsung Galaxy S smartphone to the new Samsung Galaxy S 2, the word is you don't have that much longer to wait.

According to an article over on Android Spin, Samsung has now gone all official with the UK release date for the Android 2.3 Gingerbread toting Samsung Galaxy S 2, and that official release date is the 1st of May.

The managing director of mobile at Samsung UK and Ireland, Simon Stanford says, "From the moment it was revealed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona there has been a huge buzz about the Galaxy S II, so we're pleased to announce that it will be available for UK customers to buy from 1st May.”

I’m sure those interested in the Samsung Galaxy S 2 will already know the specs but in case you have forgotten the Android smartphone offers a 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera, 1080p video playback, 2 megapixel front facing camera, TouchWiz 4.0 UI, and of course Android Gingerbread OS.

So are any of our UK readers looking to snap up the Samsung Galaxy S 2 on May 1st when it becomes available across all major networks and retailers?

Nokia E6 Symbian Anna Smartphone Goes Official with Intro Video

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 03:36 AM PDT

Another delight for all you Nokia handset fans out there today as we have an introduction video for the new Symbian Anna sporting handset the new Nokia E6 business orientated smartphone for your viewing pleasure below.

The Nokia E6 introduction video comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Engadget and by way of the official Nokia YouTube page and lasts just over a minute but does give you a nice look at the new Symbian device.

Spec wise the Nokia E6 offers a 2.49-inch capacitive touch screen along with a physical QWERTY portrait keyboard, GPS and A-GPS, 8 megapixel full focus camera, secondary VGA camera, 720p video, FM radio, 8GB internal memory, microSD expansion up to 32GB, Flash Lite 4, and Bluetooth 3.0.

So all that remains is for you to head on down, hit that play button and check out the new Nokia E6 introduction video. The Nokia E6 should ship in Q2 in white, silver, and black, no word on pricing as yet though…enjoy.

Nokia X7 Handled on Video

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT

For all the Nokia faithful out there we have a little hands on playtime video footage for your viewing pleasure below, with the new Symbian “Anna” user interface toting Nokia X7 smartphone.

The hands on with the Nokia X7 is done by the guys over at Engadget and delivers just over three minutes of getting up close and personal with the new Symbian device that sports a 4-inch AMOLED touch screen and 8 megapixel EdoF camera.

The guys do say that the Nokia X7 sports the long overdue virtual QWERTY keyboard along with real time home screen scrolling however it’s not as smooth as on other smartphones but still preferable to older Symbian iterations, and they do say that the Nokia X7 is a pleasure to hold.

I don't want to spoilt you enjoyment of the hands on video so I’ll leave it there and let you mash that play button and check out the footage for yourself so you can make up your own mind…enjoy.
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