Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Google  Phone companies today seem to getting kind of lazy. No longer must the company make every bit of software for their device but instead, just take the time to make an SDK for the device. Then, they can just sit back and watch other people do their work for them while the reap the royalties. It is a brilliant idea, but sometimes it just seems a bit unfair.
But at least Google is finding a different way to compensate their top developers other than just giving them some of the profits made off of their applications. If you are an Android developer who has at least one app that has a 3.5 out of 5 ranking or better, and has been downloaded a minimum of 5,000 times, you are being sent a free phone! Specifically, you will get either a Droid or a Nexus One. In America, it will be random which phone you receive. If you're in Canada, the EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore, you get a Nexus One. Anywhere else… sorry but the phones aren’t certified out there apparently. But neither phone is really that bad at all. So congrats to you guys. Here is the email from Google: Due to your contribution to the success of Android Market, we would like to present you with a brand new Android device as part of our developer device seeding program. You are receiving this message because you're one of the top developers in Android Market with one or more of your applications having a 3.5 star or higher rating and more than 5,000 unique downloads. In order to receive this device, you must click through to this site, read the terms and conditions of the offer and fill out the registration form to give us your current mailing address so that we can ship your device. You will receive either a Verizon Droid by Motorola or a Nexus One. Developers with mailing addresses in the US will receive either a Droid or Nexus one, based on random distribution. Developers from Canada, EU, and the EEA states (Norway, Lichtenstein), Switzerland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore will receive a Nexus One. Developers with mailing addresses in countries not listed above will not receive a phone since these phones are not certified to be used in other countries. We hope that you will enjoy your new device and continue to build more insanely popular apps for Android!
Read [TechCrunch] Full Story » | Written by Greg Billetdeaux for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Business News, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web  In an effort to generate additional revenue, some newspapers publish all their content online but charge for membership access. Personally, I can find my news elsewhere and I wouldn’t be spending my money for a paid subscription, but that’s a separate story. The Washington Post has recently announced plans to charge for their iPhone app, even though some offer their respective apps for free and some also charge.
Yearly, the app would cost you a simple payment of $1.99, which isn’t that big a deal but it still should rake in some nice profit. I wouldn’t rule out a potential price change after the experimental year is over. And who knows, maybe the Washington Post will try to expand to other platforms such as Android. Other news outlets such as The Guardian and CNN also offer iPhone apps, but charge money. Sometimes when you are away from a television, radio, and a computer mobile news is necessary, which is why apps are definitely profitable. I don’t really have a problem with a $2 fee, but if I don’t use the app everyday there is no need to spend that money. It will be interesting to see Washington Post release their numbers and see if it is a profitable venture. Author’s Note: The above image was taken by PaidContent, but the app has since been removed. Read [PaidContent] Image Credit [PaidContent] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Peripherals, Storage It’s not surprising to see very little fanfare accompanying announcements of new thumb drives, but the Corsair Voyager GTR thumb drive that utilizes a quad-channel architecture certainly deserves a little more attention. What is a quad-channel architecture, you ask? Basically, the technology allows you to get higher data transfer speed out of your sluggish USB 2.0 ports. The Voyager GTR thumb drive boasts a data transfer speed of up to 34MB/s. Of course, a thumb drive with USB 3.0 support would easily beat that speed, but USB 3.0 drives are also a little pricier. If you’re looking for more bang for the buck, the Corsair Voyager GTR thumb drive is definitely something you should consider. It comes in three different capacities; 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. No words on pricing yet, but it should be cheaper than USB 3.0 drives. Via [HotHardware] Full Story » | Written by Cheng Hung for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Communications, Gadgets / Other, Web, Web Apps, Websites Yesterday marked the day when Zune HD users could finally access Facebook from a handy app. To the dismay of many enthusiastic Zune HD and Facebook users, the app had several bugs, most notably an inability to download and collect user data. The app has since been improved by the engineering teams of Microsoft and Facebook. Earlier today Facebook announced that the problem had been solved, and they offered this message: “Users should now be able to access the full functionality of the Facebook application for Zune HD.” Thankfully Facebook and Microsoft tackled the problem right away because Facebook is a must for many mobile users and having access to it at all times is essential for teens and adults alike. Feel free to let us know in the comments below whether your Zune app works well or if problems are still lingering. Read [Facebook] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile The Virgin Mobile experiment with post-paid customers is over. Virgin Mobile has confirmed that it will shut down its contract services on May 25, 2010, and revert back to offering only prepaid services. The closure of Virgin Mobile’s post-paid arm brings to end to a venture that’s less than two years old. Virgin began offering contracts when it acquired Korean carrier Helio in June 2008, but Virgin was then bought by Sprint the following year. It doesn’t make sense for Sprint to continue operating those post-paid contracts when it wants to focus on promoting Sprint calling plans and phones. The company has decided to keep Virgin Mobile as its prepaid option. Sprint is offering discounts to ease the transition from Virgin Mobile, though it will not be automatic. Current Virgin Mobile subscribers have the option of letting their current contract expire and moving to another carrier. Here is a statement from the company regarding the transition. No customer will be automatically migrated to Sprint's post-paid service. However, Sprint has created a special offer for our customers. Current post-paid customers are being given $50 towards the purchase of a Sprint post-paid handset with a new two-year agreement. This credit is in addition to any applicable rebates that may apply. Post-paid customers moving from Virgin Mobile to Sprint will also receive $150 off of handsets as part of Sprint's standing new customer offer. Activation fees will also be waived.
Read [MobileCrunch] Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Wireless  AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson spoke at a conference yesterday and let drop some interesting bits about the iPhone and iPad. Stephenson didn’t confirm iPhone exclusivity, other than saying it will be an important part of AT&Ts line up for “quite some time.” However, Stephenson did comment on how his network will respond to the iPad.
“I am anxious to see the customer response and usage” the CEO said. He also let loose that he doesn’t expect a lot of network usage; he believes the lower-priced WiFi version will be the bigger winner. That’s a sizable gamble that AT&T got wrong with the iPhone, it consumes far more data than AT&T anticipated (or perhaps hoped for?). As many of us grapple with the decision over going with the cheaper WiFi version or the 3G equipped, no contract version, one thing is clear: AT&T isn’t betting big on the iPad. Does that speak to an end of exclusivity or just a CEO tired of hearing about how the iPhone cripples his network in NYC and Frisco? Read [Wall Street Journal] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Web  Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has a reputation of being dismissive of what his company’s competitors do. He downplayed Android in 2008 and hasn’t been impressed by Apple’s growing market share in computer sales over the past few years.
But Ballmer isn’t afraid to admit that Google dominates the search engine wars because “they did it right first.” At the Search Engine Marketing Expo, Ballmer said in an on-stage interview that Google is top dog because it was the first company to provide a better way to search the web, while “Microsoft started later. There's a value to incumbency.” Don’t let that honesty convince you that Ballmer’s softening on his take no prisoners approach. He still believes that Bing can eventually become the number 1 search engine by providing “more relevant” results, despite Google holding 65 percent of the U.S. market for search. Bing has grown from 8.4 percent to 11.3 percent and expects to jump to 30 percent once Microsoft’s deal to supply search results for Yahoo goes into effect. “No one aims to be second,” Ballmer replied when asked about being No. 1. “I hope my kids - 30, 40, 50 years from now - they’ll still be using Bing.” Read []SeattlePI.com] Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Accessories, Content, DVD/DVR/Blu-ray, HDTV, Gadgets / Other, Household, Lifestyle 
TiVo introduced the next generation TiVo devices but also improved on their iconic peanut-shaped remote. The new remote not only maintains the classic TiVo look but features a slide out keyboard, just like a smartphone. The remote looks amazing and will be offered as an upgrade to the new TiVo DVRs. TiVo won awards for their original peanut remote control and looks to be on track for more with this QWERTY slider remote. The new remotes uses Bluetooth to communicate with the set top box for extended range and line-of-sight issues that drive us all crazy. The slide out QWERTY will make searching far faster than clicking and moving around an on-screen keyboard. The remote will be an add-on accessory and will ship later this year at an undisclosed price. The new DVRs from TiVo are built on Flash, which should make the menus snappy and fresh. The boxes aim to bring all entertainment to your TV, from cable to web to local network. Two models, capable of output up to 1080p, were introduced, the Premiere ($299) and Premiere XL ($499). The units still rely on the CableCARD slot. The Premiere can hold 45 hours of HD and the XL can hold 150 hours with THX. “It has never been this easy to get all your entertainment in one place, on the big screen, in HD, right at your fingertips. And the beauty of TiVo Premiere is that finding what to watch is just as fun as the watching the TV shows themselves. We accomplished it by using pictures and graphics to make the whole television guide experience come alive in a way that it never has before,” said TiVo’s President and CEO Tom Rogers. “TiVo Premiere is your new cable box, it’s your movie box, it’s your web box, and music box; it’s the one box that can give you access to almost anything you want, whenever you want it. We’ve taken millions of pieces of content and organized it for you in a way that makes so much sense you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.” Wondering how I ever lived without it is exactly how I feel about my first TiVo (I am on my second). It is impressive that TiVo has delivered a new device that looks capable of making users feel that way all over again. Company site: [TiVo] via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Email / IM, Smartphones, Mobile 
Yesterday, the world was abuzz with Apple’s lawsuit targeting 20 alleged patent violations by HTC. Many of these devices named in the suit run Google’s Android operating system. Google preemptively sent a statement regarding the issue, refusing to sit idly by while HTC took the punches. "We are not a party to this lawsuit. However, we stand behind our Android operating system and the partners who have helped us to develop it," said a Google spokesperson in an email. Google, it seems, is ready for the fight. Apple didn’t name Google in the suit, which is a bit odd, but many believe this suit is about one thing: smartphone war. Is Apple looking to clear the deck? If so, why wait until now to do something about it? Some devices like the G1 have finished their useful lifespan already. Is there any correlation between Google flicking the multitouch switch on the Nexus One and the filing of the suit? Was Apple waiting for a device that could match the iPhone, one that could be threat? We’ve seen the Nexus One prepping for launch on the Verizon network. A good device on a great network, that could give the iPhone some competition. We suspect Google will give a lot more than lipservice to aid HTC in this. The big guns are coming out. Read: [TechCrunch] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile We are now seeing a few images (above) of what is being reported to be an upcoming BlackBerry slider style handset. The phone is noted as being called the “Slider” original, I know. But that aside there is some confusion as to whether or not this is a current, or now dead prototype model. Of course, there was a mention of some video of the above pictured handset as well, but that has yet to surface. Basically as of now this may, or may not be the Storm 3. Personally I am hoping for the not. As far as evidence suggesting that this is not an older model, well, the buttons and trackpad seem to be up to date and modern. After all that is a touchpad and not a trackball. Other rumored specs that come along with this image include that it will be running OS 6.0. Read [BlackBerry Leaks] Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Netbooks Averatec has recently unveiled a new netbook, its the N1200 and it is being billed as the “thinnest, lightest 10-inch netbook on the market.” Given that it seems the measurements are important and the N1200 is noted as being “less than one-inch thick” and weighing in at 2.2 pounds. Other features include more of what we have become to think of as the netbook standard and include a 10-inch wide LED display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB (or optional 250GB) hard drive. Other features include Wi-Fi 802.11n and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. Additionally, the N1200 will be available with an option to have either Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Starter. Finally, you can expect to pay $329.99, $349.99 or $379.99 depending on the configuration you choose. Sadly though it looks like the only model to come with a decent battery life (up to 6-hours) is the high end model. Still, that said, the Averatec N1200 does have a nice look, at least based on the press image. Read [Business Wire] Keep reading to check out the full press release… Averatec Introduces Thinnest, Lightest 10-inch Netbook on the Market Extended Battery Models Offer Up to Six Hours Battery Life SANTA ANA, Calif., March 2, 2010 - TriGem USA today announced the Averatec N1200 Series netbook, the thinnest, lightest 10.1-inch netbook on the market today. The netbook weighs in at 2.2 pounds, measures less than one-inch thick, and offers up to six hours of battery life with the extended battery model. The N1200 will be offered in different models to match a customer’s computing needs and budget requirements, with prices ranging from $329 to $379. Three models will be offered and feature various configurations based on either the Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Starter operating systems. Extended battery models will also be available to increase battery performance from three to six hours. To achieve this design, the engineering team at TriGem incorporated materials and components typically found on more expensive ultra-slim notebooks. Cutting-edge technologies such as ultra-slim LED LCDs along with super-slim 7mm hard drives are some of the key components which enable the N1200 Series netbook to be less than one-inch thick. Magnesium-alloy casing and the use of lithium polymer battery cells help to keep the weight down to 2.2 pounds, making it the lightest in its class. “To build a leading-class netbook, you need to think about how it should be built,” said Bob Davidson, TriGem USA senior vice president. “The lines between low-cost netbooks and ultra-portable notebooks are becoming blurred and consumers are no longer satisfied with mere compact clamshell-shaped netbooks. They want all the premium styling and features found in ultra-portable notebooks but at much more affordable prices.” The new Averatec N1200 Series netbook features a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor and operating system options for either Microsoft Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Starter. For videoconferencing and video Web chat, the netbook includes a 1.3-megapixel webcam. Storage options include 160GB and 250GB hard drives and the N1200 comes standard with 1GB DDR2 memory which is expandable to 2GB of total system memory. The Averatec N1200 Series netbook is available for purchase this month at retail partners such as BestBuy.com, TigerDirect.com and OfficeMax.com. TriGem’s products are backed by a one-year limited warranty and one-year of U.S.-based technical support available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Content  Viewers of the Colbert Report and Daily Show won’t be able to watch either program on Hulu much longer. According to a post on the official Hulu.com blog, Comedy Central has decided not to renew its deal for providing on-demand options for the popular video service.
Beginning March 10, Hulu will be Comedy Central-free thanks to what seems like a money issue - or more specifically, Comedy Central’s disappointment in how much it earns from the deal with Hulu. Andy Forssell, Hulu VP of Content & Distribution, said that Hulu was “steadily increasing revenue” thanks to increased ratings, but was unable to negotiate a deal with Comedy Central to extend Hulu’s broadcast rights. Colbert Report and Daily Show clips and full episodes routinely ranked among the most popular clips on Hulu. If that kind of popularity couldn’t secure the kind of revenue to satisfy Comedy Central, what does it say for the future of other content providers working with Hulu? Will we see more networks opt to host their own online video services in order to grab a higher slice of the growing market? Hulu hopes to revisit the deal and entice Comedy Central back onto the site. Disappointed users can get their fix on TheDailyShow.com and ColbertNation.com until that time arrives. Read [Hulu] Full Story » | Written by Andrew Kameka for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards A little disappointing news for anyone that may be holding out for the Eee Keyboard from Asus—it has been delayed again. Its almost as if this will never come available, and honestly I have given up hope myself. But that said, for those that wish to continue playing along with the delay and wait game, next tentative release date is April. And according to ASUS chairman Jonney Shih, the delays are due to Asus simply trying to get it right. Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Netbooks It only makes sense that soon after Intel releases the new Atom CPUs that it would at least show off the next generation of it’s netbook, the Classmate PC. The Classmate is a netbook targeted at young children, Intel’s version of the OLPC XO. We don’t know much about the new version of the netbook, aside from the fact that it exists, but here is what we do know. The most interesting part of the Classmate PC is that it will be a tablet with a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen (up from 8.9-inches) as well as a swiveling webcam. The touchscreen is resistive as of now, but perhaps that could change by the April release date. It comes with an ebook reader application for reading PDF and ePUB files, which is nice. There’s no word on what version of the Atom it will use, though Pine Trail would make sense. It will have Wi-Fi and an optional GPS sensor, WiMAX and 3G connectivity. With the new six-cell battery the new Classmate PC will be able to run for 8.5 hours. Intel is saying we’ll see the new Classmate PC in April from OEMs. That might be the worst time to release a new netbook to some people with the iPad release presumably coming at the end of March. Although, this is aimed at children, and a netbook like the Classmate PC would make more sense to give a kid who might bang it up a bit, or accidentally drop it on occasion. As long as the touchscreen is at least responsive it might just be a better alternative to the iPad for the young and/or clumsy who might also need a physical keyboard and a webcam. Multitasking is always nice as well. Read [Electronista] and [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
FROM GAMERTELL - The Xbox 360 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction bundle is downright boring. All it comes with is the system, game, 250gb hard drive, two controllers and a headset. The system is a standard, black console and no Splinter Cell-themed extras are included.
MORE » Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
More Recent Articles | 
No comments:
Post a Comment