Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, ebooks  For awhile now Android fans have been wondering if the popular Kindle app would ever be made available to them. So far there an iPhone/iPod Touch version, a PC version, and a BlackBerry version, and it looks like at long last an Android version will join them. The Dell Mini 5 handheld, a sleek mini-tablet device running Android, will come with a Kindle app according to leaked promotional documents. The Mini 5, which sports a 5' 800x480 screen and 3G capability is said to be headed to AT&T. Whether that's good news remains to be seen. Given the network issues the data hungry iPhone has caused, another data hungry device may be the last thing AT&T needs. There's no release date or pricing info available yet, but stay tuned to Gadgetell for the latest!
Read [JKOntheRun] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Websites, Google We study hard, work hard, play hard, eat hard, and the list of hard goes on and on. With all the other hard in the list, do we still have the time to do other things we love and like? Do we need to surf hard too? It's a torture! Coming back from a long day and we hope to sit down in front of the computer and have a quality surfing. Sadly, the Internet is big ocean and finding quality information is like finding a needle in a haystack. With all the bliss of surfing, we would be yelling out – "Thank Google!" Why thank them you would wonder? Let me tell you why – Google Reader Play! What is Google Reader Play? It is a highly intuitive and friendly RSS reader conceived by Google Labs. It immerses the reader with a full screen filmstrip style of thumbnail surfing. It's like viewing a photo album on your computer – pointing and clicking. As you browse, you even have the option to Star things you want to read later, Like things you like the world to enjoy, and Share things with your friends and contacts! The filmstrip also enlarges and displays video embeds like YouTube. For existing users of Google Reader, you guys would have to kiss goodbye to your existing feeds. Put your dismay aside, and say hello to the content recommended by Google Reader users worldwide. It's not so bad actually, information by popular demand. Did I say intuitive earlier? Because it will not require you to perform a login (Phew! less one password to remember!), and if you use your Google account, it would point you towards information you are interested in. Just sign in and browse away. With everything seems nice, nothing is perfect. There might be an instance that you would like to view the original post, but when you revert back to the feeds, you will have to go back through the items viewed before. Needless to say, it's a service to enjoy. Read [Official Google Reader Blog] Full Story » | Written by Cheng Hung for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web Browsers  Recently, Opera announced the release of Opera Mini 5 beta for Google Android. Based on Statcounter – a web statistics firm, Opera Mini is the most popular web browser used on cell phones, as it is compatible on all key platforms. Since Opera Mini is working on a lot of cell phones, it’s time for Android to get a taste of Opera Mini.
Opera Mini 5 Beta for Android looks and feels pretty similar to Opera Mini 5 Beta on other platforms. It offers a few standard web browsing functions – speed dial, tabbed browsing, password management, and better optimization for the touch screen phones. Opera’s compression technology also helps you to save on your data charges (if you don’t subscribe to an unlimited package) by reducing data transferred by up to 90%. Ain’t that a good deal of functions to have on your phone? Read [Opera Mini] Via [Mashable] Full Story » | Written by Cheng Hung for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Broadband Cards, Mobile  T-Mobile has announced that the webConnect Rocket USB stick will be available beginning this Saturday March 14, 2010. In particular those located in the Philadelphia area may want to listen up because this modem will allow you to connect to the new and fast HSPA+ network.
The webConnect Rocket will be priced at $99.99 on a 2-year contract. As for the required webConnect plan, you can opt for either the 5GB option for $60 a month or the 200MB option for $30 a month. Sadly though as of now the HSPA+ network is limited to Philadelphia, however according to T-Mobile they have plans for “broad national deployment” before “the end of 2010.” In other words it looks like we can expect major cities around the US to get the HSPA+ green light before the end of the year. Via [Engadget] T-Mobile webConnect Rocket USB Laptop Stick When surfing the Web, downloading large files or watching video from a laptop on the go, customers in HSPA+ coverage areas will benefit from lightning-fast mobile broadband with a home broadband-like experience. Compatible with PC and Mac, customers simply plug the webConnect Rocket into their laptop and the built-in T-Mobile webConnect Manager software installs and automatically finds the best available Internet connection. Additionally, T-Mobile webConnect Manager enables customers to monitor how much data is being used and avoid overages. Starting March 14, customers can purchase the T-Mobile webConnect Rocket USB Laptop Stick for $99.99 (plus taxes and fees), with a 2-year contract and Even More webConnect data plan at select T-Mobile retail stores in Philadelphia, online at http://www.T-Mobile.com or by calling 1-800-T-Mobile. T-Mobile webConnect Service Plans T-Mobile is bringing its suite of Even More and Even More Plus plans offering both annual contract and no annual contract options to our family of webConnect products. The new pricing plans include:
· Even More webConnect data plan (two year contract):
· $59.99/mo. for 5GB per month ($0.20/MB overage)
· $29.99/mo. for 200MB per month ($0.20/MB overage)
· Even More Plus webConnect data plan (no annual contract):
· $49.99/mo. for 5GB per month ($0.20/MB overage)
· $19.99/mo. for 200MB per month ($0.20/MB overage) Unlimited nationwide T-Mobile HotSpot access is included in both plans and doesn’t count toward monthly data usage. T-Mobile 3G Network Today T-Mobile’s 3G high-speed data network is available in more than 273 U.S. cities covering more than 206 million people. HSPA 7.2 is now enabled across our entire 3G nationwide network and we’re working to put the necessary backhaul in place to support these faster speeds. While other carriers are waiting to deploy LTE, T-Mobile is the only national U.S. carrier upgrading its existing 3G network to support HSPA+, which is capable of delivering download/upload speeds that are significantly faster than T-Mobile’s standard 3G network. With three times the speed capabilities of HSPA 7.2, HSPA+ offers theoretical peak throughput speeds of 21Mbps. * T-Mobile recently became the first U.S. carrier to launch HSPA+ with a deployment in Philadelphia and is integrating HSPA+ into its 3G network now with broad national deployment planned for the end of 2010. In the coming months, we’ll be lighting up HSPA+ in major cities on both coasts. Our network upgrade efforts are well underway and we’ll share more details as the service becomes available to more customers.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile  4G and LTE technologies are just around the corner. In mid-2011 (about six months earlier than the previous announcement), Verizon claims its LTE network will be ready and phones will start releasing with LTE technology built-in. This new, faster network will allow for faster download speeds and better reception around the country. However this all comes with a price as Verizon hinting very strongly at eliminating all unlimited data plans and using a tiered system for this new techology. Carriers like Verizon will be looking to gain back all of the money that is currently funding the network and research overhaul. And it is going to show on our wireless bills. Although this technology might be a great need for mobile networks, it will definitely come at cost out of the consumers pocket. Read [Wall Street Journal ] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Hunter Clarke for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: doubleTwist is further growing up, and also adding some additional competition for iTunes. In the past six months alone we have seen doubleTwist add support for the Amazon MP3 store and also become the official sync app for T-Mobile’s Android handsets. And now the Windows version of doubleTwist has been updated yet again, which brings the version up to 2.7.0.3282. In terms of new features or additions, this latest is now offering support for podcasts. Users will be able to search, subscribe or play podcasts as well as sync them to a phone or other portable media device. In other words, doubleTwist is now a full featured podcast app in addition to being a music app. Additionally, this latest update brings some other fixes and features which includes library sorting issues, id3 tag discovery, support for networked drives, status and progress or application loading, ability to reload iTunes playlists at launch, ability to not scan iTunes for changes as well as some bug fixes. If you are a doubleTwist user on Windows go ahead with the update, and for those that have net yet checked this out—its worth a download and is currently also available for Mac. Although as of this posting the Mac version has not yet received the podcast support. Read [doubleTwist] Via [doubleTwist Community Forums] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile  webOS users that are looking for a podcast app may want to check out the recently graduated drPodder. The app comes as recently graduated because while it has been around for a little while, up until now it was limited to the homebrew community. As far as what the app will do, like most capable podcast apps today, it will allow you to download and listen or stream both audio and video podcasts. You can also choose to have your subscription list update manually or on schedule. Anyway, the App Catalog version is currently available and selling for $0.99.
Read [drPodder] Via [PreCentral] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards, Reviews, Features  The DAS Keyboard was graciously sent to me to review over the past several weeks and I must say, it is a flashback to the old keyboards we all once used. DAS Keyboard sells 3 models of their signature super-clicky keyboards: Original Professional, Model S Professional, and Model S Ultimate. However they also sell a much quieter version as well named the Model S Professional Silent edition. The unit I requested was the Model S Professional considering I was not hardcore enough to go with the blank, ultimate edition.   By first impressions, the Das keyboard is very stylish, with a piano black bezel, blue media keys, and it’s thick. Very thick. The keyboard itself weighs 2.6 lbs, and is nearly an inch thick (24mm), which caught me by surprise having spent the past several months with a very thin and light keyboard. However, the dimensions were not necessarily a bad thing considering this is a desktop keyboard and will not be leaving a desk.  Besides the very solid dimensions and weight, the keyboard sports very attractive caps, num, and scroll lock LEDs that are very well hidden when turned off. It has German made key switches that provide the very tactile feedback the DAS keyboard is known for, as well as two USB 2.0 ports on the side. To use the keyboard, it requires either a USB port or a PS/2 port. The PS/2 is actually more attractive in this situation because it saves you a USB port and it allows for full n-key rollover which is perfect for fast typers and gamers.  Just out of curiosity I took a typing test using both the DAS keyboard and a Macbook keyboard. What I discovered was that the typing speed between the two different keyboards did not change. However I found that the DAS keyboard was 10% more accurate than the Macbook keyboard on identical tests. This accuracy could save a lot of editing time on documents depending on the number of words. During the time with the DAS Keyboard I made several observations about it. First off the keyboard is way to loud to be in a room such as a bedroom, where working late might disturb a spouse or anyone else trying to sleep. I have also concluded that the keyboard is definitely not for everyone. The tactile feedback for some is great, but others prefer quiet laptop style keys. Also, the keys on this keyboard are not nearly easy to press as say laptop keys. Therefore unless you plan on taking breaks for your hands several times, this keyboard can cause fatigue in the wrists and hands if typed on for extended periods of time. If you are a person who enjoys very strong tactile feedback this keyboard is definitely for you. However, I would recommend doing a bit of recon work before spending the money on this keyboard just to make sure it is right for you. You can purchase the DAS Keyboard Model S Professional from http://daskeyboard.com. Full Story » | Written by Hunter Clarke for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile 
With Google’s threatened move out of China, Motorola was prompted to seek an alternative provider for web search and maps for it’s Android phones. Motorola has found that alternative in Bing, the ever-increasingly popular search engine owned by Microsoft. Motorola Android users in China might have an easy time forgetting that Android is a Google product. There was this gem in the press release announcing the “alliance”: “Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced a global alliance with Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT) to deploy Bing services on Motorola devices powered by Android. This new offering, launching in China on smartphones in Q1, will provide consumers a choice when using search and map functions on their Android-based devices.”
Did you catch the word “global”? Interesting. Could we see this alliance bud in other regions of the world? Google isn’t always the most popular kid on the block around the globe, but then neither is Microsoft. Could Microsoft have been at the right place at the right time? We suspect this alliance was behind Motorola’s statement about the possibility of using Windows Phone 7 in an upcoming device announced last month. Motorola needed a Google search alternative and Microsoft could use some more manufacturers using it’s mobile OS. All this sounds like a good move for Motorola, primed to be the alternative to the alternative. Read [PR Newswire] via [Engadget] Image credit: Engadget Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Desktops, Hardware, Software / Applications, Wireless, Web, Websites 
This morning, Comcast turned on the Usage Meter for broadband services for some users in the Northeast. Comcast’s 250GB data usage cap looks to be forming some teeth to go after those that bust the cap. Comcast stresses 99% of their customers come nowhere near the cap. The current data usage allowance for the Comcast High-Speed Internet service is 250GB per month. This means that the vast majority of our customers – around 99% currently – will not come close to using 250GB of data in a month, and do not need to check the usage meter.
Comcast started testing the Usage Meter last December in Portland, OR. Since then, the Usage Meter has tracked data usage, even for those in the Northeast, as I’ve got 3 full months of data in my history. The Usage Meter tracks all data pulled through the broadband connection. In my case, that is a lot of devices sharing one pipe of data. For example, in my house I’ve got 4 computers, 3 iPod touch/iPhones, and a jolly TiVo (streaming Netflix movies almost daily). Despite the computers being on almost 24/7, I am nowhere near the cap. Cue sigh of relief. One of the biggest issues for users is zeroing in on how much data they use. Comcast’s new tool puts my mind at ease and should for the majority of users out there. For those that exceed the cap, Comcast is giving you a tool to keep usage in check or at least provide grounds for them bumping you up to a higher plan or just bumping you off. Read: [Comcast] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Web, Web Browsers  Have you heard of or experienced Flash? I bet you have. Flash has been part of our Internet surfing lives ever since. Every company that owns a website is having or wanting Flash in it (Although as a web developer, Flash-based websites aren’t exactly search engine-friendly) Flash brought us to another level of web interactivity from interactive navigation/animation to video rendering. Some would say it's not life when there's no Flash.
Besides that, what about HTML? I dare to say not many have heard its name. Even though, it was the one of the pioneers of the dot com age, only people whom are tech savvy or IT-literate would know. Experienced it? Well yes, as it is the predominant markup language for web pages. Everything you see on this page is mostly structured by HTML. Recently, HTML 5 popped its head in the computing world. Many thought that HTML5’s latest video embedding support would kick Flash off its bed of laurels. Sadly, HTML5’s recent performance test done by Jan Ozer of the Streaming Learning Centre website isn’t exactly showing that. They performed numerous tests using various browsers – Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer, on both current platforms – Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac. Let's draw down the winning moments for both. HTML5 performed well in Safari on a Mac, but it was hazy with Google Chrome or Firefox. For Flash 10.1, it was rock solid on Windows, and was 58% even better than HTML 5 in Google Chrome. What was the smoking gun between the two? It was the advantage of GPU hardware acceleration. On Windows, Flash has the privilege to use it, but on a Mac, it did not have. Something that Adobe Inc. isn’t too happy about with Apple Inc. Imagine this, if Mac allows the use of GPU acceleration, Flash and HTML5 would be on par with each other. This means one less plugin to install, as HTML is standard by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), where all browsers are required to observe. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Cheng Hung for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Mobile Computers It's going to be an ugly and downright dirty battle in the personal computing arena. Computer manufacturers – Apple Inc., Hewlett Packard (HP), Dell, HTC, Fusion Garage etc. are going to pitch in around 50 types of tablet computers into the fighting pit. It will come in all shapes and sizes – Five inches, seven inches, nine inches, ten inches, dual screen, and anything that you can think of. This information is not a hoax and we kid you not. Our trusted source is from the company that is licensing its microprocessor technologies to all manufacturers – ARM. This scenario is somewhat like when ASUS revealed their EeePC. Everything was going from portability to ultra-portability and soon other manufacturers followed suit in the netbook fad. It can follow you anywhere and everywhere. The manufacturers were and are still racing toward creating the ultimate tablet computer – more powerful, slimmer, and smaller. With the announcement of Apple's iPad, it is now going to be the public enemy number one. The first wave would be a sight to be seen for sure when all the other models – knockoffs, Android devices, and some others are going against it but not among themselves. Better run to mommy as it is going to be brutal! Via [CrunchGear] Full Story » | Written by Cheng Hung for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
FROM GAMERTELL - The streaming gaming service known as OnLive has finally received a release date and price. Announced at GDC 2010, OnLive will be launching June 17, 2010 for a monthly price of $14.95 in the lower 48 states in America. Alaska and Hawaii citizens will have to sit this one out… MORE » Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
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