Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones We have a big rumor unfolding regarding Verizon today. Many Verizon stores across America are set to close early on Sunday at 4PM. On the surface, early store closings doesn’t seem to be a big deal, especially on a Sunday. However, come Monday, Verizon is poised to drop the “Wireless” portion of their name probably to make the name Verizon more pronounced in advertising campaigns, but no official word on why Verizon is dropping the Wireless. In addition, Verizon is well known for the slogan “Can you hear me now?” but rumor has it that they will be changing it to “Verizon, Rule the Air.” Again, no reasons or justifications given for the slogan change, but I would guess it has something to do with a revamped advertising campaign for the new Android handset, namely the Motorola Droid X. Verizon is also rumored to announce that they are officially not interested in the iPhone 4, nor any iPhone, and will focus on Android related smartphones. As a Verizon customer, I hate getting teased with the prospect of the iPhone on the Verizon network, so I will be happy to hear once and for all that Verizon is done with trying to get the iPhone. Of course, we will have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days but the rumor is looking pretty legit. Via [Droid-Life] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks Plastic Logic originally planned on releasing the QUE proReader back in April. That date was pushed back to June 24, which was yesterday. Those who pre-ordered the device heard nothing about the device until an ominous email appeared in their inboxes regarding the fate of the ultra-thin ebook reader. According to the email sent to those who pre-ordered the Plastic Logic QUE proReader, their pre-orders were cancelled because the company could not make the June 24 ship date. In the email, Plastic Logic said that it is “delaying the product a little bit longer,” and that the delay will result in a better product. However, the message failed to indicate another ship date. Perhaps the QUE will be ready soon, but Plastic Logic doesn’t want to commit to anything, which would be the positive side. Or, it could be that this is just the company’s way of letting the interest die down before ultimately canceling the product, which would be sad. Hopefully Plastic Logic is taking this time to make the QUE proReader cheaper than the current $800. For just over that price you can get a 64 GB iPad 3G + WiFi, which can do more than the QUE. The QUE was interesting and dare I say exciting when we saw it back at CES, but that was before Apple announced the iPad. Now it will likely be compared to Apple’s tablet whether it has similar features or not. We can only hope that Plastic Logic somehow end up shipping the QUE for those who might want a tablet-sized device that they can use outdoors, or who don’t want to be distracted by everything else the iPad offers. Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  Just yesterday we reported the tentative dates for the Motorola Droid and Motorola Droid X to receive the Android 2.2 update. I say tentative because it hasn’t been confirmed by Verizon nor Motorola. However, I can say with certainty that sometime “in the near future” the HTC EVO 4G will be boasting Android 2.2. Unfortunately not much news here, but it is good news, nonetheless, for Sprint HTC EVO 4G owners because Sprint is promising Android 2.2. Take a look at the full statement below.
As work on finalizing the software is under way, Sprint expects to launch Android 2.2 in the near future. It also will be available as an upgrade on the recently launched HTC EVO 4G.
With the Android 2.2 upgrade, customers can expect improvements to include the following benefits: updates to user interface, improved EAS Support, improved browser performance, including Flash 10x Support, voice dialing over Bluetooth and application storage on external memory.
Read [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Downloads, Web Browsers, Google  On Thursday night Google pushed out a new stable version of Google Chrome. To those who were already using it the update, version 5.0.375.86 didn’t do much aside from fix a few security issues. For those without Chrome, however, the update comes complete with Flash.
Google and Adobe promised we’d see Flash integrated into Chrome back in March, and two months later it’s here in the stable release. For those who don’t have Chrome or are installing Chrome on a new computer, it means that they don’t have to go out and install the Flash player separately. The biggest news, however, could be updating Flash. Like everything else in Google Chrome, Flash does not have to be checked for updates, or updated manually in anyway, the browser takes care of it for you. The biggest positive aspect of that feature is that there’s no longer the security issues that seem to come about when using an older version of Flash. It seems that every other day or so there’s a new exploit that someone has found in an older version of Flash (and sometimes the newer versions) that would be alleviated by automatic updates. This would also seem to mean that Chrome OS would have Flash pre-installed, which would be a nice feature to have. With that, Chrome OS would be even easier to use on the web straight out of the box. Paired with the fact that Android 2.2 will be the first mobile OS to support Flash 10.1, Google is really putting it’s weight behind Flash. It’s unclear, however, if Google wants Flash to stick around or if it just wants to make sure users have access to Flash since it is widely used. Google is heavily promoting HTML 5, which could potentially replace Flash in many instances, though isn’t fully there yet. Either way, better security with auto-updating Flash is certainly welcome. Read [TechCrunch] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones US Cellular is set to join the Android parade starting July 9 when they will launch the Samsung Acclaim. In addition to the Acclaim, US Cellular plans to launch the HTC Desire in early August with another unknown Samsung and LG phone coming in October. The Samsung Acclaim features a slideout QWERTY keyboard, 3MP camera, WiFi connectivity, and a 3.2 inch touch screen. The HTC Desire is a little more sophisticated than the Acclaim as it boasts a 3.7 inch touch screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, WiFi connectivity, and 5MP camera. No word on pricing for either of these phones just yet, but it will probably be affordable with a two year contract. In terms of the LG phone they plan to launch, it will feature “a large touch screen and slide-out, ergonomically-designed QWERTY keyboard.” All four of these phones will be pre-loaded with US Cellular’s native apps including My Contacts Backup, City ID, Tone Room Deluxe and Your Navigator Deluxe. Since these are Android phones, users can download apps from the Market as well. It’s nice to see US Cellular begin to sell Android phones, a move which should help gain new customers. Read [PR Newswire] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Haven’t caught all of the Gadgetell news this week? Here's your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles! - AT&T branded HTC Aria Android smartphone now available, priced at $129.99 on-contract
” As Shawn mentioned back on June 14th, the HTC Aria was officially announced for AT&T. Well, serving as a little reminder post—the Aria is…” MORE » - Droid X appears on Motorola’s website; Amazon starts selling Droid X accessories
” A little less than a week ago, the Motorola Droid X officially appeared on the Verizon website pictured alongside the Motorola Droid and the HTC Droid Incredible. Only a little while ago, the…” MORE » - Barnes & Noble updates Nook to version 1.4
” Barnes & Noble isn’t content with merely announcing a new WiFi-only Nook and cutting the price of the original Nook. The book store has decided to bring out a new firmware version for both…” MORE » - iPhone 4 display screen facing production issues
” The iPhone's new Retina display is experiencing production issues, leading to concerns that supply shortages could be looming. The display is touted as the best high resolution screen available today. “Low yields on the IPS LCD panel from LG Display have dramatically…” MORE » - Rumor: The Motorola Droid X will have several nice apps pre-installed
” Verizon and Motorola will be holding a special press event on June 23 in which the Motorola Droid X will be introduced alongside potential other phones. As of…” MORE » - Google working hard to make Android 2.2 available
” Ever since Android 2.2 was announced a little over a month ago at the Google I/O conference, Android users could hardly wait for it to be pushed out to the latest Android phones. There have been two…” MORE » - Latest Froyo 2.2. update gets leaked, includes bug fixes
” For those who chose to update their Nexus One to Android 2.2 are probably running Build FRF50, but today, the latest 2.2 update (Build FRF72) has been located on Google servers and has been leaked to the public. Simply download…” MORE » - Adobe drops (as in releases) mobile Flash 10.1 for Android Froyo 2.2
” Today, Adobe released Flash Mobile 10.1 to mobile platform partners. The release will be available to users when they are able to upgrade their devices to Android froyo 2.2 allowing access to the Flash world. Games, video, music and more will be available just as it is…” MORE » - Some iPhone orders are cancelling, some start shipping
” Apple and AT&T have had their share of troubles throughout the whole pre-order process. As of yesterday, there were many people claiming their iPhone order had been cancelled, either on AT&T’s end or on Apple’s end. …” MORE » - Sprint’s latest ad campaign attacks Verizon & AT&T
” For new AT&T customers, you will have to choose a different data plan as AT&T no longer offers an unlimited plan. Verizon customers may face the same fate as new AT&T customers because they are also considering…” MORE »
Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  If you want to make sure your Motorola Droid X is reserved ahead of time, Best Buy is starting the pre-order process today in all stores. From today until the launch day (July 15), Best Buy will continue taking pre-orders. Best Buy will charge $199 per phone, but they do waive the $100 MIR which is a hassle in itself in case you are prone to forgetting. Remember, you have to be eligible for an upgrade sometime between now and December 31, 2010 in order to take advantage of the $199 price.
Best Buy must be doing well since they have already sold the iPhone 4 and the Sprint HTC EVO 4G, both really popular phones - and now they will be able to sell the Droid X. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Video, Communications, Computers, Gadgets / Other, Features, Originals, Columns, Who's On Crack 
Welcome to another week of moves in the tech world that seem obviously, to us anyway, fueled by drugs. Looking out our window this week, we see the phone world
kicking it up into high gear, tablet news that just won’t go away and CEOs offering new ways to get more bars in more places. Let’s get to it: Bloggers need to get out more
RIM ships 100 millionth BlackBerry
iPad still on a freakin roll?
How to hold your phone, by Steve Jobs 
Survival vs. just kinda hanging around outside In the gadget world, there are plenty of gadgets to help you survive the elements. Theres satellite transponders, GPS tracking units, SatNav programs and tons more. So when Gadgetell’s own Hunter Clarke wrote “Planning a survival trip? The Samsung XCover offers 67 days of life” I was hooked. Only, I am not so sure the Samsung Xcover E2370 would be the phone of choice for me, if I were planing a survival trip. Yes, battery life is astounding 66.6 (if we are being honest) days of stand-by time is fantastic. But that is when survival stops. This phone has no GPS, no apps, only a WAP browser and for the moment, is only available to the Swedes. To it’s credit it is water proof. So the only kind of “survival” I see this phone handling is if you are waiting for a radio station to call your number to win something. Otherwise, pack a phone with GPS and a map to get yourself out of “survival mode” or at least a HTML browser so you can identify which kind of snake just bit you and if you should be concerned or screaming for your mommy. Just sayin. 
100 million BlackBerry users Mr. Clarke also reported on RIM, the company behind the BlackBerry, showcasing a very decent quarter. Clarke explains, “the largest smartphone manufacturer grew 24% over the same quarter last year to $4.24 billion, and grew there smartphone sales by 11.2 million. During this same time, they shipped their 100 millionth Blackberry, topping off a decent quarter.” Lower than expected profits are pushing the stock price down. A Reuters report on the same issue started with this, “Research in Motion investors want to know one thing above all when the BlackBerry maker reports quarterly results this week: when will RIM’s long-promised iPhone killer finally hit the market?” Yes, indeed, where is the iPhone killer? Wait, wasn’t that the Storm? Or the Storm 2? It definitely won’t be the slider (zzzz). What’s more, we’ve even less confidence in RIM pulling out something to rival the latest from Android or Apple than we did for Palm. Could RIM really have something brewing that would move the needle? Buried in the quarterly report is word that 2 phones will ship by August of this year - one expected to be the Slider. What is the other? The iPhone killer? Maybe even the iPhone first gen. killer? I am not sure RIM could even pull that off. 
iPad sold out in NYC Well this is embarassing. I brought my father into NYC for Father’s Day and created a diversion plan to get him inside an Apple Temple, er store and pick up the iPad he’s been peppering me with questions about for weeks. We hit the West Side store and the place has what seem to be hundreds of iPads on display, we each grab one and start playing. That’s when the good times end. Seems we can’t buy one, explains a hipster Apple employee. No one can. They are at least 6 days out, but they are happy to take our money or reserve one for us. Great. Huge let down and one week in, Apple promises more are coming in to meet demand. They can’t make enough. Our Natesh Sood reports, “With great enthusiasm, Apple issued a press release proclaiming the mighty feat of 3 million iPads sold in the United States in its first 80 days of retail.” Really? This thing that we have to struggle to find a way to justify the purchase (it’s Father’s Day and the man needs nothing - an iPad? Genius!), seems be a golden egg for Apple. Why? What are you people doing with them? I’ve read the trusted reviews from folks over at JK on the run who say it can’t replace their mobile workstations. It’s nice to have but doesn’t cut the corporate mustard, sure it’s replaced a $180 Kindle (woohoo) but to use it as a 2nd monitor on trips? That’s it? I’ve got a $500 pet rock you can do almost all of that on I’d like to sell you. So what are the crack heads doing with all these iPads? Here are my theories: - Building a giant house of cards, made of iPads
. - Playing Angry Birds in large format.
- Freaking out your Grandparents with this “magical” piece of paper.
- Using it as a lady-catcher in Starbucks.
Got any more for my list? 
Hook, line and bumper. “Hey you, yeah you. You’re holding your phone wrong, idiot.” That’s my translation of Steve Job’s response to a common user complaint on iPhone reception being disturbed by users, you know, holding the thing. Here’s how he actually said it: “Just avoid holding it that way.” Duh, with Apple devices, you should hold them with one pinky held high, much like a tea cup. $5 says in the next 24 hours there will be a “how to hold your iPhone 4” app on the market. Idiots, they’ve probably been holding the iPhone wrong since the first generation. Can we call it a design fault? Probably not (without Apple fanboy whiplash), but I’ll bet Apple is advertising for left-handed product testers. FACT: the guy who was testing the iPhone 4 had it in a case and was right-handed - no wonder Apple didn’t find this out earlier. Maybe if Apple eased up on it’s security anal-retentiveness for just a bit and lost a bunch of phones at bars (especially lefty-centric bars like the Lefty Mug. Here’s a fun fact: “4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed.” Oh-my-God, your lineage can’t even use the darn phone? Nice one guys. Seriously, the solution is not hold it different. This seems like a thinly veiled attempt by Apple to get us to buy accessories like a reception restoring Bumper. I thought it odd that Apple would push a case on stage, but it all seems to be coming clear. Apple just increased the price of the iPhone by $30, and we fell for it, hook, line and bumper. Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Networking, Security, Wireless, Features  If you’re one of the many who still don’t secure their wireless networks, let this act as a cautionary tale of why you should. Federal authorities announced that a Minnesota man has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly hacking into his neighbor’s WiFi network and using it to send threats to Vice President Joe Biden and Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty:
“This is a terrorist threat! Take this seriously. I hate the way you people are spending money you don’t have. ... I’m assigning myself to be judge jury and executioner. Since you folks have spent what you don’t have it’s time to pay the ultimate price. Time for new officials after you all are put to death by us ...”
Officials say Barry Vincent Ardolf, 45, of Blaine, Minnesota,hacked into the network, created Yahoo email accounts in his neighbor’s name and used them to send the threats. The accounts were also used to send sexually explicit emails and child porn to the neighbor’s co-workers and Ardolf also created a pornographic MySpace page. He was charged with with two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of making threats to the president and successors to the presidency, one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of distribution of child pornography. Ardolf insists he is innocent and refused a plea deal. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. Read [PCWorld] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Smartphones, Mobile 
Apple’s iPhone 4 seems to suffer from human interference when users touch the antenna that wraps around the outer edge of the device. The interference cause signal strength to reduce to very low levels. The solution may be a protective clear film produced by ZAGG called Invisible Shield. We have actually been testing that very thing today, having the same idea as you. The invisibleSHIELD has shown to solve the apparent issue, although we are planning more tests to be sure, of course
. As ZAGGs testing concludes, Gadgetell will update. Product page: [ZAGG] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, DVD/DVR/Blu-ray, HDTV, Video Providers 
Roku is working with Clearleap to develop a software update that would bring the ability for users to purchase On Demand movies from their cable company and have the charges appear on their monthly bill. The move would bring a welcome feature to the Netflix streaming box. No word if the Clearleap will help Roku boxes gain the free content cable providers offer up these days. Last year, Roku announced new models, adding HD versions to it’s store. While the boxes main focus is streaming Netflix, other services have started creeping in such as Pandora, MLB.com, NBA.com, Amazon Video and others. The boxes start at $79.99. No word on when Clearleap’s work will be done and the update will be available. Rely on Gadgetell to keep you updated. Product page: [Roku] via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, Video Providers, Web, Websites, Online Music/Video  Here we have the rumor that will not die—Hulu is planning to offer a subscription service—and guess what—it could be coming “next week.” Seriously stop me if you have heard this before—oh wait—we all have. Heck I am not even a Hulu user, nor do I normally pay attention to Hulu related news and I have not been able to miss that.
Still, my Hulu related anger aside, the latest in this Hulu subscription saga suggests that a “beta test of "Hulu Plus" could launch as early as next week.” I guess we will see how accurate this is sometime next week. And listen I have no trouble in believing a subscription option is coming, but it seems to always be coming. Via [All Things D] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Web  Some good news here for those that always wanted to buy track for their Zune with a credit card and real money as opposed to using those silly MS Points—now you can. This little tidbit was apparently buried deep down in the Bing Entertainment information that we mentioned the other day.
Anyway, it seems that users can purchase tracks by way of Bing Entertainment from the Zune catalog and pay with a real credit card. Of course, for those who like the point system, worry not because its not going anywhere. Instead users will have two options. Wow, more choice, who would have thought that was a good idea? But in the end, this news just gets slightly more confusing because it seems that you can buy tracks using a credit card from Bing Entertainment or the Zune.net MP3 store, but not directly from the Zune Marketplace. I suppose I should be thankful for even that little bit, but I’m not. Sorry Zune. Via [paid content] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile 
It looks like the not-so-shy BlackBerry Bold 9800 slider has been posing for more pictures. Of course, this is far from the first set of images that we have seen so far, but this is perhaps the most complete collection. Either way, looking at gadget pr0n aside, these latest pics are crisp and clear but also confirm that (at least this model) is both the 9800 and a World Phone. Its also noted as running BlackBerry 6 and was described as being “near-final hardware.” In other words, maybe we can stop looking at these images and get a real announcement, whether it be from RIM, AT&T or both. Via [Engadget] 
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile
Although the past weeks have been all about Apple, especially in the mobile department, Research In Motion (RIM) quietly released their released its first fiscal quarter 2011 results. And in them, there was nothing but good things. For one, the largest smartphone manufacturer grew 24% over the same quarter last year to $4.24 billion, and grew there smartphone sales by 11.2 million. During this same time, they shipped their 100 millionth Blackberry, topping off a decent quarter. Say what you want about the iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone 7 Series, but RIM is still the king of smartphones, and judging by this report, they have no interest in slowing down. But with Apple accelerating their sales, only time will be able to tell us whether Blackberry is going to hold on to the top spot. Read [RIM ] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Hunter Clarke for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones If you are in the market for a rugged phone, look no further than Samsung’s new XCover E2370. This bulky (19mm thick), waterproof, and pretty much bombproof phone will have you covered no matter what the situation. The more amazing feature of this new phone is its battery life. In stand-by mode you can expect it to last two months and 22 hours of talk time. Although I would personally never use this phone, those numbers are really refreshing to think about. 2 months, instead of 10 hours of battery life would be like a dream come true. This new phone is only available in Sweden for now although it should be visiting the rest of Europe soon. Via [Unwired View] Full Story » | Written by Hunter Clarke for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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