Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones 
If you own the LG Ally on Verizon Wireless, you’ll be pleased to know Verizon is beginning to roll out a new OTA software update. Unfortunately, the software update isn’t Android 2.2, but it does offer several improvements and enhancements to the Android smartphone. The software update is dubbed VS740ZV8 and it will probably take at least a week before every handset receives the update. With that being said, let’s check out the improvements and enhancements of the latest update. Improvements:
+ Increased QWERTY keyboard operability.
+ Streamlined alert functions.
+ Improved usability with alert sounds for authentication or confirmation of Bluetooth® functions.
+ Increased speed and response time for Messaging and Camera applications. Enhancements:
+ Manage your schedule with preloaded Corporate Calendar application.
+ Improved Amazon MP3 application.
+ Preloaded Backup Assistant application is now available.
+ Enjoy an enhanced preloaded Visual Voicemail application.
+ Sync Facebook™ contacts with a new preloaded application.
If your LG Ally is plagued by any of these problems, hopefully the update will clear it up. At the very least it’s nice to see Verizon pushing out an update for one of its mid-range devices. Typically, handsets will notify you when there is an update available, but sometimes navigating to System Updates will update the device faster. Here’s how to access System Updates: Menu -> Settings -> About phone -> System updates. Read [Verizon] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Computers, Netbooks On July 14, we reported T-Mobile USA was planning to introduce HSPA+ speeds in 19 additional markets. Today, T-Mobile USA announced the roll out is completed and the giant cell phone carrier now serves 85 million Americans. In fact, T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G service is now available in over 50 major cities across America and it plans on launching its HSPA+ service in 100 major markets by year’s end. If T-Mobile can roll out its service to 100 different markets, over 185 million Americans would have 4G coverage. In addition, over 16 current 3G capable devices including the Samsung Vibrant can access the enhanced HSPA+ speeds. T-Mobile USA plans to launch a smartphone specifically designed for use on the HSPA+ network in the coming weeks. The webConnect Rocket 2.0 USB Laptop Stick is officially available today through T-Mobile retail stores. One of the main features of the webConnect Rocket 2.0 is its unique swivel form factor. In addition, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 launches today, which is T-Mobile’s first netbook that takes advantage of HSPA+ speeds. The full press release can be read below: Via [BusinessWire] BELLEVUE, Wash.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced the continued expansion of its super-fast mobile broadband network to more than 85 million Americans—the most pervasive network to offer 4G speeds1 in the country. T-Mobile® is on track to deliver HSPA+ speeds in 100 major metropolitan areas with backhaul in place, covering 185 million people in the U.S. by the end of this year. "T-Mobile's HSPA+ network now offers 4G speeds to more people than any other wireless network in the country"
Now HSPA+ network service is available in nearly 50 major metropolitan areas across the country, with the newest additions including Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Waco, Texas; Baltimore, Md.; Baton Rouge and Lafayette, La.; Birmingham, Ala.; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville, Fla.; Greenville, S.C.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Indianapolis, Ind.; Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Portland, Ore.; and Wichita, Kan. In addition, T-Mobile has expanded coverage in cities in previously announced metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. 4G speeds are now available for customers in Alexandria, McLean and Reston, Va.; Anaheim, Burbank, Glendale, Irvine, Long Beach, and Ontario, CA; Annapolis, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Md.; and Asheville and Hickory, N.C. In addition, 16 of T-Mobile's current 3G devices, including more than a dozen smartphones,2 can benefit from enhanced speeds when they're on the super-fast HSPA+ network in all of these major metropolitan areas, including the newest smartphone available from T-Mobile—the Samsung Vibrant. And later this summer, T-Mobile will unveil its first HSPA+-capable smartphone. More details will be available in the coming weeks. "T-Mobile's HSPA+ network now offers 4G speeds to more people than any other wireless network in the country," said Neville Ray, chief network officer for T-Mobile USA. "The aggressive pace of our HSPA+ network rollout means our customers can enjoy a better mobile broadband experience on more devices in more places today—but we're not done yet. Our first HSPA+ smartphone is coming soon and our footprint will double between now and the end of the year." Complementing the network expansion is wider availability of the T-Mobile® webConnect® broadband products in T-Mobile retail stores in all HSPA+ areas including the webConnect Rocket™ USB Laptop Stick, the first HSPA+-capable device from a national U.S. wireless carrier and the Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 with T-Mobile webConnect, T-Mobile's first netbook. Also beginning today, T-Mobile is introducing the webConnect Rocket 2.0 USB Laptop Stick, an updated form factor of its first HSPA+-capable device. Featuring a new rotating swivel USB form factor, the webConnect Rocket 2.0 is designed to deliver the same home broadband experience on the go as its predecessor, so customers can surf the Web, download large files or watch video from a laptop anytime on-the-go with a blazing-fast connection. The webConnect Rocket 2.0 enables customers to take full advantage of T-Mobile's HSPA+ network in areas where the service is available—delivering 4G speeds. T-Mobile network service is currently available in the following major metropolitan areas: Albany, N.Y.; Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Baton Rouge, La.; Birmingham, Ala.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Charleston, S.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, OH; Dallas/Ft. Worth; Dayton, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; Fayetteville, N.C.; Ft Lauderdale, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Hartford, Conn.; Honolulu; Houston; Indianapolis; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Minneapolis, Minn.; New Orleans, La.; New York; Oklahoma City; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Portland, Ore.; Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Antonio; Seattle; St. Louis, Mo; Syracuse, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; Waco, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Wichita, Kan. The HSPA+ network expansion is on track to reach 100 metro areas by year end. For more information, please visit http://t-mobile-coverage.t-mobile.com/coverage.
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers The successor to the Samsung Intensity should be available sometime soon. According to a tip received by BGR, the Samsung Intensity II has already reached Best Buy stores, priced and everything. Unfortunately, the tipster didn’t have an official launch date. The Samsung Intensity II features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 2MP camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and is available in blue. In terms of pricing, on a two-year contract the phone is available for only $1.00. However, if you opt to go without a contract, the phone will cost you $249.99. The Intensity II seems to be marketed towards young teenagers who like QWERTY keyboards for quick messaging. Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones 
At the Apple event last Friday, Steve Jobs announced the iPhone 4 would be available in 17 additional countries by July 30. Right on cue, Telus will begin selling the iPhone 4 in Canada, but prices and plans are not yet available. Telus launched a special registration page for the iPhone 4 and it will email important information regarding pricing as soon as it becomes available to those who sign up. If you live in Canada and plan on purchasing the iPhone 4, it would be a good idea to register as soon as possible. Perhaps think about a case as well unless you want to face reception issues. Via [Telus] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Websites, Google 
Earlier today, we reported sales of the Nexus One would end by the end of July, however, it looks like the end happened sooner than most people suspected. If you navigate to Google.com/phone, you will be greeted with a message saying sales have ended. The text reads: Sorry, folks… The Nexus One is no longer available for purchase directly from Google. For more information on how to purchase the Nexus One, check out our help center.
If you still want the N1, Vodafone in Europe and KT in Korea will still be selling Google’s smartphone. For registered developers, Google will have extra Nexus One devices in stock available at a later date. Hopefully you were able to grab an N1 during its final phase of sale. Read [Google] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Headphones, Reviews, Features Last week I received a pair of Marvel Comics headphones, which arrived arrived courtesy of Coloud. That means I not only had a chance to check out a new set of headphones, but I also have a set to giveaway to one lucky reader. But before we dive into the giveaway, lets cover some of the details on the headphones, including my thoughts. My thoughts The Marvel Comics line of headphones are available in a few varieties, you can choose from the Hulk, Iron Man, Punisher, Wolverine and X-Men Retro. They are all priced the same—at $39.95. So basically we are looking at a $40 set of headphones—and quite honestly I never really expect super high quality in headphones at that price. Thankfully that is where I was surprised though, and the Marvel Comics headphones surprised me on a few levels. First, they sound really good. But perhaps more important is that they are comfortable to wear, they are well made and have an awesome design. Well, that last one did not surprise me as I sort of knew what to expect there. As for use, granted I have only spent a few days playing, or more specifically a few hours listening, but can say that I will be sad to see these leave. I will expand on that a little bit by saying that the ear pieces swivel which helps get a nicer fit, the cord is a decent size but its also fairly thick which means you should have less to worry about in terms of cord damage, they are easily adjustable and the top headband is nicely made. Oh and, getting back to that comfort, that comes in part due to the nicely padded ear pieces. The headphones all vary in color and style by character. The model that I have here is the Punisher, which is black with the Punisher logo on the earpieces and the word “Punisher” written across the top of the headband. The bottom line Fun headphones at a nice price. I would not hesitate to recommend, of course I would suggest being a comic fan. That said, I am pretty sure this review just cost me $40 as I was looking for a new set of headphones and these seem to have meet my needs. So in short, what better way to recommend than be willing to spend my own money. The giveaway Short and sweet. The contest is open as of this posting and will run through Sunday July 25, 2010 at 12 noon EST. In order to enter you have to do one thing—send an email to robert (at) gadgetell (dot) com with the subject line of Coloud Marvel Headphone Giveaway. After the contest ends I will pick one person at random and then ship out the headphones. Product [Marvel Comics Headphones from Coloud] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Sprint announced the upcoming availability of the Motorola i1 smartphone the other day and those hoping to pick up the handset will be able to do so as of July 25th. Well, for those who may not want to wait—the Motorola i1 is currently available with Boost Mobile. As for pricing and availability—the Motorola i1 will set you back $299.99, but the good news there is that comes contract free. Otherwise, the handset is available in-store only at this time. In terms of features you will find goodies such as Motoblur, support for Boost walkie-talkie as well as a 3.1 inch display, 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Stereo Bluetooth. Of course you will also have the Google goodies including Gmail, Google Talk and Google Maps as well as access the to Android Market. All said and done there is really only one issue here—the version of Android. The Motorola i1 is launching with Android 1.5 and that means you will not have access to some of the nice apps including Navigation with turn-by-turn directions. Otherwise, $299.99 contract free sounds pretty decent. Product [Boost Mobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile 
I swear it seems everyday there is a new leak, new rumor, or new tip regarding the Motorola Droid 2. Motorola has a terrible track record of keeping its phones under wraps, especially with the Motorola Droid X. For example, just yesterday we saw a picture of the Droid 2 confirming it will operate on Android 2.2 out of the box. This is great news because every Android smartphone owner can’t wait until their respective manufacturer rolls out Android 2.2. Today, it seems the Motorola Droid 2 might launch on August 12, which is eleven days earlier than the rumored release date. Engadget is citing “trusted source” that Verizon will run a soft launch initially and when the media campaign begins to run on all cylinders, the Droid 2 will fully launch on August 23. In addition, there is a possibility Verizon and Motorola will market a special edition Droid 2 which would feature R2-D2 on the back. Well folks, I would be prepared by August 12 for a possible Droid 2 launch and I believe the latest date for a launch will be August 23. Hopefully we will see something official from Verizon/Motorola in the coming days. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Online Music/Video SugarSync has announced an updated version of their BlackBerry app. This update brings the app up to version 1.5 and along with a new number comes support for streaming music files from the cloud to your BlackBerry. “With the new version, people may stream non-DRM protected music - synced from their computers to the cloud – directly to their BlackBerry handheld device, and save local storage for favorite tunes, photos, videos, and more. The built-in music player enables people to play full sets, not just single songs.”
And while the streaming support was the big addition in this update, there was also support for email auto-complete added. As is stands the SugarSync app is available as a free download and can be found in the BlackBerry App World. In terms of the SugarSync account, you can go free and get 2GB of storage or up that to 30GB for $4.99 per month. Read [Business Wire] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile 
Two of the four expected Samsung Galaxy S smartphones have already launched in the form of the Samsung Vibrant (on T-Mobile) and the Samsung Captivate (on AT&T). No official word has been announced about the availability of Sprint’s Epic 4G and Verizon’s Fascinate, the last two Galaxy S variants. However, it looks like the Epic 4G’s launch date could be announced shortly because the 4G device just passed through the FCC. While we cannot confirm for sure it was the Epic 4G, but the device that did pass through the FCC under Sprint does CDMA, EVDO, WiMax, and WLAN. Therefore, this device is almost definitely the Epic 4G unless Sprint’s going to pull a fast one on us and launch another 4G device. With all the delays surrounding the HTC EVO 4G, I’m sure Sprint customers can’t wait for another 4G enabled device to launch. Via [FCC] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Mobile It looks like Verizon may make the move to a capped data plan sooner than most folks think. Engadget received a tip saying Verizon will announced a tiered data plan starting July 29, which is just a little over a week away. We saw AT&T make the same move only a few months ago, and Verizon tends to do the same as AT&T because the are close competition. The tipster did not provide any details as to pricing, but it would reasonable to expect pricing to match AT&T’s data plan. For 2GB of data monthly, AT&T charges $25 and $15 for 200MB. The truth of the matter is there are a small amount of users who use a lot of data a month and this puts tremendous strain on cell networks. While it makes sense for Verizon to switch to a tiered data plan, this certainly comes as a disappointment for users who typically use a lot of data. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Google has recently released another breakdown showing which versions of Android are accounting for which percentage. In short, we are still seeing a decent amount of people using three versions of Android. Of course, at present there are four in total and one appears to be the clear winner at the moment. As for the winner—Android 2.1 (Eclair) with 55.5%. Otherwise, the remaining three have come in at Android 1.5 (Cupcake) with 18.9%, Android 1.6 (Donut) with 22.1% and Android 2.2 (Froyo) with 3.3%. Read [Android Developers] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile 
Just yesterday, we reported that several Motorola Droid X users were experiencing problems on their 4.3 inch LCD screen. Essentially, the screen would show weird flickering and banding, definitely a cause for alarm because a bad screen practically ruins a device. With that being said, Verizon quickly responded to the situation with a statement saying only a small number of owners are experiencing such problems and Motorola has fixed any faulty devices. Production will continue as scheduled, but Verizon requests that any customer facing screen issues report the problem to Verizon Wireless or Motorola. The complete statement can be read below: “Verizon Wireless and Motorola are aware of a very small number of DROID X units that have experienced a flickering or banding display. Motorola has resolved the issue and is continuing to ship the phones. Any consumer who experiences a flickering or banding display should contact a Motorola customer support center or Verizon Wireless.”
As long as Motorola doesn’t schedule a press conference explaining how every smartphone experiences screen problems from time to time, I don’t think the Droid X will be hurt by this. It’s nice to see Verizon handle the problem immediately and effectively. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Home Audio, Video, Accessories, Video Providers How cool would it be to listen to your entire iTunes music collection away from the computer? With MP3tunes and Roku, you can now listen to your entire music library from the comforts of your living room, or wherever your TV with a Roku set-top box is located. Roku and MP3tunes signed a deal today allowing Roku to launch a special MP3tunes channel that syncs with your Locker containing music. If you already own a Roku device, then setting up your Locker filled with your iTunes music collection will be really easy. All Roku customers can take advantage of 10GB of free storage space in your personal Locker. Simply upload your database of music and you can begin streaming it from your TV that’s hooked up with Roku. After setting up your Locker account, you can install the free MP3tunes channel on your Roku device. In case you need more than 10GB of space, MP3tunes offers storage solutions all the way up to 200GB, except those Locker accounts will cost money. MP3tunes also works on any device that can access the Internet such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android smartphones. Read [MP3tunes News] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile  Google announced a few days back that they were currently working with the final shipment of the Nexus One. In other words, if you want a new Nexus One then you need to make a purchase sooner as opposed to later. That said, at that time all we knew was that Google had received its last shipment, but more recently;
“A Google spokeswoman told The Times on Tuesday that the Mountain View, Calif., company expects to sell out of its remaining supply by the end of the month but wouldn’t say how many units it received.”
Read [LA Times] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Communications, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, ebooks 
Looking to enter the ereader/tablet market in the United States, Sharp announced two different ereader models that will be available sometime later this year. The smaller and probably cheaper device boasts a 5.5 inch LCD touch screen, while the larger and high-end device sports a 10.8 inch LCD touch screen. In addition to being an ereader, both devices are capable of playing music and videos, while browsing the web at 3G speeds. Hoping to compete with the iPad in America, Sharp has teamed up with Verizon in order to launch the ereaders with 3G enabled. The two devices will use Sharp’s XMDF which is its native method of eBook delivery service and it combines audio and video. No word on pricing or exact availability at this time. Read [Impress] Via [Electronista] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 More Recent Articles | |
No comments:
Post a Comment