Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Email / IM, Smartphones, Mobile  Want a simple and yet very useful handset? Verizon and Pantech has a phone for you. It’s called the Pantech Crux. Available now from Verizon, Pantech Crux offers a simple, sleek and very affordable phone with a 3-inch touch screen display, music player, pre-installed 1GB microSD card expandable up to 32GB, virtual QWERTY keyboard, and social networking widgets that you can customize on the phone’s home screen.
The Pantech Crux is also the perfect phone if you’re the type who uses the full suite of messaging options including text, picture, video, voice, mobile IM, email and even the mobile webmail. This phone has full HTML web browsing capabilities so you’ll have up-to-date information on news, sports and weather. Other features include - support for Verizon’s Media Center, V CAST Music with Rhapsody, Bluetooth, and social networking widgets that gives you a single point for accessing your Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace accounts. And like we said, this phone very affordable. It will only set you back for $49.99 after a mail-in rebate. Of course, you’ll have to sign a two-year customer agreement to get this phone. Read [Verizon News] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Mobile  Verizon Wireless is now offering the new LG Octane, a simple and yet functional phone that will help you keep up to date with your social networking accounts. This handsome looking LG phone boasts of a full QWERTY keyboard and features Social Beat for seamlessly integrating with Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
Featuring a sleek dark brown outer case, the LG Octane also offers a microSD slot which you can load up with up to 16GB of card storage, Bluetooth 2.1, built-in music player, a decent 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, Skype capability, and support for Verizon’s V CAST Music with Rhapsody. If you’re tired of those powerful smartphones and want something simple that you can easily use for your social networking activities even while on the go, go ahead and give the LG Octane a try. It’s available from Verizon Wireless for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate plus a two-year service contract. Read [Verizon News] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Software / Applications, Gadgets / Other, ebooks  To keep it’s dominant hold on the ebook market, Amazon makes sure to launch a Kindle app for every major mobile OS. There’s currently apps for iOS, Android and BlackBerry, and coming soon there will be a Kindle app for Windows Phone 7.
The fact that there is a Kindle app for WP7 should come as no surprise, Microsoft is really pushing the platform, and Amazon is making sure it has a presence on the platform. What is a bit surprising is that the Kindle for Windows Phone 7 app will have features that aren’t available in the other apps as of yet. Kindle for Windows Phone 7 will offer book recommendations on the app’s home screen, so you can find out what sort of books Amazon thinks you’d enjoy without having to go to the Amazon website. The app will also allow users to suggest books to their friends without having to leave the app. The app isn’t available in the Marketplace yet, but you can ask Amazon to send you an email when it is ready by going to this page. With the app not available yet, there is time for other Kindle apps to add the new features first, however unlikely that may be. The other apps, unfortunately, won’t adopt the Metro-style of the WP7, so for that we’ll just have to wait. Read [Amazon] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, HDTV, Video Providers  A few weeks ago Boxee announced partnerships with a trio of services to offer a large collection of independent films to Boxee users for little to no cost. Today Boxee announced a new partnership that adds a large collection of Hollywood movies available to rent or own through Vudu.
This new partnership marks the first time users can access Vudu content on their computers. Vudu will of course also be available for use on the Boxee Box when it ships on November 10. With Vudu, Boxee users can pay to stream new releases right to their TVs. The service tends to have access to movies for streaming faster than Netflix, which is also available on Boxee. So, if you really can’t wait to watch Iron Man 2 right now, you can pay $4.99 to stream it in HD from Vudu rather than waiting for a Netflix disc. Vudu also brings what it calls “HDX” to Boxee, which is HD streaming in full 1080p and 5.1 surround sound. To make the partnership even better, Vudu is offering one free movie to any user who signs up for the service via Boxee, so you can access Iron Man 2 as soon as Vudu launches on Boxee in November without paying the $4.99. Or, you can choose from the ton of other movies available, if you hate fun. Read [Boxee Blog] and [Vudu Blog] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  T-Mobile officially announced the Motorola Defy back in mid-September, which just so happened to take place on the Oprah Winfrey Show. And while it was an interesting way to unveil a phone, we have heard little else since. In fact, T-Mobile added the handset to the device lineup on their site in the beginning of October, but even then it was nothing more than a coming soon listing. Well, flash forward till today and it looks like we now have a price, shipping date and the option to place a pre-order. The information is coming by way of online retailer Wirefly, who have it listed with a November 3rd shipping date and priced at $49.99 on a new two-year agreement. If the rugged designed Motorola Defy is the handset that has been calling your name, then hit the read link below and move forward with the ordering process. All things considered, $50 for the Defy sounds like a pretty sweet deal considering the features include a 3.7 inch display, 5 megapixel camera and Android 2.1 with MOTOBLUR. Read [Wirefly] Via [Twitter @TheAndroidSite] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  Emphasis on the word RUMOR please because that’s all there is to this news being reported by Android and Me. Actually “claim” is a more appropriate word. So let me just use it for now. The blog post on the said site is claiming that Samsung will be announcing the Nexus Two on November 8, in New York City. And this is coming from what the site claims as “multiple, trusted sources familiar with the project.” Of course said trusted source would rather remain anonymous.
This is not the first time that a rumor identifying Samsung as the next manufacturer who will produce Google Nexus Two, after HTC did the first one. A couple of days ago, CIty AM also broke the news that Google is in talks with Carphone Warehouse of UK who will be entrusted with the sole distributorship rights of Google’s next phone. In that news, Samsung was also identified as the most likely manufacturer of the said phone. Of course, earlier than these two news, we also told you that Google was not keen on releasing the Google Nexus Two. But that was in July. So, something might have come up that made the Google folks to go ahead and start working on the Google Nexus Two. Again, these are nothing but rumors. And the only factor that would probably make you believe otherwise is the fact that both rumors identify Samsung as the manufacturer of the next Google phone. Let’s see two weeks from now whether any of these rumors will come true. In the meantime, we would like to ask you - are you excited about the possibility of having the Google Nexus Two? Via [Android and Me] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Online Music/Video  Napster launched their Android app a few weeks back and while we were excited to see them come to Android, they did leave off one fairly nice feature—offline playback. Well, as it turns out they must not have forgotten entirely because an updated version of the app is now available in the Android Market and it includes the ability to download music tracks. In other words, you can download and play when you are offline, or in areas of limited connectivity. And for those not as familiar with Napster (they are a fully legal service), they offer a library of about 11 million songs and your $10 per month subscription will allow you to download and listen to as much as you want. Best of all, once you are a subscriber you can listen on your Android smartphone or your regular computer. In addition to the ability to save entire playlists for complete offline playback, the app will also download (cache) the next few tracks while you are streaming, that way you can avoid having issue during those random cellular dead spots. Read [Napster Blog] Scan the QR Code below to download the Napster app on your Android smartphone Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Email / IM  A new messaging application created by Voila, allows SMS messages to be broadcast to specific geographic locations. The service has been providing geo-specific information to help subscribers deal with issues pertinent to their location. Previously, broadcast messages went to all subscribers.
This means those in the flood-prone areas of Port-au-Prince could get messages on safe gathering points or messages about where local vaccine clinics are being held - sent to those subscribers within walking distance of the clinic. These messages are providing a lifeline to Haitians. The response rate to these messages is much improved because they are localized. The Red Cross has been using the program in Haiti for nine months, with impressive results: - A vaccination campaign launched four weeks after the earthquake was aimed at protecting 130,000 people from measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. Using the Voila SMS application, approximately 16 million text messages were targeted to Voila subscribers within range of the aid center, providing information about the service and specific times for vaccinations. As a result, more than 152,000 people received life-saving protection.
- For 8 days in March, the Red Cross targeted SMS messages to 350,000 Voila subscribers in flood prone areas of Port-au-Prince with information about small steps they could take to protect themselves such as clearing out drains to prevent flooding or signs to identify that a landslide is coming. Recipients were instructed to call *733 for more tips and advice. At the end of the campaign 37,000 people had called the hotline. The Red Cross estimates they would normally only reach 3500 people with this level of information.
- In September, when a 14-foot storm surge was predicted to hit Haiti as a result of Hurricane Igor, 50,000 text messages were sent warning subscribers specifically near the Northern coastal region, giving instructions on how to prepare or relocate. Messages were again sent letting them know when the danger had passed.
That’s impressive stuff. Read full release: [VPO] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile T-Mobile has officially announced the price and availability date for the myTouch 4G and coming just like clockwork is the pre-sale listing with Wirefly. And at risk of feeling like preaching to the choir on this one—Wirefly is selling the myTouch 4G at a lower price as compared to T-Mobile. $50 less in fact. If you head on over to Wirefly you can pre-order the device as of today and will pay $149.99. Keep in mind the handset will still ship on November 3rd, but at the same time you are not only paying $50 less than you would with T-Mobile, but the T-Mobile price comes after a $50 mail in rebate. In other words, shop with Wirefly and pay $149.99 or shop with T-Mobile and pay $249.99 and then wait for your $50 to come back in the mail. I would pick Wirefly, in fact, I have picked them in the past. Read [Wirefly] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers  Competition is good. Nowhere is the more true than in the telecommunication businsess. Today, US Cellular announced expansion of their Overage Protection program that goes beyond just getting a text message when users reached 75% of their monthly allotment. The new plan provides protection, limiting voice overages to no more than $50 for individual users and $150 for family plans.
“We’ve noticed that many consumers are frustrated with unexpected overage charges on their bills,” said Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. “We love finding new ways to delight our customers and make their lives easier. Our programs work together so our customers don’t need to worry about excessive overage charges.”
The new program, available to Belief plan subscribers, has two parts: Cap and Forgiveness. The Cap limits the overage to $50 and $150 for voice overages on individual and family plans respectively. The Forgiveness part allows subscribers to earn rewards points that can be used to mitigate overages completely. Belief plans were launched October first of this year. OK, AT&T and Verizon. how will you compete with this? Company site: [US Cellular] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile The rumors were indeed true, T-Mobile will officially launch the myTouch 4G on November 3rd. In terms of price, the myTouch 4G will set you back $199.99. And it is important to note that comes AFTER a $50.00 mail-in-rebate and along with a two-year agreement. Otherwise, the handset will be available with T-Mobile (in store and online) as well as with a variety of third party retailers including Best Buy, Costco, Radio Shack, Sam’s Club and Target. Lastly, for those in need of a reminder, the myTouch 4G is the latest in the myTouch family of Android devices and will feature a 3.8 inch display along with 5 megapixel camera, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8GB microSD card and HSPA+ connectivity. Oh, and the version of Android is 2.2 Froyo. Read [T-Mobile] and [T-Mobile on Facebook] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Netbooks, Software / Applications, Wireless  Designed for pilots, the AppStation from Big Sky Products, features a polycarbonate back coupled with a velcro strap to keep the iPad from bobbling around while in flight. iOS devices have proven to be a winner in the air for pilots replacing paper for checklists, in flight info and even back up navigation. It sells for $69.99.
The AppStation has a curved backside so it fits comfortably on your leg and provides a stable platform for tablet computing. When locked into the AppStation the iPad is canted toward the user at 15 degrees for easy reading and less glare. In all it looks like a great solution for pilots - Han Solo would have loved it. The case/holster also features a side clip for paper and a flashlight and pencil holder. Product page: [AppStation] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  We have already learned that Verizon is going to be launching the Palm Pre 2 here in the US. And we also saw the Pre 2 hit the FCC, which happened to show off both a CDMA and GSM flavored handset. Of course, here in the US, Verizon would be the one in need of CDMA and it looks like that GSM version is going to be going north of the border—to Rogers. At this point the details have not been officially announced, but after seeing the images that leaves little to deny. So far, and this is still in the rumor stage, the pricing and release date looks to be $99.99 on a 3-year agreement and November 9th. Interestingly enough, that would beat Verizon by two days. Then again, that is assuming the November 11th launch date for Verizon proves to be true. Bottom line, we are still unsure of the Palm Pre 2 release dates for either carrier. And while we would normally be happy to bring some Palm related news, these images bring a funny feeling after seeing the HP logo on the box. They sort of make us think back to the time when HP was co-branding the iPod. Granted that is not exactly the same situation as HP bought Palm, but still feels wrong nonetheless. Read [MobileSyrup] Via [webOSroundup] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web Apps, Web Browsers, Websites 
“Sometimes, it is good to be the king.” -Mel Brooks in History of the World, part 1. Today’s kings seem to be Google programmers who see half a million-dollar retention bonuses as companies compete for talent. Google has upped the ante - providing butlers for employees to take care of the smaller things in life. Their thinking seems to be make your employees happy and they’ll increase output (or at least won’t take that offer dangling from Facebook). Google has contracted a company called TaskRabbit, an online company that brokers tasks to their background-checked rabbits who will do the job. Googlers are provided with credits at the company for them to use as they wish. They simply log onto the site, add their task and a rabbit will jump to it. From make dinner to water plants, go to post office, and sweeping decks, TaskRabbit, which is available in San Francisco and Boston (with other cities coming online shortly, according to the site),finds a rabbit willing to do the small job. From the job board, it looks like there are plenty of people willing to do the small tasks most of us would like to forget about. Yay bad economy. Read: [Gawker] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other Earlier today, the computer technology company Acer announced that it will be making its way into the tablet arena on November 23rd. While not much is currently known about the upcoming tablet, Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci showed off the upcoming device which sported a physical keyboard not unlink the Kindle. The tablet will have a 7” display and will run on the Android OS. Other than that, the only other detail Lanci left us with is that the tablets will range anywhere between $299 and $699. According to Lanci, Acer is looking to become the “leader in mobile solutions for PC products from 3-inch to 20-inch." A very ambitious goal indeed, but when every computer technology company starts kicking out tablets left and right, what will be that defining characteristic that will sway us from picking your tablet over the competitor’s? I know this one might be hard to swallow, but how about more developers consider loosing the data plans? I thought tablets were to replace out laptops, not our cell phones. Read [Cnet] Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Websites Who still maintains a Flickr free or pro account? I do. I’ve been maintaining these Flickr PRO account for 4 years now. If you’re like me, you’d be glad to know that the Flickr folks has introduced a nifty little feature, particularly for making our Flickr experience “more social.” It’s aptly called - People You May Know, a powerful new tool to help you find and connect with your friends and other Flickr members. Flickr’s suggested people that you may know are culled from your existing contacts and the people they know. You can add these new contacts from the Find Your Friends page or via a new module which you can find on your Flickr homepage. This feature also lets you instantly add these contacts to your friend, family, or contact categories right from inside the modules. And if you want some more suggested people, simply ignore the existing suggestions and Flickr will give you a new list containing a new set of Flickr members. Hopefully by the second time around, you’d already find people that you really know or people that you’re interested to connect with on Flickr. Of course, if you don’t like this feature and would rather not be suggested to other people, you can always use the “hide your profile from public searches” setting. But we wouldn’t really advise you to do so because Flickr is after all a community, and what fun it would if you’re all alone with no friends and contacts on Flickr, right? Additionally, you can also use the option for checking who among your Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail friends have their own Flickr account and connect with them via Flickr as well. That’s it. Go check out this new feature if you have a Flickr account. If you want to add me as your friend, feel free to do so. Read [Flickr Blog] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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