Section: Apple, Audio Typically a visit to Apple.com shows a big advertisement for the company’s latest product, since it’s launch that product has been the new MacBook Air. Today, however, the company’s homepage is dedicated to announcing a big announcement that will happen at 10 am ET tomorrow, November 16. All we can tell from the announcement is that is will involve iTunes, and the announcement will apparently make tomorrow a day we’ll never forget. Below that there are four clocks for California, New York, London and Tokyo giving the local time for the announcement. The obvious prediction would be that Apple will finally unveil it’s iTunes streaming that’s been rumored for so long. However, All Things Digital has a few sources that are saying iTunes music streaming is unlikely. The information from those sources hinge on the idea that Apple would need a new deal with record labels to have any such service, even if Apple allows us to store our music files on their servers to access them elsewhere. There’s also a possibility that Apple’s announcement will be content-based. The Beatles, maybe? It is certainly possible. Or, if you want to get really heavy into rumormongering, Apple did just launch iTunes movies in Japan last Thursday. There’s also a Tokyo clock among the time zones, so perhaps the announcement could have something to do with movies, though I have no idea what it could be. I’m just hoping that Apple’s announcement isn’t something that requires us to pay more money for items we already bought, like what happened when iTunes Plus was launched, and you had to pay more for higher bit-rate and no DRM. Read [Apple] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Email / IM, Mobile, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Websites There you go, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg just gave everyone of us a blow-by-blow account of Facebook’s next biggest project - Messages. Basically there are three points to what Facebook is planning to roll out - a seamless messaging system with a facility to keep conversational history and a social inbox. Let’s take a closer look at what each one of these points. Facebook Messages as a Seamless Messaging System The new Facebook Messages will integrate all the tools that we use to communicate with friends - SMS, chat, email and of course Facebook’s current messaging tool. The key here is that we as a user will now have the final decision on how we want to communicate with friends. Likewise, our friends will receive our messages through whatever medium or device they want to receive the messages from. Facebook will make our life easier by allowing us to send messages to friends by simply accessing their names. It looks like Facebook will be encouraging seamless synchronization of all our contacts from various platforms. Additionally, Facebook will be giving out @facebook.com email address to anyone who wants one. Facebook Messages’ Conversational History The new Facebook Messages will also bring together all your messages with a friend in one place, regardless of whether they are chat session, email or SMS. This will be compiled possibly through a message thread that will continue for as long as you continue to communicate with that friend. Now, this sounds interesting. Facebook Messages with Social Inbox Another interesting feature of the soon-to-be re-launched Facebook Messages is the social inbox concept. Basically, what Facebook wants to do is to separate all messages from your friend in your inbox. All other messages that do not come from any of your friends will be lumped together into the “Other Folder.” So when someone you know sends you an email and that person is not yet on Facebook, the email will be stored in Other folder. You can then transfer the email to your Inbox later on. And those are the new things that we should expect from the new Facebook Messages. Your thoughts? Read [Facebook Blog] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile While we’re all waiting on Android 2.3 Gingerbread to finally see the light of day outside of Google it seems Google is working on how to show off version 3.0, Honeycomb. Honeycomb looks to be the fabled tablet-ready version of Android that we’ve been waiting for. According to Mobile-Review.com, Google is hoping to show off Android 3.0 for the first time with the Motorola MOTOPAD. The MOTOPAD would be the 7-inch tablet that’s also been long-rumored.The scoop came curtesy of a tweet from the website, so there’s not much else to go on at the moment. Given that Android development happen relatively quickly, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the MOTOPAD by the middle of 2011, but it could always take a bit longer. The big questions are what will the tablet landscape look like when we finally see Android 3.0, and should users wait that long to indulge in buying an Android tablet? Read [Mobile-Review Twitter] via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Wireless Not too in love with the Samsung Galaxy Tab but still you want to join the tablet PC craze? Check out the ViewSonic ViewPad which just showed up over at Amazon. Although, the product site still says that the ViewSonic ViewPad is temporarily out-of-stock, still if you really want to grab this device you might as well signify your intent to purchase one from Amazon. That way, you’ll have first dibs once units start to arrive. Interestingly, the ViewSonic ViewPad is being sold by Amazon for an unexpected price tag of $599. While this maybe at par with the no-contract versions of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, still said price tag is relatively pricey for such a device. We’re not putting down the ViewPad here. We just want to know the reason why it now carries a higher price tag. Competition or the lack of user interest with the product? Product [Amazon] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  The white HTC EVO 4G was once a Best Buy exclusive, but Sprint recently announced that it would begin selling the white HTC EVO 4G alongside the well known black HTC EVO. The 4.3 inch device rocking 4G connectivity has been available since June, but only in black on Sprint, meaning customers would have to shop with Best Buy to pick up the white alternative. In order to please holiday shoppers, the white EVO is already available through Sprint and other third party retailers such as Radio Shack. The price remains the same as its black counterpart: $199 on a two year agreement.
Read [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Alright folks, just to divert your attention away from the Samsung Galaxy Tab, allow us to remind you that Samsung also has another nice product other than the Galaxy Tab. One of this is of course the Samsung Galaxy S Android smartphone. And guess what? You can now grab one of these from Cellular South under its various data plans. In case you already forgot, the Samsung Galaxy S features a lightning-fast Hummingbird processor and a super AMOLED HD screen which provides cinema-quality display for entertainment and games through its superior graphics, seamless and delay-free motion. The smartphone als features Swype keyboard technology which lets you type faster with minimal errors if not error-free while texting and composing email. Unfortunately it runs Android 2.1 only, but Froyo update will coming out soon. Cellular South is offering the Samsung Galaxy S for $199.99 provided you sign a two-year service agreement with the mobile carrier. Product [Cellular South Samsung Galaxy S] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Web Browsers, Websites, Google With the traditional Black Friday event a couple of days ago, Google is preparing its online product search as early as now to usher in this year’s Christmas shopping season. Google has rolled out several enhancements to Google Product Search that connects online product search with offline brick and mortar store locations. Basically, there are three new features that Google rolled out for Product Search - local availability of products yielded by Product Search, Google Shopper 1.3, and Popular “products” and “aisles.” Briefly, we describe each of these features below. For local availability, Google has partnered with more than 70 retail brands such as Best Buy, Williams-Sonoma, JDA, Epicor, and Oracle. This would connect shoppers conducting product search with local stores that sell the products that were yieded by Google Product Search. Next, Google also updated its mobile shopping app to help you research items and find the best place to purchase these items from online or offline sources. The new version of the app now includes search filters such as “price” and “brand.” Now, here ‘s the more interesting feature - popular products and aisles. Google tries to mimic the brick and mortar stores with this similar procedure. Both “popular products” and “aisles” will help you discover new products as well as find the product that you’re eyeing to purchase. These two new features are described as follow: When you search for a category of products such as "camera lenses," our new popular products feature helps you get started by showing you the lenses other people are viewing online. "Aisles" helps you browse and discover products by organizing results into sub-categories that others have found helpful. For example, if you're looking for a new TV, you can choose between display types like LCD and plasma. If you're interested in camera lenses for that brand new SLR, you can shop by the aperture of the lens.
Read [The Official Google Blog] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Websites, Google  Although this was bound to happen and many of us probably expected it, but perhaps not this sooner? I’m talking about Facebook becoming the no. 3 U.S. web company, surpassing eBay in terms of valuation, following Amazon and Google.
According to Bloomberg, Facebook’s current stock trading is playing around $16 on SecondMarket Inc., an exchange market for privately held companies’ shares. Translating this to Nasdaq Stock Market valuation, Facebook’s value is now somewhere around $41 billion, dislodging eBay which is currently valued at $39.9 billion from its third place position. At number one of course is Google which is currently valued at $192.9 billion, followed by Amazon which is currently worth $74.4 billion. Speaking with a Bloomberg reporter, Forrester analyst Augie Ray said that this is definitely good cause for Facebook to be valued as such. "It has in fairly short order—just a couple of years—gone from being a very niche site to one where the majority of Americans spend a great deal of their online time," said Mr. Ray.
What’s interesting to note and perhaps anticipate here is how much Facebook will cost once it initiates public offerings. Although this may happen in more years to come, still the many are already speculating on how much Facebook will be valued once it trades on the public markets. In the meantime, can Facebook manage to increase its net worth enough to surpass Amazon? Interesting thought, right? Read [Bloomberg] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking  Facebook recently rolled out a rather nice update in terms of their iPhone and iPod touch app. The latest update brings the app up to version 3.3.2 and should make it that much nicer for those who rarely if ever login to Facebook by way of a regular computer and regular browser. The latest update has added goodies to include account and privacy settings.
What’s New in Version 3.3.2 - Access account settings, privacy settings and Help Center
- Fixed a bug that prevented users from uploading photos to specific albums
Via [Facebook (App Store link)] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Broadband Cards, Mobile, Computers, Wireless Verizon is steadily working on their LTE roll-out, of which they have previously promised that we would see availability in as many as 38 cities this year. Given that we need devices and it looks like two have recently been revealed by way of a Verizon advertisement. Both models are USB modems and they include the Pantech UML290 4G USB Modem and the LG VL600 4G USB Modem. And in addition, the Pantech model is also listed as coming soon in a global model. That said, nothing further was given in terms of a price or release date, however with 2010 quickly coming to an end, we would suspect hearing something official sooner rather than later. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers 
AT&T sent out an email over the weekend letting us know about an update to the www.att.com/ipad website. According to the details, you can now login using the same user name and password that you use on your iPad 3G and check your current data usage. Sounds like a winner for those on the 2GB iPad data plans. Of course, AT&T does also send out email notifications alerting you when you are close to exceeding your monthly allowance so this may not be as necessary for everyone. Still, it is nice to see AT&T making it easier for the customer. Product Enhancement Update: AT&T is happy to announce that now you can manage your iPad account from any internet-connected device. This will allow you to manage your account and data plans by visiting www.att.com/ipad. You will use the same login credentials as on your iPad. You can also use www.att.com/ipad to setup and manage your data services for other iPads with wireless data capability that you purchase or own. Thank You,
AT&T
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Walmart has a nice $100 gift card offer that is set to begin in just a few days, and don’t be confused—they are not selling the phones for $100 but instead giving you a $100 for purchasing one. The offer looks like it will be running from November 17th through November 25th and gives a $100 gift card to those who purchase a BlackBerry, HTC, LG, Motorola or Samsung smartphone. Not bad, get a nice phone and get $100 that you can turn around and use for some of your holiday shopping. Of course, the obvious catch here—this offer assumes a new two-year contract. Via [Droid-Life] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile  It would appear as if Sony Ericsson has a pair of Windows Phone 7 devices planned for arrival early next year. The details are coming by way of a video that was uploaded to YouTube. The video offers some screenshots and some specs and according to the information given, these devices are set to arrive sometime in the first quarter of 2011. The phones are both Sony Ericsson Xperia, and include the X7 and the X7 mini. The Xperia X7 was noted as featuring a 4.3 inch capacitive (480 x 800) touchscreen display, 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 processor, 8.1 megapixel camera and HDMI out with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. The Xperia X7 Mini is sporting a smaller display (hence the name) but a higher resolution camera. The specs given for the X7 Mini include a 3.5 inch capacitive (480 x 800) touchscreen display, 1.0GHz Qualcomm QSD8250 processor and a 10.1 megapixel camera with 720p video recording, 3x optical zoom and Xenon flash. In addition the X7 Mini was also noted as shipping with a set of noise cancellation headphones. With that, we look forward to seeing what Q1 will bring us in terms of Windows Phone 7. Read [Pocket Now] and [YouTube] Via [IntoMobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile We knew that Verizon and Sprint were not going to be offering any Windows Phone 7 devices at launch time. In fact, we already knew that neither would even be offering them this year. That said, that knowledge has not stopped some from pestering Verizon on Twitter with questions of when. Well, it seems as if Verizon is not giving anything away in terms of clues. Coming from a recent Twitter question, Verizon responded with this simple gem; “As soon as Microsoft has ‘em ready, we’re excited to offer Windows 7 mobile devices”
I guess there is nothing more to say, Verizon wants to sell Windows Phone 7, but in obvious fashion—they cannot sell something that is not available. Read [Twitter @VerizonWireless] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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