Section: Apple, Communications, Accessories, Smartphones, Mobile Mophie has rolled out their latest in terms of external battery solutions for the iPhone 4. The model is the Juice Pack Plus and it comes priced at $99.95. As for what you will get for your money, a 2,000 mAh battery that will double the battery life of your iPhone. According to the details given you can expect up to 8 additional hours of 3G talk time, 16 hours of 2G talk time, 7 hours of 3G internet, 11 hours of Wi-Fi internet, 44 hours of audio playback and 11 hours of video playback. In addition, the Mophie Juice Pack Plus has a pass-through USB for charging, 4 light LED status indicator and is available in a variety of colors including black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Though it is worth mentioning that the only color available at launch will be black with the rest coming “soon.” Those interested in making the purchase can do so at the Mophie website and soon with AT&T. Read [Yahoo! Finance] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson 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! - Coby unveils the Kyros MID7015 Android tablet
” Who would have thought that even Coby, an electronics company which specializes in cheap electronics products such as MP3 players will also come up with its own Android tablet? Well, believe it or not, they just launched their own…” MORE » - Dell Venue Pro might be shipping December 14 for $149
” Of all the Windows Phone 7 phones announced at launch, the Dell Venue Pro was perhaps the most interesting. It packs a 4.1-inch screen and a slide-out portrait keyboard, a rarity in phones not made by RIM or Palm. However,…” MORE » - Asus Eee Note coming to US Q1 2011
” The monochrome LCD eReader is getting closer to worldwide launch, with a US release sometime early next year. The Eee Note should be out in the US by the first quarter of 2011, with other countries between then and late…” MORE » - Best Buy Cyber Monday smartphone deals include a free T-Mobile G2 & free HTC Droid Incredible
” If you are still looking for a good deal on a smartphone this holiday season Best Buy may be a good place to look because at present they still have their Cyber Monday sale going on. The sale is going to be ending today, however that…” MORE » - New BlackBerry 8980 reaches the FCC
” Look what another FCC document filing has just been revealed? A new BlackBerry device bearing the handset number 8980. Although, we may have heard about the BlackBerry 8980 before through the usual rumor channels, it is only now that we’ve got…” MORE » - Verizon gets confused, says Droid X runs iOS rendition of Google Maps
” It looks like one of the web design reps over at Verizon Wireless had a little too much to drink over the holiday weekend and decided to Photoshop the iOS version of Google Maps on Verizon’s flagship…” MORE » - Verizon offers “24 Days of Seasonal Surprises”
” With Black Friday done, and Cyber Monday winding down, online shoppers still need deals for products they may want to buy already. Verizon Wireless is stepping up to offer a full 24 days of discounts to customers with it’s “24…” MORE » - iPads being offered free with two-year contract in Japan
” How does a free iPad sound to you? Chances are, if you’re like most people who don’t hate everything Apple creates, a free iPad would be great. What about a free iPad with a two year contract? Well, if…” MORE » - Acer Liquid Metal Android phone may hit the US market soon
” It looks like we might be seeing a new Android smartphone arriving on the US mobile market soon. Well, that would depend on the outcome of the evaluation being conducted by both AT&T and T-Mobile on the new Acer Liquid…” MORE » - Creative's ZiiO 7 Tablet Hits the FCC table, US release soon?
” It looks like another Android tablet maybe hitting the US market soon. This Android 2.1 tablet was earlier announced but its maker, Creative a couple of months ago. But back then, there was not a mention of its release…” MORE »
Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, DVD/DVR/Blu-ray, Portable Video, Video Providers, Communications, Gadgets / Other, Features, Originals, Columns, Who's On Crack 0 What's the most common phrase heard around the Gadgetell newsroom? Is it "I love Apple?", "that's cool!" or "sweet!"? Answer: none of them, it's "they are on crack." This week we take a look back at the things that made us chuckle in the tech world. This week, it seems there were more folks on dope than not. Lets get to this week's accused: Sony adds PS2 to TV
Fiddle with your settings? Theirs an app to restore that.
Free iPad - and it’s not a scam
Can Netflix save us all? 
Sony offers new mashup: TV + PS2 You know things are tough in the TV biz when you start seeing crazy stuff flow from respected makers like Sony. This year, we’ve seen lame 3D attempts, crazy low prices on some seriously large HDTVs and now we’ve got the affectionately named KDL-22PX300 from Sony. Part of the Bravia line, the 22” packs a surprise in the base: an onboard PS2. Genius! Can you imagine how this product was born in the meeting room on the 34th floor in Tokyo? I suspect it went something like this:
Manager: We need to inject some pizazz into our 22” Bravia HDTV. Suggestions?
Engineer #1: “Call it a Walkman?” (#1 throws that into every product discussion)
Engineer #2: “Combine a BETA tape player into the TV?”
Engineer #3: “BETA is out, but we could put a Blu-ray player in.”
Manager: “Dammit men, think out side the box!”
Engineer #1: “We’ve got loads of PS2s sitting around, what if we hot-glued them to the bottom of the TV?”
Manager: “Brilliant. Now we celebrate with Sake” (I like to think everything in Japan ends with a Sake celebration). To be fair the price is actually pretty reasonable for this mashup of a decent TV and a 10-year old console system. Current PS2 owners seeking a 22” HDTV are probably peeing their pants with excitement now, but really - that’s a pretty small target to go after. How many PS2 owners, stoked for the KDL-22PX300, got to the store to realize 22” is pretty darn small? Shame. 
Samsung introduce GPS Restore app. This is probably my favorite story of the week. Our Robert Nelson reports, “Samsung has released a new app into the Android Market that is expected to take care of the issue. The app is called GPS Restore, which is described as being able to restore the GPS settings to "recommended factory defaults for optimum performance." What Nelson didn’t report is the conversation happening in Samsung HQ over the outrcry of GPS failure:
Engineer #1: “Can we call it a Walkman?” (he’s a new hire from Sony)
Engineer #2: “The GPS worked fine when it shipped, what did they do?”
Engineer #3: “That’s why I hate Android, users can fiddle with all the settings and muck up the GPS. I’ll bet they all fiddled with the settings.”
Manager: “OK, so we need to reset the settings. How can we roll that out?”
Engineer #1: “We can’t. Unless we send Jimmy and Bobby door-to-door to reset the settings for them.”
Engineer #2: “Um, there’s an app for that?”
Manager: “Brilliant. Let’s celebrate with Cheongju” Is the arrogance of Samsung’s app really the “users messed this up, not us” route? One commenter, Jig, says Samsung told him to get lost in an open field. Blaming your users is something Apple does, not Samsung, right? “You’re holding it wrong, chump”. 
Get your free iPad! A long time ago, I argued more things should be free. It seems to be an American phenomenon that we prefer things to be free upfront and then get nailed on the back end in the form of high monthly bills. At least, I thought it was an American thing, news from Japan seems to contradict that statement. Our Shawn Ingram reports, “Starting today, Softbank, the sole iPad carrier in Japan will start selling iPads for free with two-year data contracts in it's new "iPad for Everyone" promotion. For the base 16GB WiFi+3G model that contract will cost roughly $56 per month for two years” Fantastic! But hold up, Shawn’s spider-scam senses are peaking: “the only issue, of course, being that once the iPad 2 and 3 come out, users might get frustrated with their iPad 1 that's stuck on a two-year contract.” Aha! But wait, isn’t that the same deal for a phone in the US? AT&T locks users into an iPhone for 2 years knowing full well that we’ll see iPhone 5 next June? Are iPhone users frustrated that their contract requires them to keep the old phone or pay an early termination or upgrade fee? So, that brings us back to how can a free iPad be a bad thing? Answer: it can’t. Are we getting tripped up in the math? According to Engadget, no - the price equals a reasonable monthly data charge plus the list price of the iPad/24. That would seem to be a zero interest loan to buy an iPad and service for 2 years. Not a bad reason to move, even without a sake celebration. (Side note: does anyone else hear, “I crush your Yen” when you look at the above iPad image, or is it just me?) 
Could Netflix save us? Been to a movie theater lately? Last week I caught the latest Harry Potter flick (their decision to milk, er split the last movie into two is genius) and the experience? Sticky floors, texting teens, God knows what the two in the corner were moaning about and someone who gabbed the whole movie despite me flicking my Junior Mints at them. “Netflix, save me” I cried. It seems Netflix heard my cries, kind of. Our Robert Nelson spills the beans, “According to a recent report in the NY Post, Netflix is looking to shell out some serious cash in order to bring new television series online.” The terms “new” and “Netflix streaming” don’t typically go together - heck, I am currently hooked on a streamed UK sitcom from ‘06. TV is like movies. You might have read about my decision to go streaming-only. It was met with some comments on how I’m an idiot for passing up $2 for movies. I am hooked on streaming. And so are my kids. It’s gotten to the point where I know I’ll find something to watch, so I stopped paying attention to my DVD through the mail queue. (It was always a surprise what came in the mail and most of them were sent back unwatched). Getting new TV via Netflix might be enough to kill my cable bill altogether. Anyone else finding it interesting that Netflix continues to pass up new releases (agreeing to wait 28 days after DVD release) even if there were a premium fee involved? While I scoff at a $1 price increase, I am sure many others are more than happy to cough up a whole lot more if not extra to get the latest releases instead of finding who is left in business that can rent the new stuff. Any one else with me on that? Join us next week as we take a look at holiday stunts aimed at sucking the cash out of you. Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Gadgets / Other, Web Vonage has begun offering free calls to Santa (for their customers). Those looking to make the call can do so by dialing 1-700-CALL-SANTA (1-700-225-5726) from their Vonage line at which time they will hear a greeting from Santa so the children can leave a message with their wish list. The nice part here is that the wish list recording will then be forwarded to the email address that is associated with your Vonage account. In the end, the kids will likely have fun and you will get an easy way to find out what your kids want for Christmas. Of course, being kids they have likely been telling you what they want for months. Mine have. Lastly, that same number will remain active and those calling after 5PM on Christmas Eve will be able to “hear updates from Santa as he delivers toys around the world.” Read [Vonage] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Headphones Our sister site E-Gear has recently posted a nice review of the AKG by Harman Q640 Headphones. What makes these special? Well, just to start they are from the Quincy Jones signature line. But perhaps a little more important is a description like this; “The Q460 provide sound reproduction that’s as vivid, punchy, powerful and accurate as you’re likely to hear from commercially available on-ear phones.”
Of course, having seen them called “ear-delicious” does not hurt either. Still, with quality comes a price and these bad boys come in with a suggested retail of $229. Though, if you want to learn what you can find them for in retail, as well as read the full review you need to click the ‘read’ link below. Read [E-Gear] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking  It would appear as if the Gowalla iPhone app has gotten quite a bit more useful for those looking to check-in to multiple location based services at the same time. The latest update for the Gowalla app brings the version up to 3.0 and is described as being “re-imagined from the ground up.” In reality, they have added a bunch of new features, of which probably the most interesting is the ability to connect your Foursquare and Facebook accounts. In addition you can also now share your location check-ins on Twitter, Foursquare, Facebook Places and Tumblr. Other new features include;
- New, Faster Check In: With a single tap, Gowalla intelligently predicts which spot you’re at based on your history. Start typing a message while your phone is locating you.
- Notes: Leave a personal message—anything from “Don’t forget the bottle of wine” to “The queso will make you glad to be alive”—for a friend. They’ll receive it the next time they check in at that location.
- Add and browse Highlights for your city, like Best Cup, Family Night and My Happy Place.
- Bookmark a spot to remember nearby favorites and faraway dreams.
- Flag a Spot to report problems or closed locations while you’re on the go.
- All-new drop-dead gorgeous design. We’ve re-imagined Gowalla and made it more beautiful and easy to use than ever.
And in addition, several items including image uploads, Spot creation and browsing friends have all been improved. Download [Gowalla (App Store link)] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  Cellular South has come up with an offer for AT&T customers using an iPhone, one that will give them a $100 savings on the purchase of a new phone. According to the details on the Cellular South website, the offer is simple—bring your iPhone to them and you will get $100 off the purchase of any new device. Of course, they seem to be pushing the Samsung Galaxy S and HTC Desire (both Android) as worthy trade-ups. Otherwise, the offer goes that one step further and offers to pay “up to” $200 towards any early termination fee with AT&T. Bottom line, if you are not quite as happy with your iPhone, or simply feel an overwhelming desire to get rid of AT&T then this may be a good option to consider. That said, you should probably call AT&T and double check to see what your ETF will actually be before committing. Of course, an iPhone in good condition is generally pretty easy to sell on eBay and that may be a good option to explore in terms of getting cash back to move to another carrier. Read [Cellular South] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Gaming, Games, Mobile Following the success of their special Halloween spin-off of the Angry Birds game, Rovio Mobile is treating us all again Birds and Pigs fans with a new special game - Angry Birds Seasons. What a great way to greet us fans this coming Holiday Season, right? It could also serve as Rovio’s thank you gift to us for making their game a cult hit. Interestingly, the game is still priced at $0.99. It would have been better it was made available for free, like the Android version. But we couldn’t blame them. After all, Angry Birds Season is a full iOS game comprising of 69 new levels set in snow-filled game environment, leaderboards, achievements, Facebook and Twitter integration of course tons of Angry Birds, pigs, and pumpkins. The game’s Christmas theme would set your mood just in time for the Holiday festivities. All the great gameplay elements of the original game is in this Angry Birds Season game. You’d get to use all of the Angry Birds’ powers to destroy the pigs’ hideout while unraveling Christmas gifts along the way. So, if you feel like spending the Holidays with the cutesy angry birds, get Angry Birds Seasons from the App Store now. I’m pretty sure you’re one dollar is all worth the fun and enjoyment you’d get from playing this game. Product [iTunes] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers If you happen to be shopping for a Sprint branded Samsung Galaxy Tab then you may want to do your shopping with Radio Shack. The offer is simple, save $50 on the purchase of a Galaxy Tab with a new two-year agreement from Sprint. The price is valid as of now and set to expire on December 11th. Bottom line, if you shop now you can spend $349.99 upfront as opposed to the regular $399.99. The offer is said to be available in the retail stores, however a call before you visit may be a good idea just in case. Otherwise, hit the product link below and complete the purchase online. Product [Radio Shack] Via [IntoMobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  After the iPhone 4 came out, the hot buzz topic was “Death Grip,” a problem that is evident in most smartphones, but was blown out of proportion in the iPhone 4. Apple held a press conference to clear the air about the iPhone 4 and essentially we learned every smartphone suffers from antenna issues when held in a certain manner. Recently, HTC has been under fire for antenna issues in its Windows Phone 7 HD7 smartphone. Instead of letting things drag on like Apple did, HTC promptly issued a statement explaining how weak phone strength is “inevitable” when covered “in its entirety by a user’s palm or fingers.” Here is the full statement below:
“Quality in industrial design is of key importance to HTC. To ensure the best possible signal strength, antennas are placed in the area least likely to be covered by a person’s face or hands while the phone is in use. However, it is inevitable that a phone’s signal strength will weaken a little when covered in its entirety by a user’s palm or fingers. We test all of our phones extensively and are confident that under normal circumstances reception strength and performance will be more than sufficient for the operation of the phone when network coverage is also adequate.”
I have not used an HTC HD7 so I cannot comment on how obvious this issue is, but I imagine people started complaining over a minor decrease in signal strength when held in an unconventional way. Via [ComputerWeekly] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, Video Providers, Web, Online Music/Video According to a recent report in the NY Post, Netflix is looking to shell out some serious cash in order to bring new television series online. This of course comes with the warning, the details are coming courtesy of a “person familiar with the matter” and as you would expect, Netflix declined to comment. That said, based on the details given, Netflix is willing to pay anywhere from $70,000 up to $100,000 per episode. And yes, that is correct—per episode. This would be an interesting move because should Netflix get more rights to bring live television to the streaming market quicker, that would put them even more in direct competition with Hulu. And for those wondering, it has been reported that Netflix has spend $350 million total up to this point in order to secure digital rights. Read [NY Post] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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