Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks 
Barnes & Noble isn’t going to sit quietly while Amazon touts the new Kindle as the website’s best selling product ever. The brick-and-mortar book store was happy to announce it’s newest eBook reader, the Nook Color was it’s best selling item this year.
As is normal for eBook reader sales, Barnes & Noble won’t say exactly how many Nook Colors were sold. The only number given was that the retailer has sold “millions” of Nooks since the launch fo the first version. Demand of the Nook Color surprised Barnes & Noble, the company wasn’t expecting to see so many people to want the $250 tablet. The big question is how many people bought the device to root it to have a $250 Android tablet, and how many people wanted the device as it was shipped. Like Amazon, Barnes & Noble announced that on Christmas the company saw a huge spike in eBook sales. Over a million eBooks were sold to Barnes & Noble customers that day. Sales of eBooks have eclipsed sales of books on the company’s website, but are still smaller than the sale of book in retail stores. That’s not exactly surprising given that there are a lot of brick-and0mortar B&N stores, and it’s online prices tend to be a bit higher than some others like Amazon. Read [Electronista] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers With Samsung already marketing its Galaxy Tab and focusing on its successor and Motorola hard at work on its tablet, HTC is one of the few major manufacturers left without a tablet. However, according to a recent filing in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, HTC recently applied for a patent on the HTC Scribe. Now, before our skeptical readers question why we can’t simply assume this is another smartphone, take a look at the Class Status in the image above. The text reads, “Handheld wireless device, namely, a tablet computer.” Moreover, the name “Scribe” is pretty obscure for a phone. According to a rumor by Digitimes, the HTC tablet should feature a Tegra 2 processor, 1280 x 720 resolution, 2GB of internal memory plus a 32GB microSD card, and Android 2.4 (Honeycomb). No word on screen size, which is a critical selling feature of all tablets, but hopefully HTC will introduce the tablet in CES. Read [USPTO] Via [Pocketnow] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Websites, Google  Experian Hitwise has just published their report on the top 1000 search terms for 2010 and for the second time in a row, Facebook emerged as the top-search term. Facebook account for 2.11 percent of all searches made in 2010 while four variations of the term Facebook made it to the top 10 most-searched term in 2010. These include - “facebook login,” “www.facebook.com,” and “facebook.com.” Combining these terms together would make Facebook account for 3.84% of all searches made in 2010.
Since, this is the second time in a row that Facebook became the top-searched term, you’re probably not excited about this anymore. Perhaps what would interest is the fact that Facebook has just overtaken Google as the most-visited site in 2010. You read it right folks, for the first time Facebook became the most-visited website. Now, that’s something, right? Facebook accounted for 8.93$ of all U.S. visits between January and November 2010. Google fell short and ranked second only to Facebook with 7.19% of U.S. visits. Following Google are Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo, and YouTube. So there. Let’s see if Facebook can hold on to this spot during 2011. One thing is for sure - it’s going to be a pretty exciting year for all of Internet citizens in 2011. Read [Experian Hitwise] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Computers, Mobile Computers Despite having known about this device for several months, Archos has offered up an official press release announcement for the Archos 70 Internet Tablet with 250GB hard drive. And to further that, they are touting the release as being the “first to release an android tablet that features a 250GB HDD.” A claim we cannot argue against, but that aside—the 250GB Android 2.2 running Archos 70 is said to be currently available and comes sporting a $349.99 price tag. With that, check out the press release below for the full details and more specs. Read [MaxBorgesAgency] Keep reading to check out the full press release…. Denver, Colorado – December 29, 2010 – ARCHOS, an award winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, today announced the availability of the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, 250GB version in retail stores. The ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, 250GB version offers a unique over-molded PVD stainless steel structured slim and light design. It also features the latest technology high res capacitive touch screen, a powerful 1 GHz processor and high speed WiFi that allows PC like web-surfing. Although the tablet sports 250GB, it is still the slimmest and the lightest (7.91 x 4.49 x 0.55 inch – 14 oz) on the market and is now available for $349.99 MSRP at ARCHOS.com The ARCHOS 70 internet tablet – 250GB is a connected mobile device with a sublime user interface, 3D Graphics accelerator and Wi-Fi connectivity. With Android™ Froyo compatibility as the user interface, this tablet comes with a full pack of connected apps such as a web browser and email application, flash 10.1, HDMI output connectivity, tethering via your mobile phone and home streaming from your PC capability. "We are proud to be the first to release an android tablet that features a 250GB HDD" says Henri Crohas, CEO and Founder. "We strive to be the leader in the Android and Windows based tablet market by creating award-winning innovative options at affordable prices." Connected Android™ tablet As a Hi-def multimedia tablet, users will experience: A huge storage capacity to store up to 250 movies
A full multimedia experience, with 720p HD video playback
Built-in web cam for chatting with friends and family
With the HDMI output function, you can view the full Android interface on your TV in High Definition, including all the apps, not only video playback like other tablets on the market
Play 3D games from your TV and use your tablet as the steering-wheel/control
Unique Android Multimedia applications designed by ARCHOS such as:
Movie information and cover retrieval in video file info dialog
3D animated photo frame with ability to display pictures from Facebook, Flickr and Picassa directly through WiFi
Music cover carrousel allows quick browsing of your music album covers
A lot of applications with Appslib to fit your lifestyle including games, books, music, social media, recipes, news and sports
This latest tablet is from a long line of ultra affordable and ultra portable internet, multimedia, wide screen and super-fast tablets released by ARCHOS. In 2010, ARCHOS released a 10.1 '' tablet with capacitive touch screen. As a connected android device it offers a very fast web browsing and HD multimedia experience from a 10.1" high resolution screen. The rest of the line up includes Android based tablets ranging in size from 2.8" to the 10.1". For more information about the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet and other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com About ARCHOS ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionized consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players. ARCHOS has also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range – the 5, 5g and 7 – offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV. Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the Unites States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. www.archos.com
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Computers, Mobile Computers Archos seems to have gone live with a press release announcing two products that have already been available. Granted the availability has been spotty at best, but that aside, even we managed to nab an Archos 32 a short while back. Needless to say, the Archos 28 and Archos 32 with Android 2.2 and a 2.8 inch and 3.2 inch display are now officially official. And just for the record, these devices come sporting prices of $99.99 and $149.99 respectively. Read [MaxBorgesAgency] Keep reading to check out the full press release…. Denver, Colorado – December 29, 2010 – ARCHOS, an award winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market today will show ARCHOS 28 and 32 pocket sized internet tablets at CES. The ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets, revolutionize the world of MP3/MP4 players by adding a WiFi connection and the Android framework for the price of a standard MP3 player. With 8GB of storage, users can play and listen to over 4000 songs anywhere and with a variety of Android based applications they can also chat, game and partake in social networking from at home or on the go. These pocket sized tablets (28 internet tablet measures 3.9" x 2.1" x 0.35" and the 32 internet tablet measures 4.1" x 2.1" x 0.3") are available for $99.99 MSRP for the ARCHOS 28 internet tablet and $149.99 MSRP for the ARCHOS 32 internet tablet at ARCHOS.com. All You Can Play Store, play and discover more music with free access to all the great music applications such as Napster. The ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets allow you to discover new artists, listen to old favorites and have access to millions of songs. Users can easily access music from these open-platform MP3 players at a comparable price to MP3 players with closed platforms. ARCHOS also includes their Music Cover Carrousel, a built-in music application that allows users to browse through album covers and add widgets to the home screen for instant access to media controls. "We are proud to release the first connected Android PMP players with the ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets" says Henri Crohas, CEO and Founder. "MP3/MP4 users can now listen to their music while chatting and socializing with friends on the internet for an affordable price." More than a PMP player: stay connected with your Buddies With Android as an operating system, application options are unlimited in these pocket size devices. Users will enjoy chatting, social networking and gaming with either of these tablets. Ebuddy, a preloaded app can be accessed directly from home and allows users to stay in touch with friends with ease. Photo fantastic's can also easily capture their greatest memories and post them directly on their favorite social Media web site such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. There's also an email application to stay in touch and users can play all the greatest games including 3D games thanks to the built-in accelerometer and 3D open GL technology. Lastly, multimedia fans can also enjoy playing their favorite videos. For more information about the ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets and other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com. About ARCHOS ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionized consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players. ARCHOS has also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range – the 5, 5g and 7 – offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV. Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the Unites States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. www.ARCHOS.com
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones According to a report by BusinessWeek, Apple will hold its own special event sometime after CES and before Valentine’s Day to announce the iPhone 4’s arrival to Verizon Wireless. Of course, we still haven’t heard official confirmation from either Verizon Wireless or Apple on this matter, but many reputable news sources are reporting the iPhone’s impending arrival to the Big Red network. Unfortunately, Verizon’s rendition of the iPhone is not expected to be LTE, otherwise it would be announced at CES, and Verizon has already promised to focus on LTE Android smartphones at CES. Regardless, an iPhone 4 on the nation’s most popular carrier is sure to deal blows to the other top three carriers, but many analysts expect AT&T to lessen the damage. Of the 23 million iPhone subscribers, 15 million are locked into two year contracts, making the switch over to Verizon an arduous and expensive process. Charles S. Golvin, an analyst with Forrester Research in Cambridge, Mass, offers great insight: “I’m sure some AT&T customers are sufficiently frustrated to switch, but the vast majority are at least happy enough.” Assuming 6 million wireless customers switch from AT&T to Verizon Wireless, the amount lost in revenue is about $6 billion, but that is only 4.8% of total projected sales in 2011 for AT&T (which is $126 billion). If AT&T can launch some high-end Android smartphones to help quell the blow from the iPhone launching on Verizon, AT&T should manage to hold its position as the number two carrier in the United States. Via [BusinessWeek] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks  Judging from some recent details that the crew over at PocketNow have uncovered, it looks like Barnes & Noble has been busy with trademark applications in the recent months. According to the details given, they have filed several, with terms including Nook2, Nook 2, Nook Kids, Nook Smart and Nook Cook. Of course, some of these sound vaguely familiar such as Nook Kids and their recent iPad app. Not to mention the Nook Smart, which sounds like the Nook Study platform. And then, Nook2, and while nothing has been officially released in terms of this, the speculation is easy—a follow up to the original Nook. And given we have already seen that (sort-of) with the Nook Color we can only suspect that a true Nook 2 will come with an eInk display similar to the original.
Read [USPTO] Via [pocketnow] and [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, VoIP It looks like Skype has begun to make good on the recent downtime issues, though I am sure many are going to question the amount of the credit—roughly 30 minutes of calling. Or in other words, roughly $1. That said, this still seems early and we would like to hope that some heavier users get a larger credit. As for the 30 minutes ($1) credit that is being mentioned, that one we can confirm as we received the official email from Skype. And strangely enough, we are not heavy users, in fact aside from having some Skype Out credits that were purchased (at best guess) over a year ago—we rarely if ever use Skype—and they still gave us something. That said, if you are (or have ever been) a Skype customer then be on the lookout for an email from Skype. In the meantime, you can see the email that we received below… To our valued customers: As 2010 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for your patience, understanding, and support during Skype's recent outage. We know how important your Skype conversations are to you and we take any disruption to our service very seriously. We are pleased to confirm that Skype is back to normal allowing you to connect with friends, co-workers, family and loved ones. As a valued customer of Skype, we would like to offer you a sincere apology and offer you our gratitude with a credit voucher worth a call of more than 30 minutes to a landline in some of our most popular countries, such as USA, UK, Germany, China, Japan. Or spend it however you like on Skype. To redeem your voucher: 1. Go to skype.com/go/voucher
2. Enter your Skype username and password
3. Enter your unique voucher code and click redeem
Voucher code [CODE REMOVED] Thank you for allowing us at Skype to be a part of your life. May your holidays and the New Year be a time of joy, peace, and health for you and your family. If you require any additional information please visit http://blogs.skype.com/en/2010/12/. Kind regards, Tony Bates
CEO
Skype
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, Video Providers 
Back in September Netflix launched in it’s second country, Canada. We don’t know just how successful the streaming-only plan is in the Great White North, but Netflix seems confident enough to continue international expansion.
While talking to the CBC, Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey said that the company is “talking about other regions in the world” to “continue our international expansion next year.” Right now there aren’t any firm plans, as the company is said to be talking to advertisers to determine the best ad placement in locations around the world. At the moment all the discussions are apparently “exploratory,” but it’s still a step forward. Netflix’s plans in other countries may be similar to it’s Canadian streaming-only plan. The company is starting to think of itself as a streaming company that also delivers discs by mail despite the fact that there are far less streaming movies than movies available for streaming. When launching in countries in Europe, Netflix will face competition it didn’t find in Canada. Lovefilm already offers Europeans a service similar to what Netfix has in the US, plus it adds video games. If Netflix has one advantage over Lovefilm it would be the fact that Netflix streams over a variety of devices, whereas Lovefilm only offers streaming through PC and PS3. Read [CNet] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Gadgets / Other It looks like the Android invasion is gradually spreading. For the past couple of days, we’ve heard about the Samsung Galaxy Player and the Cowon D3 Plenue possibly getting their launch dates during CES 2011. Both media players will be running on Android OS. So, the latest to Android-powered media player to come out in the open is the Creative Zen Touch 2 which was reported to have reached the FCC. So unlike the other two media players we’ve mentioned, it looks like Creative doesn’t need the CES 2011 anymore to push their product to the US market. Or maybe, they are just playing smart and want to get a headstart from the competition. Anyway, what does the Creative Zen Touch 2 has to offer aside from the usual Android goodies? a 3.2-inch display, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, vibrator module, and 1150mAh. The FCC documents also revealed that there will be two flavors of this media player - standard and enhanced. The difference between the two is most likely the presence of GPS on the enhanced version. Incidentally, the Creative Zen Touch 2 has been on sale in the UK for quite some time now. So, if you check the official product page from the Creative UK Site, you’d find out that the Creative Zen Touch 2 also has a 2MP back-facing camera and 8GB storage. Retail price in the UK market is around $246, so its US price will most likely be near that range. Read [FCC]
Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, VoIP, Mobile What a good way to end the year for Skype. With two days to go before 2010 is over, Skype just pushed an update to its iOS app bringing a much sought feature - video calling. The new Skype iOS app will not let you make or receive free Skype video calls using your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Yes, including the iPad. So, in a way Skype one ups Apple’s own Facetime feature because it does not have the Facetime app yet for the iPad. "With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones," said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype's consumer business. "By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are."
Now here’s the clincher - the updated Skype iOS app also allows you to make video calls not only via Wi-Fi but over 3G as well. Again, something which Apple’s Facetime does not allow. The new Skype app supports iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod Touch 4th gen running on iOS 4.0 or above. Additionally, iPod Touch 3rd gen owners can also receive video calls as well as the iPad. Likewise, Skype video calls can also be made between Skype for iPhone app and desktop apps - Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and Asus videophone. Read [Skype ] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video 
In the past several months, Samsung has boldly taken on Apple by launching the Galaxy S lineup of smartphones and the Galaxy Tab to directly compete with the iPhone and iPad. What about the iPod Touch, you may be wondering? Well, Samsung has announced the Galaxy Player YP-GB1 will be offered in South Korea sometime in January, but will not be released in other countries until April, May, or June. The good news here is that we will still be able to see the iPod Touch competitor on display at CES 2011, but most consumers will not be able to touch it until sometime in Q2. The Samsung Galaxy Player uses a slightly different four inch screen then the typical Super AMOLED display, but the liquid crystal display should still provide for a nice screen. It is also said to run “a more advanced version of Android” leading to the possibility of Froyo or even Gingerbread on board. At only 9.9mm thick and 121g, it should fit comfortably and easily in the hand and pocket. No word on pricing yet, but that typically depends on the onboard storage, but I expect it to be a similar price point to the iPod Touch. Lastly, it features a 3.2MP rear facing camera and a VGA front facing camera for video conferencing. Hopefully we will learn more in terms of time frames and pricing come January 6 at CES 2011. Via [WSJ] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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