Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Websites 
HTC has been pretty sly about its upcoming 4G smartphone, which much of the tech world is assuming to be the Thunderbolt slated for launch on Verizon Wireless. Even though we have seen many leaks regarding images and specs, HTC decided to run a preemptive ad campaign letting potential customers know about several important features of the Thunderbolt. Interestingly, HTC ran these ads on Engadget, who immediately posted a screenshot of the ads. If you take a look at the image above, you’ll notice it mentions HD entertainment, 8MP photos, and video chat. These items refer to its large, high resolution screen, quality rear facing camera that takes pictures in 8MP, and a front facing camera allowing for video conferencing. The HTC Thunderbolt, when it is expected to be announced in just four days now, will be the first LTE phone on Verizon Wireless and the first to feature a front facing camera. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones The Palm Pre 2 has only been on the market for a few weeks, but already there is rumor that it could soon be getting the ax. Should the rumor prove true, it does not mean the end of WebOS smartphones by any stretch. According to Phone Arena, a tipster has told them that HP is planning on killing the Palm Pre 2 soon. With the Pre 2 gone, HP would instead manufacture it’s own products with WebOS. If you want a Palm Pre 2 instead of whatever hardware HP creates, you’ll have a small window to do so. According to the tipster, the Pre 2 will launch on Verizon later this month, and will be produced for two months after that. If the rumor proves true, you’d have between the end of January and the end of March (or whenever Verizon runs out of stock after then) to pick up the device. If the rumors proves true, it wouldn’t be all too surprising. There is some hope to be found in it. Hopefully HP would be able to finally give WebOS the hardware it so badly needs to compete with Apple and Google. Read [Phone Arena] via [WebOSroundup] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Cellphones Micro-USB has been confirmed as the standard for cell phone chargers in sometime early 2011. The European Commission recently sent the 14 top cell phone manufacturers of a new standard connection after they agreed to sign up to it last June. As of right now, Samsung, Apple, Nokia and Research in Motion have agreed to adopt Micro-USB as their charging standard. "Now it is time for industry to show its commitment to sell mobile phones for the new charger,” said European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani. “The common charger will make life easier for consumers, reduce waste and benefit businesses. It is a true win-win situation.”
It’s good to see that the European Commission is also worried about environmental waste. Here’s what they had to say about the efficacy and environmental advantages of having a standard charger:
"Incompatibility of chargers for mobile phones is not only a major inconvenience for users, but also a considerable environmental problem. Users who want to change their mobile phones must usually acquire a new charger and dispose of the old one, even if it is in good condition."
Guilty as charged (no pun intended). I’ve been through about 7 cell phones so far and all of my ex-chargers are peacefully resting somewhere in my closet. The Micro-USB is already becoming more and more common as manufacturers have already begun to make the switch. I’m just hoping to see an end to that silly little charger for Apple devices. Read [Telegraph] Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  MetroPCS has just detailed its various 4G LTE service plans which should become available to its customers in the coming days. There are three various of these data plans actually, starting at $40, $50 and $60 per month. All plans come with unlimited nationwide talk, text and web browsing allowances to provide MetroPCS customers with affordable, flexible and predictable services. Included in those plans are of course applicable taxes and regulatory fees.
Distinguishing these three 4G LTE data plans are both major and minor features. The $40/month service plan for instance comes with unlimited talk, text, 4G web browsing and unlimited YouTube access. Those same features are offered in the $50/month service plan but with the addition of international and premium text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation via MetroNAVIGATOR, ScreenIT, mobile instant messaging, corporate e-mail and 1 GB of additional data access including premium features of MetroSTUDIO on Wi-Fi. This comes with audio capabilities to listent and download music and access to preview and trial video content. The $60/month service plan on the other hand has the same premium contents plus unlimited data access and MetroSTUDIO premium content such as 18 video-on-demand channels and audio downloads. All three 4G LTE service plans are being offered to MetroPCS coverage areas including Boston, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort, and Las Vegas. If you’re located in one of those areas, you might want to check out these MetroPCS 4G LTE offerings. Read [PRNewswire] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers The latest company to jump into the Android bandwagon and so we heard is Toshiba. Reports had it that Toshiba is preparing to launch its own tablet device, tentatively known as, well Toshiba tablet. While it’s name may not be as enticing as the LG Optimus Pad or the Motorola Droid, the Toshiba tablet got a few exciting features that may excite more than those other Android tablets. If you want to know, the Toshiba tablet will be running the tablet version of the Android OS which we know is coded - Honeycomb. Aside from this, said tablet will also sport a slightly bigger, 10-inch screen display. Exciting, right? Unfortunately, Toshiba is not to release the said tablet until June 2011. Since it’s almost half-a-year from now, the tablet’s market is still unknown. But like, all the other upcoming tablets, the Toshiba tablet will be priced reasonably to give it a better chance at the tablet market. Additional information about the appearance of this tablet include - more than half an inch thick, 1.7 lbs, and a form factor that is a bit thicker than the iPad. When it comes to features, aside from Android Honeycomb, the Toshiba tablet will also be HD video playback at 1080p resolution, HDMI port, Flash support, NVIDIA Tegra 2 chips, a 2MP front-facing camer, 5MP rear camera, Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, USB port, mini USB port and SD memory card slot. Read [AP] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Content, Portable Video, Communications, Mobile Well, it looks like Vizio is laying down its plan of making a splash in the consumer electronics industry. First we’ve heard about two of its Android devices which are to be introduced at CES 2011 - the Via Phone and Via Tablet. And now, to connect this two devices to other Vizio products is VIA Plus. Vizio describes VIA Plus as the next generation of VIZIO Internet Apps that will provide consumers with connected CE experience unlike any other. Sounds like a simple system? VIA Plus is being geared to unify on-demand content and application consumption across multiple consumer electronic devices, which include Vizio’s HDTVs, Blu-ray players and of course smartphones and tablets. The idea is to allow us, consumers to consume content from one device and seamlessly transition the content to another device. In other words’ with Via Plus you’‘ll be able to continously consumer content anywhere and anyplace - minus the interruption. In addition, VIA Plus will also integrate Google TV and a Bluetooth QWERTY universal remote with touchpad, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi and enhanced onscreen navigation for searching and browsing the web. Again, this one is worth taking a look at the upcoming CES 2011. Vizio promises to demo the VIA Plus on the said event, so keep an eye on it dear folks. Read [PRNewswire] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Wireless Enspert, a Korean manufacturer is joining the Android tablet party by releasing its new tablet called Identity E210. Specs-wise though, it seems that this Korean-made Android tablet got really nothing special to offer except perhaps for one thing - its price of $350. According to an interview with New York Times, Bobby Cha, Enspert’s chief marketing officer said that his company has already sealed a deal with a US major carrier to bring the Identity E210 tablet to the US market. It will be available under a data plan for around $100. If those price prospects don’t get you too excited about this Android tablet, maybe you will be more excited about it once we tell you some information about this tablet. The Identity E210 tablet will feature a 7-inch WVGA TFT-LCD display, an 8GB NAND Flash storage, 32GB SDCard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI port, plust all the bells and whistles of most tablets available in the market today. The Identity E210 tablet will run on Android 2.1 Eclair. No words on whether it can be upgraded to Froyo or perhaps even on Honeycomb. Product [Identity 210] Via [New York Times] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Getting your dose of pre-CES announcements of upcoming Android tablets? Here’s one more, this time from AOC unveiling their own 8-inch Android-powered tablet called - Breeze. Let’s see what this tablet is made of - an 8-inch 800x600 pixel touch screen display, Android 2.1, Rockchip processor inside, USB .20, 1.1 lbs, Wi-Fi, and a price tag of $200 - looks like the AOC Breeze tablet is a winning device, right? Robert Velez, AOC Marketing Manager has this to say about the Breeze tablet: “In developing the Breeze Tablet, we were able to capitalize on our expertise in video displays and our strength in the computer industry to create a device that matches our 60-year reputation of providing quality and user-friendly products at a great value.”
Other features include - several hours of audio and video playback, built-in speaker, headphone jack, microphone, 4GB on-board storage, microSD slot. Alright, we’re convinced. AOC Breeze is one tablet to watch out for in the coming days. Be sure to check it out if you’re dropping by CES 2011 on January 6. And please share with us how you find the tablet. By the way, release date of the AOC Breeze tablet is sometime late January - that’s in the US market folks. Full press release follows after the via link below. Via [Engadget] AOC Unleashes the Breeze Tablet with 8-Inch Screen World’s largest manufacturer of LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs makes a bigger entrance into the tablet market Fremont, Calif. – January 3, 2011 – AOC, the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs, announces the launch of the Breeze, an ultraportable tablet with an industry-leading 8-inch, 800-by-600-pixel touch screen and a full USB 2.0 port. The Breeze Tablet runs on the Google Android 2.1 operating system and is powered by a Rockchip processor. Weighing in at only 1.1 pounds, it is a truly portable device that puts the Internet, e-mail, games, movies and music at your fingertips. The Breeze Tablet offers a seamless user experience and will be available for purchase at a sub-$200 price point at national retailers. “In developing the Breeze Tablet, we were able to capitalize on our expertise in video displays and our strength in the computer industry to create a device that matches our 60-year reputation of providing quality and user-friendly products at a great value,” said Robert Velez, Marketing Manager of AOC. Ideal for work and play, the Breeze Tablet lets you stream media from an attached USB device or the Internet via Wi-Fi onto its 8-inch, 800-by-600-pixel touch screen. The device will play several hours of audio and video when fully charged, and includes a built-in speaker, standard headphone jack and microphone. The Breeze comes preloaded with essential applications like Web browser, video and audio players, photo browser, e-mail, calendar and e-book shelves, and provides access to additional apps like office suite through the Android marketplace. The Breeze offers 4GB of on-board storage space, as well as a micro SD card slot for further expansion. The full USB 2.0 also allows for additional storage. Key Standard Features
• Google Android 2.1 OS
• 8-inch touch screen with auto-rotation
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• 4GB internal memory
• Full USB 2.0 port
• Additional ports: USB OTG, 3.5MM stereo headphone jack, DC in jack
• Micro SD card reader
• 12 hrs audio playing time/up to 6 hrs video time
A full line of accessories is available for the Breeze Tablet, and AOC offers a two-year accident coverage program for loss or damage of the device.
Launch Event
AOC will showcase the Breeze Tablet during CES 2011 in Las Vegas from January 6-9. Journalists interested in previewing the Breeze and additional AOC products at the Bellagio Tower Ballroom 5, may schedule an appointment by contacting Tiffany Iwankiw. About AOC
AOC is the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs. With more than 60 years of design and manufacturing experience, AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically advanced monitors, TVs and multi-functional displays. Every aspect of AOC’s global business focuses on the development of products that fit seamlessly into consumers’ digital lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.aoc.com or us.aoc.com.
Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Websites 
Who doesn’t love weight loss gimmicks? The classic before and after shots, the enormous pairs of pants or the excessive use of lycra on models. It’s all great, but paid2lose.com thinks they’ve found a better way: they want to pay you cash. “The business model is designed to pay individuals to lose weight and focus on making a lifestyle change,” said Shawnna Russell, Director of Communications. “www.paid2lose.com is 100% free to registrants - with no gimmicks, no weight loss products or services to buy. We simply pay you to lose weight and change your habits,” said Russell.
The company expects to be able to pay users from proceeds generated from advertising on the site. So far the company is only accepting registrations via their website. Company site: [paid2lose.com] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Car Audio, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Transportation  Ford announced that its popular SYNC is now installed in 3 million cars, bringing voice control along with phone and music player integration to Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford is very excited about the positive feedback from SYNC and will show it off at CES again this year. The company released survey results pitching SYNC as a very welcome $395 feature.
- Since it’s late 2007 introduction, SYNC is now installed in 3 million cars.
- 80% of SYNC users recommend SYNC to a friend
- 70% of SYNC users use the system while driving, relying on voice commands
“Ford SYNC is clearly making a difference in our customer experience,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Not only is it proving to differentiate our products from the competition, SYNC is becoming a key point of satisfaction.” Expect to see more Ford SYNC news this week as CES unfolds. Company site: [Ford] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Email / IM, Smartphones, Mobile 
Samsung has officially confirmed the company has sold 10 million Galaxy S Android phones in just 7 months. This impressive feat was accomplished with a 700,000 unit holiday push that lifted sales over the 10 million mark. Samsung has to be thrilled with their Android baby. This target of 10 million Galaxy smartphones was helped most by North America where an estimated 4 million units sold, followed by 2.5 million in Europe and 2 million in South Korea. Samsung’s Tab and Galaxy Player, all running the same OS, expect to rival Apple’s iOS in breadth of devices running the OS variant. The Player is expected to show at CES this year. Read: [TNW] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile The Verizon iPhone rumors seem to be at a point where they gave reached overload. The latest are suggesting that Verizon has begun secretly registering iPhone related domain names, such as iphoneonverizon.com. The details are coming by way of PocketNow, who have discovered the domain names which have been registered by a company calling themselves “Verizon Trademark Services LLC.” Another domain name in this group is iphoneforverizon.com. As of now these sites appear to be in the same state as they were when the previous owner had them. That said, while this seems a little skeptical, the company that has the domain appears to be the same that has the main domain—verizon.com. Bottom line, this could either be a rather nicely laid out hoax, or simple evidence that should have been hidden a little better. Read [PocketNow] Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers While we are still awaiting the official announcement, which is expected to arrive this week during CES, we can tell you that Vizio is going to unveil a smartphone and tablet. And for those wondering, both devices will be running Android, though at present, no word on which version of Android will be installed. Otherwise, the tablet is an 8 inch device and the smartphone is a 4 inch device—and both will have full Android Market access. In addition, the Vizio phone will also feature a 5 megapixel camera on the rear as well as a front facing camera. The tablet is said to feature Wi-Fi, a front facing camera and HDMI out, but lacking any 3G connectivity. With that, we will be on the lookout for some hands on time with these devices from the show floor as well as the official announcements. Read [WSJ] and [Engadget] and [Gizmodo] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Laptops  Personally I am digging Chrome OS and have been (aside from the terrible trackpad) very happy with the Cr-48 as it arrived from Google. That said, I am sure there are some who want to play and see what they can do with this stealth looking notebook. And with that, it looks like you can now run either Windows and/or Mac OS X on the machine. Needless to say, this could result in a bricked Cr-48 so if you decide this is a cool project and want to move forward—proceed with caution. Or you can do like we did and simply enjoy the above video for what it is—the hard work of someone else that looks better from a distance. Read [Something Awful] Watch [YouTube] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers It looks like Verizon has lowered the price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and lowered it by a nice $100. That means those interested can pick up a Galaxy Tab for $499 as opposed to $599. In addition, word is that anyone who made a purchase in the previous two weeks will be eligible for a $100 refund on that purchase. Plus, as if the new $499 price tag was not enough, Verizon is also tossing in a $60 credit that will allow you to rent movies through either the Samsung Media Hub or Blockbuster apps. With that, this price cut seems to have been confirmed with a few Verizon retail locations, however at present the Verizon website is still showing the pre-price cut pricing. That said, we expect that to change sooner rather than later, maybe even before you get to read this. Product [Verizon] Via [Droid-Life] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, HDTV, Video Providers Some good news and bad news for those following the Boxee Box, Vudu is set to arrive “next week” and Netflix, well that may take a little while longer. According to the details, Netflix is set to arrive “by end of January.” That said, while disappointing for the users, this cannot be helping Boxee at all. Personally, I had planned to pick up a Boxee Box, but decided to wait until there was support for Netflix and Hulu Plus—and nothing yet means my money is still in my pocket. I would also imagine that I am not alone in that respect. With that, this little Vudu and Netflix update made no mention of Hulu Plus. But hopefully we can see something happen sooner than later on all three fronts. Read [Boxee Blog] Via [Hacking Netflix] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Communications, Mobile Well, how about that for an opening salvo for the year from Samsung? The Samsung Galaxy Player which runs on Android OS that we told you about last year was just put up for pre-order from Amazon. The thing is, it’s only for the UK market for now. But hey, if you’re resourceful enough and you really want to get a taste of an Android-flavored iPod Touch-like device, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to pull up some string to grab this device. Amazon UK has put two flavors of the Samsung Galaxy media player up for pre-order, one with an 8GB storage while the other doubles up the size to 16GB. If these two storage capacities are enough for you, then be prepared to shell out £149.99 and £179.99. And in case you forgot what the Samsung Galaxy Player has in store for you, then allow us to refresh your memory. The Samsung Galaxy Player features GPS, camera, drag and play multimedia files capability, DNLA technology, 3.2-inch color display screen, support for Android apps, expandable microSD card and of course a rechargeable battery. Product [Samsung Galaxy Player 8GB] and [Samsung Galaxy Player 16GB] Via [AndroidCommunity] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 FROM GAMERTELL - Haven’t caught all of the Gamertell news this week? Here's your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles! 5 games we would like to hear something about in 2011” Sometimes our patience wears thin. We want to know all the information about games we’re interested in at… MORE » Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle  The fine folks over at Runkeeper have offered up a rather nice deal—Runkeeper Pro is free for the month of January. And for those keeping track, the app is normally priced at $10. That said, for those unfamiliar with the app, Runkeeper can be a runners best friend in that it tracks all of the important stats such as distance, current pace, average space, average speed, calories, the amount you have climbed and more. The app works on your smartphone (iOS and Android) and also has a web interface that offers nice maps and allows you to check out and monitor your progress. Of course, just because it is called Runkeeper, that does not mean it is only for running as there is also a setting for other outdoor activities including bicycling, walking, hiking and more. With that, if you had been considering getting into running this year, go ahead and grab the Pro version of Runkeeper while it remains free. And for those wondering, one of the perks of the paid version over the free version comes in with audio cues that tell you your progress while you are working out. Read [Runkeeper Blog] Via [Lifehacker] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Websites The upcoming Sprint 4G phone, the HTC EVO Shift 4G, hasn’t even been announced, yet many rumors of the device have surfaced and it is largely expected to be announced in the next week. However, Amazon went ahead and posted a listing for the unofficial product and is taking pre-orders of the phone at $199. Oddly enough, the EVO Shift 4G was expected to sell for $149, but perhaps the true price is $199. After all, price is largely determined by screen size and processor speed, so perhaps it is a better phone than many expected. Another discrepancy in the product listing is the fact that it says it was released in June 2010. Amazon is probably confusing it with the HTC EVO 4G, which was in fact released in June 2010. Lastly, the product image currently being used is the one that was leaked several weeks ago here. I wouldn’t recommend placing an order on Amazon until HTC or Sprint officially announces the device. Check it out [Amazon] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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