O2 WiFi offered free for all and more

O2 WiFi offered free for all and more

In This Issue...


O2 WiFi offered free for all

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Web

O2 WiFi Pretty soon, O2 UK may be redefining the WiFi landscape in the UK as it launches O2 WiFi, a market-changing public Wi-Fi platform which can be accessed by anyone in the UK for free. Yes, that means it doesn’t matter which mobile or broadband provider you are with, for as long as you have a Wi-Fi capable device and you’re located within the range an O2 premium hotspot, you can enjoy free internet access.

O2 WiFi is being carried out in partnership with key venue owners. With this, O2 aims to create a scaled Wi-Fi platform that will double the number of premium hotspots being offered by BT Openzone and the Cloud by 2013. O2 WiFi will replace the current 450 Cloud hotspots in its retail and office estate and will continue to extend in reach and scale to include shops, restaurants, retail outlets and outdoor or indoor locations across UK.

While O2 WiFi maybe a free service, users will however be required to go through a simple sign-up process before they can use the free hotspots. This sign up will be done automatically for O2 customers with Wi-Fi devices by the end of the year, while non-O2 customers who want to connect to the internet via O2 WiFi will still have to go through the sign up process.

via [O2 News Centre]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Samsung expands its Galaxy lineup with the Gio, Fit, Mini and Ace

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Ace

So aside from the Samsung Galaxy Ace which showed up on Samsung’s Indonesian site, Samsung has also launched three more Galaxy phones, this time announcing it in Korea. The three other Samsung Galaxy phones are - the Galaxy Mini, Galaxy Fit, and Galaxy Gio. All four new phones including the Galaxy Ace are nothing short of extra-ordinary aside from the fact that all of these phones will be running Android 2.2 (Froyo) upon release. It seems that Samsung is gearing them up to bring its Galaxy series to the masses. Still, these phones are worthy enough for some press coverage and so let’s look at their major features and some other information. All of these Samsung phones will be available immediately in Russia to be followed by releases in some other countries gradually.

As we mentioned in our previous report, the Samsung Galaxy Ace features a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 800MHz processor, 5MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash, voice search, aGPS, QuickType by SWYPE, and Samsung TouchWIZ UI.

The Samsung Galaxy Fit boasts of a 3.31-inch QVGA display, 600MHz processor with 3D accelerator, 5MP camera with auto-focus, QuickType by SWYPE and Samsung TouchWIZ UI.

Samsung Galaxy Fit

Next we have the Samsung Galaxy Gio featuring a sleek design and enhanced social networking features. It features a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 800MHz processor, 3MP camera with auto-focus, and also QuickType by SWYPE and TouchWIZ UI.

Samsung Galaxy Gio

Last, we have the Samsung Galaxy Mini with a 3.14-inch QVGA display, 3MP camera FF, TouchWIZ UI and QuickType by SWYPE.

Samsung Galaxy Mini

The first three Samsung phones are equipped with 1350 mAH battery while the Samsung Galaxy Mini has 1200 mAH battery pack. All four phones features the standard Bluetooth, WiFi, aGPS, accelerometer and other standard Android phone features and specs.

So, which Samsung Android phones are you most interested in getting? While all of them looks pretty exciting, Samsung however did not mention whether any of them will available in the U.S.

Via [Korea IT Times] and [Engadget]

 

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 


The Droid X2 is also the Motorola Daytona, sports Tegra 2 dual-core processor

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones

Motorola Droid X2/Daytona

Motorola is already working the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core 1GHz processor into two high-end Android smartphones—the Motorola Atrix 4G and the Motorola DROID BIONIC.  However, it looks like the Motorola Droid X2 will also get the special dual-core treatment when it launches in May.  The Droid X2 will undoubtedly succeed the popular original Droid X, but rumors are swirling that it will not feature 4G connectivity.  For all the press Verizon Wireless has been giving to its newly launched LTE service, it is surprising that a high-end smartphone might not launch with 4G connectivity on its network. 

Moving on, the Droid X2, also known as the Motorola Daytona, is expected to feature a 4.3 inch qHD display with 540 x 960 resolution, 8MP camera, HDMI out, and Android 2.2.  It is likely that Motorola will upgrade the Droid X2 to the newer Gingerbread at some point after its launch, but Froyo will have to suffice for all intensive launching purposes.  No word on whether it comes with a front facing camera, but I am almost positive that it will.  Should any more news about the Droid X2 or Daytona surface, we will keep you posted.

Via [AndroidandMe]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

T-Mobile officially lowers Galaxy Tab pricing, now $249.99 after $50 mail in rebate

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers

Samsung Galaxy Tab on T-Mobile

A rumor yesterday indicated that the Samsung Galaxy Tab on T-Mobile would receive another price cut from $299 to $249 on a two year contract.  Today, T-Mobile put into action that price cut as the product page for the Galaxy Tab reflects the latest $249 price for the Android tablet.  With many other tablets rumored to hit T-Mobile soon, the question becomes whether a $249 Galaxy Tab + nominal contract fees is a better purchase than an expensive higher-end tablet. 

Via [T-Mobile]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Dexim's 5 in 1 Bumper Kit for iPhone 4 review

FROM APPLETELL - Now I see why Apple gave away their bumpers for free. And why even then no one wanted them. A quality, useful bumper may be out there somewhere, but it’s not Dexim’s 5 in 1 Bumper Kit for iPhone 4.
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 
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"We have your back, Mr. President." - Sprint and the CEA

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers

In the aftermath of last night’s State of the Union speech, the fallout was not limited to partisan rhetoric.  Technology companies, such as Sprint, issued statements letting the President know the company supported many of the to-dos listed in the speech.  Are these signs of support just publicity stunts with mere platitudes?  Let’s find out.

"Sprint commends President Obama for his leadership in promoting nationwide access to advanced wireless services and working to ensure that our nation's first responders get what they have long needed and deserved, wireless interoperable public safety broadband services. We look forward to working with President Obama, Congress, public safety, and the Federal Communications Commission to bring our nation's first responders the competitive wireless broadband services that consumers are enjoying today."

Review: Sprint does a nice job with sentiment; I mean, who can argue with helping first responders.  Evoking just the name “first responders” conjurs up images of 9/11 and a level of sympathy.  Hold up, did Sprint just say they look forward to working with the FCC, the high school principle of the carrier world?  If so, it smells rather fishy.  Is Sprint merely saying they want to bid on the project? 

Moving on, let’s look at CEA, Consumer Electronics Association also issued a statement:

"CEA applauds the President for the focus on innovation in his State of the Union address. As I explain in CEA's book The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream, innovation is our 'secret sauce' and the technology industry's ceaseless innovation will drive our recovery and our economic future. CEA's Innovation Movement – more than 110,000 Americans strong – will continue to urge our elected leaders to focus on policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Whoa!  Billy Mays would be proud; the CEA took this chance to plug their book?  Really?  The tech world leads the charge by holding up a thing with paper?  Couldn’t you have plugged the ebook?  Or the Android app or iPad HD app?  Or perhaps orchestrated a 3D Blu-ray event?  Something, you know, techy?

Instead, the CEA comes off looking like a late night infomercial that flashes, “buy my book” subliminally every 3 seconds.

From the text of the speech that got these guys and gals in the PR department so riled up: “Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn’t just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It’s about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It’s about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It’s about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor.”

If the President’s vision spurs only a plea to buy a book or gets Sprint looking for a sweet government contract, we’re in a heap of trouble.

 

 

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Personal cell tower for iPhone works in foreign lands

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, VoIP, Mobile

If you travel abroad, you know how much it can cost to use your iPhone overseas.  Ubiquisys looks to have found an answer: a personal femtocell specifically for the iPhone called attocell.  The smallish device plugs into your laptop, accesses the internet and creates a signal in accordance with legal limits.

Once set up, the attocell range could allow you to roam around your hotel room or in some countries could just be 5mm.  No kidding here, 5mm is a mode according to the manufacturer requiring your iPhone to be placed on the laptop for best reception.

"At Ubiquisys we are constantly developing new ways to harness intelligent cell technology," said Chris Gilbert, CEO Ubiquisys. "The attocell innovation is a direct response to meet a specific requirement from mobile operators."

The company will be displaying its wares at Mobile World Congress in a hospitality suite so we’ll get to learn more shortly.  As an asides, if this is offered through iPhone carriers, there’s a good chance they are going to overcharge for it as well.

Read: [Ubiquisys]

 

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

The Daily, the iPad newspaper will cost $0.99 per week, expected to launch "in the next two weeks"

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, Web

Those still waiting for the iPad only newspaper, The Daily, may be in luck as it looks like it will be available sometime “in the next two weeks.” Of course, that was followed by a “I hope” so while we try and remain positive we going to hold off on the excitement just yet. That said, further details included the price, which is going to be $0.99 per week. Bottom line, assuming this launches at $0.99 per week it could make for a nice option in terms of getting news on the iPad. Given that, I can see some subscribing at launch, but the real test will come in with how many are still subscribing after that first week. Personally I am interested in checking it out, but not sure it is something that I really need to have, but hey, for just $1 it is at least worth a look.

Via [Reuters]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Microsoft now offering 30 Day Trial on Office for Mac 2011

Section: Apple, Computers, Software / Applications

Microsoft now offering 30 Day Trial on Office for Mac 2011

Microsoft may have released Office for Mac 2011 back in October of last year, however there likely someone who is still on the fence about whether or not they need to make the purchase. And assuming you fit into that category you will probably be happy to hear that there is now a 30 day free trial available. Getting the trial seems simple enough, visit the Microsoft page (link below), fill out the basic required information form and then download and install Office. And nicely, should you decide to keep Office for Mac installed and active, there is the option to convert at the end of the trial, which will really just save you some time from having to uninstall and then reinstall a regular version. Either way, Office for Mac 2011 can now be used for free for 30 days.

Read [Microsoft] Via [Lifehacker]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

T-Mobile leaked memo offers LG G-Slate, Dell Streak 7 and Samsung Vibrant 4G release dates

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers

T-Mobile leaked memo offers LG G-Slate, Dell Streak 7 and Samsung Vibrant 4G release dates

A recently leaked memo has offered up release dates for a trio of upcoming T-Mobile devices. Bottom line, assuming this memo is accurate (an nothing changes in the meantime) then it looks like we can expect the Dell Streak 7 to come available on February 2nd, the Samsung Vibrant 4G to come available on February 23rd and the LG G-Slate to come available on March 23rd. All said and done, it looks like we will be seeing T-Mobile launch a new 4G smartphone along with an Android 2.2 and Android 3.0 tablet within the next few months time. And nicely, both of those tablets are also going to be 4G capable.

Via [TmoNews]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Verizon offering a $212 trade-in for your 16GB AT&T iPhone

Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Verizon originally announced their device trade-in program back in October, and it looks like they are going to also be accepting AT&T iPhones as part of that plan. Of course, nothing really all that shocking in that respect considering Verizon has always accepted devices from other carriers. That said, at least those looking to make the move from AT&T to Verizon will have a simple option in terms of getting cash for their AT&T branded iPhone. As for the dollar amount, Verizon will give $212 for your 16GB model. Of course, on the flip side, those willing to put forth a little more effort could get a bit more cash. I can say that in the past I have been able to fairly easily get $400 for my used but still in good condition iPhones by way of eBay. Given that, I would go the eBay route, but at the same time some may be looking to take the simple way and hey, $212 is really not all that bad.

Via [FierceWireless]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Gmail adds unread message count icon by way of Labs

Section: Web, Websites, Google

Gmail adds unread message count icon by way of Labs As someone who generally has Gmail open in a tab all day long, its these little tweaks that make it a more enjoyable experience. That said, information at a glance is a good thing and the latest addition in the Gmail Labs does just that—allows you to see how many unread messages you have in your inbox by simply looking at the icon for the tab that you have Gmail open in.

This feature can be turned on by heading to the Labs section. From your Gmail account, click on the Settings link (upper right hand corner) and then go to Labs. From there scroll down until you see the “Unread message icon” section and click the checkbox for Enable. After that, scroll all the way down and click the Save Changes button. After that you will be able to see your unread message count in your browser tab which should keep your from clicking over just to see if you have something or not. As for support, this will work for those running version 6 or later of Chrome and version 2 or later of Firefox.

Via [Official Gmail Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Verizon iPhone hotspot pricing will be $20 per month for 2GB of data

Section: Apple, Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

It looks like things are shaping up nicely for the upcoming Verizon launch, though we have to say that none of this is really all that surprising so far. Basically it seems as if the iPhone is going to be just another smartphone with Verizon in terms of calling and data plans. Of course, that is as it should be. Anyway, just recently we saw the confirmation that the iPhone 4 data plan would be unlimited in nature and cost $30 per month. And flash forward till now and we have confirmation on the iPhone hotspot plan. This will include 2GB of data per month and cost $20 per month in addition to your regular data plan. With that, the iPhone 4 is still on track for a February 10th release with pre-orders kicking off for those who are eligible on February 3rd.

Via [Macworld]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Samsung Galaxy Ace shows up on Indonesian site

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Ace

Last week, leaked images of the new Samsung Galaxy Ace (S5830) started showing up with the predicted launch possibly on the upcoming Mobile Web Congress happening next month. But now, it seems that the folks at Samsung, particularly on its Indonesian site could not hold off the excitement and decided to put up the official product page for the said Samsung smartphone.

What’s so exciting about the Samsung Galaxy Ace anyway? Nothing much really, except for the fact that it will be available with Android 2.2 running. As well all know, not many of these new smartphones particularly an underrated one such as the Galaxy Ace gets the Froyo treatment upon launch. In addition to Froyo, the Samsung Galaxy Ace also features HSDPA 7.2Mbps, quad-band GSM support, a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen display, an 800MHz processor, 5MP camera with LED flash, Swype keyboard input which is very cool by the way, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, FM radio with RDS, and microSD card slot.

No words yet on the price of the Samsung Galaxy Ace. International release date is also not announced yet.

via [Samsung Hub], Product [Samsung Galaxy Ace]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

Samsung Vibrant now free with T-Mobile, but only until 10PM on January 26th

Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

T-Mobile has dropped the pricing of the Samsung Vibrant all the way down to nothing. But those who may be considering a purchase will have to act quickly because this sale is set to come to a close at 10PM on January 26th—as in 10PM today. That said, those interested will be able to pick up the Vibrant for free along with a two-year agreement and nicely this price does not include anything aside from instant discounts. In other words, there is nothing to mail in and wait for. Otherwise, the Samsung Vibrant Android 2.2 roll-out has recently begun and the handset features a 4 inch Super AMOLED display, 1GHz processor, 16GB internal storage and a 5 megapixel camera.

Product [T-Mobile] Via [Twitter @tmobile] and [AndroidGuys]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »


 

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