Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  If you’re looking to pick up an affordable and high-end Android smartphone on AT&T, you’ll be pleased to hear this bit of information recently announced by AT&T. You may remember at CES 2011, AT&T introduced to us the HTC Inspire 4G, a 4.3 inch Android device running Android 2.2 with 4G HSPA+ connectivity. At the time, pricing and availability wasn’t available, but AT&T went ahead today and announced its February 13th release with a $99 on contract pricing. As previously mentioned, it features a 4.3 inch WVGA touch screen, Android 2.2, but it also comes with a 8MP rear facing camera, 1GHz processor, HTC Sense, and AT&T’s Mobile Hotspot service.
For $100 on contract, it is truly a bargain deal and it shows the trend of cheaper Android smartphones with high-end specs; perhaps most single-core smartphones will now be offered at $100 on contract. The press release can be read below. Read [AT&T] HTC Inspire 4G Arrives for AT&T Customers on Feb. 13
AT&T 4G Smartphone is the First of Many Planned for the Nation’s Fastest Mobile Broadband Network Dallas, Texas, February 01, 2011
Key Facts AT&T* will begin selling the HTC Inspire™ 4G on Feb. 13.
The first 4G mobile phone offered by AT&T, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first to run the Android 2.2 platform and AT&T Mobile Hotspot application.
The 4.3-inch super LCD display on the HTC Inspire 4G will be the largest in the AT&T portfolio, and the first to offer the next-generation HTC Sense experience.
HTC Inspire 4G will cost $99.99 after a two-year agreement beginning Feb. 13 in company owned retail stores and online at http://www.wireless.att.com/.
4G Portfolio AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S. in 2011 and said it plans to offer two 4G smartphones in the first quarter. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul. HTC Inspire™ 4G The HTC Inspire™4G will be the first 4G smartphone in AT&T stores and will have the largest screen of any AT&T smartphone, with a 4.3-inch super LCD display, and will offer an 8-megapixel camera with HD video recording. Running on the Android 2.2 platform, the HTC Inspire 4G will be the first smartphone in the U.S. to feature the next-generation HTC Sense™ experience with cloud services. The HTC Inspire 4G will also be the first to introduce AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built into the smartphone, allowing users to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Exclusively available to AT&T customers for $99.99 after a two-year agreement, the HTC Inspire 4G will include a 1 GHz processor, Dolby® Mobile and SRS WOW HD sound, and a premium, aluminum unibody design. HTC Inspire 4G comes preloaded with a Blockbuster and eReader application to keep users entertained on the go. For more information, visit www.att.com/inspire4G. With the next-generation of HTC Sense, the HTC Inspire 4G offers even more ways to stay connected, including FriendStream™, which delivers Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. The HTC Inspire 4G also offers customers the ability to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map and send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on "silent" mode – through the htcsense.com website. If needed, owners can also remotely wipe all of the phone's data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number. Quotes "We are kicking off an exciting year for AT&T's smartphone portfolio, and leading off with our first 4G phone," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "With its iconic design, 4G speeds and awesome features, Inspire 4G is going to please a lot of AT&T customers." "With a 4.3 inch screen, latest version of the HTC Sense experience and a sleek unibody aluminum design, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first true superphone to launch at under $100, bringing unparalleled power to more people than ever before," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas.
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
  Section: Imaging, Digital Cameras For those of you who were waiting for Panasonic to start shipping the new Lumix GF2 micro four thirds camera as announced last November 2010, sorry to break the bad news folks - you will have to wait until mid-February. You read it right folks, Panasonic is officially releasing the Lumix GF2 mid-February and for what price? - $499.95 for the body only. The Panasonic Lumix GF2 will be available in black, silver and white models. And in case you already forgot, this camera happens to be Panasonic’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera and even has a built-in flash. One good thing about this camera is of course the fact that it is compatible with lenses from other Micro Four Thirds standard. It is small and compact and is also compatible with Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the Lumix G 12.5mm/F12. Price range for the Lumix GF2 with kit lens (14-42mm) will go for $599.95 and the GF2C (14mm) will retail for $699.95. via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Netbooks, Wireless 
Haven’t we been here before? We’ve seen the rise of computer pricing meet low-cost alternative time and time again and there was no reason it wouldn’t happen with tablets. The Dell Streak 7 will be offered at just $199 after $50 rebate and shows us where tablet prices are headed: south. When viewed as commodities, computers compete only on price. Customers compute a spec vs price matrix and buy where their value is greatest. The tablet market is headed here fast. Some, buck the trend. Apple has built a business by adding premium touches for which it charges a premium. Motorola looks to be headed in a similar direction with it’s Xoom tablet, rumored to rival the iPad in pricing. With these products, the price/spec matrix doesn’t work as well. We saw similar rapidly declining pricing trends in netbooks in recent years. Companies slashed prices as more and more competitors entered the fray. Thanks to Apple, everyone is interested in building tablets and it’s clear we’re going to see the race to bottom in terms of pricing. The Streak 7 from Dell is witness to this movement. Heck the Samsung Galaxy Tab slashed prices within 3 months of its introduction. It is interesting to note that off-contract pricing is $450; showing us subsides could make a huge impact on how successful tablets are at gaining attention. So far, first looks at the Dell Streak 7 have been positive, except for this guy who hates the screen and makes it clear how much he adores the Galaxy Tab. Will the Streak be a home run for Dell or will it be overshadowed by a lower priced entry (which might be running Honeycomb, the next iteration for Android tablets)? More than likely it will get overshadowed, fast. The big question is when will the masses jump on tablets? Will it be when a low-price WiFi only version hits $199? Will we see carriers give the tablets away with contracts? Will banks give tablets away with new accounts replacing toasters as the commodity give-away? Does a $199 Android tablet raise your eyebrows? Read: [Gadgetell] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Netbooks, Wireless 
It’s shaping up to be a rough week for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab (SGT) tablet. Yesterday, it was disclosed that the lofty sales figures Samsung has been beating its chest about were to retailers, not to end users. Today, news breaks of a disturbing trend: the SGT had an estimated 16% return rate through January 15th. Buyers remorse isn’t atypical, especially after the holiday season. 16%, however, is on the very high side. For comparison, since debuting at Verizon, Apple’s iPad has a return rate of just 2%. Ouch. These figures come to use from ITG Investment Research estimates which put the cumulative return rate at 13% since the November debut. “Consumers aren’t in love with the device,” said Tony Berkman, a consumer tech analyst with ITG. Considering how much love there is in the tech press for the SGT, what is driving the high return rates? CNet’s editor rating is a strong 4.5 stars and user reviews match that rating. Are consumers finding earlier versions of Android are not ready for mainstream tablet usage? If so, 3.0 (aka Honeycomb) should address that handily. The question remains if it will be too late by then. Read:[NewYorkPost] via [AllThingsD] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile 
Visa is testing NFC payments in four European countries using the iPhone with an NFC radio attached. The test is part of the growing acceptance of contactless payment solutions. Users can make payments in stores, on public transport and receive exclusive digital coupons. According to a Visa survey, 87% of iPhone users would use an accessory to enable these types of payments. Sound interesting to you? According to a survey from last October of 4,200 people in Italy, Poland, Turkey and the UK found that 41% of those questioned said they ‘definitely would’ or ‘probably would’ use Visa’s mobile payment solution. When the question was addressed to iPhone users, the figures increased to 57% percent. The study also found that 87% of the iPhone users surveyed would be willing to use an accessory to allow them to make mobile payments.
To participate in the trial, testers must use an accessory that plugs into the iPhone connector. The hardware accessory contains the NFC radio while the installed app controls the purchase. Visa has a large incentive to make contactless mobile payments as secure as possible. Here in the US, I wonder if the 87% of users willing to add the accessory would match up. A quick gander at users in NYC this past weekend showed me the majority of iPhone 4 users are choosing to go without a case. The add-on case might be a dealbreaker right there. If users in the US can get past the accessory (which might not be needed if rumors of an NFC radio will be onboard iPhone 5 are true), then security concerns may slow user acceptance. NFC proponents explain the payment method is more secure than regular credit cards but a new payment method encounters skepticism. The move certainly puts Starbucks recent app update to allow users to use it’s app to pay for drinks at the store into perspective. Will NFC payments reduce the awkward feelings we get (or maybe it’s just me) when we hand over our devices to pay for a grande carmel machiato or to get through airport security as an electronic boarding pass? Let us know if you’re ready for this next step in the comments below. Read: [nearfieldcommunicationsworld] via [ComputerWorld] via [BoyGeniusReports] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile A few weeks back we saw the issue of phantom data usage with Windows Phone 7 smartphones and it turns out that the problem was indeed real and it was being caused by Yahoo! Mail and the Windows Phone Mail client. That said, according to the statement issued by Microsoft; We have determined that an inefficiency exists in the synchronization of email between the Windows Phone Mail client and Yahoo! Mail. This inefficiency can result in larger than expected data usage for a very small percentage of users. - Microsoft and Yahoo! have worked together to identify a fix, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
- In the meantime, customers can mitigate this issue by following these steps:
1. On the Start screen of Windows Phone 7, click on the arrow at the top right
2. Choose "Settings" from the app list
3. Choose "email & accounts"
4. Choose "Yahoo! Mail"
5. Click on the setting under "Download new content"
6. Select a less frequent setting. If you are using the default setting (every 2 hours), change this setting to 'manually'
7. Click on the setting under "Download email from"
8. Select a shorter time range. If you are using the default setting (the last 2 weeks), change this setting to 'the last 7 days' Microsoft has also identified an issue with our Exchange ActiveSync [EAS] email synchronization protocol that may affect a very small percentage of users - This issue can be caused by email that exceeds the mail server email size setting or is sent to an invalid email address
- This issue can potentially affect email services that utilize the EAS protocol – Outlook and Gmail for example
- The immediate mitigation is for users to delete mail that appears "stuck" in the outbox
- This is currently scheduled to be fixed in a near-term end user update from Microsoft
Via [Windows Phone Secrets] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile Sprint is expected to begin rolling out some changes in terms of their Premier rewards program. As for when, we believe it will happen on April 1st, however we still need the official word from Sprint. In the meantime here is what the new plan will include—a Gold and a Silver level. And for those worrying, anyone who has been a customer for ten years or longer will automatically qualify for the Gold level plan. That aside, the crew over at BGR reached out and were provided with the following breakdowns for each level; Gold Level A gold level member will receive 25% off the purchase of 2 or more accessories, customer news letters, "just because" perks, first to buy offers, and the ability to upgrade one device after 12 months of service. To qualify for a Premier Gold membership, users must have an individual monthly plan costing $89.99 or more or a family plan costing $169.99 (before any applicable discounts). Silver Level A silver level member will receive the same benefits as gold members — 25% off the purchase of 2 or more accessories, customer news letters, "just because" perks, and first to buy offers — but will not have the ability to upgrade a device after 12 months of service. To qualify for a Premier Silver membership, users must have an individual monthly plan costing between $69.99 and $89.98 or a family plan costing between $99.99 and $169.98 (before any applicable discounts).
Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, ebooks While we are not all that certain how many people are clamoring over seeing a Sony Reader app come available in the iOS App Store, we have to believe that it will make at least a few people happy. That said, it looks like those who have been waiting are going to continue to do so. But first, just a quick recap in terms of the Sony Reader mobile apps—Sony let it be known back in late-November that they were working on an app for iOS and Android and then the Android app came available in late-January. Well, flash forward till the present day and it looks like Apple has rejected the iOS app due to the in-app purchase feature. Apple told Sony that from now on, all in-app purchases would have to go through Apple, said Steve Haber, president of Sony's digital reading division.
As of now there was nothing given as to whether Sony is planning to make changes or fight this. Either way though, it does not look like there is going to be an iOS Sony Reader app anytime soon. Read [NYT] Via [9to5Mac] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Image via: Phandroid Nothing like offering up a press release to announce that you will be announcing something. But hey, I suppose stranger things have happened. Anyway, this press release is coming courtesy of LG who have stated that they will be unveiling a “Full 3D Smartphone” during Mobile World Congress. And for those not familiar with the dates, that event is coming up soon, Mobile World Congress runs from February 14th through the 17th. That said, the 3D smartphone is expected to be launched is the Optimus 3D and without further adieu, here is the release… LG TO UNVEIL WORLD'S FIRST FULL 3D SMARTPHONE AT MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2011
LG TO UNVEIL WORLD'S FIRST FULL 3D SMARTPHONE AT MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2011
3D Recording-Viewing-Sharing of Life's Precious Moments Anytime, Anywhere SEOUL, Feb. 1, 2011 – At this year's Mobile World Congress, LG will unveil the LG Optimus 3D, the world's first 3D smartphone offering consumers a full 3D experience right in the palm of their hands. The LG Optimus 3D addresses the lack of 3D content issue—one of the biggest problems facing the 3D market—with a complete platform for a one-of-a-kind experience on a mobile device. LG's most advanced smartphone to date will feature a dual-lens camera for 3D recording, a glasses-free LCD panel for 3D viewing and diverse connectivity options such as HDMI and DLNA for 3D content sharing anytime, anywhere. Further details and a live demo of the LG Optimus 3D will be offered at Booth #8B178 at MWC in Barcelona from February 14 to 17.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Websites  Mozy, one of the companies famous for their unlimited (and simple to use) online backup offerings has announced that unlimited will be a thing of the past. Well, as of March 1st they will be. The new plans will be priced at $5.99 or $9.99 per month and they will include either 50GB or 125GB of backup space respectively. Furthermore, as an added bonus on that $9.99 per month plan, that will allow you to back up as many as three computers. That part is a perk as the current plans only allowed for one computer. According to Mozy, this change means that “the vast majority of our MozyHome customers will pay just $1 more per month to continue protecting their files with Mozy.” That said, this particular user will be paying much more than $1 per month, and in fact much more than the $5 per month that I am currently paying. As for the overage pricing, each additional 20GB of data is $2 per month. Furthermore you can add an addition computer for $2 per month. In terms of my ‘much more’—I have 255GB of data backed up at the moment and that means my $4.99 per month plan will be going up to $23.99 per month and based on that I have to say sorry—I will be looking elsewhere. Of course, this should be said, backing up is important, and an offsite backup is even more important and in reality the amount of data that I have backed up is easily worth the $24 per month—however I just cannot justify paying such a huge increase—especially when by their own account have stated that “the vast majority of customers” will only be paying $1 more per month. Hey Mozy, how about grandfathering the minority users with lots of data into their unlimited plans. With that, anyone have any recommendations? Read [Mozy] Via [Lifehacker] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 | |
.jpg){kind=logo}
No comments:
Post a Comment