Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware  There is no denying that 2011 is going to be the year of the tablets. AT&T knows that so as early as now it is preparing for the onslaught of new tablet owners who will be needing a good mobile data plans for their new tablets. So AT&T has just introduced a new postpaid plan option for customers which they can choose to use if they don’t want the current prepaid billing option.
With the new postpaid plan for tablet owners, AT&T is making it simpler to manage customers’ charges on a single monthly bill. And to make this offer more attractive, AT&T is also offering a one-time free first month if you decie to get a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan. Sounds like a good deal, especially if you just got a new tablet device or is planning to get a new one, that includes the new iPad 2 Wi-Fi 3G unit. So the two monthly billing option that AT&T is offering can be summed into the following: - Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges will appear on customers’ monthly wireless statements.
- Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers’ credit card statements.
Now since these two billing options are on a monthly basis, it will not require a long-term commitment and you can easily discontinue the plan anytime you want to. Read [PR Newswire] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones One feature the Apple iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless has over the identical model on AT&T is its ability to create a personal WiFi Hotspot. However, with the impending roll out of iOS 4.3, this should be remedied as the AT&T model of the iPhone 4 will now have the necessary software component to utilize the personal WiFi hotspot. Seth Bloom, AT&T spokesman, confirmed to Phone Scoop that if you purchase the $45 4GB DataPro tethering package, you will be able to take advantage of the iPhone 4’s ability to create a WiFi hotspot for mobile devices. Previously, only tethering to a laptop was allowed, but soon enough you will be able to provide WiFi to other WiFi-enabled devices. AT&T is expected to allow customers to purchase this data option probably on March 11, when iOS 4.3 rolls out to the masses. Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones It looks like Samsung’s upgrade to the Galaxy S line won’t only be sporting the new Samsung Exynos and Orion chips. Despite the fact that Samsung manufactures it’s own CPUs, it will use chips from other makers as well. According to Nvidia, some of the Samsung Galaxy S II phones will be powered by the new Tegra 2 CPU. Tegra 2 is the same chip that powers the Motorola Atrix, Xoom and LG Optimus 2X. In fact, if you see any new top-of-the-line Andriod device, it’s most likely running on the dual-core chip from Nvidia. Now Samsung’s phones will be no different. We don’t know which Galaxy S II phones will have the Tegra 2, or when they will be launched, but we know to expect them. Most smartphones buyers probably won’t know, or care, which CPU is inside their phone, though that doesn’t mean the chipsets aren’t important. Nvidia’s Tegra 2 should be the best available processor for those who like to play graphically intense games. There may not be that many of those on Android, but Nvidia is trying to bring more attention to them. Samsung using the Tegra 2 could mean an increase in the number of graphically complex games in Android since more users will be able to play them better. If not, at least it gives Nvidia more of a foothold in the ARM-based CPU market, which will be nice going forward. Read [Unwired View] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers With Apple announcing the iPad 2 yesterday, it came as no surprise to see the price on the now obsolete iPad drop by $100. If you purchased the original iPad recently, despite all the chatter about a new iPad launching momentarily, then you are probably annoyed you missed out on a better product or at least a cheaper price on what you bought. However, Apple is going to credit $100 to recent purchasers of the original iPad, that is, if you purchased one in the previous two weeks. Simply swing by your local Apple store or call Apple and make sure you can verify the date in which you bought the iPad. Via [CultofMac] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  The official Twitter app for iOS devices, the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, has officially been updated to version 3.3. You can download and install the latest update to the Twitter app from the Apple App Store. Below are a list of new features that have been added to the Twitter app.
- Quick Bar, shows trends and other important things without leaving your timeline! Swipe the Quick Bar left/right to cycle through trends
- Trends based on your location
- Cleaner, redesigned Tweet compose screen.
- Automatically shortens URLs. Just paste them in and they will only count as 20 characters, no matter how long they are!
- Autocomplete @usernames and hashtags
- Easier photo uploading
- Find friends using your phone’s contacts
- Improved DM conversation view, now works similar to SMS/Chat
- Cleaned up preferences
- Bug fixes
Some of these new additions are more important than others, but overall it should enhance the Twitter experience on iOS. Read [Twitter on iTunes] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Gadgets / Other, ebooks, Lifestyle, Transportation 
One collaboration between Pukas Surfboards and Tecnalia Technology is putting data capturing components like a gyroscope, accelerometers and GPS, (commonly found in smartphones) into surfboards to help push the design further. The idea is to quantify the forces on the board during use and translate that into a better understanding of what the boards encounter. The possible applications include anything from surfing technique changes to design improvements to a new way to judge contestants at surf competitions. The tech gear adds about 650 grams and has been tested by elite surfers. Users say the weight is noticeable but is still in an acceptable range. All of a sudden, my surfboard seems low tech. Check out the video and note the real-time data.  Pukas - Tecnalia Surfsens project from Pukas Surf on Vimeo. Read: [BeSportier] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple The iPad 2 launches next Friday, March 11. You can probably expect there to be long lines outside Apple stores to get one. To hopefully avoid the lines, there are other stores you can try to get your iPad 2 fix. On March 11 there will be three other stores where you should be able to walk in to grab the new Apple tablet. Best Buy is currently advertising the iPad 2 on it’s website, saying that it’s coming on March 11. It stands to reason, then, that Best Buy stores would also be carrying the device on launch, just like it did with the first iPad. Walmart and Sam’s Club aren’t saying anything about the iPad 2 on the web, but 9to5Mac has a tip indicating the device is heading there. According to the tip, Sam’s Club recently had the SKUs for the iPad entered into it’s computer system. If they were entered now, it makes sense that the store will see the iPad 2 at launch. Since Sam’s Club is owned by the same company that owns Walmart, it makes sense that both stores will see the tablet on day 1. Read [9to5Mac] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Smartphones  Square, the company behind those cute little credit card swipers that plug into the earphone jack on smartphones now claims they are processing over $1 million per day according to a tweet from the company co-founder. Reportedly, the company raised $27.5 million in funding recently. The company was also featured in yesterdays Apple iPad 2 event.
The milestone is impressive. Square only started processing transactions last fall. The companys credit card swiper works with both iPhones and Android phones.
The company recently rescinded a $.15 transaction fee. Read: [TechCrunch] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers Even though RIM hasn’t announced the exact pricing and availability details involving their upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, recent rumors have provided answers to these important questions. First, BGR reported yesterday that the BlackBerry PlayBook would launch on April 10, and cited multiple sources. Today, online electronics retailer, MobileCity, posted a product page for the BlackBerry PlayBook and is now taking pre-orders on the device for $599. The pricing rumor lines up with what has been rumored in the past, but like with most rumors, we’ll have to wait for official confirmation from RIM before we can firmly believe that this will, indeed, be the price point. Via [Liliputing] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Coming by way of their Redboard blog, Rogers has officially confirmed that the iPad 2 would be coming available. Sadly they did not specifically mention any pricing or a release date, however it seems safe to think that Apple will announce the International pricing a little closer to the release, which they noted as March 25th during yesterdays event. That said, while Rogers did not mention it specifically, a safe bet would be that they will have the iPad 2 available on March 25th. Otherwise, there is also the data plans and those were mentioned in the Redboard posting. According to the details provided by Rogers, you can get either 250MB of data for $15 per month or 5GB of data for $35 per month. In addition, both of these plans come contract free and on a month to month basis and include unlimited (and free) access to any and all of the Rogers WiFi Hotspots. Via [Rogers Redboard] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Smartphones, Mobile, Reviews, Peep Shows, Features, Originals What is being reviewed? Up for review today is the Rokbed Aluminum iPhone 4 cover. This particular model can be purchased from the RokForm website and is currently selling for $79. The model that we had in for review was black/black, however there is also a wide variety of other colors including black/red, black/pink, black/orange and a handful more. Disclaimer: The Rokbed aluminum iPhone 4 cover was provided to Gadgetell by RokForm for the purpose of this review. The specs Sure, talking about ‘specs’ may sound a little strange when talking about an iPhone 4 cover/case, but given the aluminum design some may be looking for things like material and/or weight. That said, the Rokbed is made from 6061 T-6 anodized aluminum and weighs in at 33.5 grams (just over 1 ounce). My thoughts Lets start with this, the Rokbed cover is said to offer a “zero grounding precise fit” and true to that description—the case fits solid. In fact it took me a few seconds to convince myself that it actually fit and I was not simply shoving it in asking for trouble later. Of course, I do have a skin on the backside of my iPhone so that may have accounted for the slightly tighter feel when the case was going on. Needless to say, the Rokbed fits the iPhone 4 and fits it well. Furthermore, as this is a case with openings you can still see the iPhone 4’s design while still being able to use the controls (buttons, headphone jack, dock connector). In fact, the Rokbed seems to add to the overall good look of the phone. And worth noting, these covers are all CNC machined from solid Billet and then “serial numbered as authentic one of a kind Rokform.” Otherwise, the case is further described as being able to defend against “shocks, drops and movement” and well, having paid in full for my iPhone 4 I was not willing to test that statement. That said, given the rest seems true and accurate, we are going to have to take them on their word. One interesting, and maybe annoying part came in with the way you put the case on—it required the use of a small allen key wrench. Yup, those two little screws on the bottom of the case really are screws and they hold the case on and in place. Given that, you are not going to be taking this off without having a wrench handy. For most that will likely not be a big deal, but still, it seemed worth mentioning. The bottom line Super nice, as I said earlier in the post, the Rokbed case simple made my iPhone 4 look nicer. In the end, this is one that I would gladly purchase for myself and not hesitate to recommend. The only issue that I can see is some may baulk at the price ($79), but then again I (along with most of my friends) are on the frugal side. But seriously, the RokForm Rokbed case is a winner in my opinion. Product [RokForm Rokbed Aluminum iPhone 4 Cover] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers The iPad 2 was announced and then made its required FCC appearance. The FCC filing is showing all three models to include the WiFi A1395, GSM A1396 and CDMA A1397. In other words, the Wi-Fi only as well as AT&T and Verizon equipped models. Otherwise, nothing that we did not already learn during the keynote, of course the good part with the filing is that we at least know this is a step that can no longer hold up the March 11th release. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, ebooks  In case you’ve missed this part of the Apple Event yesterday, well here it goes. Apple has announced that Random House’s 17,000 ebooks are now available on the Apple iBookstore. This means that you can now purchase some bestsellers and read or re-read them again on your iOS devices. If you’re a huge fan of authors such as Dan Brown, Danielle Steele, Lee Child and more and you don’t mind reading their works on your the small screen of your iPhone and iPod Touch or the larger screen of your iPad, then head over to iBookstore and partake of this ebook frenzy courtesy of Random House.
While this is a welcome development for ebook consumers, it is even more significant for Apple as it now has all six major trade publishers on its iBookstore. In other words, Apple is becoming a big threat to Amazon.com’s dominance in the ebook business. Read [Apple PR] Here’s the full press release about Random House’s entry to the iBookstore: Random House, Inc. Makes Entire US Catalog of 17,000 ebooks Available on Apple's iBookstore iBookstore Now Features More than 2,500 Publishers, Including All Six Major Trade Publishers SAN FRANCISCO—March 2, 2011—Apple® today announced that Random House, Inc., the largest trade book publisher in the US, has made its full catalog of 17,000 ebooks available on Apple's iBookstore℠, including bestsellers by Stieg Larsson, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Danielle Steel, Laura Hillenbrand, Cormac McCarthy, Lee Child and many more of the world's preeminent authors. Starting today, customers can pre-order upcoming releases from Random House including Lisa Gardner's "Love You More," Suze Orman's "The Money Class" and Jean Auel's "The Land of Painted Caves." With the addition of Random House, the iBookstore now offers ebooks from all six major trade publishers and thousands of independent publishers. "We are delighted that Apple's iBookstore now will be carrying Random House's US ebooks for the first time," said Markus Dohle, Random House's Chairman and CEO. "And we look forward to bringing our 17,000 ebooks to Apple customers." "We're thrilled to offer Random House on the iBookstore," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Internet Services. "iBookstore customers have already downloaded more than 100 million books in less than one year, and we think they'll love being able to choose from Random House's incredible selection of titles to enjoy on their iPad, iPhone and iPod touch." iBookstore customers can choose from a wide selection of illustrated and video-enhanced books that look incredible on iPad™, including Jay-Z's memoir "Decoded" and Bing West's "The Wrong War"; bestselling children's series such as Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones; and cookbooks by Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. Random House, Inc. comprises more than 80 adult and children's US publishing imprints including Alfred A. Knopf, Doubleday, Crown, Pantheon Books, Vintage, Ballantine and Bantam. The iBookstore, included in Apple's free iBooks® app, is the best way to browse, buy and read books on your iPad, iPhone® and iPod touch®. iBookstore offers ebooks from more than 2,500 publishers in more than 20 categories, including Mysteries & Thrillers, Biographies & Memoirs, Cookbooks, Children's & Teen, Humor, Romance, Business and Travel. Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web Browsers Popular alternative iPhone web browser alternative Skyfire has just been updated to version 3.0. Along with the updates of course are new features heralded by a deep Facebook integration. According to the folks at Skyfire, this version of their iPhone mobile web browser now has the same social media features as its sibling for Android smartphones. The new version of the app now integrates Facebook’s social graph and “Like Button” into every webpage that you open using your iPhone. This means that you can check your Facebook page, “Like,” or share any Internet content, see content recommended by your friends and view rich multimedia and links with a single click. Other new features of Skyfire 3.0 for iPhone include: - More Video – Enhanced capability to give you more video designed for Adobe Flash Player from more sites. Flash videos will be optimized for your device and network, giving you smooth video playback, and (for users on capped or tiered data plans) saving you bandwidth and money.
- Popular Content – Our favorite new feature; instantly see what content on any given site is most popular with your friends and within the Facebook community.
Recommendations from friends are prioritized and show up at the top of the list. - Fireplace Feed Reader – A simple but addictive tool that provides a filtered list of your Facebook feed that includes links to web pages, images, and videos posted by your Facebook friends. A great place to start for browsing.
- Facebook Portal Integration – With a single touch you have access to your Facebook feed, profile and fast-growing location service Places. No need to switch between apps.
- Facebook Like Button – Skyfire 3.0 puts the Facebook Like Button on every page of the Internet. No scrolling around searching for the button on the page, simply click on the SkyBar™ Like Button to easily "like" or "unlike" the page you are viewing.
- Skyfire OneTouch Search – Enter a single search term and choose between Google, Video (from VideoSurf), or Wikipedia with a single touch without the need to navigate to separate sites
For more information and details, the video demo of Skyfire 3.0 is attached after the via link. via [Skyfire Blog], product [Skyfire App Store Link]  Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile  According their own website, the Chinese government is looking into tracking its citizens by their phone. Using the data signal, the government is looking to track users in real time. The government holds they will use this information for traffic reporting purposes. In Beijing, cell phone adoption rates hover near 70%. Movies in the western world are filled with scenes where people tear the battery out of their phone to insure no one is tracing them via the phone’s signal. This might become a reality for people in China wishing to evade being tracked. The government aims to personally identify each mobile phone signal. The goal is to provide citizens with a customized report on their traffic movements and offer suggestions for a smoother transit experience. Each year, the government would select 50,000 people to take part in the survey to be tracked. It is unclear if cell phone users chosen to partake in the survey can opt out. Read: [Official Chinese Government (in Chinese)] via [TheNextWeb] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile T-Mobile announced that they would be shutting off the data service for the Sidekick on May 31st and at that time they promised to make for the “best possible transition.” Anyway, it seems the details of that transition have come available and well, lets just say that some may have expected a little more. That said, according to the details found in the letter, Sidekick users will have a few options available; - Continue using the Sidekick without data service. (You will be able to send and receive calls and text messages.)
- Decide to cancel your service and get any early termination fee waived from March 31st till May 31st.
- Get 50% off on “select” Samsung phones.
And what bad news letter from a wireless carrier would be complete without a sales pitch coming at the end. Yup, T-Mobile took a paragraph to remind current Sidekick users that a new Sidekick is coming in the spring of 2011. Of course, the new Sidekick will be the Sidekick 4G and it will be running Android and not in need of the Danger service. With that, continue on and read the letter in full… Via [TmoNews] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 More Recent Articles | 
In addition to the iPad 2 and news of iOS 4.3, Apple has also released the latest version of iTunes—10.2. This update brings support for the iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 as well as improved Home Sharing features which will come in handy when trying to access and play any of your music from an iOS 4.3 device.
No comments:
Post a Comment