Section: Communications, Computers, Web, Google Google has just announced that its previous Google Mobile Apps, available in the App Store has been redesigned and is now called Google Search app. Working faster and easier on your iPhone and iPod Touch than its previous iteration, the Google Search app also now sports a better user interface. Of course, along with this update are several new features that, well yeah looks cool. One of the major, new feature of Google Search app is the ability to swipe down on the screen to see the search bar or change your search settings while you browse through search results or just by looking at webpage. There’s also an app button at the bottom of the screen which gives Google apps users quick access to its mobile version. There is also now a new toolbar that makes it easier to filter search results. This toolbar can be accessed by swiping from left to right, before searching or right after the app display your search results. You can also filter search results easily by images only. Another new feature is that you can now either go back to where you left off the last time you used the app or start a new search session right away. And the other components of Google Search app were also given some new features. These include - Goggles, Voice Search, Search with My Location, Gmail unread counts and more. Check out the video after the via link below to find out more new features about Google Search app. Product [Google Search] Via [Google Mobile Blog] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Apple, Video, Content, Portable Video, Video Providers If you’re a Time Warner Cable video subscriber, well this new iPad app called TWCable TV is for you. Launched just now, TWCable TV for iPad lets you watch selected live cable TV channels in the comforts of your iPad screen. The app works similar to other TV streaming apps for iPad, however your iPad must be connected to the Time Warner Cable modem via your Wi-Fi router at home. Yes, it’s kind of a letdown, that’s I why I said at the beginning of this post that this iPad app was meant for Time Warner Cable subscriber. So now if you are currently a video subscriber, go check out the app from the App Store and try watching your favorite cable shows including the Food Network, CNBC news, and other live streaming TV channels. And Time Warner Cable is also promising to bring in some more good stuff later on. The app works instantly the moment you’ve installed it on your iPad. You’ll immediately have access to Time Warner Cable’s Channel Guide to see what’s on and what’s coming next. Product [TWCable TV for iPad] Via [WSJ] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Apple, Communications, Mobile Do you have a shiny new iPad 2 with AT&T 3G or a slightly used original iPad with 3G? If so, do you lack a 3G data plan for any reason? Now might be a good time to try out that 3G because AT&T is offering a free month of data, if you’re willing to jump through a hoop or two. AT&T is offering a free month of it’s 2GB plan for the iPad, but it can’t be accessed directly through the iPad. To take advantage of the offer you have to call AT&T at 1-888-237-5888 or visit and AT&T store. After that, you get a free month of the plan that typically costs $25. Of course, if you don’t cancel the service before the month or 2GB is up, you’ll be charged $25 for another month and/or 2GB. So, the best idea would be to cancel the plan the day you get it so it doesn’t renew. You’ll still be able to use the free data for the month or until you hit the cap. If you have an iPhone or another smartphone already, the 3G data on the iPad might not be all that useful to you, but at least it’s free. Free data is always a good thing, until it doesn’t work at least. Read [TUAW] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Following Verizon Wireless’ announcement of the availability of the new HTC Thunderbolt 4G on March 17, Best Buy also announced that the said Android smartphone will be available in all Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile standalone stores and online at Bestbuy.com. Also on the said date, the HTC Thunderbolt 4G will be available for a special launch price of $249.99. Said price shall remain until March 19 before before its regular price becomes $299.99 on March 20. So, if you’ve been eyeing this Android smartphone, I think it would be wise to get it as soon as March 17. The $50 difference in the price is still a good discount. Of course, if you get the said phone from Best Buy, you’ll enjoy some of the add-on services that the store is offering such as the upgrade checker, walk out working, and the store’s famous buy back program which will be best used if you have previous items purchased from Best Buy. Via [Best Buy] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile After months of waiting for the first Verizon 4G LTE to be released, we’re finally almost there. You’ve probably seen advertisements for the HTC Thunderbolt for a while now, despite not having a release date. Today we finally know for sure that the phone will be out this Thursday. On March 17 Verizon will start selling the Thunderbolt for $249.99. It will mark the first 4G LTE phone from Verizon that we can actually buy. In case you’ve forgotten about ti since it was first announced, the Thunderbolt is essentially the Evo 4G with LTE instead of WiMAX and a slight upgrade in the CPU. It sports a 4.3-inch screen, 8 MP camera capable of 720p video, and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera. The Thunderbolt is powered by the latest 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU (MSM8655, for those who know the model numbers). While I was pretty underwhelmed by the design of the Thunderbolt at CES (it looks like an Evo crossed with the HD7), it certainly seemed like a great phone. It was pretty quick, and the 4G was fast. Real world experience may differ, but if you’ve been waiting for a fast phone on Verizon’s 4G network, you only have to wait two more days. Read [Verizon Wireless] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile As previously reported, Verizon Wireless has finally and officially announces the availability of the new HTC Thunderbolt. Prepare your purses folks and get ready to shell out $295.95 to grab this new HTC Android phone. Release date is officially dated - March 17. The HTC Thunderbolt has been a highly anticipated smartphone since leaks and rumors started to surface the past couple of weeks. But now, all of these becomes obsolete as Verizon has issued the official press release about the HTC Thunderbolt. The HTC Thunderbolt is an Android 2.2-powered smartphone that will run on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, similar to the previously announced Samsung Sidekick 4G. As such, expect some download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage area. Additionally, the HTC Thunderbolt also features the HTC Sense UI, a 4.3-inch WVGA display, an 8 MP rear-facing camera that supports 720p HD video and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera for your video chatting needs. Said smartphone will also feature 4G LTE optimized apps including Gameloft’s Let’s Golf, Tunewiki, Bitbop and EA’s Rock Band. If those sound exciting to you, well you’ll probably won’t have a hard time deciding whether you should get the Thunderbolt or not. After you’ve decided, be prepared to let go of your $295.99 in exchange for the HTC Thunderbolt smartphone and sign up for a two-year customer agreement Verizon Wireless and HTC today announced that the ThunderBolt™ by HTC, exclusively from Verizon Wireless, is available on March 17 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Apple, Video, Computers, Software / Applications Until now there have really only been two options for video chat on the iPhone or iPod touch: FaceTime and Skype. Today Qik (which was recently purchased by Skype) announced that it’s bringing a third way to video chat on the iPhone and iPod touch. Qik’s newest app, Qik Video Connect, brings video chat over WiFi, 3G, and 4G (presumably through the use of a 4G mobile hotspot). Like Skype, Qik Video Connect isn’t restricted by platform, so you can chat with your friends that use Qik no matter what platform they’re on. If your friends aren’t signed into Qik, you can send them video messages through email and SMS in the app as well. Video chat isn’t the only thing Qik is bringing. With the new app you’ll be able to stream live video from wherever you are (assuming you have a data connection of some sort). You can post links to the video on Facebook and Twitter so your friends can see exactly what you’re seeing. It’s the same Qik video we’ve seen before, but the social features are nice. There are two versions of Qik Video Connect, a free version and a $3 version. The paid plus version gives you the ability to use real-time video effects, edit your videos after they’re uploaded, and the option to post HD video. Read [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile We do know that Sony Ericsson has plans to launch the Xperia Play smartphone with multiple carriers here in the US and while we wait to find out which carriers those will be and when the handset will be arriving, we have some good news for those in Spain. According to a recent update from Sony Ericsson, the Xperia Play will be available beginning on April 1st and come priced at €649. And while that price sounds a bit on the high side, that is contract free. And those looking to shell out a bit less cash up front, worry not because contract carrier pricing is also coming. CLARIFICATION XPERIATM LAUNCH PLAY IN SPAIN After several confusing news in different media on the launch and availability of the new Sony Ericsson XPERIATM PLAY in Spain, the company has decided to issue this statement in order to clarify the following points: - The PLAY XPERIATM goes on sale in Spain from April 1 as both free operators
1) only Vodafone has exclusivity for 15 days XPERIATM PLAY in the white model 2) Both in the open market like other operators will market the product from April 1 in black - The price of free will XPERIATM PLAY 649 euros
- Prices will be communicated with each operator in the coming weeks in joint communiques
- PLAY XPERIATM include 6 full games preloaded with access to a list of more than 50 through Android Market at the time of launch
PLAY XPERIATM provides all the functionality of a smartphone that demanding users might need, along with the gaming experience that any player could want. Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers It looks like Verizon is making good for those looking to purchase a tablet on a month-to-month basis and has begun waiving the $35 activation fee. This seems to have gone into effect on March 11th and means customers will see the $35 fee on their bill, however they will also see a $35 credit on that same bill. In other words, no activation free for tablets such as the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab or the Motorola Xoom for those on a month to month arrangement. That said, this waived activation fee deal is said to be a “limited-time promotion” however as of now there does not seem to be a date when it is going to be ending. Via [Droid-Life] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Sprint has officially offered up the release details for the dual-screen Android running Kyocera Echo. The handset will be available beginning on April 17th and come priced at $199.99 on a two-year agreement. And for those who may be a little more anxious, Sprint will begin taking pre-orders on March 26th. In terms of the display, or in this case the displays, those are described as; Kyocera Echo features two high-resolution 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen displays connected by a three-dimensional “pivot hinge” that enables the two displays to operate independently, side-by-side or combined to form an oversized 4.7-inch (diagonal) integrated display. The Super Copper Alloy hinge is so unique it has six patents pending, and so tough it has passed severe durability testing. Otherwise, the Kyocera Echo features 1GB of internal storage, an 8GB microSD card, 5 megapixel camera with flash, auto-focus, digital zoom and 720p video recording, 3G, Wi-Fi 80.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and is running Android 2.2 Froyo. Via [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Communications, Computers, Mobile Computers, Features Steamed. That’s how I’d explain my feelings today as I attempt to get my hands on an iPad 2. The reason for my rant today: Apple’s product focus means customer service is going by the wayside and I think its time someone said something. Wait till you hear about my morning. First some background: Apple has an apparent blockbuster on their hands with the iPad 2. It would appear that I was not alone in waiting for the second generation product, as each line I’ve been in was filled with geeks and non-geeks waiting in harmony. Today, I witnessed about 100 people who can’t wait to get their hands on one. I was at the line at an Apple store on Friday. Over 100 people long there too and I was too late to get my hands on one. I foolishly thought the unwashed (read: non-geeks) would snap up the WiFi only leaving the top with plenty of stock. Fat chance. Then Apple blogs let slip late yesterday that some select stores were opening early today. Sure enough, a phone call to me quasi-local shop produced the same, “yes we’re opening an hour early and no, we can’t comment on if we’ll have iPads in stock.” Fair enough - opening an hour early suggests Apple is getting more iPads out - done deal. I packed up the car and off I went. So you can imagine my surprise this morning as I lined up with dozens of others who thought we’d keep our excitement on the down low when Apple people came out to the line and made an announcement. “Sorry folks, we don’t have any iPads today.” We were dismissed like the overly-optimistic schoolchildren Apple seems to think we are. No one was happy. The rage-induced ride home gave me these three points: 1. Why isn’t Apple doing a better job here? No pre-order, no helpful current stock status online (remember, they did this for the first iPhone), no data given to Apple store folks (who I actually feel really sorry for - they take the brunt of the angry mobs sentiments). Apple could easily make this better but for some reason are choosing not to. Even a get-notified when the Store gets some. It sounds like they need an app for this. 2. Where are the scrappy Android players? I’ve waited in lines now for a couple of hours (I was late to the line on Friday, thanks Delta). No where I’ve read nor witnessed was any scrappy retailer handing out Xooms or Samsung TABs to play with while I waited in vain for an iPad? Preaching to the wrong church choir? Perhaps, but don’t think for a minute that some of us would have said, “enough is enough Apple, I am going to give Moto or Sammy some love.” After all, the Android tablets have plenty of stock and no lines - even if those are the only things going for it - it’s a win over Apple. What a wasted opportunity for some guerilla marketing. Why isn’t this obvious to Motorola or Samsung? 3. This experience is changing my opinion of Apple. The past few days, I’ve been watching the numbers - how many they’ve sold and how many smart covers they’ve profited on (holy cow). They are banking on all of us kicking in. They saw this coming. No matter how great the iPad 2 is, it will be tainted with this sourness. There’s the question of first day-online buyers getting pushed to the back of the line as they get more product to the stores. That doesn’t sound right (though, my local store isn’t getting any apparently…). Customers shouldn’t get treated like cheese-sniffing mice - which is apparently what we’ve become to Apple. Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Wirefly has has a few nice announcements as of late, first we saw the HTC Thunderbolt come available for pre-order and now it is the HTC Arrive, which means those on Sprint will soon have a Windows Phone 7 offering. The HTC Arrive is priced at $149.99 on a two year agreement, $79.99 if you are adding another line to a family plan and $489.99 contract free. With that, those who pre-order will also get free shipping and can expect their phone to ship as of March 20th. And just as a recap, the HTC Arrive features a 3.6 inch (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen display, 1GHz Qualcomm processor, 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus, flash and 720p video recording and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. And in addition, those who make the purchase will also find Sprint branded goodies to include Sprint TV and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile. Via [Wirefly] and [Wirefly on Facebook] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Well, it didn’t take T-Mobile to officially announce the availability of the new Samsung Sidekick 4G after it just graced the FCC yesterday. The Samsung Sidekick 4G will now officially be through T-Mobile 4G networks. Featuring a killer five-row QWERTY keyboard, the new Samsung Sidekick 4G brings in the same stylish good looks of its predecessor, only this time the smartphone was made even faster as it was upgraded to 4G speeds. That’s an assured 21 Mbps peak download speeds, theoretically. The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is also bringing in a 3.5-inch crisp and clear display and runs Android 2.2 Froyo OS which we certainly hope will be upgradeable to Gingerbread later on. Other noteable features of the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G include a VGA front-facing camera and 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor. It is also pre-installed with T-Mobile Video Chat which is powered by QIK. The Sidekick 4G is also preloaded with T-Mobile’s DriveSmart service which sends notes to callers and senders that you are driving so you can’t possibly reply to their calls or text messages. The T-Mobile Samsung Sidekick 4G will be available later this Spring. It will be available in matte black or pearl magenta. Pricing and other data offers by T-Mobile is yet to be announced. For more information, read the full press release below. Product [T-Mobile Sidekick 4G] T-Mobile Sidekick is Reborn New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub, Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.,1 today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4G™ by Samsung. The new Android™-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile's fastest smartphones running on America's Largest 4G Network™, the new Sidekick 4G is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps. The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a touch screen and its sturdy "pop-tilt" hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status as an exceptional messaging device. The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group Text™ and Cloud Text™ to redefine messaging. Sidekick's Group Text feature lets customers create, name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms, whether from the comfort of their PC's large screen and keyboard, or from their new Sidekick 4G. "Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile's 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers customers both speed and style," said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. "We've reinvented the messaging experience that made the Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network." Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, "We are proud that T-Mobile selected Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class hardware, combined with T-Mobile's 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners." The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and Twitter™ applications, and provides easy interaction with customers' social networks by allowing them to update their status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone's address book, which lets them post to their friends' walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with the Sidekick 4G's jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications. In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go is a breeze. Sidekick's Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies, YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill. Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™, to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to their next destination — all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer dynamic media features and integrated Google™ services, including Gmail™, Google Maps™ and access to thousands of applications on Android Market™. The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmart™ from T-Mobile, a first-of-its kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated, DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and will respond when it's safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the wheel. Offered exclusively to T‑Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be available later this spring in two stylish colors — matte black or pearl magenta. Customers can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information. Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile And just like that, the rumors have come to an end and the HTC Thunderbolt is now available for purchase. Well, technically it is only available for pre-order at this point, however it will begin shipping as of March 17th. In terms of availability, this deal is by way of Wirefly and the handset is priced at $199.99 on a two-year agreement or $669.99 contract free. Otherwise, a few items to note, the Thunderbolt will not have Skype Mobile but on the flip side it will have simultaneous voice and data along with a total of 40GB of storage space out of the box. Via [Wirefly] and [Wirefly on Facebook] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, ebooks Amazon, in partnership with the Philosophical Library and Hebrew University has just updated its digital collection of e-books by Albert Einstein by adding seven new titles including new photographs as well as extra bibliographic information culled from the Hebrew University Einstein Archives. So, if you’ve always wanted to read some of Einstein great works, you can now do so in the comforts of your Amazon Kindle e-reader or via the various Kindle apps available on multi-platforms. The addition of seven new e-books by Albert Einstein now makes the available e-book titles from the same author to ten. If you want to score any of these e-books, you may choose from the following titles - Relativity: The Special and the General Theory, The World as I See it, Out of My Later Years: The Scientist, Philosopher, and Man Portrayed Through His Own Words, The Theory of Relativity: and Other Essays, The Meaning of Relativity, Letters to Solovine: 1906-1955, Essays in Humanism, Essays in Science, and Letters on Wave Mechanics. Product [Albert Einstein Kindle Books] Via [Geeky Gadgets] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile It looks like Samsung’s newest 4G device to become available in the U.S. soon is none other than the Samsung Infuse 4G. Said smartphone has just reached the FCC for the usual scrutiny and release is now heading towards AT&T. In case you forgot already, we first heard about the Samsung Infuse 4G sometime in January. It was a pretty impressive Android phone and AT&T seems to be lucky enough to snag the right to distribute the said smartphone. Once, AT&T and Samsung officially announce the Samsung Infuse 4G’s availability be sure to take note of its model number - SGH-I997. It will be joining the Samsung Galaxy family as one of the newest 4G smartphone offerings. As a review, the Samsung Infuse 4G features a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED screen display, an 8MP rear facing camera, 1.3MP front facing camera, Android 2.1, 1.2GHz single-core Hummingbird processor, TouchWiz skin on top of Froyo interface, and a slim form factor. Obviously no words yet on when the Samsung Infuse 4G will be available, but it will definitely not too long from now. Read [FCC] Via [PocketNow] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » More Recent Articles | |
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