Section: Web, Websites Remember Swoopo? It’s the company that popularized the pay-for-bids auction site. At the time it was a great way for tricking suckers users into paying a lot of money for the chance to buy a high-cost item at a lower cost. Turns out three years later the company isn’t doing too well. On Wednesday Swoopo’s parent company, Shopping Entertainment AG, filed for bankruptcy in Munich, Germany. The website is down, but there is no mention of bankruptcy anywhere. Instead there’s a claim of “technical issues” that has apparently been up for more than a week. Swoopo seems to want users to think the issues will be resolved quickly, as there’s a promise of 10 minutes being added to live auctions, and a few reminders of how to refresh the page. According to Technologizer, Swoopo users have actually been waiting for their products for “quite a while.” It seems Swoopo has been in trouble for quite some time, then. Hopefully those users can get their stuff, or at least the money they paid for it eventually. I’ll have to admit, though, that I’m not the least bit sad that Swoopo seems to be heading for the deadpool. Read [Technlogizer] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Verizon officially released the HTC Thunderbolt earlier this month after what seemed like a never ending series of rumors. And now that is has become available, we have even more Thunderbolt related rumors to deal with, this time in the form of Android updates. Anyway, according to the latest, the Thunderbolt will get Android 2.3 Gingerbread sometime during Q2 2011. In other words, Thunderbolt users should be sporting Gingerbread no later than this summer. That said, the details of the update have not been officially announced by Verizon and are coming by way of an email that was sent by a representative of HTC. Anyway, the email contained the following good news; We are excited to announce that the Thunderbolt will receive the Gingerbread (Android 2.3) update in Q2 2011. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to the update availability.
Now lets just hope it happens as we expect. Via [UnwiredView] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Software / Applications We know that Motorola is hard at work fixing issues with the Atrix 4G that are significantly affecting users’ experiences. This update doesn’t fix the two main issues we’ve been talking about quite a bit recently, but it does fix a number of other issues. The latest Atrix 4G brings the software to version 4.1.57 and fixes issues with battery, the fingerprint reader, and touchscreen among others. The first two mentioned are pretty obvious fixes, the fingerprint reader is improved so it works better, and the battery update should give users longer battery life. The touchscreen is included in “phone stability,” which should give better responsiveness to the screen and make it so apps don’t quit unexpectedly as often. The screen will also now automatically turn off when plugged into a wall charger, which seems like it was just an oversight on the initial release. Users will have to wait to get voice quality issues fixed and HSUPA updated, but at least the phone should be a bit better now. Next month the 4G will finally be enabled and the phone can be just as great as it’s hardware indicates. Maybe once these fixes are all in place Motorola will move on to putting Gingerbread on the smartphone. Read [Motorola] Via [Android Central] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  Sprint has started to accept reservations for its upcoming dual-screen Android smartphone, the Kyocera Echo. The Kyocera Echo will be released on April 17 for $199.99 on a two-year contract. Reserving the phone will make sure it’s waiting for you at your local Sprint store on day one.
The Kyocera Echo is part smartphone, part mini-tablet. Its two screens allow the device to utilize four different viewing options. The most basic of modes is single-screen mode. The second screen is stacked on top of the first while in this mode. The second screen makes the device thicker than most, but that’s to be expected. The Kyocera Echo also has a tablet mode, optimized mode and simul-task mode. With this phone, you can run two select applications at the same time. Each application will occupy one of two screens. Here are the seven core applications that utilize simul-task mode. - Messaging
- Web Browsing
- Email
- VueQue
- Photo Gallery
- Phone
- Contacts
Tablet mode stretches the on-screen image across the Echo’s 4.7-inch screen. Optimized mode is for apps that are designed for the dual-screens. Only one app is running while in this mode, but the top and bottom screens offer different features. Kyocera is actively recruiting developers to work on the Echo. A device with a unique hook such as this will live or die based on third-party support. Sprint is also holding a contest on its site called the Duel for a Dual Sweepstakes. By entering your email address and some basic contact information, you could win a Kyocera Echo. Via [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Apple, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Desktops, Web, Websites  The cloud is something we’ll all be using eventually. Cloud storage gives us the ability to store a large number of files on an outside server. Those files can then be accessed from anywhere there’s an internet or data connection. SugarSync is one company that offers cloud storage for free. Today, it released a new iOS app that is loaded with useful features.
I gave SugarSync a try just to see what the big deal was. I’ve used cloud storage before, but only used to it to backup files just in case something happens to my computer. SugarSync serves that purpose, but it also lets you control those files on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. There’s also support for Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows. However, this particular update is for iOS. SugarSync says “exciting news” will be announced for Android soon. The first thing I did was install the free app from the Apple App Store. After that, I downloaded the SugarSync software to run on my PC. From there, I synced a folder that contained a few pictures from my PC. Moments later, the folder appeared on my iPod Touch. I then synced some music. A new feature in SugarSync lets you stream music from the cloud when you’re outside of the SugarSync application. You can also save pictures from the cloud onto your iOS device. Sharing is also a big part of this update. You can send email links from within the app even if it contains a large file. The person receiving the email will click on the link and download the file from SugarSync’s servers. Those links can also be copied to the iOS clipboard and shared on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. SugarSync gives you 5GB of free storage, but will add on an additional 500MB if you get a friend to sign up for a free account. It can be something that comes in handy if you love to manage files on the go. Site [SugarSync] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Software / Applications Apple’s annual World Wide Developers Conference, five days of conferences about the OS X and iOS platforms has a date for 2011. Developers will be flocking to Moscone West on June 6 to June 10. This year Apple is inviting developers “for a preview of the future of iOS and OS X.” Sounds like there’ll be a lot of Lion (potentially even a Lion release), and perhaps a bit about iOS 5, or at least the next version of iOS 4. In the past Apple has used WWDC as the launch point for the latest iPhone. Rumors are saying that won’t happen this year. As if to confim those rumors, Apple is putting very heavy emphasis on the software in the press release. We should see something new announced at the conference, it would be strange not to. We’ll just have to wait until the first day to find out what that could be. Until then, we’re sure to hear a lot of rumors about what Apple has in store for it’s platforms. Read [Apple] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Smartphones, Mobile, Reviews, Peep Shows, Features, Originals What is being reviewed? We recently reviewed the Rokbed iPhone 4 cover / case and today we are following up with the Rokstand adjustable desktop stand. This product is also made by RokForm and while the cover/case and stand can be used independently, they do look rather nice when paired together. Looks aside though, the Rokstand adjustable desktop stand is available from the RokForm website and it is currently selling for $169. In terms of colors, we have the matte black in for review, however there is a rather wide variety of colors available including black, silver, pink, navy, black/gold, black/cherry and bronze. Disclaimer: The Rokstand adjustable desktop stand was provided to Gadgetell by RokForm for the purpose of this review. The specs - All CNC machined from Billet 6061 T-6 Aluminum with Anodized finish.
- Precision High speed bearing and cam adjustment.
- Soft rubber Contact surface rings provide a soft feel and non slip performance.
- Built in Sound enhancing speaker ports.
- Works with Standard iPhone 4 charger plug.
- Charges while on the stand in portrait.
- Holds iPhone in landscape or portrait.
- 6 angles of adjustment
And in addition to working with the iPhone 4, the Rokstand also works rather nicely with the iPad (in landscape or portrait), which in my case happens to be the original iPad. My thoughts Lets just say this, the stand looks rather (for lack of a better word)—impressive. Of course, when you are buying a $169 iDevice stand that is made of aluminum and comes with its own unique serial number then I guess impressive is probably what you should have be expecting. Anyway, while I did use the Rokstand to prop up my iPad a few times, my primary use was with my iPhone 4. That said, and aside from the good looks and quality design, the Rokstand has a very mechanical look. But that we liked. A few perks of the stand that we liked included; - the two little speaker cut-outs on the front of the stand which meant you could still listen to your audio or talk on speaker phone without having a muffled sound,
- and the way the charging cable mounted in place. The cable slips in a pre-cut slot and holds in place by two tension screws.
Otherwise, the pre-determined 6 angles seemed to cover all basis in terms of viewing angles, though we suppose that could vary a little depending on desk setup and/or person. The bottom line What can we really say, the Rokstand looks nice and was nice to have sitting on our desk. But in reality, while nicely designed and even with the little touches that made it seem well thought out and well made—its still just a place to dock your iPhone when at your desk. Of course, if you are willing to part with $169 for the sake of not having your iPhone sitting on your desk—then we would suggest going with the Rokstand. Simply put, it looks cool and given how it is made, it should long outlast your iPhone 4. Product [RokForm Rokstand V.1 Adjustable Desktop Stand] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Software / Applications  The Amazon Appstore has a neat feature that lets you see how an app works before you buy it. Amazon has dubbed this feature “Test Drive” and it can be accessed from any computer.
Test Drive isn’t available on every app, but there are hundreds of apps that use this feature. Amazon highlights apps such as Kindle for Android, Huffington Post, Connect 4 and Amazon MP3 as some of its favorite Test Drive apps. You’ll know what apps support Test Drive after you visit the product’s page. You’ll see a big Test Drive Now icon displayed right below the price. Clicking on that button will start a simulation on Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud. All of your actions are sent to the cloud, and Amazon sends the resulting data back to your computer in real-time. You can try out apps for 30 minutes at a time. Leaving the Test Drive function will reset the clock. What’s interesting is that the virtual Android phone Amazon presents is somewhat fully functional. You have access to the phone’s home, menu, back and search buttons. You can even set live wallpapers on the phone. In a way, you’re testing the phone’s features and Amazon’s apps at the same time. It can be a great learning tool for novice Android users. Via [Amazon Appstore] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Imaging, Accessories 
The Instagram app has once again been updated. The latest update brings the version up to 1.5.2 and while it may not be as exciting feature wise as the previous update which brought tilt-shift mode, this one does have a few fixes that may be just as welcomed for some users. Anyway, the latest Instagram update contains; - Fixed email sharing when posting a photo
- Performance improvements in News tab
- Fixes for iPads running iOS 3.2
- Fix for Photo Library header bug on iOS 4.3 devices
Via [Instagram (App Store link)] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware Not sure whether you should get the ViewSonic ViewPad 7 Android Tablet? How about giving it a try first before you buy? Well actually, the deal will still require you to pay for it first. But ViewSonic will give you 30 days to use the tablet after which you can decide whether you will keep it or send it back to ViewSonic. ViewSonic will refund the full purchase price including their postage contribution amounting to £10. ViewSonic claims that’s how confident they are with their ViewPad Android tablet, so they are pretty sure that you will like it and will not return the tablet back. Unfortunately, the deal is being offered to U.K. Households only. And if you are qualified, you’ll can purchase up to three ViewPads and return them all if you are not satisfied. If you’re ok with the terms and conditions and you want to give the ViewSonic 7 a test drive, make sure to make your purchase at the following resellers - CCL, Scan, Insight, Misco, Ebuyer, Maplin and Amazon UK. All resellers are UK Based. Product [ViewSonic for Free] Via [Android Community] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Another week and another series of HTC Flyer tablet rumors. And these latest are suggesting that the Android 2.2 Froyo running tablet will be heading to T-Mobile, though at present—the details are rather light. That said, the details come by way of an image. Or more specifically, a screen capture taken of a rebranded YouTube page which lists the HTC Flyer Tablet with Scribe Pen and the tag line of “Fly & you will soar.” Bottom line, this does not guarantee the release is going to happen, however we would not be all that surprised. Basically, in terms of the HTC Flyer and T-Mobile we are probably talking when more than if at this point. Via [PocketNow] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Smartphones, Web, Google  Google is said be working on a system that will allow users to make payments in stores using their smartphones. A Wall Street Journal report says that Google is involved with Citigroup and MasterCard in this project. When all is said and done, individuals who possess Citigroup credit and debit cards can use their smartphones as a digital wallet.
The report says that this system isn’t far along. The application that makes mobile payments possible is said to be developed for use on one current Android phone, and will be compatible with future Android phones. When the application is activated, a user would only have to wave their phone in front of a scanner at checkout lines to complete a transaction. The funds would be automatically deducted from whatever account the Citigroup card is associated with. Google is enticing retailers to support this project by offering them customer data. Simply put, Google will sell ads to retailers that appeal to specific customers based on their spending habits. A patent filed on March 24, 2011 by Google may be related to the WSJ report. The patent is for a “distributed electronic commerce system with centralized point of purchase.” Here’s an excerpt from the patent’s abstract: The broker receives a description of a virtual shopping cart generated by the merchant and presents the customer with an interface allowing the customer to select shipping and other options for the purchase. The broker calculates a total amount for the transaction based on the shopping cart description and the options selected by the customer. The broker informs the merchant of the purchase and coordinates the shipment of the purchased items from the merchant to the customer.
In this case, the broker is Google and the merchant is a random online store. Basically, Google will take care of shipping arrangements and calculate the dollar amount of the purchases before sending that information to the merchant. Since Google knows exactly what is purchased, merchants will theoretically jump at the chance to obtain that information. Via [Wall Street Journal] Read [USPTO] Also Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Wireless Samsung and Verizon announced the 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot modem back during CES however they left the important details (pricing and release date) a mystery. Well, flash forward almost three months time and it looks like we have a release date. Or more specifically, a rumored release date that has yet to be confirmed by Verizon. Anyway, it looks like the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot modem is going to be available in just a few days—on March 31st. That said, now we need to learn something in terms of pricing. Oh and, the official word from Verizon would also be nice. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers As we had expected, the Motorola Xoom with Wi-Fi has come available for sale. The features of the Xoom with Wi-Fi are the same as the 3G equipped model that we have had available with the exception of the 3G. The Xoom with Wi-Fi has a 10.1 inch widescreen HD display, dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 32GB internal storage and Android 3.0 Honeycomb. In terms of pricing, expect to pay just around $600. Or more specifically, the Motorola website lists three places to purchase including Staples, Costco and Best Buy who are selling it for $599.98, $589.99 and $599 respectively. Though worth noting, Costco may be the place to go as they have it for $10 less plus they are throwing in a free gel case and free shipping. Via [Motorola] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content, Portable Video, Video Providers, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Online Music/Video The recent launch of Warner Brothers’ movie rental service via Facebook fan pages must have been pretty successful prompting the studio to offer five more movies under the said rental scheme. So, joining “The Dark Knight” are five more films - “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Inception,” “Life as We Know It,” and “Yogi Bear.” Similar to its first offering, once you’ve rented a movie, it will automatically streams right unto the movie’s Facebook fan page. To rent a movie, you simply click on the “watch now” icon and this will apply your current Facebook credits to serve as payment for the rental. This movie rental service is currently available only for U.S. consumers. Once you’ve rented a movie, you will have 48 hours to watch and and have control over the film. You can watch the movie in full screen, pause the movie anywhere and resume playing as soon you log back in to Facebook. Additionally, the movie rental service will also let you post comments about the movie, discuss the movie’s merits among your friends and update your status as well. Via [The Wrap] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones Nokia is going through some big changes. The company just isn’t what it used to be. There was a time when Nokia phones were the talk of the town. When smartphones started to take over, Nokia steadily fell from grace. Through its partnership with Microsoft, Nokia will ditch its Symbian OS for smartphones in favor of the Windows Phone 7 OS. Along with that dramatic shift comes a new company-wide typeface. Nokia’s new direction required the company to come up with a new font that would present its new image to the public. This probably doesn’t seem like a big deal to most people, but Nokia put a lot of thought into this. Nokia felt it prudent to write a pretty long post detailing how and why it chose Nokia Pure. Nokia Pure is meant to convey harmony. Nokia wanted the font to be warm and inviting while still being appropriate to use in a variety of different settings. Nokia also felt this font would work best on phones of varying screen sizes. The font’s design is described as “organic, flowing forms – nothing stressed, mechanical or too obviously 'on trend'.” The way Nokia talks about this font is almost hypnotic. It enlisted the help of Dalton Maag, a company that has been designing logos and fonts for 20 years to design the new font. More specifically, Bruno Maag played a huge role in the rebranding. Bruno Maag studied typography and visual communications at Basel School of Design in Switzerland. Let’s hope Nokia puts the same care into its upcoming phones as it did with this font. Via [Nokia] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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