Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile After just a few weeks on the market, HP has already dropped the price on the Verizon Palm Pre 2. The smartphone started at $99.99 when it was released in mid-February. Just a few days ago, the price was halved to $49.99. Today the price has dropped even lower. You can now get your hands on the Verizon Palm pre 2 for just $29.99 with a two-year contract. If anything, I’m surprised HP took this long to drop the price down. The phone was launched shortly after it’s successor was announced. We won’t see the Pre 3 for a few more months, but it is certainly coming. Given the new features of the Pre 3 and the relatively minor updates in the Pre 2, the best option would obviously be to wait. Still, if you need a new phone right now, and you’re certain you want WebOS, the Pre 2 would be the way to go. Just don’t be too upset when the price inevitably dros even lower. At this rate, I’d expect it to be free by sometime in April. Read [HP] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, VoIP, Mobile Skype once again is trying a new strategy in the hopes of earning some bucks to perhaps stay in tip top shape and form. Isn’t it pretty interesting that the Internet’s major player in the VoIP eco-space is somewhat struggling financially that it has to try infusing ads onto the Skype environment? Anyway, the Skype blog has published quite a long list of strategies and specifics for trying out advertising. So, starting this week, be prepared to see ads appearing in the Home tab in Skype. These ads will come from advertisers such as Groupon, Universal Pictures and Visa. If you’re in the US, UK and Germany, you will be the initial target of those ads. The good news is that those ads will only appear occasionally, that is one brand per day as much as possible for the markets where the ads is being sold. Skype also promises that the ads will not in anyway interrupt your Skype activities - no pop ads or flashy banner ads will appear while you’re in the middle of a conversation. And last but certainly not the least, the Skype also said that they may use non-personally identifiable demographic data to target ads. This is to ensure that ads are relevant to users. But you can always opt out of this by setting your privacy options in Skype Options tab. via [Skype Blog] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware Announced during the CES 2011 in January 2011, ViewSonic is now announcing the availability of its dual OS tablet PC, the ViewPad 10 for the U.S. market. Yes, you read it right folks, this 10.1-inch tablet is loaded with two of the most popular operating systems for tablet today - Windows 7 and Google Android 1.6. In a way, this makes the ViewPad 10 quite unique among the current crop of tablet device that are scheduled to become available in the coming days. Aside from its dual OS, the ViewPad 10 tablet also stands out on its own for some of its nice features. These include - Intel Atom 1.66GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 10.1-inch LED backlit display with 1024x600 resolution and the standard features such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and a 1.3MP built-in front camera for video chat. The tablet also supports Flash-based content and comes loaded with standard Microsoft business software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. The ViewSonic ViewPad 10 is available with either Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional for $599 and $699 respectively.
To ensure the ViewPad 10 grows with each person’s individual needs, the device offers expandable memory options via a micro SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional space. The dual-boot ViewPad 10 is now available—with Android 1.6 and either Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) or Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) for respective ESPs of $599 and $679. Read [Market Wire] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Laptops Sony Electronics has just announced that its new, Sandy Bridge-powered VAIO S laptop series is now available for pre-order in the U.S. If you will remember, this ultra-slim laptop was first announced during the CES 2011. Back then, the VAIO S elicited some excitement because of the fact that it will be loaded with either the 2nd Gen Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors. So now, if you want to get the first dibs at this new Sony laptop, you might as well visit Sony Style USA and pre-order your unit. That is of course if you are willing to shell out around $969 which incidentally is quite cheap enough relative to other VAIO laptops released by Sony. Key features of the Sony VAIO S laptop that you will find pretty interesting include - Intel WiDI 2.0 which allows wireless streaming to your HDTV and 15 hours of battery life. Other specs and features include - a 13.3-inch display with 1366x768 resolution, black or magnesium and aluminun chassis, up to 8GB of RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6630 GPU with 1GB RAM for video performance, up to 500GB HD (7200 RPM) or 750GB HDD (5400 RPM), Bluetooth 3.0, USB 3.0, backlit keyboards, multi-touch mousepad and MOTION EYE webcams. Via [Notebooks.com], Product [Sony VAIO S] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple You thought you really wanted an iPad 2? Maybe you’re planning on getting in line to buy one this Friday. Or maybe your constantly checking Apple.com for your chance to buy one without waiting in line. Either way,there’s a pretty good chance you’re not as dedicated as the guy you see in the photo above. That photo was taken outside the temporary location of the Knox Street Apple store in Texas (main store is closed to renovations). Mac Cast guesses the man inside the tent is Justin Wagoner, who was first to get in line for the iPhone 4 as well. Wagoner, assuming it is him, apparently has more dedication to the rest of us. Either that or he simply has the time to wait outside the store for four days without having to worry about going to work. Expect to see a few more people like Wagoner popping up over the next few days. As of now there’s no way to order the iPad 2 online, so waiting online is the only option. If that holds true, Apple stores will probably see lines rivaling those of iPhone launches. Read [Mac Cast] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps As if we needed another way to play Angry Birds, or another reason to hang out on Facebook. But that said, Rovio Mobile has officially announced that Angry Birds is coming to Facebook, which at present seems to have been well received by the Facebook using crowd. As of now the Facebook page, which is nothing more than a coming soon style page has 1,323,943 likes. I guess the users have spoken, they want Angry Birds on Facebook. That said, there is nothing in terms of a timeline as to when it will arrive so I guess we will have to sit back and try to have some patience. Via [Facebook] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Netbooks  Recently, the iPad was approved for use by Executive Jet pilots after conducting a trial involving 10 aircraft, 55 pilots, and 250 flights. The result was the FAA allowing Exectutive Jet to use the iPad and aviation-specific app by Jeppeson. Now Delta is requesting to equip their pilots as well. We’ve written about iPad accessories for pilots before.
The FAA is considering requests on a case by case basis. To date, commercial cockpits are filled with paper from aeronautical maps to checklists to procedures. Introducing the iPad into the environment can mean a considerable reduction in redundant materials. Paper charts tend to be folded and quite large, finding your location in an emergency is a challenge all in itself; the iPad running aeronautical software could be a time-saver, especially in an emergency. What about apps crashing? During Executive Jets testing, the app never crashed. If it had, an FAA spokesman says within mere seconds the app is back and ready to go. In other words, it’s an issue but one that will be dealt with quickly. Android fans, fear not: Eppeson is planing an Android version of it’s iOS app to run on Android-based tablets. Read: [Bloomberg] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Sony Ericsson was originally announced as a Windows Phone 7 launch partner, however despite some rumors in the past about a handset coming, they have yet to release or even announce anything. That said, one of the rumored handsets was the “Julie” which seems to have been captured in some images. The handset is still being described as a prototype so there is no real hope that it will be available anytime soon, or ever for that matter. Otherwise, what we have are a few images of a Sony Ericsson slider style handset running Windows Phone 7 with clear markings that the device is a “prototype” and “not for sale.” Via [Esato] and [WMPoweruser] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Email / IM, Smartphones, Mobile 
A new report from Paul Thurrott published in Windows IT Pro, says Microsoft won’t be done with Mango, the codename that brings a slew of good features to Windows Phone mobile OS until late 2011. This late delivery would push handsets to 2012. Nokia is waiting for this update to Windows Phone OS to rekindle their smartphone game and this delay would be very public and very embarassing. Mango will be finalized by the end of 2011, and while Microsoft recently promised to ship this release to customers by the end of the year as well, my sources tell me that schedule is a near impossibility. Mango will include Internet Explorer (IE) 9 with partial HTML 5 support, better multitasking functionality, and more, Microsoft says.
In contrast to Mr. Thurrott’s viewpoint, Microsoft specialist Mary Jo Foley, wrote that we’ll see Mango by early Fall at the latest. Foley reportedly heard this from OEMs with a promise to allow them to get devices with Mango to consumers by the holidays. With Nokia’s interest, I can’t believe Microsoft wouldn’t throw everything at the wall to get this done and done early at that. Microsoft has seen their mobile fortunes decline for years and now with Nokia on board, they’ve got a shot at righting the years of wrong. Read: [Windows IT Pro] and [ZDNet] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers While we are still waiting to see if the rumored April launching of the HP Touchpad tablet is going to come true, Amazon has taken the liberty of listing the device. Though, as of now the Touchpad listing on Amazon is nothing more than informational as there is no way to place an order or pre-order. As of now there is only the option to get notified when the Touchpad comes available and a list of specs which includes details such as; Product Features - 9.7" (1024x768) Touch Screen Display; 1.6lbs; 13.6mm thick
- HP webOS Mobile Operating System; Dual Core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor; 1 GB RAM
- 16GB/32GB Storage; Wireless 802.11bgn; Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR; Flash support
- 1.3 MP Front-facing Camera – video chatting capability; HP Beats Audio Technology
- Accessories: TouchPad stand and Bluetooth keyboard
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard - Processor: 1.3 GHz
- Memory Slots: 1
Hard Drive - Size: 16 GB
- Manufacturer: SSD
Ports and Connectivity Cases and Expandability
Via [Amazon] and [PreCentral] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 FROM GAMERTELL - Haven’t caught all of the Gamertell news this week? Here's your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles! Play Call of Duty: Black Ops and earn double XP this weekend” Anyone who owns Call of Duty: Black Ops needs to clear their weekend. Forget about any plans… MORE » Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile RIM has officially announced that BlackBerry Protect is not available in open beta for those located in North America and Latin America. And just as the name implies, this service should help to protect your BlackBerry should it become lost or stolen with features to include remote wipe, remote lock, device location via GPS and more. The BlackBerry Protect app is available in the Test Center section of the App World and can be downloaded for and set up for free. Continue on to check out the full set of features… Remote Device Management: - Remote wipe
- Remote lock and 'Lost and Found' screen
- Remote activate loud ringer
- Cell Tower and GPS device tracking
Over the Air (OTA) Backup and Restore: - Contacts and Calendar
- Memos and Tasks
- Browser Bookmarks
- Text Messages
Administration: - Based on BlackBerry ID system
- Web-based End User portal
- Operator Call Center access
Via [Inside BlackBerry] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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Despite nothing coming in the form of an official announcement from T-Mobile as of yet, those sporting a BlackBerry Bold 9700 have an update ready and waiting. The update is BlackBerry OS 6 and can be found by way of the BlackBerry Connect app on their PC. The software update will bring your 9700 up to version 6.0.0.448.
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