Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops Dell today unveiled three new laptops in it’s gamer-friendly Alienware brand. The new laptops cover three main areas: gigantic desktop replacement, portable with speed, and the popular and powerful netbook-sized machine. The first laptop is the gargantuan M18x, which as you’d imagine, is an 18-inch laptop. It has a factory-overclocked Intel Core i7 Extreme running at 4 GHz, which should be enough to handle just about anything you throw at it. To make sure you can handle any games you want, you’ll get “dual-graphics technology” with both nVidia and AMD graphics. With options for wireless HD and 3D, the M18x could really replace almost any desktop that’s more than a year old. The M14x is the sweet spot for portability and power. It sports a 14-inch screen and is powered by a selection of overclocked Sandy Bridge Core i7 CPUs. It will also have discrete graphics such as the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M with up to 3GB. At 6.5 pounds it’s not super-light, but the option WiMAX and Verizon LTE makes the argument to carry it around despite weighing more than some other laptops. This also appears to be the only one in the line with an optical drive, at least it’s the only one with that listed as a feature. The M11x R3 is the latest update to the popular 11-inch model. It sports an upgrade to Sandy Bridge CPUs, and nVidia GeForce GT 540M graphics. Like the M14x, it will also sport optional WiMAX and Verizon LTE for better use in the field. All three models will include HDMI 1.4 output for 3D-capable TVs, and USB 3.0 ports. The only thing that seems to be missing is Thunderbolt support. With that one exception, the new Alienware has all the latest and greatest options available to consumers. Read [Dell] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellular Providers, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Websites  T-Mobile announced a new service for Facebook today called Bobsled. Bobsled brings voice calls to Facebook for free. Now, instead of holding extended text chats with friends, you have the option of calling. This service is for all Facebook users, not just T-Mobile customers. The application is available to download right now.
Bobsled calls can be initiated though the chat box in Facebook. Once Bobsled is installed, a phone icon will appear next to your friend’s names. All you have to do is click the phone, and the call is sent. Bobsled is PC and Mac compatible. Bobsled also has a voice mail feature. Voice messages can be private or placed on a friend’s wall for everyone to hear. Here’s the best part. T-Mobile will update Bobsled in the future to include video calls and calls to mobile phones and landlines. A smartphone application will also be released that can place calls through any carrier. Via [T-Mobile Blog] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Google Yesterday Vodafone Samsung Galaxy S users were offered the chance to upgrade their phones to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Today, however, that update is nowhere to be found. The strange part is Vodafone is claiming there are no known issues with the update, and Google itself pulled the plug on the update. According Vodafone Community Manager Tom, the roll out of the Gingerbread update has been “temporarily suspended by Google.” It is mentioned that Google stopped the update due to an issue with the update, but there’s no specifics given. The next paragraph goes on to say there are no performance issues with Vodafone’s version of the Galaxy S, and that the carrier is working with Samsung to get the update back up. The situation certainly seems a bit odd. If Vodafone and Samsung were confident enough in the update, why would Google ask to have it stopped? In any case, if more pops up about this issue, we’ll be sure to let you know. Read [Vodafone] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Web Browsers, Websites  Nokia has rolled out a web version of Ovi Maps in 3D. When I say 3D, I don’t mean technology that requires special glasses and expensive hardware. 3D in this case refers to 360-degree movement around the map. At this time, 20 cities are included in the desktop version of Ovi Maps including Stockholm, New York and Copenhagen. A couple cities even allow you to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the location at eye level.
The web version of Ovi Maps 3D is usable through a webpage, but requires a plugin to use. Depending on what browser you’re using, you may need to restart your browser before you can use the map. I first became aware of this new web feature earlier this morning and tried to dig deep into its available features. Unfortunately, the plugin crashed every time I opened the web page. I installed the plugin in the Google Chrome 11 beta browser and the latest version of Firefox and received the same results. The plugin also requests access to your entire computer and websites you visit.That seems a bit much for a simple browser plugin. Under those requirements, checking out Ovi Maps in 3D almost feels like it’s not worth the trouble. I think I’ll wait until this feature comes to Nokia’s Windows Phone products. Via [Nokia Blog] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile If you own the Sonos Multi-Room Music System and you have an Android phone, you ought to be downloading the new Sonos Controller App for Android which was just made available just now. Available as a free download from the Android Market, the Sonos Controller lets you control the music system using your Android smartphones. The app lets you access and play music from the Internet or from your personal music library, anywhere you are in your home. The app even lets you play the same song in every room of your house in synchronized fashion. Or if you’re in the playing mood, you can mix up different songs that are playing in the different parts of your house.  Additionally, the app also lets you search for songs and stations by typing or speaking through Sonos’ music voice search feature. If you own an Android phone with hard buttons, you can use these as volume control for your music system. What’s good about the app is that you can still make a phone call or read an incoming text message without disrupting the music that is currently playing and controlled by your Android phone. Sonos Controller app is available as a free download from the Android Market. It supports Android smartphones running Android 2.1 or later. Via [The Street] and [Sonos Controller for Android] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile  BlackBerry PlayBook owners on AT&T have found themselves in a very unfortunate situation. They have been denied access to the BlackBerry Bridge application, which is one of the best features the PlayBook has to offer. According to CrackBerry, the BlackBerry Bridge is listed in BlackBerry App World as being supported by all carriers with the exception of AT&T.
The assumed culprit in this situation is believed to be the PlayBook’s free tethering option. AT&T probably doesn’t want users browsing the web on the PlayBook without paying for it. Sprint decided it would charge $29.99 a month for the BlackBerry Tablet Connection Plan. The problem AT&T seems to have is a misunderstanding between the BlackBerry Bridge and actual free tethering. The BlackBerry Bridge can only be used with a BlackBerry Smartphone. The PlayBook is basically using the existing data plan associated with the smartphone. Without the phone, the BlackBerry Bridge is useless. The amount of data consumed by the PlayBook when it is using the BlackBerry Bridge is no more than what the BlackBerry smartphone would use. The PlayBook just functions as a really big BlackBerry smartphone. Think of it as if you’re connecting an iPad 2 to an internet HDTV. You’re not using more internet bandwidth, the HDTV is just mirroring the iPad 2’s screen. There’s still a way to get the BlackBerry Bridge on the tablet regardless of AT&T. CrackBerry has downloads that will set everything right. Via [CrackBerry] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Content According to new data gathered from market research firm NPD Group, the vast majority of video consumers still prefer physical Blu-ray and DVD discs “more than all digital-video options combined.” The NPD Group surveyed roughly 10,000 US consumers over the age of 13 regarding their personal video habits from January to March of this year. Of those surveyed, some 70 percent claimed to have watched a movie by means of Blu-ray or DVD with an average of four viewing hours per week. 49 percent of consumers reported to having visited theaters during the first quarter while only 21 percent said they used an all digital service for their viewing pleasure. Even with disc sales dropping 9 percent since last year, NPD analyst Russ Crupnick is confident that physical disc sales won’t be plummeting any time soon. “With the well publicized struggles of Blockbuster and retail video stores closing around the country, and with media attention increasingly focused on the newest digital home-video offerings, the value and importance of physical formats to the home video industry and to consumers is often overlooked,” NPD analyst Russ Crupnick stated. “Even though DVD sales and rentals are slowing, there is no evidence that consumers are abandoning physical discs for watching movies, even as the choices for viewing are expanding.” I’ve always felt some sort of connection to the physicality of the media I purchase. Whether it be a CD or a movie, there’s just something about the whole “package” including artwork, album cover and other goodies that make spending my hard earned cash worth while. When downloading an album off of iTunes or another online service, I can’t help but feel gypped of the holistic media experience movies and music have to offer. Someone somewhere put a lot of time and artistic energy behind album art or even the case that encloses the media. I could just be an old head stuck in the 20th century. So, what are your thoughts on physical discs versus digital media? Read [ArsTechnica] Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Mobile Computers, Software / Applications  If you are looking for an nice information management solution on the iPhone and/or iPad then you may want to consider checking out Pocket Informant. Personally, I use the app to sync my iPhone and iPad with my Google Calendar and with Toodledo. All said and done, it works and it works well. And in my opinion, it helps me manage my time and tasks far better than what comes as default apps from Apple. That said, the team over at Pocket Informant seems to be getting ready to release version 2.0 for the iPhone and they have offered up a short first look style teaser video. And nicely, version 2.0 will be available as a free upgrade for all current users. In other words, now would be a good time to visit the App Store and purchase the app(s). Well, visit the App Store after you check out the above promo video anyway. Via [Pocket Informant] and [YouTube] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Mobile  Almost every hardware maker makes claims that their products will be the biggest and baddest around. They have to make these assertions because no one will buy the product if it’s described as mediocre and forgettable. This leads me to the OGT Tablet which is currently shrouded in mystery. Little is known about this device, but Android Central claims OGT Mobile is calling it the thinnest Android tablet ever created.
The OGT Tablet is said to be 7mm thin and weights just over one pound. This would effectively make the OGT Tablet thinner than the iPad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. A portion of its technical specifications include a 1Ghz processor, 16-32GB of internal storage, 5 megapixel rear camera, 3 megapixel front camera, Wi-Fi, optional 3G a screen that displays 188 pixels per inch. All that is certainly impressive, but all those specs doesn’t mean anything if the price isn’t right. At this time, it isn’t clear if this tablet will run Android 3.0 or if it will remain in the 2.x era. We also don’t know a price, release dates or release territories. OGT Mobile has a teaser page up right now that shows the tablet covered up by black fabric. You can sign up for an email alert whenever news about the tablet is released. Read [Android Central] Site [OGT Mobile] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Online Music/Video Grooveshark seems to be having some issues lately, on April 6th their mobile app was removed from the Android Market and considering Grooveshark remained quite at the time, one could only really assume that the RIAA was somehow behind this mess. Though Google did state that it was removed due to a terms of service violation. And then speaking slightly more recently, the Grooveshark app became available for Android once again, however it was not entered back into the Android Market, but instead released on the Grooveshark website. That said, and still moving forward, it looks like Grooveshark has penned up a rather nice letter responding to the issues and in short—the app was initially removed “at the request of the RIAA.” Grooveshark then goes on to defend that what they are doing is correct and legal and they are promising to defend their name and ideals. On April 6, 2011, Grooveshark learned the hard way what happens to companies that fail to respond to misleading press created by their detractors and competitors. Google removed our app from the Android Marketplace at approximately 5pm PST on Friday April 1st at the request of the RIAA. Google hasn't specified what it was in their "Terms of Service" that we allegedly violated, but there does appear to be some confusion about whether Grooveshark is a legal service. So let's set the record straight: there is nothing illegal about what Grooveshark offers to consumers. Yet some are confused as to how we are legal. First, there is a distinction between legal and licensed. Laws come from Congress. Licenses come from businesses. Grooveshark is completely legal because we comply with the laws passed by Congress, but we are not licensed by every label (yet). We are a technology company, and we operate within the boundaries of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA). Some would have you believe that those of us who use the DMCA to innovate are inherently infringers and that claiming Safe Harbor under the DMCA is as good as admitting guilt. Not so. The DMCA's Safe Harbor component encourages technology companies to innovate in hopes that they will eventually solve some of the problems that are plaguing content producers today. The Safe Harbor provision reads like it was written specifically for YouTube and Grooveshark, and its necessity continues to be illustrated every day. If it weren't for this notion, many of the products and services that are now taking a bite out of piracy would never have been born. With that said, Grooveshark doesn't just rely on the protection of the law. We have worldwide licensing from over a thousand labels—large and small. We pay the three major U.S. performing rights organizations, as well as some international bodies, and are actively pursuing agreements with those that we don't. We recently signed Merlin, which included the Merge catalog. This was a particularly happy day for us because it brought The Arcade Fire into the family. We pay for our streams, and we actively negotiate with virtually every single content owner. We've taken down over 1.76 million files and suspended upload privileges to 22,274 users. These are not the characteristics of a company "dedicated to copyright infringement". As we work with artists and labels to make more content available to our users, Grooveshark becomes more competitive as an alternative to piracy. Content partners use Grooveshark to make targeted marketing spends, support tours and sales, and test singles and high-ticket merchandise with surveys and exclusive panels. The Grooveshark model puts us in a unique position as the only source for unadulterated consumption data from over twenty-five million unique monthly users in more than 150 countries. We are translated into 24 languages, which helps us monetize developing economies and deliver revenues to content owners from territories where extracting revenue formerly proved too difficult. Labels, managers, and artists that take advantage of our full gamut of services know how effectively Grooveshark's application can streamline expenses and generate revenue. In light of the recent misleading press concerning Grooveshark's application, it is important to make clear that we will defend our service, and the letter and the spirit of the law, in court and in Congress. We will defend our name and our ideals for the sake of our users who expect modern delivery systems and comprehensive access across devices, for the sake of artists and content owners who fear another decade of decline, and for other innovators who continue to bring new ideas to market through the expression of creativity in the form of technology. We ask that Google and Apple, embrace the spirit of competition and do right by users in making our applications available to consumers immediately. —Paul Geller, Grooveshark.com
Via [Phandroid] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  Vodafone has release a new maintenance update for Samsung Galaxy S. If you’ve got the said phone from Vodafone before, you’ll be glad to know that the update is finally bringing in the goodness of Android 2.3 Gingerbread to your Android smartphone. Android 2.3 Gingerbread on your Samsung Galaxy S gives you a simpler and yet slicker overall user interface, a new Android Keyboard with copy/paste functionality, improved power management, multiple camera management for both of your phone’s front- and back-facing cameras, the ability to switch your device to GSM or 2G only mode to save on data charges and other bug fixes. To ge the update rolling into your Samsung Galaxy S, simply connect your device to you computer through USB and open up the Samsung KIES app. Just follow the onscreen instruction and you’re phone is on its way to having the Android 2.3 Gingerbread for its OS. You may also want to check the software version of your Samsung Galaxy S if you’re not so sure about it. Simply dial “*#124#” and you should have the i9000BUJV4 for the software version. via [Vodafone Forum] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Asus has announced that the initial shipment of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer in the UK were already sold out. Asus UK didn’t expect such huge demand for the affordable tablet device and so they are now apologizing for the difficulties regarding the stock availability of the device with their retail partners, specifically in the UK. Nonetheless, Asus is happy to announce that there will be significant increase in the stock numbers of the Eee Pad Transformer which are scheduled to arrive in the UK shortly. As to when exactly more units of the Eee Pad Transformer will be arriving, Asus will not divulge any particular info. The company however was explaining that the delay in shipment has nothing to do with low supply, but rather the company was making sure that the Eee Pad Transformer will be released in the market in perfect condition, so additional benchmarking tests were conducted which caused the delay in shipment. Expect to have more Eee Pad Transformers available by end of April or beginning of May, depending on customs clearance and freight forwarding speed of UK retailers. So for those wanting to grab the Eee Pad Transformer in the UK, have some more patience and check out Asus Eee Pad Transformers’ availability from these UK retailers - Comet, PC World, Currys and Carphone Warehouse stores. Or better yet pre-order now from Amazon.co.uk or Ebuyer.com to assure yourself of a slot when the Eee Pad Transformers start arriving. via [Asus UK] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Online Music/Video  Apple has released yet another iTunes update, this latest brings the version up to 10.2.2 and with it comes mostly corrections and fixes in regards to device syncing. And in addition, there are also the usual and more general stability and performance improvements. With that, according to Apple, here is what you can expect with iTunes 10.2.2;
- Addresses an issue where iTunes may become unresponsive when syncing an iPad.
- Resolves an issue which may cause syncing photos with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to take longer than necessary.
- Fixes a problem where video previews on the iTunes Store may skip while playing.
- Addresses other issues that improve stability and performance.
With that, you can update using Software Update on the Mac, or by checking for an update directly within iTunes and even by hitting the link below and visiting the Apple site and grabbing the download manually. Bottom line, regardless of the route you choose, you will get the same outcome—iTunes version 10.2.2. Via [Apple] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Apple, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile  Samsung is facing a lawsuit brought on by Apple. Last Friday, Apple filed a suit that accuses Samsung of trademark infringement and unfair competition due to Samsung’s Galaxy phones and tablets. Simply put, Apple believes Samsung copied the physical and software designs of the iPhone and iPad. Apple is seeking financial compensation and possible injunctions. If granted, Samsung may have to change the design of its phones and tablets.
The iPhone and iPad have a look that is very noticeable. The devices are thin, are made up of a black and chrome color scheme and has rounded corners. The appearance of an iOS device is just as important in grabbing a customer’s attention as its software. When Samsung created the Samsung Galaxy i9000, it’s hard to believe the company did not get inspiration from the iPhone. In its suit, Apple provided pictures of the Galaxy i9000 sitting alongside the iPhone 3GS. Needless to say, the two devices look very similar. Even though the Galaxy i9000 is an Android phone, its customized interface is very similar to iOS. The most noticeable similarity is within the applications list. Most Android phones present apps on one page that scrolls up and down. The Galaxy phones utilize multiple pages of apps that swipe left and right just like iOS does. Apple has also taken issue with the design of the Samsung Galaxy Tab. According to Mobilized, Apple believes the Galaxy Tab’s shape, borders and rounded corners were blatantly copied from the iPad. Samsung will combat Apple in this lawsuit in an attempt to protect its intellectual property rights. Read [Mobilized] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Given that there might be several other stores who will be offering the BlackBerry PlayBook by tomorrow in Canada, Sears made a special announcement today regarding their sell out of the said tablet device. Sears Canada said that the PlayBook will be available at all 85 Sears retail stores as well as online via http://sears.ca. Whether you decide to get the BlackBerry PlayBook online or from any of the Sears retail stores, it will still cost you $499.99 for the 16GB model, $599.99 for the 32GB model, and $699.99 for the 64GB model. And to convince you in getting the BlackBerry PlayBook from them, Sears gives these five reasons to your PlayBook from them: 1. Talk to a Retailer You Trust Customers who shop for their PlayBook at Sears can benefit from dedicated sales experts who can provide full tutorials on how to use the new tablet, providing information on how to connect and navigate their PlayBook, as well as learn about the key applications it offers. With Sears associates handling the connection of PlayBooks to BlackBerrys, customers can leave Sears confident that their PlayBook is connected and ready for use. 2. Try Before You Buy Sears stores will offer a BlackBerry lounge area where customers can try before they buy. 3. Win Your PlayBook The arrival of the Blackberry PlayBook will be celebrated with extended hours, opening at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at the following six Sears store locations: Vancouver Pacific Centre, Calgary South Centre, Edmonton Kingsway, Winnipeg Polo Park, Toronto Eaton Centre and Montreal Laval. These stores will also feature a “Win Your PlayBook” contest where the first 50 people into the store on April 19 will receive a ballot for a chance to win a 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook. The ballot will be scanned at the cash register to determine the winner. In addition, the first 24 Customers in all 85 stores get a free screen protector with purchase of playbook. 4. Flexible Financing Sears customers can also take advantage of the “PLAY NOW. PAY LATER” payment option, valid until April 30, 2011, that will allow customers 90 days to pay for their new BlackBerry PlayBook when purchased using their Sears Card or Sears MasterCard. 5. No Hassle Returns Buy with confidence with Sears 15 day no hassle returns and product replacement plans available
So there. Are you convinced by these top five reasons why you should get the BlackBerry PlayBook from Sears Canada? via [Newswire Canada] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers We have been watching the lead up for quite some time, which included a rather nice mix of news and rumors. Not to mention, our very own Gadgetell blogger Shawn managed to secure a Playbook for review a few days back and offered up a rather nice upboxing. Of course, he still has a full review in the works, but in the meantime—the BlackBerry PlayBook is officially available for sale here in the US as well as Canada. That said, there is nothing overly surprising with the release. The tablet is available from a variety of retailers and is available in three storage capacities. The PlayBook can be purchased for $499.99, $599.99 or $699.99 which comes with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage respectively. Otherwise, the specs of the BlackBerry PlayBook include a 7 inch (1024 x 600) display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, HDMI, Stereo Speakers, Stereo Microphones, micro-USB port, Accelerometer, 6-axis motion sensing (gyroscope) and digital compass (magnetometer) and the BlackBerry Tablet OS. And lastly, the PlayBook is also sporting a front facing 3 megapixel camera and a rear facing 5 megapixel camera. Via [BlackBerry (US)] and [BlackBerry (Canada)] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Verizon Wireless’ first 4G LTE smartphone is finally available to the masses. In order to help boost along HTC Thunderbolt sales, Verizon is going to bolster its 4G LTE offering to “a mess of new cities and towns” coming this Thursday, April 21. Unfortunately, Verizon did not announce which new cities and towns will receive the coveted 4G LTE coverage, but I’m sure we will find out which cities on Thursday. In addition, the timing works out well because the Novatel MiFi 4510L 4G LTE just launched today on Verizon’s web store, but will launch in all retail stores on the same day (April 21). Via [Verizon’s Twitter Account] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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