Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers Motorola first announced the Xoom WiFi in Canada as coming “mid-year.” That turned into April 8, then April 15, and is now even closer. Both Best Buy and Future Shop have the Canadian Xoom WiFi coming out on April 6. April 6 is just an estimated date according to Future Shop, while Best Buy is more firm, saying the tablet will arrive in the company’s warehouse that day. Both have the Honeycomb tablet costing $599.99. Getting the tablet out now is certainly the best idea for Motorola. The iPad 2 is already out in Canada, and the BlackBerry PlayBook is set to be released on April 19. Even if the Xoom only appeals to the Android faithful, getting it out before the PlayBook (which will run Android apps) is a good idea. Of course, it’s always possible that both the Xoom and PlayBook will fall to the might of the iPad 2, no matter what country your in. Read [Mobile Syrup] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones  Waiting to get your hands on the latest 4G Android phone from Sprint? It seems you might not have to wait much longer, as the phone will might be available in just two days, according to Mobile Burn.
MobileBurn cites Best Buy’s Nexus S 4G page as saying the phone would be shipping on April 6. As of this writing the site says only “coming soon” for shipping and availability. The page apparently also allowed for pre-orders, though that option isn’t available at the moment, either. The one thing that is still mentioned on the page is the price of the Nexus S 4G. It’ll run $199.99 on a 2-year contract and $699.99 without a contract. It wouldn’t be too surprising if the date comes back later as being correct, or at least close. Two days seems like a short period of time to get users ready, but they have been waiting for the phone for a few weeks already. It seems that wait might be over soon, we’re just not sure exactly when that will be. Read [MobileBurn] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Video, HDTV  Last last month, three Vizio 3D TVs appeared on the company’s official site. The TVs come in sizes of 32, 42 and 47-inches. The prices weren’t too bad considering the 32-inch which had a suggested retail price of $549.99. The prices just got better as Amazon has started taking pre-orders for the 32 and 42-inch models.
Vizio’s 32-inch 1080p 3D TV costs $499.99. The 42-inch model is $699.99. These prices are in line with what a tipster told Engadget Walmart would sell the TVs for. Amazon’s site says the TVs are expected to ship within 3-5 weeks. Both televisions come with one basic pair of 3D glasses, and one pair of premium 3D glasses. Vizio sells two types of 3D glasses on its site. One costs $29.99 and the other is a whopping $129.99. The more expensive 3D glasses are rechargeable and is capable of providing 1080p HD 3D resolution. The 3D TVs Amazon is selling aren’t capable of 3D in 1080p. If full HD 3D is what you’re after, Vizio is selling those models for around $1,400 to start. Product Page [32-inch Vizio] Product Page [42-inch Vizio] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware Several days ago, we reported the the much awaited Motorola XOOM is scheduled for release in the Canada by April 15. Well, it seems that our lucky Canadian friends will most likely get the XOOM a few days earlier. Both Best Buy Canada and Future Shop are now saying that the Motorola XOOM’s estimated release date is now on April 6. Don’t worry about the “estimated” claim as I’m pretty sure both retailers are just playing safe with their customers, should Motorola fail to deliver by the said date. Of course, if this is true it comes as a no surprise. After all, the Motorola XOOM has been in the oven for quite some time now. And with the iPad 2 already selling like hotcakes and the BlackBerry PlayBook scheduled for release also on Best Buy and Future Shop on April 19, Motorola would do everything in its power to release the Motorola XOOM as earlier as it can. Getting into the market with the iPad 2 in position is already a tough act to do, even moreso when the BlackBerry PlayBook become available. So, there you go folks. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the Motorola XOOM and you’re in Canada, check out Best Buy and Future Shop on April 6. Price point is the same $599.99 no-contract price for both retailers. Via [Mobilesyrup] and [Future Shop] and [Best Buy] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Gadgets / Other, ebooks Another day, another FCC filing. This time its for the ViewSonic ViewBook 730 tablet, a new 7-inch tablet from the makers of ViewPad 7. In fact, it seems like the ViewBook 730 could pass for the ViewPad 7 at first look on its photo. But then, we learned that this ViewSonic device is geared more as an e-reader than the more prolific ViewPad 7. In fact, this tablet is won’t be loaded with the Android 3.0 Honeycomb but with an Android 2.X. Why ViewSonic is coming out with an Android 2.X tablet instead of the more-meant for tablet Honeycomb OS is a puzzle. Another interesting point as revealed by the FCC documents is the mention of copying APK files to install apps. So, does this mean that the ViewBook 730 tablet won’t have the Android Market pre-installed? If there’s one good thing to deduce from these given facts, is that the ViewBook will most likely come at a very affordable price. I hope it’s cheap enough for a 7-inch tablet with WiFi, HDMI output and microSD card support. Common now ViewSonic, give us some more details about the ViewBook 730 tablet. You’re getting us a little excited here. Read [FCC] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Netbooks, Wireless 
One analyst has come forth and said that poor Motorola XOOM tablet sales are driving the stock price down. The XOOM is currently the only Android 3.0 (honeycomb) tablet currently on the market. Despite Android’s rising popularity, the XOOM is apparently no match for Apple’s iPad. Mark Sue of RBC Capital Markets slashed his forecast for Moto Mobility stock from $38 per share down to just $33. According to Barrons, Sue wrote, "slower than expected adoption of the Xoom may be due to pricing, strength of the iPad 2 launch, and limited differentiation due in part to its being an initial Google Experience Device (XOOM does not come with MotorBlur)." One might argue that being first (with Honeycomb) is enough differentiation. Likewise, we strongly doubt that lacking MotoBlur is hurting sales. Read: [Barrons] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware Acer probably knows that Samsung has already captured the 7-inch Android tablet market share and that it is already a bit late in coming out with its own Acer tablet. So the best way to join the fray and possibly gain substantial market share is to launch its Acer Aspire ICONIA Tab A100 at dirt cheap price. That price has to be around $485 as the tablet goes out for sale on Amazon.co.uk. Here’s more, for those of our lucky friends in the UK who will be ordering the ICONIA Tab A100 today, you’ll get your shiny new Android tablet by April 20. Now here’s the thing, as well know prices in the UK for consumer products are priced relatively higher than the US. So, should the Acer ICONIA Tab A100 lands on US shores, we might be looking at a cheaper price for this Acer tablet. How cheaper? Well as previously rumored, that will be as low as $350. The question is, when will it hit the US Market? We don’t know for sure. But if in case you’re waiting for this Android tablet, let us remind you that the Acer ICONIA Tab A100 is a 7-inch Android 3.0 tablet loaded with a dual-core processor NVIDIA Tegra 2, 5MP back-facing and 2MP front-facing cameras, 1024x600 pixels capacitive touchscreen and it comes either in Wi-Fi or 3G versions. So get your credit cards ready as we all wait for the day when the Acer ICONIA Tab becomes available in the US. Product [Acer Iconia Tab A100]
Via [Netbook News] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Audio Receivers, Home Audio, Portable Audio, Speakers 
Here’s a neat concept that we’re hoping finds it way to production: a standalone player that comes with 8 RFID tags that can be linked to music. The idea is the little tags could be playlists and when affixed to the stand alone player would bring up that playlist. It’s a simple enough idea that harkens back to cassette tapes and custom mixes. The concept is the brainchild of Jordi Parra and was his degree project. How he’ll bring this to market is currently unknown. A Kickstarter project was mentioned as a possibility. Check the video below: Spotify box from Jordi Parra on Vimeo. Read: [Zenona blog] via [Wired] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Reviews, Features, Originals What is being reviewed? When it comes to hard-core, protective cases with sleek and funky design for mobile phones and tablet devices, the first that normally comes into my mind is the Otterbox series case. But that was until I received Trident Case’s Aegis Samsung Galaxy Tab case. This two-piece enclosure system for the Galaxy Tab is composed of two parts - the soft silicone layer and a hard polycarbonate outer shell that frames the silicone layer and the Galaxy Tab. The result gives your Galaxy tab a transformed look that is an eye-catcher and attention gather. The specs But of course it’s not pure eye-candy since this case was made to provide optimum protection for your Galaxy Tab. Hence, it’s provides a fully-encapsulated protection since the silicone layer is in direct contact with your device while the hard polycarbonate shell that frames it provide ample protection from accidental falls and bumps. Adding protective features to the case are the double-thick corners of the case which also serve as bumpers as it has a unique shock-absorbing design. Another feature that you will like about the Aegis Samsung Galaxy Tab case is the firm grip that the exposed silicone part provides. If you put place your Galaxy Tab face down on any surface, the silicone extra thickness of the silicone cases prevents the screen from touching the surface. My thoughts Since, we’re looking at a case with two parts that you need to combine together, the next thing to ask is how easy or hard it is to put on this case. Honestly, it took me quite a while to get a perfect fit. But that’s because of the cut-out portion of the silicon case to to provide access to the different ports and openings of the Galaxy Tab. These cut-outs are not separated from the silicone layer but are still attached to the main part. So you need to make sure that the cut-out part fits right into the cut-out of the hard shell. It can become quite tedious but is certainly worth the hassle since those cut-outs serve as cover for the Galaxy Tab’s essential ports and will prevent dust from seeping in. The bottomline The Aegis Samsung Galaxy Tab case goes for $39.95. For that price you’ll get a sleek-looking case with a great design and capable of providing your precious Galaxy with the protection it deserves. This case is available in various colors - pink, yellow, blue, black, olive green and red. Product [Trident Case Aegis Samsung Galaxy Tab Case] Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Netbooks, Wireless  Those that gave up waiting in crazy lines for Apple’s iPad 2 and ordered online are finding the company is beating the shipping estimates by as much as two weeks at this point. While the Apple online store says a shipping delay of 3-4 weeks currently, there’s hope that Apple is overestimating there as well. Apple is sending out shipping notification with FedEx tracking information to iPad owners when the iPads are moving to ship.
Gadgetell has heard from a couple of sources that the company is beating it’s shipping estimates. Indeed, even mine has been moved up two weeks from the estimate Apple had been using since the original order was placed shortly after launch. Apple showed the original ship estimate as late as last week. Likely, Apple was over-estimating the shipping estimate in hopes to please buyers with beating that time. If you’ve not received your ship notification early, there’s still hope yours will come up shortly. Product page: [Apple] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Sony Ericsson announced last week that the Xperia Play was launching in 11 countries, and to the dismay of many—the US was not included in that list. Of course, there was some hints in the press release that a US release would be coming within the next two weeks. And well, while we have not gotten anything else from Sony Ericsson just yet, an FCC filing has recently been discovered and it includes the CDMA version of the Xperia Play. In other words, a soon to be release with Verizon can be expected anytime now. And interestingly enough, the model that was seen in the filing was showing off a SIM card slot, which has lead some to speculate that the Xperia Play will be 4G LTE capable when it arrives with Verizon. Via [FCC] and [WirelessGoodness] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Computers, Mobile Computers  Sony CEO Howard Stringer has confirmed to Japanese newspaper Nikkei that the company will release a Honeycomb tablet this year. Sony’s CEO said the tablet will be available in the United States by the end of the summer. Stringer may have spoken prematurely because Sony followed up by saying the tablet will be released before the end of 2011. Regardless of whose time frame is more accurate, the Sony tablet is real.
Stringer did not give Nikkei any details about the tablet. We can only speculate that he is referring to the rumored S1 tablet that was uncovered by Engadget in February. The S1 tablet is rumored to have a 9.4-inch screen, front and rear-facing cameras and a Tegra 2 processor. The tablet is also said to be PlayStation Certified which means it’ll run PlayStation games Sony will release on Android. The most interesting thing about this tablet is its design. The back of the device is folded over. This could allow it to be placed on a table for easy typing and media viewing. It’s also believed that the fold makes the tablet easier to hold in one hand. The tablet’s media features are said to based around Qriocity. Qriocity will offer music, movies, games and books. The music service called Music Unlimited is already available for a few Sony products. It costs $9.99 a month for a premium subscription. Back in January, Sony Computer Entertainment deputy president Kunimasa Suzuki said Sony wanted to take the number two position in the tablet market within one year. Read [Bloomberg] Also Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers  Apple has released the first television commercial for the iPad 2, and well, its 31 seconds in length and they manage to let everyone know that it is magical. Well, magical amongst other things. That said, the commercial is rather simple, but somehow seems to make you think that an iPad 2 is something that you need. Via [YouTube] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  Yesterday (April 3, 2011), new prices took effect across AT&T. The company has raised the cost on early upgrades for smartphones and quick messaging phones (feature phones). It has also increased prices for phones that are purchased without a contract. The iPhone however has gotten somewhat of an exception.
A memo sent to Android Central revealed the new pricing details. If you’re a new AT&T customer looking for a one-year contract, expect the prices for smartphones to increase by $150. The cost of feature phones will increase by $10. However, the iPhone is the only smartphone not affected by this. If you want to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS, 16GB iPhone 4 or 32GB iPhone 4 before your contract is up, you’ll be paying $50 more than before. The new prices are $299, $449 and $549. Finally, the prices have risen for phone without contracts. Smartphones (except the iPhone) are $50 more, and feature phones are $20 more. These new prices are discouraging for anyone wanting to get an Android, BlackBerry Windows Phone 7 smartphone without a two-year contract. Here’s a picture from the memo. 
Via [Android Central] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers, Software / Applications, Gaming, Mobile, Portable Given the previous success of Angry Birds in terms of downloads I am not sure if we are even at all surprised with this latest news from Rovio Mobile, however they have recently taken to Twitter and announced that the Rio edition has been downloaded 10 million times in the first 10 days that it has been available. 10 in 10:-) Angry Birds Rio breaking all records. A massive thanks to all our fans!!!
That said, it seems one thing is clear, lots of people are into Angry Birds—myself included. Via [Twitter @RovioMobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Computers, Security, Features  Over the past few days, we’ve been bombarded by speculation and official statements regarding near field communication-based payments. Major companies such as Samsung, Google, Apple, Amazon, Mastercard, Citibank and Visa are either involved or believed to be involved with this new payment option. The purpose of this technology is simple. Instead of using a physical credit card, people can wave their NFC-compatible phones in front of a scanner to complete transactions. This market is estimated to grow exponentially over the next few years and we’re going to have to get used to it. The big question that will undoubtedly come up deals with security. How can these manufacturers ensure that this won’t usher in a wave of identity thefts and unauthorized purchases?
With every new payment option, thieves will find a way to circumvent it. There are devices out there that can read information off a credit or debit card’s magnetic strip while it’s still in someone’s pocket. There is, or will be a way for thieves to grab NFC payment information out of thin air. I have no idea how it can be done, but then again, I’m no digital thief. I expect both hardware and software manufacturers to discuss this topic in great detail before expecting the majority of us to use this technology. While I was pondering over the news of how Samsung and Visa will have a new phone with NFC technology built in, a thought crossed my mind. What happens if the phone is lost or stolen? The Olympic Games are going to be crowded and phones are an easy target. Think about how many apps our phones have that we set up to log us in automatically. A thief could get access to bank accounts, credit cards and all kinds of personal information this way. The Olympic phone will have an app that must be launched to make a contactless payment. An unprotected app can result in tons of unauthorized payments. How can Visa and others secure their apps? I have some ideas. I believe NFC security could be bolstered through hardware and software. The Motorola Atrix 4G has a biometric fingerprint scanner on its rear. A hardware feature like this could be useful within a NFC payment application. It could also be set up to allow a certain number of fingerprints to access the application. A standard pin number or pattern-based lock screen could also work, but NFC payments are supposed to be quick. If I wanted to put in a pin number or sign my name, I’d use plastic. This technology is expected to be everywhere in a few years. Not every hardware manufacturer is going to put a biometric fingerprint scanner on their phones. That’s why I think the app for making payments should have built-in fingerprint recognition as well. You’ll start the app, press your finger on the screen and voilà. It’ll also be nice if we could remotely disable the application over the web. If there are applications to wipe a phone of contacts, messages and other personal things, we should be able to protect our money this way too. The more security options there are, the better the public will respond to NFC-based payments. Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile Those sporting an iPhone 4 and feeling a little extra geeky may like these latest skin decals. They are available by way of Etsy and will give your iPhone 4 back the look of either a Nintendo NES controller or a Commodore tape deck. Both extra geeky and likely available in limited quantities. Bottom line, these look like nice iPhone 4 decals and are each selling for $9.99. And just in case you are looking for something else for the back of your iPhone 4, the company that makes both of these, Vinylstudio also have a bunch of others available such as the GameBoy skin, an Leica camera, circuit board, an 80’s style Walkman and many others. Via [Etsy (Nintendo NES skin)] and [Etsy (Commodore ‘80 skin)] and [IntoMobile] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 FROM GAMERTELL - Toys R Us’ latest ad is heavy on game sales. You can get gift cards with 3DS games, select Wii games are on sale, and there are Wii uDraw Tablet and Major League Baseball 2K11 deals available. Also, all Toys R Us brand batteries are buy one, get one free.
MORE » Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  The handset has been in the currently available category for some time now, it was released way back in June of last year, however as of today those users have something new. The device I am referring to is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide and the something new is well, almost new in that it is an update to Android 2.2 Froyo. Or more accurately, it is new to the myTouch 3G Slide and it will arrive as 2.2.1. But that aside, while some will likely complain about not getting Android 2.3, we say take what you can get and enjoy the Froyo.
In terms of what myTouch 3G Slide users will see in the update; - Wi-Fi calling
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- USB Tethering (Internet Sharing)
- Low storage (User Data) notification mechanism
- Resolves issues with text and picture messaging
- Resolves some Bluetooth compatibility issues
- Improves compatibility with new Bluetooth devices
- Improves stability and reliability of the device
- Other various minor bug fixes
And lastly, for those still looking to get a new myTouch 3G Slide, T-Mobile is currently selling the handset for $149.99 which comes along with a two-year agreement and AFTER a $50 mail-in-rebate. Via [HTC] and [TmoNews] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile While we are still awaiting the official release of the Samsung Gem and the HTC Merge with Verizon, it looks like they have made an appearance (in part) on the Verizon website. Granted, this does not necessarily mean a release is coming anytime soon, but it could lead to some speculation that an announcement is coming sooner rather than later. Anyway, the HTC Merge information arrived in the form of a support document page and the Samsung Gem information came in the form of an accessories page. Via [PocketNow] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers As was rumored last week, Sprint has officially lowered the pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The Android 2.2 running tablet has been lowered to $199.99, which comes along with a two-year agreement. Otherwise, a relatively low price for a relatively popular tablet. That said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab features a 7 inch display, 1GHz processor, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot as well as a front and rear facing camera. With that, my only surprise in this price cut is that T-Mobile was not the first to get to the $199.99 price point for the Galaxy Tab. Of course, they are not that far off at $249.99. Via [Sprint] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Computers, Mobile Computers  It looks like RIM has been offering hands on demos of the BlackBerry PlayBook in some Ontario based Best Buy and Future Shop locations. And well, with hands on demos comes user created videos. Bottom line, this video is probably for the person that cannot wait any longer to be able to actually make a purchase given the geeky nature. But that said, those interested can check out the 58 second video showing off the BlackBerry PlayBook boot sequence which comes courtesy of YouTube user Doug1313. Via [YouTube] and [CrackBerry] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Business News, Communications, Email / IM  On April 1 Epsilon, a marketing company that handles email communications for big clients, announced its email system had been exposed. Unfortunately it wasn’t an April Fools’ joke. Someone believed to be outside of the company managed to obtain customer information in the form of email addresses and names. Epsilon says that no credit card information or anything equally devastating was taken as a result of the breach.
Epsilon is looking into the matter, but for now, many people could be getting fresh spam in their inbox. Epsilon manages email communications for companies such as TiVo, Kroger and JP Morgan Chase. The email addresses for the customers of those clients were also affected. TiVo is currently contacting anyone whose email was obtained by the hacker and we’d imagine the other companies are doing the same. At this time, TiVo is the only company to place a press release on its site about the breach. If you start getting more spam in your inbox than normal, just set up a filter for it. Via [Epsilon] Read [TiVo] Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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