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It seems like integrating data from social networks like photos, status updates, messages, etc., is the popular approach to Android right now. But you know who did it first? HTC. They also have done the best job of it. Unobtrusive, fairly easy to navigate, and always up-to-date, Sense delivers a glossy and connected social experience for gadget junkies.

And we're off to the rumor races.

Yesterday everyone started tweeting about the "real" Google Phone.

Today, David over at TmoNews is reporting that the device exists and has been bandied about in internan T-Mobile US documents for some time now. The big news here is that Google's apparently going to sell the thing themselves:

• The phone will be sold direct by Google. Google will handle device hardware support.
• T-Mobile US will provide voice/data services and handle billing and account support
• HTC will make the handset, and according to those documents David says he's seen, this will be the HTC "Passion" we've all been rumor juiced up about for some time now
• No word on whether or not this will be a T-Mo exclusive. If Google's selling it themselves, I'm betting the farm on, "No!"

More details over on TMonews, of course but this jibes with that tip I got about Passion not heading to Verizon (at least not for now), and the next year being a "revolutionary" one in the wireless space. Google selling phones themselves? Welcome to the age of carriers as dumbpipes.

[Via; TmoNews]

Gadget nerds everywhere are all a tizzy about a slew of tweets broadcast by Google employees (and a few hangers-on) leaking the new "Google phone." Let's call this an unverified, very low on details rumor that's all but certain to be confirmed in the coming weeks, if not sooner.

All kinds of mixed up, mis-information is flying around right now - some of it is no doubt accurate, but let's remember the source: Google employees obviously would have a vested interest in calling the latest G-powered phone, "Like an iPhone on beautifying steroids." I'm not saying it isn't, I'm just saying we should all relax, sip some Egg Nog, and enjoy the rainy Northern California weekend.

Oh, and Happy Hanukkah to those of you of that persuasion!

BTW, I hear tell in reference to the Google Phone that it is real, it may well be sold directly by Google to work on AT&T and/or T-Mobile in the US and other GSM carriers abroad, and that "The next 12 months will be a revolutionary time in the wireless industry." That last quote came from someone who I know and trust but also has a vested interest in hyping the bejeezus out of this thing. So, again, find yourself a grain of salt and chill out. All will likely be revealed at CES (Jan 6th-10th) if not sooner.

[Via: TechCrunch]

This is the phone that the first Storm should have been. SurePress is better, the device has WiFi, and the OS is less buggy. That said, unless you're absolutely wedded to the idea of a full-touch BlackBerry, I have no idea why you'd want this phone. 

Honestly, it just feels like it's trying to be something it's not - BlackBerry OS is passable in a hardcore business device thanks to solid messaging performance that really sings in concert with a great physical keyboard. But on a full touchscreen, the OS looks outdated and feels kind of awkward, and the SurePress system - while infinitely more usable than the first version - just makes me want a Bold's keyboard.

 So I asked Aaron, our BlackBerry Guy. This is what he said:

"While I agree that the Storm2 is what the original Storm should have been, the Storm2 offers notable improvements over its predecessor. Like viewing e-mails, websites, and social networking apps on a large 3.3-inch touchscreen?  Prefer to have a device that multitasks?  How about push e-mail for your organization (or for personal use)?  How about Wi-Fi connectivity?  Then the Storm2 is for you."

I hear you, Aaron. For me, a BlackBerry worth having is a BlackBerry with a luscious hard QWERTY board. But I hear ya ;-) 

So, Samsung's Behold II doesn't feature the most well-designed UI ever conceived but it does have some strong points. For example, that notification bar upgrade with easy-to-access wireless settings and recent apps. You know what? Let's keep that and just get rid of TouchWiz and the gaudy keyboard.

After an evening in which several AT&T customers in the San Francisco Bay Area were unable to utilize the 3G cellular data network, most issues seem to be resolved. 

Earlier in the evening, reports circulated about 3G data connectivity not working.  Shortly thereafter, AT&T issued a statement, obtained by Engadget Mobile:

"We are seeing a hardware issue in downtown San Francisco that is causing some degradation in service. GSM and EDGE voice and data services are still accessible. Our experts are aware and working to resolve as quickly as possible. Further resolution is expected this evening."

After disabling 3G, data services were said to work properly.  As of 12:20 AM EST, it appears that most of the issues have been resolved, despite an initial claim that services could take up to 48 hours to be fully operational. 

If you're located in the Bay Area, are data services working properly for you?  Sound off in the comments.

Via: IntoMobile, Engadget Mobile

After viewing it at CTIA earlier this year, the Nokia Booklet 3G really appealed to me.  It's small, lightweight, and looks good to boot.  The challenge was the price.  At $299.99 with a two-year data service plan on AT&T, it was on the high end of the netbook pricing (and after signing up for the data plan, it made the long-term cost even more).

As of today, Best Buy has reduced the pricing to $199.99, making it a much more affordable option.  Sporting Windows Mobile 7 Starter Edition with a rumored 12 hours of battery life, the Booklet 3G offers a 10.1-inch display, HDMI port with HD video-out capability, a webcam, Bluetooth, SD card reader, GPS, and 3G data connectivity.  The question that remains is whether you want to commit to AT&T for two years.  If you're ok with it, head to your local Best Buy, pick one up, and let us know in the comments!

Via: IntoMobile

As Noah correctly said in his article earlier in the week, there are business decisions that Palm could have implemented to make the Pre and Pixi more of a success in the US market.  We both agree, however, that webOS is one of the best (if not the best, in his case) operating systems out there.  It's refreshing, innovative, and among other things, you can multitask with it. 

That being said, is it going too far to say that the company may not be around in 2020?  According to MSN Money, it's not.  In 7 companies that may not see 2020, business columnist Michael Brush thinks that the company is unlikely to rebound.  In a nutshell, here are his primary reasons:

• Apple iPhones have a look on coolness.  Compared to 100,000+ apps on the iPhone, Palm users only have about 400 to choose from.
• The business demographic still prefers BlackBerry devices.
• Google is hitting the market with force, thanks to distributing their OS at a very low cost.
• Palm only maintains a 7 percent market share.
• Sprint was a poor partner to launch their revitalized product with.

Despite my opposing viewpoint (that is, I do think Palm will continue on and be successful), I can understand some of the concerns mentioned in his article.  But the "iPhone has a lock on coolness" comment caught me off guard.  What in the world does that mean?  I find it a bit funny that a business columnist is utliizing something like that as a reason why Palm won't be in business in ten years.  To me, that's like saying that Apple won't penetrate the business demographic because businesses prefer strawberries instead of apples.  Who dictates "coolness?"

Sure, it's not going to be an easy road for Palm.  What started as a seemingly easy ride to the top became a fight to stay alive when they became stagnant in the smartphone arena.  That being said, the company has fantastic leadership in Jon Rubinstein, an innovative OS, and are on a carrier that (likely) gives them a bit more freedom when it comes to negotiating.  Sure, it's a decade away, but I don't see Palm going anywhere in the near future.

Via PreCentral, MSN Money