• 13Jan

    ARTICLE: BlackBerry 8910 to be Curve 8900’s successor?

    Industry, News No Comments

    Curve 8910

    While the Storm, Tour, Pearl, Bold, and Curve 8300 series have either seen enhancements to their product line or are in the process of receiving them, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is one of the few RIM family members that has been relatively quiet over the past few months.

    Days ago, UnwiredView reported that a "Curve 8910" had received Bluetooth SIG certification (see picture above), though no pictures were available at the time.  Shortly thereafter, a picture emerged (see below).  When it comes to detecting fake pictures, I'm no expert, but it looks like it has everything that would be expected out of an updated Curve 8900 - RIM's new trackpad, a revised keyboard, new call icons, and OS 5.0.

    More information to come as we get it.

    Via UnwiredView, Engadget

    BB Curve 8910


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: CES Devices: Notion Ink Adam E-Reader

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    CES 2010 Wrap-Up: Noah's Top 5 Devices

    4. Notion Ink Adam E-Reader

    Why an E-Reader in my Top 5 CES Devices when it's not a Kindle? Because this is the E-Reader that's got Kindle rethinking its long-term future.

    Notion Ink's Adam takes the E-Reader concept and adds enormous value to it by way of Pixel Qi's dual-mode display technology. People like E-Readers because their E-Ink screens are easier on the eyes than LCD display for long-term reading sessions. But $300 read-only devices are, and will always be, a niche market (even if the niche of "readers" is a fairly big one). Shoehorning everything from HTML Web browsers to Android OS into an E-Ink device adds functionality, but it's greyscale functionality. And who really wants to browse the Web or watch Leno-vs-Conan video clips in greyscale?

    Enter Pixel Qi and their technology that enables a single display panel to shift from an E-Ink-style high contrast greyscale, without backlighting, that's optimized for displaying book-like text to a full-color LCD meant for computer-esque tasks like Web browsing and photo viewing. The tech isn't 100% there yet, but it's far enough along to clearly show a near-term future in which convergence rules and single purpose tablets like Kindle and Nook should be faced with rapidly declining sales figures. Of course Kindle and Nook are backed by two of the largest retailers of books on the planet, so don't count them out just yet. But I'd bet we're more likely to see subsequent K's and N's with similar dual-mode displays than without them.

    Adam takes advantage of that multitasking display, if you will, by backing it with Android 2.0 and NVIDIA's new Tegra 2 processor. By the time thing thing's ready to ship, we should be seeing Android 2.1 (at least) and refined software including more and better text input options. And after Adam, don't you think we'll see more convergence devices with displays built to adapt to use cases and external conditions like direct sunlight?

    As Jon Herrmann put it over on Gizmodo, "The bullet's in the chamber. E Ink is going to die." Which is good, because for as nifty a transitional technology as E-Ink is - I mean, has been - a $300 device that pulls off book reading and Web surfing has a lot more value in the global marketplace than a $300 dedicated E-Reader. No matter how many Kindles were gifted for Xmas 2009.

    Previous: Palm Pre Plus

    Next: Google Nexus One


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: Sony Ericsson has Faith in Windows Mobile?

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    Sony Ericsson Faith

    Yes.  I couldn't resist the play on words.

    Joking aside, the Sony Ericsson "Faith" has been spotted, and from the looks of it, it's running Windows Mobile 6.5.3.  Features are sparse at the moment, but the Faith (part of SE's GreenHeart line) offers a 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen to support 6.5.3's gesture controls.  Given the lukewarm response to Windows Mobile in today's marketplace, I figured Sony Ericsson had placed all of the eggs in the Android basket.  Could it be a renewed effort to make nice with Microsoft in order to prepare for the launch of Windows Mobile 7?  Engadget and I seem to think so.

    The device is said to run European 3G bands - so no Faith in the States at the moment (and hey, it's just a rumor anyway).  Would you buy it, or does the Android-powered X10 tickle your fancy?

    Via Engadget


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: Windows Mobile 6.5 available for HTC Touch Pro2 and Ozone

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    HTC Touch Pro2

    Verizon Wireless Touch Pro2 and Ozone owners sick of Windows Mobile 6.1 can breathe a sigh of relief, as Windows Mobile 6.5 has come to town.  Detailed instructions for downloading on the Touch Pro2 and the Ozone can be found at PCD's website (PCD, previously known as UTStarcom, is the company that makes the devices for HTC).  All of your customizations and downloads will be lost when the device is upgraded, so be sure to back up necessary data.

    As happy as I am for Windows Mobile customers, I'm not so sure that Windows Mobile 6.5 is relevant.  Sure, it still commands marketshare, but with Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry operating systems all major players, I'd say Windows Mobile 7 needs to hit the market sooner rather than later.

    HTC's original tweet can be found here.  Go get your download on and let us know what you think of the update!

    Via BGR


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: CES Stories: I’m ready for WiMax overdrive. Is Sprint?

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    CES 2010 Wrap-Up: Noah's Top 5 Mobile Stories

    4. I'm ready for WiMax overdrive. Is Sprint?

     

    Aaron and I both attended Sprint's way-over-the-top press event launching their Overdrive 3G/4G mobile hotspot. "Iron Chef" Mario Batali cooked at the event, and signed copies of his Italian Grill cookbook were handed out. I'm still not sure why he was there (okay, I am - to get people like me to write about the event), but that dude loves him some chili flakes in his arrabiata. Seriously, I love heat in my food, but his spicy tomato sauce was too much for me.

    But I digress. Overdrive is Sprint's first WiMax product for the mass market. Since Aaron lives in an area - Charlotte, NC - that actually gets Sprint 4G service, he got our review loaner. Since Las Vegas also gets Sprint WiMax, Aaron tried Overdrive out while at CES:

    "Utilizing the 4G service in Las Vegas, I found that while the connection was incredibly fast (a noticeable difference over 3G), it disconnected on a regular basis.  I was told that the issue was a result of the CES cell site traffic - we'll see when I put it through its paces here in Charlotte."

    I love the idea of 4G. I want me some 4G I want to ditch my home cable modem and my 3G USB data stick in favor of an Overdrive I can use at home, on the road, and everywhere in between. At $69.99/month, Sprint's WiMax is pricier than a home Cable line, but cheaper than Cable plus cellular data. But we ain't there yet - not when the service is only available in a few dozen locals, not including New York, LA, or (selfishly) the San Francisco Bay Area. Later this year we'll get us some WiMax coverage, I hope. Though it remains to be seen if Sprint's WiMax can maintain the early mover advantage it currently holds over Verizon's forthcoming LTE rollout.

    Previous: WebOS hits Verizon

    Next: Nokia plays it low-end

     

     


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: On the road with the Motorola DROID

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    Motorola DROID

    In this business, we receive so many devices to test (particularly during the holidays), that it's exceptionally challenging to focus on one device in order to provide a more in-depth, "real life" analysis.  Bucking the usual trend of reviewing several devices at once, I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks with the DROID in one of my more personal "hands-on" tests.  Instead of reviewing it as a casual secondary device, I opted to use it as one of my main devices.  When I say "main" devices, I mean that it was carried around with me for a set number of weeks instead of subjected to tests in my office.  Since there's a huge push behind the DROID, I wanted to see how it performed under pressure.

    In this segment, I'm going to try and focus less on the typical review format (since it's already been done, for one thing), and place my energy into my biased reasons of why I like and dislike the DROID.  That being said, you may agree with everything I say, some of it, or none of it.  This article is intended to tell you why I would or wouldn't consider the Motorola DROID, not a list of reviewer specifications, general qualities, and performance numbers.

    Here are my thoughts regarding the DROID:

    • I absolutely love the 3.7-inch LCD display.  Absolutely stunning and a true pleasure to use, whether I was checking e-mails or browsing the web.  Text looked very crisp, and pictures were stunning.
    • I am a fan of the hinge.  Having to slide it up manually instead of relying on a spring-loaded lever makes it feel more durable, in my opinion.
    • I love Android 2.0.  I wish HTC's Sense UI came pre-installed on all Android devices, but I love 2.0's ability to add multiple Gmail accounts to the app.  I personally have three that I need checked on a regular basis, and it allows me to include them all.  Minus the lack of multitouch support, the DROID's browser is fantastic, and looks great on the 3.7-inch screen.
    • I am amazed by the near-perfect integration with Google services.  As I've said before, both myself and PhoneDog use Google services for a variety of things (my e-mail address, BBerryDog's text hotline, and more), and the integration is second to none.  I'm not a huge fan of the way the Gmail application makes e-mail look (I still have to give BlackBerry points there for simplicity), but it's a minor dislike.
    • The keyboard, while not my favorite, became easier to use as time went on.  I'm not a fan of how it's off-centered due to the D-pad, or how flat the keys are.  But like most things in the wireless world, if you take the time to learn it instead of putting it down out of frustration 15 minutes after picking it up (which, admittedly, I've done before), you might be surprised.
    • The DROID's battery life, as you know from my review, is one of the drawbacks of the device.  Each day that I used it as a "personal" device, it was dead before the day was over.  Yes, less than desirable battery life is to be expected with a smartphone to an extent, but it's one of the tradeoffs of having a beautiful, large display.  Road warriors may want to test a friend's before making a purchase (though you have 30 days).

    Stay tuned for my next "real life" test - the Nokia N900!


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: CES Devices: Palm Pre Plus on Verizon

    Industry, News No Comments

     

    CES 2010 Wrap-Up: Noah's Top 5 Devices

    3. Palm Pre Plus (Verizon)

    Palm may not have made the huge splash this year that they did when they shocked the world with WebOS and the original Pre at last year's show, but this year's Palm CES announcements were still noteworthy. In addition to 3D gaming support and the soon to be released WebOS 1.4 with camcorder functionality amongst its free upgrades, Palm unleashed two WebOS devices as exclusives to the US' largest carrier, Verizon Wireless.

    The Pre Plus will be Palm's flagship WebOS device when it hits Big Red later this month. With twice the internal storage of the original Pre, more RAM and unconfirmed reports of a faster processor, the new Pre should prove zippier when it comes to handling those new games and video capture tasks. Perhaps more importantly, though, Pre Plus sports a revamped keyboard that's much more like the Pixi's QWERTY than that of Pre. That's a good thing - I found the new keyboard to be much easier and more accurate to type on than the original's during my hands-on with the phone in Vegas. Pre Plus also comes standard with a Touchstone-compatible induction back cover and will support the new Verizon-only mobile hotspot app that's also coming to Pixi Plus.

    Refined hardware with double the memory? Check. Better QWERTY board? Check. Touchstone-ready back cover? Check. Support for 3D graphics backed by a new SDK for developers? Check. WebOS hitting the US' largest carrier? Check. WebOS primed for big things in 2010? We'll see .. 

    Previous: LG GW990

    Next: Notion Ink Adam

     


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: CES Gallery: Noah’s random photos

    Industry, News No Comments

    Here's my CES travelogue to go along with Aaron's, Adriana's, and John's thoughts on the show:

    I had fun. I worked a lot. I ate a lot. I was tired and glad to get home. I always wear sneakers at these things to avoid blisters and foot issues that so many people get from three ten-plus hour days of walking. 3-D TV is awesome, though I don't know if it's actually any good.

    Now for some photos:

    Me with basketball legend Bill Walton at the Lenovo press conference (he's the tall dude with hair).

    Me with NYTimes tech writer David Pogue on the show floor (he's the taller dude with hair).

    Me with Iron Chef Mario Batali at the Sprint Overdrive event. He's the dude on the platform with slightly more hair.

    Me with Aaron (hair), John (hat), and Adriana (girl with hair) en route from somewhere to somewhere else at the show.


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  • 13Jan

    ARTICLE: Infographic: There’s money in dem apps!

    Industry, News No Comments

    $500 million USD monthly, 70% of which goes to developers. Just wow. Go make some apps, eh?

    Via: GigaOm


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  • 13Jan

    Sleek and Stylish, the LG Pop Bursts onto the Scene!

    Industry, News No Comments

    LG POPThe LG Cookie has sold more than 5 million worldwide, proving once and for all that if you want a big seller, strip out the flashy features, give it a toucshcreen and watch it walk out the door.  Loved as the Cookie may be, it’s now-dated design means it’s ripe for replacement, hence the LG GD510 Pop, a sequel in all but name.

    Here’s a rundown of the Pop’s main features:

    • A 240×400 pixel 3″ touchscreen.
    • A 3 megapixel camera.
    • Memory can be increased with a MicroSD card up to 16GB in size.
    • LG S-Class-style user interface with social networking widgets.
    • FM Radio plus a music and video player.

    To only mention a few features in order to sum up the LG Pop is to do it an injustice, as it’s clear LG have worked hard on its design too.  The Pop shares little in terms of appearance with the Cookie and more with its upmarket sister, the LG Arena, thanks to the slick chrome chassis and the massive expanse of screen.  The small size of the handset may surprise you too, given that it boasts a 3″ screen, but LG worked their magic and cut down the bezel to just 4.8mm in order to squeeze it on to a phone measuring only 97×49x11 and weighing 87 grams!

    Cool design touches continue with the single button on the front panel, which glows red or green depending on the function it can perform, green to start a call, red to end for example, and the brushed aluminium frame is complimented by either a black or silver colour scheme.  LG have also made an optional solar panel for the Pop, which replaces the existing rear cover, to give a sun-driven boost to your standby and talk time, adding some great ‘green’ credentials to this little touchscreen phone.

    If you’re a longtime Cookie user and like the idea of a change, or are considering another attractively priced mid-range touchscreen phone such as the Samsung Preston or Tocco Lite, take a good look at the GD510 Pop - as the small, very stylish and surprisingly well-equipped mobile phone may just win you over.

    Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

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