First BlackBerry PlayBook reviews hit the web

After several months of anticipation Research In Motion's debut tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, is almost here. The company began seeding the device to the press in anticipation to next week's launch and now the first reviews are starting to trickle in. For the most part it seems reviewers came out pleased with the PlayBook's look and feel, and agree that the QNX-based operating system -- which borrows heavily from Apple's iOS and HP's webOS -- works smoother than anything RIM has produced recently. But as expected the bad news is that, at launch, there's still a lot missing.

Among the strong points mentioned are its responsive performance, great multitasking, sharp, beautiful screen, smooth 1080p playback over HDMI and solid battery life. Adobe Flash support was spotty but apparently RIM kept pushing out updates to improve its stability, which is both encouraging and worrying, as they are working on ironing out all the kinks but it's also clear they are rushing out some last minute tweaks to be able to launch this thing.


That's not really surprising as we recently learned that the BlackBerry PlayBook would launch without several key features: no native email client, calendar, address book or instant messaging unless tethered to a BlackBerry smartphone, which at least is free but people with other smartphones are out of luck. There are also no Android apps yet, there's a front-face camera but no video chat app, no universal search, and a few software bugs to take care of.

Overall, reviewers seem impressed with what RIM has accomplished so far and feel optimist or at least curious about the PlayBook's future. But until many of the things on RIM's "coming soon" list arrive none of them seem too comfortable recommending anyone to buy it right now. That seems like a fair appraisal unless you are already a dedicated BlackBerry owner willing to live with the tablet's shortcoming for a few months.

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HTC Sensation 4G announced with Android 2.3

HTC today introduced the HTC Sensation 4G with the company's new HTC Watch video service and the latest customer-focused HTC Sense experience. The HTC Sensation 4G will be available in the US exclusively from T-Mobile USA beginning this summer. Pricing has not yet been disclosed.

The device features a 4.3-inch qHD display (540 x 960 resolution), a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of internal storage, 768MB of RAM, an 8MP rear lens with dual LED flash capable of 30FPS recording at max 1080p resolution with full stereo sound. The HSPA+ device can push download rates to a maximum of 14.4Mbps.


On the software side, it is powered by Android 2.3 (codenamed Gingerbread) with Sense 3.0. The new version of HTC Sense adds a customizable active lockscreen (real-time information and content, such as social, photos, weather, or stock updates), 3D transitions, and an improved weather app. HTC Watch, meanwhile, is a service for downloading DVD-quality movies, introduced with the company's Flyer tablet. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology so that you can watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. You can rent or buy videos, and if purchased, watch them on up to five different HTC devices. 

"Consumers have quickly transformed smartphones into consumer lifestyle hubs that are pocket- sized entertainment centers that enable people to take their favorite multimedia content with them wherever they go," HTC CEO Peter Chou said in a statement. "The new HTC Watch service makes it fun and easy for people to access premium movies and TV shows while on the go. The HTC Sensation 4G combines this great multimedia experience within the latest HTC Sense experience in a premium device that delivers a powerful and unprecedented smartphone to our customers."

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Red Bull Augmented Racing game lets you build tracks with Red Bull cans

Sure, it may all just be an elaborate scheme to get you to buy more Red Bull, but it is a fairly ingenious scheme. In addition to a plethora of in-game advertising, the new Red Bull racing game for iOS devices also has an augmented reality component that lets you build tracks simply by lining up actual cans of Red Bull on the floor -- at least twelve of them for a complete track, and only Red Bull will do, apparently. Not surprisingly, the game itself is free, and you can grab it in the App Store right now to try it out for yourself. Or you can just head on past the break for a video demonstration if you'd prefer to leave the Red Bull on the shelf.

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Google TV Remote app now available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

After debuting it on the Android platform in December, the Google TV team has finally released a version of the official remote app for iOS. The interface and features appear to be the same with one key difference, currently the iOS version doesn't support sharing web pages from mobile to the screen, but everything else like voice search is here and accounted for. It's good for the team to finally get the long promised app out, but more interesting now is the question of which features will be included in the second generation of Google TV hardware once manufacturers like Vizio, Toshiba and Samsung join the mix, hopefully putting the two handed/keyboard kludginess of the past behind us. Check after the break for the YouTube demo, or just grab the free app via the QR code on the official blog or iTunes.

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Comcast releases Xfinity TV remote control app for Android devices

After debuting on the iPad and iPhone, Comcast has finally released its Xfinity TV app for Android. Right now it only supports basic features like remote controlling cable boxes, scheduling DVR recordings and searching the VOD library but other features like video streaming to the app and tuning to VOD on the TV will be add later, just like on iOS. Unfortunately right now it's optimized for phones, according to the notes it should work on tablets too but official support isn't ready yet. Features on their way to both platforms include recommendations and better filtering of watchlists and personalized TV listings. Other than having to turn our cable box off and on at first, we got it to work without a hitch, for now it's at least one more option to use a cool new device when you can't find the regular remote -- have you looked on top of the refrigerator?

Gallery: Xfinity TV app for Android

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Trillian gets there first, brings Continuous Client features to latest build

Well this is rather awesome. Cerulean Studios may have just become the first company in the world to implement some of the ideas I hatched in an editorial I wrote about a little something called the Continuous Client. If you need a refresher you can read the article here, but the gist of my argument is that the work you're doing in applications on your phone, tablet, or PC should follow you around. You shouldn't have to restart each conversation or refocus your Twitter stream or re-open applications and load up files you were working on. Your devices (and their clients) should talk to each other so that you can placeshift your session from screen to screen.

Well, believe it or not, someone took this to heart. The makers of the super-popular chat client Trillian have implemented Continuous Client features in the latest beta build for Windows (5.0 build 30). Amongst the new features added is the ability to share chats between devices "in realtime," allowing you to switch from PC to phone to iPad without losing the thread. Using "presence technology" the client can make logical guesses about when you're at (and not at) your PC or phone, and reroutes your notifications accordingly. The company has a blog post on all of the features of the new build, but of course, the best way to experience it is to download the software and try it out for yourself. We'd love to see your reactions and find out if it's making life easier, so sound off in the comments below.

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Verizon: iPhone 4 preorders broke launch day sales record

As promised last month, Verizon launched preorders for the iPhone 4 on February 3. The carrier closed preorders in the first few hours, announcing that the iPhone 4 has surpassed the carrier's all-time record for sales of a single device. That's pretty impressive considering preorders began at 3AM and they were limited to existing Verizon subscribers, not new customers.

Verizon didn't share how many units it sold, but AppleInsider reports that Apple prepared two million handsets for the provider to split between preorders and its retail launch. The amount dedicated to preorders varies depending on who you ask -- some say 100,000, others say a million. For what its worth, AT&T moved 600,000 iPhone 4 on its launch day last June.


Customers who managed to place an order before Verizon pulled the plug should receive their phone in a matter of days. Some tracking numbers suggest the device could be delivered as early as today or tomorrow if you're lucky. Verizon will offer the iPhone 4 to all customers on February 10 through its retail and online outlets, Apple stores, Best Buy, and select Walmart stores.

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Samsung hypes up Galaxy S successor in teaser video

Samsung has posted a promotional video for the successor to the Samsung Galaxy S. The video does not reveal the actual phone, but it does suggest that it will have a very slim profile.



What the video does clearly suggest, however, is that the Galaxy S2, as many are calling it, will be officially announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in less than two weeks. Specifically, the teaser gives us a day to mark on our calendars: February 13, 2011.

Specifications for the S2 have leaked from various sources, and we've looked at them all. We've been able to confirm that all of them have at least one incorrect parameter, so we're waiting till next Sunday for the official details.

Samsung has had great success with the original Galaxy S series of phones. The company sold 10 million units in seven months. Even Google thought the device was quite solid and used it as the base for the design of the Nexus S.

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Leaked: Sony's first Xperia Play commercial

The first commercial for the PlayStation Phone, which we know is called the Xperia Play, has leaked. The device is due to appear this month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, but that hasn't stopped details from surfacing bit by bit

The commercial is set in a back-alley environment where black market surgery is apparently taking place. The Android mascot has clearly received a human thumb transplant; the message is of course that the device will have all the touch goodness of Android, as well as the dedicated button support that hardcore gamers expect. All in all, the video is pretty creepy. You can watch it below, courtesy of Droidnytt:

Although the device has yet to be officially revealed, it has already received two separate previews. This is following multiple leaks with specs, images, and proof that the device will ship with Android 2.3 (codenamed Gingerbread). Rumor has it that the device will be unveiled this month, and will be in stores by April 2011.

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Dell Venue Pro launches in India for Rs. 34,990

As anticipated, Dell has unveiled its first Windows Phone 7 mobile OS based smartphone - Venue Pro for India. Designed in a slider form factor, Venue Pro carries 4.1-inch AMOLED display with curved Gorilla Glass technology and slides upwards to reveal the QWERTY keypad. In terms of specification, Venue Pro has practically the same hardware as in the Android 2.2 Froyo running Venue smartphone. For India, Dell Venue Pro would be available at Rs. 34,990.

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 running Dell Venue Pro houses 1GHz (Scorpion Core) Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU with Adreno 200 GPU for graphics. The handset has 512MB RAM and 8GB onboard storage. However, it doesn't have memory card slot and that's what makes it different from Venue.

Flaunting the 4.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, this portrait slider phone also accommodates a QWERTY keypad. Loaded with 5 megapixel camera with LED Flash and autofocus, Venue Pro promises 720p HD video recording. Other features include WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A-GPS, and microUSB support.

Venue Pro's price at Rs. 34,990 certainly seems bit higher when compared to the HTC Desire HD available for Rs. 28,499 from online retailer Flipkart.com. In December last year, Dell had introduced Venue Pro for $450 which means around Rs. 20,250 approximately. We do anticipate price drop in a month or two when more Windows Phone 7 devices and Android 2.3 Gingerbread laden Nexus S hits India.

Dell also announced Rs. 29,990 official price of Android 2.2 Froyo loaded Venue smartphone.

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BlackBerry Storm 3: Leaked Details

More details about the new Blackberry handset leaked, i.e. the BlackBerry Storm 3. According to the latest derails, the handset is enabled with a bigger 3.7-inch display that is supportive to the resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Apart from that the handset will feature the optical track-pad that can be found on many BlackBerry models. Many BlackBerry mobile devices were criticized as they did not have enough power. The mobile device will pack in 512MB RAM as well as 1.2 GHz processor.

Also the handset features a 5 MP camera that is capable to shoot 720p HD videos. It is offered with 8 GB of storage that can be expanded with the help of a microSD card slot. The mobile device also packs in a 1230 mAh.

The Blackberry Storm is expected to run the Blacberry OS, 6.1. Due to it the handset can be used as a WI-FI router. In fact, it’s nice to see that RIM is getting back into the game. And it is expected that the handset maker will not bring the clickable-screen concept in the Blackberry Storm 3.

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iPhone 5 to Come with Improvements?

It is already known that the iPhone 5 is not just another rumor, it is considered to be a real subject that is discussed by many sites. Quite a lo

t of posts are devoted to the upcoming mobile device. It is expected that the iPhone will be powered a dual-core processor.
It looks like the mobile device will be released in June. It is still interesting to know what can be so attractive in the iPhone 5 for business users. It is hoped that the upcoming smartphone will make some real competition to the great-looking Android handsets, such as the HTC Thunderbol as  well as Motorola Atrix 4G. There is even a list of things that Apple can improve for the iPhone 5. The number one is a fix of antenna, which was a major problem for the iPhone 4. Another area that can be improved is enterprise features. Despite the fact that the current version for the iPhone is pretty good, still there are some things that need enhancement, i.e.IT control options. It is expected that the iPhone 5 will be available with an upgraded version of iOS 4.

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RIM shows PlayBook living in sweet harmony with BlackBerry

It's no secret that RIM's PlayBook is going to need a connection to a nearby BlackBerry phone to do much of its corporate heavy lifting, and a new video posted by the company today shows a little more detail on exactly how that'll look. The one-minute, 54-second spot spends much of its time in the tablet's email app, demonstrating how the Playbook and the Torch beside it are perfectly in sync -- read an email on one, it immediately shows read on the other, and so on. We also learn that any secured corporate data that you're using on the PlayBook while tethered is essentially on loan -- it'll disappear as soon as you disconnect, which is one of the reasons RIM's touting this as a bolt-on for any corporate BES environment that won't require any additional configuration or lines of data service. The video certainly doesn't do much to appeal to the casual BlackBerry user -- you know, the Curve and Pearl types of folks -- but it's an interesting watch nonetheless. Check it after the break.

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Sony takes on DS and smartphones with new handheld

The announcement to an audience of hundreds packing the ballroom of a Tokyo hotel came the same day as Nintendo, which is readying the launch of a 3D version of its DS handheld next month, reported a 46 percent slide in quarterly profit, below analysts' estimates.

To the accompaniment of loud dance music, Sony showed off its new device, codenamed "NGP" for Next Generation Portable, featuring a 3G wireless data connection and a 5-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, as well as motion sensors and a rear touch panel.

"The capabilities of handsets are leaping ahead and pick-up-and-play games are becoming a big business," Kazuo Hirai, the president of Sony's games unit, told reporters after a media briefing in Tokyo. "We have to be aware of that environment."

But it is unclear whether the new gadget can hold off the challenge from Apple and products emerging from rivals such as Samsung Electronics.

"The key will be pricing of the device," said Nobuo Kurahashi, an analyst at Mizuho Investors Securities. "If the company prices it cheaper than Nintendo's 3DS, it would be positive."

With smartphones and tablets offering a versatile alternative to handheld game devices, Sony needs new products able to tap a ballooning market for mobile gaming, which research firm Gartner expect to more than double to nearly $12 billion within three years.

Sony said the NGP will not go on sale until around the year-end and declined to give pricing details. Nintendo's 3DS will sell for 25,000 yen ($304.2) in Japan and about $250 in the United States.

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Plantronics Calisto 800: the Ultimate Speakerphone

You’ve read about the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Bluetooth headset by now (and if you haven’t, you should) but what can you use that lovely little clip-on for other than your cell phone?  How about pairing it with Plantronics’ new Calisto 800 speakerphone and creating one of the coolest conferencing devices to ever grace your offices?
This phone is really more than a phone.  Instead of being tied to the old jack-in-the-wall, the Plantronics Calisto 800 series phone can connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth and to a PC (for VOIP calls) via USB.  It’s like getting three phones in one and eliminates the connectivity chokehold that keeps productivity low.

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Mobile Phone & Clock In One!

Smartphones have totally dominated the mobile phone arena today. Various models, sizes and magnificent features have graced the planet bringing us to ask – What’s next? With such tremendous advancement in technology some people are thinking of going unique and peculiar. To achieve this, sometimes that means going back in time.

Celcius X VI II that is – Celcius 10 6 2 for those who forget the “Old” Roman Numeral System, has introduced the LeDIX mobile phone. It’s quite significant first because it costs a fortune to have one and second because of its clock. What’s so extraordinary about it? This phone has a real-life “tik-tok” fully working mechanical clock embedded on its front flap.

Before we get ahead of ourselves let’s take a look what LeDIX is capable of. The mobile phone weighs 245g (quite heavy due to mechanical components of the watch) and due to its Titanium alloy casing. It has a total of roughly 600 mechanical parts – 330 of which were dedicated for watch movement. It has a battery compartment that is intended to be used by the mobile phone and can last up to 3.5 Hours of talk time.

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IOS 4 Multitasking

Multitasking

iOS 4 introduces a whole new way of multitasking. Now you can run your favorite third-party apps — and switch between them instantly — without slowing down the performance of the foreground app or draining the battery unnecessarily.² This smarter approach to multitasking is available only in iOS 4. Learn more about multitasking

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IOS 4 Safe and secure by design.

Safe and secure by design.

iOS 4 is highly secure from the moment you turn on your iPhone. All apps run in a safe environment, so a website or app can’t access data from other apps. iOS 4 supports encrypted network communication to protect your sensitive information. Optional parental controls let you manage iTunes purchases, Internet browsing, and access to explicit material. To guard your privacy, apps requesting location information must get your permission first. You can set a passcode lock to prevent unauthorized access to your phone and configure iPhone to delete all your data after too many unsuccessful passcode attempts. And in the event your iPhone is lost or stolen, Find My iPhone allows you to locate it on a map, lock its screen, and remotely delete all your data. If you get it back, you can restore everything from your last backup.

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Callaway’s Upro MX Let’s Golfers Find Their Way GPS-Style

I’m not a golfer and don’t pretend to be—and apparently it’s a good thing—I didn’t know you could get lost on a golf course.  Fortunately for all you duffers out there, Callaway has introduced a new GPS unit especially for you.  The Upro MX is a sleek little touchscreen device that will make sure you get to all 18 holes and back to the clubhouse in one piece—barring any encounters with rogue rodents along the way.

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Flip UltraHD – no still capture mode

Bot h young and old love voices of cute animals and technology has now made it possible to have pets on our gadgets. Talking Tom Cat Nokia N900 is an app which will keep you entertained for a long time while you are waiting for a friend at the local airport. The app is very easy to use. All you have to do is talk on the mic of the phone and the Tom Cat will cup his ears to show that he is listening. After that, the animal will imitate whatever you have said in the typical cute and high-pitched voice. What’s even more amusing is the fact that he cat mouths your words as it speaks. Talking Tom Cat Nokia N900 app can record up to 30 seconds of sound clip. When you are done, you can upload the video to YouTube through the phone itself. Other than that, you can even e-mail it to a friend. There is also some really cool interaction with the cat

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