HTC’s Merge handset has been appearing quite a lot in news updates recently. The keyboard toting Android smart phone has been quite the attention grabber as HTC has finally decided to come out with a not-so-high-end smart phone that packs a physical QWERTY keyboard.
The biggest disappointment here is that the Merge is still announced as a US carrier Verizon exclusive which means that the only hope for a local re-release of the handset would be to wait it out for a month or so before HTC gives the Merge a quick name change and brings it here.
Nokia is once again showing us all where the money is at: the low end mobile phone market. Two new devices are being buffed up by Nokia, the C2-01 and X2-01 handsets. Despite the fact that the designations for the two are similar, these two phones look quite different from each other.
The C2-01 is your standard candy bar mobile phone while the X2-01 brings in a physical QWERTY keyboard in portrait view (similar to the BlackBerry layout). Specs wise, the two devices are as low end as one can get, but interested folks can also expect to get a very decent price tag as well.
The BlackBerry Playbook touch screen tablet has been slowly bobbing up and down the radar as the Samsung Tab and the iPad are still battling it out for the top spot in the tablet industry wars. Still, the Playbook deserves some much needed attention.
RIM has already confirmed that the device will be commercially available sometime this coming Q2 of 2011, but aside from that, not specific launch date has been pinned down. From what we have seen from the QNX mobile platform, this is one device that tablet users will enjoy in terms of browsing and media playback –though app support is still one major weakness for the device.
Archive for November, 2010
Today in Mobile News: Upcoming Devices
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010A Closer Look at the iOS 4.2 Update
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The new iOS update is officially out (after several weeks of waiting and a few delays slowing it down) and here is the quick summary of everything that users can look forward to.
First off, be aware that this update is primarily targeting iPad users over those who only have an iPhone or an iPod Touch. Apple has made no specific comment regarding this matter, but apparently, it seems that recent statements saying that the iPad is nothing but an oversized iPod Touch has needed some amending from the Cupertino based company. In any case, expect that most of these new features are only good for the touch screen tablet.
The iPad will now have multitasking features thanks to the OS update. This feature is pretty much the same as the one in the iPhone 4. This means that this is actually pseudo multi-tasking; given how Apple tends to cut features short, this is already more than what we can hope for when it comes to getting features that are actually practical.
Another important iPhone 4 feature that got implemented with the iOS 4.0 update is the use of folders. As to why it was not part of the features brought over initially to the iPad, we have no idea. But it is finally here now and it will spare users that endless stream of icons as users tend to fill up their menus with an overload of apps.
The consolidated inbox of the iPhone 4 also makes an appearance here as well. This is particularly useful for folks who happen to have multiple email accounts and would like to have all incoming mail sent to a single viewing area.
Of course, the update also brings features for other devices as well, the MobileMe remote access service is now free, AirPrint and AirPlay are now available, and the iPhone gets customized message alert tones per contact.
Mobile News: HTC Sense and More
Monday, November 22nd, 2010If you constantly lose track of where your smart phone is, finding it in a cluttered room or a busy office can be quite the challenge. Fortunately, a new service has been created by HTC for its Desire users that will allow them to easily make their phones beep, ring and more.
The Sense cloud based service also functions as remote access portal and security tool. This service allows users to easily get data from the handset for backups and at the same time, allows users to lock or even memory wipe the handset’s information. Many business companies will certainly appreciate having this feature –for cases when employees accidentally lose phones and subsequently, important private data in the device.
HTC is also launching the Merge Android handset pretty soon. While the basic 800MHz CPU and 5 mega pixel camera are nothing too innovative, the device does come with a slide out, physical QWERTY keyboard that allows users to easily type messages. The device has yet to be confirmed for a UK launch.
Motorola’s Milestone 2 is going to be available SIM-free in the UK as of next week. As one would expect from the Milestone series, this handset will sport a slide out QWERTY keyboard. Naturally, the device will have better specs than the original Milestone; a 1GHz CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera and more. The only drawback to this new handset is that it lacks the ragged, edgy look of the older Milestone. Instead, the Milestone 2 has a sleeker and smoother appearance.
O2 and T-Mobile UK have announced that the Android Éclair update for the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 will soon be available. The expected launch date is next week –which means that X10 owners will finally be able to update their aging Android 1.6 Donut operating system. So far, it has not been confirmed when the Android 2.2 Froyo will be available for the handset.
iPad 2 Launch Date Rumoured
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
Tablet fans have something new to be excited about: the launch of the iPad 2. And while knowing the release date is certainly exciting, there is very little else that is known about the new tablet device from the Cupertino based company aside from the fact that it will come out on February 2011.
The original iPad pretty much set the basic standards for the tablet experience, but even that has been surpassed in the past couple of weeks as the Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab came out and showed the industry how much they were missing out with the iOS’ lack of Flash support. This mean that all Flash related content online would be blocked by an image placeholder.
Even stronger is the argument that a Flash player application for the iPad managed to sell over a million in just a single weekend –even iPad owners have announced that they too want to get Flash support as well.
That is quite unlikely to change however. Even the iPad 2 will almost definitely not support the web format either. With Steve Jobs ever stubborn about sticking with the “no-to-Flash” campaign, this will be the official stand that Apple will have on the format for a long time to come.
If the iOS is not your thing and the Google Android just will not fit your style, then you might want to consider trying out the RIM made BlackBerry Playbook. The device is to be launched March of next year –just a little after the iPad 2 launch date.
The PlayBook uses a modified version of the BlackBerry OS 6 called the QNX, from what we have seen so far, this looks like a stylized OS 6 with even more focus on the touch based controls. Media playback and web browsing will be very important features on this device though the lack of a physical keyboard accessory is really throwing us for a loop since that is a specialty for RIM.
Mobile News Bits: Today’s Big Headlines
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Sony Ericsson is launching the XPERIA X12 and the official spec sheet is out. The touch screen smart phone will come with a 4.3 inch display, a 12 mega pixel camera, HD video recording and playback, an HDMI port, an 800MHz CPU and the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.
Google has confirmed that they are finished working on the Google Docs browser app and it is now available for mobile users. The new version is said to be able to run smoothly on a wide variety of platforms but is definitely going to be compatible with Android and iOS devices. Those using other mobile OS might want to try it out for a bit as well.
Nokia and Symbian may not be making much in terms of overall hardware sales, but the Ovi store is one of the strongest in the industry. According to recent reports, the Ovi Store is getting about 3 million downloads each day –that is a massive volume that the iTunes network would be pressed to compete with on a daily basis.
HTC’s Sense web service is confirmed to be heading straight for the original HTC Desire. While this is a little unexpected, it is most certainly welcome. The cloud based service allows users to store content in the cloud storage as well as make use of the special remote access capabilities that the Sense provide. This is most useful as a remote access tool for security purposes as well.
Lastly, it seems that Qualcomm is on the cusp of changing the mobile phone industry once again with better, faster CPU. The next generation Snapdragon is going to pack a dual core CPU and will be five times faster than the previous model. What is most impressive here is not the speed and processing power however, but with the fact that energy consumption is even lower than before. According to initial reports, the new CPU will only require about 75% of its original power needs.
Apple iAds in the UK, White Conversion Mods on Sale
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Unofficially, the white Apple iPhone 4 is now technically available. A young Asian-American entrepreneur has been able to acquire the official front and back white casings for the high end touch screen smart phone and is selling the front and back panels.
Those who cannot wait until the official release of the iPhone 4 (and have plenty of confidence in their dexterity and skill in prying open the handset’s front and back panels) should have no problems with the conversion mod. Since the parts are officially from Foxconn (and are also legally acquired) the end product will definitely be the same –provided that Apple decides not to change a single thing about the hardware.
As some of you may recall, the iPhone 4 has a serious problem with the antenna on the device (along with several other issues) and many are hoping that when the white version of the handset finally gets released, these problems would have already been fixed. In fact, it has been hinted before that the white version would feature solutions to the problems of the original.
While no major actions have been taken to stop the selling of the white iPhone panels, it is also reported that Apple has already sent legal letters telling the site to stop selling the product.
In other Apple news, the iAds system will finally be introduced in the UK. While not everyone likes ads, the fact that downloadable content is sponsored means that end users will get more content for a slightly lower price. Of course, the additional bandwidth that the system takes up is not noticeable unless the connection is really slow or unstable.
Several major companies have already signed up for the service including Louis Vuitton and Unilever. According to sources, iAds will be available in the UK starting this coming December.
Tablet Prices to Go Down for the Holidays
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Touch screen tablets are not necessary devices to have at home, but they certainly are a joy to have around. Imagine being able to access the web, your email, social networking account, and all the top news stories from the comfort of your couch, or bed, or even the front porch –much like reading a newspaper, but with media access.
Indeed, tablets are slowly becoming a common device to have around –not quite a staple yet, considering how many people cannot afford the hardware. In terms of cost, tablets are still not cost effective –one could opt to buy a couple of mid range smart phones instead. Or even a single high end one then simply save the plentiful change.
Samsung and RIM however, want you to have touch screen tablets, and as such, they have both announced price cuts for their respective tablets.
The Android Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab comes with a 1GHz CPU, a camera and a 7 inch capacitive touch screen display. It can handle media, eBooks and of course, the whole line of Google’s Android apps. One of the best things about this device: it is Flash capable. Forget the whole issue about the Tab being 3 inches smaller in screen size as compared to the iPad –the smaller screen is actually more ergonomic; this is a big plus for those who love to read digital eBooks (since the iPad actually becomes a little heavy after a while). Originally priced at over 600 Pounds, the new price tag now comes at a much more reasonable 489.99 Pounds.
RIM is not bringing down the price on the BlackBerry Playbook, though the price difference is not as significant as Samsung’s new cost. This is mostly likely due to the fact that the Playbook has already come out at a much reasonable cost of being less than 400 Pounds. This is far from being a budget tablet –like the eTouch, but the QNX OS provides buyers with a very compelling argument.
Future Forecast: What’s Next in Touch Screens
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
One of the most important pieces of hardware technology that has been developed for mobile phones is the touch screen display. With this, the compromise between display size and input options has been amended by placing the controls directly on the screen –as opposed to having to use have the front of a handset for the keypad.
Of course, physical buttons and keys still play an important role for mobile phones –but for the most part, a handset can go for the rudimentary large touch screen and a couple of context buttons below.
Since the touch screen has been introduced, the last big milestone was when the capacitive touch screen technology came out. This enable users to easily use the display with only the finger and not a stylus –it was both a liberating experience and a big step towards the development of new control functions –such as gestures and multi-touch.
Now, a new development from Hitachi is turning things full circle: the development of a capacitive touch screen that is stylus friendly. This may not sound like much, but the stylus provides users with a control function that the fingers cannot produce; pin point accuracy. This may seem pretty obvious since the stylus has a very narrow tip. But that accuracy also gives rise to another feature: handwriting. While one can scribble with a finger, the control and grip of a stylus allows for a tighter control when it comes to writing or drawing on a touch screen display.
Another major advancement we are seeing now is with the development of bendable touch screens. While the most we see of these are in tech demonstrations, it has been rumored that the Nexus S handset from Samsung will have a slightly curved display. Of course, this is all just speculation –for all we know only the handset casing is curved.
Mobile Headlines: Android and WP7 in Focus
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 was launched just recently and as such, there are issues and problems that need to be addressed –which is always the case with most new operating systems that launch.
However, as much as we would like to say that problems are normal, the current issue for most WP7 owners is jarring: the microSD card used in the device cannot be easily replaced without risking the loss of important data. While some might say that simply taking out the card and making a backup is a good idea; that is where the second problem lies: the card will be formatted in a unique way that renders it directly unreadable –even by the Microsoft run Windows desktop OS.
In short, those who are used to hot swapping SD cards will now be stuck with just one –so better be sure to insert a high capacity card the first time you use it.
In better WP7 news, it has been confirmed that sat nav assistance will now be provided to users via the device’s own maps feature. So far, no specific date on the GPS launch has been given.
HTC has confirmed two things just this week. First off, the Legend will indeed be getting an update and Vodafone users get first dibs over all other Legend users under other operators. According to the latest reports, the update is already online and ready to download.
HTC has also confirmed that it will be venturing to the business market with possibly a new device. While the Taiwan based manufacturer has previously concentrated on devices for the general public, a new wave of phones has been made to cater specifically to the messaging based and high security world of the business market.
Lastly, retailer Dixons has announced that the Android tablet, Toshiba Folio, will no longer be available unless an issue with the device has been fixed.
The Big News: Gingerbread is Almost Here
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010Eric Schmidt, the current CEO for search engine giant Google has finally confirmed that the Android 2.3 Gingerbread is ready for commercial release and to show it off the man has also showcased the next Google branded handset, the Nexus S.
Whether this comes as a surprise for many or not is not the issue, the important thing here is that after a couple of weeks of speculations and rumors about a possible Nexus handset, the early release of the Gingerbread OS and a major launch event from either Google or Samsung, something has finally happened.
So what else is new? Near field communications technology that’s what. The new handset not exactly tagged under any manufacturer and the fine details of the device have been left out of the equation during the Gingerbread announcement, but the device certainly showed off some impressive features. With Google also backing the technology, expect NFC to be an industry standard pretty soon.
Ironically, as much as the event was an announcement for the new Gingerbread OS, one cannot help but have the attention fully focused on the new handset. Equipped with NFC, a high speed processor, an impressive AMOLED touch screen display and what can only be assumed as a high speed processor and a high capacity camera lens, this next generation smart phone is going to set the new standard for Android device –much like the Nexus One did for the current generation of Android phones.
Undoubtedly, this announcement also underlines the fact that Gingerbread will also be coming over to Froyo devices, though only those with unlocked phones will be able to enjoy an update early. Everyone else will have to wait for network specific updates to the OS. With many devices still behind on the Froyo update, those with Android devices still locked to their networks will need to be patient.