Hours Remaining: Palm Pixi Plus for $49.99

Following up on last Friday’s quiet delisting of the Palm Pixi Plus from Verizon’s online storefront, the Palm Pixi Plus is currently available for the lowest non-contract price ever, even beating Verizon’s pricing on prepaid by $30 to $49.99.  The deal ends at 10PM.

BlackBerry Torch Goes Upmarket In Gold

If you have a few spare quid to fork out on a smartphone and happen to be one of the BlackBerry faithful then you could always treat yourself to this beauty, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is sparkling 18 carat solid gold to show off to your buddies.

According to an article over on Mobile Syrup and by way of Crackberry, the Research In Motion has moved upmarket into the luxury smartphone zone and could be yours of the princely sum of 8000, that’s $12000 US or $12831.57 Canadian.

For you hard earned dosh, you will received s brand spanking new 18 carat solid gold BlackBerry Torch 9800 which has been created by Alexander Amosu and weighs in at 38 grams and is available in white gold, yellow gold, platinum gold and rose gold.

Furthermore if all that sparkling gold isn’t enough, or perhaps you want to deck one out for your Valentine you can add diamonds to the handset at an extra cost obviously; however apparently handing over your cash will get you either a matching python or crocodile case with every RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800.

So anyone interested in parting with a few thousand to snap up this upmarket BlackBerry Torch 9800? Personally I wouldn’t part with that amount of cash for any smartphone as I’d just be too scared it would get stolen or lost, but what about you?

Leak Puts Motorola Atrix 4G Super-Dock At $60

The latest leak suggests the Motorola Atrix 4G dock will set you back a mere $60. That puts the cost of the phone itself and its mightily impressive dock at just over $200. Not a bad deal, particularly for something that won our highly coveted Best of CES award.

The dock, which allows users to connect the Atrix phone to a monitor and run apps and so forth on said monitor via a microHDMI port, has popped up on the Fommy.com storefront for $59.95.

Combine that with the price of the phone itself, $150, and you’re looking at a hair over $200 for the full Motorola Atrix experience—pPlus contract, of course.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G Unveiled Page to Go Live on T- Mobile’s website

Samsung Galaxy S 4G which is new in the market has just appeared over a T- Mobile USA’s official website.
Disappointing to say, you can’t buy it yet, and neither pre-orders it, because it just only appeared on a sign-up page that doesn’t even show the Smartphone.

Initially rumours were that the handset will be called Galaxy S 4G, not Vibrant 4g, however the page confirms that the handset will be called Galaxy 4G. If you register the sign-up page is accessible here, T-Mobile will notify you when the Galaxy S 4G becomes available. Coming soon: Galaxy S 4G Exclusive from T-Mobile features:

• T-Mobile’s first Smartphone capable of delivering peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps
• Galaxy S 4G exclusively from T-Mobile will be the fastest Smartphone running on America’s largest 4G network
• Accumulate AMOLED touch screen display
• Brilliant entertainment experiences at much faster speeds
• Powered by Android 2.2

Most probably, the new Galaxy will be launched in the market on February 23. It will come with Android 2.2 Frodo, a front facing camera, and all the other features are already included in the Vibrant. It will be quiet interesting to see that how the phone gets response from the market.

Source: Unwired view

World’s Richest People: Filthy Rich iPhone App

Being rich is a dream we all have and here we have an iPhone app called Filthy Rich, this app will give you a lot of information on the world’s richest people.

This Filthy Rich iPhone app features the top 50 richest people in the world and each person you read about gives you news on how they became rich and how much they are worth.

The top richest man was Bill Gates and that has changed recently because Mr. Gates has been knocked down to second place, which puts Investor Warren Buffet in the number one slot worth an estimated $47 billion according to Post Chronicle.

Download this Filthy Rich application via iTunes on your iPhone and check out names such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Lawrence Ellison, Carlos Slim Helu, Karl Albrecht, Ingvar Kamprad and so many more.

You never know if you win the lottery you may make it one day onto the list, how much are you worth?

Motorola Atrix 4G Accessories: HD Multimedia Dock

The Motorola Motorola Atrix 4G is not even out on the market, yet there are some accessories for the smartphone such as the ‘HD Multimedia Dock’.

The HD Multimedia Dock for the Motorola Atrix 4G is a good little device that will go well with the handset because it will make the Atrix into a small PC, by docking the handset into the dock will allow users to use the full version of the Firefox web browser whilst still having complete access to the Android OS apps.

Main features Include: Intelligent IC chip inside recognizes a full battery, the Atrix 4G can still be used whilst charging, Automatically switches to a saver mode to prevent overcharging and short circuit, Desktop charger allows docking and charging, Allows you to connect to a PC or laptop for USB charging and data synchronization all from this compact little station, Listen to music, see photos or watch HD videos using a standard HDMI cable and so much more.

The dock has three USB ports and a HD video-out port, if you visit Fommy you can see the dock priced at $59.95, at the moment the site says “Out of Stock”, but we are guessing as soon as the Motorola Atrix 4G becomes available to customers so will the accessory mentioned.

Please do let us know what you think of the new Motorola Atrix 4G HD multimedia dock. Also you may like to read about the price details via Amazon and Costco.

Source – Brighthand

Facebook Places Deals UK via mobile: Money Saving Tips

Facebook as from today have launched a brand new addition where you can from your mobile phone claim discounts, rewards and special offers from top brand names.

If you find a special deal you can share with friends, as part of Facebook Places the new Facebook Deals will help you find special offers in your local area via your mobile phone, you can even get money saving tips from your friends via the news feed.

There are many deals such as on Feb 14 (Valentines Day) go down to Debenhams and check in to claim your free Benefit mascara & makeover, or you could get a cool 20 percent of Ushers album and a free remix etc.

The list is endless and the pocket is better, the new Facebook Deals will save you a lot of money and is well worth checking out, we would love to hear from those that have already used this new system.

To find and claim a deal all you need to do is use your mobile browser on facebook.com or use the FB App and open “Places”, then simply click on “Check In”. Once this is done nearby places will show up and a yellow ticket will show you where to go for the amazing deals. Once you have found the deal just show it to the stores assistant or waiter to redeem your great deal.

via – The Telegraph

iPhone Guru Steve Jobs Departure Soon Says Netgear CEO

Recently the main guy at Apple, iPhone guru Steve Jobs took medical leave, and while Jobs is away it appears he along with Apple have become a target of a scathing assault which says that Steve Jobs’ departure isn’t too far off, and that Apple is too closed.

According to an article over on Slash Gear, and by way of the Sydney Morning Herald, the global chairman and CEO of Netgear, Patrick Lo criticised Apple’s closed ecosystem and put the blame firmly at Jobs feet saying that Steve Jobs’ ego is to blame.

Lo also believes that Jobs departure from Apple is “probably not far away” and that once Jobs leaves the iOS giant will struggle against the Android platform with content partners becoming “wary” over Apple’s control.

Lo believes Apple’s downer on Adobe Flash is all down to Steve Jobs‘ ego and says, “What’s the reason for him to trash Flash? There’s no reason other than ego.” Lo also commented that Apple’s closed ecosystem only works due to Apple owning the market in many product categories such as MP3 players.

The Netgear CEO also likened Apple and Android to Betamax and VHS video, undoubtedly meaning Apple is the Betamax of the industry.

Have to say the comments are somewhat harsh, but Steve Jobs’ dislike of Adobe Flash is nothing new, while the assumption that Jobs will retire soon is, and unless Lo has some insider information no one else has then he’s purely speculating. I’m fairly sure even if Job’s left, Apple would still be in a strong position in the mobile space for a long time to come.

Fixed-Line Phone With Integrated Android Tablet

Japanese telecommunications company Nakayo is preparing an IP home phone [JP, PDF] that features an integrated 7-inch Android tablet. When receiving a call, users can pick up the handset to speak, push a button on the display (the tablet) to make a hands-free call or take the tablet out, walk around and speak into its mic.

The yet to be named phone system supports the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Android 2.2.

Nakayo says the tablet can be used independently, as a web browsing device, and will be suitable for video calls. It will offer Wi-Fi IEEE802.11b/g, 800×480 resolution, a USB port, a 0.3MP CMOS camera, and a microSDHC slot (32GB max).

Mainly targeting businesses, Nakayo plans to offer the system in Japan from July this year. The company expects to sell some 30,000 units within 2 years (price TBD).

The Engadget Show Live! with Steve Wozniak

Humans, keep your eyes tuned to this post -- because at 6:00PM ET, we'll be starting The Engadget Show live with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, joining us for a evening of frank, eye-opening and all-around awesome conversation. There'll be mind-blowing devices, crazy giveaways, and much, much more! We've even got music from Zen Albatross. You seriously don't want to miss it.

Update: That's all for now!

Orange Mobile France White iPhone 4 Price Is Expensive

The White iPhone 4 appearance keeps happening and now is has shown up on the Orange France website, it seems the white is more expensive than the black.

This is very interesting really to see that Orange has indexed the white iPhone 4 for €319 and like we said above it is has a higher price tag than the €299 for the black version, that means an extra €20 more for a different colour.

This price is based on the iPhone 4 32GB; it is true what 9to5Mac say, “White paint is not cheap”.

Obviously this white version of the Apple smartphone is not available as of yet but it is showing up on the Orange.fr website (Google Translation), which surely means it is coming. Of course we will keep you notified when live and available to purchase. (Join us on Facebook or Twitter for updates)

Please let us know what you think of the above news on the white iPhone 4, would you pay more money for the white or will you stick with the black?

The Assured Spiralled Growth of Motorola Mobility in Q4 2010, Might Fail to Keep Up

Going far deep in Q4 2010 financial reporting season, Motorola is all set to deliver its figures, and the freshly independent Mobility arm is the latest to step up.

The total revenue during the past three months reached around $3.4 billion, marking over an increase of 21 percent year-on-year, while it’s quiet astounding to know that the net revenue from mobile devices was $2.4 billion, up by 33 percent year-on-year. Also, handset shipments appear to be real healthy as the figure sits at a staggering $4.9 million.

These figures really disappointed Wall Street estimators; however the collective expectation, according to MarketWatch was $5.2 million. The net profit of $80 million is barely worth considering (for a company of it’s size).

Just like telling water to net get wet, Motorola have predicted that the first quarter of season 2011 will end with the loss of 9 and 21 cents per share in terms of net. Well, reiterate to say that, enjoy the sunshine of Moto and just forget about the ruinous rainclouds of tomorrow.

Source: Engadget

Micro-P gets Dell contract

IT and mobile handset distributor Micro Peripherals (Micro-P) has reached an agreement with PC maker Dell to sell its products into its independent retail base

IT hardware manufacturer Dell as handed a rare distribution deal to Basingstoke-based firm Micro Peripherals (Micro-P).

The deal sees Micro-P become the only UK distributor with a supply contract for Dell laptops.

Dell has refused to engage with third-party distribution to date, preferring to sell directly and via key retailers.

Micro-P managing director Gerry O’Keefe said: “Our remit is quite narrow in terms of where we can take it. We will work only with independent retailers.

“But Dell has a significant consumer business now, and we are confident we can bring it new and quality routes to market.”

Disney Japan Shows Its Android 3D Phone With Access To The “Disney Market”

Remember that Disney-themed Android phone from Japan we blogged two weeks ago? At that time, Disney Japan didn’t release a lot of information, but now they did [JP], and they also showed the 3D device for the first time.

Technically, the DM009SH is based on the Sharp Galapagos 003SH (3.8-inch/naked-eye 3D touchscreen, 9.6MP CMOS camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, TV tuner, e-wallet function, 1GHz Snapdragon CPU).

Otherwise, the device is all Disney. Buyers will get a unique @disney.ne.jp mail address, Disney-themed wall papers, icons, schedulers, clocks, calendars, widgets etc. The company also plans to offer special apps that users can download from a “Disney Market”.

The DM009SH will be available (in Japan only) from next month.

Unannounced Nokia X1 Hits FCC for Approval

It is exciting to know that Nokia’s X-series of handsets will welcome its new member: NokiaX1 (which is an extension of X1-00).

It’s all because of FCC which approved the X1 earlier today, we are aware of the fact that just like the Nokia X2-00. The phone which was still to be announced is a candy bar, and it features 850 / 1900 MHz GSM connectivity, and has a speaker on its back.

The phone lacks the sign of a photo camera, and 3G is also likely out of the question. Nokia X1 will probably be available in India and China soon and what is noteworthy is that phone approved by the FCC is made in India. It will probably be much cheaper than the X2, and will cost around $ 50.The phone is all set to invade the market and hope that it gets a good response.

As of now the entire feature set hasn’t been revealed, but we promise to keep you posted as soon as we lay our hands on the entire spec sheet.

[Via: Unwiredview]

Qualcomm has best quarter ever, teases a host of Snapdragon tablets

If you've got a speedy Snapdragon in your smartphone, Qualcomm's the one to thank -- but considering the raw earnings figures shared yesterday, your dollars have applauded the firm enough already. Qualcomm reported record earnings of $3.35 billion for its first fiscal quarter of the year, up 25 percent since Q1 2010, and it raked in a nice fat $1.17 billion of that in profit, 39 percent more than last year. That's thanks to shipping 118 million of those Mobile Station Modem (MSM) chips that power mobile devices, as well as other ventures, and the company expects revenues to continue their upward bent as 2011 progresses -- thanks to new devices on the way.

Qualcomm EVP Steve Mollenkopf told investors that "we currently have more than 150 Snapdragon devices in development, including more than 20 tablets," and that the dual-core 1.2GHz MSM8660 in particular was picking up steam, with over 60 devices slated to use the dual-mode chipset with HSPA+ and EV-DO Rev. B. What of a groundbreaking deal with Apple to power new iPhones and iPads? CEO Paul Jacobs wouldn't say: "We're happy to see the Verizon iPhone announcement since it's been the subject of intense speculation, but we have no other comments on that topic." Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Visualized: Giorgio Armani Galaxy S

In front of the sculpted jaw and haunting eyes of this ridiculously-good-looking man, there is a phone. And it says: "Thanks for the cash, sucker."

John’s Phone – More Bad Than Basic

Promoted as the world’s most basic cell phone, John’s Phone is unfortunately…..a complete disappointment. Let me explain.

During the unboxing, the first thing I noticed was that the John’s Phone display was exactly that of a beeper display, circa 1991. That sounds inline with John’s minimalist philosophy, but the problem is that this beeper display rests on one edge of the phone (not on one end, on one edge) forcing you to tilt the phone to a readable angle to see if the number you are typing is correct. As for the quality of the display itself, it was of such low resolution that squinting was in order to make out the numbers. Either way, this is not basic; it’s foreign and border-line unusable.

So why was such little space was allowed for the display? The answer can be found in the gigantic, cartoon-like buttons that dominate the face of the phone. While large buttons can be useful, these unwieldy buttons express no contour or subtlety whatsoever; indeed, the giant clown buttons feel as though they pivot (activate) on a central axis, making their enormous size even more troublesome, since you have to press down in the center to force the phone to register the entry. These are some obscenely, comically large, buttons.

Moreover, the device shipped to me for review was pink, with white writing on the keys, making it incredibly difficult to read the letters and numbers as they washed out completely against the overwhelming pink background. This basic design oversight can’t help leave me wondering if John’s Amsterdam-based designers were umm…a little glassy eyed.

Finally, the volume button, and all other buttons, felt cheap and “disconnected” to the device. For example, there was no way of knowing how much you were increasing or decreasing the volume; just a shiny, obscure knob that moves.

On the assertion by the manufacturer, John Doe Amsterdam, that this phone is basic, I must disagree. You cannot reinvent the cell phone, thereby creating a new learning curve, and claim to have a basic phone. Indeed, a basic phone would be either a clamshell or candybar phone with a simple and direct alphanumeric keypad, along with a humble display that provides basic and necessary information to the user. Instead, the John’s Phone all but eliminates the display, making the user feel like they are “running blind”.

This is the first phone I have reviewed in which I resolutely warn readers not to purchase. It is poorly constructed, difficult to understand, and is in no way basic.

Sorry John Doe Amsterdam, but this device misses the mark completely.

DOCOMO to Offer Flat-rate Data Billing for Smartphones and Tablet PCs

NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it will introduce simple, economical flat-rate data billing for smartphones and tablet PCs, and also a similar billing system for data-only devices, starting on March 15.

Both offerings will give customers a choice between two-tiered or full flat-rate billing to suit their data-usage habits. The two-tiered option lets users pay as they go for moderate data usage up to a set limit, or pay a flat-rate monthly charge of 5,985 yen (including tax) if they exceed the set limit. Under the full flat-rate option, the monthly charge is 5,460 yen (including tax) regardless of data volume.

 

As a special offer, DOCOMO customers who purchase selected smartphones or tablet PCs and subscribe to one of the flat-rate billing options will receive discounts on their monthly charges for up to 24 months. Also, students and their families who purchase DOCOMO smartphones and choose to use the flat-rate data billing for smartphones will receive additional discounts of 525 yen (including tax) on their monthly charges for up to 37 months.

Samsung Make T-Mobile Sidekick 4G

Apparently the T-Mobile Sidekick is making a comeback as a 4G enabled Android smartphone, and based on previous rumour it was expected that HTC would be the manufacturer; however apparently that is not the case.

According to an article over on Tmonews, and what seems to have been confirmed by Android and Me, rather than HTC manufacture the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G as expected the slider smartphone will actually be made by Samsung.

The article doesn’t really have much else to add on the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G other than Samsung as the maker has been confirmed but whether that’s official confirmation isn’t too clear as they say its been confirmed by enough sources.

According to Tmonews, T-Mobile owns the “Sidekick” name and thus can basically allow anyone to make and use a device carrying the name, so for now it appears that the new device will be the Samsung T-Mobile Sidekick 4G.

We’ll post more information on specs, release date and price as soon as we hear.

AppTech Corp Acquires Oronoco Telecom

It appears that AppTech Corp has now completed their acquisition of Oronoco Telecom and Oronoco will now be a separate, wholly owned subsidiary of AppTech Corp, who acquired the company for 500 million “restricted common shares” of AppTech Corp.

According to Virtual Press Office, AppTech Corp develops mobile app market places for emerging countries which include India, China, Japan, Brazil and more and concentrate on multi-platform applications that are designed to run on such OS’s as Android Nexus One, Apple iPhone, Palm, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry and Verizon Droid.

AppTech CEO, Eric Ottens said…“Oronoco has existing agreements with two significant international communication companies and I am confident that these two customers together with Oronoco’s other customers will form a solid platform for an expansion of the existing customer base. We plan on making Daniel an AppTech Director and shortly he will begin launching an aggressive marketing campaign initially targeting the country of Colombia and its rich telecommunication market. Oronoco is also in negotiations to obtain an agreement with an experienced Argentine app developer. We welcome Oronoco and Daniel to the AppTech team.”

Whilst Daniel Miroli of Oronoco telecom said…“I am happy to become part of AppTech Corp and I enthusiastically look forward to working with Eric towards what I predict will be a bountiful future for the combined companies.”

Image via AppTech Global

Motorola Atrix 4G and Xoom tablet launching at the end of February, Droid Bionic and LTE Xoom in Q2

Motorola had one of the best CES showings of any company in recent memory, and now we've got some rough ship dates for all that new gear: CEO Sanjay Jha just announced on the company's earnings call that the Atrix 4G for AT&T and 3G Xoom for Verizon will arrive at "the end of February," while the LTE-enabled Droid Bionic and LTE Xoom will arrive at "the end of the second quarter" as previously promised. That sounds good to us -- and with that earlier Best Buy leak suggesting the Xoom will hit on February 17, we're hoping that Moto's taking a long view of when the end of February actually begins. Even better, a late February Xoom release supports those rumors that Honeycomb will be generally released in March, which is when the real Android tablet invasion will begin. It's all happening, folks.

Update: Oh boy. Jha followed up his Xoom comments in the Q&A portion by hinting that the Xoom might slip to March, but that he's very confident they'll make their timeline. Fingers crossed.

Nokia May Possibly Move to Android

Although Nokia is the largest mobile phone maker in the business in the past many have remarked that Nokia needs to move from Symbian to another platform in order to compete in today’s smartphone market, and that may well be on the cards.

According to an article over on Daily Mobile by way of their forums, and the Wall Street Journal, Nokia may be contemplating a switch to another platform, which could end up being Android or even Windows Phone 7.

Apparently after Nokia’s Q4 report at a conference call, Nokia chief exec Stephen Elop, apparently spoke about Nokia needed to change “rapidly” and should consider “multiple ecosystem patterns.” This statement caused investors to believe that Nokia may be gearing up to adopt a new smartphone platform.

According to CSS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber, it was clear that Elop was hinting that either Nokia is considering or has already decided to adopt a new operating system and Blaber commented that the most likely would be Android.

On the option of going with Windows Phone 7 over Android, Blaber says that as Android is much bigger than Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7, Nokia switching to the bigger platform is more likely.

So if Nokia was to adopt a new mobile operating system and finally wave goodbye to Symbian, do our readers think Nokia should opt for Android or go with the younger WP7 OS?

Authentic Apple Gear to be offered by China’s Cybermart

Apparently Apple is to have a new outlet in China for their iOS and Mac gear and that new outlet is to be Chinese electronics retailer Cybermart, where apparently people can pick up a fake iPhone but will soon be able to purchase authentic Apple stuff.

According to an article over on the Boy Genius Report by Zach Epstein, DigiTimes is claiming that Cybermart International, which happened to be owned by none other than iPhone parts maker Foxconn has been granted distribution rights to offer Apple products.

Word is Cybermart has plans to open some 500 officially Apple licensed stores across China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with the first Apple licensed store opening on the 1st of April, unless of course this is some strange really early April Fools.

Currently Cybermart has some 34 electronics stores across China with 7 or 8 more shops expected to open later in the year. So I wonder if now that they can officially offer the iPhone they will stop offering knockoff Apple Gear.

Study shocker! Mobile users piddle around on the internet while watching TV

Shocker of shockers, folks: people do more than just watch TV when they're watching TV. A study of over 8,000 willing individuals from Nielsen and Yahoo recently discovered that some 86 percent of mobile internet users tinker around on their devices while situated in front of the tube. It seems that Googling random facts, checking their Facebook news feed and seeing who has tweeted in the past 30 seconds were atop the list of activities to do while watching, but strangely, a full 20 percent confessed to search for more information about a commercial they recently saw. Hit the source link below (PDF) to be instantly bombarded with facts and figures, but first, refresh that TweetCaster feed. Ah, so much better.

Verizon iPhone Pre-order Countdown Is Active

It would appear that everything is gearing up nicely for the release of the long awaited iPhone playing nice on the Verizon network. A few days ago Apple put up their pre-order page for the CDMA device, and then followed an iTunes release, and now the Big Red are readying for the big day with a countdown.

According to an article over on Engadget by Vlad Savov, Verizon Wireless has now gone active with a pre-order countdown page for the CDMA iPhone, which becomes available for pre-order to the eager hoards on the 3rd of February at 3:00 EST.

Apparently the Verizon iPhone will be assigned on a “first come, first served” basis for delivery Apple’s latest darling device with CDMA flavour on February the 10th, and naturally for new customers to the Big Red a contract will be required.

It will be interesting to see if Verizon’s pre-order page can take the amount of eager beavers hitting the page once that countdown runs out or whether the page will actually crash and throw the Verizon iPhone world into a state of shock and annoyance.

Angry Birds Rio Releasing March: Trailer Video

For all you Angry Birds fanatics out there on iOS, Symbian and Android, get ready for a new adventure with those pesky bad tempered feathered heroes as a new Angry Birds game is set to be released in March to all supported smartphone and tablet platforms.

The latest game called Angry Birds Rio, this time from Rovio in conjunction with 20th Century Fox will release sporting 45 dedicated levels that are based around the new movie Rio, which is released to theatres everywhere on the 15th of April.

And of course for the Angry Birds dedicated fan we have a trailer of Angry Birds Rio for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of the guys over at Daily iPhone Blog and by way of RovioMobile.

Once Angry Birds Rio the game is released it game will receive regular updates in future and will become available to download to tablets and smartphones across the globe.

Not too sure whether Angry Birds fans will actually be battling the greedy green pigs in Angry Birds Rio as they were nowhere in sight in the trailer, so perhaps they have a new enemy to battle…enjoy.

Samsung Nexus S May Play Nice On AT&T

Apparently there’s been some rumour that the Samsung built Google Nexus S smartphone just might be making its way to the AT&T network. It may sound strange but apparently there is a variant of the Android device that could play nice on AT&T.

According to the guys over at Pocket Now they did some investigating and have found that a fourth variant of the Android 2.3 Gingerbread sporting Google Nexus S exists that apparently hasn’t shown up on any other databases.

The 3 known variants which have passed the FCC are the first Nexus S the GT-i9020, the GT-i9020T and the GT-i9023. The fourth variant which was apparently revealed by Bluetooth SIG is GT-i9020A.

Apparently the descriptions of these Google Nexus S models on Bluetooth certificates say that all of them are North American variants with the exception of variant GT-i9023 that is reportedly heading for Europe.

Apparently Best Buy says that variant GT-i9020T operates on the T-Mobile USA network and thus the Pocket Now guys believe that the GT-9020A variant is compatible with AT&T going by T standing for T-Mobile and thus A standing for AT&T.

Have to say that presumption based on the last letters is a tad weak, but as there isn’t anything else to go on I guess they could possibly be right, but at this stage of the game naturally there is no word on when an AT&T Nexus S would become available.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Hits 2 Million Sales Mark

Samsung Galaxy Tab is an Android-based compact tablet computer. With the launch of the new Galaxy Tab 2 Android tablet, Samsung announced that the first-generation Tab has sold more than 2 million units around the world-three months after launch, and almost two months after passing 1 million units sold mark.

Galaxy Tab is currently available in 94 countries, via about 200 mobile carriers. According to Yonhap News, around 350,000 Galaxy Tabs were sold in North America, 330,000 in Asia, and near about 500,000 were sold in Europe.

Galaxy Tab is surely one of the best selling Android tablets in the world. However, it is nowhere around Apple’s ipad, which sold near about 7.3 million units between October and December. Since tablets have become somewhat of a trend now, the Galaxy Tab 2 should be even more successful than the current model. We’ll see the new Tab at MWC 2011 next month.

Source: Unwired view

MetroPCS Launches 4G LTE Service in 4 Major Metro Areas

MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today expanded its no annual contract 4G LTE service into the Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando  metropolitan areas. Accessible on the Samsung Craft(TM), the world's first, and currently only, commercially available 4G LTE handset, MetroPCS' 4G LTE network allows consumers to do more with unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE web browsing for an affordable price. Additionally, consumers have unlimited YouTube access and unlimited multimedia streaming and uploads and downloads on Wi-Fi, with service plans that range from $40 to $60 a month, including all applicable taxes and regulatory fees.

"We continue to expand our network so more customers can experience the only no annual contract, unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE web browsing service available today," said Roger D. Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS. "MetroPCS is giving customers everything they want - an affordable 4G LTE phone, more choices and the best value in 4G LTE service to stay connected, be entertained and do more - without sacrificing time or money."

 

In addition to the $40 service plan, MetroPCS offers $50 and $60 4G LTE service plans which allow more access to streaming multimedia content, real-time Internet gaming, music and video uploads and downloads and other media applications on MetroPCS' 4G LTE networks in addition to unlimited streaming multimedia content on Wi-Fi. Ultimately, consumers only pay for what they need.

The Samsung Craft Experience

The Samsung Craft is available in-store or online for $299 plus tax after a $50 instant rebate, while supplies last. Customers can take advantage of all MetroPCS 4G LTE has to offer with the Samsung Craft, including:

MetroSTUDIO, powered by RealNetworks, delivers audio content to the $40, $50 and $60 plans over 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, and premium video content on the $60 plan from NBC Universal, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Univision, available on-demand from one easy-to-use application.

A social networking and instant messaging application which harnesses notifications, friends and content from Facebook, MySpace and Twitter and AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM clients into a single interface that's accessible with one click.

Upgraded MetroNavigator(R) feature includes new voice-activated GPS and turn-by-turn directions.

The Samsung Craft features a brilliant 3.3 inch AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen for a better video experience, Wi-Fi connectivity, and comes with a 2GB MicroSD card pre-loaded with Paramount Pictures' hit movie "Star Trek - The Future Begins." This 4G LTE entertainment handset also contains a combination touch screen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Samsung's TouchWiz(TM) user interface to surf and text message, 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a camcorder and is Wi-Fi capable.

With today's launch in the Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando metropolitan areas, MetroPCS' 4G LTE services are available in 13 metropolitan areas, including Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Sacramento and San Francisco.

For more information, please visit:

Details on rate plans and service features: www.metropcs.com/plans

T-Mobile Rolling Out Froyo on MyTouch 3G Fender and 3.5mm Editions

T-Mobile has begun to roll out Android Froyo for the MyTouch 3.5mm and Fender Editions according to multiple reports and images, with the roll out to be completed by February 1st.

The update includes a new home screen, improved Exchange e-mail and the addition of the Faves Gallery along with other Froyo enhancements.

The updates to Froyo for the myTouch 3G series represent a continued committment by both T-Mobile and HTC to provide updates for their Android devices in the face of other manufacturers that insist on hardware updates for new Android versions, with the biggest culprits being Motorola’s US GSM lineup and Samsung with the Vibrant 4G.

iPhone 5, iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 Release: Apple Countdown

One company called Apple and three products, they are the iPhone 5, iPad 2 and iOS 4.3, we have given you 3 choices that we will give details on. This is what we call the Apple Countdown to release.

Apple is releasing many products like the Verizon iPhone 4 but we already know about that so we thought we would chat more about the iPhone 5, iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 and what one do you think will release first. Yes there has been speculations of release dates but this is never solid until official announcements have been made, lets mention a few details about each Apple product mentioned above shall we.

First up is the iPhone 5: has placed orders for ten million iPhone 5 units and that Pegatron is not allowing any vacations during the period of getting orders, they will also be offering triple employee wages. Production is apparently going to take place at Pegatron’s Shanghai plant as well as their Suzhou plant.

What Else do we know about the iPhone 5? News has flooding the Web of mass production starting in May with a possible launch June 6 according to ITProPortal, this ties up with the WWDC 2011 at the Moscone Conference Centre in San Francisco. The iPhone 5 is also expected to be featuring NFC capabilities (near-field-communication), which will make the handset a mobile payment device (Read more about that here).

In our previous article we reported thanks to ITProPortal Apple is gearing up with its new iPhone 5 parts suppliers list and these suppliers such as Foxlink, Gold Circuit Electronics (GCE), Foxconn Electronics and Epistar have joined in with Unimicron Technology and Compeq Manufacturing will be kept very busy indeed.

Compelling Minds gave us a few details about the processor and baseband, mentioning that the iPhone 5 could house the faster Qualcomm A8 processor with baseband and we hoping this is true. Obviously yet again all speculation so please take this with a pinch of salt.

So that is a little information about the iPhone 5 so what about the iPad 2, well same as the iPhone the iPad 2 is expected to feature the NFC mobile payment system. Like the iPhone 5 (Did not mention above sorry) is apparently going to feature both GSM and CDMA capabilities according to Cult of Mac.

The iPad 2 productions, is apparently going to start in Feb with the possibility of an April release date according to Apple insider. There is not a lot of information covering the specifications as of yet and we would not like to hazard a guess and shoot ourselves in the foot so we do apologise there.

Now moving onto the next operating system iOS 4.3, which is in beta stages at the moment. We have reported on this quite a few times and here are a few of the subjects, iOS 4.3 compatible AirPlay apps has been approved by Apple, we have also mentioned about the iOS 4.3 being jailbroken by updated Pwnagetool (Watch video here). You can also watch the iOS 4.3 beta walkthrough video here, and not forgetting the iOS 4.3 update gaining 3G mobile hotspot feature to GSM phones like the Verizon iPhone has. You may want to read a little about the find my friends feature with iOS 4.3.

We kept all the above brief just to give you an insight and this moves us on to ask out of the iPhone 5, iPad 2 and iOS 4.3, which one do you think will release first? Please vote below using our poll system.

Apple Countdown: What Will Release First?

iPhone 5

iPad 2

iOS 4.3

I do not care to be honest

View Results

 Loading ...

Google announces Android event for February 2nd

Had enough Honeycomb this week? Perhaps -- but next week is a whole new week, and Google's got your back. Mountain View has selected Wednesday, February 2nd for an event that'll include "an in-depth look at Honeycomb, Android ecosystem news and hands-on demos," so by all accounts this seems to be more than a mere wrap-up of everything they've announced in the past few weeks. New tablets? Honeycomb for smartphones? Android 2.4? Something else entirely? We'll be there to find out, of course.

Verizon Wireless Pulls Pixi Plus From Online Store

It seems that the popularity of the recent price cut for the Verizon Palm Pixi Plus on prepaid was greater than anticipated for Verizon, because as of this morning, the sibling device to the Pre Plus is no longer available for purchase online in either prepaid or postpaid options.

The Pixi Plus was launched on Verizon last year as the sibling device to the Pre Plus with Wi-Fi radio and support for Verizon’s then new Mobile Hotspot option. We’ve even advised readers to purchase one as a backup.

One month after launch, Verizon began to consistently cut post-agreement pricing for the device to levels unheard of for a full featured smartphone, first to $79.99 after rebate in February of 2010, eliminated the mail in rebate for it and the Pre Plus in March, made a further price cut to $29.99 in a buy one, get one free promotion in April and included mobile hotspot access for both it and the Pre Plus.

The culmination of Pixi Plus pricing came last month as it began to sell the Pixi Plus on its realigned prepaid service for $79.99 and the $15 150MB data plan allowed for 5GB of tethering via previous agreement with Palm to offer Mobile Hotspot on its devices.

While the device is no longer sold online, possibly due to lack of enough stock to fill demand and close to being placed on end of life status, the phone can still be found for sale primarily through Verizon retail stores, third-party dealers and online sellers such as HP’s own Wireless Center .

OPM Songs: iPhone Music App Review

The official OPM app for iOS devices has been out for a while and is probably a must have application for any OPM fan who owns an iPhone, iPod Touch or Apple iPad as this app keeps fans up with OPM while they are on the move.

The OPM app for iOS delivers the ability to view the latest videos, read the latest news and blogs, engage with likeminded fans on iLike and Facebook and enables the user to post their concert images right from their device to the OPM fan community.

OPM says…“What do you normally get after a hit of OPM? A huge rush to the head? The one in your trousers of course, a feeling of invincibility or that same old feeling when you wake up next to a crack whore without your pants & wallet, knowing you have definitely been done up the council grittier without any KY whatsoever, I know, the ultimate high we endeavor to look for in everything we do. Well, without resorting to the above or any lubrication whatsoever, I present to you the ultimate high, ‘Golden State Of Mind’”

OPM popular songs include Brighter Side, Better Daze, Stash Up, El Capitan, and Heavn Is A Halfpipe, and for your viewing pleasure we have a video of OPM Heavn In A Halfpipe for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of OPMTV.

The official OPM app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad is a free app available to download from iTunes.

However what we would love is for our readership to submit their personal reviews, opinions of the OPM app or any problems you may have experience and the like to our comments area below.

Disney Japan Shows Off Their 3D Android Phone

You read that right.  A Disney-branded phone is actually coming out in Japan and it will have a stereoscopic display.  We totally don't understand how the Japanese name their phones, but it sounds like it's going to be the Disney Mobile DM009SH.

Based on the Sharp Galapagos 003SH, the new handset will get the same hardware as the original 3D Android smartphone.  If you're not familiar with that device, it sports a 3.8-inch stereoscopic touchscreen, which can display 3D images without requiring any special glasses.

Aside from the special screen, other details of the Disney Mobile DM009SH include a 9.6 megapixel camera module, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth, a TV tuner and e-wallet function (Japan-only).   No word on the Android version included, but action will be controlled by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

Being Disney-branded, it's naturally brimming with the entertainment company's content.  Buyers get a unique @disney.ne.jp mail address, apart from a smattering of Disney-themed wallpapers, icons and media files.  Most of the UI is drenched in Disney, too, with special clocks, schedulers, calendars, widgets and even full-fledged apps.  They're even going so far as to set up a "Disney Market" where special Disney-themed apps can be downloaded.

The Disney Mobile DM009SH is slated for availability in Japan beginning next month.  No word on pricing.

[Disney Mobile via MobileCrunch]

Apple releases iTunes 10.1.2 with support for 'CDMA model' iPhone 4

The description in Software Update may only say that it brings a "number of important stability and performance improvements," but Apple's just-released iTunes 10.1.2 update also adds another fairly important feature: support for the Verizon iPhone 4. That detail is tucked away in the "before you install" document included when you download iTunes from Apple's website (rather than Software Update), and actually only refers to the "iPhone 4 (CDMA model)," which you can read into what you will.

Engadget interview: SCEA's Jack Tretton talks Sony NGP, announces (and then denounces) PlayStation Suite for PS3

Ever since his candid and humorous E3 2009 Sony keynote introduction -- wherein he thanked the audience for showing up despite the big news (PSP Go) having already been leaked -- we've always had something of a soft spot for Jack Tretton. We managed to have a sit-down with the SCEA President-CEO following the company's big Tokyo meeting, a non-working NGP unit in tow. For a brief moment, Tretton "confirmed" that PlayStation Suite games (currently slated for Android devices) would work on PlayStation 3. We asked rather directly, to which he responded, "Yes, they will. Yeah." By the next question, however, he explained that he might've misspoken and wanted to clarify that Suite is only NGP right now. It should come as no surprise, then, that there was no talk of Suite for any other devices, be it Bravia sets or Google TV. Tretton said there was at least one compatible Android device currently on the market but wouldn't elaborate -- given the 2.3 requirement, we're presuming he meant the Nexus S.

We weren't able to get him to budge on the issue of the NGP's price, but we did ask him to opine on the Nintendo 3DS's $250 tag. Instead of offering friendly competitive jabs, he said only, "I think if the quality's there, then the people will find a way to buy it, within reason... I think that if you could create content that consumers sees compelling, they'll find money that they didn't think they had." A bit too reminiscent of former boss Ken Kutaragi's old adages, but hey, it's not like we expected a sub-$300 sticker, anyway. Some other highlights:

Tretton wouldn't definitively say whether or not original PSP titles are in Suite's future -- "at this point, it's PlayStation One games, but I think it can go in a number of directions." This runs a bit counter to what Kaz Hirai said earlier in the day, but either he might've misspoken or the translator erred.

The controller overlay we saw used as an example at the event was just that -- an example, with no guarantee of future use.

That "holiday 2011" launch applies to at least one territory, but Sony was "ambiguous for a reason" (i.e. simultaneous global rollout is a dream but far from a promise.) We probably won't have a clearer image until fall rolls around, sometime after E3.

No discussion on battery life, but Sony is "certainly look to improve upon [original PSP]." For what it's worth, that one measured about 4.5 to 7 hours at launch, and Sony eventually sold an extended-life pack.

PS Suite will have non-gaming apps.

A WiFi-only version? "We haven't made any determination on models yet," which is infinitely more vague than the confirmation of non-3G SKUs from SCEE president Andrew House.

Will Sony or a Sony partner make a flagship device to show off the Suite? A, dare we say, PlayStation phone? "Stay tuned" was all Tretton would say, followed by a laugh. Hey, at least we acknowledged the elephant in the room.

Full transcription after the break.

Sony NGP detailed hands-on

Ross [motions to the NGP]. So this is obviously not a working unit.

No, no, literally all the buttons are frozen. It is to scale in terms of weight, but the analog sticks [work and] you get a feel for it, but all the rest of the buttons are frozen.

Ross: It's pretty nice, seems just a little wider than a PSP one? Is that right?

Yeah, yeah, I can't give you the technical differences, but it's obviously got a five-inch screen as opposed to a four-inch PSP screen.

Ross: Right. So the first thing I want to talk about before we go into that is PlayStation Suite. We [Paul Miller and I] were talking earlier, and we thought it was one of the smartest thing you guys could do. When we originally heard whispers, we thought it'd be something you never do, but well, you seem to have pulled it off. Are you working specifically with Google? Have you had any talk with them?

Yeah, we definitely have worked closely with Google and I think it was through a number of conversation that we came up with the concept of PS Suite and a PlayStation Store on Android devices that were the best fit for us and for them. I'm glad you're sold on it, and I'm glad you get it, because I think we've never been about the status quo. We've always been about, what is the market? What is the opportunity? Seize the opportunity and differentiate yourself. To sit there and stick your head in the sand and say, "smartphones are irrelevant, there are no other gaming mediums," I think would be foolish, and it would be a disadvantage for us, because we have all these great games. We have this great gaming heritage.

If you truly believe in your brand and you truly believe in your technology, expose yourself to as many consumers as possible, so hopefully PlayStation Suite introduces people to the PlayStation brand and ultimately they follow the breadcrumbs back to NGP and to our other devices. We've got this huge library of PlayStation One games that are tremendous games, especially when compared to a lot of the other stuff you're seeing on smartphones. That already sets the bar very, very, high.

Ross: You're saying PSOne games. What about PSP titles? Are those ever gonna be on the Suite?

At this point, it's Playstation One games, but I think it can go in a number of directions. The PSOne games are already state-of-the-art compared to what a number of consumers get with that type of investment on a smartphone. It's gonna set a level that'll force other games to measure themselves against, in terms of what they can economically justify. I would stack a lot of those PSOne experiences very fairly against what people are spending good money on [with smartphone titles], and I think it is a buyer beware market because there's no standard. Anybody puts anything out they want out on a smartphone and you don't know what you get until you buy it. I hope with the credibility of the PlayStation Suite, there'll be an expectation that we can execute against in terms of quality.

Paul: So you'll be expanding. You guys said you'll be expanding to more developers --

Absolutely.

Paul: -- and I'm sure you'll trying to get more iPhone and Android developers on [the Suite platform], but you'll still be vetting the games.

Yeah, it's not exactly a new foray for us. It's a new foray on mobile phones, but obviously we have [PlayStation] Minis and we have the PlayStation Network, so we've got a lot of experience with people who are getting involved with portable devices and consoles for the first time. Some of them might have started out on iPhone or other devices. Some of them may be doing their first game on our phone, but I think we've created... not us alone, but I think there was a concern several years ago that it was only going to be big studios doing big budget games that had narrow genres.

It's the same concern people had about the movie business, and now with things like the PlayStation Network and smaller digital games, you've really gotta great breeding ground for development and we've reaped great dividends, and not only great content but great developers that have gone on to do bigger and better games, and we never would've gotten the opportunity to know them if it wasn't for things like Minis and PlayStation Network. So I think PlayStation Suite expands that even more.

Ross: One thing we're kind of curious about: what are the minimum requirements for a device that uses Suite?

Technically, I don't know. I think there's a lot to be worked out, because there may be a controller feature set required to play the game, and I think the last thing we want to do is get into a gaming experience that can't be done properly given the control capabilities of the device, so that's all going to be worked out. There's not a set of definitive standards that I can talk to you about.

Paul: You guys showed the controller overlay and that screenshot of the snowboarding game. That's not necessarily the final design?

That's a case example. It's not something that'll apply to every game and every Android device. I think it's gonna vary by publisher, by game. and it's certainly gonna be something that we're involved in but i think it's gonna vary.

Ross: Is there a device out there right now on which the PlayStation Suite definitely could work?

There are, but candidly, I'm not spending a lot of my time going into [that]. We have a group dedicated to not only finding content for PlayStation Suite but also working with the carriers to identify devices that make sense. So no, I can't name one, but that doesn't mean there isn't one out there.

Paul: How about the [Sony Ericsson] Xperia X10?

Who knows. I'm not informed to the point where I can give you information that you can take to the bank, and I don't want to give you bad information.

Ross: Let's put it this way. Google always makes a flagship device to showcase its Android improvements -- the G1, Nexus One, Nexus S, and so on. Will Sony or maybe a Sony partner produce a flagship PS Suite model? You have the benefit of Sony Ericsson. Will we see, I dare ask, a PlayStation phone?

The term I would use is "stay tuned." [laughter]

Ross: We had to ask, of course.

Paul: Will PlayStation Suite games run on the PlayStation 3?

Um... [long pause] Yes, they will. Yeah.* [Note: almost instantly refuted. Keep reading.]

Ross: Is that something planned from when the Suite launches? That it would be on the PS3?

Yeah, I think the hope is... and I shouldn't say yes we will. I mean, it's gonna vary. I think the intention is and the public statement today is, NGP PlayStation Suite available... on whatever Android phones we select and all NGP. So PlayStation Suite will work on NGP, some Android phones, and [with] PlayStation 3 I might've misspoken.

[The PR rep notes that she wouldn't see why not but will find out for us.]

Paul: Are there features in the PlayStation Suite that do take advantage of the touchscreen? Obviously there's a touchscreen on most Android devices.

Potentially yes, but like I said, I can't tell you it's gonna be this standard. It's gonna have this functionality.

Ross: Let's talk about launch. You're saying holiday season. Is that global or just Japan?

Um, nothing more than we said. I know that's rather ambiguous, and that's for a reason. I think our goal is always to launch holidays when the majority of sales are done. You want to have a worldwide simultaneous launch. Having said that, this'll be our sixth platform launch, and it's very difficult to have the quantities to be able to launch on a worldwide basis on the same date. So while that's the goal, the reality might be something different. I think our goal is, we would get at least one territory out by the end of holiday 2011.

Ross: Will you know for sure by, say, E3?

We probably won't know until fall. You know, I don't know that we'd have more detail for you at E3.

Paul: Do you know any specific parts that might make it difficult to get volume (in production)?

I hope not, although I think when you're dealing with new technology, there's always challenges you didn't anticipate.

Paul: And there is some new technology in here.

Oh, there's a ton of new technology, but I think we've been about reaching beyond the status quo and delivering technology that people couldn't even envision, and with that comes risk. I think PlayStation 3 is the biggest technological achievement we've ever had, and it wasn't without challenges both financially and from a production standpoint. I think at the end of the day it was worth it, but I think it certainly made for some difficult challenges. I think we'd look to avoid repeating that, but when you're dealing with new technology there are always road blocks.

Ross: It does have a very impressive and powerful processor. Do you know any goals for battery life?

Nothing we can talk about today, but I think we listen to all the feedback on our devices, positive and negative. We know that battery life was a concern on PSP, and we certainly look to improve upon that, but no details yet.

Ross: Battery life is something Nintendo's taking a beating for with its 3DS -- among other reasons. Price being one of them. What do you think of the 3DS' $250 price tag?

You know, I'm not an expert on the 3DS. I've seen the screen. I haven't played it. I think that if you could create content that consumers sees compelling, they'll find money that they didn't think they had. I think the more recent example of that was Kinect. I didn't think people would go out and spend $150 for that device and they did -- and that's a peripheral at the end of the day. So I think if the quality's there, then the people will find a way to buy it, within reason.

Paul: You guys did have trouble with that price point with the PSP Go.

Yeah, we were at $249... you know, I think price was a barrier to a degree, but I don't know that we really saw it as being "gating." I think we have a long history of publishing devices, quite frankly, at a loss. Reaching production efficiencies that allowed us to get more attractive prices, but I think it's always difficult at launch.

Paul: Obviously you can't say a price right now -- unless you would like to say a price?

No, I can't. [laughter]

Paul: But there's a big fear, I think, that this is probably going to be pretty expensive, especially with the 5-inch screen and 3G. Is there going to be a WiFi-only model?

We haven't made any determination on models yet. Suffice to say, we've been doing this a while, we've got a lot of experience -- not only in individual markets but on a worldwide basis. I think we'll hopefully strike the balance that will allow us to be successful financially and commercially -- and one without the other isn't good.

Paul: It's been a little bit tough because the PlayStation 3 launched at, I think, a pretty high price --

Yeah.

Paul: A lot of people had trouble with it.

Right.

Paul: And the PSP Go, more recently... this looks really expensive. Maybe the PlayStation Suite will hopefully help you with this, in terms of an alternative.

Well, the goal is that people will appreciate the quality and the technology, and it's aspirational. First you create the market where people want it, and then you try to achieve a price that's within reach... So I think we certainly got people's attention with the technology. They can see the quality, they can see the value there. It's a question of whether we can bring it in at a price that compels them to want and go out and buy it. That's the goal.

Ross: Would you be interested in working with US carriers to offer a subsidized model?

I think we're just interested in delivering a good quality device with something developers are excited about, consumers are excited about, and is financially viable for everybody involved. That's the goal, and beyond that I don't really have any details for you.

Ross: You can't say whether or not you're exploring subsidized options with carriers?

No, I can't. I can't.

Ross: Let's talk about the new memory card. Is that just an SD card? Or is it a little longer?

At this point all we're saying is it is proprietary storage capabilities, we're not getting into defining what it is yet.

Ross: Was there internal storage mentioned?

Not that I'm aware of.

Ross: How do you feel the PlayStation brand can work in other industries? Obviously Sony keeps them very divided, Bravia is for TVs, PlayStation is gaming, Xperia is mobile -- do you think PlayStation is a brand that works in other industries beside gaming?

I think it does. I mean, gaming is now mainstream entertainment. It used to be... you don't have to go back very far to where people considered gaming a toy and a fad. And then it evolved to something where, okay, it's something for 12-to-18-year-old boys, and now it's evolved to mainstream entertainment, so I think because it's entertainment, it's young / old / male / female / casual / core, I think it's something that you could see in other devices.

Currently you're seeing the PlayStation Network appearing on other devices. It's officially called Qriocity, but I think the experience is something that PlayStation consumers are probably the biggest potential consumers of, rather than somebody who has never had an experience with the offerings that are on that network. So I think it definitely crosses over. But I do think it stands for gaming, we worked very hard to do that. That's our core DNA, so I would not want to have PlayStation Toasters. It should have a gaming core, a gaming DNA to it, if it's going to have the PlayStation name on it.

Paul: The toasters would have some really good specs.

Some really good games, yeah.

Ross: If I want to make breakfast and play Uncharted, that's my all-in-one item.

Right, make your toast and play your game.

Paul: Are you guys at all thinking about bringing the PS Suite to Bravia or Google TV devices that you have?

Not at this time, but digital devices have digital capabilities. The thing that I think is great, and I'm really proud of, is that most of the evolution that's going on in digital content, whether it's Google TV or TVs with internet capabilities or Blu-ray players with internet capabilities, that's existed since day one in the PlayStation 3. So as a citizen of Sony I'd say "wow, it's great that people have the opportunity to access the internet through their TV," but if you had a PlayStation 3, you had it from the day you bought it. I've yet to see any evolution in that area that isn't already possible and already exists on the PlayStation 3.

Paul: On that front, a lot of people have asked for Google TV on the PS3, is that something that you guys are at all talking to Google about? Is there a way that you could bring that experience, or at least like a WebKit browser --

Yeah, I honestly don't know the answer to that. Obviously there's a difference between technically possible and whether you're discussing it or whether you think it's commercially viable, or whether it's blurring the lines too much. I mean, I think that's one of the challenges that we have for the non-gamer with PlayStation 3. The good news is that it has so many features and entertainment opportunities that it's viable on a number of fronts, the bad news is that it's tough to package it in a catchphrase and have everybody get it and say 'I've gotta have it right now.' There's a number of reasons the PlayStation 3, first and foremost, hopefully that's the ultimate console gaming experience, but if you're not a gamer there's a 10 minute education you have to go through to ultimately sell them a PlayStation 3.

Paul: I noticed the NGP doesn't have the XMB -- it's a different UI.

It's a different UI, and that's the best way to put it.

Paul: Is that specifically to address a larger cross section of consumers?

It's a new UI dedicated to NGP. In terms of the philosophy behind it, there's not really anything I can elaborate on. Not because I can't share it, but because I can't honestly answer. The decision was made that that was a UI that would be more appropriate for the device.

Paul: I also see this screen size as something -- that this is less of a gaming device and more of a movie device, again to just broaden its possibilities.

I think the key is: can you deliver on something that exceeds the competitive standard right now, and clearly we've done that. Whether it's for gaming or non-gaming, I think that screen is limitless in terms of what it delivers, and I don't think there's a downside to it -- other than it's bigger in your pocket. But I always thought that was really strange: we all invest a lot of money in portable devices, I don't carry it around like my keys. We pay good money for this stuff, so we tend to protect it pretty well, so it's not like your comb in your back pocket.

Ross: I was really impressed by the viewing angles, by the way.

Yeah, that's the cool thing.

Paul: Can I put this in my pocket?

Sure. [Paul picks it up and puts it in his pocket. Of course.]

Ross: He's probably going to run out, so you might want to lock the door. What about apps -- non-gaming apps -- for the Suite? Is that something you guys are considering?

Absolutely.

Paul: Non-gaming apps in the PS Suite? Or non-gaming apps on the NGP.

Both.

[Sony's PR rep clarifies that PS Suite is "only NGP" right now."]

Ross: Jack, it's always a pleasure.

Pleasure, guys. Great stuff.

Ross: I still remember in E3 2009 when you came up and had a big joke about the whole secrecy thing... it was a pleasure to hear that.

Well it's great to hear you say that, because I believe when the elephant's in the room you might as well acknowledge it, right? It's amazing in this business.

Ross: I don't know if there's any other elephants in the room, but maybe we'll find out in a couple months, I don't know...

None that I know of! But...

Paul: You'll keep your eye out, right?

Yeah.

Ross: You wouldn't happened to have read Engadget sometime before noon today?

Additional reporting and questioning expertise from the infamous Paul Miller (no relation).

Oops! Leaked Schedule Shows Galaxy S 2 And Galaxy Tab 2 At MWC

We saw some seriously interesting hardware at CES this year, but MWC is just around the corner, and it looks like Samsung was keeping a few surprises for the big European mobile show. This schedule, the source of which isn’t given, quite clearly shows two new Galaxy products coming out soon: the Galaxy S 2 handset and a new Galaxy Tab.

We saw a picture a while back that was allegedly the S 2, but the Tab is totally new to us. Electric Pig thinks it may be a 10″ version, which would make sense given the competition coming its way.

We’ll be there, of course, so count on us to get you a proper hands-on as soon as that’s possible.

[via Electronista]

Samsung Galaxy Tab Price PC World Voucher Code

Earlier we reported that the Samsung Galaxy Tab was being given a price drop in both the US and UK, with Tesco offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab for less in the UK, you can check out that article by hitting up (here), however that price may just have been undercut.

According to an article over on IT Proportal by Desire Athow, by using a PC World voucher code customers can actually grab the Android 2.2 Froyo toting Samsung Galaxy Tab for 18 less than Tesco.

If you use voucher code 5PC the voucher lowers the price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab from PC World down to 314.20, which is a 5% discount on the previous price of 359.20 and you will receive the 16GB Galaxy Tab along with a 200 content pack from Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab from PC World is available for home delivery and in store collection and now at a lower price, so if you are in the market for nabbing a Samsung Galaxy Tab maybe PC World is your cheapest option.

T-Mobile Thinking On Rejuvenating the Sidekick, Samsung to Manufacture It!

The Sidekick was once the hottest properties in possession of the top-notch Carrier T-Mobile, but times have definitely changed since then. Today the world is talking about Android or the iOS and hence Sidekick or the likes have no real existence. Interestingly though, T-Mobile still is in possession of the Sidekick trademark and rumors are now ripe that we might soon see a new avatar of the sidekick with the Android OS on board.

The probable device will be called the Sidekick 4G and if the gossip hounds can be trusted, Samsung will be the one entrusted with the responsibility of manufacturing this device. To add some spice to this building story, there is already an image doing rounds on the web and therefore the Sidekick 4G appears to be quite a real device bearing a Samsung logo.

It does look like the previous Sidekick, but there is a front-facing camera on show this time around. May be we get to know more about this phone at the upcoming MWC or maybe not, only time will tell.

[Source: MW]

Mobile Broadband Continues as Top Priority for Mobile Network Operators

Rising mobile penetration and proliferation of mobile broadband continues to boost wireless service revenue. ABI Research estimates global wireless service revenue at more than $159 billion for 3Q 2010, of which data services account for nearly one third. Mobile Internet revenue is estimated at about $100 billion for 2010, a 20% increase from the previous year and almost three times more than revenue earned five years ago.

“The rapid uptake of mobile broadband has increasingly revolutionized network operators’ strategies,” says research associate Fei Feng Seet. “Consumers are now spending more time on social networking, blogging and online gaming among other activities, and they need to stay connected everywhere.

 

This has contributed to the success of new brands such as Clearwire, Yota and UQ, and further pushed network operators around the world to build next-generation data networks rapidly, to gain market share.” Operators in many world regions have announced their interest in, or commitment to, deploying LTE networks.

According to practice director Neil Strother, “A handful of markets including Hong Kong, India, Canada, Austria, France and the UK are starting to face declines in voice usage. The resulting loss of revenue is compounded by a growing subscriber base that uses the Internet for social communication. New applications such as Skype video calling and Whatsapp messaging are expected to capture additional market share.”

ABI Research expects the rising mobile data usage and revenue trend to continue through 2011, coupled with more focus on mobile applications.

ABI Research has just released a quarterly review of global and regional wireless usage metrics, which can be found in “Mobile Subscriber Usage and Traffic Market Data” and “Mobile Carrier and Revenue Market Data”. These Market Data products forecast global, regional and country-level analysis into end-user level benchmarks quantifying the purchasing and usage habits of mobile cellular customers. They track average revenue per user (ARPU), usage, and traffic for carriers in more than 27 markets on a quarterly basis.

They are part of “The Mobile Consumer Research Service” which also includes Research Reports, Research Briefs, other Market Data products, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb Features, SDK Preview Live

The new version of the Android platform aka Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) SDK preview is now live and has been worked on from the ground up offering many features that should excite.

This new platform is mainly for devices with large screen and has new features such as “holographic” UI theme, multitasking, widgets, notifications and much more. Hopefully this one will be special that everyone will love.

The preview of the Android 3.0 SDK is now live and must add that this comes without APIs and system image so that developers can start testing existing applications on devices such as tablets, this gives them a head start to get used to the new APIs, UI patterns and capabilities that will be available in Android 3.0 according to Android Developers site.

Some of the main features include: High-performance 2D and 3D graphics, Support for multicore processor architectures, Rich multimedia such as HTTP Live streaming support and pluggable DRM framework, New APIs for Bluetooth A2DP and HSP, and Enhancements for enterprise.

There will also be release updates to SDK Tools (r9), NDK (r5b), and ADT Plugin for Eclipse (9.0.0) and the main features here will include: UI Builder improvements in the ADT Plugin, In-editor preview of objects animated with the new animation framework and Visualization of UI based on any version of the platform, Improved drag-and-drop in the editor, plus independent of project target.

Via Engadget

Exclusive: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (PlayStation Phone) preview

Oh yes. After all the unbearable teasing since we unveiled the first ever photos of the PlayStation Phone, we've finally managed to get hold of the real deal for an in-depth preview. Honestly, we couldn't wait any longer with this thing floating around in China; we'd otherwise have to wait until MWC, where we expect the phone to be launched as the "Xperia Play" (and we shall refer to this name henceforth). Before you pop the cork for us, do bear in mind that what we're seeing here is subject to changes, so don't be alarmed by any missing features or exposed cables in our preview. When you're ready, head right past the break to find out what Sony Ericsson's cooking up.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (PlayStation Phone) preview

Hardware

In case you haven't been keeping your eyes peeled open for news about this intriguing device, here's a little roundup of what we know so far: various screenshots have revealed the codenames "Zeus" plus "R800i," and it's now clear that this HSDPA phone with Gingerbread will be marketed under the Xperia brand, with a hint of PlayStation here and there. In terms of specs, we can confirm that the Xperia Play has a 4-inch multitouch 854 x 480 LCD, which is what the X10 has as well. In fact, the LCDs on both phones have similarly good color performance and viewing angles, but upon closer inspection we noticed that the Xperia Play's LCD is brought closer to the glass, which may be why it produces a slightly darker black. Rumor from the Far East also has it that, like the Xperia Arc, the Xperia Play's screen is powered by a Bravia engine for improved video playback.

Even though we have the actual device with us, we're still unable to verify our original tipster's claim that it's powered by a Qualcomm MSM8655 chipset; even the Chinese teardown struggled to get past the chip's shield cage to check its ID. Anyhow, both Quadrant and Android System Info indicate that there's a single-core processor inside that clocks from 122.88MHz to 1GHz (and note that the MSM8655 can even go up to 1.2GHz), and it's coupled with an Adreno 205 GPU. This combo, along with Gingerbread and the generous 512MB of RAM, scored a chart-topping 1,689 on Quadrant and an impressive 59fps on Neocore. Other benchmark scores include: about 35 MFLOPS on Linpack, and around 43fps on NenaMark (tying with the Tegra 2-packing LG Star).

Sadly, these numbers fail to reflect one major flaw on our Xperia Play: WiFi doesn't work. Hopefully this is simply to do with a faulty driver for the Broadcom BCM4329 wireless chip (capable of 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, and FM receiver plus transmitter) rather than the prototype being physically faulty. Touch wood.

Before revealing the gamepad underneath the screen, you'd probably first notice the four shiny Android soft keys below the screen. Yep, all four of them -- back, menu, home, and search -- are there, although for some reason the middle two buttons are swapped around in the OS. It could well be a last minute firmware change that occurred after the device was manufactured, or maybe SE is still toying with the layout. Speaking of which, the label in the battery bay indicates that this device was manufactured in the third week of 2011, but turns out this is all fake -- even the FCC ID on the back label actually led us to a filing for the X10, so there's no telling how recent this prototype is.

The remaining physical buttons on the outside include the tiny power button at the top right corner, and the volume rocker right between the two gamepad triggers on the right. Both buttons will take some getting used to: the former being a tad too small, and the latter being in an awkward location for our right thumb or left index and middle fingers, depending on which hand you hold the phone with. Also, if you're not careful when snapping shut the battery door, a slight dislocation may cause the power button to recess. We had a little panic when that happened to us yesterday, but the problem disappeared after we put the door back on properly. Users will just have to watch the small tolerance there, but hey, this might get fixed before launch so who knows.

Despite the aforementioned design flaw, the only other real build quality issue lies on the glossy battery door itself -- it's very flimsy, so removal requires popping up one end of the door, and then running our fingernail along the seam. This certainly isn't a problem on the X10, as its matte gray door simply pops out in its entirety when you lift it up from its bottom slit. On a less serious but potentially annoying matter, after just a few days of careful usage we're already seeing a lot of light scratches on the outside of the door, and it'll only get worse since the back is curved -- good for your hand, but also good money for case makers.

Putting the battery door aside, what you see underneath is a compartment for the phone's 1500mAh battery (interchangeable with the X10), which can provide a full day's worth of relatively active 3G connection and plenty of snapshots. Further up you get the slots for your SIM card and microSD card, meaning you can change them without taking out the battery. You'll also notice that the camera lens pokes out of the battery door to avoid an overlay that could potentially distort images, as we've seen on the Dell Venue recently -- we'll come back to the camera later.

What caught our attention is the little hole that's labeled as "2nd mic" above the LED flash -- it could very well be for noise cancellation à la Nexus One, but it didn't seem to be enabled in our noise test. Still, call quality is decent on both ends of the line, although the stereo loudspeakers on the USB port side could use a little boost for phone calls -- they're definitely louder when playing music. You can, of course, just plug in your earphones to actually enjoy the music, although strangely all of our iPhone-compatible handsfree kits failed to work as even just earphones on the Xperia Play; it's the same with the X10 series handsets, so be warned.

It's time to cut into the meat. Push the screen upwards to about half way and the spring mechanism will take over, thus uncovering the PlayStation DualShock-style gamepad, except there is only one pair of shoulder buttons instead of two, plus we've yet to see if the touchpads can substitute the DualShock mechanical sticks -- they are no doubt reserved for games that are made specifically for the Xperia Play. We should point out that the D-pad also works on Android natively, which is good news for those who are accustomed to optical trackpads or trackballs.

Since we have little experience with the PSP Go, we asked a good friend of ours to compare his experience on our Xperia Play with his 50 to 100 hours of play time on his PSP Go. Interestingly, one of his first reactions was that the phone is less well balanced than the bottom-heavy PSP Go, and then he noted that the shoulder buttons could do with more depth, but this would obviously require a thicker body. That said, we both agree that the Xperia Play is still comfortable to hold, and also it has a better build quality than the PSP Go. We also noticed that the screen can be wiggled gently when closed (such phenomenon is commonly known as the "oreo effect" amongst Palm Pre users), but it's nothing major.

Software

We've been using this Xperia Play as our main phone for a few days now, and to our surprise, it's been very snappy and fairly stable for the majority of the time -- we've only seen one reboot max per day, and removing the resource-intensive Timescape widget certainly helps, too. On a similar note, Mediascape is no longer an app; instead, it's been split into several widgets -- music player, gallery browser, and media shortcuts -- that can prompt their corresponding multimedia apps.

Considering what a nightmare the X10 is, this prototype's performance is a big surprise yet also looking promising. As with the Nexus S, our Xperia Play also got the same bunch of Gingerbread goodies, notably the good old mobile WiFi hotspot, new status icons, new text selection tool, and glowing visual aid when you hit the top or bottom of scroll menus. No major change for the keyboard -- it appears to be the same as the X10's but with sharper graphics. The stock music app is replaced by SE's own version, whereas the stock gallery app is good to stay. We tested the latter for video playback capability and turns out the phone can easily handle 720p H.264 video clips, provided that their AVC profiles don't exceed level 3.1 (you can use a free desktop utility called MediaInfo to check your video files' AVC profiles). Sadly, AVI or MKV files are not natively recognised.

Having learned from its painful lesson from the X10, SE's shifted its focus from just adding apps to actually improving Android's usability. For the Xperia Play as well as the Xperia Arc, SE's added a homescreen feature that's very similar to HTC Leap but more cunning: pinch anywhere on any homescreen and the phone will bring all the widgets onto one screen; tap on a widget and you'll be taken to its corresponding homescreen. Pretty nifty, huh? Except right now it can get rather laggy even with the Timescape widget removed, so hopefully we'll see something slicker at MWC.

Another nice SE feature is the sort filter in the horizontal-scrolling apps menu, which allows custom sorting, sort by alphabets, sort by usage frequency, and sort by installation time. There's also a quick release button at the bottom right of the menu that floats your icons, so that you can drag them around to rearrange the list (very much like how you move icons in iOS). Of course, we didn't have many interesting apps to fiddle with earlier on -- the only interesting app preloaded is the mysterious PlayStation Pocket, which appears to be a simple managing tool for downloaded games. And where would one obtain such games? We're guessing there'll be a separate market app for that, a bit like how the X10 has the PlayNow store that no one uses.

To quench our gaming thirst, we went ahead and installed a couple of emulators: one for the original PlayStation, and one for GameBoy Advance (oh, the irony). Discounting the touchpads, we were able to map all of the gamepad controls in both apps, and guess what? The handful of games we tried -- Ridge Racer Revolution, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Gundam Battle Assault 2, and Super Mario Bros. 4 -- all ran pretty well. Have a look in the video above, but do excuse our rusty gaming skills.

Note: for some reason all the screenshots came out with weird colors, and it looks like the Chinese sites had the same problem. A quick peek in Photoshop indicates that the red channel is missing. And no, the screenshot apps don't work either, as the phone isn't rooted. We've therefore changed most of them to a more eye-friendly black and white for the time being.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (PlayStation Phone) prototype screenshots

Camera

We've already heard the bells and whistles of the Xperia Arc's 8 megapixel Exmor sensor, but with no sample photos on hand for comparison, it's difficult for us to judge whether the Xperia Play's 5 megapixel camera benefits from the same technology. Regardless, we're impressed by most of what we got: sharp pictures, vibrant colors (although red might be a big strong), and fine macro shots. That said, we did have to kill a few night shots, as the lack of tap-to-focus feature in the stock camera app meant we had to take multiple shots to ensure the autofocusing was right; and then there was also this weird bug where the viewfinder is actually showing a cropped area instead of the entire capture space. More annoyingly, there's no 720p video recording -- the best we get is 800 x 480, but we bet SE will eventually slap on its own camera software which will fill the gap, as well as potentially further improving picture quality to suit its taste.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (PlayStation Phone) prototype sample photos

Wrap-up

Well, having touched the actual gamepad on an Xperia Play, we'd be lying if we say we're not further tempted by it. That said, there are still many questions left unanswered: how will the games be billed and delivered? How much will they cost? And most importantly, how much will the phone itself cost? Well, that's what MWC's for, and hopefully by then the Xperia Play will have a well polished OS as well as a sturdier battery cover. Meanwhile, we'll continue to work on our combo tricks on Tony Hawks' Pro Skater 4.