Sony Ericsson brings out the New Xperia Neo V

Before the end of 2011, it is expected that many Android Gingerbread phones would be ready for the new 2.3.4 update. Sony Ericsson has already prepared in this step by making their new phone, Xperia Neo V, equipped with features and functions that would work optimal with the new firmware rollout. The Neo V is almost the same with the previous Neo except for the body job and the 5-megapixel rear camera, which has been lowered from eight.

When the new firmware update comes in October, the Neo V will be more powered in its social media functions with “Facebook inside Xperia”, 3D Sweep Panorama video and photo technology, and GTalk with Video Chat. It runs on a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255 processor and has a 320MB internal storage which can be expanded to 32GB via the MicroSD card. This new device will be released on Q4 of 2011, most like during the Christmas season.

Source: Sony Ericsson Press Room

Sony Ericsson 2011 Xperia Family Upgraded to Android Gingerbread

Sony Ericsson today announced new functionality and features to its 2011 Xperia smartphone range with a comprehensive software upgrade from October 2011. Consumers with 2011 Xperia smartphones will benefit from improvements to Sony Ericsson’s unique Facebook inside Xperia offering and 3D camera functionality from Sony. The upgrade also allows consumers to enjoy the full benefits of the Android Gingerbread platform including Google Talk with Video Chat.

Sony Ericsson’s unique social experience provided by Facebook inside Xperia has been super-charged enabling Xperia users to like, share and discover on Facebook in a faster, easier and more intuitive way. The new functionality aims to make entertainment more social by giving users the ability to share and discover apps and games with friends through Facebook.

Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature

Heads up, card swipers, because Square has just issued an update to its iOS credit card app. Version 2.1 brings enhanced transaction speeds and a streamlined tipping interface to iPhone and iPad users, along with added support for $0.00 price points. Plus, any purchases below $25 will no longer require a signature, meaning you can safely buy that latte while keeping human interaction to a bare minimum. If you're interested in making the jump, hit up the source link below.

[Thanks, Chris]

Samsung debuts new Galaxy lineup, refines naming strategy along the way

Good news everyone, we've got a new batch of Sammy smartphones to feast your eyes upon. Now for the downside: today's announcement is meant only to whet your appetite for their official unveiling at IFA in Berlin. Fortunately, however, we do have a few tidbits to share. First, the Galaxy W features a 3.7-inch WVGA touchscreen, a 1.4GHz CPU and 14.4Mbps HDSPA connectivity. Along with that, we'll see the M Pro, Y and Y Pro coming next week from Samsung -- all running Gingerbread.

If these letters are unfamiliar to you, they should be. You see, along with the phones themselves, we've got a new naming scheme to play with, which is designed to bring sanity (or at least a modicum of understanding) to Samsung's product names. The Galaxy W is meant to imply wonder, which strikes a balance of style and performance into each Sammy, while the M lineup -- which stands for magical -- will bring a taste of the high-end with a lower price point. Finally we've got the Y, which is a budget contender that's aimed at the youth and emerging markets. Looks like Apple and Nokia will have some competition, eh? As for the Galaxy S, its designation will remain for the premiere lineup, and the Galaxy R, which recently launched in Europe and Asia, will be one echelon below. It's meant to imply the royal or refined qualities of the smartphone -- Samsung couldn't make up its mind on the last one. You'll find the full PR after the break, which explains the finer details of Sammy's scheme. See you in Berlin!

Show full PR text

Samsung introduces new GALAXY smartphone naming strategy, expands GALAXY smartphone range

SEOUL--(Korea Newswire) August 24, 2011 -- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced a new naming strategy for its GALAXY range of smartphones. The creation of the new naming system is marked by the release of four new GALAXY smartphone, the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro, all of which run on the powerful Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating systems.

Samsung has created a new and simplified system of naming its smartphones, focused on its ever-expanding portfolio of industry-leading Android devices. The naming structure will organize and group all devices into five classes, identified by a single alphabetical letter. Devices will then be further designated by an additional indicator which will identify specific functionality.

"As Samsung continues to innovate, our goal is to provide consumers with an experience uniquely tailored to their needs. We have introduced steps to ensure users can simply identify the device designed to deliver the perfect experience for them," said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business.

"In addition to this new naming strategy at IFA this year we unveiling the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro – designed with the professional and social consumer in mind. These products further build on the phenomenal success we have enjoyed with the GALAXY range."

New ways to identify your GALAXY Smartphones

According to the new naming structure, new class designators refer to the specific category that the smartphone product fits into, for example a premium device, or an entry-level device. All classes will be used within the higher branding of the 'GALAXY' smartphones.

- "S" (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung's mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
· "R" (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
· "W" (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
· "M" (Magical) –High-performance models at an economic price-point.
· "Y" (Young) – These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.
Class indicators allow a more specific description of the key selling points of a device:

- "Pro" – This indicates that the device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.
- "Plus" – This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model.
- "LTE" – This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

Introducing the Samsung GALAXY W

Equipped with high-spec technology including a 1.4GHz Processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity and a large 3.7" touch screen, the GALAXY W is the ideal solution for those who need to Live Fast and Live Smart. This powerful performance is enhanced with the inclusion of Samsung's Game, Social and Music Hubs, providing one-stop solutions for a consumer's gaming, socializing and listening needs. Kies Air enables additional control, allowing users who have misplaced their phone to track it, meaning complete peace of mind.

GALAXY M Pro

Providing a strong performance for high value, the GALAXY M Pro is the ideal solution for young and sociable professionals. A QWERTY keyboard provides swift, accurate typing on the go - enhancing productivity when drafting memos, documents and messages. The keyboard also simplifies communication with Social Hub allowing users to talk to whoever they want, however they want, all from their contact list. Communication history, instant messaging and updates from social networking sites are all readily available.

An optical track pad and touch screen ensures the interface is easy and simple to use. This productivity and functionality is packed into a sleek 9.97m body. Designed with professionals in mind, the GALAXY M Pro offers extensive productivity through a variety of enterprise solutions, including Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx.

GALAXY Y

Compact but with a full range of features and allowing the ability to stay social on-the-go, the GALAXY Y is an ideal device for younger consumers. Seamless multitasking is enabled thanks to the device's powerful 832MHz processor. The GALAXY Y includes Samsung's Social Hub, allowing users to stay connected with their online social circles. Equipped with Samsung's TouchWiz User Interface, the GALAXY Y delivers a simple and intuitive experience. Additionally, the inclusion of SWYPE facilitates speedy typing. The GALAXY Y is available in a variety of colors ensuring it can fit with anyone's style.

GALAXY Y Pro

Equipped with a QWERTY keyboard as well as enhanced social and professional features, the GALAXY Y Pro Smartphone is optimized for young professionals looking to manage both their work and home lives with ease. Users can stay constantly connected with Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging.

An optimized, intuitive touch screen interface allows an accessible and intelligent experience, while users are able to work on the go thanks to ThinkFree mobile office, enabling a variety of Office documents (Word, PPT, Excel and PDF) to be edited from the handset. Productivity is enhanced thanks to the combined power of touch screen and QWERTY keyboard inputs, enabling smooth navigation with efficient and professional input. WiFi Direct also allows faster transfer rates, allowing content to be shared quickly.

Talk O' Clock makes alarm clocks more social, strangers more friendly

Alarm clocks have been developing more and more unique ways to wake people up over the years, but being woken up by a stranger has always been something of a difficult proposition. Sure, you can use an old fashioned wake-up call service, but then you still sort of "know" who's calling you. Not so with the Talk O' Clock service -- soon to be available for Android and iOS devices, in addition to the current web-based app -- which relies on the power of social networking to ensure that a complete stranger calls to wake you from your slumber. Yes, it is real -- and, yes, you should proceed with caution (although you can at least rest assured that the person calling you doesn't actually see your phone number). It's still at the invite-only beta stage right now, but those seem to be readily available to anyone with a Facebook account. See how it works in the videos after the break.

Sprint to Sell the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 Starting in Mid-October

It was reported today in The Wall Street Journal that Sprint Nextel Corp. will start selling the new version of the Apple iPhone in mid-October, called the iPhone 5. Sprint is also expected to get both the new iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4, however, it's unclear how many new subscribers Sprint will be able to grab this fall.

The deal should help the nation's 3rd carrier and give AT&T Inc. more ammunition in its attempt to win regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of No. 4 U.S. carrier T-Mobile USA Inc.  Verizon Wireless and AT&T will also begin selling the iphone in mid-October as well.

Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 - 08.21.2011

We're 100. 100! If you're like us, you totally can't believe it's been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that's just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we've brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And...a couple of other things. We're old. It's a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don't sleep on it: before you know it we'll be 200.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guests: Richard Lai, Noah Kravitz
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)

00:02:45 - HP will 'discontinue operations for webOS devices', may spin off Personal Systems Group
00:21:55 - Google acquiring Motorola Mobility
00:42:45 - Motorola's new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic
01:04:30 - BlackBerry Bold 9930 review
01:05:43 - AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor
01:15:00 - Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)
01:25:40 - Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-01
01:26:30 - Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)
01:30:57 - CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service
01:32:50 - Motorola Photon 4G review
01:36:53 - Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?
01:38:56 - Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots
01:39:38 - HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)
01:45:55 - Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?

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Oppo's Android-based X903 smartphone gets previewed

We didn't exactly get the most extensive look at Oppo's new Android-based X903 smartphone when the company announced it with Leonardo DiCaprio's help earlier this month, but our pals from Engadget Chinese thankfully managed to come through on that front in a big way. As you can see, the phone's brushed metal exterior certainly makes this one an eye catcher, although that apparently also contributes to a weight that's a tad on the heavy side (there's also a full QWERTY keyboard tucked underneath, albeit one that apparently suffers a bit from some short key travel). Those trade-offs also extend to some of the phones specs; you'll get a high-end 4-inch IPS display, for instance, but you'll have to make do without a front-facing camera. Hit the source link below for the full preview.

Motorola Mobility Brings Colour, Fun and Functionality into the UK Smartphone Market with Motorola FIRE

Motorola FIRE smartphone

Never compromise individuality with the new, budget-friendly Android-powered smartphone from Motorola Mobility. The fashionable Motorola FIRE smartphone offers a full QWERTY keyboard with touchscreen display and ultimate personalisation options users expect from the fun and versatile Android platform. The Motorola FIRE is expected to be available in the UK towards the end of September.

Motorola FIRE has a sleek, modern design and a sophisticated finish. Its full QWERTY keyboard and 2.8-inch touchscreen display provide the perfect combination of tools for emailing, texting and browsing the Web. Users can stay in constant contact with friends and family through the world’s leading social media applications.

 

Motorola FIRE also comes with best-in-class battery life, allowing users to talk, browse the Web, text, play games and videos all day long1. Motorola FIRE also has the Moto Switch user interface, which allows users to switch to a friends-centric mode when they finish work and head home for the day.

 

“We are excited about extending our growing smartphone range in UK, and Motorola FIRE opens up new possibilities in the smartphone market. The device’s stylish design and its exciting and versatile social media applications will wow younger, tech-loving users in particular,” said Victoria McManus, UK marketing director, Motorola Mobility EMEA.

 

Key features and specifications:

Motorola FIRE runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Access to thousands of apps in Android Market

Dual-band HSDPA/Quad-band EDGE

2.8” QVGA touchscreen display

Full QWERTY keyboard

3MP camera

Moto Switch user interface allows users to shift easily into different modes

MicroSD card slot up to 32GB2

Access to Google Maps with Navigation, Google Talk and Web browsing

FM radio with radio data system (RDS) support

Wi-Fi conforming with 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n standards

E-compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer

Assisted global positioning system (aGPS)

LED notifications

3.5mm audio jack

1420mAh battery; eight hours of talk time or 30 days of standby in 3G mode1

 

iOS 5 beta 6 gets a Sn0wbreeze jailbreak, iPad 2 still stuck behind bars

Apparently, the iOS hacking community is not working for the weekend, judging by the two days it took to crack Apple's latest beta wide open. Available as of this morning, the Sn0wbreeze 2.8 Beta 6 unlock tool can now give those of you with developer credentials jailbreak access to iOS 5 beta 6. From the looks of this release, the hack works on most iOS devices with the sole exception of the iPad 2. Already itching to get that custom firmware on your Ive-designed iSlabs? Then hit the source link below, and let us know how things turn out.

iOS 5 turns Japanese iPhones into earthquake alarms

Following the devastation wrought by the recent Japanese earthquake, Apple has hooked the country's early warning system into iOS 5. The tectonically-volatile nation has the most sophisticated alarm in the world, delivering life-saving warnings seconds or minutes before disaster strikes. iOS users already had access to this functionality via apps like Yurekuru, but iOS 5 will bring it directly into the operating system. The service can be activated in the Notification Center settings pane, accompanied by a warning that the constant connection will deplete your battery faster -- a fair exchange if it saves your life.

AT&T's fall and winter 2011 roadmap leaked in spreadsheet glory

Summer is in full swing, but if you happen to take a peek at AT&T's leaked roadmap for the upcoming two quarters, you might just sense the chill of winter in the air. While this doesn't appear to be official from Ma Bell, or entirely exhaustive, we've gotten a spreadsheet that goes in-depth to out the carrier's upcoming smartphones. A host of Android devices are on the list -- all with Gingerbread -- along with two handsets that strut Windows Phone 7.5 and another duo with BlackBerry 7. Of particular note, we see the Samsung SGH-i777 (otherwise known as the Attain), along with the SGH-i927 for you QWERTY slider lovers. Both Sammy's sport Category 14 HSDPA, or (up to) 21Mbps downloads. Curiously, the Impulse -- Ma Bell's rumored LTE phone -- is nowhere to be found. The Motorola MB865, with a full gigabyte of RAM and 8 megapixel camera, aligns very well with the rumored Atrix refresh. You've seen the two phones from RIM before, and while Samsung's Mango handset spent a brief moment in the wild, little is known about HTC's counterpart. Hopefully we won't need to wait for the actual change of seasons to learn more.

Samsung's N102 is an N100 clone, ditches MeeGo for Windows 7 Starter

Were you mostly on board with the N100, but wished Sammy would have held the MeeGo? Those of you in India or Russia are apparently in luck, as Notebook Italia has spotted its Windows-toting twin: the N102. Identical to the N100 in every other way, 10-inch netbook kicks the open source OS to the curb, opting instead for the pared down Windows 7 Starter Edition. Naturally, you'll pay a little extra for the privilege, as the 8,930 Roubles (around $320) gizmo is about 50 bones more than its MeeGo-wielding doppelgänger. Or, you know, you could just buy the N100, bask in open-source goodness and then put that half-Benjamin toward the purchase of a real copy of Windows.

Sharp RW-T107 Android tablet packs NFC reader, will accept payments in Japan

Tools like Square's credit card reader and Apple's proprietary iOS retail system make mobile payments possible in the US, but they're hardly streamlined, or widespread. A new Gingerbread tablet from Sharp -- the RW-T107 -- sets out to simplify payments in Japan with its built-in NFC reader. You won't be using your own tablet to pay -- instead, retailers will utilize point of sale apps to process transactions, without a customer ever needing to swipe their credit card. RFID payment cards, like Sony's FeliCa, have been used throughout Japan for the last decade, so consumers are already familiar with the technology and ready to make payments. There's no word on what retailers will expect to pay to add Sharp's tablet to their checkout mix, but with the company set to release only 5,000 devices per month (and no plans to introduce them to the US), we're not planning to ditch our cash just yet.

Toyota to take on Nurburgring without a sound, aims to beat EV record

All bets are on as Toyota hits up the Nürburgring next week, hoping to shatter the existing EV speed record over all 12.9 miles of the Nordschleife, affectionately nicknamed "green hell." To break the current nine minute, 1.388 second world best, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is unleashing an electric race car with two motors and a top speed of 260kmph (174mph) without emissions. The Radical-based car is similar to the one used by the Racing Green Endurance team on its epic 16,000 mile road trip, only lighter thanks to lithium-ceramic batteries. The company hopes breaking the record will show racing fans just how far electric cars have come, with GM Ludwig Zeller saying, "Many people are still dreaming of an electric future for motorsport; at TMG we believe this is much closer than some think." Full details are in the PR after the break, or you can just take a detour to the Black Forest next week and check it out yourself.

Show full PR text

TMG LAP RECORD DETAILS

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has revealed further details of its plan to make Nürburgring history on 29 August by setting a new electric vehicle (EV) lap record on the demanding 20.832km Nordschleife.

TMG's high-performance electric powertrain will power the car as it aims to significantly improve on the current lap EV record of 9min 1.338secs. Based on unofficial testing and depending on weather conditions, TMG expects to hit lap-record pace immediately, with additional days scheduled as back-up.

The TMG electric powertrain uses two electric motors to deliver peak power of 280kW and a top speed of 260km/h with zero emissions. That makes it ideal to power any future single-make electric motorsport series and TMG will begin commercial sales of its electric powertrain technology in 2012.

Total weight of the two-seater sports car is just 970kg, including the lithium-ceramic battery which allows for nimble handling around the demanding Nordschleife, essential for setting a competitive lap record.

TMG General Manager Electric & Electronics Ludwig Zeller said: "We want to demonstrate the high level of performance which can now be reached with an electric powertrain, not only in motorsport terms but as part of TMG's existing development work on road car EV technology. There is no more evocative place to illustrate this performance than on the Nordschleife. Our target is to beat the existing record by more than just a few seconds because that will demonstrate just how far our technology has developed since TMG began working on KERS systems in 2007. Many people are still dreaming of an electric future for motorsport; at TMG we believe this is much closer than some think and we intend to show what can be achieved with a high-performance electric powertrain."

TMG today revealed the first images of its electric vehicle, with a modern, dynamic livery from Aguti which captures a sense of electrifying speed. These images can be seen by clicking here.

TMG is also proud to announce its partners in this lap record attempt, all of whom enjoy visible branding on the electric vehicle. Aguti created and implemented the livery concept while rational motion integrated the electric powertrain, traction battery and control strategies. EVO Electric motor technology delivers the power and Yokohama is the tyre supplier.

Official timers will be present to authenticate the lap record while video and a photography crew will record a milestone achievement in EV development. These materials will be made available to all media immediately after any successful record attempts.

Acer M310 Windows Phone said to have HDMI-out, 8GB storage

We first heard about the existence of the Acer M310 Windows Phone last week, but literally no information was given besides the fact that two test units were discovered on a developer's traffic sheet. How about a few more shreds of meat to chew on? According to WindowsPhoneNZ, the Mango device was sighted at TechEd New Zealand with HDMI-out support. We may be seeing this feature across a large variety of Windows Phones coming out this fall, as the HTC Eternity has been rumored to include video output via HDMI as well. The observer claims the M310 has a "black shiny look" and "bevelled edges," has a similar appearance to the Acer W4 (shown in the above image), and includes DLNA support over WiFi. The handset was also seen snuggling up to Asus' entry into the Windows Phone market, which was said to have a matte black finish and may have a front-facing camera. Certainly, if these factoids are correct, this fall's Mango lineup looks to be laden with all kinds of hidden gems we haven't seen on Microsoft's OS yet.

3D virtual sound shown off on mobile device, dance party ensues (video)

Nothing beats the head banging bliss of being in the front row of a concert, but if you left your Mötley Crüe t-shirt at home today, you may want to check out this new 3D audio technology from KDDI Labs. By reducing the amount of characteristics required to map a sound field, KDDI has made it possible to fry your eardrums three dimensionally on a smartphone. Since the virtual sound is recorded with multiple mics, users can move around the gig in real-time to hear music from any angle. Using the software, (and hopefully soon, a web-based app), virtual concert goers can cut out certain vocals or instruments, making it perfect for a mobile karaoke inferno. Rock out to the video after the break.

White HTC EVO 3D gets exclusive RadioShack bow on September 9th

If Wall-E's lady friend, Eve, and Spielberg's E.T. were to come together in engineering matrimony, we're pretty sure this white EVO 3D would be the resulting offspring. This "rare and beautiful" unicorn from HTC's beastly, dual-core Android herd hails from the Hesse-led network, and will be available as a RadioShack exclusive on September 9th. The electronics retailer dipped more than just its toes into our 21st century ways (or more likely hired a new intern), getting the message out via its Twitter account, and snapping an Instagram shot of the bleached handset. Pricing for the phone has yet to be announced, but we'd be surprised if this gets a premium over its $199 on-contract twin.

Mad Catz Major League Gaming controllers offer swappable thumbstick layouts, fancy arcade buttons

If we didn't already know those cats were mad about customizable controllers, we just got a reminder: the Mad Catz Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controllers. These professional-grade PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers allow competitive gamers to adjust the gamepad's weight and swap out key components -- such as exchanging the controller's analog stick for a D-pad. Want your PS3 controller to have a Xbox 360 layout? No problem. If the insane kitty's ambitious Onza competitor isn't your thing, check out the MLG Tournament Edition Fightstick, featuring the same Sanwa Denshi components used in Japanese arcade cabinets. It may not have its sibling's stick-swapping action, but its 13-foot controller cable, classic layout, and left-right stick toggle mode (for emulating the missing analog thumbstick) still aims to please. The Arcade Fightstick can be had now at the GameShark store to the tune of $160, but the Pro-Circuit gamepads aren't due out until closer to the end of the year. Hit the break for a pair of extra pictures and the standard PR.

Show full PR text

Mad Catz Announces New Range of Licensed Major League Gaming Professional Video Game Controllers

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) announced today a new range of licensed Major League Gaming ("MLG") professional video game controllers for use with the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony®. The new range of premium controllers will be unveiled for the first time at the MLG Pro Circuit at the Raleigh Convention Center taking place from August 26-28, and are expected to ship in time for Holiday 2011.

"Our new range of MLG products demonstrate our continued ability to produce highly specialized gaming products for passionate consumers"

"Our new range of MLG products demonstrate our continued ability to produce highly specialized gaming products for passionate consumers," said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "We are very excited to work with MLG, the world's largest competitive gaming organization on a project which continues in the tradition of our highly successful range of Tournament Edition Arcade FightSticks."

The new range of licensed products include the Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controller which allows gamers to customize key components of the controller, and the Major League Gaming Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition which utilizes genuine arcade grade Sanwa Denshi™ components.

N-Control's Avenger for PS3 begins pre-sale, officially debuts November 8th

Been just a teensy bit jealous of your 360-owning, Avenger-toting friends? Well, Playstation owner, that resentment ends now -- sort of. Having promised a DualShock 3 version by the end of 2011, N-Control's gone and soft launched its controller appendage with a limited production run before it officially goes on-sale. Apparently only 5,000 of the $48.99 extras will available early, which means you'll have to act quick to get one. Those of you missing the pre-sale will have to wait until November 8th, when it'll hit retailers alongside the release of Modern Warfare 3. In the interim, hit up our review of its Redmond-friendly relative to see the gaming greatness that awaits you.

Show full PR text

N-CONTROL'S AVENGER PLAYSTATION 3 ACCESSORY PROMISES TO REVOLUTIONIZE GAMEPLAY IN ACTIVISION'S MODERN WARFARE 3 AVAILABLE NOW

iControl Enterprises, LLC., a well-established and innovative state of the art gaming accessory manufacturer, has released its highly anticipated accessory for the Sony (NASDAQ: SNE) PlayStation 3™ controller, available now, which is guaranteed to provide users with "the ultimate gaming advantage." The N-Control Avenger claims to be "the most sophisticated secret weapon in the gaming industry," and gamers everywhere are looking forward to its official PlayStation Pre Order sale this week.

The Avenger is an external adapter that houses the PlayStation 3 controller to enhance game play. This accessory tightly grips the controller's exterior surface, providing an immersive gaming experience through an intuitive user-interface. "It enhances the gamer's manual dexterity and situational awareness by improving accuracy and reaction time," says David Kotkin, lead designer of The N-Control Avenger. "This sophisticated accessory is specially engineered for those who want to push their gaming abilities to new heights." The Avenger allows for rapid, fluid movements between individual buttons and analogue sticks, allowing gamers to access nine functions simultaneously. The adapter comes equipped with a stabilizer tripod, high-precision tension straps, hair-triggers, and sensitivity adjusters, which can be fine-tuned like a precision weapon.

The PlayStation's release date coincides with the launch of Activision's groundbreaking game, Modern Warfare 3 Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) and award-winning developer Infinity Ward will position gamers behind enemy lines in this latest installment of the immensely popular, first-person shooter series. Publisher Activision has promised Modern Warfare 3 will deliver "the most advanced multiplayer ever." Robert Bowling recently announced that Modern Warfare 3 will have a brand new ranking system included in its new Spec-Ops mode. The mode which was briefly hinted on and explained in the announcement of the game is said to be a game changer for Modern Warfare 3. The Spec-Ops mode is said to be a massive undertaking that contains "some of everything, from missions to survival mode using MP locations, SP locations, and more." Bowling adds, "We can't wait for our community to experience Call of Duty: MW3."

The N-Control Avenger will enhance the game play in Modern Warfare 3 and other popular titles, such as Battlefield 3, Madden NFL 2012, Gear of War 3, Kill zone 2, Resistance 3 and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.

The Avenger will only be available in a limited edition of 5000 Units Worldwide; gamers had better hurry if they wish to take advantage of this offer The PS3 Avenger can be ordered online from the N-Control website for $48.99

For more information, please visit https://avengercontroller.com/store/avengerps3.html

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6831300&lang=en

Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature

Heads up, card swipers, because Square has just issued an update to its iOS credit card app. Version 2.1 brings enhanced transaction speeds and a streamlined tipping interface to iPhone and iPad users, along with added support for $0.00 price points. Plus, any purchases below $25 will no longer require a signature, meaning you can safely buy that latte while keeping human interaction to a bare minimum. If you're interested in making the jump, hit up the source link below.

[Thanks, Chris]

Get Free 8GB iPhone 3GS at Best Buy Mobile on Aug. 22 Only

Best Buy announced that today, August 22, customers will be able to get a free AT&T 8GB iPhone 3GS at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores. This exclusive one-day offer is available in-store only on Monday, Aug. 22 either as new or upgrade with two-year activation.

Best Buy Mobile offers an array of services aimed at improving customers' experience, including Walk Out Working, Upgrade Checker, Happy 24 and a full array of accessories for customers to protect and personalize their device.

White 64GB Touchpad Now Available from HP

HP Touchpad

The white 64Gb TouchPad made available yesterday in France has just appeared for sale on HP’s online store to domestic customers. The specs remain unchanged, with a 1.5Ghz Snapdragon CPU offering a 300Mhz boost over the standard TouchPad’s 1.2Ghz CPU. The price on the device is $599.99, fitting right in with the $100 price reduction seen on the lesser TouchPad SKUs and undercutting the 64GB iPad2 by $100. Aesthetically, it looks to be more of the off-white + black two-tone style of the Veer 4G as opposed to a glossy all-white finish. At this stage of the game, it’s unlikely any retailer will be chomping at the bit to stock this device. It’s also uncertain how long HP will sell the device or how many have been produced, so depending on the status of the pending TouchPad4G, this could be the final “new” piece of WebOS hardware ever released.

Taking Your Meetings To-Go with the Logitech HD Webcam B525

Logitech HD Webcam B525, Logitech, HD Webcam, Logitech B525, Logitech HD Webcam, B525

Video is all about being accessible anytime, anywhere, which is why Logitech is launching today the business-class Logitech HD webcam B525. They designed the B525 to take advantage of your ever-changing workspace – whether it’s at your office, the airport terminal, the coffee shop down the street or at home in your backyard – without missing a step in your productivity.

For easy video calling, the B525 sports:

 

A simple fold-and-go design that lets you pack up your webcam in a snap

360-degree swivel rotation so you can call and record at any angle, or turn the camera away for privacy

Built-in autofocus to keep you front and center during video calls

Logitech RightLight 2 Technology that produces sharp video quality, even in dim lighting

Built-in mic to minimize background noise

Microsoft Lync and Skype certification

Office 365/Lync Online integration

 

The B525 is available through our business channel and will be available on August 19.

 

Dozuki:Cloud Based Manual Service by iFixit

iFixit well know for the dismantling of the best equipment around and discover your deepest secrets. Today announced it is launching a new project to the technical documentation and procedures readily available in a Wiki-based cloud-like environment.

The new site is currently in beta stage of development iFixit are looking to launch the new service in the fall. The Dozuki Japanese name comes from a saw used to make very precise cuts.iFixit explain:

“The industry is huge technical documentation and software that is there now is very old,” – “You have a lot of service manuals for their tools, but are in the PDF legacy”, – “They can put online, and use as the start of an online community and perhaps your hand tools are just the beginning – to encourage their customers to share how to do things with their tools. ”

The price range of new services Dozuki $ 100 for small business customers and $ 499 for large organizations

unique iPhone charger by Ozaki

Ozaki has released an iPhone charger base in unique and speaker called Gram iSuppli. The design of the compact speaker dock has been taken from the old gramophone record player of the century.

The iSuppli gram can be used with or without power. But if you need to charge your iPhone or want to use the integrated speaker amplifies the characteristics of the docking station is required to iSuppli connection.The Gram is a one-piece design and is available in black and white or red and is available for purchase on the website AudioCube for $ 70.

The 100th Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!

The Engadget Mobile Podcast started in December 2008 with a couple guys and a dream; a desire to bring you the week's best (and worst) mobile haps to keep you up to speed. 976 days and 100 podcasts later, that dream is still being made into reality week after week -- and today's special edition is yet another way to prove that. And there's no better way to show our gratitude for all of your support than to keep doing what we know best: deliver the latest and greatest in mobile. The difference this time is that hosts Myriam Joire and Brad Molen are literally doubling their vocal cords by inviting on Noah Kravitz (of TechnoBuffalo and PhoneDog fame) and our very own Richard Lai. Sounds like a good time, right? Be there at 5PM ET (that's 2PM PT / 9PM GMT) to join in on the celebration!

Ceton Announces External USB-Based Digital Cable Quad-Tuner Solution

Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB

Ceton Corporation today announced InfiniTV 4 USB, the company’s new, external CableCARD quad-tuner that turns virtually any style of Windows 7-based PC into an entertainment platform for television. InfiniTV 4 USB will be available for pre-order tomorrow, August 19, 2011, from Cannon PC and Fluid Digital at a suggested retail price of $299, with pre-orders expected to ship on September 19, 2011.  InfiniTV 4 USB will be available from the company’s other retailers — Amazon, Micro Center, the Microsoft Store, Newegg, Velocity Micro and Zones – later in September at the same price.  Ceton also announced a reduction in suggested retail price for the company’s InfiniTV 4 PCI Express (PCIe) model to $299.

InfiniTV 4 USB brings the company’s award-winning multi-tuner CableCARD technology to an external, USB-connected design, making it an ideal solution for virtually any compatible Windows 7-based PC, including laptops, tablets, All-in-One PCs, desktops, towers, home theater PCs and slimline entertainment PCs. InfiniTV 4 USB joins the company’s currently shipping InfiniTV 4 PCIe model, positioning Ceton as the only company offering both internal and external solutions for CableCARD-based premium digital cable TV services through the PC.

 

A Ceton InfiniTV-equipped PC makes exciting new entertainment scenarios possible in the home, including:

Watching and recording up to four live HD channels at once;

Streaming live HD channels or recordings to multiple TVs and making Digital Video Recording (DVR) available on virtually every TV using Windows Media Center Extenders;

Enjoying cable TV, Internet TV, music, photos, videos and more, all through one device, with the Media Center experience from Microsoft;

Eliminating cable set-top boxes and their expensive rental fees;

Sharing individual tuners with other Windows 7-based PCs to enable watching TV programming on PC displays as well as TV sets.

 

“The Ceton family of InfiniTV digital cable tuners is transforming the PC into the world’s most advanced entertainment platform for television,” said Gary Hammer, president and chief executive officer of Ceton Corp.  “With the introduction of InfiniTV 4 USB, Ceton now offers solutions for the full range of PC platforms, bringing a new generation of television and entertainment services to almost any consumer.”

 

“In Windows 7 we enabled support for premium cable TV services in the US to create a high-quality entertainment experience on your PC,” said Todd Rutherford, Windows Entertainment Product Manager at Microsoft Corporation.  “with the availability of the Ceton’s InfiniTV 4 USB tuner, a wider range of PC platforms and consumers will now be able to enjoy this entertainment service.”

 

Garmin Brings Power to the People with Vector

Garmin Vector, Vector sensor design, wireless pedal pod

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the unveiling of Vector – a high-precision pedal based power meter – designed for cyclists, by cyclists. Vector is the lightest weight direct measurement power meter on the market, and designed for quick installation, portability, and ease-of-use. Taking only minutes to install, Vector provides accurate and reliable power data and uniquely measures and presents right and left leg power balance to ANT+ compatible head units.

Vector was announced in preparation for a world unveiling tour beginning at Australia’s Ausbike, then climbing to Germany’s Eurobike, and finally sprinting to Las Vegas’ Interbike where it will be prominently displayed at Garmin booths in each location.

 

“We are excited to get this innovative product into your hands – and under your feet,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “From picking it up at your local bike shop and installing at home in minutes, to giving you accurate and reliable total and independent leg power measurements,  Vector becomes one of the most desirable solutions in the cycling market. It’s similar to going from 2D to 3D,” Bartel continued. “There’s a richness in data and capabilities that come from the combination of our location of measurement – the pedals – and Vector’s sensor design.”

 

Quick and easy: For many cycling enthusiasts, purchasing a power meter is an intimidating and potentially complicated process, often involving mechanical tradeoffs for their bikes. Vector simplifies the decisions and the process. Cyclists can now walk into their local bike shop, walk out with a Vector power meter in hand, and install it themselves in minutes. There’s no need for a custom order process, no need for a mechanic, and no downtime while their bike is in the shop. With integrated cadence measurement, there are no external sensors to install, and all calibration is performed before the Vector power meter hits the store shelves. Vector’s easy-to-install design makes it easy to swap between bikes, and easy to take to out-of-town events when renting or borrowing a bike. Vector’s light weight and durable injected carbon fiber pedals are LOOK Keo compatible, and its ANT+ wireless pedal pod transmitters fit most major cranksets. Vector has also been designed to be easy to update as software enhancements are made, thanks to its ANT+ wireless technology. To see Vector in action, go to www.garmin.com/Vector.

 

- Qt4.7 Logitech Introduces Gaming Mouse G300 for PC Gamers

Logitech Gaming Mouse G300, Logitech, Gaming Mouse, G300, Gaming Mouse G300

Today Logitech unveiled the latest addition to its acclaimed G-Series gaming products, the Logitech Gaming Mouse G300. Designed to give PC gamers an advantage over the competition, the mouse features nine programmable controls, letting you move keyboard commands to buttons that are in easy reach.

Additionally, the Logitech Gaming Mouse G300 lets you store up to three game or player profiles in the mouse’s onboard memory, so you can run the mouse without software or even move it between computers without having to reconfigure each time. User-configurable lighting assigns one of seven colors to each profile, so you can easily see which profile you’re using. Plus, the mouse’s sculpted, ambidextrous shape is equally comfortable in either hand.

 

“The Logitech Gaming Mouse G300 is perfect for PC gamers who want intelligent features that give them real benefits in-game” said Chris Pate, senior product marketing manager for gaming at Logitech. “Whether you need more programmable buttons for your MMO, better precision for targeting enemies in an FPS, or a compact, comfortable shape to get you through hours of gameplay, we’ve got it covered.”

 

The Logitech Gaming Mouse G300’s gaming-grade 2500-DPI optical sensor tracks slow or fast movements on a wide variety of surfaces, so you get exactly the action you want from every incremental hand movement. In addition, optional drag-and-drop software makes it easy to set the Logitech Gaming Mouse G300 up exactly the way you want. The software also works with G-Series keyboards and headsets, so you can create macros once and share them between your G-Series family of devices.

 

Pricing and Availability

 

The Logitech Gaming Mouse G300 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in September, for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

 

Motorola Droid HD: Droid’s Next Big Thing

The Droid Bionic will be out soon, and another new phone is on the wraps, even making the Bionic only second next to what will come out in the next couple of months. The ever-fabled Droid HD has been seen together with Droid Bionic via a leak, showing the same size, but a much sharper display and a thinner body, despite of the loaded features and specs it should have. It could go head to head with Samsung Galaxy SII and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, with the 4.5-inch qHD or HD graphics. It carries an 8-megapixel camera at the back and likely 2 megapixels at front, which can record a 1080p video.

Running on Android Gingerbread, the Motorola Droid HD will be presenting a sharper and more detailed image for watching movies, viewing pictures, and more. Who knows, by the time Motorola Droid Bionic will be out soon enough, the company may be introducing the HD through a press conference or some pictures.

Source: Engadget

Nokia 800 and Acer M310 caught on Windows Phone dev's stats, likely in testing

The fact that Nokia and Acer are busily preparing Windows Phones is no secret, but Sea Ray and W4 may not be the manufacturers' only projects. Elbert Perez, a Windows Phone game developer with a keen eye for statistics, was looking through a list of the various devices that run his games, and a couple gems stood out -- the Nokia 800 and Acer M310. The plot thickens when realizing that these names have never been seen before. Sadly, such a revelation prompts more questions than answers: are these completely new phones, or just the Sea Ray and W4 with new names? If testers are playing games on them, can we assume these are close to production? But don't forget the lingering question that won't ever be answered: are they winning the game?

Wearable Wireless Medical Devices to Top 100 Million Units Annually by 2016

The market for wearable devices will reach more than 100 million units annually by 2016 as a range of factors combine over the next five years to drive consumer and healthcare adoption. These devices, ranging from heart rate monitors for measuring an individual’s performance during sports to wearable blood glucose meters, will all enable greater detail in tracking, monitoring, and care – often through connections provided by mobile phones.

    “A number of short range wireless protocols are jostling for position in this emerging market and they line up against traditional tethered connectivity such as a USB cable to a computer as well as emerging M2M offerings”

AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 gets Extra Strong 3200mAh Extended Battery from Mugen Power

Mugen Power

Mugen Power Batteries – the manufacturer of high-capacity batteries for handheld devices, today announces the new HLI-i997XL Mugen Power 3200mAh Extended Battery for AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 which extends the time consumers can use this popular device. The battery is immediately available from Mugen Power Batteries with free shipping worldwide. Mugen Power 3200mAh Extended Battery for AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 is available for US$98.95 direct from Mugen Power Batteries.

Designed to provide maximum mobile freedom, Mugen Power 3200mAh (milliamp hour) Lithium-Ion battery extends the life of the AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 by 1.83 times delivering more power than the stock 1750mAh battery. This impressive battery performance allows consumers, especially those who are often on the move, to use the device longer. The new battery is fully compatible with the AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 and fits well into AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997.

 

As well as delivering longer life, the new battery is also exceptionally reliable. Like other Mugen batteries, the Mugen 3200mAh Extended Battery for AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 has undergone vigorous QA testing to ensure the highest quality and lowest return rate. The battery is also in compliance with the CE requirements.

 

“AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G i997 owners are often reported to complain about short battery life of the device. We worked hard on this project and managed to fit additional 1450mAh capacity into that new battery. Our solution gives customers added battery life to stay connected longer without recharges and make more with the smartphone than ever before,” says Nikolai Lebedovsky, marketing manager at eTrade Asia Ltd.

 

T-Mobile USA and Family Dollar Partner to Make Prepaid More Accessible and Affordable

Family Dollar Store

Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Family Dollar Stores, Inc. announced the availability of a T-Mobile prepaid device — to complement T-Mobile’s innovative prepaid plans and services — in nearly 6,000 Family Dollar locations, one of the fastest-growing discount retail chains in the United States.

Family Dollar customers now have convenient access to an affordable T-Mobile prepaid phone, the LG GS170. Available for $30 (plus taxes and fees), the LG GS170 offers an intuitive user interface with one-touch speakerphone, large visible keys and a high-resolution color display. In addition, the LG GS170 features a VGA camera, MP3 ringtone capability, Bluetooth® 2.1, text and picture messaging capability, and email support packaged in a sleek, pocket-size design.

 

“T- Mobile is excited to work with Family Dollar to offer an affordable prepaid device to its customers who seek value and convenience when shopping,” said Amy McCune, vice president of national retail, T-Mobile USA. “T-Mobile is delivering great prices, simplicity and a nationwide 4G network with our prepaid products, which we know Family Dollar customers will find appealing.”

 

Family Dollar customers can take advantage of T-Mobile’s affordable No Annual Contract Monthly4G plans, including the $50 per month plan featuring unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited Web, with no overage charges and the first 100 MB of data at up to 4G speeds*, on America’s Largest 4G Network for an unlimited and economical way to stay in touch.

 

Family Dollar stores will highlight T-Mobile’s products, along with other wireless offerings, in colorful new endcap displays that are conveniently placed in front of each Family Dollar store. In-store promotions and marketing collateral will help customers easily locate and learn more about these new T-Mobile products.

 

“We have had a great relationship with T-Mobile since 2003 and believe that this partnership has been a key factor in Family Dollar becoming one of the nation’s largest national retailers of mobile airtime,” said Bob Giles, divisional vice president for Family Dollar. “T-Mobile’s track record for providing quality service and customer support fits well with our culture and commitment to the customer, and we are very excited to take our partnership to the next level and begin selling the company’s devices as well.”

 

All invoicing, shipping and supply functions, as well as other operational and fulfillment needs, will be handled through a partnership with Brightstar Corp.

 

HTC Bliss Shot on Cam

It has been a while back in May when the HTC Bliss was last captured via a leak. Just recently, a more solid leak image has been taken, confirming that the new smartphone from Verizon will be out quite soon. Aside from the HTC Glamour, the HTC Bliss is another of those few handsets that are intentionally targeting women and ladies as market buyers.

Aside from the looks, there are also other information revealed about its specs such as running on a 800MHz Qualcomm single-core processor, the latest Android Gingerbread Update 2.3.4, and even the newest HTC Sense UI, version 3.5. It also carries a rear end camera, most probably 5-megapixels, due to its processor’s performance. It also has lady goodies such as a charm that lights up for notifications and a tabletop dock, perfect for movies. It may currently show gray on this photo, but it may just sport colors in magenta, cyan, and yellow, just like HTC Glamour.

Source: PocketNow

Xiaomi Phone with MIUI OS: a $310 Android with 1.5GHz dual-core SoC and other surprises

If you've already seen the Xiaomi M1 announcement about a month ago, well, forget it, because Xiaomi has already made some significant changes since then. What we've just learned from today's Beijing launch event is that the M1 -- now officially "Xiaomi Phone" -- no longer packs a 1.2GHz dual-core chip; instead, it's been given a bump to a Qualcomm MSM8260 SoC, thus becoming the first Chinese phone to sport a 1.5GHz dual-core chip. As part of the Snapdragon package, the phone is also powered by a powerful Adreno 220 graphics processor, which will no doubt make good use of the phone's 1GB RAM and a staggering 4GB ROM. Oh, and that ¥2,600 (about US$410) price tag? It's now ¥1,999 ($310), and will be available for pre-order on August 29th for October delivery. Read on for more surprises!

Update: We've just been informed that there will also be a 1.2GHz version available for an even cheaper price!

Update 2: Our hands-on post is up!

Xiaomi Phone with MIUI OS: a $310 phone with 1.5GHz dual-core SoC and other surprises

Unlike most phones with a 1400mAh or 1500mAh battery these days, the Xiaomi Phone gets a ginormous 1930mAh cell instead, and we're promised to get two days worth of real-life usage out of it -- CEO Lei Jun emphasised the "real-life" part, so we shall see. Another surprise -- albeit an odd one -- is that this phone supports both GPS (with A-GPS) and Russia's GLONASS, meaning President Medvedev can navigate around his country just fine while updating his Weibo Twitter.

As for the rest, you get a 4-inch 480 x 854 LCD courtesy of Sharp (LCD for better outdoor performance, and 4 inches for Asian ergonomics), three touch buttons below the screen, a customisable "Mi key" (camera shutter or Weibo; long press for home screen), an eight megapixel camera with an F2.4 lens, and a dual antenna design that plays well with any kind of grip (obviously a little wink at Apple). Dimension-wise we're looking at 125mm x 63mm x 11.9mm, weighing 149g or 5.3 ounces -- just a tad heavier than the iPhone 4. As for accessories, we're told that there will cases in at least seven bright colors, along with spare batteries of the same set of colors (that's how awesome Xiaomi is).

Of course, let's not forget the real star here: the MIUI (pronounced "mee-you-eye") OS, which is a low-level custom UI based on Android 2.3.5. There's no question about MIUI's rapidly increasing popularity in recent years (Xiaomi quoted a user base of about 500,000), but if you insist on trying other Android flavors on Xiaomi's hardware, then you'll be pleased to know that this phone lets you flash whatever firmware you like.

If you're starting to doubt the Xiaomi Phone's reliability, you shouldn't -- we've been told that this phone's been thoroughly torture-tested in the lab, simulating two years worth of usage. "This is why we take much longer than shanzhai factories to make a phone," said the CEO. We'll see about that in two months time, really looking forward to it.

Samsung Celox gets its moment in the blurrycam spotlight

Hey, what have we here? If it isn't the GT-I9210, a version of the Samsung Celox that we saw the other week. The Samsung Galaxy II-esque LTE handset got the blurrycam treatment on its way to Korean carrier SK Telecom. The rear of the device looks the same as what we saw earlier in the month, only with the carrier's logo tacked on for good measure. The front, on the other hand, has been redesigned and is now sporting four capacitive keys -- not an unusual move for a carrier branded version of one of the company's smartphones. In light of SK Telecom and Verizon's use of both LTE and CDMA, perhaps the Celox will join T-Mobile's rumored Hercules as the other 4.5-inch screened Galaxy S II variant for the US? Fingers crossed.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

Google Inc. and Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5 billion, a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday, August 12, 2011. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Verizon Wireless Introduces the New BlackBerry Bold 9930 Smartphone

Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9930

Verizon Wireless today announced the new BlackBerry Bold 9930 smartphone is available online at www.verizonwireless.com and will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on August 25.

The BlackBerry Bold 9930 smartphone is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet, measuring only 10.5 mm, and is the first BlackBerry Bold to integrate a touch display with a BlackBerry keyboard.  This smartphone is performance driven and powered by the new BlackBerry 7 operating system to deliver the ultimate in communication, multimedia and productivity for Verizon Wireless customers.

 

BlackBerry 7:

Next generation BlackBerry browser has optimized zooming and panning for smoother Web navigation and optimized HTML5 performance.

Premium version of Documents To Go is now included at no additional cost, offering customers enhanced document editing features, as well as a native PDF document viewer.

The newest release of BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) now offers the real-time BBM experience together with a range of apps including gaming and social networking.

Liquid Graphics technology combines a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a blazingly fast CPU and stunning high-resolution display to deliver a responsive touch interface with incredibly fast and smooth graphics.

Updated Social Feeds app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts and more all in one consolidated view.

Universal search capability now supports voice-activated search, allowing customers to simply say what they want to find on their device or the Web.

BlackBerry Balance is integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing customers to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal use. BlackBerry Balance allows secure access to business information while preventing the information from being copied into, sent from, or used by personal applications. An administrator can also remotely wipe business information from the device while leaving personal information intact.

 

 

Key features:

3G coverage on the nation’s most reliable network

2.8-inch touchscreen display (640 x 480)

Full backlit QWERTY keyboard with trackpad navigation

1.2 GHz processor

5-megapixel camera with flash and 720p HD video recording capabilities

Global-ready – Quad band with support for UMTS, HSPA, GSM, GPRS and EDGE allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, including more than 125 countries with 3G speeds

Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1

microSD card slot with support for cards up to 32 GB

Push to Talk capability will be enabled through an over-the-air update

 

 

Pricing and availability:

BlackBerry Bold 9930 smartphone is available for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

A non-camera model is also available for order for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Customers that purchase a BlackBerry Bold 9930 smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

 

Samsung Galaxy GIO (GT-S5660) Now Available in Canada

Samsung Galaxy GIO, GT-S5660

Samsung’s Galaxy GIO delivers high-end smartphone features and performance without a high-end price tag, is now available with Bell and Virgin Mobile. With a large touch screen, 24/7 connectivity, the latest Android OS, and an incredible range of apps and customization options, the GIO lets you stay in touch with the people and content that matter—without breaking the bank.

3.2” Full Touch Screen with TouchWiz 3.0

With the quick and intuitive TouchWiz 3.0 interface, you can switch apps, check email, and hop online at the touch of a finger. Enjoy browsing, gaming, watching videos, and viewing images anytime, anywhere, on the crystal clear 3.2” display.

 

 

Powerful Performance w/ Borderless Networking

You will enjoy the speed and rich performance of this mobile. No longer will you have to wait around for movies to load or applications to start – everything works quickly and hassle-free. Wi-Fi b/g/n provides faster web browsing with wider coverage than before, and HSDPA 7.2 Mbps downloads large files quickly. Because of the larger battery life, you can do all of this and much more on a single battery charge.

 

Android 2.3 with Android Market

Powered by the super-smooth and speedy Android 2.3 platform, the GIO is a snap to navigate and customize. Personalize it even more with apps from Android Market (more than 250000 apps and counting!), and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

 

Stay connected 24/7

With the GIO’s amazing connectivity, you’ll never be out of touch. WiFi and 3G keep you connected no matter where you are, while BlueTooth® lets you go hands-free in the car. Sync your GIO to your PC with the AllShare app, and take your stored videos, pictures, and music with you everywhere!

 

 

Social Hub and Google Mobile Services

 

No matter what you want to know, GIO has it covered. Google Mobile services get you the info you need fast, whether it’s an address or the latest score. Social Hub pulls all your email, social network, and IM accounts onto a single, real-time screen so you’re always plugged into what’s happening.

 

Child Friendly User Interface by Netflix

Netflix this week put its new kid-friendly interface (UI) that his condition developed specifically for small users of their service. Currently, the new user-friendly interface navigation for children has a prominent scroll bar at the top, showing favorite children’s characters, like Shawn the Sheep, Pingu, Hello Kitty and Big Bird’s name stands out among others.

After a child clicks on a displayed character opens a new page (which provides a similar sense of the BBC iPlayer application on the IPAD) who present with the character along the bottom. Netflix is ??developing its new user interface for easy navigation of children Netflix child friendly interface and easy fun. The still under construction right now, and have not released details of Netflix as the new navigation will be implemented in conventional systems. Still developing as is possible is also good that the final design of the navigation could be slightly different from the screen and published in its final version.