Sunday, October 2, 2011

Motorola Admiral looks ship shape, headed for Sprint in the US

We caught wind of the Motorola Admiral early last month among a group of handsets all headed for US carrier Sprint. Beyond the name this device was effectively an unknown, with no spy shots or spec leaks that we could readily find available.

The device in question has now made its first notable appearance on the interwebs so let's take a look at what it has to offer.



So a the Admiral looks to be a smart, capable, candy bar QWERTY droid, built to withstand the (note: 810G means military spec) bruises and bumps from the environments it may well find itself in as it takes its position in the launch lineup for Sprint's upcoming Direct Connect service alongside the Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore to name but two other devices.

The Direct Connect service is looking to replace the current push-to-talk service loyal users currently reside on, by offering them up to three times the usable coverage area across the CDMA waves, and Sprint aims to expand their PTT capabilities internationally from early next year.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_admiral_looks_ship_shape_headed_for_sprint_in_the_us-news-3146.php

READ MORE - Motorola Admiral looks ship shape, headed for Sprint in the US

White iPhone 4s spotted in AT&T's system


While perusing the AT&T customer service system, someone has come across a rather interesting tidbit of information. As you can see on the side, there is mention of a certain iPhone 4s White, along with the current iPhone models.

It has been rumored for a long time that Apple may be announcing two iPhones this year. One would be an upgraded version of the current iPhone 4 and one completely new model, the iPhone 5, if you will.

If you look at the list closely, you will notice that it shows the second page with the last five items on a sixteen item list. What you don't see are the ten items on the previous page. Out of those ten, six are bound to be the iPad 2 models that AT&T sells (16, 32 and 64GB variants in black and white each).

This leaves us four models that are currently unknown. They may be of the iPhone 5 (32 and 64GB versions in black and white each). They may even be the 3G version of the iPod touch that were rumored, although that seems far less likely.

We will have to wait and watch how much of this is true. The only thing about this that seems a bit strange to us is the thought of Apple (or AT&T) selling only the white version of the iPhone 4s without the black.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/white_iphone_4s_spotted_in_at_ts_system-news-3150.php

READ MORE - White iPhone 4s spotted in AT&T's system

Apple's iPhone 5 design gets leaked by Case-Mate

It has been widely accepted that the closer a device gets to its official announcement, the more credible the related leaks become. Apple's iPhone 5 is no exception from the rule. We have sneak peak for you, on the design of one of the most anticipated smartphones to launch this year, courtesy of Case-Mate.

As you can see from the picture above, the fifth generation iPhone will differ significantly from its predecessor. The aluminum back of the yet to be announced device hints at a design reference to the first iPhone, which took the world by storm four years ago. We can also expect rounded edges and slimmer profile in the new iPhone 5 - much in line with previous leaks.

There is absolutely no reason to doubt the authenticity of the images by Case-Mate. After all, the company is one of the major producers of mobile phone cases these days. The legitimacy of the shots is further enhanced by the fact that they have been subsequently removed from the company's official website. All we are left with right now, is to get an official announcement by Apple. In the meantime, tell us how you like the design in the comments section.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_iphone_5_design_gets_leaked_by_casemate_-news-3151.php

READ MORE - Apple's iPhone 5 design gets leaked by Case-Mate

LG LU6200 live shots emerge, we get to see its HD screen

It was only a few days ago when the first pictures of the LG LU6200 emerged, causing a stir in our geeky hearts. Today, we have live shots of the device for you and, finally, we get to see its HD screen in its full glory.


The AH-IPS LCD display with HD (720 x 1280) resolution, featured in the upcoming LG flagship has already made quite a splash by winning a prestigious award. There is absolutely no doubt that it will be the droid's biggest highlight. As far as the rest of the device's rumored specs go, you can go ahead and check them out here.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_lu6200_live_shots_emerge_we_get_to_see_its_hd_screen-news-3156.php

READ MORE - LG LU6200 live shots emerge, we get to see its HD screen

Android 2.3.7 update brings Google Wallet to Nexus S 4G

The Google Wallet service has finally started rolling out to users of the Nexus S 4G on Sprint's network. However, before you start using it, you will need to update your phone to the latest firmware.


Google has dropped the Android 2.3.7 update, which upgrades your phone's firmware from GRJ90 to GWK74. You may get the notification asking you to update or you can go to Settings > About phone > System updates to see if you have got any update waiting for you.

Do note that this update is only available to Nexus S 4G users as the Google Wallet service is available exclusively on Sprint. International users of the Nexus S may find themselves stuck on the same old version 2.3.4 for now.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/android_237_update_brings_google_wallet_to_nexus_s_4g-news-3157.php

READ MORE - Android 2.3.7 update brings Google Wallet to Nexus S 4G

Alleged iPhone 5 cases pop up at AT&T stores, thinner and wider

Just days before the official "Let's talk iPhone" event kicks off in Cupertino rumors about the next-gen iDevice are heating up - big time. The latest are the iPhone 5 cases that had popped up in AT&T's inventory database. Well now we have pictures to share of them.

A ninja dressed in AT&T shop assistant clothing has sent these pictures to MacRumors. They show the previously leaked Case-Mate cases for the iPhone 5. Judging by them the next incarnation of the iPhone will be way thinner than the current iPhone 4, the LG Optimus Black and the Samsung Galaxy S II - somewhere along the lines of the iPad and sharing the same design as the slate with similar tapered edges.

And in case you'd like to see what the next iPhone could look like based on these cases, you can check out the video below. It's in German but there are English subtitles so you're covered. There are tons of pictures too.

This iPhone 5 mockup was made using CAD drawings, CNC tools and some aluminum. Now we should stress that if you haven't already guessed it this isn't the next iPhone and it's not some real-life prototype Apple lost in a bar or anything of the sort. It's just a very crafty mockup based on the leaked case designs so far and nothing more.

Still this could turn out to be very close to the real deal but we'll know the answer to that one in just 5 days anyway.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_iphone_5_cases_pop_up_at_at_t_stores_thinner_and_wider-news-3209.php

READ MORE - Alleged iPhone 5 cases pop up at AT&T stores, thinner and wider

Samsung Galaxy Note coming to AT&T following FCC approval

The Samsung Galaxy Note looks to be gracing the US of A with its presence following the FCC's recent approval of the device's support for AT&T's 3G bands, news that will no doubt bring a smile to gadget-heads across the nation.

The Note is somewhat of an odd breed of device. Following the rise of mobile phones and the subsequent fall of PDA's. The Note takes the notion of a throwback and adds every modern smart-device garnish it has to offer on top, meaning you get all of the mod-cons you expect from a device such as this, but an underlying sense of nostalgia too, it's truly bizarre.



The Note looks to fill the void between Samsung's 4.3"-endowed Galaxy S II smartphone and the recently announced Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, as the intermediary tab-phone crossover device with its 5.3" SuperAMOLED display.

What's really great about the Note's new FCC approval is that it not only includes support for AT&T's 3G bands but will also be capable of '4G' (read HSPA+) speeds which is no bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.

If you want to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Note this very second, why not click here where you'll be able to check out our latest hands-on to at least cover the key features of the device preceding our in depth review, just around the corner.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_coming_to_at_t_following_fcc_approval-news-3211.php

READ MORE - Samsung Galaxy Note coming to AT&T following FCC approval

HTC Desire S gets Gingerbread 2.3.5 and Sense 3.0


We first met the HTC Desire S at MWC in Barcelona, back in February earlier this year. As the natural successor to the HTC Desire. We saw performance improvements in terms of a better GPU, bigger amounts of RAM and ROM, and faster connectivity, but that aside, the step up wasn't as dramatic as we'd have liked.

Once it launched, the Desire S came running Android Gingerbread 2.3.3 and HTC's Sense 2.1 UI out of the box. The latest development however is that the next update for the Desire S, has started rolling out without so much as a whisper. Users in the UK are reporting that they've noticed the update innocuously popping up on their devices since the last day of September.

As with any ROM update, when you get the all important notification isn't exactly set in stone. The update appears to be coming to users in the UK with stock Desire S ROMs, so carrier specific variations will, as usual take a little longer.

With this update, not only does your S get a boost from Gingerbread 2.3.3 to 2.3.5, but Sense UI moves up to 3.0 which means key updates like the interactive lock screens, new animations, an updated launcher as well as a host of new widgets, the latest version of the Android Market and access to HTC's Watch service. Users are also reporting better GPS performance.

Back in May, at Google I/O, it was said that Android devices, at least from a group of selected manufacturers and carriers, would receive full support for at least 18 months after a device's launch. In this instance, it seems HTC are most certainly making good on that promise. We've had no word on carrier locked ROMs and when the update will spread overseas, but if you notice anything, let us know.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_s_gets_gingerbread_235_and_sense_30-news-3212.php

READ MORE - HTC Desire S gets Gingerbread 2.3.5 and Sense 3.0

Bracketron Back-iT for the iPad 2


By now, I am certain that you are all aware of the iPad 2, and how the user can purchase the flexible, fold-able Smart Cover to protect the front. However, what about the back of the precious iPad 2?

This is probably the mentality that led Bracketron to develop the Back-iT. It is a “low-profile, precision-cut polycarbonate back that securely holds and protects your iPad 2 from scratches and scuffs”. It comes in the same colors of the previously mentioned Smart Covers, which are all pastel and include a “soft-touch design for superior grip for interacting and carrying your iPad 2″.

Yes, I used a lot of quotes here, but let me give you one of my own: “If you use the Back-iT with a Smart Cover on your iPad 2, it will be a beautiful bright color on either side. It is truly up to you if you want to make them match.”

You should be able to purchase the Back-iT from the official Bracketron site here for an MSRP of $29.99 in pastel colors of gray, blue, pink, green, and orange. While you are there, you might want to check out Bracketron’s Style-iT, a stylus and pen that also come in the same pastel colors. I highly suggest a color that matches.

Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110928/bracketron-backit-ipad-2/

READ MORE - Bracketron Back-iT for the iPad 2

PURE Contour is one fine iPod/iPhone dock


After years of seeing PURE products at CES and electronics shows, I finally got one to try out with the Contour. The PURE Contour is an iPod/iPhone dock, but it is quite extraordinary.

I’m not certain if its rounded shape has anything to do with its high quality sound, but it has full range 3.5 inch speakers and dual bass ports for 36W RMS of sound that really shook the floor. It has an iPod dock that is retractable, as well as an FM radio.

The Contour can also connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection so you can hook up to Internet radio stations and podcasts. It also allows for streaming music directly from a PC or Mac. Also included are composite, component and S-Video out for connection to the television.

The remote for the Contour allows the user full control over this iPhone/iPod dock, but there are also touch-sensitive controls on the unit itself. Other features include some alarms and timers, 40 FM presets, unlimited internet favorites, and a Stereo headphone socket. Another feature is that it is powered by the Lounge service to register your radio, organize your favorites, and even listen online.

All of this does cost, but I would have to say that the Pure Contour is one of the finest iPod/iPhone docks that I have listened to. I am not certain when it will be available, and the lowest price that I can find for it was on Amazon for about $310.00. You can find out more information on the official site.

Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110929/pure-contour-fine-ipodiphone-dock/

READ MORE - PURE Contour is one fine iPod/iPhone dock