This week was filled with news on the cell front, so it was straightforward to overlook just a few stories right here and there. Here's a number of the different stuff that happened within the extensive world of wi-fi for the week of October 24, 2011:
Fan of white phones? Here ya go: the BlackBerry Daring 9900, Curve 9360 and Torch 9810 can be pre-ordered on Phones4U. If white doesn't do it for you, the Curve 9300 will probably be available in pink.

» Read More...

Lookee here, it is the opposite new Home windows Cellphone-packing Nokia handset. No, not that one, this is the Lumia 710 -- you already know, the price range phone with the 3.7-inch LCD and those colorful backplates. The Mangoriffic phone appears to have made its manner through the FCC, with the ID on the submitting matching up with listings on the Finnish phonemaker's site. Do not get too excited, nonetheless -- whereas this and the product web page are certainly sufficient to get some stateside Nokia fanatics' blood pumping, the corporate has given us word that the Lumia is just not destined for our shores, sadly -- a minimum of not in any official capacity.

Update: We just obtained phrase from Nokia that, contrary to earlier information, Lumia gadgets will actually be arriving within the States. So far as what these particular merchandise will be, however, the company isn't quite ready to speak just yet.

» Read More...

Your smartphone and / or tablet is simply begging to get updated. Once in a while, these mobile gadgets are blessed with upkeep refreshes, bug fixes, customized ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it is simple for a large chunk to get lost within the mix. To verify they do not escape without notice, we've gathered each potential replace, hack, and different miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one handy roundup. When you find one thing accessible in your device, please give us a shout attips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updatesGuess which phone's finally getting Gingerbread: the HTC Thunderbolt. Yes, we're being serious.

» Read More...

Keep in mind the Acer W4? After seeing it at IFA 2011, evidently it is finally able to make some first impressions, and its blind date is with France. Identified formally because the Allegro, Acer's inaugural Windows Telephone isn't going over the top in the spec department: it has a 3.6-inch WVGA (800 x 480) show, 1GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 CPU, 8GB inner storage, 5MP rear digicam with LED flash and a 1,300mAh battery. Nevertheless, a unique addition to this €299 ($425) system is a function referred to as Fast Cost, which allows the Allegro to get juiced as much as 2.5 times faster than the remainder of the company's lineup. Expect the gadget to land in France in mid-November with two colour choices -- white and dark blue iceberg. Simply make certain, Acer, to stroll your date all the way back dwelling from dinner.    

» Read More...

Musicians have long needed ways to catalog ideas and capture rough recordings of new material without the anchor that is a full-fledged recording setup. Apogee offers just that with its Jam guitar adapter for the iPad, iPhone and Mac, which allows you to strum your way to a record deal via an iOS device. Whether you're on the road or in your living room, the ability to connect a Les Paul to a mobile device and crank out the demo for your next hit is super helpful. But, is it worth the $100 investment to have recording-on-the-go at your fingertips? Read on to see what we discovered.

» Read More...

Could the writing have already been on the wall for webOS when former VP of worldwide developer relations Richard Kerris left HP for Nokia this week? While nothing is yet confirmed, The Guardian is now reporting that HP will indeed finally shut down its webOS division, which could affect up to 500 jobs (either through reassignment or layoffs -- we've previously heard that some layoffs had already begun). That word comes from some unnamed internal HP sources, who reportedly expect an "imminent closure," with one employee adding that "there's a 95% chance we all get laid off between now and November." For its part, HP remained noticeably mum on any news about webOS when it announced that it would hang onto its PC business this week, and its decision to use Windows 8 on tablets certainly didn't do much to inspire the webOS faithful.

» Read More...

While the Samsung Galaxy Note might be a behemoth of a phone (or is it a phablet?), momma always taught us that it's what's on the inside that really counts. But first we need to get to know the device a little better. To do this, we once again recruited the knowledge and insight of Francois Simond (Supercurio) to dive into the circuitry, sensors, and other innards to find out what makes this Note tick. Follow on below to get the inside scoop.
Silicon

CPU: Exynos 4210 (same as Galaxy S II), running at 1.4GHz; 2786.91 BogoMIPS
GPU: ARM Mali-400 MP
WiFi / Bluetooth module: Broadcom BCM4330 (same as Galaxy S II and Galaxy Nexus)
Audio codec: Yamaha C1YMU823 / MC-1N2 (Same as Galaxy S II)
FM radio receiver: Si4709
HDMI: Silicon Image MHD Sil9234 transmitter over MHL (same as Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II)
USB switch: Fairchild Semiconductors FSA9480 (industry standard)
Battery charger: SUMMIT Microelectronics SMB136 / SMB328
NFC controller: NXP PN544
Power management: Maxim MAX8997

Sensors

Accelerometer: STMicroelectronics k3dh
Barometer / pressure sensor: STMicroelectronics LPS331AP
Gyroscope sensor: K3G (same as the Galaxy S II)
Compass: Chipworks AKM-AKM8975 Electronic Compass
Finger Touch sensor: Atmel MXT540E
Stylus: Wacom E-Pen G5SP sensor

Misc. internals

Device name: GT-N7000
Rear camera: Fujitsu M5MO LS 8MP
Front camera: Samsung S5K5BAF 2MP
Linux Kernel: 2.6.35.7
Android: 2.3.5, built October 8, 2011
LCD Density: 320dpi
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Image processor: Samsung mDNIe image converter (same as Galaxy S II)
Frequency scaler: Ondemand

» Read More...

Looks like the tablet that wouldn't die is finally dead -- well, kind of sort, for now. HP sent out a note to let the world know that it's "officially out of stock" of the zombie TouchPad. It's not all bad news, however -- apparently you can still pick one up at Best Buy, so long as you buy an HP computer at the same time. Mourn another quasi-death for the webOS slate with Boyz II Men after the break.

» Read More...

Remember again to September twenty sixth when iHome's iW1 AirPlay speaker was purported to be obtainable? Curiously, the company's website continually listed the $300 system as "coming soon" (no less than the instances we checked), leaving iOS and iTunes customers yearning for this cable-free audio ware in the proverbial dust. Now, a full month later, iHome has again introduced the release of this flagship wi-fi speaker, although it's nonetheless out of stock itself. According to the corporate, a fast trip to an Apple Retailer, Greatest Purchase or Crutchfield should let you snag one, although, the latter's web site won't have any until November 3rd. Here's to looking -- and ready for the smaller iW2 and iW3 models to get proper launch dates. Full details in the press release after the break. Show full PR textiHome Delivers Wireless Audio Experience With Launch of New iW1 Airplay Rechargeable Speaker System

Solely Moveable Rechargeable AirPlay® Speaker System on Market Now Accessible at Apple Store, Finest Purchase and Crutchfield

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new era of wi-fi leisure has arrived as iHome, a number one supplier of progressive iPad, iPhone and iPod speaker solutions, at the moment launched the iW1 Wireless Rechargeable Speaker System with AirPlay®. The iW1 is a transportable speaker system that's simply set-up via the free iHome Connect app to stream crystal clear audio inside Wi-Fi network range from your iTunes library or iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

"The portability, premium sound and proprietary app that ensures simple set-up, are all delivered at an reasonably priced price; giving homeowners a perfect audio answer for their home."

"We're very excited with the ultimate results of the iW1 and all it provides from each a design and have standpoint," said Ezra S. Ashkenazi, President of iHome. "The portability, premium sound and proprietary app that ensures simple set-up, are all delivered at an affordable value; giving house owners a perfect audio resolution for their home."

Powered by a chargeable lithium-ion battery and controllable by the sleek, capacitive contact panel, iOS device or included remote management, the iW1 allows a truly wi-fi listening expertise that employs Bongiovi Acoustics Digital Power Station (DPS) technology and four (four) active audio system for premium audio performance in a compact design. Using AirPlay, house owners can wirelessly stream music over Wi-Fi to the unit from iTunes on their Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and enjoy music in any room of the house. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2 or later.

The iW1 is at present out there for purchase at Apple Store, Best Buy and Crutchfield for $299.

» Read More...

What's a megabyte and is heading to the Nokia N8? Surprisingly, it's a service pack update for Symbian Anna. It's not too often wonderful things come in small packages, but we appreciate the fast download so we can move on with our daily grind pretty fast. Among the entries in the update's change log are performance and usability enhancements, faster email and messaging, better GPS locks and plenty more. It only appears to be finding its way to the N8 for now, though we imagine it won't be too long before it makes cameo appearances on the other Anna devices. If you want to get cracking on the service pack, it's available over the air and through the Nokia Suite. Now, if only Belle would come knocking on the door...

» Read More...

Were you intrigued by Warpia's StreamHD, but turned off by its $170 price? Well maybe the new Value Edition (or VE to the cool kids) will make you crack open that piggy bank. At $130 we still wouldn't call the StreamHD VE an impulse purchase, but it's certainly not a budget buster. In the package is the same USB adapter, a wireless receiver and an A/V base with an HDMI out -- and the company still throws in an HDMI cable to boot. What do you lose to land that $40 discount? Well 5.1 surround sound for one. There's no S/PDIF out and only stereo audio is supported over HDMI. The A/V dock also cuts out the 3.5mm audio out jack, but chances are you weren't using it anyway. Check out the complete PR and one more pic after the break.

» Read More...

make panels slimmer. AUO's sixty five" Excessive-PR 3D Gesture Display utilizes a proprietary movement-detection technology with dual-digital camera system to detect a participant's position and motion, so that users can manipulate the 3D TV's control interface by way of gestures only. As well as, with gentle and comfy polarized 3D glasses, AUO's new 46" 3D Scanning Retarder 3D TV panel allows audiences to experience Full HD, high-decision 3D pictures and enter a lifelike 3D stereoscopic world.

In terms of public info shows, AUO has built-in assets and applied totally different innovative applied sciences to create various applications. AUO's 65" clear show panel boasts 3 times increased transparency than standard designs. AUO's sixty five" clear show panels provide vivid and clear images and can be applied to buildings, car windows, perform shows of consumers home home equipment, shop home windows, or vending machines. As well as, AUO is presenting its 138" LED Show Wall assembled using AUO's 46" Super Narrow Bezel LED display panels with the gap between every bezel of the 46" panels only being 5mm. AUO's forty six" Super Slim Bezel LED panel is a leading specification in opposition to all comparable mass produced products, and makes use of LED backlight to make panels lighter, slimmer and more power efficient, thus offering full HD high-definition photographs appropriate for shopping malls or public data walls.

Relating to touch panel applied sciences, AUO can even exhibit its 27" FHD One-Glass-Answer Contact panel and 10.1" AHVA (Superior Hyper-Viewing Angle) One Glass Resolution Tablet. AUO makes use of its One-Glass-Answer to make merchandise slimmer and transparency larger by way of integrating touch sensors and cover glass. AUO's 27" FHD One-Glass-Resolution Touch panel is the world's largest OGS touch panel. It offers Full HD, high-decision pictures and helps ten touch factors, thus allowing customers to move their fingers freely concerning the surface of the panels. With a purpose to improve the non-public moveable flat panel as a high-definition multimedia leisure middle, AUO's 10.1" AHVA One Glass Answer Tablet has been fitted with AHVA technology. Via the total answer, the burden of the product has dropped 33%, making it simple to hold, while still offering WUXGA (1920 x 1200) high-decision images.

AUO is not only showcasing progressive functions tendencies, but can also be presenting numerous new display technologies. For example, AUO will current its 32" Full HD AMOLED TV for the primary time; the TV set with Metal Oxide TFT as backplane driver and is just 3mm thick, has fast response time, high distinction ratio, and offers full HD excessive- resolution images. For flexible show applied sciences, AUO's 6" Rollable Natural TFT E-paper is made pliable with high efficiency elements and plastic supplies (PEN). Customers can place the E-paper of their briefcases or purses without fear of damage. In addition, with its optimized charging circuit design, AUO's 6" Unplugged Versatile E-paper offers considerable energy-savings, and its eco-pleasant design allows it to be charged by way of solar energy or indoor lighting with no plug in necessary. AUO also presents 4" Versatile AMOLED with Low Temperature Processed Metal Oxide TFT as backplane driver. It is only 0.3mm thick, and is trendy, ultra slim, and resistant. The panel might be applied to various personal moveable display products within the future.

The exhibition space is divided into seven sections by which varied progressive technologies and product purposes shall be demonstrated: 1) 3D Show Applied sciences and Applications; 2) Public Data Display Technologies; 3) Integrated Contact Show Technologies; 4) Progressive Display Technologies; 5) Versatile Display Applied sciences; 6) Smartphone Show Technologies and 7) AMOLED . In the meantime, Dr. Frank Ko, AUO's Vice President of Government Strategic Planning Division, will ship a speech on the afternoon of October 26 (Wednesday) at a particular seminar.

» Read More...

While everyone was in a tizzy about Amazon's $199 Kindle Fire price point, the Indian government was busily working to help bring out the $35 Aakash Android tablet. The tablet was developed with similarly good intentions as OLPC's XO laptop before it -- an attempt to get low-cost computing devices into the hands of students. One of the tablets landed in the VentureBeat offices this week. The site spent some hands-on time with the Froyo slate, and mostly liked what it saw, noting that seeming compromises made for price and a speedy release date ultimately benefit the whole of the device. The tablet will start hitting India next month, at the $35 government-subsidized pricepoint (actual retail price is a still mega-cheap $60).

» Read More...

Let's be honest: with the size of a brick and a relatively quick battery life, it is no shock that ITG's xpPhone hasn't fairly dominated the smartphone market since its launch back in November. In fact, we've not even seen one in the wild, and we actually wouldn't have missed it if there ever was one on the street. That said, ITG hasn't given up, as the company's just announced its second-era Windows-powered smartphone. The rationale? Effectively, interestingly sufficient, ITG prefers Home windows' larger vary of appropriate software in comparison with these of cellular OSes, specifically Android and iOS. Let's just go away it at that for now.

Simply dubbed the xpPhone 2, this beast of a QWERTY slider packs a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip, together with 2GB RAM, up to 112GB of SSD storage, 4.3-inch display and compatibility with both Windows 7 and Windows eight -- obviously the latter OS will depend upon its final launch date. Not solely has battery life been bumped up to round 18 hours of call time or forty six days on standby, however the cellphone's additionally been slimmed down to 140mm x 73mm x 17.5mm, which is a large enchancment compared to its cumbersome predecessor. With the contact-friendly Windows 8 on board together with a non-underclocked CPU, we've got a feeling that the xpPhone 2 will a minimum of fare significantly better than Fujitsu's F-07C; as for the rest, we will see when it comes out in January next year. And no, it probably will not run Crysis.
ITG xpPhone 2

» Read More...

When you're a fan of arcade-style fighting games, you are absolutely hip to MadCatz's FightStick Tournament Edition for PS3 and Xbox 360. As it's executed with Avenue Fighter in the past, the corporate is back with one other variation of the arcade stick, this time formally themed for the upcoming Soul Calibur V. Launching near the game in January 2012, the Soul Calibur V Arcade FightStick Soul Version features the usual masher-friendly eight button with joystick format, but sports a casing endowed with visuals impressed by the game -- and an especially unfortunate mix of hues. The crazy Cat hasn't announced a value but, however considering these have gone for about $one hundred fifty up to now, we'd think about this one will not be too far off. Full particulars in the press release after the break. Show full PR textMad Catz® Enters into Agreement with Namco Bandai Video games Inc® to Create SOULCALIBUR™ V Arcade FightStick Soul Version

SOULCALIBUR™ V Arcade FightStick Soul Version Is Expected to Launch Worldwide January 2012

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (AMEX/TSX: MCZ) introduced immediately that it has entered into an settlement with Namco Bandai Games Inc, to produce the SOULCALIBUR™ V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition, a Event Version combating sport controller for use with the upcoming SOULCALIBUR V videogame. The agreement gives Mad Catz worldwide rights to ship merchandise for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for the PlayStation®3 pc entertainment system from Sony®.

"The FightStick product category continues to perform properly for us globally and the addition of the popular SOULCALIBUR franchise leverages each our brand and market leadership." mentioned Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "Leveraging licenses on a worldwide basis is a part of our long term progress strategy to build our worldwide business."

» Read More...

In 2007 Dell started a highly publicized experiment with loading Ubuntu on a few of its machines. Suffice to say, it wasn't a resounding success -- despite Michael Dell's ringing endorsement. Though their relationship seems to petered out (US prospects won't find a single machine running Canonical's open-source OS on Dell's site), the two firms aren't quite prepared file for separation simply yet. The 2 wish to rekindle their love by heading across the Pacific, to China. Initially the Linux-loaded lappies will probably be obtainable in 220 retail places across the nation with accompanying branding to promote Ubuntu. Clearly only time will tell if this attempt to avoid wasting their marriage will be profitable, but we're pretty confident Chinese language customers will be extra receptive to an alternative OS than People were. One more pic after the break.

» Read More...

Individuals own good telephones for enterprise might want to use them for a wide variety of specific purposes. However how do you choose the very best smartphone for you? the following factors should provide help to make the best choice and steer you in direction of the suitable choice.

Enterprise people require features which can help them to turn into organized akin to a diary, a reminder system, alerts and even more fashionable techniques reminiscent of video calling abilities. Now we have all turn out to be very reliant on the e-mail system and having a telephone with the power to be in contact with the workplace will mean you could keep up a correspondence with colleagues even when you find yourself out and about attending meetings elsewhere. It is essential that the software included additionally consists of the ability to ship and receive e-mails.

All of that is a pretty obvious, really. Nonetheless, new customers will probably be much less seemingly to think about the purposes that they need to view their documents. So, you will have one thing referred to as a doc viewer. This can allow you to have a look at files on the phone. Such a view is beneficial for all of the common kinds of information that we use every day comparable to for Word, PDF and PowerPoint to not mention Excel. You should have extra limited capabilities than the software that you're used to on your PC however the viewer will allow you to see the documents that you just need while you might be out of the office.

A helpful tip is to see in case you can actually have a play around and follow together with your intended buy earlier than really shopping for it. Do you want the look and feel of the it? Can you carry it comfortably? Does the contact display screen work as you prefer to? These points can be just as vital because the technical options which dominate if you're not careful.

Probably the most acquainted features of computer systems is the QWERTY keyboard and it is a very useful characteristic to incorporate on best smartphone wish list. It's also possible to print paperwork from smartphones. The easy and easy option to obtain that is by making sure that your machine comes geared up with an infrared capability. You possibly can then shortly borrow different individuals's printers to produce the work that it is advisable have in onerous copy. This will even enable you to hold out different functions equivalent to scanning documents which may be extraordinarily useful.

Another very useful point to remember that is the choice of accessories that are available. As an example, it may be helpful to just be sure you have a high quality case in order that your cellphone and, specifically, its display screen, are effectively cared for. You should also give cautious thought for before selecting the service supplier for your cell phone. Take a look and see what business companies they offer. Do they offer you enough text messages, e-mails and broad band width in an effort to use the cellphone as much as you wish?

The question of value is always essential when deciding on the very best smartphone in your circumstances. There is clearly the query of the initial outlay but chances are you'll wish to additionally take into account the cost of the monthly service provider and also further insurance to guantee that your telephone is changed shortly and simply should ever be misplaced or stolen.

» Read More...

The 12 months 2012 will see unprecedented new advances in cellular know-how, from newer, sooner and higher smartphones to advances in contact screens, digital memory, and portable cameras. There's some debate inside the electronics neighborhood as as to if the cell units of 2012 will come geared up with built-in 3D cameras. This is an thrilling possibility with far-reaching implications, and the quantity of speculation that has so far been produced in the cell know-how community makes it much more plausible that this will soon develop into a reality.

This could imply that amateur filmmakers could have entry to cellular digital camera units that used to cost 1000's of dollars to rent or purchase. It could mean that home films and YouTube film clips will change into predominantly 3D in the future. This isn't in any respect far-fetched, as high definition movie has already made massive inroads in the YouTube film community. Placing this type of expertise within the inexpensive reach of hundreds of thousands of customers will certainly make piracy and the bootlegging or concert events and sporting occasions simpler and more common, but on the upside, reliable movies of the identical variety will become inexpensive to make. Having 3d digital camera know-how obtainable on cell phones will inevitably put strain on the makers of conventional 3D units to decrease prices and manufacturing costs so as to sustain with the competition.

Together with these predicted innovations which have already begun to happen in some markets, waterproofing, full 3D gaming and other improvements are expected to happen, making the competition for a spot in the cellphone and cellular machine market extra intense than ever before. Certain corporations are already tinkering with prototypes for these new kinds of phones, and it'll definitely make for an attention-grabbing year for cell devices and know-how in general. Individuals are also pushing for higher and faster Internet connectivity with new options, new methods to browse, and more online gaming options. Firms are working overtime to get forward of the sport with these new options, discovering ways to implement them and come full circle with the perfect of traditional options that individuals need, coupled with these new applications, hardware, and features.

The most talked about improve in hardware circles, nevertheless, is the brand new 3D cameras expected to be on the brand new phones. With on-board modifying software and the power to zoom out and in, this needs to be a great way to seize life as it occurs while still sustaining the light-weight body and slim design that cell telephones have turn into known for. Seeing your videos come to life on the pocket screen before you in 3D will spark your creativeness and permit for even higher creativity, whether or not you're a filmmaker or an amateur photographer. It is unbelievable to see that cellphone companies are listening to consumer demands and are making strides in conserving the eye of the paying public. This can make sure that we continue to see new expertise develop in a way that makes these phones more person pleasant, extra versatile, and will enable us to get extra carried out than ever before.

» Read More...