Don't forget, Apple event tomorrow
Just in case you forgot, here's a little reminder. Apple's holding it's now-annual music event tomorrow, and the fun starts at 1PM Eastern. We'll probably see new iPods, maybe a new Apple TV, and who knows what else. Maybe unicorns!
New Playstation Move demos look impressive
Xbox 360 getting d-pad update
More bad news though, the new controller will only be available as a separate Play & Charge kit, so it won't be bundled with new Xbox. Plus, it retails for $64.99.
So what do you think? Is $65 worth it for a usable d-pad?
[Major Nelson] [Flickr]
Blackberry Curve 3G coming to T-Mobile Sept. 8
[T-Mobile]
Samsung announces it has shipped one million Galaxy S phones
Samsung also threw out a bone to those waiting for an upgrade to Android 2.2, the press release stated that all Galaxy S phones "will be upgradeable to Android 2.2 in the future." So there you go, you'll either get it tomorrow or at the same time you purchase your flying car.
[Boy Genius Report]
The App Store reaches 250,00 apps
[Electronista]
A new, unnamed HTC phone headed to Verizon
Rumor: T-Mobile G2 launching September 29
[TmoNews]
Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy next month?
According to the LA Times, Blockbuster is planning to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the middle of next month. It would be a pre-planned bankruptcy, so it's likely most of it's debtors would be aware of and on board the bankruptcy before it happens. Blockbuster dominated the home-movie rental market the last decade, but competitors like Netflix and Redbox caught Blockbuster off guard and stole the market. Do brick and mortar video stores have a chance at all, or is it too late?
[LA Times]
[LA Times]
Droid Incredible getting Android 2.2 update tomorrow
If you're an Incredible owner, you'll be getting a notification about the update tomorrow.
Netflix brings streaming video app to iPhone and iPod touch
Just as promised, Netflix just upgraded their streaming video app to add iPhone and iPod touch support. Users will be able to see recommended movies, browse by genre and search, plus (most importantly) watch movies directly on the device. You can also view your instant queue, but at the moment you can't edit it, only add a movie to it, but you can move new movies to the top of the queue.
In testing the app, it works seamlessly on 3G, and even better when you're on Wi-Fi, movies loaded fast, in our testing they started playing even faster than videos in the YouTube app. The app works like the iPad version too, after exiting the app, you can start your movie right where you left off, and other movies that you've started to watch but haven't finished will show how much is left and you can pick up from where you left off as well. All in all, we personally love it.
Netflix iPhone App Video from Netflix on Vimeo.
In testing the app, it works seamlessly on 3G, and even better when you're on Wi-Fi, movies loaded fast, in our testing they started playing even faster than videos in the YouTube app. The app works like the iPad version too, after exiting the app, you can start your movie right where you left off, and other movies that you've started to watch but haven't finished will show how much is left and you can pick up from where you left off as well. All in all, we personally love it.
Netflix iPhone App Video from Netflix on Vimeo.
Apple holding music-related event on September 1
[Engadget]
Google adds voice to Gmail; free calling to any number in the US
Not only will you be able to make calls from Gmail, but Google is making Google Voice, but Google is making Google Voice phone booths at an airport and a couple of universities.
Samsung Galaxy Tab gets official teaser video
Pictures of the tablet have already floated around, but now Samsung has gone and released an official teaser video for it's upcoming Galaxy S Tab. Based on the video, we know it'll have a 7" inch screen, run Android 2.2, have video calling, Google navigation, and HD video playback, among other things.
At the end of the video it says September 2 and Berlin, Germany, We're not sure if this is the release date or just when the official announcement will be, but we're sure it'll be the latter.
Apple patent shows Mac OS X and iOS living in harmony
It would work like this, you'd have an iMac that works like normal. The trick is the iMac has an accelerometer that switches it into iOS mode when you tilt the screen back far enough.
This patent seems to solve the problem of making iOS work on the desktop. For your regular work; word processing, graphic design, etc., you'd us the iMac in OS X mode. Then for games, reading, and widgets, you'd tilt it back to go into iOS mode.
The patent also details how it would work on a Macbook, instead of tilting the screen, it would lie flat with the screen facing up, similar to convertible tablets out there already.
Seems like a pretty good idea to us. Personally I'd love to play some Angry Birds on a giant iMac screen.
Windows Phone 7 browser speedtest
The fine gentlemen over at pocketnow have posted a video of the latest build of Windows Phone 7 pitted against the iPhone and Android browsers. While Windows Phone 7 came in last most of the time, it was still close, and it should be noted that Windows Phone 7 wasn't running on finalized hardware. It does, however, look a lot faster than the last time we saw a comparison like this. Check out the video below.
British woman breaks texting speed world record using Swype
It still has to be approved by Guinness, but 27-year-old Melissa Thompson out of the UK looks to have beaten the previous record for the fastest texting ever. The record was previously held by Franklin Page while filming a commercial for Samsung. His time was 35.54 seconds. Melissa's was 25.94 seconds. The phrase they had to type? Oh nothing much really, just "the razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human." Melissa's tools of the trade were the Swype keyboard on a Samsung Galaxy S phone.
So hey youngsters, if you have big dreams of growing up and becoming the fastest texter in the world, go out and pick up one of those Galaxy S phones and shoot for the stars.
[Yahoo]
So hey youngsters, if you have big dreams of growing up and becoming the fastest texter in the world, go out and pick up one of those Galaxy S phones and shoot for the stars.
[Yahoo]
Multifl0w for iPhone does multitasking prettier than Apple
Usually with jailbreaking, someone will hack a way to do something on an iPhone, then later down the road Apple creates a better and prettier way to do said thing. Well this time, the reverse is actually true. In iOS 4.0, Apple finally added the long-requested multitasking feature, and did so in a unique and good looking way. But this time, instead of Apple's solution being the final word, someone out there has actually improved upon it. Multifl0w handles multitasking on the iPhone similar to Exposé. When you activate it, it will bring up all the open apps with thumbnails that you can move around or close with the familiar red button. In a video demonstrating it, everything looks smooth, with no lag. Another nice thing about Multifl0w is that you can choose how to want to activate it, by pressing and holding on the home button, shaking the phone, you can even activate it through a headset.
As you probably suspected, your iPhone has to be jailbroken to get Multifl0w, which is a $4.99 app in the Cydia store. Check out Multifl0w in action with a techno-plagued video below.
[Multifl0w]
As you probably suspected, your iPhone has to be jailbroken to get Multifl0w, which is a $4.99 app in the Cydia store. Check out Multifl0w in action with a techno-plagued video below.
[Multifl0w]
5 reasons why iOS is better than Android
Here in the tech community, we love a good rivalry. From Facebook vs. Myspace to Mac vs. PC, there's nothing that divides and unites like a good rivalry. A new one has emerged in recent years that has stirred the passions of geeks most everywhere, and that is iOS vs. Android. Hearing debates on this topic bring to mind the heated debates of Mac vs. PC, and people on both sides are just as passionate. This is the first of a two-part series on why one is better than the other, with iOS going first.
5 reasons why Android is better than iOS
Be sure to check out the first post in the series: 5 reasons why iOS is better than Android
The great debate rages on. The iPhone and it's iOS have become the grizzled veterans of the touchscreen smartphone market, but Android is an up-and-coming youngblood with a lot of tricks up it's sleeve. Android's fans have become just as passionate about their OS as iOS fans, and their numbers are quickly growing. Here are five reasons why the Android fanboys are right, and iOS is for losers.
The great debate rages on. The iPhone and it's iOS have become the grizzled veterans of the touchscreen smartphone market, but Android is an up-and-coming youngblood with a lot of tricks up it's sleeve. Android's fans have become just as passionate about their OS as iOS fans, and their numbers are quickly growing. Here are five reasons why the Android fanboys are right, and iOS is for losers.
HP confirms weOS tablet in the works
HP's Todd Brantley just confirmed while talking to investors and analysts that HP is working on a webOS tablet that will be ready Q1 2011. He went on to say that tablets were part of the reason that they bought Palm. He also said that they'll have a Microsoft tablet (most likely the same one that we've seen before) out in the near future. WebOS 2.0 on a tablet sounds pretty good to us.
[Engadget]
[Engadget]
Pics of the upcoming T-Mobile G2
Broadcasters, music labels pushing to force FM receivers in mobile phones
Broadcasters are pushing legislation that would require all mobile phones to have an FM receiver so it could receive radio signals. This move is designed to end a dispute with music labels over music royalties.
Obviously, electronics makers don't seem to be too happy about this. Gary Shapiro, the CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, said it's a "back room scheme" and "the height of absurdity." He goes on to say that requiring the FM antenna would add unwanted bulk to phones and could reduce battery life.
Personally, we prefer something like Pandora to an FM station, and would prefer that it not be required on our phones, but that's just us. What do you think? Sound off in the comments.
[Bloomberg]
Obviously, electronics makers don't seem to be too happy about this. Gary Shapiro, the CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, said it's a "back room scheme" and "the height of absurdity." He goes on to say that requiring the FM antenna would add unwanted bulk to phones and could reduce battery life.
Personally, we prefer something like Pandora to an FM station, and would prefer that it not be required on our phones, but that's just us. What do you think? Sound off in the comments.
[Bloomberg]
Facebook launches new "Places" check-in service
Fujifilm intros 3D camera that records High-Def 3D video
Fujifilm says the camera will be available in early September for $499.95.
[Businesswire]
T-Mobile Teases G2
The site doesn't list too much about the G2, but we can make some assumptions about it. First off, it's probably made by HTC, the company that made the G1. Secondly, it's sure to have at least a 1GHz processor (if not faster). Other details are up in the air right now, but T-Mobile says they'll share more details "in the coming weeks."
[T-Mobile]
Grooveshark app pulled from App Store
After receiving a complaint from Universal Music Group, Apple has pulled the streaming music app Grooveshark from the App Store. Grooveshark, a popular streaming music site, has been involved in a lawsuit with UMG since January, and as long as the lawsuit is going on, Apple is unlikely to let the app back in the store. The app is still available for Android, Blackberry, webOS, and Nokia devices, so don't worry if you use the app on one of those platforms, but if you have an iPhone, you might have to resort to jailbreaking to get your Grooveshark back on.
[TUAW]
[TUAW]
Apple gets patents for slide to unlock; keyboard letter pop up
It was three years ago that Apple applied for patents on some standard features introduced in the iPhone, namely slide to unlock the screen, and the letters popping up on the keyboard when you type, two iPhone staples. Well today, they were awarded the patents for those ideas. That means that Apple can charge licensing fees for companies that want to use the features in their products, which they're sure to collect from some Android phones. You can check out the patents here and here.
[TUAW]
[TUAW]
Toshiba's dual-touchscreen Libretto available now
Toshiba put their Libretto up for sale in the US today. Libretto is unique because of it's dual 7" touchscreens. You can use one screen for viewing and one as a keyboard, or you can flip it vertically and use it as a two-pane reader, useful for reading newspaper-type content.
There's currently only one configuration available, so for $1099.99 you'll get a 1.2GHz Pentium U5400 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, a 62GB SSD hard drive, and a webcam. We're not sure how usable it'll be, but it sure is pretty.
There's currently only one configuration available, so for $1099.99 you'll get a 1.2GHz Pentium U5400 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, a 62GB SSD hard drive, and a webcam. We're not sure how usable it'll be, but it sure is pretty.
Pre-ordering now available for Nokia N8
Sony takes shot at iPhone gaming; says PSP built for "big boy games"
Taking a shot at iPhone gaming, Sony showed a phone very similar looking to the iPhone and said that it's not built for "big boy games" like the PSP is. The spot is an attempt to push the PSP's new Favorites, which are basically best-sellers that are discounted to $9.99.
The problem with Sony's logic is that iPhone games, especially some headed for the iPhone 4, look as good, if not better, than some PSP games. Plus, the cheapest ones are $10 a pop. The biggest reason that gaming on the iPhone has exploded has been a combination of making games very convenient to purchase and making them cheap as well, which is a formula Sony hasn't yet been able to figure out. Maybe they should go ahead and make a PSP phone.
The problem with Sony's logic is that iPhone games, especially some headed for the iPhone 4, look as good, if not better, than some PSP games. Plus, the cheapest ones are $10 a pop. The biggest reason that gaming on the iPhone has exploded has been a combination of making games very convenient to purchase and making them cheap as well, which is a formula Sony hasn't yet been able to figure out. Maybe they should go ahead and make a PSP phone.
Apple manager charged with leaking Apple secrets and accepting bribes
The now former Apple supply manager Paul Shin Devine, has been charged with money laundering, wire fraud, accepting kickbacks, and also faces a civil suit from Apple.
Devine, who was based in Sunnydale, California, is alleged to have used his position to gain inside information about upcoming Apple products, then would leak that info to suppliers, who would then use that it to get favorable deals with Apple. The companies would then give Devine a kickback, and Apple's suit claims he has accepted over $1M in kickbacks and bribes over the years.
Looks like Apple is serious about plugging all the leaks that have been happenig recently. Now they've just got to get their engineers to stop drinking too much at bars.
[TUAW]
Devine, who was based in Sunnydale, California, is alleged to have used his position to gain inside information about upcoming Apple products, then would leak that info to suppliers, who would then use that it to get favorable deals with Apple. The companies would then give Devine a kickback, and Apple's suit claims he has accepted over $1M in kickbacks and bribes over the years.
Looks like Apple is serious about plugging all the leaks that have been happenig recently. Now they've just got to get their engineers to stop drinking too much at bars.
[TUAW]
An iPhone game that looks as good as (or better) than Playstation 2, Xbox game
Well, the day has finally arrived, the day when an iPhone game comes out that looks like a console game. The game is called Rage, and will be available this year. John Carmack, of id fame, showed off a quick demo of the game, and what was shown looks very impressive.
The demo was shown on an iPhone 4, but but Carmack said it'll run on a 3GS, and looked best on an iPad. There's no arguing from this write that the game looks great, maybe even a little better than a Playstation 2 or original Xbox game. Check out video after the break.
The demo was shown on an iPhone 4, but but Carmack said it'll run on a 3GS, and looked best on an iPad. There's no arguing from this write that the game looks great, maybe even a little better than a Playstation 2 or original Xbox game. Check out video after the break.
Google introduces Voice Actions for Android
Today Google introduced Voice Actions for the Android Voice Search app, which brings naturally-spoken voice commands to the Android OS. This is a feature that iPhone owners have been using for a while, but Google has taken things a few steps farther with their app. With Voice Actions on Android, you can send text messages, listen to music, get directions, make calls, send e-mail, go to websites, and of course make a voice memo. The thing that really sets Google's app apart is that you can search by voice not only on your phone, but it searches the web as well. So if you're searching for music, it not only searches your local library, but will also search and open music in apps like Pandora and Last.fm.
The only downer is that it's only available for Android 2.2 and higher, so it doesn't look like older versions of Android will be getting the awesomeness.
[Google Mobile Blog]
The only downer is that it's only available for Android 2.2 and higher, so it doesn't look like older versions of Android will be getting the awesomeness.
[Google Mobile Blog]
Sprint announces pricing and availability of Epic 4G
Sprint let the cat out of the bag by announcing that the Epic 4G would be available starting August 31 with reservations beginning August 13. If you haven't heard about the Epic 4G, it's a Samsung Galaxy S phone, just like the Vibrant and the Captivate, with a few added features. The Epic of course adds 4G capability on Sprint's 4G network, it also adds a front-facing camera, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and will be Mobile Hotspot capable. It'll ship with Android 2.1, but Sprint plans to upgrade to 2.2 "in the coming months." As for pricing, it'll be $249.99 with a two-year contract and $100 mail-in rebate.
[Businesswire]
[Businesswire]
Samsung introduces first portable 3D Blu-Ray player
Samsung wanted to make sure you get use out of those 3D glasses you've bought, so today they introduced a portable 3D Blu-Ray player. Now don't get too hot an bothered, the 3D will only work when it's connected to a television via HDMI, but it does have a 10.1" screen so you can enjoy your Blu-Ray discs on the go in glorious 2D. It's also got integrated Wi-Fi, so you'll have access to all of Samsung's current apps.
The BD-C8000 will be available this month for $499.99.
[Businesswire]
[Businesswire]
Rumor: Apple TV getting major makeover; will get apps
Ever since being introduced way back in 2007, the Apple TV hasn't changed a whole lot. There have been a few relatively minor feature changes, but for the most part the device Apple is shipping today is the same one from three years ago. According to Engadget's source though, that's about to change.
It was rumored previously that the new Apple TV would be about the same size as an iPhone 4, run a version of iOS, and cost $99. The new rumors are that it will have the same internals as the iPhone 4, but that it will lose the ability to play back 1080i or 1080p video, and will be limited to 720p playback. In exchange for the dip in video quality, it is expected that the device will get access to iOS apps. Whether they will share the same apps as the iPhone an iPad or whether there will be special versions of the apps for Apple TV remains to be seen. It's also said that instead of storing video on a hard drive, the updated Apple TV will rely on streaming.
[Engadget]
One last thing Engadget claims is that the name will be changed from the Apple TV to iTV, which is the name Apple originally announced it as. No word on when Apple will announce it, but if it is true our money's on sometime in September or October.
It was rumored previously that the new Apple TV would be about the same size as an iPhone 4, run a version of iOS, and cost $99. The new rumors are that it will have the same internals as the iPhone 4, but that it will lose the ability to play back 1080i or 1080p video, and will be limited to 720p playback. In exchange for the dip in video quality, it is expected that the device will get access to iOS apps. Whether they will share the same apps as the iPhone an iPad or whether there will be special versions of the apps for Apple TV remains to be seen. It's also said that instead of storing video on a hard drive, the updated Apple TV will rely on streaming.
[Engadget]
One last thing Engadget claims is that the name will be changed from the Apple TV to iTV, which is the name Apple originally announced it as. No word on when Apple will announce it, but if it is true our money's on sometime in September or October.
Dell Streak pricing and availability announced
[Dell]
Verizon confirms existence and price of Droid 2
[Verizon]
Netflix coming to Android?
Geeksugar has reported that Netflix is looking to hire an Android video playback expert. Do we need to say more? We do? Okay. With Netflix already on the iPad and coming soon to the iPhone, it makes sense Netflix would want to get their video in the hands of users of that other mobile OS. No more details at the moment, but it looks like Netflix is wanting to is really wanting you to be able to watch "Dude, where's my car?" anywhere they go.
[Geeksugar]
[Geeksugar]
Skype announces IPO
yet. If you listen closely, you can hear eBay crying.
[Skype]
T-Mobile announces Blackberry Curve 3G
[Crackberry]
Walgreens introduces live pharmacy chat
Today Walgreens announced they are launching 24 hours a day pharmacist chatting. It's not the pharmacist dating service that it sounds like (even though that's a great idea); but you'll be able to chat with a pharmacist about your prescription anytime day or night for free. It's for registered users only, but registration is free, so head there now and start chatting your pharmacist up.
Game Center won't be available for older iPhones
Were you looking for another reason to upgrade from your older iPhone or iPod touch to the iPhone 4? Well Apple is happy to oblige you. In the latest beta of Game Center, Apple confirms that Game Center is no longer supported on the 3G and 2nd generation iPod touch. Guess that'll at least keep the other gaming networks, such as OpenFeint and Plus+ around for a while.
Google Wave gets canned
Android tops RIM and iOS in sales
[Engadget]
Clear's iSpot brings 4G to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
The iSpot is available right away, and normally retails for $99.99, but is on sale for $29, with unlimited data plans set at $25 a month.
[Clear]
Google adding multiple account sign-in
If you have more than one Google account, it's time to rejoice! Google Operating System has reported that Google is rolling out the ability to sign into multiple accounts at once. This will be a welcome feature for Google power users, as they won't have to constantly log in and out to check on their multiple accounts anymore. The ability is currently only works in Gmail, Calendar, Sites, Reader, Voice, App Engine, and Code.
To enable the feature, go to your Google accounts page, and there you'll see the option for multiple sign-in. Once enabled, when you're in your account you will have a drop-down menu to access your other accounts.
There are a few drawbacks at the moment; multiple sign-in isn't available for mobile, the Calendar widget won't work right in Gmail, and you can't use offline mode in Gmail and Calender.
It's not available for everyone yet. As of right now it's still not enabled for our accounts yet, but word is that it's coming soon.
[Google Operating System]
To enable the feature, go to your Google accounts page, and there you'll see the option for multiple sign-in. Once enabled, when you're in your account you will have a drop-down menu to access your other accounts.
It's not available for everyone yet. As of right now it's still not enabled for our accounts yet, but word is that it's coming soon.
[Google Operating System]
Blackberry introduces the Torch
The design of the phone is typical Blackberry. The Torch is basically the keyboard of the Bold strapped onto the Storm. It's got a 480x360 touchscreen, 5MP camera, 801.11n Wi-Fi, and a new Web-Kit browser. The processor is a little disappointing, it's only 624MHz, which isn't horrible, but looks a little outdated compared to the competition.
One of the biggest selling points of the new Torch is the new Blackberry OS. The new OS includes the usual suspects, such as universal search, built-in social networking, an updated media experience, and a new notification system. One new thing is wireless music syncing, which is a nice touch. For the most part, the features in the OS are nothing you haven't seen before.
The Torch will launch August 12 on AT&T for $199 with a two-year contract.
[Blackberry]
HTC EVO getting Android 2.2 update now
It's here! Word is that the HTC EVO is getting the highly anticipated Android 2.2 update OTA today. The new update, codenamed Froyo, allows for USB tethering, supports Flash 10.1, and will increase the phone's performance. Let us know when you get the update and how it went.
Jailbreaking a go for iPhone 4; Make FaceTime calls over 3G
Jailbreaking your iPhone has never been easier thanks to developer comex. If you've ever jailbreak your iDevice, you know that it's a process that requires you to get your phone hooked up to the old computer, but not so anymore. Now all you have to do is point Safari on the device to www.jailbreakme.com, and you're set to go, no cords required.
One big reason to jailbreak right now is to free FaceTime calls from the current Wi-Fi only restriction, so that you can make calls anywhere you have at least 3G coverage. After jailbreaking, you can download an app that removes the Wi-Fi restriction, one you can use that's free to try is called My3G. After installing the app and setting it up, you're all set to do some awkward video calling out in public.
Jailbreakme.com will work with iDevices all the way back to the iPhone 3G, but it should be noted that while jailbreaking is legal, it may still void your warranty.
One big reason to jailbreak right now is to free FaceTime calls from the current Wi-Fi only restriction, so that you can make calls anywhere you have at least 3G coverage. After jailbreaking, you can download an app that removes the Wi-Fi restriction, one you can use that's free to try is called My3G. After installing the app and setting it up, you're all set to do some awkward video calling out in public.
Jailbreakme.com will work with iDevices all the way back to the iPhone 3G, but it should be noted that while jailbreaking is legal, it may still void your warranty.
Sprint expands 4G coverage
Sprint announced today that they have expanded their 4G coverage to new markets. The new cities are Modesto, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Wilmington, Del., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Sprint's 4G coverage is now available in 48 cities across the US. Now all you EVO owners can take the little guy on a road trip.
[Businesswire]
[Businesswire]
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