HTC has officially announced the HTC Hero Google Android device running their new HTC Sense user interface. Looks to be an interesting iPhone competitor.
Read more: HTC Hero Officially Announced
]]>HTC has officially announced the HTC Hero Google Android device running their new HTC Sense user interface. Looks to be an interesting iPhone competitor.
Read more: HTC Hero Officially Announced
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According to a story from the Korean Yohap News Agency, it’s plenty clear that the LG the handset manufacturer is not resting on its behind. LG’s head of Mobile Ahn Seung-kwon reportedly gave a VERY revealing interview to Yohap.
The rest is here:
LG guns for Samsung; iPhone competitor, Prada III, Android Phones
Warning – This app is not available to the general public but boy is it neat! Speech technology is advancing fast; a new app for iPhone and Blackberryfor Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and other military customers can convert spoken Arabic into spoken English (and vice versa). The app’s speed of processing and accuracy is ultra fast for such a complex and different pair of languages.
[source - fastcompany]
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Cracked screens and cases coming undone – looks like some Palm Pre users are not happy according to abc news.
See the rest here: Some Palm Pre Users Are Unhappy
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Latest update 01 July’09 – Review at @ MobileTechReview
The ‘S’ in iPhone 3GS stands for speed and according to Apple, users will not be disappointed. On the outside the 3G S looks like its predecessor the 3G, but, the real differences are on the inside. Tasks on the 3GS operate faster thanks to a speedier processor, it is also capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps on cell networks. New features include the ability to shoot video, 3 megapixel camera, users can edit photos, “in-frame” touch focusing which allows users to merely touch an area of the photo and the 3GS automatically adjusts focus and exposure.
MobileTechReview
“If you have an iPhone 2G (the first model) run, don’t walk to get the 3GS. This is a darned fast computer for your pocket that’s also the easiest to use and the camera is a big step up. If you like new toys and want to upgrade your 3G there are enough excuses to do so: faster performance (especially in demanding games and big web page download times), VGA video recording with YouTube uploads, faster graphics CPU (some detailed 3D games in the future may only be compatible with the 3GS). Voice dialing is also invaluable for those who make calls on the go (stop looking at your iPhone and drive!). And HSDPA 7.2Mbps doesn’t mean much today but you’ll notice the improvement when it comes to your area.”
Rating: 
Register Hardware (As compared to Palm Pre)
“In the test 18 categories, the iPhone 3GS came out on top in 10, the Pre in five, and three ended in a tie. There are two reason to not give the iPhone the victory in this smackdown strictly based on the number of categories in which it rules.
Reason #1: Not all categories are equal. The Pre’s multitasking capability is obviously more important than the iPhone 3GS’s ability to record voice memos.
Reason #2:: As I said at the beginning, webOS is in version 1.0x. Expect the Pre to gain in capabilities as its operating system matures – and expect updates to be free, as have been the iPhone’s.”
Datamation
“Clearly, the iPhone 3G S is a worthwhile new addition to Apple’s lineup. But if you’re already an iPhone user, it’s hard to say whether the extra speed and new features are worth the extra price, especially if you’re in the middle of your AT&T contract and have to pay a premium over the standard $199 for the 16 GB model or $299 for the 32 GB version.”
GSMArena
“It’s true that the iPhone 3GS brings over only incrementing changes, there’s nothing ground breaking about it. But before everything else, the newly introduced changes on both software AND hardware level will make the new iPhone 3GS a more balanced smartphone most of all. That will give it some more charisma and it will hopefully lure some new users and get most current iPhone 2G users trade in their devices for a piece of Apple’s latest tech.”
CNET
“The iPhone 3GS doesn’t make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.”
Rating: 
Sydney Morning Herald
“Despite conceding its technical advantage and failing to address some avoidable deficiencies, the iPhone 3G looks set to advance Apple’s penetration of the mobile phone market. The support for corporate email systems and the App Store will extend the phone’s appeal to new markets and while it still has many elements of a versatile consumer gadget, it looks to also have a greater practical utility that will make it more of a work horse and less of a show pony.”
Rating:
LapTopMag
“The $199 iPhone 3G S is a superior smart phone because of its improved speed, video recording capability, and vast iTunes App Store. We wish this device were available through more carriers, and that you could do more with its Voice Control feature, but even with its occasional network issues, this smart phone trumps the competition.”
Rating:
T3
“Overall, the iPhone 3G S as a standalone phone is a great piece of kit. The improved processor can definitely be felt on the internet and opening new applications, as well as helping speed things up on photography. The new camera was pleasing, if not a killer feature, and video recording is certainly good enough for the odd candid movie here and there.”
Rating: 
Gizmodo
“The iPhone 3GS is not an insignificant step forward in the iPhone family. The Nike+ support, magnetometer (compass), video recording, voice command, better camera, better battery life and faster data network are all improvements nobody would call a step backwards. But the biggest day-to-day improvement over the 3G is undoubtedly the increased processing speed, which is why Apple called this phone the 3GS (with the S standing for super fast) in order to designate that it’s basically the 3G, but better.”
Engadget
“So while it’s tough to argue with the package Apple has put together (a stellar device with just enough new to make it nearly perfect), we couldn’t help feeling a bit let down by the 3GS. Maybe we’ve been spoiled by devices like the Pre and Ion (and it’s possible we’re a little numb to OS 3.0 since we’ve played with the beta for a while now), but the additions of video recording, a compass, and a speed bump just don’t seem that compelling to us.”
InfoSync
“The iPhone’s 3.5-inch, glass display is still the most responsive in the smartphone field, but we wish Apple had upgraded the screen hardware. We’re seeing phones with bright, low-power OLED displays, reaching resolutions in excess of 640 by 480 pixels (VGA), so we’d like to see Apple catch up, especially considering the phone’s impressive video and gaming prowess.”
Rating: 
ITPro
“The 3GS is still the boss, with its ease of use still unparalleled and its feature set ably boosted by the iPhone 3.0 OS update. The faster speeds and increased memory make it even better to use, while the camera quality and video capability are welcome, if long overdue additions. Whether it will has pulled far enough ahead to remain top dog until next year’s model though remains to be seen.”
Rating:
Guardian
“In short, the 3GS is triumphantly the product of a company at the absolute top of its game, their best device yet. If it were a BMW car it would be badged as the “M” version. Power and performance can be considered a luxury until you try them and realise how much more functionality, ease of use and productivity they can deliver.”
Wired
“WIRED – Faster. More storage. Better camera, with video recording capability. Search encompasses more data, not just one app at a time. Voice navigation. Feature-rich iPhone 3.0 software is free to current iPhone users.
TIRED – Multitasking still limited. No tethering or MMS support yet for AT&T users. Recent iPhone 3G customers must pay a fortune to upgrade.”
Rating: 
Brighthand
“The iPhone 3G S isn’t perfect — and to be honest is far from perfect, but that perfect phone doesn’t exist and probably never will. When I don’t have my iPhone and have to use a different phone temporarily, it really is difficult. I’m so used to having GPS, and easy texting, and all my music if I needed something to listen to. It’s like I’ve grown accustomed to the iPhone.
Just understand though this model still lacks things like MMS (for America), voice navigation, background applications, a front facing camera, e-mail body searching, text message searching, haptic feedback… I could go on.”
Internet News
“At first, I wondered why anyone other than a hiker would care about the iPhone’s new compass — until I tried pressing the compass button within Google Maps and noticed that it orients you based on the direction you’re moving. I’m sure other application developers will also find a way to use this feature.”
PopSci
“In the ongoing quest to turn real-world objects into iPhone applications, HP has released a calculator app that is a near perfect imitation of the original HP15C. Released in 1985, this full-function scientific calculator had a root-solver, could handle matrix operations, and supported numerical integration. It also lasted about six months on one battery-–or about five months and 29 days longer than the iPhone. But save for that sacrifice to modernization, the HP15C on the iPhone is pretty slick.”
Last update 01 July’09 – Review @ PCMag
Palm Pre is a multimedia smartphone with a multi-touch screen and a sliding keyboard. The phone was launched on June 6, 2009, and is the first to use Palm’s new Linux-based operating system, webOS. Functions include a camera phone, a portable media player, a GPS navigator, and an Internet client (with text messaging, email, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity).
PCMag
“It’s far cooler than any other phone on Sprint, or even any phone on Verizon Wireless—although you may still want to stick with a less-exciting but more reliable BlackBerry Curve. Since we’ve already heard about Palm’s second and third webOS devices, we’re optimistic that this platform will grow and fill in the gaps in third-party software and Synergy that we’re seeing at launch.”
Rating:
Digital Trends
“Palm has put together perhaps the best assault on iPhone supremacy we’ve seen yet. A series of unique additions make the phone stand out from and even trump the iPhone in some ways. A hard QWERTY keyboard and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously stand out as the most potent arrows piercing Apple’s armor. But don’t consider the iPhone slayed just yet.”
Rating:
InformationWeek
“The Pre from Palm gets most things right. The hardware itself isn’t great, but it isn’t terrible either. The design is pretty, but could have been executed slightly better. The display is excellent, though the QWERTY keyboard my frustrate some. As for managing user contact data, it gets everything right. Synergy is excellent, a model for the industry. Messaging needs are well in hand. Multimedia capabilities are taken care of in good order, with only the lack of video capture standing out.”
Boy Genius Report
“Once all the hype, smoke and mirrors are clear though, we can see Palm being pretty successful moving forward. Palm has converted tons of people into raging Pre fanboys before they could even see the phone in person! Very Apple-esque. More carriers will get the Pre, more handsets will be released and WebOS could very well keep things interesting even if the hardware is lacking.”
Walt Mossberg
“All in all, I believe the Pre is a smart, sophisticated product that will have particular appeal for those who want a physical keyboard. It is thoughtfully designed, works well and could give the iPhone and BlackBerry strong competition — but only if it fixes its app store and can attract third-party developers.”
InfoSync
“If you thought the Palm Pre had some cool tricks up its sleeve before, in terms of music, it performs something short of a miracle. The Palm Pre convinces iTunes that it’s an iPod. You don’t just get second-stage media sync, like RIM offers with their Media Sync app that also draws from your iTunes library. You get full fledged, potentially automatic sync with iTunes, including music, videos and photos.”
Rating:
Gizmodo
“Think of it like this. The software is agile, smart and capable. The hardware, on the other hand, is a liability. If Palm can get someone else to design and build their hardware—someone who has hands and can feel what a phone is like when physically used, that phone might just be one of the best phones on the market.”
ArsTechnical (Part 1)
ArsTechnical (Part 2)
“But this isn’t to say that Palm’s new handheld and platform are without their flaws. The webOS in particular is unfinished, in that Palm hasn’t given nearly enough thought to necessary refinements like email search, and some amount of user control over alerts. So right now, it’s obvious that Pre is a 1.0 product, but it’s also clear that it’s a fantastic start. If Palm can continue to refine webOS and to offer new models in different form factors, then the sky’s the limit for where this platform can go.”
PalmCentral
“Palm got this whole smartphone game going in earnest with the Treo. They essentially won the world series of phones back with the Treo 650. Since then, well, Palm hasn’t exactly been in the playoffs lately. Now they’re back in it and swinging for the fences. I’m not going to attach a star rating here, but I will say this: Palm has hit a home run with the Pre. Probably not a grand slam, but a definite home run.”
Engadget
“Ultimately — carriers and developers notwithstanding — what Palm has done is a major feat for a company of its size (and its dire position), and we think it’s an important step in the evolution of mobile computing. Just like the iPhone’s notches up the ladder, and the G1’s contributions, the Pre moves the game forward in a very real way. We know this won’t be the last of the webOS devices, and we know that as Palm improves its products, so will Apple, RIM, Microsoft, Google, and the rest of the smartphone gang. Unfortunately for them, their work just got a little bit tougher.”
Some owners of Apple’s latest iPhone 3GS have been surprised just days after launch as models with white backs have been changing colors after frequent use and excessive heat. It appears the issue is focused on the battery: Rapid Repair’s Aaron Vronko, as well as those affected by the issue directly, claim the color shifts occur around the outline of the battery pack and that it’s likely due to goofy battery cells that react badly to the added stress.
[source - Appleinsider]
]]>Cracked screens, problems with hinge mechanism and more draw complaints online.
See the original post: Palm Pre Owners Grumble About Defects
]]>Analyst Edward Snyder from Research firm Charter Equity Research said in a report Monday that he believes Palm has sold 300,000 Palm Pre smartphones, based on conversations with sources in the handset manufacturing industry.
Here is the original post:
Palm has sold 300,000 Pre smartphones
Network equipment maker Ericsson is following Qualcomm’s lead by announcing a new, hosted applications store that wireless network operators can use to offer content to their customers. Earlier this year, Qualcomm introduced Plaza Retail, a way to distribute content.
Read the original: Ericsson Launches Its Own Mobile Apps Store
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