My Phone Unlocked

iPhone 4S vs Nokia Lumia 800 vs Samsung Galaxy Nexus

2011-11-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ease of Use: Nokia Lumia 800

Apps: iPhone 4S

Freedom to Customise: Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hardware: Draw

Overall: Draw between iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Find out why:

Get the full article here from CNET UK.

iPhone 5 Event: Tomorrow

2011-10-03T03:44:00.000-07:00

Apple has confirmed today, September 27th, 2011, that the long awaited iPhone 5 will be announced on October 4th. The event may be available to view live or the keynote will surely be released shortly after the announcement. The event is said to start at 10:00am Pacific Time, so fans in the UK, that's a 6pm start.
The event will be held in Cupertino, California at their headquarters. An email from Apple was sent out earlier today to specific reporters on this major event. The email did not include, however, the details of what exactly will be released although most reports are guaranteeing that it will be the release of the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S for that matter. There is still a possibility that two iPhone's will be released as has been rumored by various Technology blogs and also a possibility that the new iPod range could be announced although this is less likely as speculation has not been focused on the iPod range or any updates on the new iPod range have not come through as of yet.
A few days ago, AllThingsD reported, considering sufficient evidence, that Apple would be holding a special event on October 4 announcing the iPhone 5. He also stated that it would be led by its new CEO Tim Cook. They also reported that the iPhone 5 will go on sale a few weeks after the event with the official release in late October.
The image above provided by Apple, has a caption: 'Let's Talk iPhone.' This could possibly be linked to the rumored feature called Assistant which is basically voice control for the iPhone. This feature is one that can change the iPhone completely and will play a key part to the iPhone 5 success.
With the Assistant feature looking likely, we are sure that we can expect a faster processor, maybe an A5 processor?

Read more: Technorati

Samsung Galaxy Note: Phone-Tablet Unveiled

2011-09-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Samsung has just officially announced the Samsung Galaxy Note at IFA 2011. It is the major 'tabphone' that we have all been waiting for and there is no doubt that it is top of the range.

It comes with a massive 5.3" Super AMOLED screen, 1080p HD capable screen and also includes a stylus, which also has a name: S Pen. The screen is WXGA resolution (1280x800).

It will have a 1.4GHz processor raising the standard for all other technology companies. Samsung had already set the bar high releasing the Samsung Galaxy SII with a 1.5GHz processor at a competitive price. It can be made official: the 1.4GHz processor plus the super sized screen make it the most powerful smartphone in the world with a display that's way better than the iPhone 4.

It will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread rather than 3.0 Honeycomb and comes equipped with a brilliant 8MP camera on the back with LED flash and a 2MP camera for video calls and other photos. The 8MP camera is capable of recording full 1080p HD as well as the phone being able to play it back at that same resolution. Note: You will NOT find a phone of this calibre anywhere in the world.

Coming in at 9.65mm thin, slightly thicker than the successful Samsung Galaxy SII, it definitely can compete when it comes to lightweight and thinness.

Being called the 'Note', it makes sense to include a stylus, but what will it be for?

The 'S Pen' will be used to create accurate, pressure-sensitive sketches and handwritten notes; plus users can draw and send handwritten images and notes through text message, email and Samsung's ChatOn instant messaging service. Cool, eh?

'What about the battery life?' may be the ultimate question that is coming to your mind right now...The Samsung Galaxy Note comes with an amazing 2,500mAh Li-on battery pack!

No confirmation yet on the UK pricing or release date but keep an eye on this one...this device is a must-buy.

What do you think? Is Samsung catching up to Apple? Have they passed them in popularity?

Read more: Technorati

Breaking News: Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple

2011-08-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, has stepped down from his position as CEO of Apple. Tim Cook will be the new CEO of Apple with immediate effect.

Jobs suffered from various illnesses which included getting a liver transplant and surgery to treat a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

The official press release praises the work of Steve Jobs and describes his future with Apple: "Steve has made countless contributions to Apple's success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple's immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration."

The press release also included a significant amount of recognition for Tim Cook, the new CEO of Apple, and ensured that he was the right man for the job: "The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO, Tim's 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does."

In Jobs' resignation letter, he personally recommended and insisted that Tom Cook is the person who should replace him. In January, when Steve Jobs announced that he was taking an indefinite medical leave from Apple (his third in recent years), Tim Cook was handed over day-to-day responsibilities and acted as CEO.

In a separate message to Apple's board members and the Apple community, Jobs said that "Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it," and that he looks forward to contributing as Apple's chairman of the board, director, and Apple employee providing the board allow it.

Apple has already confirmed that Steve Jobs will stay on as chairman.

A final message from Jobs on his time at Apple: "I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you."

What are your thoughts on the future of Apple?

Sahil8 on Technorati

Two New iPhones?

2011-08-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

Reports (most likely rumors) coming in from AppleNApps suggest that whenever the iPhone 5 event takes place, there will be another phone released along side it, the 'iCloud Phone.' It will run iOS 5 and work hand in hand with iCloud. AppleNApps suggests that the iCloud Phone is the main reason that the iPhone 5 release has been delayed.

The phone will be much cheaper and have typically less flash storage and lower spec. It will rely heavily on iCloud storage creating a whole new aspect to smartphones. The 'iCloud Phone' will be available, according to rumours, for free on a two-year contract.

Apple is reportedly reducing the cost of making the phone down to $400 to allow consumers a cheaper alternative to the iPhone 5. They will also reduce costs by introducing a cheaper aluminum case which still provides the same durability.

It will really be a cheaper iPhone 4 rather than a whole new phone.

The highly anticipated iPhone 5 will release with it and is expected to run the newly announced iOS 5, which brings with it notifications and voice control. It will also feature a possible curved back going back to the iPhone 3G that we saw a couple years ago. It may well support 1080p HD display as well as video capture seeing as the Samsung Galaxy SII has been a great success with its great display.

The A5 dual-core ARM processor from the iPad 2 is extremely likely to be included as well. A new antenna, 1.2GHz processor (possibly dual-core) and a larger screen: 3.7" instead of 3.5" are all the spec upgrades we might expect. We can ask for 4.0" screen and most likely we will get it. Seeing other rivals going over 4.0", Apple will not want to be left behind.

Would you buy a cloud-based iPhone or prefer the iPhone 5?

Read more: Technorati

iPhone 5 Mockup Images

2011-08-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Credit: MacRumours

Google have bought Motorola for $12.5 billion (£7.5 billion)

2011-08-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Google have confirmed today that they have purchased Motorola Mobility for a staggering $12.5 billion. This is considered a big step for Google and the likes of Samsung and HTC seem to agree. Here's what they had to say:

"We welcome the news of today's acquisition, which demonstrates that Google is deeply committed to defending Android, its partners, and the entire ecosystem," said Peter Chou (CEO of HTC).

"We welcome today's news, which demonstrates Google's deep commitment to defending Android, its partners, and the ecosystem." JK Shin (CEO of Samsung).

"I welcome Google's commitment to defending Android and its partners," Bert Nordberg (President & CEO of Sony Ericsson).

"We welcome Google's commitment to defending Android and its partners." Jong-Seok Park (President & CEO of LG Electronics).

All companies feel that Google have done well in this acquisition and at the same time keeped up their commitment to Android. We will now have to see who will actually get the chance to release Ice Cream Sandwich.

Samsung Galaxy Q: Tabphone?

2011-07-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Samsung are back again with something even better than the Galaxy S2...

This time they plan to bring the two most popular gadgets in the world together into one device, the Samsung Galaxy Q. It will be half phone, half tablet; likely to release at this year's IFA 2011 in September (that is if all rumours are correct).

The 'tabphone' will come equipped with 5.3" Super AMOLED screen which we all know will be massively impressive after the great success of the Samsung Galaxy S. No reports yet whether it will be Super AMOLED Plus but if Samsung plan to keep standards high, we may just see that stunning screen which we saw on the Galaxy S2.

T3 suggests that it will have a dual-core processor, most likely over 1.2GHz and have a very slim build. It is reported that the Galaxy Q will have 3G radio and US customers will get 4G, but we don't know yet whether the 3G will be data only or also allow calls.

Since it is a mobile phone, tablet merge, we won't know if it will run Gingerbread or Honeycomb. Earlier this year Google announced the highly anticipated Android OS; Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. We may even see this version running on this 'tabphone' as Google said Ice Cream Sandwich will be a standard platform for all devices...

The official release date is yet to be announced but if it isn't released at IFA 2011 in September than we could expect it before or around Christmas time. 2011 has proved to be very popular in the rise of Tablets and Smartphones and Samsung will definitely take advantage of the Christmas spending. The price has also not been announced but should be around the same price as the Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S2.

What are your thoughts? Is a 'tabphone' the right gadget for you?

Technorati

First Nokia Windows Phone Announced

2011-06-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Nokia CEO, Stephen Elop, has announced the first ever Nokia Windows Phone codenamed: 'Sea Ray.' The phone was announced at an event where Elop asked for all recording equipment and cameras be switched off as he didn't want the video to 'hit the blogosphere.' None-the-less, a few people kept their cameras on and the phone was unveiled. To take a look at the full 20 minute video of the announcement, just go to Technet.hu who decided to continue to film the event and announcement (it will most likely be removed).

Features
Mango has 500 new features that will work hand in hand with the new Nokia Windows Phone. The phone has many exciting features. One very interesting feature is the ability to book your ticket with British Airways. You will see a virtual plane to allow you to choose your seat and you will have the ability to upgrade your seat if you want. You will then be able to confirm your booking and save the e-ticket on your phone for online or offline viewing so you can walk to the airport and basically 'check in with your phone.'

The phone will run Internet Explorer 9 with full capability as a PC. It will allow HTML5 content and HTML5 videos, slowly reducing the use of flash. There is clean, seamless, multi-tasking allowing you to switch between apps at any point.

Nokia did mention that Nokia Apps would also be integrated in to the phone, so you will see Nokia Maps. Also, it was mentioned that 'Sea Ray' was one of the many Nokia Windows Phones being made and that consumers will have a range of phones to choose from.

Take a look at this clip from Technet.hu, of the appearance of the phone:

Go to Technet.hu to see the full video.

Sounds Exciting, doesn't it? Or will Android and Apple continue to dominate the market?

Read more: Technorati

'Reliable' Rumor: iPhone 5 Set To Release in August 2011?

2011-06-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. The highly anticipated iPhone 5 has been rumored for an August 2011 release late in the month. BGR insists the phone will be announced in an unusual Apple event in the beginning or middle of August with the phone hitting the shops in late August.

So far, BGR suggests and confidently says that the phone will have a 'radical new case design.' It will look nothing like the previous iPhone's and is set to stun Apple fans, according to reports.

Most Apple pundits so far believe that the iPhone 5 or maybe an iPhone 4S will release around the same time as new iPods (September). However, today, new reports are very confident of almost a surprise Apple event where the iPhone 5 will be announced. Not just a few tweaks, but a huge difference between it and the previous versions.

Joshua Topolsky on the other hand insists the iPhone 5 will get a whole new design. He has created a mock up image of the phone with the screen going from edge to edge. It also suggests there will be a bigger home screen button and that the back of the phone will be very similar to the iPod Touch with a curved back.

Other reports suggest that the iPhone 5 will run the same ARM A5 1GHz dual-core processor as the famous & popular iPad 2. It will sport an 8-megapixel camera with the ability to shoot 1080p HD video and will have a 720p HD screen.

It is almost guaranteed though that the next generation iPhone, whether it be the iPhone 4S or the iPhone 5, will definitely run iOS 5. There is no doubt about it as Apple already announced it at this year's WWDC event and what better way to release it then with the iPhone 5?

Take a look at Joshua Topolsky's mock-up of the iPhone 5 below:

What are your predictions? How long will you wait?

Read more: Technorati

LG Optimus 3D: UK Release Date & Pricing Released

2011-06-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Carphone Warehouse has confirmed that the LG Optimus 3D will release on July 7th this year. The phone will be exclusive to Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy for the time being. Carphone Warehouse will make the UK's first 3D phone available for free on a £35 a month contract or £499.95 for SIM-free. Pre-orders are now being taken for anyone who is definitely going for the phone.

A few features to note:

- It will be capable to record and play 3D content (as well as shoot 1080p video)

- Dual-core 1GHz processor & 4.3-inch screen

- Android 2.2 (Bit of a let down but will be able to update soon after)

- 3D hot key to change your entire experience

Take a look at the hands-on video review from Dialaphone:

What do you think? Will you buy it?

Read more: Techorati

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: The Details

2011-06-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Android 4.0 (or maybe 2.4 or 3.4, who knows) Ice Cream Sandwich was announced at Google's I/O event earlier this year.

Google suggested it would become the standard platform across all android devices regardless of whether it's a tablet or phone. Most devices will get the update eventually to create a sense of high standard.

Release Details

Google has said that Android '4.0' will release around Thanksgiving time in the US. This means all tablets and phones trying to hit the market in time for Christmas will most likely have the new version already running on it. It is not known as of yet when the update will be available for the UK and which devices will get it.

Which Phone is most likely to get it?

Lots of details about the supposedly 'Nexus 3' have released in the last couple weeks. Many people have rumored that the Nexus 3 will ship with the latest version of Android which is Ice Cream Sandwich. Reports also suggest that HTC will be the manufacturer of the phone although this has not been confirmed yet.

USB Hosting

It is understood that Android 4.0 will bring about USB Hosting which will allow you to use practically any device with the tablet ranging from an x-box controller for games to a keyboard/mouse for surfing and other things. You will also have the ability to integrate a USB device to work specifically with an app. So a heart monitor used with a fitness app, for example.

Tracks Your Face

Android 4.0 wil have the ability to track your face so instead of you trying to move around to get into the camera, the camera will auto-focus on to you instead. It will also be handy in video conferencing because the camera will move to you when you begin speaking and then move to whoever speaks so you don't waste time trying to move your phone or tablet every time the you want to focus it on someone in particular.

Tell us what you think? Are you looking forward to Android Ice Cream Sandwich?

Read more: Technorati

Sony Tablets: Release Date Leaked

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Reports from Technology Site Engadget, suggest the Sony's highly anticipated Tablets named S1 and S2 will be released in early September this year in the UK.

As of yet, it has not been confirmed exactly which tablet it will be or if it is both, but it is said to be retailed by John Lewis before the Christmas rush.

Both Tablets are said to run Android 3.0, Honeycomb. Also, it is suggested that both tablets will run dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processors which matches up to Apple's new iPad 2. The S1 will sport a 9.4-inch screen and will be supported by Sony Bravia. It will also have a design which is said to be for 'home use' while the S2 will be a tablet to use 'on the go.' The S2 will have a dual 5.5-inch screen, which can be easily folded and put into your pocket. Sony's press video did show the two tablets with PSone emulation, but if there are no buttons, many people may not be too happy.

Take a look at the S1 and S2 video:

What do you think? Still prefer the iPad 2?

Read More: Technorati

Google Nexus 3: What You Need To Know

2011-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well Google plans to release the Google Nexus 3 with features such as 4G for our fellow Americans, a dual-core 1.2GHz, maybe even 1.5GHz, processor; could be OMAP 4460 or the famous Qualcomm Snapdragon.

The display, which is reported to be MASSIVE, will be 720p HD and will have to ability to shoot 1080p HD. Now we're not sure as yet whether it will be Super AMOLED Plus like the Samsung Galaxy S II but if it wants to maintain or raise standards then AMOLED Plus looks like the way forward. There will also be 1GB RAM, which sounds exciting.

One downside will be that it will sport a 5MP camera; now even though this is yet to be 100% confirmed, it appears the 5MP is becoming out-dated. But we'll see...Google might change their mind...who knows?

Another aspect which some may appreciate and some may be disappointed about is that the buttons will disappear, as in the phone will be button-free (except volume... etc.) but along to bottom, no button, purely software based.

Now here is the main, exciting part: Android 4.0 - Ice Cream Sandwich. Now, many of you may have seen Google's IO event (Google IO Event - Video) on the release of the firmware but here is a recap of what to expect:

- It will run as a standard platform across all smartphones and tablets

- Holographic User Interface

- Improved Multi-tasking and App Switching

- More Advanced Applications

- Resizing Widgets to Suit You

- Face Recognition & Virtual Camera

- Much more to be announced and confirmed...

The device is said to hopefully be released in November or maybe even a bit later during Christmas time.

Tell us what you think? Is it something you would buy?

Technorati

Twist: HTC Desire WILL get Gingerbread

2011-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Suddenly Happy? 24 hours after HTC announced that the HTC Desire would NOT get the Gingerbread update, we can confirm that it WILL get the update. Go figure. Initially it was understandable that due to spec issues, especially memory, 2.3 would not be possible. This is after certain tests by HTC. Now, it is capable of running it and we will have to wait and see just how, suddenly this will be made possible. Maybe they didn't want to upset their fans....who knows? We'll keep you posted but all you HTC Desire owners can now celebrate.

iPhone 5: September 7th, 2011?

2011-06-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well well well...sources suggest that, yes, September 7th is the date for the iPhone 5 release. Here are a few reasons why. Firstly, iOS 5 has already been announced and Steve Jobs has confirmed that the iPhone 5 will release in autumn. Now, usually the iPhone released at Apple's WWDC event which didn't happen. Apple's range of iPods release in autumn, so reports suggest that maybe Jobs wants iOS 5 to be ready to go on the iPhone 5 and also the iPod Touch. But, another thing to consider is that iPod Classic's and Nano's in comparison to the iPod Touch are becoming less popular which could suggest that Apple may be trying to get rid of them? Just a thought. With the features available on iOS 5, it's very likely that they would want to release it with a new iPhone 5, to match.

Some people are suggesting that the iPhone 5 will release in 2012, but hold on a sec. It has already been over a year since the iPhone 4 has released and the rate that Android phones are going at, Steve can't afford to wait that long. I don't think anybody would be willing to wait that long. Some people may argue that that is the reason for a late White iPhone 4 release. Hmmm....

We'll have to wait and see but you can use the information above to maybe help you decide whether you're going to wait for the iPhone 5 or go for something amazing like the Samsung Galaxy S II which personally I possess and I must say, WOW.

Improving Battery Life on Smartphones with AMOLED Screens

2011-06-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

So here's the very simple trick: The way to save battery life if you have an AMOLED screen is to opt for a darker background, less glamourous. I know that means your phone looks ugly in front of your friends, but hey, if you are at home for a day or you're not so conscious about what background then go for something darker. Reason is, the colour black does not require the back lit light to show the pixels and apparently that makes a huge difference. I'm pretty sure you can find some nice, fancy if you wish, backgrounds that will save some of your battery life and also makes your phone look up to standard and well, nice. Credit goes blogger Steve Mould for this handy discovery.

Review: Droid Incredible II Hands-on

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a full hands-on video of the new Droid Incredible II. The 4-inch WVGA Super LCD display deserves a special mention. It's one of the best LCD-based panels we've come across; bright without any leaks or spots, with naturally saturated colours, deep ink-like blacks, and superb viewing angles. It features a stunning 8 megapixel camera with LED flash. It shoots 720p HD video which might fall short of the new Samsung Galaxy S II which shoots and plays full 1080p HD video. Tell us what you think? Like or Dislike?

Samsung Galaxy S II: Pre-loaded Apps?

2011-05-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

So you're thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S II and you're wondering...what junk will Samsung permanently stick onto the phone? Well here's a handy guide from CNET which explores apps such as Kies Air, Samsung Apps, Task Manager, Hubs and Office. See for yourself what will come in the way or will you appreciate what Samsung has to offer?

CNET: Samsung Galaxy S II - Pre-loaded Apps

Android Firmware: Complete Guide

2011-05-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to CNET's complete guide to all the Android Version: CNET: Android Versions

Android 2.3 Gingerbread: Now Available for HTC Desire HD and Incredible S

2011-05-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Android 2.3 Gingerbread is now here for unbranded HTC Desire HD's and the HTC Incredible S. I personally have an HTC Desire HD and the best thing about this update is BATTERY LIFE! I used to charge my phone 1-2 times a day! Now it lasts, well, about two days which for me is a drastic improvement. You will also see that the graphics seem to be much clearer and the interface is much faster. Since we have HTC Sense, I don't think we will get the new keyboard, or at least I haven't and also not new theme. This is because HTC Sense has been layered on top of the Android OS. But we are expecting HTC Sense 3.0 sometime soon.

The update will be over the air. It will show up in your notification bar...the official release was on May 16th.

Samsung Galaxy S: Gingerbread Available in Late May

2011-05-17T02:40:00.000-07:00

Google pulled the plug the last time the update was released due to 'an issue' but this time it will definitely be released. Gingerbread will bring a noticeable improvement on multimedia and 3D apps, the interface will run faster and the battery life will apparently last longer. It will be available over the Kies Software.Samsung Galaxy S II owners will have the gingerbread update pre-installed.

Update for Samsung Galaxy S II

2011-05-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

Samsung has released an update for the Samsung Galaxy S II over the Kies software that fixes the auto-brightness issue and also make Swype faster. The update comes over a week after the initial release.

CNET: iPhone 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

2011-05-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Take a look at CNET's full review of both of the biggest phones in history. It seems like the iPhone 4 has the competitive edge over the Samsung Galaxy S II. Better software, better display but both phones lose out on battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S II wins in hardware and design but the iPhone 4 just takes the better display. See the link below for an in-depth comparison:

CNET: iPhone 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Android Market Lauches Movie Rentals

2011-05-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

There will be thousands of films available for rent straight from your computer, tablet or android enabled smartphone. You get 30 days to watch the film and 24 hours once you start watching. More to follow...