Tronicsblog

iPhone on Sprint? Let the rumors begin!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:53:00 +0000

An interesting tidbit from today's Verizon iPhone announcement, at a Q&A after the announcement, Apple COO Tim Cook was asked if the CDMA version of the iPhone was exclusive to Verizon, to which he stated it was a multi-year deal with Verizon, but it was not exclusive. This means Apple could easily bring the iPhone to Sprint. Right? We'll see, since Apple hasn't exactly made the GSM version available on
T-Mobile, but now that it's clear AT&T's exclusivity agreement is over, anything's possible. Could our dream of the iPhone on every major carrier finally come true? Finger's crossed.

Verizon iPhone; Rumor no more

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:22:00 +0000

We're kind of running out of big Apple rumors to debate about. First Apple released the long-rumored iPad last year, now this. After literally years of rumormongering, Verizon today announced they are getting the iPhone 4 on their network. Existing Verizon customers will be able to pre-order on February 3, and everyone can order starting February 10. The pricing will be the same as AT&T, with the 16GB at $199 and 32GB at $299 with a new 2-year contract. An extra bonus for Verizon customers will be the included mobile hotspot that can support up to 5 devices.

Now that that's out of the way, how about bringing the iPhone to T-Mobile, eh?

Verizon gets official with HTC Thunderbolt

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:58:00 +0000

Verizon's really come out swinging with all the LTE handests it's introduced, and one that really stands out is the HTC Thunderbolt. It's got a 4.3 inch WVGA screen, 8MP camera and front-facing camera with Skype integrated, DLNA support and a 1 GHZ Snapdragon processor. Oh yeah, did we mention that it's LTE capable? If you were worried Verizon wouldn't have many options for LTE handsets anytime soon, worry no more my friend.

[Verizon Wireless]

iPad gets competitor in Motorola Xoom

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:48:00 +0000

So far the iPad has pretty much laughed at previous tablet "competitors," but with the Xoom Motorola has positioned itself as a serious player in the tablet game. Featuring Honeycomb, the newest version of Android specifically made for tablets, the Xoom will makes previous attempts at Android tablets look pretty silly.

The Xoom features a 1 GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor, a 10.1 inch screen, 5 MP rear camera with flash, a front-facing 2 MP camera, Adobe Flash, and 32 GB internal storage, and will work on Verizon's 3G and LTE network.

It's clear that Motorola is going after the iPad with the Xoom, and just like Android on phones, we'll probably see a ton of Honeycomb tablets on a variety of carriers soon. Not to be outdone however, Apple is expected to unveil the iPad 2 very soon, which could still blow Honeycomb out of the water. We'll see, but we sure are excited about having a variety of tablets that are actually good.

[Engadget]

Motorola intros Droid Bionic

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:29:00 +0000

With the release of the Bionic, Motorola is helping usher in a new era of smartphones, the dual-core era. The Bionic boasts a 1GHz dual-core processor, 4.3 inch screen, 512 MB of RAM, and 8 MP rear camera and a front-facing one as well, plus will run on Verizon's shiny new LTE network. No word on pricing or release date yet, but we'd expect it to launch soon for around $199 with a two-year contract. Motorola's already got an information site set up, we'll stay tuned and let you know when they let the release date out of the bag. Until then feel free to ooh and aw here.

Verizon wireless announces release date of Droid Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Do you like Android? Do you like the Blackberry keyboard? What if your Droid and a Blackberry Curve got together and had a baby? Enter the Droid Pro. With a 3.1 inch touchscreen, Android 2.2, Exchange support, and Mobile HotSpot support, it's sure to get Blackberry owners looking for something different excited. And when we say the Droid Pro's keyboard is like the Blackberry Curve's, we mean it looks EXACTLY like it. We smell some litigation coming.

Pre-sales begin online and at some Verizon stores starting Nov. 9, while it will be available everywhere, on Nov. 18. Pricing will be $179.99 on a new two-year contract, after a $100 mail-in rebate.

[PR Newswire]

Windows Phone 7 launches in the US

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0000

After launching earlier in Europe, Microsoft is bringing it's Windows Phone 7 goodness to the good ole US of A. At the moment, you can get only get a Windows Phone 7 device on T-Mobile and AT&T, but we're sure we'll see more carriers getting on board soon. Sure there's no multitasking or copy and paste at the moment on these phones, but that's the kind of stuff you have to put up with if you're an early adopter.

[Microsoft]

Samsung working on Seven inch Super AMOLED display

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:09:00 +0000

For those of you thinking about purchasing the first-gen Galaxy Tab, here's some news that may make you want to wait. Samsung is working on a 7 inch version of it's Super AMOLED display, with 1200x600 resolution. Many were disappointed that the Galaxy Tab wasn't introduced with Super AMOLED off the bat, and although the display on it is nice, Super AMOLED is quite the looker. Production on the display is expected to begin in June 2011.

[OLED-display]

Skyfire browser app approved by Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:31:00 +0000

Good news for those of you out there who like your video with a little bit of flash. Word is Apple has approved the Skyfire browser for it's iDevices. What makes Skyfire unique is it will transcode Flash to HTML5 on the fly, allowing you to consume all the Flash video content you want. There is one drawback however, you can't play Flash games, as they require interaction. But still, being able to get past those ugly blue blocks is pretty nice. Skyfire will be available in the App Store on Thursday for $2.99.

[Boy Genius Report]

US Cellular getting Samsung Galaxy Tab

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Samsung apparently isn't satisfied with just launching it's Galaxy Tab on the big four networks. The next stop on the Galaxy Tab launch train apparently is US Cellular. No word yet on what date or how much yet, but will most likely be in line with what the other carriers are offering.

[Engadget]

Blackberry Torch gets colorful

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Wanted to get a Blackberry Torch but wanted it with a little more style? Well you're in luck, my friend. Today AT&T announced the Torch would be available in white and red starting on November 7, plenty of time to snag one before Christmas. Happy shopping, you fashionistas.

[AT&T]

Apple delays white iPhone 4 again...again

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:22:00 +0000

According to Reuters, Apple has again delayed the release of it's white iPhone 4, this time until spring 2011. An explanation wasn't given, but it's most likely the same manufacturing problems Apple has had from the start. Oh white iPhone 4, will we ever get to meet in person? Please at least come out before the iPhone 6, okay?

[Reuters]

Rumor: PlayStation Phone?

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Engadget is reporting to have pictures of the often-rumored but not yet materialized PlayStation Phone. We've heard this many times before, but if it is true, Apple might have a serious contender for the smartphone gaming crown. Specs are rumored to be a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, Android 3.0, and a 3.7 to 4.1 inch touch screen. There's also a multitouch pad in the middle, along with the familiar PSP buttons. The device is supposed to have a special PlayStation marketplace for PSP games, which sounds awesome to us.

Engadget says this is just a prototype, so it doesn't look like we'll see this thing any time this year, but it sure gets us excited.

[Engadget]

Sony kills the Cassette Walkman

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:14:00 +0000

It's truly a sad day today, as Sony has announced it has shipped it's last batch of cassette Walkmans in Japan, the last place they were still manufactured and sold. We're sure many of you remember your first Walkman, your first taste of portable audio listening pleasure. We know all technology eventually dies and is replaced by something newer and better, but that doesn't make the pain any better. So here's to you, Walkman, you had a good run.

[Crunchgear]

Rumor: Hulu dropping price of Hulu Plus?

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:36:00 +0000

According to All Things Digital, Hulu is considering dropping the price of it's Hulu Plus service from $9.95 a month to $4.95. The move is supposedly being considered because of a low adoption rate of the service so far. $9.95 seems a little steep given the lack of content on Hulu Plus at the moment and considering Netflix isn't too much more to add a seemingly endless catalog of movies by DVD. We admit that $4.95 does make Hulu Plus much more attractive in our eyes, and it would no doubt spur more users to get on board.

[All Things D]

Google TV getting shot-blocked by some TV studios

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Reports are coming in that some television studios are blocking access to their free content on the web, stating that Google isn't doing enough to stop piracy. For it's part, Google can prioritize searches so that official content shows up quicker than pirated content, but some studios are still concerned. The reported TV studios include CBS, NBC, and ABC. Hulu has also blocked it's free site, but is allowing Hulu plus on Google TV. Sounds to us like the TV studios are still struggling with the idea of their content being available digitally and in a way that they don't control as much, similar to what music went through in the transition from physical media to digital. Will a good option for consuming video content digitally ever come? We'll see.

[Electronista]

Apple intros new MacBook Air

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Apple just laid down the gauntlet for the ultraportable notebook category with it's introduction of the new MacBook Air. There's now an 11.6 inch version to go along with the 13 inch model. The design is relatively the same, but it's even thinner than it's predecessor, and the edges are sharper. We definitely appreciate the new design. The price will start at $999 for the 11 incher with 64 GB of storage, and going up to $1,599 for the 13 inch with 256 GB. We can't wait to get our hands on these puppies.

HP outs Palm Pre 2

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:48:00 +0000

HP just made the Pre 2 official, and what they've shown us so far is right in line with earlier leaks. The Pre 2 will look pretty much exactly like the original Pre, although it may be a tad thinner. It will feature a 1GHz processor, 5MP camera with LED flash, still the same 3.1" touchscreen, and most importantly, webOS 2.0, which features Just Type (universal search), "True" multitasking, and Exhibition, which are apps specifically designed for when your phone's connected to a touchstone charger. We're definitely happy with the updated specs, but wouldn't have minded a design refresh as well.

The Pre 2 will be available in France first, with it coming to Verizon in the US soon.

[Palm]

Happy Birthday NES!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:53:00 +0000

If you haven't heard, it's someone special's birthday today. That's right, the NES, the game system most of us grew up with, turns 25 today. Now it can finally rent a car without paying ridiculous fees. The best way to celebrate? Play some NES on your phone or computer.

Share some of your best NES memories in the comments.

Wii gets disc-free Netflix streaming

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Good news for fans of the Wii and Netflix. Netflix announced that starting today, Wii owners will be able to download Netflix from the Wii channel so they can stream Netflix without a disc. The Wii joins it's current-gen brethren in disc-free streaming, to which we all shout "Woohoo!" Now the only question is what kind of cool things can you do with your old Netflix disc?

[Businesswire]

Roku gets Hulu Plus; sticks out tongue at Apple TV

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:23:00 +0000

The little box that could gets another weapon in it's fight against the Apple TV, Hulu Plus. The $10 a month Hulu service gives you access to all episodes of the current season of popular shows from ABC, FOX, and NBC, and also has a decent back catalog of shows as well. If you only watch certain shows, and they happen to be on Hulu Plus, this probably makes cutting the cable cord that much easier.

[Engadget]

iOS 4.2 beta 2 ready for developers

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:05:00 +0000

iPad users should get a little excited about hearing this news, as it brings you one step closer to that sweet multitasking goodness iPhone users have been rubbing in your faces all this time. iOS 4.2 beta 2 has been posted by Apple for download by developers, and word is it's running pretty smooth right now. This update adds all sorts of goodies to the iPad, including a unified inbox, Game Center, plus the holy grail of multitasking, but it will also add some goodies like AirPrint and AirPlay for iPad and iPhone users. We're waiting with bated breath for this puppy to be available for the common man.

Samsung Galaxy Tab coming to all four major US carriers

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Just like with it's Galaxy S smartphones, Samsung has gotten all four major US carriers to give the green light to it's Galaxy Tab. No word on exact release, but Samsung did say this holiday, so an October or November launch is most likely. Also no word on pricing, Samsung said they are leaving that announcement to the carriers. There is a Wi-Fi-only model coming later, but of course there's no release date set for that either. Either way, we're pretty excited about an honest-to-goodness Android tablet available on all four carriers, we just hope they get the pricing right.

[Engadget]

HTC intros new Sense

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:06:00 +0000

HTC and Sense have always gone hand in hand, and it's been a good way for HTC to differentiate their products, now HTC is making Sense a little more valuable by adding some new features. The new Sense will boot up faster, will have DLNA support, and maps will cache data to make rendering faster. Perhaps the best new feature is the launch of htcsense.com, which will be a website that will allow you to bakcup and view text messages, locate your phone and wipe the device if it's lost or stolen, similar to what Apple offers with MobileMe. Look for HTC to plaster the new Sense on everything they sell in the near future.

[Boy Genius Report]

Rumor: Two Window 7 phones headed to T-Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Justin Taylor) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:53:00 +0000

TMO news has gotten ahold of an internal accessory list document, and it's got some pretty interesting tidbits about quite a few phones. Besides an updated Blackberry and some Dell phones, two standouts are the HD7 and the LG Optimus T, which are both Windows Phone 7 devices. No word on release date or pricing, but it looks like they'll be out in time for the holidays. Looks to be a pretty exciting holiday for our friends from Germany.

[TMO News]