LA fires threaten Cellphones?

Wow the fires around L.A. are getting crazy! I've driven past the fires and it is no joke. I hope that the weather gets better and firefighters can maintain this beast. According to www.cnet.com they state that Intense wildfires in Southern California are dangerously close to facilities atop Mount Wilson, threatening damage to cell phone and TV broadcast towers, as well as a famed observatory.

The blaze, which started August 26, has burned approximately 20,102 acres and as of Sunday was only 5 percent contained, according to the Web site of the California governor's office. Known as the "Station Fire," as it began about one mile above the Angeles Crest Fire Station, the inferno has spread throughout the San Gabriel Mountains in Northern Los Angeles County.

At an altitude of 5,715 feet, Mount Wilson houses a number of TV, radio, and cell phone transmitters known as the Communications Facilities, all providing service to the Los Angeles area, according to the LA Times. Also threatened by the fire is the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, home to critical astronomy projects and research.

Apple to add digital camera to classic iPod?

What doesn’t have a digital camera these days? It seems to be the required add-on to any product these days, from mobile phones to now MP3 players. Rumors are swirling the Internet that Apple will announce the addition of a digital camera to the classic iPod model. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised that Apple hasn’t done this already, but I would welcome it once its here. For me, a camera is one of those things I need to have when going out the door, and since there’s a 3-megapixel one included in my cell phone, I don’t have to worry. But then again, would it just be redundant if its included in every electronic gadget out there?

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

Facebook Updates iPhone App NOW AVAILABLE!

As we announced before iPhone's most anticipated app Facebook 3.0 is now available for update.

Apple iPhone users have a new way to poke and message their friends on-the-go, as Facebook has updated its mobile application.

Facebook 3.0 for the iPhone is available for download now from Apple's App Store, and it has a retooled user interface that is similar to the iPhone's home screen. Mobile Facebook users can now text or call friends from the app, and there's a built-in Web browser so users don't have to exit to the mobile Safari browser to view a friend's links.

The latest version of Facebook for Apple's mobile platform also adds support for events, and it enables users to create and delete photo albums, and control photo tagging. Users with the iPhone 3GS can also upload videos on the go.

The updated app is part of Facebook's larger strategy to have a stronger presence on mobile phones. It also distributes apps for BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and other phones. The company is reportedly looking to have deeper integration with Nokia (NYSE: NOK) phones, and an official Android app is expected soon.

The mobile segment is important for the social network because about 70% of the more than 250 million Facebook users are outside the United States, and these users may be accessing the site solely through a cell phone. The company has recently started testing out a mobile payment system to cater to this market.

Rival social networks are also taking aim at cell phones and smartphones, and MySpace predicts half of its users will be accessing the site through a phone in about five years. There are also multiple mobile-focused social networks such as Loopt and Brightkite that are trying to attract an audience by emphasizing location-based services.

I just updated my facebook app on my phone my self and i gotta say it is impressive. the new added feature of Events comes in handy, and also the layout is very simple to use!

Verizon gets top marks in call quality

Another day, another cell phone study from J.D. Power and Associates. This time, it's not customer service--T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, tied for that honor earlier this month--but asurvey of hte all-important call quality.

Just like last year, Verizon was the overall winner this time around. The carrier ranked highest in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Southwest regions. According to the study, Verizon had particular success with limiting dropped calls, failed initial connections, and late or failed text and voice messages.

In the Western region, Verizon tied with Alltel and T-Mobile (in its press release, Verizon identified T-Mobile only as "one other carrier"--meow). T-Mobile performed well in reducing the number of problems with echoes and distortion, and Alltel performed well in limiting the number of late or failed messages.

U.S.Cellular rated highest in the North Central region. It had fewer customer-reported problems with initial connections, static or interference, and late or failed voice message notifications.

AT&T rated near the bottom in all regions but the Mid-Atlantic and North Central. Sprint rated in the middle or at the bottom in all regions. See J.D. Power's chart for the full rankings.

So what do you think? Does Verizon deserve its award?

All credits and information was found by cnet.

Nokia rumors: Xseries is XpressMusic successor, new Nseries touchphone in '09?

German site NokiaPort has rounded up a nice little cache of juicy Nokia details that it says is culled from "official information from Nokia, confirmed rumors and reputable sources of information," and while we can't personally vouch for most of what we're seeing here, it's all sounding reasonable enough -- and with Nokia World right around the corner, we figured this would be a grand opportunity to lay it out and see how the chips fall. First up, Cseries and Xseries are said to be presented at the show, with the first Xseries model being an upgraded version of the just-launched 5530 XpressMusic with 3G thrown in, probably spelling doom for the 5800 -- in other words, Xseries is very likely a wholesale rebranding of the XpressMusic line, which totally makes sense. Speaking of touchscreens and Nokia branding, the site says that we'll see another touchscreen Nseries model to keep the N97 company before the year's out, followed by Eseries' first S60 5th Edition model in 2010. Coincidentally, they've got a part of a supposed new touch model pictured on the site (see above), though we're not clear on what we're seeing. In the Maemo department, the N900 is likely to be the only Maemo 5 device for the better part of the year, though there's apparently a mysterious N920 already making the rounds in the Espoo campus.

As technologies go, xenon flashes are apparently on the outs with Nokia -- better hang onto your phones, N82 owners -- while capacitive screens should start to take hold. Samsung has already proven that S60 works just fine and dandy with a capacitive display on the i8910, so we're stoked to see where Nokia takes it. Finally, OMAP3 cores are said to be working their way into the lineup following a Cortex A8-based introduction in the N900; Nokia has historically lagged its competition as processing power goes, so it'll be great to see them start to match up with the Pres and the iPhones of the world -- at least as far as raw computational might goes, anyhow.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

BLACKBERRY BOLD UPDATE!

BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphone for AT&T is scheduled to receive a firmware update this afternoon. The update will provide support for AT&T's Visual Voicemail system, which can accessed with a download icon added in the update. The update will also give users the ability to restrict their smartphones to only using AT&T's 2G GSM network. GSM networks are more power efficient when it comes to talk time, so some users might decide that the increased talk time will be worth the lack of 3G data. RIM has said that the update will also include a number of general system optimizations and download icons for additional applications, such as MobiTV, Mobile Banking, Tetris, and Scrabble.

Once the update is available, users will be able to install it by going to the Bold's Options menu, selecting Advanced Options, and then clicking on Wireless Update. The update can also be downloaded via the web or through the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.

VIA (www.mobileburn.com)

Sony debuts S-series Walkman with onboard speakers

The new 8GB Sony NWZ-S544 and 16GB Sony NWZ-S545 we saw earlier are now official. Sony's first speaker-endowed MP3 Walkmans feature 2.4-inch 320x240-pixel (QVGA) LCD screens capable of 262k-colors. The latest S-series Walkman also boasts Sony's Clear Stereo and Clear Bass audio enhancement technologies, along with a dynamic normalizer and five-band equalizer.

Battery life is listed at 42 hours for audio playback and 6.5 hours with video on headphones, 17 hours for audio, and 5 hours with video while listening via the speakers.

Both players claim drag-and-drop file transfer, which is nothing new, and also offer compatibility with iTunes 8.1 and Windows Media Player. Apart from MP3, WMA, and AAC support, FM reception (with 30 presets) is included.

The S-series Walkmans are capable of 30fps playback with the usual video formats like H264/AVC, MP4 and WMV. Measuring in at about 1.9 inches by 3.9 inches by just less than half an inch and weighing almost 2.5 ounces, this series comes in a choice of colors: black, red, violet, and pink. The new S-series Walkmans will go on sale September 1; click here for the official specifications.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

Booklet 3G could play to Nokia's strength in hardware [video]

Nokia announced on Monday that it is expanding beyond the cellphone and handheld computer market by launching its first notebook PC called the Nokia Booklet 3G. This is a head-scratching move by Nokia and most tech journalists are already panning the idea.

However, as I mentioned to Randall Bennett on TechVi (watch video clip below), Nokia is an excellent hardware maker and this could turn out to be one of the best Windows 7 netbooks or mini-notebooks on the market.

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

iPhone Helps You Save Money!?

Hello Geeks hope all of you guys had a great monday. Here is another update on the latest tech world. I came across this article on the web while browsing through the computer ,and since we are in a recession i thought this could help alot of us. Many iPhone users such as me will say they spend countless minutes or even hours playing around with the phone and just zoning out to it sometimes. Well with these apps it can help you save some money? Here are some of those apps that can help

1. Compare on the fly before you buy

With prices and product information so easily accessible online, only the extremely rich and foolish don’t comparison-shop. But what about when you’re standing in the store with the item in your hand? You’re fairly sure it’s a great price, or maybe the item is discontinued and you’re not sure you’ll be able to find it anywhere else. How do you decide what to do? Sol Robots has created Save Benjis , a $1 app for the iPhone and iPod touch that puts a retail shopping search engine in the palm of your hand. Shop for a variety of popular consumer goods—from books and cosmetics to office equipment and home theater systems—using keywords, model numbers, or bar code numbers. The app surveys a long list of big-name retailers and online merchants to find the best price available. Revisit your searches via the recent products screen, or e-mail yourself a link to the best deal. You can even make purchases right from the app itself.

2. Know where your money goes

The Pennies iPhone app gives you a visual way to see how you're doing with your monthly budget.

When times get tough, you need to resort to the financial equivalent of a root canal: a budget. But budgeting can be simple with design by a knife’s Pennies (), a $3 expense-tracking app for the iPhone or iPod touch. Each month, enter your monthly spending allowance. Every time you buy something, enter the amount and assign the transaction to an expense category. Add notes for greater detail. As the month progresses, a gas gauge-like meter shows how much you have left to spend, and stat boxes display your top three expenses and per-day spending average. You can export the data in a .csv (comma-separated values) file and open it in a spreadsheet on your Mac. Once you’ve tracked a month’s worth of expenses, you’ll have an informative snapshot of your spending habits. It’s up to you to figure out where to cut back. You can’t avoid the sobering reality that a budget’s limits impose, but the budgeting process doesn’t have to be as stressful or complex as you may fear.

3. Find the cheapest gas

Shopping online makes bargain hunting easier and cuts driving time. But there’s at least one thing you can’t buy without driving to get it: gasoline. You can, however, hunt for cheap gas online without driving from station to station to find it. With United Communications Group’s iGasUp () for the iPhone and iPod touch, you can retrieve a list of the ten local gas stations with the cheapest prices, complete with a map and driving directions. The app determines your location and searches the Oil Price Information Service database to find the best prices within a distance that you select, ranging from 1 to 15 square miles. iGasUp’s results are rarely more than two days old and are often as recent as within the hour, giving you an idea of how likely it is that the price you see is the price you’ll get. You don’t buy iGasUp; you subscribe to it for a year for $3. With the way gas prices fluctuate, it probably won’t take long to reclaim that in savings.

info (via www.macworld.com)

Try downloadning those 3 apps and save some money. I personally liked the idea of the "Pennies" App and downloaded it my self. We want to hear your thoughts so please shoot us a comment on other ideas as well!

AT&T steps up 850MHz spectrum upgrade for enhanced 3G

AT&T has taken a lot of flack from iPhone users about the trouble its network has handling the iPhone's data-heavy needs. AT&T's network has been blamed repeatedly for poor call quality and dropped calls as well as for a rash of iTunes App Store rejections that included apps like Qik (where live streaming was ano-show) and Slingplayer (which isn't allowed to sling anything over 3G).

Now, AT&T has stepped up its activation of its 850MHz spectrum service, which should improve 3G coverage in metropolitan areas. AT&T expects the project to be completed over the course of a year, and Mobiledia has reported that AT&T has started the much-anticipated upgrade in Atlanta this week. (A visit to AT&T's corporate Web siteconfirms the Atlanta upgrade and previous improvements over the summer inFresno, Calif., Las Vegas, San Diego, and Stockton, Calif., but the site does not mention its time line for 850MHz network upgrades in other urban areas.)

Atlanta's AT&T customers will be served by the addition of 540 cell sites that will increase network capacity and coverage, resulting in "improved quality and in-building coverage." These new cell sites will operate alongside the old, 1,900MHz spectrum cell sites.

Keith Holmes, AT&T's vice president and general manager, said "We're enhancing our network every day to help customers do more with and get more from their wireless connections."

TechCrunch has also reported AT&T service improvements in the SoMa district of San Francisco.

The activation of the enhanced network is good news, but is it to little too late or even enough? Have you seen improved AT&T service in your area? Let us know in the comments.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

iCopied??

Hello Geeks? what do you guys think of this new ad by a Canadian company "BELL." They are promoting their Palm Pre phone, and their commercial looks freakishly similar to the infamous iPhone commercials. You be the judge has this gone too far? Or is it just lack of creativity by the marketing dept of Bell? Feel free to leave your comments!!!!

Bell's so called commercial


iPhone 3g Commercial


-tony @ (www.accessorygeeks.com)

Alltel gets Samsung Glint, BlackBerry Tour

Wireless provider Alltel announced on Thursday that it will soon offer the Samsung Glint and BlackBerry Tour handsets, with the Glint making its debut at any provider. The basic clamshell sports a VGA camera that has a night shot mode, a web browser, and Bluetooth 2.0. There is SMS, MMS and picture messaging functionality, and Alltel will offer the handset in pink or blue. Alltel subscribers can also customize their Glints via the Alltel Shop application that lets them download wallpapers, ringtones and games. The lithium ion battery is said to provide users with six hours of talk time.


The BlackBerry Tour has also been added to Alltel's lineup and retains its standard-fare features. It uses Alltel's 3G network, has a 3.2-megapixel camera with image stabilization, built-in GPS and 256MB of integrated memory, which is expandable thanks to a microSDHC memory card. Applications can be downloaded through BlackBerry App World.


While Alltel hasn’t announced a date or pricing for the Glint, the Tour will be priced at $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a 1-year contract with a minimum monthly fee of $70.

[via electronista]

For great accessories for these phones make sure you visit www.accessorygeeks.com

iPhone 3GS totally capable of 1080p video playback

We always suspected the iPhone 3GS was capable of 1080p HD video playback, and now we've got proof. Although Apple lists the iPhone 3Gs's max video playback res at just 640x480, iLounge linked to Chinese forum post claiming that the 3GS could do 30Mbps 1080p playback earlier today -- and when we saw that the only thing we needed to do to test it out was download the free FileAid app, well, you know how we've just spent the last 20 minutes. We tested out a bunch of HD trailers from Apple's QuickTime trailer site, some videos we shot with a Lumix DMC-GH1 and some other random videos with general success, but there were some major hiccups: high bitrate 720p video off the GH1 stuttered during playback, and loading the Avatar trailer consistently crashed the phone's audio driver until we restarted. We tried the same thing on an iPhone 3G and just got error messages at almost every resolution, so it seems like it's a combination of the 3GS's extra horsepower and different built-in software at work here -- software that's clearly not ready for prime-time, as evidenced by the bugs. We're hoping Apple is polishing that up and getting to unlock this functionality, since it'd be sweet to just plug into an HDTV and play video -- anyone listening out there in Cupertino? Video after the break.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

The best app on the iphone??

I'm sure many iPhone users can relate to me. Every 5 minutes I am clicking my twitter & facebook (We have a twitter and facebook as well ;) ) Here is an interesting article via [techcrunch] about how great this new facebook 3.0 is


This new version simply improves upon the old one in just about every way imaginable. Not only does it have a wide range of new options and features, many of which we went over previously, but it’s actually faster. And the design is rather brilliant. Built by Facebook engineer Joe Hewitt, the app manages to maintain the good practices found in many iPhone apps, while at the same time creating its own unique look and feel.

Features

Nowhere is this new look more evident than on the new Facebook home screen. It’s sort of like the iPhone main screen, but with a different, distinctive design. The large buttons are easy to hit, and best of all, you can add people’s profiles and pages as icons as well, to provide shortcuts to your favorites.

The main screen that you were probably used to from the old app now resides in the upper left corner of the main screen, as the “News Feed.” It largely looks the same but the ability to “like” items has been added to the ability to comment on them. You can also now easily take and post videos if you have an iPhone 3GS. Hitting the “News Feed” button in the upper right hand corner, allows you to sort this feed by the various filters you’ve set up.

The “Profile” area is the next button on the main screen. The overall look and feel have been updated, and now also include the “like” and “comment” elements on the Wall. You can also now see your profile pictures.

The “Friends” area has been updated to include both Friends and Pages. But a killer feature may be the ability to hit the phone icon and have the option to call or text your contacts. People who consider Facebook to be their contact list, will love this.

The “Inbox” is the next main area, and it now features not only new messages, but updates from your groups, and sent messages. But the best thing about this feature is how fast messages load. It’s leaps and bounds better than trying to load messages on the regular Facebook, and I think from now on I’ll simply use the app to respond to any emails I get through it.

The “Chat” and “Requests” areas remain largely the same, though both have been cleaned up.

The big new feature of this app has to be “Events”. The lack of a way to even see events in the previous version of the app was a major complaint against it — it had people using the web interface to log-in specifically to find events. Now, not only can you see them in the app, you can see details like the address of the event and host of it. And you can RSVP, and you can see who else is attending. With so many Facebook users now using its events feature for social gatherings, it simply made no sense not to have this in there. The Events area also features a “Birthdays” tab to specifically see which of your friends’ birthday is coming up.

The “Photos” area now allows you to create new photo albums, and it is significantly easier and more obvious as to how to tag someone in a picture. And at last, Facebook photos allow you to take advantage of the iPhone’s multi-touch to pinch zoom in and out of pictures.

The last main page element is “Notes,” which is new. You can see, edit and create new notes from here, just in case your Status Updates don’t give you enough room for all you want to say.

Below the main elements is the “Notifications” area that seems to update in near real-time when someone comments or “likes” one of your items or an item you’ve commented on.

Overall

Overall, the Facebook 3.0 iPhone app is a huge step forward as a social tool. In fact, in terms of the data it lets you access, it’s hard to argue that any app is more robust. It’s now basically a way to keep track of and remark about what your friends are up to, an always up-to-date contact list, a picture and video sharer, an inbox, an IM client, and a event coordinator, all tied to over 250 million social users.

With the additions of Push Notifications and a better search tool, it will be nearly perfect. And all of these new features wrapped into an app that is even zippier, makes this a great (and free) upgrade.

Update: Hewitt has just let us know about another really nice feature. If you tap the Facebook logo, you’ll automatically go back to the main home screen. Tap it again and you’ll return to where you just were. Subtle, but nice feature.

Next Palm webOS-ready phone, Eos 'Pixie', to arrive Oct. 2010

For now, only the Palm Pre smartphone can run the company’s vaunted webOS platform, but an industry analyst recently said he believes the Palm Eos (codename: Pixie) phone will be the next one in the pipeline and arrive in October 2010.

AT&T will reportedly be the carrier of choice for the new phone, but a price point is hotly debated: an AllThingsD Digital Daily report notes that one analyst says the $99 iPhone’s continued strength will ruin the device’s chances this holiday season, while the Chinese language Commercial Times attests that an HSPA Eos will sport a 2.6-in. display and begin deliveries in October of this year (a CDMA variant is estimated to arrive in 2010).

So what’s this Eos (”Pixie,” or “Castle” in some documents) phone all about? If rumors and leaked documents are correct, the QWERTY Eos will have a 2.63-inch, 320 by 400 capacitive touchscreen display, 4GB storage, POP3, IMAP, and EAS support, integrated IM client, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS, a removable 1150 mAh battery (4 hours 3G talk time) and a thin, light body (3.5 ounces, just over 0.4 in. thick).

The Eos is expected to replace the Palm Centro, which currently sells for $49 on AT&T and Verizon and $199 unlocked.

Would you buy a cheaper Palm webOS-based phone?

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe

Sure, Sony's had plenty of big announcements at Gamescom today, but fans of lowered expectations aren't out of luck either, as the company's once again gone back to the paint shop and brought out three new colors for the still-sticking-around PSP-3000. Those include the all new "turquoise blue" and "blossom pink" colors, the former of which will come bundled with LittleBigPlanet, as well as the "lilac purple" model that's already made an appearance in the US (which'll also get the same Hannah Montanna Entertainment Pack). Still no word on the new colors getting a release over here, but it looks like folks in Europe will be able to get their hands on them in November.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

Sony's first move: Cut current PS3 to $299?

With rumors flying that Sony will make some sort of PS3-related announcement tomorrow at the Gamescom Expo in Cologne, Germany, we've been going over possible scenarios here at CNET in New York.

If you've been following the situation, you're probably aware that a lot of people are hoping that Sony will bring out a brand-new slimmed-down version of the PS3 and price it at $299. However, given that Sony--or more precisely, retailers--are probably sitting on a stockpile of current-generation PS3s, a new PS3 Slim hitting store shelves at $299 doesn't seem all that likely.

The reality is that Sony needs to cut the price on current systems to make room for anything new that might be coming out. So while it could announce a new PS3 in Cologne, it might actually cost the same as current systems but feature, say, a higher-capacity hard drive (160GB). Just as importantly, the current 80GB system would get the price chop to $299.

This scenario would be similar to what we saw when Sony announced the PSP Go, which will actually cost more ($250) when it comes out in October than the current PSP($170).

Of course, I could be completely wrong, but I'm going to stick my neck out and say that if anything goes down on Tuesday, it's going to start with a price cut on the current console.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

3 new apps appear on Palm Pre App Catalog, including Palm Desktop sync

Official app releases are few and far between for the Palm Pre, but according to the Palm webOS Blog three new ones just appeared tonight. Two are games, Blackout and Spades, while the third is a desktop syncing client from the folks at Chapura. The developer of Spades has a couple of other Palm Pre apps coming soon to the App Catalog and also created a couple of Google Android games.

Chapura Echo for Palm Desktop 6.2.2 provides two-way synchronization between your Palm Pre and your Windows desktop version of Palm Desktop 6.2.2 and above, including your calendar and contact data. You can sync via cable or a local WiFi connection too.

The Palm Catalog gives you access to a full 7-day trial, but the Echo application will cost you $29.95 after the trial period. I know this will appeal to a few people since I received questions about Palm Desktop syncing when I had my Palm Pre.

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

Review of T-Mobile's BlackBerry Curve 8520 with optical trackpad controller

RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the third generation of the company's compact, full-QWERTY messaging smartphone line. It features the same basic form factor as the original 8300 series devices, but gets some nicely upgraded features and more modern styling in a package that is roughly the same sized as the more expensive Curve 8900. We reviewed a T-Mobile USA version of the Curve 8520, which supports the company's UMA(INFO) based HotSpot @Home VoIP calling service.

Physical Aspects

At 106.5g (3.8oz) in weight and measuring 109mm x 60mm x 14mm (4.3" x 2.4" x .6") in size, the new Curve 8520 is slightly lighter than the Curve 8900, but basically the same size. The keyboard on the device is much like the original's and offers great feel, but the backlighting and color of the keys on the blue model we tested makes reading them difficult in dimly lit rooms. We suspect that the black version of the 8520 will be easier to read in such environments. The call keys and the menu and escape keys on the 8520 are flush mounted on the face of the device, but they still offer a good tactile click when pressed.

The new optical trackpad controller takes the place of the trackballs that we've seen on most BlackBerry devices for a few years now. The trackpad is basically an optical mouse that has been turned upside down. It works quite well in general, though is probably a bit more difficult to control than the trackball. The upside, however, is that the trackpad won't get gunked up by dust or facial oils the way a trackball will. In the end, I think the switch to a trackpad is a fair trade that works out for the user in the long haul.

On the top of the phone things changed up a bit from prior BlackBerry models. There is no lock button any longer, and we now have dedicated next and previous track music controls that sit on either side of the dual-purpose mute and play/pause button. A 3.5mm headphone port is located at the top of the left edge of the phone, just above the micro-USB charger and data connector.

As was the case with the more expensive Curve 8900, the overall build quality of the Curve 8520 is very good with one exception: the rear battery cover. It fits better than the one on the 8900 does, but is still slightly loose at times and can make some noise when the phone is used. It's not a deal-breaker by any stretch, however. Otherwise, the build of the device seems quite good, and the new built-in, rubber convenience and volume keys on the edges of the device look like they should be very durable, all the while keeping dust out of the phone.

The only thing about the BlackBerry Curve 8520 that is likely to leave many folks unimpressed is the display. Like the Curve 8300 series before it, the Curve 8520 sports a QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) display. While more than bright and crisp enough for most uses, the display lets the phone down when it comes to web browsing, as you can see in our videos. But using components like that QVGA display and the fixed-focus 2 megapixel camera, which is located on the back of the phone, is how Research In Motion was able to keep the cost of the phone down. For people that just want a BlackBerry for messaging, this will work out just fine.

All credits and information was found by mobileburn.

AD 3700 by Verizon Wireless

Verizone Wireless and ZTE USA introduce the AD3700, a Mobile Broadband USB modem with global connectivity. It's a consumer friendly AD3700 that gives customers access to high speed networks in more than 175 destinations.

It's main features are that it runs on Verizon Wireless high speed network and it includes VAZccess Manager software for easy connections. Also, it is only and only 1.6 ounces.

It should be ideal for individuals and organizations to stay connected while traveling andthe price is %79.99 after a $50.00 mail in rebate with a new two year customer agreement.

All credits and information was found by phonescoop.

AT&T testing iPhone MMS in Washington (Updated 4x)

While on vacation last week I received an MMS on my iPhone (running OS 3.1 build 7C116a) while passing through Forks, Washington. I received the message from a user on Verizon Wireless on the east coast.

Normally this would be a non-story, except for the fact that iPhones in the U.S. don’t support MMS because AT&T hasn’t enabled it yet.

Daring Fireball’s Jon Gruber tweeted that two DF readers in Seattle are saying iPhone MMS support is working.

Update: AT&T Mobility’s Executive Director Media Relations responds “We have not yet offered MMS on the iPhone. We plan to do so in late summer.” (corrected at the request of AT&T). Clearly some MMS testing was taking place in Washington over the last week or so.

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

A decade ago

Cell phones are now considered to be a necessity for most people. This is because cell phones provide us with the ability to communicate with our family, colleagues, etc. not only through calls and SMS but even through sending e-mails as our mobile phones are now just like a mini computer that can be connected to the Internet if configured. Cell phones are even used as a camera, a video recorder and even as a radio and mp3 player all in one. What more can you ask for?

Cell phone are definitely reliable, fun, easy to carry, and it does come in handy in emergency situations, but lets not forget about the communicating methods we've used in the past: letters, face to face conversations, or even emails. When you get a chance, instead of texting someone, try to write them a letter. It will feel more meaningful

All credits and information was found by ezine.

Microsoft and Nokia expected to bring Office to Nokia phones

Microsoft and Nokia are expected to announce on August 12 details of a distribution agreement for Microsoft’s Office on Nokia mobile phones.

Microsoft has yet to field a test build of its Office 2010 for Mobile product. It also still not provided testers with access to its promised Office Web Apps, the browser-based Office 2010 complements of a number of its Office apps.

It’s not clear whether Nokia will preload a customized version of Office Mobile on select models of the company’s phones or simply offer Office Web Apps access — which any vendor with a cellphone with a browser will be able to do — or do both. On August 11, Microsoft officials declined to comment.

Microsoft and Nokia are expected to share more specifics about the Office deal during a press conference at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft Business Division, and Kai Oistamo, executive vice president for Nokia Devices, are slated to announce the terms of the partnership.

Microsoft and Nokia announced a deal in 2008 via which the pair would work on a port of Silverlight to Nokia mobile phonesrunning the Symbian operating system. The year before, Microsoft and Nokia inked a deal to makeWindows Live service available on select Nokia phones.

All credits and information was found by zdnet.

Cell Phone to the Future!

Think about your cell phone that you had 10 years ago and look at the cell phone that you have now, doesn't it look so much smaller, efficient, user friendly, and more technology savvy? Well imagine this then, look at the iPhone you have now and think about what might happen to cell p hones in 10 years from now.

Designer Manon Maneenawa thought of the 'triple watch cell phone' It is pretty much a alarm clock, phone, and a watch. The cell phone can be transformed into a wristwatch or it could be swapped into an alarm clock. Once it is transformed into a wristwatch, it has a speaker button that lets users talk while driving.

All credits and information was found by businessweek.

PS3 Slim is real and cheaper, French retailer claims

With rumors that Sony may announce a new PlayStation at the Gamescom expo in Cologne, Germany, on August 18, Europe has been the most fruitful source of PS3 Slim rumors. The latest: in an interview with French gaming site JVN.com, an anonymous French retailer is claiming that the PS3 Slim is real and will cost 100 euros less than the current PS3. The retailer says he's heard the new system will arrive in stores next month, but no firm date has been given.

The interview with the retailer is actually fairly long and covers a lot of ground--including some thoughts on whether a price cut will spur sales of the console--but there's little in the way of specifics. At one point the retailer says he's been told the new PS3 is a "limited edition," but he says he finds it hard to believe that it will be.

As usual, take this all with a grain of salt. But the evidence continues to mount that some sort of new PlayStation 3 will be announced soon, perhaps as early as next week.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

Sprint Expands Environmental Leadership

The Samsung Reclaim is available for less than $50 and it is the most full featured Eco friendly phone in the U.S. When you purchase the Samsung Reclaim,$2 of the proceeds will benefit The Nature Conservancy's Adopt an Acre program, which supports land conservation across the United States and protects some of the world's most beautiful and important natural habitats.

Sprint is the first U.S. wireless carrier to establish a set of environmental design criteria for future devices and accessories. The Reclaim will be available on August 16th and Samsung Telecommunications has announced that the Samsung Reclaim is constructed from Eco-friendly bio-plastic materials, made from 80 percent recyclable materials.

Samsung Reclaim is a feature rich messaging phone that offers environmentally conscious customers a perfect blend of responsibility without sacrificing speed and features.

All credits and information was found by phonescoope.

Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild

Not long at all after that mysterious Nokia RX-51 passed through the FCC comes shots from Indonesian message board Kaskus of the tablet-like device in the wild. The blurred box shot and the label behind the battery clearly say RX-51 prototype, and the design is unmistakably similar to the rumored press photo for the Maemo 5 -powered Rover from back in May. We can't help but notice the 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens and, more importantly, SIM card slot and an ear piece, which would be perfect for placing calls on, say, T-Mobile's network. Few more shots after the break, and hit up the read link for the gallery of photos.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

Elvis impersonators, patriot jets salute MyTouch arrival

Wearing an all-white Elvis suit, a parachuter blazed down into Justin Herman Plaza here as giant balloons of confetti exploded, U2's "Beautiful Day" blasted, and a broadcaster announced, "Ladies and Gentleman, T-Mobile is proud to present the My Touch with Google."

What do Elvis, skydivers, and confetti have to do with a cell phone? We're not sure either. But T-Mobile used all of those, along with all sorts of other random hoopla to celebrate the release of the MyTouch 3G on Wednesday.

MyTouch, T-Mobile's second Google Android phone, has a touch screen that lets users customize the phone to be "100% You." It's filled with all sorts of applications, including Sherpa, Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube, and Picasa. It goes on sale for $199.99 in stores and online Wednesday.

But there was little about the actual phone at T-Mobile's campy event. Throngs of people in fluorescent green shirts gave out MyTouch-branded chapstick and luggage tags; skateboarders and gymnasts practiced flips, and celebrity impersonators (Tina Turner, Magnum P.I., Jimi Hendrix, to name a few) danced around.

Then there were the skydivers and patriot jets. "You are about to witness a historical event of epic proportions," announced the broadcaster as L39 patriot jets flew over the Bay (they were flying a tad too low for people to see them).

As the skydivers jumped from 12,500 feet, the broadcaster yelled, "Look up, look up now!" Slowly descending, circling each other, with colored smoke trailing from their packs, the skydivers elicited ohhs and ahhhs from the crowd. One skydiver with a T-Mobile flag billowing out of his cowboy boots got dangerously close to the spectators as he tumbled down onto the life-size MyTouch landing pad.

Did all of this commotion encourage onlookers to go out and buy a MyTouch phone? Word had it people were excited about the phone. But one spectator, Don Hatch, who was especially impressed by the skydivers said, "I don't even carry a cell phone, I've never liked cell phones and still won't buy one."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, T-Mobile paid the city $17,500 to put on this event. Could this jump-start California's economy?

All credits and information was found by cnet.

White Samsung Galaxy spotted in the wild

We just caught a glimpse of a white / silver Samsung Galaxy yesterday, but it looks like any doubts about its realness have now been put to rest, as the very same Android-based phone has now been spotted in the wild. As you might expect, however, there's apparently no other differences compared to the standard black Galaxy we've been seeing all along and, just like the black model, this one will reportedly be available first on O2 Germany before rolling out to other carriers in Europe. And, no, there's still no word of a release 'round here.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

Save money on your cell phone

Everyone has a cell phone these days. Even little kids in elementary school has a decent looking phone. But, owning a cell phone can be hefty, so how can you get the most out of your dollar with your cell phones and carrier plans?

First, get a phone that you will use. Of course the Appli iPhone 3G S sounds nice and the Palm Pre sounds like a good time but, if you are not going to be using all the features, do not get it. Don't jump on the hype bandwagon. Remember, it's a cell phone, you are suppose to make calls with a cell phone.

Second, you have to choose the right plan. If you are a heavy cell phone user, you're better with getting a monthly plan with realistic minutes. If you go over your monthly minutes, you will be charged expensive overage fees so be careful.

Then, get a family plan

Also, take advantage of free calling minutes. Calls to other cell phones on the same carrier are usually free so take advantage of that.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

T-Mobile MyTouch 3G gets GPS with TeleNav

TeleNav announced on Monday that it will make its TeleNav GPS Navigator application available to the T-Mobile My Touch 3G when it goes on sale on August 5. It will be the first location-based service to launch on the MyTouch 3G and customers will be able to try it out for free for 30 days before signing up for the $9.99 per month unlimited access option.

According to the location-based service provider, TeleNav GPS Navigator has been optimized for the Android smartphone and offers 3D moving maps in portrait and landscape mode, text- and voice-guided directions with text-to-speech functionality, and automatic route recalculation. In addition, the application features speech recognition so MyTouch 3G owners will be able to press a button on their smartphone, speak the name of a business or address, and get directions.

When calculating routes, TeleNav GPS Navigator will take traffic into account and it will also alert drivers to any new incidents along the route with audible and visual prompts. Alternatively, users can set up daily traffic commute alerts where TeleNav sends an e-mail at a predetermined time with a summary of the traffic conditions for their routes. Other features of the app include a 10 million points of interest database, gas price listings, five-day weather forecasts, and the ability preplan trips from TeleNav's Web site and send them directly to the MyTouch 3G.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

AccessoryGeeks Monthly Giveaways

A Gift give away from AccessoryGeeks. AccessoryGeeks is hosting a giveaway with a Nokia BlueTooth Headset as the prize. There will be 1 winner every month for the next 6 months, with no purchase necessary. So what do you need to do to win? Be a follower/fan/subscriber/friend on any one of AccessoryGeeks social networking account such as facebook, twitter, and youtube.com Then, all you have to do is send in a original geekiest stories, pictures, or videos. Each participant is allowed to send 1 story, picture or video and it will be reviewed by their official Geeks @ AccessoryGeeks.

All announcements and the top stories, pictures or videos will be posted on the social networking accounts so if you are not friends with them via social networking sites, you won't find out if you won!!

Samsung M1 PMP to challenge Zune HD with some Tegra of its own?

Samsung's launched a teaser page for its YP-M1 media player (look familiar?), and while a 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen is impressive in its own right, it's the mention of a NVIDIA chipset that has us most intrigued, especially given Samsung's earlier promise that a Tegra-based device was in the works. There isn't an indication that these are one in the same just yet, but we wouldn't be surprised to find that CPU packed away somewhere inside. Other known details at this point include a DMB TV tuner, 8GB of storage (at least for the base model), Samsung's TouchWiz UI, text-to-speech functionality, Bluetooth, and DivX support -- not a bad spec list considering it'll likely be up against the definitively Tegra-based Zune HD. Currently up in the air is any word of a price or release date (let along a release 'round here), although it seems Samsung could have more to say on August 13th.

All credits and information was found by engadget.

Upload Nintendo DSi photos to Facebook

It's been a long time coming, but Nintendo has finally announced that today's DSi system update will bring along the capability to upload photos from your DSi directly to your Facebook profile.

Photos from either of the two cameras can be manipulated beforehand then uploaded to Facebook afterward. While the onboard cameras don't boast enormous resolutions, we think the size should be good enough for use with the social networking giant.

Today's DSi update should be available about 8 p.m. Eastern time. DSi owners can simply navigate to the system update section of the settings menu on their device to download it. Let us know how it goes in the comments section below.

All credits and information was found by cnet.

100% Naturacell: Biodegradable Case

The new trendy thing to do these days is to go 'green'. People are frequently finding out new ways to save the environment and the ecosystem that depends on this mother earth.

Did you know that more than 20,000 U.S. facilities produce plastic materials, products, and equipments? Also did you know that plastics make up about 8% of America’s Municipal solid waste? People are becoming more aware and responsible of recycling materials, but what can you do with a plastic cell phone case? It’s still a plastic but many recycling programs will deny your old plastic case.

In keeping up with the environmental frenzy, Element Case has came up with a Biodegradable plastic iPhone case. Biodegradable plastic are plastics that will decompose in natural aerobic and anaerobic environments. Under proper conditions, biodegradable plastics can degrade to the point where microorganism can metabolize them. The new Venteve Element Case is an environmentally friendly, contouring, and impact resistant clear case that provides superior protection for the iPhone 3G

The product features; slim fitting, minimal bulk, high level of clarity, and access to all ports, buttons and speakers. The features sound just like other iPhone 3G cases, but the element of the case is totally different. It is made from 100% ‘naturacell’, natural, renewable, green material extracted from wood pulp. It does not impact food prices like many other natural polymers made from corn. It is non-toxic, non skin irritant and Phthalate free.