Wednesday, April 6, 2011

MobileBurn.com

MobileBurn.com

Samsung Galaxy Mini Android smartphone lands on Three UK

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:55 AM PDT

Samsung's Galaxy Mini is now being offered by Three in the UK. The entry level Android smartphone offers a 3.14-inch touchscreen display with QVGA resolution, wireless tethering, Swype support, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, and runs on Google's Android 2.2 Froyo OS. For more, check out our hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Mini smartphone.
Read the full story here.


Video: Nokia Astound (T-Mobile) 720p HD video sample

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 04:49 PM PDT

Here is a sample of the 720p HD video recording capabilities of the Nokia Astound smartphone for T-Mobile. The Astound has an extended depth of field lens, as opposed to an autofocus, so close-up video is not possible.
Watch the video here.


Live Samsung Galaxy Prevail images from Boost launch event

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 04:40 PM PDT

We've just grabbed a few live photos of the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone for Boost Mobile, the first CDMA phone to be offered by Boost.
Read the full story here.


Boost launches Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android smartphone

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 03:59 PM PDT

Samsung and Boost Mobile have announced the Galaxy Prevail smartphone with Android 2.2 Froyo. The Galaxy Prevail has a 3.2-inch touchscreen and a 2 megapixel camera capable of video recording.
Read the full story here.


Video: HTC ThunderBolt simultaneous voice and data demo

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:51 PM PDT

Demonstration of simultaneous voice and data while on 3G on the HTC ThunderBolt for Verizon. The ThunderBolt is the first CDMA phone for Verizon to support this functionality.
Watch the video here.


Verizon pays government $93.5 million to settle bill overcharging suit

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Verizon and Uncle Sam are in a bit of a tiff, as a whistleblower lawsuit filed against the carrier has forced Verizon to pay the federal government $93.5 million to settle the case. The lawsuit in question regards allegations that Verizon overcharged the government for voice and data communication services. The lawsuit remained under wraps until today, when the government announced that it had entered into negotiations and reached a settlement with Verizon.
Read the full story here.


Nokia Drop beta app launches for Symbian

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 01:09 PM PDT

Nokia today introduced Nokia Drop beta, a system that pushes content from a PC or desktop to the user's mobile phone. Nokia Drop supports devices for Symbian^3 and S60 5th edition phones, and requires installation of the Nokia Drop application as well as the Nokia Drop browser extension. The beta version of Nokia Drop has initially launched with just three features: the ability to push content to the phone's home screen as a background, the ability to push a picture from the computer to your phone, and the ability to send a web link to the phone. The entire process does not require a sync, or a Bluetooth or cable connection. We expect Nokia will offer added features in the future.
Read the full story here.


Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android smartphone revealed for Boost Mobile

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:42 PM PDT

Ahead of a press event tonight for Boost Mobile, the wireless company is now showing off a new Android smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy Prevail on its website.
Read the full story here.


Google Books for iOS updated; adds landscape mode, search feature

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:32 PM PDT

Google has updated its Books app for iOS users and now offers new features such as landscape viewing, search functionality within books, and an improved login process for Google's eBookstore. The update also includes minor bug fixes and is available now.
Read the full story here.


Press Release: The Princeton Review Releases SAT Score Quest App for iPad

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 11:57 AM PDT

Google may face large-scale antitrust investigation by FTC

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 11:40 AM PDT

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has a big decision to make, as the agency is currently considering launching a wide-scale antitrust investigation into Google and the search giant's dominance in the Internet-search industry, according to Bloomberg. However, before an investigation commences, the FTC is awaiting word from the Justice Department on whether or not it will approve Google's proposed acquisition of ITA Software Inc. The DOJ sees the purchase as a potential threat to competition in the travel-information search industry.
Read the full story here.


Nokia E7 Symbian^3 smartphone available from Amazon

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 11:06 AM PDT

Amazon has listed Nokia's flagship smartphone, the E7, for sale on its site. The e-trailer has the QWERTY-equipped smartphone priced at $649, $30 less than through Nokia direct. The E7 has a 4-inch screen and an 8 megapixel camera to go with that QWERTY keyboard. It runs Nokia's latest version of the Symbian^3 operating system. You can get our thoughts on the E7 from our hands-on video here. Interested customers can head over to Amazon's site to place their orders.
Read the full story here.


The Onion Tablet app launches for iPad

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 10:52 AM PDT

Everyone's favorite comedic non-newspaper has made its way to the iPad. The Onion, a source of laughs and outrageous headlines more so than true news, has released The Onion Tablet, an iPad application. The app debuted on April Fool's Day (go figure) in the Apple App Store as a "new and noteworthy" app. The Onion Tablet doesn't currently feature exclusive content, but is more of a reformatted version of the Onion's website. However, the iPad's functionality allows for a more engaging experience as the creators claim you can "swipe it, poke it, berate it, and it reacts accordingly." The major difference between the app and the online site is that the app offers no access to the A.V. Club, which is The Onion's non-parodic source of music, movie, TV, book, and video game reviews. The Onion Tablet is available as a free download on iPads running iOS 4.2 or higher.
Read the full story here.


HTC Thunderbolt LTE OnOff app launches in Android Market

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 10:38 AM PDT

TeamAndIRC have released an application to the Android Market that makes a simple task of turning the 4G LTE radio off on the HTC ThunderBolt in order to save battery life. Click through to see a video of the app in action.
Read the full story here.


iPad 2 tops XOOM in Consumer Reports tablet showdown

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 10:12 AM PDT

Apple's iPad 2 tablet has come out on top in Consumer Report's rankings of tablet computers. The magazine named the Motorola XOOM as the iPad 2's chief competitor; however, the Motorola tablet doesn't match the level of the iPad itself. "So far, Apple is leading the tablet market in both quality and price, which is unusual for a company whose products are usually premium priced," said Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor at Consumer Reports. The iPad 2 scored Excellent in almost every category tested, including battery life. The full report will be in the May issue of Consumer Reports, available today.
Read the full story here.


Huawei top candidate for U.S. Cellular network infrastructure, despite Senate protests

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 09:48 AM PDT

Chinese company Huawei is in the final running to be the company of choice to build out U.S. Cellular's LTE infrastructure. This comes despite alleged communist ties to the company by U.S. Senators.
Read the full story here.


Android Music 3.0 app leaked to blog

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 09:28 AM PDT

A developer version of what is thought to be an upcoming version of the Android music application was leaked by accident, ending up on a tech blog. The app suggests support for an upcoming Google cloud based music service.
Read the full story here.


Texas Instruments buys out National Semiconductor for $6.5B

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 09:13 AM PDT

Texas Instruments is coughing up $6.5 billion to purchase National Semiconductor, in a move that will unite two of the world's largest makers of analog chips, the technology necessary to transform voice signals into a digital form. Historically, the two technology titans have been long-standing rivals. However, as the landscape of the electronics market shifts towards smartphones and tablets, friends become enemies and enemies become friends and the lines drawn between businesses blur.
Read the full story here.


Softbank CEO donates all "future compensation" to Japan relief effort

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 08:44 AM PDT

We've already seen the generosity of Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, as he offered free handsets and wireless plans to earthquake orphans, repaired damaged iPhones and replaced lost ones, and even offered jobs to and covered living costs for the 1,200 Tamura residents in need of relocation. As Japan's wealthiest citizen, he has promised to offer 10 billion JPY (US$118.65 million) to the Japanese relief effort, but that's not all. The CEO also pledged to "donate to the same cause all of his future compensation as the head of Softbank." It would seem that the man with the most resources at his disposal is also the man with the most generosity of spirit and determination to rebuild his devastated country.
Read the full story here.


iPhone 4 drops less than half as many calls on Verizon as AT&T

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 08:16 AM PDT

A survey of AT&T and Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 owners has revealed some real-world impressions of the two networks. It turns out the iPhone 4 on Verizon's network has less than half as many reported dropped calls as it does on AT&T's network. The survey, which polled over 4,000 users, showed that 1.8 percent of calls dropped with the Verizon iPhone 4, versus 4.8 percent with AT&T. Despite the differences in dropped calls, though, owners were equally satisfied with their iPhone 4 on either network.
Read the full story here.


AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon joint venture names Salt Lake City as first market for mobile payments

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 08:09 AM PDT

ISIS, the joint venture system between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless for mobile payments, has announced Salt Lake City, UT as its first market. Expected to go live in early 2012, the system will utilize near field communications (NFC) technology to allow customers to make purchases with their mobile phones. Sprint just announced a service of its own that will accomplish the same thing, however the carrier is attempting to beat the other guys to the market by deploying its system in 2011.
Read the full story here.


SouthernLINC makes PTT, data roaming official

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 07:48 AM PDT

As reported last week, regional carrier SouthernLINC is offering its customers nationwide push-to-talk and data roaming in an agreement with Sprint Nextel. SouthernLINC has also introduced six new plans that incorporate the new services. The new plans and roaming capabilities are in effect as of today. Interested customers can head over to www.southernlinc.com/service-plans/so-easy to see the new available plans.
Read the full story here.


Google releases Maps 5.3 for Android

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 07:02 AM PDT

Google has announced the release of Google Maps 5.3 for Android, an updated version of Google Maps that offers a location history dashboard, check in at "home," and gives users the chance to add their own aspects for places when rating them. The location history dashboard has the same functionality as that of Google Latitude, except it works from the user's phone. By tapping view location history, Google Latitude will calculate how far you've traveled, along with an approximation of your time spent at home, work, or out. Google also saw fit to add "home" as a place at which users can check in. Users can add "home" as a location by entering in their address, and from then on, the app will offer "home" on the list of potential places to check in. The home check-in feature is entirely optional and there are settings to allow only certain people access to your home address. The final update to Google Maps comes in the form of adding aspects to places. Now users can include their own aspects about places instead of just looking at other commonly mentioned aspects. Google Maps 5.3 for Android is free and available in the Android Market now, requires Android 1.6 or higher.
Read the full story here.


Android fragmentation frustrates developers, survey says

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 06:48 AM PDT

A recent survey of 250 developers for the Android Market has revealed that a majority of the developers have some sort of problem with the fragmentation of the Android ecosystem. Since there are so many versions of Android on so many different types and styles of phones, developers have difficulty tailoring their apps for specific audiences. Of the developers surveyed, 24 percent had a huge problem with fragmentation, 33 percent faced a meaningful problem, 17 percent just had a problem with it, and 13 percent considered the fragmentation somewhat of an issue. Only 14 percent had no issue at all. Other issues that popped up with the Android Market in comparison to Apple's App Store for iOS were ease of development, app visibility, and receiving payment for paid apps.
Read the full story here.


Pandora subpoenaed regarding privacy concerns with Android, iOS apps

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 06:15 AM PDT

Popular streaming music service Pandora has been subpoenaed by a grand jury requesting information in regards to privacy concerns with its Android and iOS apps.
Read the full story here.


Google must blur Street View images in Switzerland

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 06:03 AM PDT

A Swiss court has ordered Google to blur images of people and license plates that are captured by its roving Street View team. Google has faced similar pressure in the past from the German government.
Read the full story here.


Facebook for iPhone updated with events check-ins, unfriending

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:46 AM PDT

Facebook has updated its official app for the iPhone to version 3.4, having added some new features and fixes for bugs. Notable among the new features is the ability to check-in to events and to unfriend a person that you no longer want to be connected to, right within the app. The event check-ins are part of the event section of the app and allow users to check-in to nearby, upcoming events and check-in their friends as well, if they would like. It works very similarly to the Places check-in functionality that has been present since last year. A map view has also been added to the Places section of the app so users can see their friends' check-ins displayed on a map. Facebook for iPhone is a free update and available in the iTunes App Store now.
Read the full story here.


T-Mobile 4G sees 10 new markets; doubles up to 42Mbps in others

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:45 AM PDT

T-Mobile has announced the addition of 10 new markets to its HSPA+ 4G network. This brings the number of markets covered by T-Mobile's 4G to 167, with 200 million people having access to it. The new markets are Ames, Iowa; Anderson, Indiana; Battle Creek, Benton Harbor and Jackson, Michigan; Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado; Lawrence and Manhattan, Kansas; Springfield, Illinois; and Wichita Falls, Texas. In addition, T-Mobile will double the speed of its network to 42Mbps in 2011 in select markets. Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando will be the first to get HSPA+42, with Chicago, Long Island, NY and New Jersey following soon after. T-Mobile hopes to have 25 markets covered with HSPA+42 by the end of the year.
Read the full story here.


Sprint responds to WiMAX vs. LTE speed tests

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:37 AM PDT

Sprint has issued a response to the report of download speed tests that were done comparing its WiMAX network and Verizon Wireless' LTE network last week. The tests claimed that Verizon's network was far superior to Sprint's, and that Sprint's network was only capable of achieving 1Mbps download speeds on average. Sprint calls the report inaccurate, and backs up its claim with its own independent testing that shows its WiMAX network to be capable of 4 to 5Mbps download speeds on average in the NYC areas that the original tests were done. Sprint also called out the newness of Verizon's network, saying that it will surely slow down as more LTE devices are released on the market.
Read the full story here.


Clearwire sued regarding unlawful ETF practices

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:18 AM PDT

Wireless service provider Clearwire has been hit with an unusual lawsuit that alleges that the company purposely sold inadequate service in order to reap the revenues from early termination fees.
Read the full story here.


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