Friday, April 29, 2011

MobileBurn.com

MobileBurn.com

Apple jumps to number 3 mobile phone brand in U.S.

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 04:50 AM PDT

A new report released by NPD has revealed that Apple has moved up to the number 3 position in mobile phone brands in the U.S., thanks in no small part to the success of the iPhone on Verizon Wireless. The Cupertino company has jumped past Motorola and HTC and is behind Samsung and LG, which fill the top two slots.
Read the full story here.


Samsung brings lawsuit against Apple to American soil

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 04:32 AM PDT

Samsung has followed up on its lawsuits against Apple in Asia and Europe by filing a similar suit in the U.S. court system. Samsung is suing Apple for 10 counts of patent infringement in response to Apple's suit against Samsung that claims design infringements on multiple counts.
Read the full story here.


RIM predicts earnings to be low due to poor BlackBerry sales

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 04:02 PM PDT

RIM has predicted that its earnings for the current quarter will be less than expected due to weak sales of its BlackBerry smartphones.
Read the full story here.


Google announces video chat for phones, comes with Android 2.3.4

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 02:08 PM PDT

Google has announced that it has added a long-awaited feature to its Google Talk app for phones: native video calling. The calling feature will come built-in with the update to Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread.
Read the full story here.


Its official: Sprint will get Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi version May 8

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 01:37 PM PDT

Just after we discovered the fact sheet for the Motorola XOOM tablet on Sprint's website, the carrier has gone ahead and made it official: Sprint will release the Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi version on May 8.
Read the full story here.


Video: Casio G'zOne Commando (Verizon) - unboxing and video tour

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 01:34 PM PDT

The Casio G'zOne Commando for Verizon Wireless is a MilSpec ruggedized Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone that features a 3.6-inch WVGA touchscreen display and the ability to stand up to water, dust, shock, and extremes of temperature and altitude. It also has cool built-in sensors for temperature, and a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash.
Watch the video here.


Shazam updates Android app with social sharing and unlimited free tags til 2012

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 01:30 PM PDT

Shazam, the popular app for identifying music with a smartphone, has released an update to its Android application that adds a new feature and offers free tagging for the rest of the year.
Read the full story here.


Motorola XOOM spec sheet found on Sprint's website

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 01:07 PM PDT

In case you were wondering if Sprint was getting the Motorola XOOM or not, consider this as proof that it is. We have found a fact sheet detailing the tablet's specifications posted to Sprint's website.
Read the full story here.


BlackBerry Bold 9700 on AT&T gets official OS 6 blessing

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:41 PM PDT

Users of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone on AT&T no longer have to stamp their feet in ire as RIM and the carrier have finally released the update to BlackBerry OS 6 for the Bold 9700. BlackBerry OS 6 brings a refreshed user interface, new icons, speedier performance, and a much improved browser. Users can head over to RIM's update site to download and install the new software now.
Read the full story here.


ZTE rejects patent infringement allegations from Huawei

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 12:10 PM PDT

On the heels of the news that Chinese handset maker Huawei has filed patent infringement and trademark infringement lawsuits against ZTE, ZTE has released a response, mentioning that it is "astonished" by the fact that Huawei took these legal actions. "As a company listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, ZTE respects and adheres to international intellectual property laws and regulations without reservation, and absolutely rejects that there has been any patent and trademark infringement," said the company in its statement. The company added that negotiation is always an option in these situations, but that ZTE will definitely be taking "vigorous legal action" to protect its interests and those of its customers.
Read the full story here.


Apple iPad 2 launches in Japan after earthquake delay

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 11:49 AM PDT

In the wake of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, Apple enthusiasts in the country had to wait an extra month for the coveted iPad 2 tablet to go on sale, and apparently it was well worth the wait, as hundreds of customers filed into line to get their hands on Apple's newest slate. Many customers had been waiting since the early morning, some playing or surfing on their first-gen iPad tablets.
Read the full story here.


Motorola ATRIX 4G beta testers see new HSUPA update

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 11:29 AM PDT

Beta testers of Motorola's ATRIX 4G have been receiving a software update that enables HSUPA in the radio according to reports. The change log for version 4.1.83 of the software briefly mentions that the update will bring increased data speeds when connected to the network. Reports have shown this to be the case as users are seeing greatly improved upload speeds. AT&T has promised that the ATRIX 4G (along with the Inspire 4G) would get an official update with HSUPA support in April. Now that the apparent update is being tested, the carrier has less than 3 days to keep good on its promise.
Read the full story here.


T-Mobile's new data plan official: 2GB for $40 per month

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 11:25 AM PDT

T-Mobile has confirmed the rumor from earlier this week of a new broadband data plan for tablets and wireless hotspots via its official Twitter account. The new plan offers 2GB of data usage for $39.99 per month, with a 20 percent discount if you also have a voice plan with T-Mobile. Should you go over the 2GB allotment, T-Mobile will throttle your connection speed down until the next billing cycle. The new plan is not yet showing on T-Mobile's website, but we assume it will be updated shortly.
Read the full story here.


Sprint Q1 2011 report shows improvements, but continued losses

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 11:22 AM PDT

Sprint released its quarterly earnings reports today, and while things are looking up for the number 3 carrier, it still managed to lose money last quarter.
Read the full story here.


Kik Messenger receives 5.0 update with added features

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 10:57 AM PDT

The Kik Messenger app recently received a number of updates that were added based on user feedback. They include features like the ability to send photos already existing in your gallery, a new message receipt, the ability to block contacts, and message encryption. Version 5.0 of the Kik Messenger app also adds a feature similar to BlackBerry Messenger's delivery receipt system, where a faded D appears next to messages that have been delivered, but remain unopened. Kik Messenger 5.0 also lets you block contacts by changing the settings under the privacy tab. Finally, the new update will bring with it message encryption, which won't make much of a difference concerning user experience, other than increased peace of mind, which we all need a bit more of. Those interested should check for updates or download the Kik Messenger app from the Apple App Store or the Android Market.
Read the full story here.


Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android smartphone available hits Boost tomorrow

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 10:27 AM PDT

Boost Mobile's new Android smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Prevail, will be available for purchase tomorrow, according to the carrier's website. The Galaxy Prevail is an Android 2.2 Froyo handset with a 3.2-inch HVGA (480 x 320 pixel) touchscreen and an 800MHz processor. It utilizes Boost's CDMA network (powered by Sprint) for much improved data speeds over the older iDEN smartphones that have been available from the carrier up to now. We recently reviewed the Prevail and found it to be one of the most solid choices in Boost Mobile's lineup. The Prevail costs $180 without a contract and Boost offers a $50 per month pre-paid plan that gives unlimited talk, text, and web access.
Read the full story here.


Barnes & Noble issues scathing response to Microsoft patent suit

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 10:24 AM PDT

Barnes & Noble has filed a rebuttal to Microsoft's lawsuit that alleges patent infringement in its Nook e-reader, claiming that Microsoft's agreement with Nokia to combine patent portfolios is illegal, anti-competitive, and abusive. It all started back when Microsoft filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court and the International Trade Commission claiming that Barnes & Noble, Invtentec, and Foxconn had infringed on Microsoft patents with regards to their use of Google's Android OS on the Nook.
Read the full story here.


nDrive provides webOS with pricey GPS navigation

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 10:06 AM PDT

A new application named nDrive has made its way to the webOS App Catalog. It is the first full on-device navigation app that stores both the maps and the software on the webOS device itself. This particular setup would allow for the phone to be used as a GPS device even when no wireless data connection is available - as long as the GPS radio is on. The nDrive app offers spoken directions (via speakerphone, headphones, or Bluetooth) to the user's chosen destination, whether inputted by the user or selected from a stored address book entry. When the device has a data connection, the application can integrate weather, Foursquare check-ins, and Facebook Places. However, the price is a bit steep, as the nDrive app is tagged at $49.99 in the webOS App Catalog.
Read the full story here.


Zynga purchases GodFinger iOS game developer

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 09:25 AM PDT

Zynga, the company behind Farmville and other Facebook games, has added to its developer portfolio with the purchase of Wonderland, the iOS developer that created the popular GodFinger game. Wonderland will be renamed Zynga Mobile UK with its CEO serving as head of the newly formed unit. The team will develop new apps that focus on Zynga's social gaming platform. Zynga will lay claim to some IP from Wonderland, but not the popular GodFinger game. Zynga currently has over 250 million active users worldwide on platforms such as Facebook, iOS, and Android.
Read the full story here.


FCC puts a lock on documents about AT&T, T-Mobile buyout

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 08:53 AM PDT

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a protective order on the documents regarding AT&T's proposed buyout of T-Mobile USA. The documents were submitted confidentially, but Sprint had requested access to them earlier this week.
Read the full story here.


webOS App Catalog gets OTA update for webOS 2.1 phones

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 08:28 AM PDT

An update for the App Catalog on HP webOS phones has been pushed out via the software update utility on devices running webOS 2.1 or higher. The new update adds key features and improves performance while fixing some bugs.
Read the full story here.


White iPhone 4 took so long because its hard to make: Schiller

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 08:16 AM PDT

The mythical, highly-anticipated white iPhone 4 from Apple is finally available for purchase today, but why did it take so long from the time it was announced last year to come out? An interview with Apple CEO Steve Jobs and senior vice president Phil Schiller has revealed some details as to why the white iPhone 4 took so long to hit the market.
Read the full story here.


Verizon's 4G LTE network back in action

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 08:11 AM PDT

Fear not, Verizon 4G LTE users, the nation's largest carrier has announced via Twitter that its 4G network is once again operational after being out since yesterday morning. Scattered reports have been bouncing around this morning that different areas have had access restored, but now it looks like the entire network is back up. Now, back to enjoying your speedy 4G and whatever you do with it.
Read the full story here.


GetJar gets friendly with Facebook

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 07:41 AM PDT

Independent app store GetJar is looking to boost popularity by integrating with the most ubiquitous social network in the world, Facebook. By using Facebook Connect, the company hopes to differentiate itself in a world of big-brand app stores such as Apple's App Store, Amazon's Appstore, and Google's Android Market.
Read the full story here.


O2 offers HTC Mozart WP7 smartphone for free with 2-yr agreement

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 07:14 AM PDT

O2 UK has officially added a second Windows Phone 7 smartphone to its catalog of products before the Bank Holiday weekend. At the risk of misleading you, we'll tell you now that the "second" WP7 handset isn't necessarily a new one, but rather the HTC Mozart (not to be confused with the HTC 7 Mozart branding from Orange). The smartphone will be free after signing a two-year 21.50 GBP/month contract. That contract offers 100 minutes, 500 texts, and 500 MB of data along with the user's choice between 50 free music downloads, 24 free video rentals, or 6 free videos to own.
Read the full story here.


Motorola XOOM tablet update arriving soon

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:59 AM PDT

A software update for the Motorola XOOM Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet on Verizon Wireless that will address some bugs and add new features is expected to arrive soon. A change log for the update has been found on Verizon's website.
Read the full story here.


Rough and ready Casio G'zOne Commando Android smartphone hits Verizon today

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:46 AM PDT

Does the white iPhone 4 or the DROID Incredible 2 not look tough enough for you? Well, fret not, as the Casio G'zOne Commando Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone hits shelves today as well. The G'zOne Commando is the first smartphone to wear the G'zOne branding, and meets military specs for immersion, shock, rain, dust, vibration, temperature extremes, and more. In addition, it has a 3.6-inch touchscreen, an 800MHz processor, and a 5 megapixel, autofocus camera. The G'zOne Commando commands $199.99 from your wallet with a new two-year agreement and is available online and in Verizon Wireless locations now.
Read the full story here.


Video: HTC DROID Incredible 2 (Verizon) unboxing and video tour

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:41 AM PDT

The HTC DROID Incredible 2 for Verizon Wireless is the follow-up to the original Incredible. It features a larger, 4-inch S-LCD touchscreen, an 8 megapixel main camera with dual-LED flash, and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chatting. It's also quite speedy, thanks to a 2nd gen Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that runs at 1GHz. And did we mention that it can roam globally? Yum.
Watch the video here.


Samsung DROID Charge delayed because of LTE outage?

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:24 AM PDT

Conspicuously missing from today's product availability list is the new DROID Charge from Samsung. The DROID Charge is the next 4G LTE smartphone for Verizon Wireless and it was expected to hit stores today, but it is not available anywhere on Verizon's site.
Read the full story here.


Samsung Galaxy S II now available in UK, ahead of May 1 launch

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:20 AM PDT

It looks like customers in the UK are getting an early treat, as the Samsung Galaxy S II superphone is available for purchase at a couple of retailers ahead of its scheduled May 1 launch.
Read the full story here.


HTC DROID Incredible 2 now available from Verizon Wireless

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 06:01 AM PDT

The latest phone to don the Incredible name, the HTC DROID Incredible 2 is now available for purchase from Verizon Wireless. The 4-inch, Android 2.2 Froyo-powered smartphone has global roaming capabilities and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The DROID Incredible 2 costs $199.99 with a new two-year agreement and is available now from Verizon Wireless stores or online.
Read the full story here.


Chinese twitter-like microblog adds English app interface

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:44 AM PDT

One of the most-used microblogs in China, which was launched by news portal operator Sina in 2009, has grown to more than 100 million users. Thus, Sina is planning to add other languages to its service, starting with an English interface for its iPhone app. The English interface for the iPhone app was added earlier this month, and despite the fact that the majority of the posts on the blog are in Chinese, Sina CEO Charles Chao noted that there are 8 million users that live outside mainland China, in places such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and North America. Chao also said that the company "will probably introduce other languages in the future." While the 457 million web users in China comprise an attractive internet market, the Chinese government has blocked Twitter, which creates a giant gap that Sina's microblog seems ready to fill.
Read the full story here.


Google's Android Market has more free apps than Apple's App Store

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:43 AM PDT

A new report by app store analytics company Distimo reveals that Google's Android Market now has more free apps than Apple's App Store, despite having over 100,000 fewer apps total.
Read the full story here.


Visa invests in Square mobile payment system

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:36 AM PDT

Square has announced that it has received an investment from Visa for its mobile payment system that allows merchants to charge credit cards with a smartphone or tablet.
Read the full story here.


Apple iPhone 4 now available in white

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:25 AM PDT

The long-awaited white Apple iPhone 4 is now available for purchase from Apple, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless. Of course, it is the same exact phone as the black version, but with an all new paint job with a lot less black. Prices are the same as well; $199 will buy you a 16GB model with a two-year agreement, while a 32GB model will set you back $299.
Read the full story here.


Rogers will launch 4G LTE network in 2011, expand through 2012

Posted: 28 Apr 2011 05:05 AM PDT

Rogers has announced that it will launch its next-generation 4G LTE network in 2011, ahead of its main competitor Telus. The Canadian carrier will deploy the higher speed network in four markets and expand further in 2012.
Read the full story here.


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