Verizon Makes the Droid 2 Available to the Public
August 11, 2010
It was a much awaited release. Following the successful Motorola Droid phone, finally here comes its successor - the Motorola DROID 2. And Verizon has just made it available for pre-order today under its various mobile data packages. But perhaps what makes the Droid 2 a much awaited Android device is the fact that it will be pre-loaded with the Android 2.2 Froyo OS.
Being a much talked about and overhyped smartphone, expect the Motorola DROID 2 to pack-in tons of great features that will surely give its rivals a run for their money. Let’s take a closer look at what the DROID 2 has to offer then.
DROID 2 features a 3.7 touch screen 480×854 WVGA display that supports up to 16M colors and has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It is equipped with a 5MP camera with auto-focus, touch-to-focus, face detection, panoramic modes and other great camera features. This camera also captures DVD-D1 videos and has its own dedicated camera key.
Going further inside the DROID 2, you’d have an Android phone running on T1 OMAP 1GHz processor with its own dedicated GPU, an 8GB internal memory, 8GB pre-installed microSD card, Android 2.2 OS with Motorola Application Platform, aGPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and speakerphone.
The DROID 2 is also loaded with various Verizon-specific features including 3G Mobile Hotspot support for up to 5 devices, Visual Voice Mail, VZ Navigator, Skype Mobile, V Cast Media Manager, VZW backup assistant and of course a plethora of Google apps and third-party Android apps.
The Motorola DROID 2 is available for pre-order now from Verizon Wireless. It will set you back for $199.99 if you opt to get it with Verizon Contract that will run for 2 years.
RIM Unveils the BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G
August 9, 2010
So right after announcing its latest BlackBerry handset, the Torch 9800 last week, RIM is also releasing another sort of new smartphone. Dubbed, BlackBerry Curve 3G, this new BlackBerry device seems like an updated version of BlackBerry Curve 8520. But then obviously, this one is different because of its 3G capability. Plus of course a slew of other great features that BlackBerry fans would surely love.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G is a nicely design smartphone reminiscent of other BlackBerry smartphones particularly the Curve 8520. It features a full-QWERTY keyboard which has been a trademark of most BlackBerry classic smartphone. An optical trackpad is also include to bring fluid navigation of menus and options. This BlackBerry phone also comes equipped with a built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, dedicated media keys, a 2MP camera that can record videos as well, and microSD/SDHC slot that can accomodate up to 32GB of storage.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G fully supports fast internet browsing through 3G networks and of course comes pre-loaded with BlackBerry’s proprietary BBM app. The phone also supports social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Other specs and features of the BlackBerry Curve 3G include - 4.5 hours/5.5 hours GSM/UMTS talk time and 19 days GSM and 14.5 days UMTS standby time. The phone comes with a TFT LCD screen with 320×240 pixel color display.
The BlackBerry Curve 3G runs BlackBerry OS 5 and is ready for BlackBerry . It is expected to ship in the coming months.
RIM Announces the New BlackBerry Torch 9800
August 3, 2010
Alright BlackBerry fans, finally RIM officially unveils its latest and perhaps greatest BlackBerry phone yet - the touchscreen and slider phone BlackBerry 9800. Featuring the latest BlackBerry 6 OS, BlackBerry 9800 boasts of a new touchscreen experience with easy-to-use keyboard and rich webkit browser. It also supports AT&T and also offers location features.
Could RIM shrug off threats posed by both Apple and the Android OS with this smartphone? Can the touchscreen and slide-out keyboard lure smartphone users into abandoning the features and functionality of the iPhone 4 or other Android phones? Only time can tell. And if only the BlackBerry 9800 would live up to the hype surrounding its launch.
So, what does the BlackBerry 9800 has to offer to the smartphone market? Let’s take a look at the following specs and features of the BlackBerry 9800:
- 3.2-inch 360×480 capacitive touch screen display (no AMOLED or RETINA display here folks)
- full QWERTY backlit slide-out keyboard
- optical trackpad
- 624 MHZ processor with 512 MB flash memory
- 4GB built-in memory storage plus support for microSD/SDHD card
- 5MP camera with flash, auto focus, image stabilization, scene modes, geo-tagging and zoom
- video recording at 640×480 resolution
- GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G
- BlackBerry Destop Software 6
- WiFi Music Sync
- 5.8 hours talk time on 3G, 30 hours of audio playback, 6 hours of video playback
Samsung Outs a Worthy iPhone Rival - Galaxy S Android Phone
July 27, 2010
The first time I saw the Samsung Galaxy S on display at one of the phone shops, I couldn’t believe that I was actually holding a Samsung smartphone. But the Samsung brand gave it away. Indeed I was holding a Samsung phone - displaying a home screen with app icons similar to the iPhone or an Android phone. Was I impressed? - Certainly.
The Samsung Galaxy S was recently launched globally. And I wouldn’t be surprise why it is getting the news coverage that it certainly deserves. It is a full-featured, technically advanced smartphone featuring a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen. If phones with AMOLED screen blew your mind away, wait till you see the Samsung Galaxy S’ Super AMOLED screen.
Aside from this, the Samsung Galaxy S runs on a 1GHz app processor. This simply means that app switching is a breeze and running these apps are as smooth as silk.
The Samsung Galaxy S is a super multimedia machine on the go capable of displaying HD video on its high-resolution screen.
While I was playing around with the Samsung Galaxy S, I couldn’t help but noticed it striking resemblance to the iPod Touch. Both devices have curvy edges and the silver undertones in front. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S looks classic and the slightly smaller than the Xperia X10. However, the Xperia X10 has a more glossy appearance.
The Samsung Galaxy S runs Android 2.1, which is a good thing. Hopefully, update to Froyo 2.2 will be rolled out later this year. With Android running, you’d have 7 home screen all in all to fill with Android apps. It also runs Samsung’s TouchWiz UI interface on top of Android.
Among its major features include:
- instant access to weather, news, stocks, and scheduler
- inter-device connectivity via DNLA technology
- can be used as a digital photo frame, table clock, calendar and music station
- Swype text input
And now for the Samsung Galaxy S’ specs:
- Android 2.1 OS
- 5MP camera with autofocus
- support for various media formats such as MP4, WMV, MP3 and more
- A-GPS
- Augmented Reality with Layar Reality Browser
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- 2.5G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
- 3G (HSDPA 7.2mbps, HSUPA 5.76mbps)
Acer Stream Coming Exclusively to Expansys on August 9
July 26, 2010
Acer and Expansys has officially announced the availability of the Acer Stream this coming August 9. A high-end multimedia smartphone, the Acer Stream is a nice mobile device both in and out. Inside the smartphone are powerful features that optimized the phone for movie playback, music listening and web browsing. Outside is a well design form factor made from highly resistant materials
Feature-wise, the Acer Stream is in full steam with advanced features topbilled by a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display boasting of 1.67 million bright color. Completing its superb display feature is an incredible contrast of 2000:1 that allows the phone to display clear images even in light condition.
For its connectivity features, the Acer Stream offers fast 3G connectivity at around 7.2mbps download speed. It also features Bluetooth and WiFi n.
Specs-wise, the Acer Steam features Qualcomm Snapdragon 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM which are both perfect for running Android 2.1 OS.
The Acer Steam allows you to record 720 HD videos and have it played back with Dolby Mobile quality sound, powerful bass and crystal clear clarity.
Other features of the Acer Steam include - a 5MP camera, integrated GPS, geotagging, HDMI port, and micro-SD card support. The Steam has three types of predictive keyboards, a smart dialer and redesigned contacts list.
With all those features, the Acer Stream will let you quickly start favorite apps in one touch, easily switch apps with the History panel, customize your phone and enjoy smooth animation and fine graphics.
The Acer Steam retails for £399 at Expansys.
Move Over MOTO DROID, Here Comes the DROID Incredible
April 15, 2010
HTC and Verizon Wireless today announced the new Android phone called - DROID Incredible. This latest Android device will be available through Verizon Wireless starting April 29 and boasts of a topographic design made possible with craftmanship and precision.
The New DROID Incredible also boasts of HTC’s latest Sense technology, a 7-panel home screen with interactive widgets, seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, access to Flickr and of course to the Android Market. What makes the DROID Incredible quite interesting is the fact that it will be loaded with Qualcomm’s 1GHz superfast Snapdragon processor - a first for Verizon Wireless phones. In addition, the DROID Incredible also happens to have an 8 megapixel camera, again another first among Verizon’s stable of smartphones.
Another great features to expect from the DROID Incredible are Verizon Wireless’ own mobile apps - NFL Mobile and Skype Mobile.
Other key features and specs of the DROID Incredible include - 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED capacitive touch screen, optical joystick, dedicated keys for home, menu, back and search functions, proximity sensor, light sensor, digital compass, integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3.5 mm jack.
The DROID Incredible will be available for pre-order starting April 19 on Verizon Wireless website. It will arrive on Verizon brick and mortar shops on April 29. Price tag is at $199.99 with two-year service agreement.
Samsung Launches the Galaxy S Smartphone with 4-inch AMOLED
March 24, 2010
Samsung has just launched its latest mobile phone offering, the new Samsung Galaxy S. Featuring a 4-inch AMOLED screen and a 1GHz mobile processor running the latest Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy S promises vibrant HD video handling, rich augmented reality content through Layar Reality Browser and advanced location based services. The Samsung Galaxy S is slated for a simultaneous release in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia and Asia. Read more
Nokia Unveils the Nuron 5230 Smartphone for the Masses
March 8, 2010
Recently, Nokia and T-Mobile have announced the latest Nokia smartphone which is going to be marketed for the masses. Dubbed Nokia 5230 Nuron, this smartphone features social networking apps, maps with turn-by-turn navigation and more useful features. The Nokia Nuron is slated to be released under T-Mobile later this year.
Utilizing T-Mobile’s 3G network, the Nokia Nuron provides fast and dynamic web browsing. It’s key features include a 3.2-inch touch screen, Ovi Maps, AGPS, 3G and other features.
This smartphone offers a mobile solution that lets you make your way easily around town as well as download content and apps that will keep you entertained while on the move. It will also allow you to stay connected with friends and family through IM apps, SMS, persona and work e-mail as well as full HTML browsing capability.
The Nokia Nuron also comes packed with Ovi Maps which does not only provide you with turn-by-turn directions and navigation but also makes it easy for your to discover places to eat, concerts, movies and other Lonely Planet guides. It also lets you check the weather forecast as well as share your location through Facebook. The Nokia 5320 comes loaded with maps for the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Other features of the Nokia Nuron 5320 include - 2MP camera for both still pictures and video capture, FM radio, media player, and 70 MB internal memory with support for microSD card.
The Nokia Nuron 5320 boasts of 7 hours GSM and 4 hours 18 mins WCDMA talk time, 438 hours GSM and 458 hours WCDMA stand by time.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro Announced
February 17, 2010
Sony Ericsson recently made some waves at the Mobile World Congress by unleashing its latest Xperia handset - the Xperia X10 Mini Pro. This newest iteration of the Xperia product line will remind you of the Xperia X10, a compact version at that. The X10 Mini Pro combines high spec features and Sony Ericsson’s UX platform which was specifically designed for smaller mobile handsets.
The Xperia X10 Mini Pro sports a slide out QWERTY keyboard that provides an open and intuitive communication entertainment experience. It was built on the human curvature design philosophy which was started in the Xperia X10.
The phone runs on Android Platform which means you’ll have access to various mobile apps through the Android market. It’s homescreen is highly customizable using widgets.
An interesting feature of the Xperia X10 Mini Pro is Timescape. It’s actually a proprietary Sony Ericsson mobile app that lets you see text messages, missed calls, Facebook and Twitter updates in one interface. It also has an interactive music player with “infinite button” that brings together all your music content from the music store and YouTube.
The Xperia X10 Mini Pro is also packed with a 5MP camera with video capture and sharing features, autofocus, geotagging, photo and video light and album application.
Other specs and features include - TFT Touchscreen Display, Bluetooth, WiFi, microSD card support, 128MB internal memory, 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 Processor, up to 4 hours GSM/GPRS talk time and 285 hours standby time, 3.5 hours at UMTS and 360 hours standby time.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro support HSPA 900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA 850/1900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900. It will available in Black and Red design sometime in Q2.
Motorola Unveils its 8th Android Phone - Motorola QUENCH
February 15, 2010
Motorola is really going all out in producing more Android devices around the world. At the ongoing Mobile Web Congress, Motorola has just announced it latest Android-powered device called the Motorola QUENCH with MOTOBLUR. Let’s see, to date the Motorola Quench is the eight Android device from Motorola and it boasts of sleek touch-screen design, with pinch and zoom navigation and a touch pad.
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