NVIDIA demos Tegra 3 at Computex 2011

The first thing the name NVIDIA suggests to computer enthusiasts is graphic cards. Now, at Computex 2011, NVIDIA is showing off the successor to its successful mobile Tegra processor, the Tegra 3 (codenamed Kal-El). The processor is a 1.5GHz Quad core processor and boasts of better graphical capabilities.

NVIDIA's senior vice president, Dan Vivoli demoed the next gen mobile hardware but failed to mention a launch period where we can see the first Tegra 3 device hit store shelves. So far we have only heard rumours that Asus and Amazon will launch tablets powered by the Tegra 3 processor.

NVIDIA's graphic cards and physics gaming engines have always had a strong reputation among gamers - a reputation that was further strengthened with the launch of the Tegra 2 processor which powers virtually every Honeycomb tablet available in the market today.

Also new from the NVIDIA stable is the GeForce GTX 560M. This graphics card is targeted at gamer laptops and netbooks and aims to hit the sweet spot between battery life and performance of portable gaming notebooks.

Until we get some concrete information about the launch of Kal-El, here a quick demo of what the hardware can accomplish.

PM's son named 'New Zealand's top planker'

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key's son was named the country's "top planker" Tuesday after a photo appeared online apparently showing him performing the Internet craze as his father looked on.

The New Zealand Herald said the grainy picture of Max Key planking on the back of a couch in the prime ministerial residence appeared on the "Planking New Zealand" Facebook page this week, causing a stir among Internet users.

Intel announces Ultrabook laptops

At Computex 2011, Intel has announced a new roadmap for its Atom processor family enabling thinner notebooks. Intel defines this new category of mainstream thin and light mobile computers as Ultrabooks. Intel aims to shift 40 per cent of consumer laptops to the Ultrabook by the end of 2012.

Asus announces the Padfone

Asus finally announced their much talked about Padfone at Computex 2011 in Taipei.

According to Asus the Padfone explores the possible convergence between a mobile phone and a tablet. The device is divided into two halves- a phone and a tablet, with the phone cradling inside the tablet when in tablet mode.

Samsung to stick with Google for its tablets

Samsung Electronics will depend on Google's Android mobile-device software to run future versions of its tablet computers, a senior Samsung official said in an interview published Tuesday.

"We'll continue to work with Android on future tablets," J.K. Shin, head of the South Korean giant's mobile division, told The Wall Street Journal.

Samsung Electronics is the world's second-largest cellphone maker after Finland's Nokia but trails Apple's iPhone and iPad in smartphones and tablets.

Sony to restore most PlayStation services this week

Sony said Tuesday it plans to restore by this weekend PlayStation Network services worldwide except in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, after being targeted in a massive online attack in April.

The electronics and entertainment giant said users in the Americas and Europe and much of Asia will again be able to buy and download games online, and will also receive "welcome back" packs of services and content.

The company said that since being hacked in April, it had "implemented considerable security enhancements to the network infrastructure, as well as conducted testing of the payment process and commerce functions".

Hackers post phony Tupac story on PBS website

PBS officials say hackers have cracked the network's website, posting a phony story claiming dead rapper Tupac Shakur was alive in New Zealand, and a group that claimed responsibility for the hacking complained about a recent "Frontline" investigative news program on WikiLeaks.

PBS confirmed Monday that the website had been hacked. The phony story had been taken down as of Monday morning. It had been posted on the site of the "PBS NewsHour" program, which is produced by WETA-TV in Arlington, Va.

How much longer can photographic film hold on?

At Image City Photography Gallery, Gary Thompson delights in pointing out qualities of light, contrast and clarity in one of his best-selling prints -- a winter-sunset view of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan peak shot with a hefty Pentax film camera he bought in 1999 for $1,700.

His wife, Phyllis, a latecomer to fine-art photography after they retired from teaching in the 1990s, favors a Hasselblad X-Pan for panoramic landscapes, such as a time-lapse shot of a harbor in Nova Scotia.

Of 11 partners and resident artists at the private gallery in Rochester -- the western New York city where George Eastman transformed photography from an arcane hobby into a mass commodity with his $1 Brownie in 1900 -- the Thompsons are the only ones left who haven't switched to filmless digital cameras.

Writer urges Internet junkies to 'switch off' and think

Like tens of millions of others, US technology writer Nicholas Carr found the lure of the worldwide web hard to resist -- until he noticed it was getting harder and harder to concentrate.

He set out his concerns in a celebrated essay headlined "Is Google making us stupid?"

And his latest book "The Shallows" explores in depth what he fears the Internet is doing to our brains.

"The seductions of technology are hard to resist," Carr acknowledges in that book, which has sold an estimated 50,000 hardback copies in the United States alone. But he thinks it's time to start trying.

Council 'gets Twitter data' after court battle

An English local authority said it had forced Twitter to hand over users' details after it took the US microblogging site to court in California, in what is believed the first case of its kind in Britain.

South Tyneside Council, in northeast England, took the legal action in a bid to discover the identity of a blogger, known as "My Monkey", behind allegedly libellous statements against councillors.

"Twitter have released information to our lawyers and this is currently being analysed by technical experts," council spokesman Paul Robinson told AFP.

Two new tablets unveiled ahead of top Asia IT fair

Two electronic firms unveiled new tablet computers in Taipei Monday, on the eve of Asia's biggest IT trade fair, as they try to get a slice of a lucrative market dominated by Apple's iPad.

As thousands of industry delegates prepared for the Computex Taipei fair US firm ViewSonic and Taiwan's Shuttle Inc showed off their latest innovations.

ViewSonic, a visual technology firm based in California, introduced what it said is the world's first tablet that is equipped with both Windows 7 and Google's Android platforms.

Google dengue trends available for India

Google has announced the availability of Google dengue trends for India. These trends are also available for Brazil,Indonesia and Singapore. These trends can be accessed at http://www.google.org/denguetrends.

The Internet has become the first source of information for health related searches. Google uses this search activity to estimate, in almost real-time, the extent of dengue outbreak in a particular geography. It then correlates this data with historic baseline dengue activity in the area to report the activity level as Minimal, Low, Moderate, High, or Intense. These are then plotted as color codes geographically on a map.

According to Google, there is a close relationship between the searches on dengue related symptoms and the number of people who actually have dengue. Depending on the frequency of such search queries, Google estimates the extent of the outbreak of this disease. Google has tested a similar model for estimating the outbreak of flu in the UnitedStates.

Taiwan show to feature Apple tablet challengers

Computer manufacturers of all sizes and descriptions have been pushing to get a piece of the ever-expanding tablet market created by the launch of Apple's iPad in April 2010.

The obsession with tablet computing will be on full display tomorrow as Computex, the world's second-largest computer show, begins its annual five-day run in Taipei.

The prominence of tablets underscores a dramatic shift under way in the personal computer industry and keenly felt in Taiwan, which is home to some of the world's biggest PC manufacturers as many consumers opt to buy a tablet rather than a new PC.

DU launches Facebook page for students

With its helplines and open-days flooded with pre-admission queries, Delhi University today launched its Facebook page for students, giving them another avenue to sort out their questions, raise grievances and offer suggestions.

At the first Open Day at the South campus, officials of the University were bombarded by a series of questions by curious students and concerned parents as they sought to clear their doubts about the new admission norms and other details and nuances of several courses.

Asus Padfone leaked before launch

Asus's Padfone is the first casualty of leaks that have started ahead of the big Computex 2011 event on May 31.

PocketNow.com has shown leaked images of the rumoured Asus Padfone. We cannot confirm the legitimacy of the images but it seems like the Padfone consists of two units - one is a phone and the other a tablet.

According to the images shown by PocketNow.com, the phone comfortably cradles inside the tablet leaving only a circular opening for the phone's camera. The rear end of the speaker also suggests that it may well have dual speakers.

Previously Asus launched the Eee Pad transformer, which was an Android Honeycomb tablet that included a dock to transform it into an Android netbook. Similarly Motorola launched the Atrix 4G, which also had a keyboard dock, once the phone was docked it became a netbook or a PC, depending on the kind of dock used.

It still remains to be seen how the Asus Padfone will operate, as its specifications will be unveiled on Tuesday at Computex.

China 'setting up military cyber-warfare team'

China's military has set up an elite Internet security task force tasked with fending off cyberattacks, state media reported on Friday, denying that the initiative is intended to create a "hacker army".

The People's Liberation Army has reportedly invested tens of millions of yuan (millions of dollars) in the project -- which is sure to ring alarm bells around the world among governments and businesses wary of Beijing's intentions.

"Cyber attacks have become an international problem affecting both civilian and military areas," the Global Times quoted China's defence ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng as telling a rare briefing this week.

Napa Valley blends wine and Internet for charity

Internet technology will blend with coveted vintages next week to open a premier Napa Valley wine country charity auction to the world.

Oenophiles from anywhere on the globe will be able to bid in real-time against rivals at the Auction Napa Valley site for lots featured online at napavintners.com/anv.

"We like to say you can have a virtual Napa Valley experience from wherever you are in the world -- you could bid in your pajamas if you want to," said Andy Schweiger of Schweiger Vineyards, who heads the auction's online component.

British local authority takes Twitter to court in US

An English local authority said on Sunday it had taken US micro-blogging site Twitter to court in California and forced it to release the details of a British user.

South Tyneside Council, in northeast England, took the legal action in a bid to discover the identity of a blogger behind allegedly libelous statements.

The blogger, known as "Mr Monkey", has levelled a stream of criticism and allegations against councillors and council officers.

A council spokesman confirmed Twitter had released information after they took the case to the Superior Court of California.

Auction house: Camera fetches record euro1.3 million

An Austrian auction house says an 88-year-old Leica camera has sold for a record euro1.3 million ($1.9 million).

WestLicht says the rare camera is part of a small series dating back to 1923 and was valued at up to euro450,000 ($643,640).

It says the camera, which had a starting price of euro200,000 ($286,000), went to a private Asian collector after a nail biting, 20-minute bidding process.

WestLicht claims Saturday's auction makes the Leica the most expensive camera ever sold.

Tablets, 3D in focus at future-shaping Taiwan IT show

The question of how to get 3D technology into every living room and a tablet computer into every hand is set to dominate Asia's largest IT fair which opens in Taiwan next week.

Around 1,800 exhibitors from across the world will descend on Taipei for the Computex fair, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, hoping to generate an estimated $23 billion of sales from 36,000 buyers, organisers say.

Under the slogan "Shaping the future!" the fair will showcase a cascade of new products designed to stir the interest of tech-savvy consumers.

600-meter high water tornadoes, caught on camera

Sydney:  Dramatic footage was captured on Monday of a series of powerful waterspouts near the coastal suburb of Terrigal, on Australia's New South Wales coast.

Video, filmed from a helicopter by Australian broadcaster Channel Seven, showed several powerful columns of swirling air blasting along the water's surface near the coastline.

Channel Seven claimed the spouts reached heights of up to 600 meters (nearly two thousand feet), but dissipated as they neared land.

Teardown reveals the HTC Trophy's microSD card slot

Have you recently picked up Verizon’s HTC Trophy and you're not content with only the 16GB of storage it’s able to dish up out of the box? Well, if you seem like the handy and careful type, you’ll actually be able to swap it out with a larger 32GB one – but be warned, it requires some meticulous work.

Very much like it European brother, taking apart the handset uncovers a nifty microSD card slot that’s preoccupied by a sufficient SanDisk Class-4 16GB card. However, you can actually remove and replace it with a 32GB one to give you enough ample room – but you’ll need to verify that it’s certified to work beforehand. With its ability to shoot 720p videos and all, that 16GB card might not prove to be sufficient enough to match your needs.

Still, it’s worth mentioning that disassembling the handset yourself will obviously void your warranty – so be warned before you go start ripping things apart!

via WMPoweuser

HTC EVO 3D to launch with unlocked bootloader

No sooner had we reported that HTC planned on unlocking the bootloader on its handsets than up popped the question on everyone's mind, "Will the HTC EVO 3D launch with an unlocked bootloader?" The question was posed to the man of the hour, HTC CEO Peter Chou, in the form of an email and Chou's response left no doubt about the answer to that question. "Our original intent was to reduce the potential quality problem when user (s) upgrade their phone," wrote the executive, "Anyway, we will unlock it (HTC EVO 3D). Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we want you to have a good experience when you deal with HTC."

As recently as last week, it was being reported that the high-end handset was coming to market with a locked bootloader. But that was before Chou's announcement the other day, and now those who like to install custom operating systems or root their device will have a much easier time of it. While no official launch date has been announced, we told you the other day that Radio Shack plans on offering the phone for $199.99 with a 2-year contract, or $99.99 with a contract and your trade-in of the HTC EVO 4G or the HTC EVO Shift 4G. Now that the newer device will launch without a locked bootloader, Radio Shack might see more trade-ins than they planned for.


source: Android Police

In response to an emailed question, HTC CEO Peter Chou says that the HTC EVO 3D will launch with an unlocked bootloader

Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Jay-Z to partake in HP's webOS marketing extravaganzza

Commercials with Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Russel Brand, Lea Michele and Jay-Z, among other celebs, are scheduled to air early June, for the HP Veer tiny phone, and in July, possibly right after the first webOS tablet, the HP Touchpad, hits retail. HP is obviously not sparing the cash to engrave webOS gear in consumer's perceptions, doling out $10 million in celebrity contracts. The HP Veer is already strutting its munchkin stuff at the back of the New York Times

Not too shabby of a marketing campaign, and, considering webOS will be shipped along with every HP computer from next year as an alternative operating system, Palm's software will reach a lot of potential clients. HP is still the world's biggest computer maker, after all. The Palo Alto-based company's newest slate is the first device to ship with a tablet edition of webOS, and it is quite the sleek experience, judging from our hands-on encounter with the HP TouchPad.

HP demonstrated some cool home automation management with the TouchPad the other day, but now we are only curious what will Lady Gaga do to the young and innocent webOS tablets and phones in her commercial, and will the directors stop just short of dressing her in them.

via PreCentral

Microsoft to preview Windows 8 tablet edition next week at two events

Those almighty "sources familiar with the matter" have told Bloomberg that Microsoft is ready to demonstrate the tablet version of Windows 8 next week. It is not a far-fetched rumor, though - the Redmond-based software giant has been promising June demonstration since, well, since it said it will port the next version of Windows to ARM-based chipsets, and have a specialized tablet UI back at CES in January.

There are a few tech events scheduled for next week - the All Things D D9 conference, and Computex 2011 in Taipei. We already heard that the tablet Windows 8 will be demoed at the D9 conference, but Microsoft is allegedly demonstrating at both. Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft's Windows President, will be broadcasting from Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and VP Steve Gugenheimer will be the main man in Taiwan.

The Computex event traditionally features Original Design Manufacturers (ODM), which produce the computers and other gear for HP, Dell and the like, which slap their brands on them, so rumor has it that Asian manufacturers are having first dibs at the next Windows version, heading to a tablet near you.

source: Bloomberg

More Asus PadFone hybrid tablet/phone teaser shots emerge

With the Asus Eee Pad Transformer and its innovative dock, the company set somewhat of an expectation that it will be working on making our life with Android tablets more interesting. It is evidently trying not to disappoint us spectators, and we are only hours away from Computex 2011 in Taiwan, where Asus will showcase something with the codename PadFone, possibly a phone/tablet hybrid.

What's so different about it than a Motorola ATRIX 4G with its laptop dock, you would ask? We still don't know with details, but a few more teaser pics leaked that have the phone on top of the tablet thingy this time. It looks like aluminum or at least chrome-like plastic is part of the design decision, but what silicon is inside the phone or the tablet, as well as the screens' size and resolution, remain a mystery.

via SlashGear

Samsung files motion to see Apple iPhone 4S/5 and the Apple iPad 3

Add Samsung's outside lawyers to the list of people just dying to get a look at the unannounced Apple iPhone 4S/5 and the Apple iPad 3. Friday night, lawyers for the Korean based firm filed a motion with the U.S District Court in the Northern District of California, seeking, "a sample of the commercial version of the next generation of iPhone that Apple will release, whether that product will be known as the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 or some other name..." Samsung also demands to see the retail packaging and inserts that will come with it. Samsung's legal crew also wants the court to order Apple to deliver the same information, including a sample, for the also unannounced Apple iPad 3. You might recall that last month, we reported that Apple was suing Samsung over similarities between Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy line of handsets.

Samsung is requesting to see the Apple iPhone 4S/5 and the Apple iPad 3 as part of the discovery process. The Korean firm claims that because the Samsung DROID Charge and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will most likely still be available to consumers at the same time that the iPhone 4S/5 and iPad 3 will be in the marketplace, Sammy's legal team wants to evaluate the similarities between the Apple products and those manufactured by Samsung. This way, the latter can prepare itself for future legal action from Apple.

Based on internet reports that such products exist, Samsung is seeeking by June 13th, "the final, commercial versions" of the next-generation iPhone and iPad and their respective packaging, so it can determine if people will be confused between Samsung and Apple’s future products. If Apple cannot turn over a final version, Samsung wants them to turn over, "the most current version of each to be produced instead." And to prevent corporate espionage, only Samsung's outside lawyers will be allowed to examine the Apple iPhone 4S/5 and the Apple iPad 3.

Just the other day, Samsung was ordered to turn over to Apple, pre-production versions of the Droid Charge, Infuse 4G, Galaxy S II,  and Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 8.9. The Cupertino based firm will look at the samples to see if these devices should be added to Apple's current patent infringement suit against Samsung, and also to see if Apple should file a motion to try to block these products from being sold in the market. The court sided with Apple's request to see these products because photos and review units have already been disseminated except for the Galaxy Tab 8.9. In that case, however, the tablet was announced in March and has been seen on video.

The court imposed one restriction on Apple-the same one that Samsung must follow when looking at Apple's unannounced devices. Only Apple's outside lawyers can look at the pre-production hardware. No Apple employee is allowed to look at Samsung's pre-release products. Considering that most of these products are available now, the surprise would have been had the court refused Apple's request.

source: Thisismynext via Engadget

Samsung's discovery motion asks the court to force Apple to turn over sample models of the Apple iPhone 4S/5 and the Apple iPad 3

Will the Motorola DROID Bionic have an OMAP processor under the hood rather than Tegra 2?

Recently we told you about about some specs for the Motorola DROID 3 gleaned from the NenaMark benchmark web site. On Saturday, the same site had some specs for the Motorola DROID Bionic. Regardless if this model is the Motorola Targa instead of the Etna, the DROID Bionic will have the PowerVR SGX 540 GPU on board, similar to the DROID 3. And that GPU seems to come only with a Texas Instruments OMAP 4 processor. If you are keeping a scorecard, you can scratch out the Tegra 2 and replace it with a dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP 4.

Also, according to the NenaMark site, the Motorola DROID Bionic will ship with Android 2.3.3 installed, which is an improvement from Froyo, but also means no Google Talk out of the box. While all reports say the device will come with a 4.3 inch screen, according to the benchmark site, the resolution will be qHD.

If there is one troubling aspect to NenaMark's benchmarking of the DROID Bionic, it is that it scored 24 on a benchmark test compared to a 45.70 score for the Motorola DROID 3. But it is still very early days for the former. Motorola has not officially confirmed that the DROID Bionic will be the Targa and there still is a lot of tweaking and fine tuning to do before the phone even gets introduced.

source: NenaMark via AndroidandMe

The NenaMark benchmark site suggests that the Motorola DROID Bionic will come with a TI OMAP4 1GHz dual-core processor under the hood

Screenshots show a slightly revamped new interface with Google's site for iOS

Although there is no mention of Google expecting to update its site for iOS devices, it seems that one of our readers managed to stumble upon possibly a new revamped experience with Google’s web site.

As you can tell from the screenshots provided to us, the layout now includes the addition of some icons to specify the various categories of your search, which include things like searches, images, places, and news. Naturally, there are some additional ones that can be accessed by pressing the drop-down icon. Interestingly enough though, there is also a separate category for apps that show some of the most common services offered by Google – like YouTube, Buzz, Translate, and Maps.

Obviously, it seems that Google is trying to emulate the feel and presentation of the desktop experience, but fitted to work accordingly with iOS. Strangely, after some time browsing the new layout, our reader says that it reverted back to the original style – so it’s unknown when or if they’ll roll out this new interface. Have you stumbled upon this new look as well?

Thanks Kyle!

Huawei is looking into the business of producing Windows Phone 7 handsets too

With the list of Windows Phone 7 hardware manufacturers continually growing, especially after introducing the latest members during their recent press event in New York City, it seems that another big time player in the Chinese market is looking to get in as well.

We all know that ZTE is officially in the game to manufacture Windows Phone 7 handsets in the future, but Huawei is poking around looking into the possibility of making their own line of WP7 smartphones as well. According to Huawei CMO Victor Xu, he stated that the company is right now “just watching” the development of the new platform in general, and they’re potentially eying to release devices by 2012.

Even though rival ZTE will have a head start by introducing devices later this year, you know that Huawei is going to place their attention on producing some relatively affordable WP7 smartphones. Needless to say that this is utterly intriguing, especially when Microsoft stipulates requiring some high-specs for its mobile platform, but we’re sure that Huawei will still be able to deliver something moderately decent.

via Mobileburn

Alleged first image of the next Nexus branded smartphone is leaked

Although Sprint customers just recently managed to get comfy with the Google Nexus 4G, it seems that we’re beginning to see the first tide of worthwhile news regarding a true successor to the Nexus line of Android powered smartphones.

With the summer season just about at full swing by now this weekend, something juicy managed to come around to show off its face. Alleged to be the next Google Nexus branded smartphone, we’re getting a first glimpse of the device in its early stage – and it’s probably just a prototype unit at this point.

Still, you can visibly notice that the front is completely clean looking with no sight of any physical or capacitive buttons that we tend to associate with Android handsets. Apparently, a Google employee who works in the Android development team states that HTC and LG are in the running to produce the Nexus 3. Whichever way they decide to go, it appears that the handset won’t see the light of day until the crucial holiday time frame in December – with Android Ice Cream Sandwich in tow obviously.

Taking into account that Google has been partnering with Sprint with a lot of their new services, one could only imagine the next iteration of the device landing with the number three carrier in the US. However, it’s also rumored that another one is being developed for T-Mobile so that the two can be released at the same time.

Thanks Alex & Philip!

source: Tech Hog (1 & 2) via Pocketnow

Wall Street Journal app brings business and market news to Android handsets

Ok, so you managed to snare some of those shares of LinkedIn hot off the IPO press, and you want to keep a close eye on the stock price while at the same time, make sure that there is no bad news released that will hurt the stock. If you own an iOS device, it would be a simple matter of installing the Wall Street Journal mobile app from the App Store. Those with an Android tablet could also use the Wall Street Journal mobile app for quotes and information; Dow Jones had released the iconic business newspaper's mobile application to the Android Market in November, for use exclusively on tablets.

What about those with Android handsets? That group was shut out from the software-until now. At last, the Wall Street Journal mobile app is available free from the Android Market for phones running Android 2.0-2.3.3. The app offers business, tech, life and market news; it also allows you to see real time quotes. Some of the content is free and requires that you just register with the site while other news is for paid subscribers who are willing to spend about $2 per week for paid content.

source: AndroidGuys

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 hits FCC, launch seems imminent

As of this past Wednesday, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was said to be coming "in a few days", and now we have evidence that the Galaxy Tab 8.9 may not be too far behind. News has come out today that the Galaxy Tab 8.9 has passed through official FCC testing, which means its release could be right around the corner. 

Both the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 will be fueled by NVIDIA Tegra 2 processors and Android Honeycomb 3.1, but the claim to fame for the 8.9 Tab is that it is the world's thinnest tablet and one of the lightest at just 470g. It clocks in at a svelte 8.6mm, which makes the iPad 2 look like it still has its baby fat (at 8.8mm). 

It has been rumored that the Galaxy Tab 8.9 would have a June release date, so this FCC news looks like a confirmation of that release window. Although, as of right now, this release only applies to the WiFi-only version of the Tab, not any 3G/4G variants. The WiFi Glaxy Tab 8.9 is expected to retail for $469.

source: Android Authority

Apple sues kid who sold white iPhone 4 conversion kits, seeks return of profits

This past November, before Apple was able to rollout the white Apple iPhone 4, a 17 year old named Fei Lam had a entrepreneurial flash. Through a middle man, he was able to obtain from Foxconn, the front and back casing for the white iPhone 4 as well as the white power button. Lam sold all three pieces for $279. Individually, the front plate cost $169 and the back plate was priced at $135. The 17 year old set up a web site at whiteiPhone4now.com, which has been since taken down.

Apple is requesting that the court order Lam to never again sell these "stolen parts" and wants the Lam family to reimburse the Cupertino based firm for money spent on the case as well as turn over to Apple all of the profits made from selling the kits. In addition, Apple seeks "additional financial penalties" from Lam. The teenager had received the parts from a business owner from Shenzhen, China, Alan Yang, who had received them from Foxconn.

It should be noted that Apple has simultaneously filed a dismissal of the lawsuit against Lam, which removes the charges against the youngster. This might indicate that the company has reached a settlement of the case with the family. In the suit, Apple claims that the defendant knew that Apple had not authorized the sale of white iPhone 4 panels and that he had obtained them from sources that were not authorized by Apple or its suppliers, to sell them. Of course, if you want a white Apple iPhone 4, it is now available from Apple or authorized retailers.

source: RedmondPie

The 17 year old behind this now defunct web site, was sued by Apple

Netflix app for Android officially arrives on another 3 additional devices

Needless to say that there are quite some happy Android users out there now that Netflix is finally available, but as we all know, its initial roll out was limited to a few select devices. Granted that there are some workarounds in getting it to run with other handsets, it's now officially available with another 3 additional devices.

The exclusive list of devices gaining access to Netflix’s app for Android include the original one and only Motorola DROID, LG Revolution, and the Casio G'zOne Commando – all of which are on Verizon’s lineup. Out of the bunch, it goes to show how much respect is given to the original Motorola DROID – especially considering that it’s one of the older, but still respectable Android handsets out there.

Still, it’s uncertain when other handsets will be getting in with the festivities, but if you simply can’t wait any longer, we’d suggest checking out the alternative routes out there. In fact, the process is much more simple than what you'd expect.

via Android Authority

WP7applist app hits the Windows Phone Marketplace

Discovering new apps is always one of the most important and difficult things in the new smartphone ecosystem, especially as the number of total apps keeps growing and growing. The Windows Phone Marketplace is running towards 20,000 total apps, so discovery is becoming more and more important in finding quality apps that will fit into your daily usage. The full featured web store for the Marketplace is planned to launch in time for the the WP 7.1 Mango update expected early this summer. But, until then one of the best options is WP7applist, which has just released an app into the Marketplace.

WP7applist is a great tool for search and discovery in the WP Marketplace, but their website has never worked quite right in the mobile browser on Windows Phone 7 devices. Now, there is a fancy new app to help you discover new apps. The app has a Spotlight page filled with featured apps, but the real value comes from the Discovery page which allows users to sort apps into new releases, recently updated, recent price drops and apps that have become free. Each app link gives information, screenshots and reviews of apps as well as an easy link to the official Marketplace to download or purchase apps.

The app even includes a Live Tile which will allow you to keep track of the total number of apps in the Marketplace as well as the number of newly released apps and app updates over the past 24 hours.

As of right now, WP7applist is an invaluable tool for WP7 users, but it's unclear how the site will fare once the full featured web Marketplace launches. There is a good chance that the future may hold the same fate as AppBrain, which is a similar service for Android that has lost a lot of its appeal since the Android Market web store had its massive overhaul in February.

source: wpcentral
install WP7applist (Zune link)

Amazon is giving out $25 gift cards to anyone buying a WP7 smartphone starting May 30

Windows Phone 7 has been on the spotlight of late after Microsoft showed off some of the new features expected to come along with its Mango update, but in the short term for those considering picking up a handset, Amazon has an upcoming enticing offer to smooth things over.

From the looks of it, the online retail giant will be offering buyers of any Windows Phone 7 smartphone a free $25 Amazon Gift Card with their purchase – thus giving back some much needed cash to you. Although there isn’t any particular reason why they’re only offering the gift card with Windows Phone 7 devices, it does come at a great time nonetheless now that Verizon is finally in the game with the HTC Trophy. Moreover, AT&T customers should start seeing the HTC HD7S arriving for them as well in the near future, but it’s unknown if the offer will still be valid at that point.

Either way, there are plenty of other options available to customers, and considering that some models are priced almost at free with a contract, the extra $25 you’ll be getting back can be better spent on some other useful items; or accessories.

via WP Central