T-Mobile G2x takes screenshots easily, without rooting the device

With the Android operating system, taking a screenshot off a phone is not simple. This is something that is not the same with every operating system because those using an Apple iPhone with iOS 2.x can easily snap one. But Google's open source OS forced those wanting one to root their phone, which many won't do just for the sake of being able to snap a screenshot.

Now things might have changed for the Android operating system. The T-Mobile G2x and its overseas cousin, the LG Optimus 2x, both were designed by the Korean manufacturer to take screenshots very simply. All you do is press the power and home buttons simultaneously and that's all there is to it!

Kudos to LG for designing something so simple, so easy that a G2x totin' caveman could do it. And it's possible that we could see Google could implement this in future builds of the Android OS.

source: IntoMobile

Is T-Mobile USA getting fitted for the Apple iPhone 4?

It's unknown whether or not this took place before the announcement of the AT&T/T-Mobile merger, but a photograph seems to show a white Apple iPhone being tested on T-Mobile USA's AWS frequencies. The handset in the picture is Model N94 compared to N92 for the Verizon iPhone and N90 for the AT&T variant. The Apple iPhone in the picture is running a test version of iOS with apps such as the Apple Employee Directory.

So what does this mean? Again, it all goes back to the timing of the testing. If it occurred before the merger news broke, we could see a T-Mobile branded Apple iPhone in the not too distant future. If the testing came after the merger was announced, than T-Mobile customers will probably need to wait for the merger to be completed. Either way, the iPhone 4 will probably be replaced with the next model by the time T-Mobile customers get their shot at an Apple smartphone. What we see is probably just Apple testing a T-Mobile enabled radio, using the current iPhone hardware although we might add that the proximity sensor is said to look different than the one on the upcoming white iPhone 4 launching by month's end.

Either way, it looks like T-Mobile USA customers will get a shot at buying an Apple iPhone. As far as when, well, that still is up in the air.

source: BGR

Was this testing done before or after the announcement of the AT&T/T-Mobile merger?

Hulu Plus is coming to RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook

It seems like Hulu's free streaming service should be available on all smartphones and tablets. After all, it only requires a browser with Flash, and a decent connection. But then Hulu wouldn't be able to sell their $7.99 service, which expands the available library, eliminates commercials, and enables viewing on your mobile device.

For at least a few days after its release, the BlackBerry PlayBook was able to stream Hulu's free service, before it was promptly blocked by Hulu. But a RIM spokesperson says that "We are in conversations with Hulu to bring the Hulu Plus subscription service to BlackBerry PlayBook users."

That would put the PlayBook among the few Hulu Plus-enabled mobile devices, like the iPhone, iPad, and eventually Android devices. More importantly, it would underscore RIM's marketing of the PlayBook as a powerful media machine.

Hulu recently dropped the price of their premium service from $9.99 to $7.99, matching the streaming-only rate of Netflix. And they've also added the entire Criterion Collection to their library, including The Tale of Zatoichi, The Lord of the Flies, and more.

source: PCMag

Google loses Linux patent case, pays $5 million fine

A Texas jury has found in favor of Bedrock Computer Technologies in a patent infringement case against Google. The plaintiffs claimed that Google had improperly used the Linux kernel in its servers and Android smartphones and the Mountain View based company was instructed to pay a $5 million fine.

There are uncertainties about what happens from here. Intellectual property activist Florian Mueller said, "The implication here is really that there is a huge number of Linux users who will be required to pay royalties if this patent holder knocks on their doors in the US. This is definitely a major impediment to the growth of Linux and makes companies, including Google, that rely on open source code particularly vulnerable to patent threats." Mueller adds that Android has become a target of those wishing to slow down the growth of the rapidly growing OS. He said, "Android is clearly being targeted by some of the largest tech companies as its market share grows and it becomes more of a threat to others. Apple is going for the jugular by going after several Android device makers. In a way it has to do this to survive. No matter how good its financials are now, in a year or two they could see their iPhone business erode because of the Android threat."

In a statement, Google defended itself and said, "The recent explosion in patent litigation is turning the world's information highway into a toll road, forcing companies to spend millions and millions of dollars defending old, questionable patent claims and wasting resources that would be much better spent investing in new technologies for users and creating jobs."

Besides Google, Bedrock has also sued Yahoo, MySpace, Amazon, PayPal, Match.com and AOL, claiming patent infringement.

source: BBC via MobileBurn

Keep the winning mind of Charlie Sheen in your pocket with new Apple iPhone app

How would you like to carry the mind of Charlie Sheen around with you in your pocket? With his "Tiger blood" he is a Rock Star who is winning and now you can follow his lifestyle with the "MaSheen" app available for $2.99 in the App Store. The app is rated 12+ because of "Infrequent/Mild Profanity, Crude Humor, Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug Use or References," so it's best to keep the app away from the little ones.

If things aren't going too well for you lately, and you want to start winning, you can pony up the $2.99 to pick the mind of the warlock. Of course, downloading the app won't get you a sitcom that pays you $2 million an episode, so your level of winning might turn out to be a little different than Sheen's.

source: iTunes via MobileSyrup

For just $2.99, you can carry around the mind of Charlie Sheen in your pocket via the "MaSheen" app for the Apple iPhone

Control your home alarm from your smartphone using Viper SmartStart

The Viper SmartStart app has been improved. Besides starting, tracking and controlling your car from your smartphone, the app now adds control of your home alarm. This is accomplished by adding a toggle switch that allows you to go back and forth between car and home control. When switched to the home setting, the user can turn on or off their home alarm with one quick touch of a smartphone.

The Viper SmartStart app is available for free from the App Store, Android Market and BlackBerry App World. Those who have already installed the app need to update to version 2.2 to get the home alarm features. And there is one last thing. You must have an Alarm.com enabled home security system for the app to work.

The company behind the application has also just launched Viper SmartStart GPS which not only lets you control, track and locate a car using your smartphone, it also adds social networking and other safety functions.

source: IntoMobile

Cellular South adds LTE by finding out that the pen is mightier than the backhoe

Why spend all that money to build out a LTE network when all it takes is a signed contract with an LTE provider like LightSquared. Cellular South has signed a contract with LightSquared to provide the 4G service to its 900,000 customers. But the latter won't be flicking the switch to on until 2012. The deal provides high-speed coverage to the carrier's rural customers and satellite connectivity for those far away from civilization. Cellular South joins the others who have inked a deal with LightSquared, like Best Buy Connect, SI Wireless and Cricket.

LightSquared does have to resolve the problem they are having with the USAF. The military says that GPS signals are overpowered by LightSquared's LTE towers within 3-5 miles on the ground and 12 miles in the air. A final report is expected at the headquarters of the FCC on June 15th.

source: Engadget

Vodafone salesperson accidentally sells a white iPhone 4 model to a customer

Literally coming down to the wire, especially considering the numerous delays and promises we’ve heard about the white iPhone 4, it seems like we’re finally nearing the inevitable. In just the last couple weeks alone, we’ve been hearing a ton of rumors about the white iPhone 4’s expected launch, but now we’re finding one surprising news that cements its validity.

Apparently, it was found that Vodafone recently began receiving shipments of the mythical device in the UK, but as fate would have it, an employee accidentally rang it up for sale as a black iPhone 4 to one lucky customer. Photos of the device and its retail packaging were soon snapped – thus giving us more hope that it’s official launch is going to be soon at hand. Seeing that everything in their inventory is monitored to the teeth, Vodafone quickly realized the mistake and sent out notices informing that shipments of it were being stopped until next week.

At this point, it’s looking very likely that consumers all around will soon have the fine opportunity to pick up this pristine looking iPhone 4. Granted that we’ve been waiting almost close to the year, it’s still nonetheless better late than never – and considering the speculations that the next generation iPhone will be delayed from its usual summer roll out, this model can seemingly tide some people over.

source: Engadget

Verizon Unleashed phones appear at some Best Buy stores

So far unannounced, Verizon Unleashed is expected to be Big Red's new no-contract service offering unlimited talk, text and web for $50 per month. While the handsets available for Verizon Unleashed aren't exactly your high-end dual-core Android models, a couple of them have been outed at Best Buy.

So far, the phones spotted at the big box retailer include the LG Accolade and the Pantech Caper-both priced at $79.99. For those with a smaller budget, the LG Cosmos featurephone is priced at $39.99. We still await the official introduction of the service by Verizon.

The package shows how easy activating the service is. The first step is to install the battery, then you press send, and enter your zip code and you are done. The packaging also prominently mentions that the service allows texting to Mexico and Canada, so if that is where you send most of your messages, Verizon would no doubt like to unleash this new service on you.

source: Engadget (1), (2)

The LG Accolade (L) and LG Cosmos (R) are two of the handsets available for Verizon's $50 per month unlimited no-contract service

Update for Motorola DROID Pro being sent out in phases

During the latter part of last week, a software update for the Motorola DROID Pro was released. If you haven't received it yet, there is no reason to be alarmed as the release is being done on a staggered basis.

Among the changes that the update (to Version 3.8.7.XT610.Verizon.en.) brings is encryption of data that is stored on a microSDcard. Other changes will be found on the calendar and in the email application. And while not the most earth shattering piece of news, the update will allow the VCast app store to become pre-loaded on the device.

Additionally, the new software upgrade will be like a can of Raid-it will kill bugs dead. The on-screen clock will now keep the correct time (always important for a business device), text messages will no longer display the incorrect recipient and the calendar will no longer delete events if updated.

All in all, while not an upgrade to Android 2.3, your Motorola DROID Pro should run a little better with the removal of  those bugs and some others, and you might sleep a little better at night knowing that the contents of your microSD card are encrypted.

source: Motorola via AndroidCentral

HTC Flyer available for pre-order at Best Buy April 25th

The HTC Flyer tablet will be available for pre-order at Best Buy starting April 25th. The 16GB tablet will cost $499 and right off the bat we will tell you that this is not a Honeycomb flavored device out of the box. With a 7 inch screen featuring resolution of 600 x 1024, Android 2.3.3 will be on board instead of the tablet optimized Android 3.0. A single-core 1.5GHz processor is under the hood and 1GB of RAM is provided. The HTC Flyer has two cameras, a 5MP one on the back and a 1.3MP front-facing shooter for video chats.

Made of HTC's trademark aluminum unibody, the HTC Flyer also features a unique stylus that will write on the capacitive screen, allowing you to use the tablet to take handwritten notes in class or during a meeting. This pen uses what the Taiwan based firm calls HTC Scribe technology.

While no precise launch date has been announced, HTC has said that the device will be made available sometime this Spring. And if the lack of Honeycomb is a deal breaker, we recently reported that HTC plans on upgrading the Flyer to Android 3.0 once Google makes it available to them. If you have a little patience and are attracted by the $499 price, you could find yourself with a Honeycomb powered device at some point in the future. And besides, while the Android OS on the Flyer might not be optimized for tablets out of the book, the HTC Sense UI that comes on the tablet is optimized for the device.

source: electronista

Visit New York City in 3D!

We think this is definitely worth an Nseries Wall of Fame mention!
Following up on our Spot the difference Ovi Maps 3d beta post on Thursday, we’ve found this awesome 3D fly-by of New York City made by Antonio Rosario.
The Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and a whole lot more. Check it out! (Great music track as well)

Sample Ovi Maps 3D Flyby of NYC from Antonio Rosario on Vimeo.

Which Nokia would you be?

Which Nokia do you most closely resemble?
Do you see yourself as a suave and sophisticated Nokia N8, or are you more of a business minded Nokia E7? Take our Nokia Personality test below to find out which Nokia you are!
The Individual – Nokia N900
There are a lot of similarities between you and the Nokia N900. You are versatile and a bit different. You don’t want to blend in with the crowd and treasure your individuality. Like the N900 being the only Maemo phone on the market, you’re a rare commodity and should celebrate being completely unique.

The Smooth Operator – Nokia N8

Whether it’s in your work life or social life, you seem to excel at everything and not only that but you always manage to do it in style. While you’re happy to multi-task and try your hand at everything, your secret passion lies in photography, just like the Nokia N8.

The Entertainer – Nokia X7

You’re the artist and life is your pallet. You like things big and bold and want everything within easy reach to accommodate your fast and busy lifestyle. So, it’s a good thing that you’ve got a long-lasting battery to keep you going


The Business Executive – Nokia E7

Work hard and play hard. That’s your philosophy. You know where you want to go and how to go about it. Your best quality is your flexibility though. Like the E7, with its touch screen and QWERTY capabilities, you aren’t afraid to change your approach!

The Stalwart – Nokia 1100
Honest and straight forward, people like you because what they see is what they get. You aren’t afraid of hard work and always make sure the job gets done. That makes you a popular person, a lot like the Nokia 1100 which is the world’s best selling phone handset.

Which category do you fit into? Whether you’re an entertainer or an individual we’d love to hear your comments below!

China prepares for hi-tech modern warfare

Beijing, April 23 : The Chinese army is developing officers of high caliber who will be capable of handling advanced weaponry and mastering warfare in the information age by 2020, Global Times cited a military blueprint as stating.
The step is being undertaken as part of China's measures to modernise its army to cope with the challenges of a new era, it added.
Details of the plan were posted on the website of the ministry of national defence Monday, after its approval by the chairman of the central military commission and President Hu Jintao, Xinhua reported.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) already possesses an array of high-tech weaponry, but the quality of its soldiers has been lagging, the plan said.
Therefore, eight projects have been identified to optimise the military's personnel structure, including cultivating high-tech military talents, introducing overseas intelligence and high-quality talent education, training in new combat weapons, cyber warfare and non-traditional security missions, such as the humanitarian missions being carried out domestically and overseas by 2020.

T-Mobile G-Slate Review

source: phonearena

Introduction:

Striving to grow their mutual relationship with one another, there’s no denying that LG is planning to bank a huge success with their line of new Android devices for T-Mobile USA – which inevitably would solidify their position with the carrier. Considering that LG’s presence on T-Mobile’s postpaid lineup is still relatively new, especially when it was only last summer that we saw the first set of LG phones arrive on T-Mobile’s lineup, it’s going to be interesting to say the least how things will develop now that Big Magenta is finally in the game with an Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet made by LG.

Conveniently, LG manages to seduce the carrier to bring its tablet aboard, the T-Mobile G-Slate, thanks to its unique novel feature of being able to shoot high-definition 720p videos in 3D. Of course, it’s very easy for anyone to say that this is a brash move to capitalize on the 3D hysteria sweeping the tech world, but it’s nonetheless something that will keep it differentiated enough from the pack – for now. Meanwhile, it’s riding onto the scene at a time when tablet competition, even within the Android camp, is beginning to become fierce as each attempt to outgun the other.

Flaunting a sticker price of $529.99 with a 2-year contract, the T-Mobile G-Slate has the slight pricing edge against its closest Android brethren in the Motorola XOOM, but will its novel feature of shooting 3D videos be enough to warrant even a pique interest from demanding consumers?

The package contains:

• T-Mobile G-Slate
• microUSB Cable
• Wall Charger
• microUSB to USB adapter
• Product Information & Warranty Guide
• Terms & Conditions
• 3D anaglyph style glasses

Design:

Not surprising one bit at all, there’s nothing original about the G-Slate’s design, but when you think about it more, it’s rather hard to find much variety with the slate form factor of tablets. In reality though, it’s safe to say that the G-Slate is basically a super-sized T-Mobile G2x since it incorporates most of its design attributes. However, we have to say that it’s far more comfortable to hold than the Motorola XOOM primarily because of its soft touch rear panel and curved edges. Moreover, the soft touch surface does an exceptionally better job at keeping it looking clean and repelling the usual set of nasty baddies. Strangely though, the bezel outlining the 8.9” display isn’t uniform around, and instead, it’s moderately wider on the left and right sides – thus making it almost as wide as the Motorola XOOM. Regardless of that, its accompanying weight (21.87 oz) complements its overall solid build and exudes a premium feel in the hand.

The T-Mobile G-Slate is comfortable to hold because of its soft touch rear panel and curved edges

There’s no hiding the fact that the G-Slate’s 8.9” capacitive touchscreen is moderately higher quality than what’s used on the Motorola XOOM, but upon turning it on for the very first time, it’s instantly recognizable. Gladly accepting its 1280 x 768 resolution, it’s able to muster some crisp and sharp visuals that make it satisfyingly agreeable to read out even the most miniscule of on-screen text. Additionally, it exhibits brighter tones over the XOOM that make colors come to life and pop with luminance at almost every angle. And honestly, you won’t have to worry much in attempting to use it outdoors under the eye of the sun since its high brightness output enables it to still be visible in almost any condition. To sum it up completely, the T-Mobile G-Slate’s display is undoubtedly superior on so many levels.

Viewing angles

Color production