Carriers will change tablet plan pricing to offset the Wi-Fi-only trend

There's no doubt that tablets are quickly becoming a real force in the wireless market. But tablet plans might need to change if carriers are to remain a part of the equation. Tablets with cellular connections made up 60% of all tablets in 2010, but analysts expect that to drop to 30% by 2015, as customers opt for Wi-Fi-only models.

So why is that important? Well, if customers decide to forgo cellular connections, then carriers will be left behind. Orange reports that they will be considering data plans shared between your smartphone and tablet. That will be an effective way to comfort consumers unsure of how much they will really utilize a cellular connection on their tablet.

Fran Shammo, CFO at Verizon Wireless, says they're considering a similar shared plan: "I think it's safe to assume that at some point you are going to have mega-plans (for data) and people are going to share that mega-plan based on the number of devices within their family." But Shammo admitted they don't have a timeline in mind.

David Owens, VP of product development at Sprint, says they will consider tablet data plans for specific periods of time: "What you'll see is the ability to buy sessions...a day, a month or a week pass." And he suggested that we might see those changes within the coming months.

Analysts say that the carriers of the iPad's rivals will particularly suffer. Consumers are already wary enough of straying from the all-powerful iPad, so unsubsidized pricing and unrealistically expensive plans and contracts will only deter them further.

source: Reuters

NFC payments launch in Britain, starting with small purchases

Today, Orange UK and Barclaycard have launched their NFC wallet system, available to customers of both companies. The service is starting with retailers like McDonald's and Subway, limiting purchase amounts to 15 pounds (US$24).

NFC payments are already common in Japan and South Korea, but adoption has been a difficult road in Europe and the United States. Richard Clemmer of NXP, the leading NFC chipmaker, explains: "We co-invented the NFC technology eight or nine years ago with Sony. We tried to push it but frankly we just didn't have the influence."

Clemmer points to Google's Android operating system as the real turning point: "We'd been working with credit card companies, and it kept being on the roadmap four quarters out." But now that Android has included NFC support, and is gaining worldwide popularity, widespread NFC adoption is far more realistic.

Beyond the mobile payment system, industry insiders expect social media to be one of the largest driving forces behind NFC's adoption. Functions like exchanging friend requests, swapping business cards, and engaging with advertising are expected to be important. But electronic payments will be the key.

There is still a question as to the payment amounts allowed with NFC. Orange UK says that they're keeping the payments low, for now, to assess how comfortable consumers are, but they plan to raise them eventually. Do you think there should be a cap on NFC transactions?

source: Reuters via ZDNet

Why wait until Sunday? Pick up your HTC Flyer from Best Buy today

As we previously reported earlier today, Best Buy has announced that it would sell the HTC Flyer starting Sunday for $499. But a leaked screenshot of an internal Best Buy communication reveals that the "hard street date" has been relaxed. The memo directs Best Buy reps that, "If you have them, sell them. If not, sell them when you get them."

The Wi-Fi version of the tablet will cost you $499.99 plus an additional $80 for the optional stylus you can buy in order to use HTC Scribe, a technology that allows you to write on the 7 inch screen, taking notes or highlighting text. It is one major application that differentiates the HTC Flyer from other tablets on the market.

If you thought that you would have to wait until Sunday to buy the HTC Flyer from Best Buy, you know now that you need not wait to hold the tablet in your hands. Just head over to your local Best Buy store and if the device is in inventory, you can walk out of the store with one right now.

source: AndroidCentral

This internal Best Buy memo (L) says that the HTC Flyer can be purchased now from locations with inventory of the tablet

Walmart is aggressively going to increase its wireless sections in its stores nationwide

As much as their known for their cheap pricing on things, Walmart is increasingly becoming a powerhouse in the consumer electronics sector as they’ve been aggressively making a push in associating themselves in that area.

Although Walmart might not be one of those destination that first come to mind when thinking about mobile phones, you’ll be surprised to know that the big box retailer is making a push in their wireless offerings. In fact, the behemoth is planning to also aggressively expand the number of its stores having dedicated wireless sections by this fall.

Currently, 200 Walmart locations have these special wireless sections located in the front of its stores – thus, gaining instant visibility among customers strolling in. Furthermore, they’re planning to get these new dedicated wireless sections into approximately 150 to 200 additional stores nationwide.

Considering that the company is known for their inexpensive pricing, it’ll be interesting to say the least how this new venture will develop down the road. Will they blow everyone else out of the water in terms of contract pricing? How about no-contract?

via Mobileburn

Amazon prices the Samsung Droid Charge more fittingly at $200 for new customers

With the availability of Verizon’s two 4G LTE enabled Android powered smartphones, we’ve seen an unfamiliar shift in pricing that some might not be too comfortable seeing just yet. Naturally, the Samsung Droid Charge’s on-contract pricing of $299.99 is indeed regarded as being hefty by most people – even more when they’re usually confident of seeing high-end smartphones set at $200 with a contract.

Fortunately, Amazon is here yet again to the rescue by saving both new and existing customers some extra cash if they intend on picking up the handset. Priced somewhat more fittingly at $199.99 with a new 2-year contract, new customers undoubtedly receive the best deals. However, existing customers still get some love since Amazon is only asking $249.99 for the smartphone, which is still a decent $50 savings to your pocket.

Considering the high-end specs in tow with the handset, like its amazingly brilliant Super AMOLED Plus display and 4G LTE connectivity, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have any problems paying for this $200 smartphone.

source: Amazon via BGR

Best Buy's offering of the HTC Flyer doesn't come bundled with the stylus

Gearing up for its eventual launch with Best Buy starting this Sunday, May 22nd, there are some people out there who are genuinely glad to see the HTC Flyer becoming a reality, though, they might be bummed out when they open up the box.

Apparently, the Wi-Fi only version of the HTC Flyer that Best Buy will be selling shortly doesn’t come bundled with the stylus that’s supposed to complement and enhance the experience. Obviously, prospective customers are going to be required to purchase it separately at $79.99, which brings the tablet’s total cost of ownership to $580. Thinking about it more, some might be baffled as to why there’s such a premium associated with the stylus, but then again, it’s not simply a single piece of plastics. Rather, it’s based off N-Trig’s DuoSense capacitive touch technology.

Regardless of that, the lack of the stylus doesn’t limit the tablet’s overall operation since it should work swimmingly like most other Android tablet’s we’ve seen thus far.

source: Android Central

Google Maps updated for mobile browser use

After doing some research, Google has discovered that 40% of those using Google Maps would access the service from a mobile device. Previously, those using a mobile browser would be re-directed to a link to the Google Maps mobile app so that you could download the software on your handset and use it that way.

But how would you like to have all of the features of the desktop version of Google Maps on your mobile browser? Now, if you go to maps.google.com from your mobile browser, you will be able to see your current location and search for places nearby you with suggestions. Clickable icons of popular businesses and transit stations will appear on your screen and you can get directions to a location depending on the mode of transportation you are taking (car, walking, bicycling, etc.). You can also view Place pages with ratings, photos and more. Your starred locations can be accessed along with 'My Maps'. All you have to do is opt-in to share your location. Google Maps for your mobile browser is also " platform independent" so you always get the same experience and most up-to- date features no matter which phone you are using.

The dedicated mobile app for Google Maps is still available and will probably still be used by the majority of cell phone users. But if you want to have the desktop version on your phone instead, you now have the choice to use it.

source: Google via AndroidCentral

Motorola DROID X2 Benchmark Tests

Even though we’re starting to see a steady stream of handsets offering next-generation dual-core processors, the Motorola DROID X2 has the prestigious title of being Verizon’s very first handset to boast a dual-core 1GHz processor, and rightfully so, it’s only fitting for us to run a couple of benchmark tests to initially better gauge its capacity.

By no means is this handset a slouch, even though some might be put off by the fact that it’s lacking 4G LTE connectivity, but despite that omission, the Motorola DROID X2 has some serious hardware under the hood. Running the Quadrant app first, we’re first impressed to see it completing the test in such a quick manner – thus giving us test scores of 2,398 and 2,442. Sure it might not be as mind blowing as the results we’ve seen with the LG Optimus 2x and Samsung Galaxy S II, it’s still nonetheless respectable and better than most others out there. Furthermore, we ran the AnTutu Benchmark test and it ultimately gave us an overall score of 3,382, which places in alongside other high-caliber devices like the Motorola XOOM and LG Optimus 2x.

AnTutu Benchmark results.

Quadrant Benchmark results.

Overlooking the scores put up by the handset, we’re still pleasantly impressed with the overall operation of the handset so far since we experience some responsive and quick actions in the short time using the handset. Naturally, moving across the homescreen with a regular wallpaper activated is smooth, with no evidence of any slowdown or lag. Furthermore, loading up our web site, we’re able to instantly start browsing, scrolling, and zooming with no adverse effects befalling the handset. Surely enough, we’ll be doing some extensive testing over the course of the next few days to really get a feel for its operation.

Investors say RIM is the next Palm, due for a continued decline and eventual buyout

Hasn't RIM suffered enough? Investors don't seem to think so. According to many analysts, RIM is poised to continue their tragic plunge in value, and eventually become the next Palm, bought out by a giant like Microsoft or HP.

In 2008, RIM's shares saw their peak at $148 per share. Right now, it's valued at $43.56. And analysts say that it could be as low as the mid-30s by the beginning of 2012. If so, that would make RIM a tempting, albeit expensive, acquisition for a giant like Microsoft.

Analysts point to the BlackBerry PlayBook as one of their major attempts to rebound. But poor reviews, and reportedly meager sales have diminished their optimism. And that sheds some light on RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis' outbursts. If his board was telling him that the PlayBook absolutely needed to succeed, we can understand his emotional reaction.

RIM's other CEO, Jim Balsillie, recently admitted that their products are aging, and promised that a new generation of high-end BlackBerry devices was on its way. But, considering the time it will take to bring those to market, investors expect the decline to continue into next year. And we consumers have both a long memory, and limited loyalty. So RIM can't expect us to be waiting for them to blow our minds in 2013.

source: Reuters

Motorola DROID X2 Hands-on & Unboxing

Undeniably, it can be argued that the Motorola DROID X was the single most successful handset released last year for Verizon – especially when it arrived on the scene exuding that larger than life status. Obviously, it’s one gargantuan handset that doesn’t mess around, even more when it’s filled to the brim with some of the good old high-end specs you’d normally expect to find. Fast forward to roughly a year later, we’re seeing its successor starting to make its rounds boasting some upgraded hardware – while still retaining its predecessor’s distinguishable looks.

Peeking at its retail packaging, we’re hard pressed to expect finding anything inside due to its compact look, and at the same time, it just barely seems big enough to even accommodate the handset itself. Regardless of that, the handset is fitted inside along with the wall charger, microUSB cable, and usual set of documentation. Sadly though, there isn’t anything else out of the ordinary in terms of additional accessories with the handset, but then again, that’s basically what we come to expect nowadays.

Holding onto the handset for the first time, we’re not filled with the same feelings we had when we first encountered the original Motorola DROID X – that’s because its design is identical to the teeth. Strangely enough, the only thing different with the DROID X2 with its design is the fact that Motorola decided to remove the dedicated shutter key. Besides that, it’s still one solidly constructed handset that boasts a complete soft touch matte exterior, which does wonders to repel debris and keeping it clean looking. Streamlined for the most part like its predecessor, we still find that hump towards the top that houses the handset’s camera sensor.

Physically, it’s the same exact handset that we’ve checked out, but the true difference is found all under the hood. The Motorola DROID X2 features a 4.3” qHD (540 x 960) capacitive touchscreen with support for 16.7 million colors, 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 512MB RAM, 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with dual-LED flash, preloaded 8GB microSD card, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and aGPS. Crazy as it may seem, the handset is running Android 2.2 Froyo out of the box – though, it’s layered with the latest version of MOTOBLUR. So far, Verizon’s first handset to sport a dual-core processor is doing fine with most basic operations, but we’ll be putting it through the paces over the next few days to get a better feel for it. In the meantime, you can check out our unboxing and hands-on video below of the Motorola DROID X2. Expect our in-depth review soon!

Clearwire to eventually drop WiMax for LTE

High speed network provider Clearwire is planning on making a huge change to its network, eventually switching from WiMax to Long Term Evolution (LTE). Clearwire COO Erik Prusch said, "WiMax to date has been a very good technology choice for us. We were able to take advantage of the speed to market before LTE was even a glimmer in anyone's eye. But we recognize the ecosystem in the U.S. will be larger for LTE than WiMax, so we are conscious of that. We don't believe that customers buy a technology. They buy fast and reliable access to a data network."

Despite the comments, Prusch said that not only wasn't there a timeline in place to make the switch, Clearwire is not 100% committed yet to dumping WiMax in favor of LTE. The reason is that LTE must mature first before the financially strapped firm makes the change. In the meantime, trials have been conducted by Clearwire of Long Term Evolution.

One major problem is that Clearwire has enough money in the till to support only about 1 year of business. Despite picking up $1 billion from Sprint, the only one of the top 4 major U.S. mobile carriers to use Clearwire's WiMax for 4G service, Prusch says that the company needs more money. "We do need additional funding to continue to extend our network," he said. "And we're bullish about being able to secure that funding either in by relying on our strategic investors or through new investors. We also think we can grow revenue organically by growing our revenue and becoming profitable."

source: Cnet, Phonescoop

Despite shipping roughly 1 million units, Acer sees shortages with their tablets

The attraction with Acer’s new tablets is undeniably great taking into consideration the aggressive price point they’re tackling, but there’s still always that problem of having to keep up with the strenuous demand. Acer is undoubtedly a big time player in the computer business, but now that they’re focusing a lot of attention in the tablet market, they’ll need to keep pace in order to blossom into a sizable opponent in this competitive new market.

Interestingly enough, Acer’s part suppliers have hinted that they’re seeing stronger than expected sales with Acer’s ICONIA TAB line, albeit, production at this point might  limit potential shipments. In fact, it’s more than “likely” for Acer to ship 1 million units of its Android-based tablets in the spring, but the issues boil down to Acer’s former CEO Gianfranco Lanci refusing to hire non-Taiwanese engineers to step up ICONIA TAB deliveries.

Looking into the numbers alone, Acer saw 300,000 tablets shipped in April, which 70 percent consisted of its ICONIA A500 and Windows powered W500 models. As for the rest, shipments seem to mainly come from its ICONIA SMART phone and tablet hybrid. And of course, we all know at this point that they’ve delayed the release of their 7-inch model – the ICONIA TAB A100.

via Electronista

MobileCityOnline is the first one to offer pre-order for T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G

With some time still separating us between now and its eventual launch date of June 8th, there’s naturally going to be some buzz surrounding the HTC Sensation 4G over the course of the next couple of weeks.

It’s hard to say what kind of demand we’ll be seeing with the handset when it’s released, but if you desperately want to guarantee yourself a handset right now, so you can beat out those waits at stores, then you might want to hit up MobileCityOnline. Specifically, they’re actually the first ones out of the gate to offer pre-orders for the handset, though, you’re only presented with a no-contract option. The $599.99 price they’re asking for the smartphone is indeed steep, even maybe for T-Mobile themselves, but at least you can sleep knowing you’ll be getting a handset either way.

Although T-Mobile’s no commitment pricing for the handset will likely come in at a lower price, MobileCityOnline is the sole destination for now when it comes to pre-orders since no one else has come forward at this point. However, there is no shipping date offered with the pre-order right now – meaning, it’s anyone’s guess at this point as to when it’ll arrive on your front door.

source: MobileCityOnline via TmoNews

Microsoft is literally sending mangoes to those attending their upcoming event

At this point, there is no hiding the fact that Microsoft will be showing off all the cool new features expected out of their upcoming “Mango” update for Windows Phone 7, and of course, they’re hosting an event on the 24th to show it to the world. For the people who managed to get a special invite from Microsoft for the event, they’re actually getting a small gift ahead of time indicating what to expect.

Apparently, the Redmond based company is literally sending out mangoes that are packaged together with the invitations to those individuals attending the event on the 24th. Without a doubt, there is no denying that mango will be the focal point of the event, but we’ve started to see some snippets of what to expect with the update a few days ago.

In any event, we’d imagine that invitees would probably snack on those mangoes shipped out to them, but we’re sure they’ll still be starving to see even more come the 24th, which is happening next week on Tuesday. Either way, we'll be there to give you all the latest up-to-date news about it.

source: WP7.com.pl (translated) via WMPoweruser

Samsung Galaxy S II Photo editor and Video maker apps review

Back in January, Samsung released two apps for photo and video editing, which were intended for the Samsung Galaxy S line. We find the Photo editor on the Samsung Galaxy S II as well, with a slightly different interface, and the video editing app has been renamed Video maker, but otherwise it stayed the same. We'll do a quick overview of the functions coming with these two simple on-phone multimedia editing apps:


Photo editor

The picture editor is quite finger-friendly. You can't make precise Photoshop-style actions with it, of course, but it has options like selection circle size, copying the selection to this or another image, or inverting it.

This Photo editor app is mostly suited for cropping out stuff, adjusting contrast, brightness and saturation, or applying various effects to the photo or selection. You can do warping, or impose a number of "laughing mirror" effects, like lens blur, or ghosting. And, if you are not satisfied with the result, the two undo/redo arrows on the right are always at your disposal.

Photo editor app on the Samsung Galaxy S II

Video maker

The video editing app on the Samsung Galaxy S II is more versatile, and it packs some serious power, combined with the fast chipset and large, vivid display on the phone. You can choose a theme for your project from the get-go, with different framing and background music for each of the six available - Conference, Home video, Movie, Party, Stage and Travel. Or, you can just start from a blank canvass.

The Video maker app automatically lists all videos on the handset that it can edit, and these are anything 720p and below. No 1080p video editing for us here, the app is the same one released for the Galaxy S. There is a time strip at the bottom, where you can drag the video clips you want to edit, and then you can start inserting pictures before or after them, apply various transitions like Fade in-between, effects like Sharpen or Emboss, or split and trim the resulting project to your liking.

You can also add background music, and adjust the volume for it separately from the sound in the video. When it's time for taking your pet project out in the wild, the whole thing can be exported in up to 720p in .MP4 format, and gets saved in the dedicated Video maker folder in the memory.

Video maker app on the Samsung Galaxy S II

Overall, Picture editor and Video maker are nifty additions to the already excellent Samsung Galaxy S II. You can't do wonders with them, but for quick on-the-fly editing they are always with you on the phone, so it's great that Samsung decided to integrate them directly in the TouchWiz 4.0 UI, as found on the Samsung Galaxy S II. Have a look at the media editing apps in action in the video below:

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY pre-orders already being shipped

Verizon's Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY has been available for pre-order since yesterday, but shipments of the gaming-oriented smartphone may have already begun. According to several reports, some Xperia PLAY pre-orders are already in transit meaning that it wouldn't take long before they arrive at the doorsteps of their future owners. That is good news considering that May 25 was seen as a more probable date for the first shipments to be dispatched and that the smartphone will not be available in stores earlier than May 26.

The way you can find out whether your pre-ordered Xperia PLAY has already shipped or not is to check your email inbox for a confirmation. There should be a FedEx tracking number and an estimated delivery date available in there as well.

So, do not be surprised if the white FedEx truck stops by your house next Monday or Tuesday. If you are among those fortunate ones that will get their hands on the Xperia PLAY before anyone else, do not be shy and feel free to brag about it in the comments.

source: Android Central

HP TouchPad shows up in Walmart's database; $599 for the 32GB model

Shortly after getting its own teaser page on Bestbuy's website, the HP TouchPad has been spotted in yet another retailer's database. It is now known that Walmart will most probably carry HP's 9.7-inch tablet as well, and the evidence is said to be coming straight from the store's internal computer system.

If the screenshot of Walmart's database is to be believed, the device will be priced at $599 for its 32GB Wi-Fi-only version, which seems to coincide with what earlier HP TouchPad leaks pointed at. In comparison, that is exactly what an iPad 2 and a BlackBerry PlayBook with the same storage capacity and no 3G connectivity cost today. It is very likely that an entry-level, 16GB Wi-Fi-only model with a presumed price of $499 will be available too, but no hints regarding that one have been leaked out so far.

Unfortunately, an exact release date for the HP TouchPad is still nowhere in sight, but we are hoping to see it in stores as early as next month.

source: PreCentral via Electronista

Friskies launches three tablet games... for cats

We knew that tablets were growing more and more popular, but after cat-food producer Friskies launched three tablet games for your feline friends we can truly acknowledge that slates have become truly universal. The games have been tailor-made just for cats, so don’t even dare getting into their territory. Without any further ado, here are the titles: Cat Fishing, Tasty Treasures Hunt and Party Mix-Up. All of them are made for either the iPad or Android tablets.

Just as you’d expect the storyline of all three games resolves around food, but we’d leave the rest of the paw-tapping fun for the video demo below. So maybe it’s about time you start considering a second tablet… for your cat?

source: Games For Cats via Gizmodo

Samsung and phoneArena are inviting you to a party in San Francisco

Hey! It is time to loosen up a little bit and have some fun, don't you think? If you agree with us, you might be pleased to know that on June 3 (7:00 - 10:00 PM), Samsung and phoneArena will be hosting a meetup in San Francisco, and that you, dear reader, are also invited to join the party.

The star of the show will be the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which attendants will have the chance to get up close and personal with. This is your opportunity to try out Samsung's tablet ahead of its release, and if you are lucky enough, you may receive one as a gift as well. Yes, you heard that right! Because a party is nothing without giveaways, Samsung is giving away a number of its latest tablets and smartphones:

• 5x Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
• 2x Samsung Droid Charge
• 2x Samsung Nexus S 4G
• 1x Samsung Infuse 4G

But the list of gifts does not end with only these awesome gadgets - $25 Media Hub vouchers and Samsung branded screen cleaners will be given away to every single participant.

Attending the event is absolutely free, and all you have to do is to register here. We wouldn't think twice if we were you – this is the perfect opportunity to have some quality time in the company of  smartphone enthusiasts. Also, bear in mind that the number of visitors is limited, so register now. The exact venue where the meetup will take place is yet to be announced, but wherever it is, we hope to see you there!

Sharp unveils world's first clamshell Android with 3D

The Sharp AQUOS PHONE THE HYBRID 007SH is not only one of the most ludicrously named handsets out there, but the world’s first to come in with the combination of Android, a clamshell form factor and autostereoscopic 3D. We’ve seen some Android clamshells before, but it’s the first one where all of the features including 3D meet in a single package. The phone features a 3.4-inch 3D LCD autostereoscopic (no glasses required) touchscreen, which sounds spacious for a flip phone, and the screen doesn’t just flip, but it also swivels around transforming the AQUOS PHONE into a candy bar phone look alike. A small 0.7-inch additional OLED display is on the bottom as well.

The impressive spec sheet continuous with a 16-megapixel CCD camera capable of recording HD video, but you’d be even more surprised to BluRay recorder connectivity, a digital TV tuner and a waterproof body. If you haven’t guessed it by now let us dispel any illusions - the device is slated for the open to experiments Japanese market.

In addition, standard connectivity is also well covered with support for Wi-Fi b/g/n, GPS, an infrared port and a microSD slot. The handset weighs a rather average for a smartphone 4.94 ounces (140 g), while its thickness measures at the considerable 0.76” (19.3 mm) of girth. On the software side, you’re looking at Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Do you think that such a phone would spur interest stateside or is it doomed to failure? Give us your two cents in the comments below.

source: Phandroid