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

Microsoft to sink Windows Mobile 6.x support on July 15th

As news around the Windows Phone Mango update erupted and kept a steady flow this week, slightly under the radar went Microsoft’s official announcement about the death of Windows Mobile 6.x. The date for the inevitable halt of all support is set for July 15th, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to download apps from the Marketplace. While certainly expected, the quick halt of support has angered some developers who pointed out that leaves virtually no motivation for users to download applications on their Windows Mobile 6.x devices.

Strangely enough, latest reports showed that handsets running the abandoned ship WM 6.x have outnumbered WP7 devices in terms of sales, so could the move be just a bit premature?

There has been no information on how long users will be able to purchase applications for the descending platform. Developers like Richard Foster from software house Edgeway, however, points out: “I am expecting the marketplace to be taken down sooner rather than later.” As Microsoft will no longer accept applications after July 15th, it seems that developers will do best to jump ship if for some reason they haven’t already done so. Check out Microsoft’s statement below for all the details:

• “App Submission and Management. On July 15, 2011, we will no longer be accepting new Windows Mobile 6.x applications or application updates. In addition, it will no longer be possible to modify prices, metadata, or other information. However, you will still be able to remove your apps by contacting support.
• App Distribution. Even though app submission will stop on July 15, users will still be able to purchase and download your Windows Mobile 6.x applications through the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.
• App Reporting. Sales and download reports will continue to be available for your Windows Mobile 6.x applications through the App Hub after July 15.
• Developer Payouts. Developer payouts will continue to be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Windows Phone Marketplace Application Provider Agreement."

source: FierceDeveloper

Samsung Ch@t 335 Review

This is a global GSM phone. It can be used with T-Mobile USA and AT&T.

Introduction:

The Samsung Ch@t 335, also known as the Samsung S3350, is a candybar portrait QWERTY handset, designed with heavy texters in mind. You not only get a BlackBerry-esque keyboard, but to suit your web needs, the phone comes with Wi-Fi on board, as suggested by the proud “WiFi” logo at the front.

Its most lovable feature, however, is that it is a very affordable handset that might end up in the pockets of many people, who type a lot on their phones. Is it well-equipped for thumb gymnastics? Read on to find out...

HTC Flyer Review

Introduction:

Strangely, some might be scratching their heads wondering as to why in the world HTC decided to launch their very first tablet, the HTC Flyer, knowing that it’s going to be flaunting Gingerbread as opposed to the tablet-optimized experience of Honeycomb? Being aware that HTC is renowned throughout the world as a top notch smartphone maker, you really can’t doubt their decision just yet, because time after time, we’ve seen them being able to churn out devices that provide an unparalleled customized experience – thus, making you forget what’s supposed to be taking precedence over others. Granted that this Wi-Fi only tablet is sporting a $500 price tag, it might initially turn off some people, but its unique offerings on the software and hardware side just might justify the hefty premium for this 7-inch Gingerbread flavored tablet. Without further hesitation, let’s find out if the HTC Flyer can grow a pair of wings and fly above some of its Honeycomb inspired brethren.

The package contains:

• HTC Flyer
• microUSB cable
• Wall Charger
• Quick Start Guide