Microsoft's Joe Belfiore subtly mocks the new features in iOS 5

Microsoft's VP of Windows Phone Program Management Joe Belfiore, who is one of the main men behind WP7, took a quick bite out of Apple's iOS 5 fanfare yesterday. Not that we are surprised that the competition is jumping in with these, but obviously a good deal of laughter is in front of us, watching the big boys in mobile kicking each other.

Android has the option to map the camera app to physical keys available on your device, and, given that the feature to press the shutter key and enter directly into the Camera interface has been present on Windows Phone 7 handsets as well, since they became available last fall, he wrote on Twitter:

Since then, he has taken the time to post a two-part tweet about a number of the new iOS 5 features that have been present on WP7 devices from the onset. Well, we can't say that Apple was gentle with the other mobile platforms last night, too.

We might be having a lot of these tit-for-tat innuendos now that iOS 5 has been revealed, with a lot of new for the platform things, that already exist on other smarphone platforms. We just hope that the number of attention-grabbing lawsuits in the mobile industry doesn't increase, we have enough to deal with already. Oh, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore apparently wrote this in response to an iOS fan who was looking forward to use the volume key as a shutter button. What's next, Andy Rubin making a JibJab video about Notification Center?

source: Twitter via WPCentral

HTC Sensation visits the FCC with AT&T's frequencies on board

Tired of the 'feeling the Sensation' jokes? Ok, we will give this to you straight. A variant of the HTC Sensation 4G that will soon be released by T-Mobile, was discovered visiting the FCC. And this model of the phone came to Washington D.C. with AT&T's 850 and 1900MHz bands along with WCDMA bands II and V.

As we reported, the HTC Sensation 4G will be launched June 15th at T-Mobile. Early last month, we told you how the model made it through the FCC as the PG58110, but only supported T-Mobile's 4G bands. Now that a version of the phone with AT&T's frequencies has been given the thumbs up by the Feds, hopefully we will hear more about the handset being produced for the nation's largest carrier. Speculation is that if AT&T does get a version of this phone, it will be given a different name.

An AT&T variant of the HTC Sensation has made it through the FCC

This could be a big deal for AT&T because the HTC Sensation has been considered one of the hottest smartphones to be released globally this Summer, often mentioned in the same breath as the Samsung Galaxy S II, arguably the handset that has set the bar among the latest releases. With a 1.2GHz dual-core processor keeping things humming, users should have no problems reading text or watching video on the 4.3 inch qHD display. Speaking of which, the phone captures video at 1080p. With Android 2.3 on board out of the box and 768MB of RAM, AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega could be watching another heavy selling Android model fly out of his stores.

source: WirelessGoodness via UnwiredView

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 takes on the MacBook Air

Lenovo has announced the ThinkPad X1 which they claim is their thinnest ever production model.

Weighing 3.7 pounds, the X1 will be powered by Intel's second-generation core processors.  The laptop will boast of a 13.3-inch display protected by Gorilla glass, making it scratch resistant. It will also come loaded with Lenovo's RapidCharge technology, which enables it to achieve an 80% charge in only 30 minutes.

Other notable features include Dolby home theatre technology V4 for an immersive audio experience, and Instant Resume which helps users keep their wireless connection whether its Wi-Fi or mobile.

Ubisoft's Magnum Opus: Assassins Creed Revelations

If Ubisoft's 2010 E3 presentation was a disaster, 2011 more than made up for it with some really cool trailers of Driver San Francisco, an extended gameplay demo of Ghost Recon Future Soldier, Trackmania 2, Just dance 3 and Rocksmits, a music game that teaches you to play a real guitar.

Impressed? There's more. Blistering blue barnacles, it's a Tintin game based on the upcoming movie. Players will not only don the role of the intrepid boy reporter, but also the role of his faithful canine companion, Snowy, as well. Ubisoft also went the Inglorious Bastards way and showed of some crazy Nazi killing in Brothers in Arm: Furious 4.

Nintendo's Wii successor to dominate E3

Almost six years ago at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo unveiled what would eventually become known as the Wii. But the Japanese gaming giant didn't show off the new console's distinctive motion-sensing capabilities until later that year at the Tokyo Game Show. Nintendo won't be such a tease at this year's E3.

After two years of shrinking Wii sales, the gamemaker will fully raise the curtain on the Wii's successor at the gaming industry's annual convention in downtown Los Angeles this week. Nintendo Co. has remained silent about just what the doodad will do, but gamers are anticipating features like high-definition graphics and touchscreen controllers.

Xbox 360 with Kinect shows off new tricks at E3

Microsoft added YouTube, voice commands, television shows and more to its Xbox 360 with Kinect as the hot-selling videogame console matures into an entertainment center for all.

Studios joined Microsoft on the eve of a premier Electronics Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles to unveil blockbusters such as "Mass Effect 3" that let players use body motion or voice to execute tactics once the exclusive duty of toggles or buttons in controllers.

"Kinect is a natural way to converse with characters," said BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka, whose studio is behind hit videogame franchise "Mass Effect."

Sony unveils the PlayStation Vita

Sony announced their latest hand-held console titled PlayStation Vita (PSV) during the ongoing E3 gaming expo today. The device will be available by holiday 2011 in two models. The Wi-Fi only model will cost $249.99 and the 3G + Wi-Fi model will cost $299.99.

The new hand held console boasts of an array of new features including a high resolution multi-touch screen, dual cameras, dual analogue sticks, augmented reality, motion sensors and a rear multi-touch pad.

Many new game-titles and cross-play between the PSV and PS3 were also announced. Major titles announced for the PSV include a Bioshock game, Mod Nation Racer, Uncharted:Golden Abyss, Ruin, Street Fighter X and Tekken.

Sony opened the E3 2011 press conference with a gameplay demo of none other than Uncharted 3 in 3D. The game will launch in November 2011. The Uncharted demo was followed by another PS3 exclusive- Resistance 3.

Sony went a little further than the NGV in terms of hardware. They also announced a 24-inch 3D screen that will be bundled with a 6-foot HDMI cable, 3D glasses and a copy of Resistance 3 all for $499. Active shutter glasses can also be purchased separately for $69.99. Sony truly wants to push 3D hard to its customers.

Move fans toowere entertained with the announcement of a few Move specific titles such as Medieval Movies: Dead man's quest, NBA 2K12, Move support for Infamous 2 Dust 514, Bioshock Infinite and more.

In terms of exclusive in game content, Sony is really pushing third party developers. All those who buy the PS3 version of Bioshock Infinite will get a copy of the original Bioshock on the same disc. Similarly for Battlefield 3, players will get a copy of Battlefield 1947 on the disc. For Need for Speed: the Run, players will get an additional 7 super cars to drive around town.  Mount Fuji will be exclusive in the upcoming SSX game.

If that wasn't enough, PlayStation Suit is coming to all PlayStation certified Android Smartphones and tablets as well. More details on this feature however will be available in due course of time.

That's it for today lowdown on the press events at E3 2011 but stay tuned, as there is a whole lot more yet to be uncovered at E3 2011.

EA shows-off Mass Effect and Need for Speed

60 Minutes, 9 games. That's EA's press conference in a nutshell. They kicked the show-off with a really long demo of Mass Effect 3. Unlike its Microsoft demo, the game didn't show-off Kinect support but rather the grand setting and scale of the game. The game is expected to hit store shelves on March 6 2012.

Next up is an addition to a franchise that is ages old, Need for Speed: The Run, is the next racing game from EA's stable but with a twist. Not only will the game be all about racing but will include high-speed cinematic foot chases as well. You need to see it to believe it and the stage demo looked pretty awesome!

Xbox gets a ton of games at E3

Microsoft launched Kinect at E3 2010 and E3 2011 is all about bringing the games to Kinect. But before we go all Kinect, here is what Microsoft showed-off as its core Xbox-360 line-up.

Opening with a bang as expected was a gameplay demo of Modern Warfare 3. The game not only looked epic but as big as a Michael Bay summer blockbuster. The game is expected to hit store shelves on November 8 2011.

Next we saw the first gameplay demo of the reboot of Tomb Raider. Borrowing from games like Uncharted and Assassins Creed, Tomb Raider sees a re-imagining of Lara's adventure. 21 years old and stranded on an island, this looks to be one cinematic adventure.

New Tomb Raider revealed

Not necessarily a big surprise, but we really couldn't wait to get a lowdown of the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise. Square Enix has launched a trailer of the upcoming title that looks epic. Don't expect to see Lara Croft in the avatar we have come to love. Here is a young Lara fresh out of university in search of adventure.

An unexpected accident finds Lara stranded on an island. Expect to endure some challenging puzzles to help lady Croft to safety in this adventure. The developers have drawn influence from a number of blockbuster titles such as Assassins Creed, Batman Begins, Half-Life 2 and
Uncharted to name a few.

Until we get a glimpse of some gameplay, here's a look at the launch Trailer of Tomb Raider.

Now control the 'Force' with Kinect

E3 starts in a few hours but Microsoft has already given us a sneak preview trailer of the new Kinect optimized Star Wars game. Microsoft and Lucas Arts have developed Star Wars for 'Kinect' in collaboration.

As the trailer shows, players will be able to wield a lightsaber and pull-off all the cool Jedi tricks. Players will be able to use all the Force super-powers like Force push, Force lightning and Force Pull through 'Kinect' by weaving the appropriate gestures.
 
Players will also be able to use various vehicles native to the Star Wars universe such as the X-Wing fighter for epic space battles and pods for pod races. Players will be able to control all these vehicles through 'Kinect' instead of a traditional controller.

Konami's pre-E3 announcments

With E3 around the corner Konami decided to jump the gun and announced a stream of new games.

Konami, publisher of the iconic 'Metal Gear Solid' and 'Silent Hill' franchise said that it will release three collections of its classic PlayStation 2 titles, re-mastered in High Definition for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

The publisher also talked about a new 'Silent Hill' game for Sony's upcoming handheld codenamed 'NGP'. The details on this game are quite sketchy as the company only confirmed that it was under-development, but did not mention an approximate release date.

A sneak peak trailer of Contra was also shown off, but again no details were provided.

Even before the event Konami announced a few games such as MLB- All Stars for the Xbox 360 and Frogger for the Nintendo 3DS.

Weirdly the company chose to make all these announcements before E3. Who knows, maybe they are trying to avoid the E3 buzz especially with major announcements from Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft in the pipeline.

Blockbusters rule E3 video game kingdom

Blockbuster titles and powerhouse consoles will rule as video game makers from around the world meet in Los Angeles this week for the premier Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

Hotly anticipated games will build on established franchises with slick play mechanics, film-like graphics and increasing sensitivity to how much people love playing online with friends or on the go with mobile devices.

"E3 will be a strange combination of everything from blockbuster retail games like 'Call of Duty' and 'Battlefield' all the way down to apps, social games, and digital downloads," said TechSavvy Global analyst Scott Steinberg.

Apple chooses Twitter over Facebook

Apple took sides while announcing a new operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod - iOS5 will have deep rooted integration of Twitter, as opposed to Facebook. Owners of these devices will be able to share tweets, photos, videos and more from all applications by signing-in only once on the device.

The snub to Facebook may not surprise Apple watchers given they had earlier tried a partnership with Facebook for their iTunes' social site, Ping. Could the Ping failure have contributed to them decamping to Twitter? Perhaps. 

Osram sues Samsung, LG for alleged LED patent violations

German lighting company Osram, which is owned by industrial giant Siemens, said Monday that it had filed suit against Samsung and LG of Korea for patent violations.

Osram filed complaints in Germany and the United States in connection with alleged violations regarding patents for light emitting diode (LED) technology and plans to file another on Tuesday against LG in China, a statement said.

"Osram stresses that Samsung and LG group companies infringe its patents on white and surface mountable LEDs in the US, Germany and as far as LG is concerned, in Japan and China," it added.

LEDs are a key component for television and computer screens.

Osram seeks a court order "to prevent Samsung and LG from importing and selling infringing LEDs and products containing these LEDs," the statement said.

It also seeks compensation from the Korean groups.

China paper blasts Google over hacking claims

Chinese state media hit out at Google Monday, warning it against becoming a political tool after the Internet giant said it had been hit by a cyberspying campaign that originated in China.

"Google should not become too involved in an international political struggle nor act as a tool in a political game," the People's Daily, the Communist Party mouthpiece, said in an editorial in its overseas version.

"Once the international wind changes direction, it may sacrificed for politics, and could be abandoned by the market," it said, without elaborating.

Hackers claim another Sony attack

Hackers claimed to have staged another attack on Japanese electronics giant Sony, publishing online a file containing source code for the Sony Computer Entertainment Developer Network.

The claim was made by a group of hackers known as Lulz Security, who said last week they had compromised more than one million passwords, email addresses and other information from SonyPictures.com.

"Presenting Sony Computer Entertainment Developer Network source code," Lulz Security said in a message on its Twitter feed @LulzSec which provided a link to a 54-megabyte file.

France bars Twitter and Facebook from TV

No plugging of Twitter accounts or Facebook pages on French broadcast airwaves.

France's audiovisual authority says that TV and radio stations that promote their sites on the two gargantuan social media services on air are actually engaging in secret -- and unfair -- advertising.

Some French bloggers, bemoaning that their country seems out of touch with the Digital Age, pilloried what it considered an antiquated stance.

On May 27, the Superior Audiovisual Council, or CSA, said that broadcasters could legally point viewers or listeners to their sites on generic "social media" but they may not cite services like Facebook or Twitter by name.

Apple Unveils a 'Cloud' Music and Storage Service

In an effort to simplify how millions of people gain access to music, photos and files across multiple devices, Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chief executive, took the stage here on Monday at a company event to unveil its new online storage and syncing service.

Mr. Jobs said the new, free service, iCloud, would replace the personal computer as the central hub of people's digital lives -- storing photos, music and documents. Relying on the PC, he said, no longer works now that millions of people have multiple devices, each with photos, documents, songs, phone applications and other files.

iPhone and iPad to get 200 new features

Apple's iOS 5 that powers iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will have more than 200 new features and will come to devices by the end of September.

One of the most awaited features on the iOS was a new way to handle notifications. The new notifications window now employs the same drop down swipe gesture as seen on Android devices.

The Safari browser on the iPhone and iPad gets an overhaul too. It will get much needed tabbed browsing. It will also have better twitter integration and a new reader function.

Apple shows the new Mac OSX Lion

Apple has announced that their latest desktop operating system Mac OSX Lion will have around 250 new features and will hit the stores next month. Though everyone expected Steve Jobs to be the star of the keynote speech,  he handed the reins to Phill Schiller to demonstrate the new OSX Lion. Here are some of the top features in the new operating system.

In addition to the new touchpad capabilities and the apps and services that can run in full screen mode, there is a revamped Mission Control, the service that allows users to see all the applications that are running on their desktop at a given time.

Skype Down for Some Users, Fix Coming Soon

 

A number of Skype users are reporting problems when logging into the Internet communication service today.

Skype has acknowledged the problem and says it is only affecting a “small number of users,” promising a quick fix.
“We’ve identified the cause of the problem, and have begun to address it. If you’ve been affected, you should start to see improvement in the next hour or so. You shouldn’t need to manually sign back in to Skype – it should reconnect automatically when it’s able to do so,” Skype’s Peter Parkes posted on the company’s blog.
Skype’s last major outage came in December of last year. Its most notable service issues came in 2007 when it was unavailable for more than a day to some users.

source:mashable

Be a 3D Star and win one of 32 HTC EVO 3D phones from Sprint

How would you like to win an HTC EVO 3D from Sprint? One of the most eagerly awaited handsets to launch this Summer, the device is being given away in the "Be a 3D Star" Sweepstakes. From now until June 12th, Sprint Premier customers will have a shot at winning one of 10 EVO 3D units being given away by Sprint. But don't plan on stuffing the ballot box as the carrier will allow just one entry per phone number per day.

After Sprint Premier customers get their shot at winning 10 free HTC EVO 3D units, the rest of the population gets a crack at instantly winning one of 32 of the handsets

Starting June 13th, the rest of the population has a shot to instantly win one of 32 HTC EVO 3D handsets, also being given away through the warm hearted kindness of Sprint. Besides entering the contest, on that date you can upload your picture and become part of a 3D movie called Present Tense.

What could be better than being the star of a 3D movie? How about being the star of a 3D movie and winning a free HTC EVO 3D.

source: Sprint via AndroidCentral

Even more leaked images of the Motorola Droid Bionic Targa

It's been a while since we've heard anything about the Motorola Droid Bionic, since we learned that the original Etna model that was shown at CES was canceled and that the newer Targa model would be taking its place.

The first images that we saw of the Targa showed that it would be a more sophisticated and elegant version, and would come with a dual-core processor, 4.3" qHD display, and what looked to be a 13MP camera on the rear.

Earlier today a handful of images were leaked, but now the floodgates have opened.

The device is now said to come with a larger 4.5" qHD screen (up from 4.3") and will run on Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread. There will also be a new version of BLUR with a 3D look to it, but still only 5 home screens.

source: PhoneHK

Watch Apple's entire WWDC 2011 keynote, as well as the iOS 5 Preview

Apple was quick to post streaming video of its epic WWDC 2011 keynote, with a special appearance from CEO Steve Jobs himself. The company also posted an iOS 5 Preview, hosted by Greg Joswiak, VP of iPhone, iPod and iOS Product Marketing, as well as Scott Forstall, Senior VP of iOS Software. The paths to watch both videos are in the source links.

The company announced major milestones in its chief software products - Mac OS X Lion for the desktop, iOS 5 for its mobile devices, and iCloud, its revamped online storage and syncing service.

Mac OS X Lion is starting to look more and more like iOS, while the mobile operating system itself seems to be seamlessly blended into iCloud, showing the level of integration Apple is heading towards across all of its device categories.

Both videos in the source link are worth watching, be it only for Steve Jobs's appearance, or for visualizing the new notification system, and, as usual, the videos are not embeddable, just make sure you have Quicktime installed if you are on a Windows machine.

source: Apple (WWDC keynote & iOS 5 Preview)

Walmart drops the price of the 16GB iPhone 4 to $147 with a 2-year contract

Just hours before the start of the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) keynote, Walmart announced that they will be dropping the price of the 16GB iPhone 4 by $50.

The discount, which brings the iPhone 4 from $197 to $147, will be available through the end of June. Fortunately, the promotion applies to both the white and black iPhones, on both Verizon and AT&T. As usual, the $147 pricetag applies to eligible upgrades and new 2-year contracts.

There could be many reasons for the discount. For one thing, Walmart has been a strong partner with Apple since 2008, and their massive retail presence can offset the price drop. Also, Walmart is trying to increase consumer recognition of their dedicated wireless departments. And, while the 'select stores' haven't been announced, we imagine that any Walmart with a dedicated wireless department will feature the discount.

Unfortunately, Walmart's website offers no information on their available stock. So we suggest you don't wait until June 30th. Happy hunting!

source: Walmart via Apple Insider

Consumer advocates attack Verizon for limiting third-party tethering

Recently, many Android users on the Verizon network received notices, encouraging them to use Verizon's own tethering plan, which costs $20 for 2GB of data. This was an effort to dissuade customers from using third-party tethering apps like Wireless Tether, which end up taxing Verizon's network, without appropriate compensation.

Now, the Free Press, a consumer advocacy group, has filed a formal complaint with the FCC. When Verizon bought the 700 MHz spectrum in 2008, they agreed to certain open access provisions. And the Free Press claims that Verizon's crackdown on wireless tethering is in direct violation of those spectrum purchase provisions:

"Because users download tethering applications for the express purpose of connecting additional devices to their data connections, Verizon’s actions also limit and restrict the ability of users to connect the devices of their choice to the LTE network."

GigaOM appropriately pointed out the real joke here: Google, who is complicit in restricting access to third-party apps, was the very company that demanded the open access restrictions in the first place. At the time, Google was also bidding for the spectrum, so there was obviously more at play than Google's supposed mission of openness. But the transition might also be indicative of Google's serious ideological shift over time, i.e. Android's growing restrictions.

source: Free Press via GigaOM

Apple announces iOS 5, a major release

UPDATE: links to streaming the entire WWDC 2011 keynote presentation, as well as the iOS 5 Preview video can be found here.

Apple ushered its mobile operating system iOS in a new era today, announcing its fifth iteration, which brings along major updates. Steve Jobs himself took the stage at the Moscone Center in San Fransisco in the beginning of the keynote, but it was Apple's Scott Forstall who announced the inclusion of more than 200 new features in iOS 5, which is supposed to grace Apple's devices this fall.

These include the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation, as well as the iPad and iPad 2, plus whatever new phone comes later this year, of course.

Apple has sold 200 million iOS devices, and distributed 14 billion apps

All hail the Apple juggernaut! At the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) today, Apple announced some ridiculously impressive sales figures for their products. To date, they've sold 200 million iOS devices. And what's more, the relatively young iPad accounts for 25 million.

On the download end of things, Apple reported that they've distributed 14 billion App Store downloads, and 130 million downloads from the iBookstore. Those figures do include free apps, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. Developers have been paid $2.5 billion thus far.

iTunes, which obviously had a head start, has sold 15 billion songs. We suppose Apple should be thanking us, but we're grateful for something else: We're grateful that they chose to present these in the number of apps, devices, songs, etc. Because if we heard the cash value that we've paid to Apple over the years, it might make us nauseous.

source: Boy Genius Report

Titanium iPhone 4 case is lightweight, but hampers signal

When you look past the iTunes integration, the Retina display, and the FaceTime video calls, the iPhone 4 is essentially (culturally) a piece of jewelery. Like all Apple products, they aspire to form as well as function. And accessory-makers have built an industry on the iPhone's back. But this aftermarket case has us seriously confused.

This titanium case from Snow Peak weighs in at only 0.6 ounces, and offers lightweight, durable protection against dents and dings. But let's pause for a moment: titanium hampers wireless signal. And the website even admits that "This product is made of metal that may degrade performance of [the] radio transceiver".

Not only that, the website warns that the case is "intended to cover and not intended to protect," and using the case "could result in [the] iPhone 4 being scratched". Wow. Then consider that this little status symbol costs US$119.95, and we've got a real marketing challenge on our hands.

We understand that celebrities cover their iPhones in diamonds and such, but even they wouldn't do something that might inhibit cell signal. So we'll pose the question to our readers: Would anyone be interested in buying this case (we won't judge you)?

source: Snow Peak via Gizmodo

HTC's Peter Chou anticipates an NFC revolution

There's no doubt that NFC (near field communication) has great potential. Mobile users in Korea and Japan have already enjoyed such mobile wallet functionality for some time, and the rest of the world is slowly following suit. HTC CEO Peter Chou used his keynote address at the Uplinq conference to predict the future of NFC.

Chou says that by 2015, there will be over 500 million NFC-enabled smartphones worldwide. Of course, he also asserted that HTC would play a major role in that revolution. From 2009 to 2010, HTC doubled their sales, and 2011 is looking just as promising. And, as HTC Europe said recently, HTC will debut their own NFC device this year. So it's not a stretch to say that HTC will play a major role.

Beyond the mobile wallet, Chou speculated on other potential uses for near field communication. He suggested that a Digital ID, which would store far more than your banking information, would give NFC even more potential uses. On a more conjectural note, Chou said that HTC is looking into biometric technology, to help smartphones play an integral role in healthcare.

On a more practical note, Chou reaffirmed their commitment to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 OS, and suggested that WP7's app selection could soon rival the ever-burgeoning Android Market. Can you believe HTC was making carrier-branded phones only a few years ago?

source: Pocket-lint

Verizon outs the $29.99 inductive battery cover for the Samsung Droid Charge

When it comes to Verizon’s 4G LTE smartphones, there’s no denying the fact that they have an insatiable appetite for battery juice to keep them amped in bringing those beloved 4G speeds. Of course, they’re notoriously known to exhibit some less than stellar battery life – thus requiring them to be constantly charged.

Fortunately for Samsung Droid Charge owners, Big Red is now selling an inductive battery cover for the handset at a mere $29.99. Instead of taking the time to fumble around connecting the smartphone with its wall charger, you can simply snap on this battery case and plop it down on any Qi-compatible inductive charging system – like the Energizer Inductive Charger that we recently reviewed. Not only does it add the cool factor in wowing some people, but it’s one convenient thing seeing that you don’t have to worry about any pesky wire management.

Clearly one neat accessory if you have the charging system in place at home, there’s no telling how much more thickness it adds to the handset since there are no specs listed on Verizon’s web site. Nevertheless, its advantages and price point make it one attractive item worthy for consideration.

source: Verizon via Engadget

Leaked images of the Motorola DROID BIONIC show a subtle redesign and more

There is no arguing that Verizon customers are surely getting their fill of LTE right now, especially after seeing three consecutive Android enabled 4G LTE devices, but we’re sure there are some who are still curious about Motorola’s offering. The Motorola DROID BIONIC is undoubtedly running on a different course than what was initially expected, but now the latest set of leaked images show off a subtle redesign and more.

Meticulously looking at the handset, one can see that it’s sporting a new redesigned chassis that’s modified versus the one we all first spotted back at CES. Additionally, we now see it flaunting a sizable 8-megapixel auto-focus camera that’s coming along with full 1080p video recording. Not stopping there, the leak even shows us the presence of the new version of MOTOBLUR and a new dock connector as well, which allows it to dock with Motorola’s laptop dock.

Obviously, it’s definitely nice seeing the Motorola DROID BIONIC still in the loop after all this time, but we’re eager to know when it’ll actually come to fruition. Then again, maybe we might have to wait a little bit to give Big Red’s other recently launched 4G LTE devices some time to soak in the sun.

source: MobileGearz via Android Central