Smartphone Fanatics

Motorola DROID 4 on Sale at Verizon

2012-02-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

The latest version of the popular Motorola DROID, the DROID 4, is now available for $199.99 at Verizon with a qualify new service contract.

"The sleek QWERTY slider features a 4-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 4G LTE connectivity, 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear camera, and it is being billed as the “thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone.”"

The DROID 4 ships with Google Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread. I would have liked to see Motorola's new flagship phone ship with the latest build of Android, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, while I'm sure will be long as soon as Motorola and get Verizon to certify it.

Of the few Android phones that I've used, I do like the Motorola DROID line of smartphones the best. The HTC Android phones have their slick UI skin, but I think that Motorola's UI is cleaner and just gets out of the way and lets you use the phone.

The full specs for the new DROID 4 can be found on the Motorola Mobility website.

[Via BGR.com...]

Apple Releases Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3 Update

2012-02-11T10:49:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, Apple released the third update to their Lion operating system for the Macintosh.

Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3 is a maintenance release for all Macs running the Lion operating system and Apple recommends installing the update if you are running a prior release of Lion.

You can download the OS update using the Software Update control panel on your Mac, or you can download the update from the Apple website. Mac OS X 10.7 Lion can be purchased from the Mac App Store for $29.99 (requires Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later to purchase and upgrade).

CBS Report on Apple's Manufacturing Partners [Updated]

2012-01-29T21:59:00.001-05:00

Love it or hate it, no one can argue with the financial results and sales figures that Apple is cranking out quarter after quarter. There has been a lot of focus lately on Apple and one of the companies that they use to build their "insanely great" products: Foxconn.

CBS news recently ran a story about Apple and Foxconn and about the labor that is employed to build, by hand, many of the Apple products that we have come to rely on in our daily lives.

UPDATE:

In addition to the video produced by CBS News, PaidContent.org has a good written article posted on their website about Apple and Foxconn.

Angry Birds Seasons - Year of the Dragon Arrives Jan 20

2012-01-16T22:55:00.001-05:00

Get ready for another update to Angry Birds Seasons this weekend. Rovio Mobile has posted the trailer for the Year of the Dragon update to Seasons. You can check out the latest teaser trailer below.

Apple Hosting Education Media Event Thursday

2012-01-14T10:25:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week, Apple sent out invitations to an invitation only special event relating to education from Apple in New York City, also known as "The Big Apple."

The event will be held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum at 10:00am. It has been rumored that Eddy Cue, Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software, will be involved in the event, however, there has been no confirmation from Apple on this point. You'll recall that the iTunes Store, the App Store, the iBookstore, the iCloud and iAd services are all under Mr. Cue's supervision.

The speculation is that with an education focus, Apple is gearing up to make an announcement around electronic text books, iTunes U, and the iPad for all sorts of educational opportunities.

As a parent, and an active member in my children's school community, I personally, would love to see advancements in the area of text books and supplemental content. Year after year, my children's backpacks are loaded up with hard and soft cover books, library books, and binders of notebooks. Lugging all of that back and forth to school every day can't be good for their backs. I think a little Apple ingenuity is just what the educational market needs.

[Via Barron's Tech Trader Daily...]

Mace: Why webOS Really Failed

2012-01-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Long time Palm veteran, and Palm/PalmSource vice president, Michael Mace has some interesting comments posted on his blog, Mobile Opportunity, about the lack luster performance of webOS.

In the article, "Why Web OS Really Failed, and What it Means for the Rest of Us," Mace makes reference to a New York Times article in which Paul Mercer, a senior director of software at Palm, was that webOS wasn't ready for "prime time." As a Palm fanatic who waited in line for the Sprint Palm Pre, I can certainly say that webOS, while cool, did feel undercooked at times. (I just recently switched from the Palm Pre to the Apple iPhone 4S.)

Mr. Mace, however, has his own theories as to why Palm's web-based operating system got into trouble.

"If Paul says Web OS was unready, I'm sure it was. But respectfully, I don't think that's why Web OS failed. I think the company's business strategy was fundamentally flawed, in ways that would have almost certainly doomed Web OS no matter how it was built."

Mace, by trying to analyze what happened to webOS at Palm, and then later at HP, seeks the lessons that need to be learned by vendors trying to build, or rebuild, their faltering mobile strategies (read: Nokia and Research In Motion).

The bottom line for companies building a new mobile OS is do they have enough money to build version 2 and 3 of their OS to make things right that didn't work in version 1; and making sure that they have at one unique, "killer feature" that will draw people and developers to the platform before the bugs are all ironed out.

[Via Mobile Opportunity...]

Rumor: Apple to Hold Media Event Later This Month

2012-01-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

Kara Swisher, of All Things D fame, is reporting that she has heard chatter than Apple has scheduled a 'media event' later this month in New York.

"[S]everal sources underscored that the event is not related to an upcoming version of the iPad 3, the next iteration of the popular tablet device that many expect to be available in 2012. Also unlikely, the rollout of Apple’s large-scale rethinking of the interactive television initiative that it has been working on."

Eddie Cue, Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services, is also allegedly involved with this event.

[Via AllThingsD.com…]

webOS Failure Related to Poor Management?

2012-01-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

A pair of articles (1, 2) from technology blog Electronista hints that webOS' main difficulty in getting off the ground was related to poor management and inexperienced software engineers.

According to the website rumors "suggested that Palm, and later HP, may have ultimately had hurdles at the corporate level, not just technical." "WebOS didn't have either the needed management or engineers to bring it to completion." "This was compounded by a rush to finish the OS in nine months, which required taking shortcuts such as skipping proper APIs (app programming interfaces) until later, hurting the ability for third-party developers to sign on."

The article goes on to show that the exit of high profile, former Palm employees, such as the highly respected Matias Duarte, now batting for the Android team, accelerated the decline of the web standards based mobile OS.

"The string of executive departures after the HP takeover are now believed to have gutted the webOS team. Matias Duarte's jump to Google saw webOS lose its defining employee, one tipster said. The replacements were described as "fourth- and fifth-stringers." Design VP Peter Skillman's exit to Nokia had its own tangible impact."

Chuq von Rospach, who recently held the role of webOS Community Manager at Palm and then HP, states:

"During my tenure at Palm/HP — just under three years — I had six direct managers, averaging about 5 months per, ranging from a first level manager to directors to a couple of VPs." "I reported to, or up to, eight different VPs in that time. One of my direct managers (the last one) and two of those VPs are still with HP. Does that give you a sense of how well things were going in the organization? Yeah, I think it does."

Mr von Rospach goes on by saying, "Most of the damage, he said, was "self-inflicted." Palm had already been on the verge of collapse when it was bought by HP, and HP gave it the cash and logistical support it needed to survive. That it floundered a second time was the Palm team's fault."

Palm was a really create company back in the 1990's. It's sad to have had to watch is slow slide into a footnote in the book of mobile computing history. Palm OS, was the iOS of it's day. Many years later, webOS was a good contender, it just wasn't good enough.

[Via Electronista.com...]

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from Smartphone Fanatics!

iTunes 10.5.2 Update Released

2011-12-12T23:13:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, Apple released the iTunes 10.5.2 update for Mac OS X and Windows PCs. The 16MB or update addresses iTunes Music match and audio distortion on certain CDs.

"iTunes 10.5.2 includes several improvements for iTunes Match and fixes an audio distortion problem when playing or importing certain CDs."

iTunes 10.5.2 is available now via the Software Update control panel or via direct download from the Apple website.

Motorola Teases the Droid 4

2011-12-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

BGR has what appears to be a photo of Motorola's upcoming Droid 4 handset. The fourth edition of the "Droid" family is rumored to have "[s]pecs [that] include a 4-inch qHD display, Android 2.3.5, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE compatibility."

BRG also seems to think that the Droid 4 could be released as early as next week.

[Via BGR.com...]

Apple's New Grand Central Terminal Store Opens Dec 9

2011-12-03T18:54:00.001-05:00

Looks like Apple's new Grand Central Terminal store, located in Manhattan, New York, will open it's doors on December 9.

I'm going to be heading back to the Big Apple sometime in the next two weeks!

Infinity Blade 2 1.0.1 Update Released [UPDATED]

2011-12-03T18:49:00.002-05:00

Chair, the Epic game studio that brought us Infinity Blade and now Infinity Blade 2 has released Infinity Blade 2 1.0.1. The update is designed to fix a start up crashing issue that customers, including myself, have been experiencing on the iPad 1 and iPhone 4.

The game was released back on Wednesday. Infinity Blade 2 is a universal game, meaning that you will be able to run the game on both your iPhone/iPod touch and iPad/iPad 2 without having to pay for it again.

Infinity Blade 2 sells for $6.99 via the iTunes Store. The 1.0.1 Infinity Blade 2 update is free to people who have already purchased the game already.

UPDATE

After installing the 1.0.1 update on my iPad 1, I'm still having trouble running Infinity Blade 2. Epic Games is working on on a fix. After installing the update, make sure that you reboot your iPad before trying to play the game. I've been able to get a little further into the game before it crashes, but I don't get to see the introductory cut scene movie.

Epic Infinity Blade 2 Arrives Tonight

2011-11-30T21:13:00.001-05:00

Infinity Blade is an amazing game for the iPhone and iPad. Starting at 11:00pm Eastern time later this evening, Epic is expected to begin selling Infinity Blade 2 for iOS.

"Beyond the enhanced visuals, Infinity Blade 2 also advances the storyline of the original game and expands the combat experience to include more options and less predictable enemies."

Infinity Blade is one of those games that I can play often and not get bored with. I'm looking forward to more stunning graphics and touch-tastic RPG play tonight.

[Via MacRumors.com...]

Fate of webOS Still Hangs in the Balance

2011-11-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

According to a new article on BGR.com today, the fate of webOS, the mobile operating system that HP acquired thru their acquisition of Palm, still hangs in the balance.

After having burned through a staggering $3.3 Billion on webOS, HP has abandoned their plans for any new webOS smartphones or tablets.

"HP CEO Meg Whitman has gone on record in stating that a decision regarding the fate of webOS will be made within two weeks. HP took possession of webOS when it acquired Palm for $1.2 billion in 2010, and that buy yielded one failed tablet that was discontinued shortly after launching, three failed smartphones and soon, perhaps, the death of webOS itself."

[Via BRG.com...]

Apple's Grand Central Store Nearing Completion

2011-11-30T20:32:00.002-05:00

Apple has started teasing the opening of their new Grand Central Terminal retail store. I was in Manhattan for the iPhone 4S launch and the store front still had the black facade up. I'm looking forward to taking a new trip down to New York City in then few weeks to check out the new 23,000 square foot Apple Store.

Here's another shot of the store with it's teaser billboard.

[Via AppleInsider.com...]

New York City Apple Stores

2011-10-15T16:51:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I was in New York City, in Manhattan, New York. It just so happened to be the iPhone 4S launch day.

Grand Central Terminal Apple Store

I hate driving into The Big Apple, so I took a commuter train into Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal (GCT). Up on the main concourse, we can see that the GCT Apple Store is under construction. You will also note that not only the back balcony is consumed by the new store, you can see that the store will also wrap around to the left wall. It is impossible to gauge how far along the new store is with the black blockers up. Grand Central is a noisy place, but I didn't hear any heavy construction underway when I was standing at the bottom of the stair case. I hope to make another trip into New York City before the end of the year to check out the new store when it opens.

Fifth Avenue Apple Store

The Fifth Ave Apple Store is the first Apple Store in Manhattan that I visited. I've since been to several of the others. You'll recall that the Fifth Ave store is the one that has the gigantic glass cube marking the entrance to the store. Apple is currently renovating the cube and has decided to continue to keep the popular store open during the construction.

The Fifth Ave store is always busy, but throw in the iPhone 4S launch and you've got a mob scene! The following are two photos that I look of the line waiting to get into the store to buy a new iPhone 4S.

Despite the busy nature of the store, I did go inside to purchase a dock ($29.00) for my new iPhone 4S and received the same superior customer service that is expected from a shopping experience at an Apple Store.

Steve Jobs Fan Memorial

With people still shocked from the sudden passing of Apple Chairmen of the Board, Steve Jobs, people are still leaving tokens on the steps of the Fifth Ave Apple Store. Mr. Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011.

To find an Apple Store near you, visit the Apple website.

iOS 5, iCloud Becomes Available - Hurry Up and Wait (Updated)

2011-10-12T19:36:00.011-04:00

In addition to releasing Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2, Apple also released iOS 5.0 for current model iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices and opened the virtual doors to the iCloud service.

At the present time, the iOS 5.0 upgrade for my 16GB iPhone 3GS is taking about 45 minutes to download the 668.8MB update. I've been waiting a good 30 minutes now for the account verification email so I can start using the iCloud service.

Updates

10/13/11 12:20am - I just started the iOS 5 package download for the 4th Generation iPod touch. iTunes is reporting that the software update is pulling down in about 6 - 10 minutes. I think I'll actually run the upgrade tomorrow night.

10/13/11 12:05am - My iOS 5 upgrade on my iPad and data restoration is finally done and it's ready for me to test; which is code for "play with all the cool new features."

10/12/11 11:40pm - The iOS 5 upgrade completed some time ago on my iPad, but the data restore is taking forever. The bad news here is that iTunes is busy with the restore so I really can't work until the restore process has completed.

10/12/11 10:50pm - I figured I could short-circuit the upgrade process on my daughter's iPod touch 4th Generation by connecting it to my MacBook Pro while the iOS upgrade was running on my iPad; no such luck. Only one iOS device upgrade at a time - even if the only thing I wanted to do was get a jump on the iOS download package for the "iTouch".

10/12/11 10:25pm - Still another 25 minutes for the iOS 5 packaged for the iPad to be downloaded and installed.

10/12/11 9:52pm - The iOS 5 upgrade on my iPhone 3GS is complete. Next up, my iPad.

10/12/11 9:08pm - The iOS 5 update package for my iPhone 3GS has finally completed downloading. I'm about to start the software upgrade now.

10/12/11 8:37pm - My iCloud account verification email has arrived. It took about 30 minutes for the request to be processed. The email contains the directions for activating your iCloud account from an iOS 5 device or Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2.

10/12/11 8:30pm - The iOS 5 update package for my iPhone 3GS is still downloading. About 50% of the update is down, and iTunes is showing that another 53 minutes remains for the download before the update can be applied. It's going to be a long night. Again.

Apple Releases Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2 Update

2011-10-12T19:29:00.000-04:00

Today, Apple released the OS X Lion 10.7.2 update bringing iCloud support to the operating system. the update also includes Back To My Mac and Find My Mac.

The 400MB+ update is available now via the Software Update control panel.

Apple Sells Out of Pre-Order iPhone 4S Handsets

2011-10-08T08:59:00.001-04:00

If you didn't get a chance to pre-order your iPhone 4S yesterday, you may find yourself having to wait a few extra weeks before you can get your hands on the new iPhone.

Despite some early glitches that I saw yesterday morning while trying to pre-order my iPhone 4S, the online Apple Store is now showing ship times of 1-2 weeks on all models of iPhone 4S. AT&T announced that they sold 200,000 units yesterday.

The new iPhone 4S will be available on AT&T, Verizon, and for the first time, Sprint. On the hardware side, the iPhone 4S will include the more powerful A5 processor that debuted in the iPad 2 earlier this year, a new redesigned antenna that will allow the phone to automatically switch between modes to improve receptions/transmission with wireless networks, a new 64GB storage option, and a new 5 lens, 8MP digital camera the can shoot up to 1080p HD video.

The iPhone 4S will also ship with iOS 5, which includes the amazing Siri personal assistant software. It is the single most exciting features that I've seen on a phone in a long time.

The iPhone 4S will be available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions that will sell for $199, $299 and $399 price points. The iPhone 4 will drop down to a single, $99 8GB model. Amazingly, the iPhone 3GS will continue to be sold on AT&T in an 8GB memory configuration and will be sold for free with a 2-year service agreement. An unlocked iPhone 4S will go on sale in November.

The iPhone 4S will go on sale at retail locations on Friday, October 14.

[Via AppleInsider.com...]

Apple iPhone 4S Ordering "Adventure" (Updated)

2011-10-07T03:23:00.016-04:00

10/7/11 7:25am: Hope springs eternal! After arguing with my bank and getting them to agree that my credit card was not expired, I was able to pre-order the iPhone 4S 32GB directly from Sprint's website. The estimated arrival date of my new iPhone 4S is Friday, October 14, or Saturday, October 15.

10/7/11 5:40am: It's time to throw in the towel! The connection to Sprint's systems aren't working and I keep getting pushed into the $109/month service plan. I'm going to have to wait for Apple and Sprint to iron out the kinks before I can order my iPhone 4S. I've stayed up all night and all I have to show for it are bags under my eyes. Grrrrr!

10/7/11 5:20am: The Apple Store/Sprint link appears to be working again, but I still can't get a clear step of options for my cellular service plans. So far, my efforts to switch to an iPhone have been fruitless.

10/7/11 5:00am: Sam was able to reserve an iPhone 4S on AT&T. I'm crashing when the Apple site goes out to check my account status on Sprint with a really annoying "WS.workflowSessionValidationFailed.webUIBody" error message.

10/7/11 4:48am: Just checked in with my fellow iPhone enthusiast, Sam, who is now getting the same error message as me. At almost 5:00am, it's time to throw in the towel on getting an iPhone for Friday, October 14.

10/7/11 4:42am: The Apple Store is now throwing up a message that they can no longer process any iPhone orders and that you should try back again later. Double ugh!

10/7/11 4:12am: I've lost track of how many times the ordering process has crashed on me. Ugh!

10/7/11 4:12am: Continuing to have trouble with the Apple Store site. Poor performance, ordering processes crashes, and unable to select the $79.99 Simply Everything plan.

10/7/11: 3:45am: The Apple Store is taking forever to update and I'm stuck at the "Processing information" page.

10/7/11: 3:45am: The Apple Store site is getting hammered! It is so slow to load data from Sprint.

10/7/11: 3:43am: The Store is online and I'm attempting to purchase my Sprint iPhone4S.

I'm not so patiently awaiting the Apple.com Store to go back online for I can order my Apple iPhone 4S for Sprint. I'll be purchasing the 32GB black edition...eventually.

10/7/11: 3:29am: Pre-orders for the iPhone 4S were suppose to start at 12:01am PDT/3:01am EDT and the store is still down.

Apple Store...

iPhone 4S Preorders Start Tonight

2011-10-07T00:09:00.000-04:00

The curtain is about to go up on the iPhone 4S. Starting this evening at 12:01am PDT / 3:01 EDT, the Apple iPhone 4S will begin pre-order sales on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.

I've enjoyed using my Palm Pre phone, but it is time to retire if for an Apple iPhone 4S.

For more details, visit the Apple website...

Steve Jobs Remembered: D8 Steve Jobs Onstage

2011-10-06T00:08:00.001-04:00

Listen to Steve Jobs' thoughts on many different things from the June 7, 2010 D8 conference. During this interview with Walt Mossberg, Steve talks about Flash on iOS and the lost iPhone 4 prototype. Also, about the 28 minute mark, Steve talks about a small company called Siri - which is now a major part of iOS 5.

[Via AllThingsD.com...]

Apple CEO Tim Cook Addresses The Loss of Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T21:03:00.002-04:00

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

[Via Apple PR...]

Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

2011-10-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

Today, the world has lost one of her great visionaries and leaders. Steve Jobs has always been a role model for me, and the news of his passing today is very sad indeed.

Apple.com/stevejobs...

Rumor: iPhone 4S, not iPhone 5

2011-10-02T21:03:00.002-04:00

Time to put all the iPhone 5 rumors to rest. In a recent iTunes 10.5 beta release, people have found references to the iPhone 4S, not iPhone 5, in the .plist files.

Can't wait until Tuesday to see what Apple CEO Tim Cook has up his sleeve.

[Via 9To5Mac.com...]

iPhone 5 Event Scheduled for Oct. 4, 10am PT

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's official, Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, will take the wraps off of the new iPhone 5 at a media event. The October 4 media event will get under way at 10am PT at Apple's headquarters.

BlackBerry PlayBook Next Up for Deep Discounts?

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

With today's revelation that RIM has only sold 200,000 BlackBerry PlayBooks in the last quarter.

During the conference call to discuss RIM's performance, co-CEO Jim Balsillie "noted that the company plans to offer price cuts on the not-so-popular BlackBerry PlayBook in the form of rebates, and an incentive program for enterprise sales."

Could the BlackBerry PlayBook be the next tablet that will under go a fireside sale like the now discontinued HP TouchPad tablet?

I won't buy another tablet for $300, but I will buy a $99 tablet to play with.

[Via BoyGeniusReport.com...]

Rumor: Second Wave of TouchPads Due Late October

2011-09-05T21:08:00.000-04:00

According to a new article up on PreCentral, HP is planning to produce a second wave of TouchPads with an order for between 100,000 - 200,000 units.

HP has said that this second run of units is intended to fill unexpected customer demand, but DigiTimes, via PreCentral, suggests that this second run it to use up the spares that have been produced, but not yet assembled into TouchPads.

"[W]e’ve suspected from the start that there were other forces at play here. True to form, Digitimes claims to have the details, stating that HP’s plan is for the second wave of TouchPads to land in late October (and you thought it was outdated when it launched in July), with somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 units to be produced.

The line about unfulfilled demand is only part of the story – HP also has to deal with parts suppliers who were stuck in a lurch when HP cancelled the TouchPad, not to mention the financial consequences of breaking their order contracts with said suppliers."

Are you planning on being one of the up to 200,000 people trying to get in on a TouchPad? I will be because it will be the perfect bookend to my Palm Foleo.

Keep checking the HP Online Store to purchase your closeout TouchPad.

[Via PreCentral.net...]

Rumors Suggest iPhone 5 On Schedule for "Fall" Launch

2011-09-04T13:48:00.000-04:00

A pair of iPhone 5 launch rumors suggest that the new Apple phone is on track for an October launch. Both This Is My Next and Boy Genius Report have documents suggesting that iPhone 5 will go live in October.

BGR has gotten their hands on an Best Buy document that says that the iPhone 5 will become available for pre-order the first week of October. The same notice indicated that Sprint will be included along side AT&T and Verizon when the phone launches.

Along the same lines, another Best Buy document indicates that stores will be receiving a new Apple fixture according to This Is My Next.

"To be clear, this isn’t a run-of-the-mill installation for the big box — our tipster tells us that the request that a manager be on-hand at 6AM is out of the ordinary (they usually show up at 7AM for inventory), and that a similar arrangement was scheduled for the iPhone 4 launch."

It looks like things are still on track for a "fall" release of the iPhone 5 this year. (By the way, "summer" ends on September 21.) Could we be looking at an end of September reveal, followed a week later of pre-sales, followed two weeks later by a full on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint retail launch? Let's hope so, because my Palm Pre Original is starting to look really old.

[Via This Is My Next.com, BGR.com...]

Rumor: Samsung Looking to Buy webOS from HP? [UPDATED]

2011-08-29T21:39:00.001-04:00

Palm employees and fanatics alike have lived through many near death experiences with their company, hardware, and software. The latest rumor, if true, may give webOS a new lease on life after HP announced a drastic cut back on webOS hardware, canceling the HP TouchPad and greatly reducing the markets the HP Pre3 would be released in.

Now, according to DigiTimes, via AllThingsD's blog, Samsung may be talking to HP about acquiring webOS.

"The latest: That Samsung is mulling a bid for webOS as a way of reducing its reliance on Google’s Android OS and competing more effectively with Apple. Samsung could conceivably pick up where HP left off, bringing the operating system not just to phones and tablets, but to PCs as well. Added bonus: the accompanying IP would likely prove helpful in the company’s patent battle with Apple."

Publicly, at least, HP has pledged to continue to develop webOS for use on the company's PCs; which they are also looking to spin off, in a move similar to the one that IBM made a few years so.

Update:

"Samsung CEO Gee-Sung Choi has struck down any such thoughts (and unlike Leo Apotheker, Choi has a firm grasp of what’s going on in his company), saying outright to reporters at the IFA conference in Berlin that Samsung would “never” pursue a purchase of webOS. Bloomberg reported that a Samsung spokesperson confirmed the statement. He went on to say that “It’s not right that acquiring an operating system is becoming a fashion,” and that creating an OS is “harder than people outside think.”

[Via AllThingsD.com, PreCentral.net...]

Facebook for webOS Updated

2011-08-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

HP's Palm unit has released an update to their Facebook application. The maintenance update includes an Exhibition update for webOS smartphones running webOS 2.x. (If you are one of the many webOS users who are locked into webOS 1.4.5, this update will do little for you.)

To get the Facebook for webOS 1.5.562 update for your webOS device, use the Software Manager application, or use the HP App Catalog to search for the Facebook application.

Apple Releases iTunes 10.4.1 Update

2011-08-29T19:35:00.000-04:00

With all the fun and excitement that we've been experiencing here on the east coast (earthquakes, hurricanes, and power outages) you may not have seen that Apple has released a maintenance updates to iTunes 10.

The maintenance update to iTunes 10.4.1 fixes issues with things like the addition of artwork, unresponsiveness when purchasing HD movies, issues launching iTunes after waking your Mac, VoiceOver support, and issues between iTunes and some third-party keyboards with multimedia controls.

The 12MB update is available now via the Apple Software Update control panel.

A Letter from Steve Jobs

2011-08-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

I wish both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook the best of luck.

[Via Apple PR website...]

Steve Jobs Steps Down as Apple CEO; Tim Cook Promoted to CEO

2011-08-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

Earlier today, the leadership of Apple, Inc. passed from co-founder Stephen P. Jobs to former Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook.

"CUPERTINO, California—August 24, 2011—Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO."

[Via Apple PR website...]

HP Halts All webOS Hardware Sales

2011-08-20T15:46:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week, HP announced during their quarterly earning call that they will halt the sale of all webOS devices, including the recently launched HP TouchPad tablet and the Pre3 smartphone.

"HP will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones. The devices have not met internal milestones and financial targets. HP will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward."

This is yet another sad day for fans of the Palm product family, but, unfortunately, not a surprising one. The sell through of webOS devices has not risen to the levels to allow HP and webOS to compete against the likes of Apple iOS and Google Android. HP executives where quick to point out that they had not killed the webOS operating system, but with the OS not available on any new devices and a dwindling customer install base, I don't see how HP will hope to attract third-party developers to their platform if HP themselves are not fully committed to it.

The good news, if you are a die hard fan of Palm and webOS, HP is suppose to be starting a fireside sale on their remaining inventory of HP TouchPad tablets. The 16GB TouchPad is suppose to go on sale for $99, while the 32GB TouchPad will sell for $149.

Keep and eye on the HP online store for your last chance to pick up a TouchPad before they disappear.

Apple Releases OS X Lion 10.7.1 Update

2011-08-16T23:28:00.000-04:00

Today, Apple released Mac OS X Lion 10.7.1 as a maintenance update the latest version of the Mac operating system.

Even with today's minor bug fixes to Lion, many Mac users are waiting for OS X Lion 10.7.2 to arrive. It is widely expected that OS X 10.7.2 will include the updates necessary for using upcoming iCloud software.

To download and install the software, simply use the Software Update control panel in Mac OS X Lion.

Google Android: Now With Motorola Inside

2011-08-15T22:06:00.000-04:00

Early this morning, Google announced their plans to acquire Motorola Mobility - the Android smartphone OEM.

Writing for AllThingsD.com, John Paczkowsi states:

"With its $12.5 billion deal to acquire Motorola Mobility, Google is gaining not only a major Android handset manufacturer, but a vast trove of intellectual property with which to defend it."

The punch line here folks is that Google was feeling a little light in the Intellectual Property (IP) department, so they when out and acquired a company that already had a lot of IP build up. Google intents to use their new found IP and patents to protect not only themselves, but their Android licensees from patent trolls like Microsoft and Apple.

[Via AllThingsD.com...]

KHOMO Waterproof Cover for Apple iPad, iPad2

2011-08-07T16:05:00.001-04:00

I still have a few weeks to go before I get to take my summer vacation, during which time, I will be forced to sit on a beach in direct sunlight.

While looking for accessories to protect my gear, I came across the KHOMO Waterproof Case Cover for iPad 2. As far as I can tell, this kit is compatible with the original iPad also. The kit comes with what looks like a giant zip bag with a velcro secured flap. The bag also features a plastic loop that connects to a carry strap. The bundle I found over on Amazon also includes a 6-foot black sync cable and sells for $12.99 plus tax and shipping.

There are other waterproof options available, all of which cost more than this bundle. If your iPad spend a lot of time near water, you might want to spring for a more expensive solution. Since I only go to the beach, if I'm lucky, twice a year, I might consider other options. Since I'm most worried about keeping sand and drink spills away from my iPad while I"m traveling, this looks like the perfect balance between protection and cost.

End of the Road for Jailbreakers Stealing Cellular Tethering Service

2011-08-06T12:43:00.000-04:00

If you have a jailbroken/rooted Apple iPhone of one of the many Google Android and have been using apps to essentially "steal" wireless tethering services between your phone and your notebook or tablet computer, your days of "free" service are almost over.

AT&T and now Verizon are putting technology in place on their networks that allows them to sniff out people who are tethering devices like laptops, typically over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to their smartphone's data plan as a sort of wireless modem to get on the Internet.

Both AT&T and Verizon required you to subscribe to an additional service before you can tether another device to your phone.

I may not be a fan of the prices that are charged to tether or setup your smartphone as a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot, but I like the idea of people stealing bandwidth and driving up the cost of my smartphone data plans even less.

[Via EngadgetMobile.com, Electronista.com...]

HP TouchPad - $100 Off This Weekend Only

2011-08-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

HP is running a $100 instant rebate promotion this weekend only (Friday - Sunday) on their new webOS 3.0 TouchPad when you purchase the tablet online directly from the HP.com website.

I have mixed feeling about the TouchPad. In the time since I purchased my Palm Pre, the webOS market share has failed to catch on. Then, once it became painfully clear that HP and Sprint would not bringing webOS to the Pre and Pixi smartphones, nor where they going to released updated models, HP "graciously" offered early Pre owners $50 off the TouchPad. Now, less than 60 days after launch, HP is cutting the price of the TouchPads by $100. This weekend only, the 16GB TouchPad is $299 and the 32GB model is $399.

If you are inclined to get a tablet, and don't want an iPad, or confused by all the various Google Android tablets, then the HP TouchPad is probably the device for you. If you don't need a massive selection of apps.

HP Releases webOS 3.0.2 68 for TouchPad

2011-08-02T23:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday HP rolled out webOS 3.0.2 68 for their new TouchPad tablet. The update includes enhancements to the Calendar, Email, Photos & Videos, and Browser applications. webOS also gets tweaked in this release.

HP has posted the full change log for the webOS 3.0.2 update on their website.

[Via PreCentral.net...]

Rumor: iPhone 5 to Launch in October

2011-08-01T21:26:00.001-04:00

Ugh! This was not the news I was hoping for today if John Paczkowski over at AllThingsD.com has reliable information on Apple's new iPhone.

"So those rumors claiming the iPhone 5 will debut in late September? They’re wrong.

Instead, it’s going to be an October surprise — the month in which Apple plans to launch its next-gen iPhone."

I guess it's a good thing that I was able to my Sprint Palm Pre screen repaired by Sprint and then upgraded my Pre to HP webOS 2.1. Looks like we're in for a few extra weeks of waiting.

[Via AllThingsD.com...]

iCloud.com Beta Goes Online

2011-08-01T19:29:00.001-04:00

I saw that iCloud.com has gone live today and I was able to log in using my existing Apple ID. Aside from being able to look around, I'm not sure that there is much more we can do until we get iOS 5 installed on our iDevices or a update to Mac OS X that replaces the MobileMe control panel with the iCloud control panel (I'm assuming that there will be a new control panel or other software integration with the Mac OS X or Windows PC).

If you are registered as a paying Apple software developer, you will be able to download some additional API tools for building into your applications.

I was able to login to iCloud.com from my MacBook only. When I hit iCloud.com from my iPad, I was greeted by a beta page.

Meta-Doctoring: Part 5 - Sign of Life Check [Updated x2]

2011-07-30T15:18:00.003-04:00

The installation of the meta-doctored webOS 2.1.0 install has completed!

Now the hard part - making sure everything is still working!

Update: All features and functions of webOS 2.1 appear to be working! Whoo-hoo!

On the agenda for the post software load is to:

1. See if I can log into one of my Palm profiles - Working!
2. Verify that webOS is running as expected - Working!
3. Connect to a Wi-Fi hot spot - Working!
4. Verify developer mode is on or can be activated - Working! (webos20090606)
5. Restore my Sprint PRL software - Working! (no update possible going forward)
6. Install the latest build of Preware - Working!
7. Apply some basic patches - Working!
8. Apply software tweaks from the webos-internals.org webOS 2 upgrade wiki post - Working!
9. Backup the Pre to my alternate Palm profile - Working!
10. Access the HP App Catalog, install software - Working!
11. GPS access - Working!

Meta-Doctoring: Part 4 - Building the New Doctor File

2011-07-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

Continuing to play around with applying an unofficial version of webOS 2.1.0 to my Sprint Original Palm Pre smartphone, I've installed all the required tools to get the job done.

I've also taken the precaution to backup my PRL software so I can continue to apply Sprint preferred roaming list updates once the upgrade to webOS 2.1.0 has completed.

Now, I'm running the Unix command line tools on my Mac to download the webOS 2 doctor files, mash them all together, and churn out a new custom meta-doctored webOS doctor restore file.

There is a lot of Unix "gook" scrolling across my Terminal window which, I have to admit, not being a Unix/Linux propeller head, I have no idea what it's doing. (I know my limits and I'm not a programmer nor am I a Unix geek. I know just enough Unix and Linux to get myself in to serious trouble!)

So, with Daft Punk's Tron soundtrack thumping in the back ground, the lights down low, I'll grab my eighth Diet Coke for this project, and get to installing the new webOS Doctor!

Meta-Doctoring: Part 3 - Sprint PRL Backup

2011-07-30T13:49:00.001-04:00

In preparing to perform an unofficial webOS 2.1.0 upgrade on my Sprint Palm Pre, I have read that you need to backup your PRL software so I can restore it to my phone later on. This is an important step because Sprint doesn't offer webOS 2.1.0 for the Original Pre and you won't be able to use properly update your PRL on a meta-doctored Sprint Pre if you fail to do this step first.

What is PRL you ask? Good question. I don't really know either. PRL stands for Preferred Roaming List. Is is a database that gets downloaded to a smartphone that uses CDMA radios just like the ones in Sprint and Verizon Pre/Pre+ phones. The database has a list of network IDs that Sprint has network sharing contracts with to allow your phone to "roam" on other carrier's network towers. (source)

The good folks at webos-internals.org have a wiki page up on how to backup your PRL data before you go ahead and do the meta-doctor webOS 2.1.0 upgrade.

Just an important note: You must use your own PRL data. It is tied specifically to your phone!

Meta-Doctoring: Part 2 [Updated]

2011-07-30T11:48:00.006-04:00

Last night I got the bright idea to "meta-doctor"my Sprint Palm Pre to run webOS 2.1.0.

After spending hours researching, reading, re-reading, and lots of download, hard resetting, and rebooting...phew!...I think I'm ready to start on the process of "doctoring" a version of HP webOS 2.1.0 to run on my Palm Pre.

Here is a little sample of what the process looks like so far:

Unix commands being executed to install required software.

Exciting, huh?

Update:

The Meta-Doctor and GIT tools have been installed successfully!

"Meta-Doctoring" My Original Sprint Pre

2011-07-30T00:12:00.000-04:00

Who am I to let a little thing like an OEM/wireless carrier spat get in the way of all of the fun an excitement of running webOS 2.x on my original Sprint Pre (some would refer to my webOS phone as the Sprint Pre Minus)?

I don't think so, either. So with a new found bravery of software hacking my Pre smartphone (I also carry a company issued Motorola Droid Pro with me all the time), I'm researching all of the ninja-like things I'm going to have to do to mash up a Sprint Pre compatible version of webOS 2.1.0 together.

Reading the webOS Internals official wiki on the subject reads like a splashy summer murder mystery thriller. You need to grab an unofficial build of webOS 2 that isn't customized for Sprint. Then you need to download some tools that developers use to write software. For extra fun, I'll need to take a trip to the Unix command line of my Pre using something called "Novacomm".

At the end of the process, if all goes well, I'll have a Sprint Pre running webOS 2.1.0 working with Sprint's network. Oh, some things like Sprint Navigation may no longer work, but I use Google Navigation on my Droid Pro for directions in the car now. I may also lose the ability to receive Sprint Roaming Profile Lists (RPLs), but hey, that's life in the fast lane for ya.

Now, I'm not really a risk taker when it matters. I plan on using a separate Palm Profile account, not my primary one until I have confirmed that I have a (mostly) stable install on my phone. Once you upgrade to webOS 2.x, your webOS 1.x profile is converted and I don't believe that there is a way to downgrade it once you've stepped up to webOS 2. I've also backed up my USB partition to my Mac's hard drive. And lastly, if things go really wrong, it looks like I'll be able to download the webOS Doctor file for the Sprint Pre and revert the phone back to an official webOS 1.4.5 build.

Just call me "Greg House, MD" this weekend.

(And yes, for my long time readers, the role of vicodin as seen in "House, M.D." will be replaced by a constant stream of cold cans of Diet Coke.)

Rumor: iPhone 5 Sighting in the Wild

2011-07-28T23:47:00.000-04:00

Is this an Apple iPhone 5 prototype? I'll let you be the judge.

[Via 9to5Mac.com...]

Sprint Loses 101,000 Post-Paid Customers

2011-07-28T23:04:00.000-04:00

Sprint reported their quarterly earning and dropped a "small" detail that they lost 101,000 post-paid customers. They expected to lose "just" 15,000.

In an article posted by AppleInsider today, they write:

"In its latest quarter, Sprint posted a net loss of 101,000 subscribers, far higher than the 15,000 loss analysts had expected it to suffer. In contrast, AT&T added 331,000 subscribers and Verizon added 1.3 million, aided by news sales of 2.3 million iPhones."

It seems that I really love underdogs; first Palm, and now Sprint. If only they had the HP Pre3 or the Apple iPhone.

[Via AppleInsider.com...]

Facebook 2.0 Released for BlackBerry, BlackBerry Playbook

2011-07-26T23:00:00.001-04:00

The Facebook 2.0 client is out for both current edition BlackBerry smartphones and the new BlackBerry Playbook.

The new features of Facebook 2.0 for BlackBerry include:

Facebook Places – Users choose to share where they are, what they are doing and who they are with – with Facebook friends. Get directions to and from a Facebook Places by clicking on the map image, which will seamlessly launch the Bing! Maps on the BlackBerry Playbook.

Facebook Events - View events and birthdays and receive notifications of new invitations. View event details like the time, place, guest list and more. Users can even RSVP and write on the event’s Wall.

View ‘Likes’ - See the names of the friends that ‘liked’ a user’s post. Users will also be able to tap their friends’ names to launch directly to their profiles.

Privacy control on status updates - Control who can see each update users share. Simply click the lock icon in the lower-right corner of the status publisher to select who to make the status update visible to before posting it.

As my long time readers know I own a BlackBerry Curve 8330 and most recently used a BlackBerry Storm2, which I had to turn in for a Droid Pro back around February. I miss having my BlackBerry and still think about picking up a new Bold at some point.

[Via CrackBerry.com...]

Apple Releases iOS 4.3.5 Software Update

2011-07-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, Apple released the iOS 4.3.5 software update for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

The software update addresses an issue with how security certificates are validated and does not add any new features.

The software update is for the GSM iPhone 4, the GSM iPhone 3GS, both editions of the iPad, and the 3rd and 4th generation iPod touch.

The CDMA iPhone 4 for Verizon updates to iOS 4.2.10, addressing the same problem.

The latest software updates are available now via iTunes when you connect your iDevice to sync it.

Lion Upgrade Journal: Day 1

2011-07-21T23:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, Lion was installed yesterday and I was, apparently, in good company because 1 million other Mac owners upgraded along with me.

Scrolling with a Track Pad or Scroll Wheel

Ok, using the scroll wheel on my wireless Mighty Mouse is taking a little bit of getting used to. In Lion, scrolling like like scrolling in iOS; you flick up to move the page down. Basically, we're talking about an inverted y-axis here. Fortunately, if you can't make the adjustment, of you're like me and I have to use a PC at the office, you can revert the scroll wheel functionality back to the way it was in Mac OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard in the Mouse control panel.

iChat Group Windows

Another application that I use all the time is iChat. I use iChat as my client for Jabber chats like Google Talk or Facebook. In Snow Leopard, I would have a chat window for each service. Now, in Lion, all my friends and buddies show up in a single unified window. When a new chat is started, a separate chat windows appears. If I have multiple chats going on at the same time, I can use iChat's preferences to define if all of the chats should be combined into a single chats window with tabs along the left of the window for each chat thread, or to appear in separate chat windows, as was the case in Snow Leopard.

I had the chance to test both modes out while chatting with two of my friends this evening. I like the consolidated buddies list, but I still prefer to keep the chat windows separate. I very fine tweak to iChat if I do say so myself.

Migrating Data from Palm OS 3 and 4 Devices to webOS 1, 2 or 3 Devices

2011-07-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

Through a very long string of back channel communications, I have received a question about moving data from a Handspring Visor Deluxe to a webOS device; I think it was a Pre.

There is no direct way to move data between a Palm OS device and a device that is running webOS. Both operating systems were developed by Palm before being acquired by HP, but the underlying technologies are vastly different. But there is still hope for people looking to move data from an old Palm OS device to a new webOS smartphone or tablet.

Keep reading for suggestions on how to move your data.

The easiest option is to work with a Palm OS device that is capable of HotSync'ing with Palm Desktop on a Windows XP machine.

You will need to start by downloading Palm Desktop if you don't already have it installed. Once you have your data synchronize with your PC, use the File > Export commands to backup your data. You will need to do this for the Address Book/Contacts, Date Book/Calendar, To-Do List/Tasks, and Notes/Memos one at a time. Backing up your data helps make sure you that you can get back to where you started if something goes wrong.

Next, you need to use the Data Migration Tool (DMT) to copy the data out of Palm Desktop and into a location that a webOS device, like the Pre, Pre2, or TouchPad can talk to. My personal suggestion is to move your Palm Desktop data into a Google account, as webOS was designed to work with Google's Gmail and Calendar applications from the very beginning. All the directions that you will need can be found on the HP website for the DMT. (Select Palm Desktop for Windows and select your webOS device from the drop down list to get started.)

Apple Releases OS X Lion

2011-07-20T23:32:00.000-04:00

Mac OS X Lion is "go for throttle up" today in the Mac App Store. It's a 3.7GB download once you purchase the $29.99 upgrade. My installer just finished downloading and I'll be upgrading some of my software over the next few days. Check back here for updates as the week progresses.

OS X Lion Arrives Tomorrow - July 20

2011-07-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

During today's quarterly earnings report to investors, Apple confirmed that the next major release of the Mac operating system, OS X Lion, will be arriving in the Mac App Store for $29.

OS X Lion is unique in that you won't be able to buy it on a disc. Instead, the new OS will be purchased and downloaded from the Mac App Store as a 4.0GB file. To upgrade to Lion, you will need to be running Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard with the 10.6.8 update applied.

In addition to purchasing the software from the Mac App Store, you will be able to upgrade every other Mac that you own without having to purchase another copy of Lion. Simply sign in to the Mac App Store with the Apple ID you used to purchase Lion, and you will be able to download the software again to a new Mac.

Briefly Noted: iOS 4.3.4 Security Update Relesed

2011-07-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

Just in case you may have missed it, last weekend Apple released a security update to iOS brining the mobile operating system to version 4.3.4.

The latest security update is largely intended to plug a security hole in how an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch handles malicious .pdf files to allow hackers to by pass safeguards in the operating system. This same security hole was a means to allow people to install applications from Cydia, a third-party application source other than the iTunes App Store. This process is commonly referred to as "jailbreaking."

iOS 4.3.4 was simultaneously released for the iPhone 4 (GSM edition), iPhone 3GS, the iPad 2, the iPad, and third and fourth generation iPod touch devices. iOS 4.2.9 was released specifically for the iPhone 4 (CDMA edition) on Verizon's network.

HP TouchPad Support for webOS Apps

2011-07-09T10:28:00.001-04:00

H/Palm takes so much out of Apple's playbook, couldn't they also include the same iPhone/iPad screen scaling feature too? H/Palm tires really hard, but they always seem to come in second.

[Via GadgetsOnTheGo.net...]

Rumor: Sprint webOS Customers Get Shafted. Again.

2011-07-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

It's tough to be a webOS fan. Especially on Sprint. If it wasn't bad enough that Sprint Pre and Pixi customers have been left out in the cold for the webOS 2.0 party, but now a new rumor from a reliable source is saying that the Pre3 won't be coming to Sprint.

"Today the folks over at This Is My Next cited a “trusted source” in saying that the Pre3 - or any other webOS device - will not be coming to Sprint. We know a lot of you just died a little bit inside, and that’s not the news you wanted to hear today. On the flipside of the same coin, we’ve heard from plenty of “I talked to an HP rep” crowd that have heard that the Pre3 is coming to Sprint, along with Verizon and AT&T. You can hold out hope if you want, but trusted sources trump chatter in our book."

I was in line at 6am to one of the first people to get a Palm Pre on launch day. With webOS market share below 5% in the US and the Pre3 not coming to Sprint any time soon, it just reaffirms my decision to switch phones this fall when the iPhone 5 goes live. The only question that really remains is whether or not Sprint will get the iPhone 5. If they do, I'll say with Sprint to grandfather in my unlimited data plan. If Sprint doesn't get the iPhone 5, then I'm looking to head over to AT&T Wireless.

[Via PreCentral.net...]

What Do You Call a Pre-Beta Beta? Silly Rabbit, It's an Alpha Release

2011-07-08T08:32:00.000-04:00

Is Microsoft looking to repeat their Windows Vista mistakes with Windows 8?

WinRumors writes:

"Microsoft’s 2012 CES will be full of Windows 8 according to company insiders. Microsoft is expected to deliver a beta copy of the next-generation operating system at its BUILD developer conference in September this year. Microsoft should be ready to deliver a second test copy of Windows 8 to the public at CES 2012. Ballmer will likely demo a number of ARM and Intel based Windows 8 tablets that will hit the market later in 2012 when Windows 8 is generally available."

No, that doesn't sound like they are rushing things at all. Question: What do you call a September beta release before a January 2012 beta release? Answer: An alpha release.

In an unrelated note, Microsoft has hired a "content coach" for Mr. Ballmer's 2012 CES keynote address. Is Microsoft suffering from "Steve envy?"

[Via WinRumors...]

Firemint Sale: Redo

2011-07-04T10:55:00.001-04:00

Firemint, the makers of a small collection of really awesome iOS apps for iPhone/iPod touch and iPad is at it again, today only, with an 80% off sale on Flight Control HD, Real Racing, Real Racing HD, Real Racing 2, and Real Racing 2 HD.

Check out the Firemint Facebook page for details, or head directly to the App Store to save on some of my favorite iOS games!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

July 4th, is Independence Day here in the United States - the day we celebrate he birth of our nation.

Happy 4th of July, America!

BlackBerry Bridge Now Available to AT&T PlayBook Owners

2011-07-02T10:16:00.000-04:00

After a long string of bad news, a dramatic decline in stock prices, departures of senior management, and calls from investors and alleged employees to restructure how the CEO and President of the Board roles work, there was finally some good news for BlackBerry fans on AT&T who plan on purchasing a BlackBerry PlayBook.

Yesterday, AT&T allowed the BlackBerry Bridge software for AT&T branded BlackBerry phones to be released into the BlackBerry App World.

"BlackBerry Bridge is an app you can download to your smartphone to get access to your email, calendar, contacts, memo pad and tasks—all on the large tablet display. Depending on your wireless service provider you can even browse the web using your existing BlackBerry smartphone’s data plan."

That last item, browsing the web using your BlackBerry's data plan will run you an extra $20/month for the privilege AT&T has announced.

You can download BlackBerry Bridge from the BlackBerry App World (link).

Rumor: RIM Cancels 10" Playbook, Realizes They Need New BlackBerry Phones

2011-06-28T23:12:00.000-04:00

The Boy Genius Report blog has word that the executive management team has gotten a cold, hard dose of reality and has finally realized that they need to get new QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphones out the door as quickly as possible.

The sobering fact that RIM's stock has taken a nose dive in recent weeks has served as what I can only describe as a wake up call. According to BGR, plans for an iPad sized 10-inch BlackBerry Playbook are being scrapped and the company will "focus as much effort as possible on building and releasing its first QNX-powered BlackBerry smartphone."

The specs and timing for a new BlackBerry running the QNX operating system are, obviously, thin at best.

"Specs of the purported next-generation BlackBerry smartphone include a single-core 1.2GHz processor — though it may be swapped for a dual-core if RIM can find a way to reduce the drain on the battery — along with a 4.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. Further details surrounding the device were not made available, nor was a codename, launch name or a time frame for the device’s release."

The previously planned 4G cellular version(s) of the BlackBerry Playbook is still planned for release in the October timeframe.

As a strictly utilitarian device for email, text/instant messaging, and phone calls (who makes those anymore?), the BlackBerry is a great phone. Messaging has always been at the core of what a BlackBerry is. (I own and have used a BlackBerry Curve and Storm2 and loved them both.) But today's "prosumers" want more features than that, and when compared to the iPhone and Android devices, all of the RIM devices fall flat on their faces. If RIM is serous about turning their company around, they need to get QNX-powered phones out the door as quickly as possible.

[Via BGR.com...]

HP Rolls Out webOS 2.1 for Verizon Pre2

2011-06-24T12:06:00.000-04:00

Looks like HP and Verizon have started pushing out the webOS 2.1 update for the Pre2 smartphone. Hit up the Update application to get your webOS 2.1 goodness.

And yes, I'm still bitter that the Sprint Pre won't be getting webOS 2.1 either as an OTA or slide load Doctor update.

[Via PreCentral.net...]

Conan O'Brian: Thumbs Down on FCP X

2011-06-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

I guess we can add Conan to the list of people who are not happy with the new version of Apple's Final Cut Pro software.

We now return your to your regularly scheduled programming.

Skyfire Can Save You Money As Carriers Push for Tiered Data Plans

2011-06-24T11:43:00.001-04:00

The huge success of the iPhone helped to not only change the shape of smartphones for ever, but the growing numbers of iPhones and Android devices is causing carriers to take action to protect their data networks - or reap huge profits; you can call it anyway you like. With unlimited all you can eat data plans giving way to tiered/capped plans, look for more mobile applications to start to become more efficient with data use.

"Skyfire came out with a set of numbers today showing that smartphone users can save up to $120 a year by using data efficient apps like their browser. If you recall our post showing Verizon’s data calculator, you can see that streaming video is what’s going to be really eating up your data on a month to month basis, but with Skyfire’s “Instant Optimization” video process, which compresses data by 75%, they can save you a ton on your monthly bill."

[Via Droid-Life...]

Xbox 360 Game Port Tool for iOS, OS X, Android, and the Web

2011-06-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

I just saw this over on Boy Genius Report and thoughts of playing Halo on my Mac (without Parallels) started dancing in my head.

"Programmer Andrew Russell is working on a project that will undoubtedly pique the interest of game developers around the world. Dubbed ExEn, Russell’s open source software allows devs to port XNA games to iOS, Silverlight and in the near future, Android and OS X as well. In practical terms, this software gives developers a much easier way to take games they have built for Xbox 360, Windows or Windows Phone 7 using Microsoft’s XNA framework and port them to the iPhone or iPad, the Web (Silverlight), and soon to Android devices and Mac OS X!"

[Via BGR.com...]

Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update

2011-06-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Mac OS X 10.6.8 is available now for all Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard users. Aside from the usual bug fixes and enhancements, Mac OS X 10.6.8 is a requirement for upgrading to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion next month.

Use the Mac OS X Software Update control panel to download the update now.

Rovio Releases Angry Birds Seasons - Summer Pignic

2011-06-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

Just in time for the 4th of July holiday, Rovio arms us with another "eggciting" bird flinging adventure: Summer Pignic!

Summer Pignic is the next installment for the popular Angry Birds Seasons game available now for iOS devices. Rovio will also be releasing updates for Android, webOS, and the nook.

Angry Birds Seasons - $0.99
Angry Birds Seasons HD - $1.99

Rumor: iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 - We Don't Care, Just Give It To Us

2011-06-21T23:13:00.000-04:00

Boy Genius Report is claiming to have received word that the next iPhone — the 4S or 5 — will be a major update to the current iPhone 4 models.

"While Apple has indeed been giving some developers access to a device known as the iPhone 4S — an iPhone 4 with upgraded internals — BGR has independently confirmed that the next-generation iPhone will not merely be an upgraded iPhone 4 as had been previously rumored. We have been told by a reliable source to expect a radical new case design for the upcoming iPhone, though we have not been given any additional details surrounding the design of the new iPhone case. What about a release, then? The consensus is that Apple is going to announce the next-generation iPhone at the company’s annual September event, traditionally focused on iPods, but we have heard it’s quite possible Apple will break tradition. According to our source, Apple may hold an event in the beginning or middle of August to announce the new iPhone, with availability to follow in the last week of August. We’re not sure if that means the iPod event will be moved up slightly, or if this will be an iPhone-specific event. Thisismynext reported earlier that the upcoming iPhone 5 would feature a new teardrop-shaped case design."

At this point, I don't care what Apple is going to call the new iPhone; I just want it to be released so I can purchase one. My Palm Pre is looking forward to retirement and I'm looking for a phone that isn't an underdog.

[Via BGR.com...]

Firemint Real Racing, Real Racing 2 On Sale This Weekend

2011-06-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

Firemint, recently acquired by Electronic Arts, has put their popular Real Racing series of games on sale for Father's Day weekend!

The "Manly-Man" sale reduces the prices for Real Racing, Real Racing HD, Real Racing 2, and Real Racing 2 HD. Use the links below to get your race on!

Real Racing $0.99
Real Racing 2 $4.99
Real Racing HD $1.99
Real Racing 2 HD $6.99

Oh, Snap! O2 Takes a Pass on the BlackBerry PlayBook

2011-06-16T21:23:00.000-04:00

BGR.com is reporting today that UK-based wireless carrier O2 is going to sit this round out for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

"Citing issues with the user experience, O2 UK announced on Thursday that it “will not be selling” the BlackBerry PlayBook. The wireless carrier began notifying customers who had signed up for more information about its change of heart on Thursday. The carrier officially stated: “unfortunately there are some issues with the end to end customer experience,” but didn’t delve further into its reasons for the decision."

I guess it's better to not let an unfinished product out the door then to have it ship and then be a headache for your customers downstream.

[Via BGR.com...]

RIM Announces Layoffs, Fights for Relevance

2011-06-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

RIM released their quarterly earnings report today, and while the news appears upbeat, the BlackBerry maker also announced that layoffs are on the way.

Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $4.9 billion, down 12% from $5.6 billion in the previous quarter and up 16% from $4.2 billion in the same quarter of last year. The revenue breakdown for the quarter was approximately 78% for hardware revenue, 20% for service and 2% for software and other revenue. During the quarter, RIM shipped approximately 13.2 million BlackBerry handheld devices and approximately 500,000 BlackBerry Playbook tablets.

“Fiscal 2012 has gotten off to a challenging start. The slowdown we saw in the first quarter is continuing into Q2, and delays in new product introductions into the very late part of August is leading to a lower than expected outlook in the second quarter." said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "RIM’s business is profitable and remains solid overall with growing market share in numerous markets around the world and a strong balance sheet with almost $3 billion in cash. We believe that with the new products scheduled for launch in the next few months and realigning our cost structure, RIM will see strong profit growth in the latter part of fiscal 2012."

Additionally, RIM "will begin a program to streamline operations across the organization, which will include a headcount reduction. This realignment will be focused on taking out redundancies and a reallocation of resources to allow us to focus on the areas that offer the highest growth opportunities and align with RIM strategic objectives, such as accelerating new product introductions."

I can't help but thinking that RIM is now the new "Palm." RIM is still a long way from dropping down into single digit market share territory, they seem to be having all of the same problems that Palm did in the mid to late 2000's. With Google's Android and Apple's iOS platforms grabbing huge segments of the market, you have to wonder if anyone really cares about the BlackBerry brand anymore.

You can read the full press release on the RIM website.

HP TouchPad Goes On Sale July 1

2011-06-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

HP has announced that the Wi-Fi version of HP TouchPad will be available in the United States on July 1.

HP's first webOS tablet will be available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany a few days later and in Canada in mid-July, with availability scheduled to follow later this year in Italy and Spain, as well as in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore.

HP TouchPad will be available from U.S. retailers, commercial resellers and direct from HP with the option of either 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage for $499.99 and $599.99, respectively. Preorders in North America and Europe will begin June 19.

"What makes HP TouchPad a compelling alternative to competing products is webOS," said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. "The platform's unmatched features and flexibility will continue to differentiate HP products from the rest of the market for both personal and professional use. This is only the beginning of what HP's scale can do with webOS."

With webOS, HP TouchPad users have a next-level multitasking experience, access to the web, premium audio playback with stereo speakers and Beats Audio™ technology, the ability to find information on the device or in the cloud using the Just Type feature, integrated access to their information with HP Synergy, and HP's exclusive Touch to Share capability for sharing web addresses between HP TouchPad and compatible webOS phones.

You can read the full press release on the HP website.

Rumor: Sprint iPhone Being Tested

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

From 9to5Mac.com:

"Sources tell 9to5Mac that a version of the iPhone for Sprint’s network is currently in advanced testing. The physical design of this device is akin to the iPhone 4 of today, so this might be the iPhone 4S device with support for all carriers that we have been dreaming up and hearing whispers about. Apple is said to have ordered Sprint-compatible cell towers for use on their campus – for testing – in late 2010. Apple similarly tested the Verizon iPhone against Verizon cell towers on their campus months before the product’s release."

Keep reading...

[Via 9to5Mac.com...]

Live Action Angry Birds

2011-06-09T23:26:00.001-04:00

'Nuff said.

[Via AndroidCentral.com...]

Apple Releases iTunes 10.3 with iCloud Beta Support

2011-06-07T22:27:00.000-04:00

iTunes 10.3, available now for Mac OS X and Windows PC, brings some of the new features unveiled yesterday at WWDC to you now - no waiting until the "fall."

iTunes 10.3 adds Automatic Downloads, Download Previous Purchases, the ability to browse and purchase books for iBooks from iTunes, and our first taste of Apple's new iCloud service which seamlessly syncs music purchases to all of your devices regardless of which device purchased the music.

I'm interested in playing with the iCloud sync feature on my iPad, MacBook Pro, and Windows 7 PCs (one at home and one at work). I also want to play around with the Download Previous Purchases feature because somewhere along the way, I upgraded Documents To Go on my iPhone 2G, and since it is running iOS 3.1.2 (yes, it's jailbroken/unlocked so I can use it as an iPod touch) I can't install the current release on it. I'd like to install the older, compatible version again if possible because I did not manually make a backup of the old software.

The new features of iCloud, iOS 5, and Mac OS X look really cool, and I can't wait until September to have all of this cool software. At least we can get Mac OS X 10.7 Lion next month.

No New MobileMe Accounts Being Accepted

2011-06-06T23:43:00.001-04:00

While I haven't gotten to the part of today's WWDC keynote introducing iCloud yet, after seeing that there is a new Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod touch app out today, I went looking for what services are being offered.

Looks like we can forget MobileMe becoming a free service. She's done for in her current form and iCloud will completely replace it. I'm going to have to watch the stream on this one and decide if I'm interested in using the new iCloud service. I would have gone in on MobileMe if it was free or cheaper than $99/year, but I'm not really one for streaming content if I have the option to download it to a Mac or PC on my home network.

Existing MobileMe customers can still access their accounts from the MobileMe.com website.

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion Impressions

2011-06-06T23:07:00.000-04:00

Apple is packing 250 new features into the next version of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, and most prominent among them are muli-touch gestures.

With iOS, we have been taught how to interact with a computer through touch. With Mac OS X Lion, Apple is bringing all of the same core concepts to our MacBooks, and desktop Macs via the Magic Mouse and Magic TrackPad.

Interestingly, Apple reporting that well over 60% of their Mac sales are MacBooks, so if you feel that all this muti-touch stuff favors the notebook family -- I'd have to agree with you. I'm not sure how how well these new features will play out, say with a Magic Mouse which looks to have about half of the surface area as the track pad on my 17-inch MacBook Pro.

Regardless, of how you interact with your Mac, I'm less worried that Apple is trying to "dumb down" Mac OS X to work more like the iPhone. I think today's announcement of new Mac OS X features are impressive and that I'd most of them.

In addition to Multi-Touch, Apple demoed nine other tent pole features, including: Full-Screen Apps, Misson Control, the new Mac App Store, Launchpad, Resume, Auto Save, Versions, AirDrop, and a redesigned Mail application. Mac OS X 10.7 Lion will go on sale in July for $29.99 and will be sold exclusively via the Mac App Store. Once you purchase Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, you will be able to install it on any Mac that you own and have setup your Apple ID account on. Additionally, for those people who need it, Mac OS X Server is now a separate applications bundle you buy from the Mac App Store. The server bundle is expected to cost about $50 and it is no longer a separate operating system that you have to purchase.

30-second Initial Reaction to Apple's WWDC Announcements

2011-06-06T19:03:00.003-04:00

I was stuck in a staff meeting during the live steam of Apple's WWDC keynote today, so I've gone through great lengths to avoid media coverage and my Apple loving family, friends, and co-workers so I can go in cold when I watch the video steam of today's event.

After spending about 30 seconds on Apple's website, here is my initial reaction to today's news.

iOS 5.0 and iCloud will go live this fall.
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion will go on sale in July for $30; appears to be electronic download only.
There is no iTunes or other Mac OS X software updates available today.
From the Apple.com website, it wasn't clear if there was any changes to MobileMe starting today.

Like I said, this is a 30 second impression from quickly skimming the Apple website and taking a look at what updates appeared in the Mac OS X Software Update control panel and what is being featured in the Mac App Store.

You can watch today's keynote address now as a steaming video from the Apple website.

I'll have more impressions and comments as soon as I can sit down and watch today's WWDC keynote address.

HP Replaces Palm.com with HPwebOS.com

2011-06-02T23:22:00.000-04:00

The Palm brand, my dear friends, has come to an end.

While the Palm brand has been around for a very long time, today, HP has taken down the main palm.com website and replaced it with the HPwebOS.com website. The new site shares the same black styling as the main HP.com website. (I'm not a fan of HP's website, just for the record.)

While the main Palm site is gone, the blog.palm.com and developer.palm.com websites are still active, however, it is clearly only a matter of time before HP's web design team swoops in and changes things around there too.

This is kind of a sad day, really. I'm going to miss the Palm brand.

This Is Why I'm Switching to an iPhone

2011-05-31T22:39:00.000-04:00

I think that graphs say it all; HP webOS 2%. I just don't want to sign a two-year contract and be on a phone that has such a low market share.

[Via 9to5Mac.com...]

PopCap Plants vs. Zombies Free in Amazon Android App Store

2011-05-31T21:32:00.000-04:00

Amazon.com is offering PopCap's zombie shooter, Plants vs. Zombies for Google Android devices free today only.

Normally, $2.99, Amazon is giving away copies for Plants vs. Zombies for people who sign up for their new AppStore for Android. To get started, you need to enter your phone's telephone number or email address from the Amazon.com website. You will receive a new text message or email with the link to download and install the Appstore for Android application on your device and then you can download the game.

Plants vs. Zombies is a fun game in which you plant flowers and other forms of vegetation to prevent the zombie horde from making it inside your house. I'm not exactly what you call a zombie or horror film fan, but don't let the name of this app scare you away. The plants and zombies that show up through out the game are loads of cartoon-y fun.

A word of caution before you go hog wild downloading and installing applications on your Droid smartphone. To install the Appstore for Android application, you must first turn on the ability to install applications for other sources than the Google Android Market. While this step is not dangerous in and of itself, it does require that you be more vigilant about what software you install on your device because you are turning of a feature that Google perceived to be a security concern; if it the security is to address customer lock-in to the Android Market.

For more details and to download Plants vs. Zombies, head over to Appstore for Amazon website.

Briefly Noted: Apple Releases Defense for MacDefender Malware

2011-05-31T19:59:00.000-04:00

Apple has released Security Update 2011-003 today with the express purpose of protecting Macs from the MacDefender malware. If the update is installed on a Mac that is already infected, the update will remove the malware program.

Malware removal

Available for: Mac OS X v10.6.7, Mac OS X Server v10.6.7

Impact: Remove the MacDefender malware if detected

Description: The installation process for this update will search for and remove known variants of the MacDefender malware. If a known variant was detected and removed, the user will be notified via an alert after the update is installed. Additional information is available in this Knowledge Base article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4651

Security Update 2011-003 is available now from the Software Update control panel or from the Apple Support Downloads page.

Steve Jobs to Deliver WWDC 2011 Keynote Address

2011-05-31T19:27:00.001-04:00

Apple today confirmed that CEO Steve Jobs will be on hand, along with other top executives, for the 2011 World Wide Developer's Conference (WWDC).

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and a team of Apple executives will kick off the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address on Monday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. At the keynote, Apple will unveil its next generation software - Lion, the eighth major release of Mac OS X; iOS 5, the next version of Apple’s advanced mobile operating system which powers the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; and iCloud, Apple’s upcoming cloud services offering.

I'm really looking forward to what Apple has in store for us with regard to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and iCloud. Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is close to a golden master (GM) release with several pre-release beta builds having already gone out to developers already. Many are speculating that Lion will go on sale in the next few weeks. Rumors have also been circulating for a while now that the iCloud service, a potential repackaging of MobileMe, will offer more free services as well as a new option to stream your purchases from Apple's servers.

iOS 5.0, the next major release of Apple's mobile operating system, which is based on the same core as Mac OS X, will likely become available in the next 90 days after it is formally introduced at next week's developer event.

[Via Apple.com...]

Wait, what? What?! iPad 2 Can Be Used As a Wi-Fi Hotspot?

2011-05-29T01:47:00.000-04:00

My wife booked us on a low key, no tech summer vacation. What? No Internet access for a week? Clearly, she is trying to kill me for the insurance money.

Ok, that was probably was a little bit over the top, but a week without Internet access for me is like serving a prison sentence of life without parole.

So I started looking at Mi-Fi hot spot access points. I wanted to buy a cheap one and then slap enough data service on it to last me the week. While I was looking at the AT&T offerings, I came across a note that suggests that the iPad 2, just like the AT&T iPhone 4, can be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot.

"AT&T offers several convenient billing options, none of which require a long-term contract. Customers can choose between AT&T’s prepaid billing options, which are charged to a credit card account, or recently announced postpaid plans that can be added to customers’ existing monthly wireless statements.

Customers may choose from the following options.

Monthly statements: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers who exceed their monthly data allotment will be billed $14.99 for another 250MB on the $14.99 plan or $10 per 1 GB of overage on the 2 GB plan.

Credit card billing: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase another 250 MB on the $14.99 plan or purchase an additional 2 GB for $25 on the 2 GB plan.

Both options are month-to-month and do not require a long-term commitment.

The Personal Hotspot feature being introduced with iOS 4.3 is also available to customers who choose the $25 plan plus a $20 tethering option that provides an extra 2 GB of data."

So it looks like you can use an iPad 2 as a Mi-Fi hot spot if you have the $25/month 2GB data plan and then pay an additional $20 for another 2GB data block for a total combined monthly data limit of 4GB.

Unlike a Mi-Fi puck, I know I 'd be using the iPad 2 all the time and I like the idea of being able to go month-to-month with the iPad 2 service plan and still be able to add the Wi-Fi hot spot connection when I need to.

You can read the full AT&T Wireless press release on the AT&T website.

Plants vs. Zombies HD on Sale

2011-05-28T22:37:00.001-04:00

PopCap's popular game Plants vs. Zombies HD for iPad and iPad 2 is on sale right now for $1.99 (iTunes link). PvZ, as it is often referred to, is normally $6.99.

If you haven't played before, the premise is that you control a variety of plants and mushrooms to stop the zombie horde that is invading your yard from the cemetery across the street. Oh, and your neighbor, Crazy Dave shows up every now and again to sell you more seeds and other important upgrades. The best part of the game, for me anyway, are all of the wonderful plants and things in your zombie busting arsenal. It's hard to look cute and slightly irritated all at the same time.

Sounds weird, I know. Until you play it. My kids and I started off playing the web version, and I decided that we like the game enough to buy the Mac OS X version. For a while there, I was super addicted to the game because I wanted to make it all the way to the end of the game and not get stuck on a tough level.

PopCap also has a version of PvZ for the iPhone/iPod touch for $2.99 (iTunes link). You can also purchase the Mac OS X version from the Mac App Store for $9.99 (App Store link) or, if you're on a Windows PC, you can purchase the game directly from the PopCap website.

Google Updates Maps for Android

2011-05-25T23:50:00.000-04:00

Today, Google released Maps 5.5.0 for Android powered smartphones.

According the Android Market web page for Maps, there are only three things included in the update. They are:

Check in and check out directly from Place pages.
Change your Latitude work and home addresses.
See the redesigned transit station pages.

I find myself using the Maps application, and the Navigation feature, a lot more than I though I would when I was issued a Motorola Droid Pro for work.

For more details, check the Android Market.

Rumor: Motorola Droid 3 Coming to Verizon in June

2011-05-25T00:21:00.000-04:00

The next version of Motorola's insanely popular Droid smartphone, the Droid 3, is rumored to touchdown on Verizon in June.

If the picture is accurate, we can see that just like the Droid 2, the d-pad is gone because of the 4-inch, 960 x 540 qHD display. The Droid 3 is also rumored to have an 8MP digital camera, and will not include an LTE cellular radio. (iPhone fans feel the collective pain from Droid fans.)

[Via BGR.com...]

Forget the iPad! The HP TouchPad Will Be the #1+ Tablet!

2011-05-24T00:34:00.002-04:00

Chalk this one to drinking too much marketing Kool-Aid(tm), but Eric Cador, HP’s senior VP of Personal Systems Group in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said that the HP TouchPad, powered by webOS 3.0, will surpass all of the tablets on the market today; including the Apple iPad.

Mr. Cador, in an interview with The Telegraph, stated:

"In the PC world, with fewer ways of differentiating HP’s products from our competitors, we became number one. In the tablet world, we’re going to become better than number one. We call it number one plus."

Are you kidding me?! I think that it is going to take a little more than HP willing that their new TouchPad will beat out the growing number of tablet devices in the market running Google's Android, Windows 7, RIM's QNX, and, well, Apple's iOS powered iPad 2.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure webOS 3.0 and the TouchPad are going to be a great platform, but with webOS hovering around 3% market share in the smartphone OS category, HP is facing a long hard up hill battle.

[Via AllThingsD.com...]

Apple Launches 'Retail 2.0' Store Format

2011-05-22T09:16:00.002-04:00

Rolling out across all of Apple's Retail Stores this morning is the "Retail 2.0" make over. As seen from the picture above, Apple has replaced the paper details display with interactive iPad 2 displays. Cool! Not get-out-of-bed-super-early-on-a-Sunday-morning-and-drive-an-hour kind of cool, but cool none the less.

In addition to the changes to the retail displays, Apple is expected to deploy a new Apple Store iOS app that will allow you to customize your online order, something that is not possible with the original app.

Apple retail employees are getting some new toys also. They are suppose to be outfitted with iPads to help manage the large numbers of customers that come to the store each day. 9To5Mac.com writes:

"The new iPads are imaged with: RetailMe, Apple Connect, Apple Directory, Concierge, and strangely enough, the Easy Pay application (huge credit card readers on the way?!), as well as the standard Mobile Genius and iRepair."

Click the Read More link for more photos.

[Via MacStories.net, 9To5Mac.com...]

Apple Retail Stores Turn 10

2011-05-18T22:51:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, Apple's retail stores turn 10 years old. Over the last few days there have been muted rumblings across the Internet that Apple could have a bit of a surprise for retail store customers this weekend to help celebrate the occasion.

Take for example, BGR.com is reporting that they have received a tip "from a solid Apple source" that Apple will be doing "something this weekend."

While I was really looking forward to a *cough*sickdayofffromworktomorrow*cough* it looks like Apple will be running their special event on Sunday, May 22. To help prepare for the event, Apple is allegedly bringing in staff overnight to setup for Sunday morning.

Adding to the aura surrounding Sunday's event, Apple employees will be putting up black curtains over the class windows and doors to the retail stores, are being required to sign NDAs, and to have their cell phones locked in a secured location during the setup. BGR also reports that, "[t]here are a wide variety of roles, we’re told, for the overnight shift. This includes all visuals staff, a manager, a business team member, a few Genius team members, one back-of-house employee, and a few generic Apple specialists."

Ok, so, I'm already making plans to trek down to the nearest Apple Store on Sunday morning. The nearest stores are 45-60 minutes away by car. With all the secrecy around the event rumored to be planned for Sunday, it sounds like Apple has more up their sleeves than iTunes gift card or iPod nano case give aways. But what is it? Will Apple finally bring their new massive North Carolina data center online to support iCloud? Will iTunes finally go streaming subscription based? New Mac hardware refresh?

We'll have to wait a few more days to find out.

[Via BGR.com...]

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Commercial

2011-05-17T05:07:00.000-04:00

This is an old Microsoft commercial to boost awareness of the Windows Phone 7 platform, I know. But, I just saw it for the first time on TV and I had to find it on YouTube and post it because I laughed my butt off when I saw it.

Enjoy.

Rumor: More On Possible Sprint iPhone 4S This Fall

2011-05-16T22:54:00.003-04:00

Late last week there was some new chatter about the fifth generation iPhone being an evolutionary upgrade and the next iPhone would be the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S is rumored to coming to T-Mobile and Sprint this fall. Well, it looks like that rumor just became a little bit more credible.

Last week, Peter Misek, an analyst for investment firm Jeffries & Co. wrote that the new iPhone would have "minor" cosmetic differences over today's iPhone 4; that it would include the A5 processor, and have improved cameras.

Today, Electronista.com staff point out that Apple has a new job posting up for a Kansas City, Missouri based "carrier engineer" and would "be responsible for getting technical certification of devices[.]"

Ok, I think this is a good news/bad news thing. Since I like to get bad news first, I'll take this in reverse order. The bad news is that I'm not going to purchase another webOS phone or tablet to replace my aging Palm Pre smartphone. The good news, if this rumor is in fact true, I won't have to leave Sprint, with whom I'm happy, to get a pair of iPhones when they become available. In the meantime, I'll enjoy being contract free.

[Via Electronista.com...]

HP Veer Now Available

2011-05-15T21:05:00.001-04:00

HP's new tiny webOS smartphone, the Veer, is now available from AT&T here in the United States.

For anyone who wants a smartphone that packs the features they crave without the extra size they don't, HP has introduced the powerfully small HP Veer smartphone running HP webOS.

Veer is one of the products HP announced today to introduce a unique experience for customers around connected mobility. It's one of the building blocks in HP's vision to seamlessly connect all your worlds through the power of HP webOS.
Veer is the smallest webOS phone to date - the size of a credit card and no thicker than a deck of cards - yet it offers the higher-end features of a smartphone, such as easy messaging and access to apps, social networks and the web, including support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 beta in the browser for access to rich, Flash-based web content.

It has a full slide-out keyboard, vivid touchscreen and access to thousands of webOS apps in a surprisingly small, modern package that fits easily into a pocket or purse. It's everything a smartphone should be, but in a smarter size.

"While much of the industry is trending toward larger and larger devices, we believe there's also a whole lot of room for thinking small," said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. "Veer bridges the gap for a new generation of smartphone users, proving they really can have it all without sacrificing the size they want."

Less is more

At just 54.5 mm x 84.0 mm x 15.1 mm and only 103 grams, Veer touts an 800-MHz processor; a vivid 2.57-inch glass display; full slide-out keyboard; 8 gigabytes (GB) of internal user storage; a high-performance browser with full access to the web, including support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 beta; Wi-Fi; integrated GPS; robust messaging support; and multimedia options, including music, photos, video recording and playback, and a 5-megapixel camera.

Veer also includes HP Synergy, which is exclusive to webOS devices. Synergy brings together information from multiple sources across the web automatically, so the information you need is all in one place.

4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device and compatible data plan. Learn more at att.com/network.

Availability

The black HP Veer smartphone is available today from AT&T Wireless for $99.99 with the purchase of a qualifying 2-year service agreement which includes a minimum $15/month data plan. You can also purchase the black HP Veer contract free for $449.99.

For more details, visit the HP website.

Rumor: Sprint, T-Mobile iPhone 4S This Fall

2011-05-13T21:36:00.001-04:00

Well, well, well, maybe I spoke too soon about Sprint not getting the iPhone.

Take the following with a heaping helping of salt, Morton's is my favorite brand, but Peter Misek, an analyst for investment firm Jeffries & Co. has released a research note indicating that the next iPhone will be called "iPhone 4S" and will be released for both Sprint and T-Mobile here in the United States.

"Citing industry checks, he said the fifth-generation iPhone will arrive in September with "minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support." New carriers are expected to include Sprint, T-Mobile, and China Mobile."

The research note also points to comments made by Apple COO Tim Cook, that Apple won't release an LTE 4G version of the iPhone until the LTE chip set technology evolves to a point that does not cause the company to have to make compromises that could negatively impact the customer experience.

[Via AppleInsider.com...]

Angry Birds Rio Updated With Beach Volley Levels

2011-05-13T21:15:00.002-04:00

Rivio's Angry Birds Rio has been updated to include the 30 new Beach Volley levels.

The update is available now for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Angry Birds Rio for iPhone/iPod touch is $.99; the Angry Birds Rio HD edition for iPad is $2.99. The upgrade with the new levels is free to all existing Angry Birds Rio customers.

Angry Birds Rio, like other versions of the Angry Birds franchise, includes Game Center achievements and new hidden fruits to find. Once you have completed episode one, Blu and Jewel will be added to your avian arsenal.

Rovio has also released a free edition of Angry Birds Rio which features three levels per episode.

Google Android and HP webOS users, unfortunately, still have to wait for Rovio to release the Beach Volley update.

Google Admits Android Platform Fragmentation, Vows to Address Problem

2011-05-10T21:41:00.001-04:00

After repeated denials from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Mobile VP Andy Rubin, the Internet search giant unveiled plans today to address fragmentation of the Android problem.

Google will be pulling together a standards board of sorts, made up of OEMs and wireless carriers, with the intention of standardizing when and how Android updates would be rolled out to new and existing hardware. The target is to have Android hardware supported with software updates for at least 18 months.

You may recall that things got a little bit heated between Google and Apple late last year, with Apple CEO Steve Jobs lacing into the issue of Android fragmentation during the company's October, 2010 quarterly conference call.

"Unlike Windows, however, where most pc's have the same user interface and run the same app, Android is very fragmented. Many Android OEMs, including the two largest, HTC and Motorola install proprietary user interfaces to differentiate themselves from the commodity Android experience. The users will have to figure it all out." "We think Android is very, very fragmented and becoming more fragmented by the day. And as you know, Apple's provides with the integrated model so that the user isn't forced to be the systems integrator." (Source: CNNMoney)

The few mobile software developers that I've talked to in the past six months all cited platform fragmentation as the main reason why they were sticking with iOS application development for the time being. Hopefully, Google can get their act together and provide more clear guidelines on the modification of the Android platform because getting OEMs and carriers to all go in the same direction is about as difficult as herding cats.

[Via Electronista.com...]