Seasoned tech blogger. Host of the Tech Addicts podcast.
The Android marketplace has just passed the 70,000 apps. Now this was to be expected as the popularity of Android has skyrocketed in the past year. Also it only took 3 months to get from 50,000 apps to 70,000.
However, the big news is that AndroLib is saying that Android users have downloaded more than 1 billion apps from the android marketplace. That’s an very impressive number, but is only an estimate and it has not been confirmed by Google.
Designer Andrew Kim has cooked up a concept smartphone for HTC dubbed the "1" that makes the company’s current offerings look, well… last generation. The device, built from a brass housing (coated in silver) eschews the phone-maker’s recent crop of fairly standard looking mobile devices for something decidedly more sophisticated — and cans the familiar Sense interface in the process. Not only is the shell of the phone rethought, the new UI (Sense mono) takes a cleaner, more thoughtful, high-end approach as well, joining Synergy like functions (combined messaging) with a Helvetica heavy interface that looks streamlined and mature. Some notable features of the hardware include stereo speakers (located at the top and bottom of the phone), a kickstand which is actually the bottom portion of the casing, and the lofty concept of a built-in UV light which kills germs on the surface of the phone while you charge up. As far as concepts go, this is one of the finest we’ve seen, so hit the source link below and take a look at the full spread.
[Source Engadget]
As expected, this minor iOS 4 update comes with an improved formula to display signal strength more accurately, but apart from that, based on what they’ve disclosed and what we’re hearing so far, there’s nothing else new this software update brings to the iPhone.
One of the most powerful remote access apps has arrived with for good on the Android platform. Having spent a while in Beta LogMeIn Ignition arrived today to get you access to you home or work desktop or Laptop without being in the room.
You’re never more than a click away.
With one click, you can connect and control your computer right from your smartphone or smartbook. With unlimited access to your work and home computers, you can go mobile without worrying about leaving something behind. Now, what to do with that newfound freedom? Hiking. Biking. Napping.
Expand the possibilities.
Your Android device can do more with LogMeIn Ignition. Because now, it can run all applications, and access your email and every file on your computer. Even your robust photo library of your new labradoodle that everybody wants to see.
Get technical.
IT Pros, Ignition for Android is just what you’ve been waiting for. Bring up a server in a matter of seconds, wherever you happen to be. You’ll minimize travel and maximize your capabilities. There’s no need to configure routers or VPN, and Ignition works seamlessly with LogMeIn Free and Pro2. Holla.
Over half of UK Punters aren’t told that they can cancel their mobile phone contacts if their local coverage is rubbish. The Communications Consumer Panel in the UK published a report saying that. The results of its research state that most customers simply aren’t given the low-down on cancellation policies from mobile contractors if coverage is dodgy.
Using a mystery shopper, the research found that 56 per cent of people who bought at a retail store weren’t given the correct information about their rights of cancellation. The report also revealed that different operators and retailers have completely different policies on cancellations. Some operators point blank refuse to cancel contracts even if there wasn’t any coverage. That’s not limited coverage, it’s no coverage at all.
If punters were allowed to annul their contact, the length of time varied on when they were allowed to cancel. The Communications Consumer Panel recommended giving punters a minimum 14-day cancellation policy for poor coverage and consistent policies for all. It seems only fair.
After only 3 weeks after launch, iOS4 is getting its the first major update. Many people thought it would be 4.0.1 to fix the antenna problems with the iPhone 4, but Apple have jumped all the way to 4.1.
It seems like there is some change to Game Center but no iPad support in 4.1. However, there seems to be nothing too major like fixing the antenna problem on the iPhone 4, which could mean that it is a hardware problem.
Stay tuned to find out more as we know.
Great news for all of our US readers as Verizon, the biggest US carrier, has just had their summer catalog leaked by Boy Genius Report. But the most important thing seen in the leaked catalog is the sequel to the Motorola Droid (one of Verizon’s most popular devices), which is called the Droid 2. A device which Verizon has not offically announced.
So if this leak is true, we know the confirmed specs of the Motorola Droid 2, which are:
This week Gareth, Matt, James and Andy have a very special guest, Mike Fairman, the CEO of Giffgaff. In a lengthy interview Mike answers listener questions along with being grilled by a panel of Mobile Morons (not including Andy.)
Regulars: Gareth, Matt, James and Andy.
Special Guest: Mike Fairman
Apparently the form factor is to be the same as the Storm 2, good news for those with accessories for that device. The big changes are inside, a 1GHz processor (at last), 8GB of internal memory, 512 MB of flash memory (testing at 1GB), a 5 megapixel camera, and a 4G LTE radio (first for Verizon).
Speculation is that this device will have its own operating system, not the long awaited OS 6.0. It will have the ability to run widgets and personalize the unit. The SurePress touchscreen may get a rework, somehow different than the two versions we have seen so far, A market date between August 2010 and early 2011 was also suggested. The device is undergoing testing now by a limited team to prevent leaks.
[Source]
The first ad for LG’s brand new Android powered handset, the Optimus GT540. Astonishingly this Android device runs 1.6 and was formerly known as the Swift. Quite why LG are pushing out another 1.6 device when everyone is screaming for 2.1 on their phone right now is anyone’s guess. However, here’s what LG have to hype it up with and there advert is after the break:
After the successful release of the GW620 InTouch Max, LG have announced the release of their next Android phone for release in the UK. The LG GT540 Optimus phone is lined up for a May release and looks to pick up where the InTouch Max left off, with upgrades including Android 1.6 and Bluetooth 2.1 included. The LG Optimus is the ideal phone for those new to Android and smartphones in general.
“LG Optimus is the ideal choice for early smartphone users who expect all the features of smartphones without the complexity,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “This is a device that was designed for regular people who want to jump into the smartphone experience but have been hesitant to do so because of the learning curve. By making LG Optimus more approachable, we hope more people will give smartphones a try.”
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