News

RIM are not struggling on this side of the pond.

Despite sales of BlackBerry Smartphones being on the decline in North America it is encouraging for us BlackBerry fans to see that in Europe, the Middle East and Africa things are going the other way. The below statement was tweeted by Research in Motion the other day and it looks like they are pretty proud of themselves.

“BlackBerry continues momentum across EMEA with 1 Million+ new subscribers added in less than 3 weeks,”

I am seeing negative articles daily across the web and this just goes to show that although our friends over in America are ditching BlackBerry for the likes of Android and iOS, RIM are still generating new customers. With 13.2 million BlackBerry Smartphones being shipped in the last quarter RIM are far from doomed. Don’t get me wrong, I do agree that the devices they are producing are lagging behind the competition and the sooner they can show us a Smartphone running QNX the better. Until then I shall still be carrying my trusty BlackBerry.

Posted by: James

Swype on Jailbroken iPhones

If you’ve been following the iOS jailbreak scene you’ll no doubt know that iOS 4.3.3 has now been jailbroken on the iPad, iPad 2 and iPhone 4! Now we can debate the legalities of the jailbreak and the reasons why you might want to do that with your phone but there is no denying that there are some really cool applications out there available through the unofficial sources that just wouldn’t be allowed in the app store.

One such example of this comes to light today where some clever soul, hacker Andrew Liu, has managed to port the popular Android keyboard alternative, Swype, to iOS.

Now I would absolutely love it if Apple would allow these alternative keyboards, especially on the iPad where there is plenty of room for an extra row of keys for the numbers.

For a demo of Swype in use on the iPhone, have a look at the video below.

Facebook confirms Skype video chat

We reported a few days ago that we suspected that Facebook would be adding a full video chat service thanks to some kind of partnership with Skype. Today Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg confirmed all the speculation and confirmed that video chat will soon be added to Facebook.

For now the video chat feature will be limited to a one-on-one service but in the words of Mr Zuckerberg

…it was likely that other "premium" Skype functions would be added in future.

Premium services could include team or group video conferencing or maybe video voicemail? We’ll keep you updated on this story as it develops and look forward to testing the new service out!

Posted by: Matt

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9″ delayed

The original 7″ Samsung Galaxy Tab was a pretty big success. The 10.1" counterpart, whilst meeting with good reviews, seems to be suffering from a few hardware flaws when subjected to prolonged use. However, now we hear that the 8.9" version will be delayed for a few weeks. Samsung are not saying why yet but a Samsung spokesperson was quoted to have said:

Those who are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, must still wait a bit. The official date is delayed by a few weeks in mid-August.

There are rumours Samsung are experiencing display panel shortages. Funnily, Samsung haven’t had a problem swapping out display panels in devices during the manufacturing process in the past.
Whatever the reason we have our fingers crossed that the device will be delayed the minimum amount of time possible as it looks set to be one of the more exciting devices coming our way.

Posted by: Gareth

OS update for HTC Sensation

HTC have started rolling out an OS update for their latest Android powered superphone, the HTC Sensation.

At this time the update is for only unlocked or SIM-free unbranded versions of the HTC Sensation and only here in Europe. Sadly though this update is not the anticipated Android 2.3.4 that many have been waiting for nor is it the bootloader-unlock that has been promised by HTC. Instead it would appear, from reports that we’ve had from followers, that this update simply provides a number of bug-fixes. We’re not sure exactly what has changed in the update as yet but I’m pulling it down for my HTC Sensation as I type this.

If you have a carrier supplier/locked HTC Sensation I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a while longer for the carrier specific updates be be released.

The XDA Developers forum will give you more info.

Posted by: Matt

Google+ waiting on Apple’s approval

Google are sitting on their hands waiting for Apple to approve their Google+ application. Sounds insane, however Google’s app portal for their interesting take on the Facebook phenomenon might just get blocked by Apple. It wouldn’t be the first time. On Android the application has certainly impressed its users thus far, however, not gaining the approval for the iPhone and iPad might break the Google+ success factor. If the app were to be rejected by Apple then users will be expected to use a browser based phone friendly website. Given how sexy and fluid the app is on Google’s own Android platform it would be preferable for iProduct users to enjoy this too.

If successful then Google+ will become as user friendly as Facebook is on the iPhone and iPad. Not to mention as accessible. Early reports of the Google+ experience is quite positive.

Posted by: Gareth

Free keyboard and mouse when you buy a Motorola XOOM

Either Motorola are feeling rather generous or they are feeling desperate because for this month only when you buy a Motorola XOOM you also get a FREE wireless keyboard and mouse worth £74.99/€89.99 (UK and Ireland only, while stocks last).

Which of the above options are true, if any, is anybody’s guess but if I was a betting man I would choose option number two.

If you remember when I reviewed the XOOM I didn’t think it was the best option when looking to purchase a large Android tablet. Anyway, if you are tempted by the above offer head on over to the usual retail outlets and snap up a bargain.

Posted by: James

Nexus Contraptions game arrives on YouTube

Google stops for nothing these days. Hot on the heels of the lovely Google+ comes Nexus Contraptions. Obviously to coincide with the release of the 4G Nexus S the game is a simple Incredible Machine style game whereby you must safely see the ball over to the exit funnel using all manner of contraptions along the way. Simple, fun, challenging and rewarding. The graphics are quite simplistic however the robotic arm animation in between the levels provide a little humour as they toss the ball from one to another. Whilst there are only four levels and the game can be completed in 15 minutes, you can click the Google ball and enter the designer mode once completed. This will allow you to create your own levels and have some fun with all the contraption pieces.

Oddly it runs through YouTube and shows makes for some rather interesting use of the client. Perhaps we will see YouTube becoming a gaming client in the future?

Posted by: Gareth

Barcelona from Orange available now

We mentioned a few weeks ago that the Orange Barcelona was coming soon. The front facing QWERTY Android device made by Huawei looks to follow hot on the heels on the San Francisco in terms of value for money. Priced at just £99.99 plus a £10 top up on PAYG the Barcelona will be joining the likes of the HTC ChaCha and Motorola Droid Pro at trying to grab a chunk of the BlackBerry market.

Running 2.2, supporting HD voice and with a touch screen this one could be another huge hit for the network.

We should have an unboxing video up on the site soon followed by the full review.

You can see a reminder of the Orange Barcelona’s specs below:

LG Optimus 3D now available at The Carphone Warehouse

Hopefully you saw our Optimus 3D hands on video last week with LG’s latest and greatest, the Optimus 3D. If the device is what you have been waiting for you can now get one at the Carphone Warehouse. The LG Optimus 3D is available both on contract and sim free for £499.99 plus a £10 top up.

With the recent announcement of the HTC Evo 3D heading our way soon the Optimus 3D will soon get some competition. But if you want a 3D phone at the moment here in the UK then the LG is currently your only choice.

Watch out for our full review in the coming weeks and you can see a reminder of the devices full specs below: