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ARTICLE: Spy Shot: Is this (part of) the next iPhone?

2/8/2010 4:19:00 PM

Get out your salt shakers, it's alleged spy photo time!

iPhone repair site iResQ has what they claim are parts from the upcoming fourth-generation Apple iPhone, due to be launched later this year. According to photos on the site, the new iPhone's front panel (right, above) will be approximately 1/4" taller than the current iPhone 3GS (left, above).

The photos also show what iResQ is calling a "reflective surface" on the front panel just above the earpiece slot. And, of course, the photos show a cut-out for the Home button that looks suspiciously large.

Real? Fake? Whatever? Sound off in the comments! Me, I'm actually hoping for a slightly larger next-gen iPhone - I think it's time for a bigger, higher-res display.

[Via: iResQ, MacRumors]

ARTICLE: 2.1 on Droid: Multitouch but no 3D effects?

2/8/2010 1:49:00 PM

Chris from Engadget says he got word that Verizon is currently testing Android 2.1 "Eclair" on the Motorola Droid. The build mentioned is 2.1 version 1, the same version pushed out to Nexus One owners last week. Nobody's got any word on a release date - or even verification that the update will, in fact, be released at all. But let's be optimistic (and realistic, I think) and say that Droid owners should be getting some multitouch Web love without the need to install a third-party browser.

According to Engadget, the Droid version of 2.1 features:

- Multitouch Web browsing

- Google Googles pre-isntalled

- New News and Weather widgets just like on Nexus One

But check out what's not included on Droid's 2.1 build:

- The new Nexus One home screen and app menu

- Live wallpapers

Hmm ... Early build, faulty info, or the new wave of splintered Android releases in action? Google did talk about new standards for new phones running new features in the Android 2.x world, so it could in fact be that Droid doesn't pass muster when it comes to 3D and other UI eye candy. Time will tell ... and soon ... we hope.

[Via: Engadget]

ARTICLE: Locked Up: iPhone OS 3.1.3 breaks T-Mobile unlocking

2/8/2010 12:51:00 PM

According to Adriana, any of you running your iPhones unlocked on T-Mobile should hold off on installing the newest iPhone OS update. Looks like iPhone 3.1.3 breaks TMo connectivity for iPhone 3GS and 3G models - apparently the first-gen iPhones aren't affected.

Any of you running iPhone unlocked on Magenta? If so, can you confirm or deny this? Better yet, are you hard at work on a solution?

More over at Today's iPhone.

[Via: PhoneArena]

ARTICLE: That's Incredible: Verizon-bound HTC Android 2.1 phone leaked

2/8/2010 11:28:00 AM

Pocketnow got hold of some leaked photos of a phone marked, "HTC Incredible." Based on the specs accompanying the leak, this device might just live up to its name - if you're looking for a high-end Android handheld to run on Verizon.

Incredible (aka code-name "Bravo," I believe) is said to feature Android 2.1 and HTC Sense running on a Snapdragon-based platform backed by 256MB of RAM. The device will feature a 3.5" + WVGA touchscreen (AMOLED?), the oft-rumored optical mouse that HTC is said to switching to for 2010 (no more trackballs), and a dual flash camera housed in a somewhat oddly colored orange-brown back plate.

No word on launch date, why such a high end phone would only have 256MB of RAM, or if that back plate is really orange-brown. But we'll keep you abreast as we find things out. Like maybe next week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona; sure, it's a Verizon phone, but that doesn't mean HTC doesn't have a global flagship variant to unveil in Spain, right? Check out more photos of Increidble via the link below.

[Via: Pocketnow]

ARTICLE: Checking In: Foursquare for BlackBerry reviewed

2/8/2010 1:06:00 AM

I don't much care for Foursquare. The social networking site, that is. The schoolyard game with a kickball? AWESOME. The check-in thingy? Don't really like it.

But lots of people do, apparently. They enjoy filling their twitter feeds with things like, "I am now the mayor of Taco Bell!" and, "I'm at Pet Food Plaza at 123 Main Street." Well, okay, good for you, Mayor!

So it's good - for them - that there's a Foursquare app for BlackBerry. And apparently it's a pretty good app.

You go read Taylor's review of the app over at BBerryDog. And I'll go find a kickball and some chalk to draw up a real Foursquare app - er, court - of my own.

[Via: BBerryDog]

ARTICLE: Devour Me: Megan Fox plus Masturbation equals Motorola Super Bowl Ad

2/7/2010 9:20:00 PM

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Is it me or have this year's Super Bowl ads been pretty underwhelming thus far? There's about five and a half minutes to go in the game as I write this, so there's still time for a miracle, but so far? Eh. That much-hyped Google ad? Vaguely clever yet supremely boring (seriously, who wants to read an entire TV ad?). I kind of liked the VW ad, mainly because the Stevie Wonder/Tracy Morgan bit was unexpected and hilarious. Otherwise? A lot of Bud and Bud Light ads that all kind of blended together in my memory. And that's about it so far.

Oh yeah, except for that spot with Megan Fox handling a Motorola Devour. Naked. In a bathtub.

Two things about that ad. First, only a super phone geek would know it was a Moto Devour (the Verizon logo was barely visible) - the ad was for Motorola and MotoBlur, not for a specific phone or carrier.

Second, what about the part where a kid locks himself in his bedroom to, um, spend some time with the bathtub photo of herself that Megan just posted to her social networks via the magic of MotoBlur? HELLOMOTO!

Comin' on strong with the power of social networking in 2010, are we Motorola? Interesting tactics.

Ha ha, the Audi "Green Police" ad that just ran was kinda funny. Any Cheap Trick fans in the house, or are you all busy watching the Moto ad clip below?

What say you? Moto's ads? Super Bowl ads in general? Yay or Nay?

VIDEO: Dogfight! HTC HD2 vs. Google Nexus One - Part 1

2/7/2010 2:16:00 AM

I was convinced going into the that I would spend most of the dogfight talking about how great the Nexus One is. But with Sense, the HD 2 has plenty to offer.

VIDEO: Dogfight! HTC HD2 vs. Google Nexus One - Part 2

2/7/2010 2:13:00 AM

I definitely favor Android over Windows Mobile, but when it comes to Sense, no matter what the underlying OS, the surface is lovely.

ARTICLE: Google ships 80,000 Nexus One devices in January

2/5/2010 8:25:00 PM

While the Motorola DROID and the Apple iPhone celebrated larger first month numbers (525,000 and 600,000, respectively), the announcement of 80,000 Nexus One devices (which translates into a steady 20,000 per week) is still a relatively strong number for Google. I'm sure Google would have liked to have broken the 100,000 mark, but the fact that they're going strong four weeks later (and their weekly totals haven't dropped) is a positive sign.

Keep in mind that the Nexus One is sold exclusively through Google and is only compatible (when it comes to 3G) with T-Mobile, so given those two things, the numbers are respectable. When the device lands on Verizon Wireless and Vodafone later in the year, I can see those numbers growing even more. The question remains - given that it's public knowledge about the Nexus One coming to Verizon, are people holding off for Big Red's launch?

Via IntoMobile, Barron's

ARTICLE: Motorola Milestone coming to Telus on February 18th; will work on AT&T

2/5/2010 7:20:00 PM

According to Best Buy Canada, Telus (or at least Best Buy, on behalf of Telus) will be getting the Motorola Milestone. If you're in the United States, you're probably thinking "great, Aaron, why do I care?" Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for Telus customers, but the real win for us in the States lies in the fact that they utilize the 850/1900 MHz bands for 3G. In other words, their version of the Milestone will work on AT&T - 3G and all.

Granted, you'll need to unlock the device, and it doesn't have the name that's goes hand-in-hand with scaring small children and destroying your farm (insert creepy "DROID" noise here), but it beats an EDGE-only Nexus One or European Milestone. And sure, the Backflip is coming (along with a few more Android devices this year), but why wait when you can get your hands on an Android device in a few days? Yep, that's what I said. Anyone planning a trip up North yet?

Via Engadget

ARTICLE: Smart Shopping: Whose smartphone plans are cheapest?

2/5/2010 2:44:00 PM

Prepaid and PostPaid, Voice and Data

Boost Mobile's launch of their first-ever smartphone, the BlackBerry Curve 8330, and its $60/month unlimited, prepaid voice & data plan, got me to thinking about the true cost of owning and maintaining various smartphones on the various US carriers. With the help of Billshrink's handy-dandy charts and infographics, I did a little research and came up with the following. Note that I stuck to national carriers - there are too many regional carriers out there for me to have included in this piece.

In general, what you'd expect is what you'll get: Sprint (and Boost) and T-Mobile are cheaper than AT&T and Verizon when it comes to talking, texting, and Web/Emailing from a smartphone. Now that's with respect to monthly voice and data fees, only - the price of buying your phone varies widely depending on which model you get, where you get it (carrier or third party store), what promotions are in effect when you buy your phone and so on. And, of course, network coverage and performance is a huge factor in many people's decision-making process - that's something I'm leaving out of this little research project, focusing instead on price and price alone.

Pricing

The absolute cheapest way to run a smartphone on a US carrier is to pick up a super-cheap device on your own and run it on T-Mobile using their "Even More Plus" plans. Even More Plus plans are contract free and run $20/month cheaper than their "Even More" counterparts, but don't offer subsidized prices on new devices. So if you can bring your own smartphone to T-Mobile, an Even More Plus plan will net you the absolute best deal possible - low monthly rates and no contractual commitments.

If, on the other hand, you're in the market for a new device to go with your frugal plan, Sprint and T-Mobile offer the cheapest options depending on how many monthly voice minutes you need. Scratch that - Boost is the absolute cheapest, but your only option with them is paying $250 for a last-generation BlackBerry that costs somewhere between "nothing" and "very little" on the other carriers.

Here's a breakdown of single line monthly smartphone voice/data plan costs from cheapest to most expensive:

450 Minutes + Unlimited Messaging/Data

T-Mobile Even More Plus: $59.99 (500 Minutes, No Contract, Bring Your Own Device)
Sprint: $69.99 (Two-Year Contract)
T-Mobile: $79.99 (Two-Year Contract)
AT&T & Verizon: $89.99 (Two-Year Contract)

900 Minutes + Unlimited Messaging/Data

T-Mobile Even More Plus: $69.99 (1,000 Minutes, No Contract, Bring Your Own Device)
Sprint & T-Mobile: $89.99 (Two-Year Contract)
AT&T & Verizon: $109.99 (Two-Year Contract)

Unlimited Voice/Messaging/Data

Boost Mobile: $60 (Requires $249.99 BlackBerry Curve 8330)
T-Mobile Even More Plus: $69.99 (No Contract, Bring Your Own Device)
Sprint & T-Mobile: $99.99 (Two-Year Contract)
AT&T & Verizon: $119.99 (Two-Year Contract)

(NOTE: BlackBerry data is for "personal" BlackBerry plan in all cases listed above. BlackBerry Enterprise data costs extra, where available.)

Savings

The upshot is that over the course of a two-year contract, you can save up to $480 by going with Sprint or T-Mobile instead of AT&T or Verizon … or a whopping $960 by choosing a T-Mo Even More Plus Unlimited plan instead of AT&T or VZW's unlimited plans. Yes, you'll have to provide your own smartphone to use Even More Plus, but you should be able cover the cost with that $960 you'll be saving. And then some.

Heck, if you don't mind a Curve 8330, you could save $1,440 over two years by choosing Boost instead of AT&T or Verizon. Subtract that mandatory $250 to buy the device, and you've still got well over a grand lining your pockets after those 24 months.

Now bear in mind a few things as you're perusing those options:

Android fans can cross AT&T right off their shopping lists, at least for now, unless they're bringing their own devices. AT&T doesn't currently offer any Android phones.
Want webOS in the US? You're limited to Sprint or Verizon at the present moment. Palm does not currently offer any GSM webOS phones through US carriers.
T-Mobile's Even More Plus plans are super cheap, but you'll have to find a smartphone that supports T-Mo's AWS band if you want 3G data. Google's Nexus One and Nokia's N900 do, but most others don't, so you'll be limited to EDGE-only speeds.
All sorts of other plans are available: Single line, family, and with various combinations of voice minutes, messaging bundles, and other options. Check out the carriers' websites for details.
Prices listed above do not include activation and other fees or taxes.

To Sum It Up

Americans aren't used to the whole contract-free, bring your own device way of buying cell phone service, which has long been more popular in Europe. But when you look at the numbers, it's pretty clear you can save a bundle over time if you're able to wiggle yourself into T-Mobile or Boost's prepaid smartphone options. Even if you're not, Sprint and T-Mo offer considerable savings over AT&T and Verizon at all levels of voice-plus-unlimited data rate plans.

The catches are threefold: First, all carriers always equal when it comes to coverage and network performance in various parts of the country. Second, all phones aren't available on all carriers - iPhone being the obvious example. And, lastly, we here in the states have a particular fondness for the word "Free," even if it's followed by "with two-year service activation." Paying a few hundred bucks up front for a used or older model smartphone can net you big savings in the long run if you pair it with T-Mobile's new Even More Plus service. But we all know how easy it is to ignore long-term savings in favor of instant gratification, and how easy it is to convince yourself that it's worth a few hundred bucks extra to get that iPhone on AT&T or Pre Plus on Verizon ... especially when the costs are spread out over two years.

ARTICLE: Verizon Wireless wins 2010 J.D. Power award

2/5/2010 1:00:00 PM

Verizon Wireless has won the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study, edging out T-Mobile for the first place slot.

According to the J.D. Power press release, Verizon Wireless performs best when contacts are resolved through phone calls to customer service and visits to the company's retail stores. In both situations, Verizon Wireless representatives "perform well with regard to identifying customer problems quickly and resolving them efficiently."

Coming in (a close) second was T-Mobile with 752 points. AT&T ranked third with 733 points, and Sprint came in last with 721 points. The industry average was 739 points.

Some interesting data that J.D. Power found:

The rate of customers that report having contacted their carrier's care units has decreased by 3 percent during the past six months, with AT&T and Verizon customers stating particularly low contact rates.
During the past six months, the number of customer contacts pertaining to credit issues such as overdue balances and credit extensions has increased by 50 percent.
Despite owning phones with more complicated feature sets, wireless customers with smartphones do not rate customer care performance much lower than those with traditional mobile phones (735 vs. 741, respectively). However, smartphone owners, compared to traditional phone owners, are significantly more likely to have contacted their carrier with an issue during the past six months (49% vs. 40%, respectively) and it is less likely the issue was resolved on the first contact via telephone (74% vs. 77%, respectively). Regarding retail store contacts, smartphone owners also require more than three additional minutes to resolve their issues than do owners of traditional phones.
Sixteen percent of customer phone contacts result from proactive calls or text messages originated by the wireless carrier. This has proven to be an effective way of limiting some potential issues from escalating, as customers who contact their carrier after receiving these communications are more satisfied (751, on average) than customers who do not receive proactive contact from their carrier (738).

Good news for Verizon, and to an extent, T-Mobile. The full release can be found here.

I'd like to hear from you as a sort of "PhoneDog Customer Care Survey" - which carrier do you love (or hate), and why?

ARTICLE: This Week in DroidDog: 02/04/10

2/4/2010 11:58:00 PM

As you probably know, PhoneDog is pretty crazy about giveaways. The main site just sent out it's 67th prize from the One Paw Bandit, and they haven't been pencil erasers, either. DroidDog is getting in on the action and just gave away a rooted G1 as a reward to a reader for shooting off a quick tweet. Not only does the PhoneDog crew love giving out free stuff, we like to make it easy.

Congratulations to Leslie W. from Cerritos, Ca, who won the contest!

DroidDog is currently undergoing some changes, and while I'm not ready to announce them all just yet, stay tuned. I think it's going to be an interesting Spring. Aside site design and features, the DroidDog team is growing pretty quickly and the variety of content posted each day has grown as a result.

Neil Lund is the most recent addition to DroidDog, and as he showed us with his G1 hacking guide, Neil likes to bring people together for group projects. Check out the review he, Garrett Furr, and John Michael Guerra have done of Swype (see this link for Neil's thoughts):

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As usual, Dustin Earley has his ear to the ground, looking out for all things Android. He wrote posts this week on topics as varied as Android figurines, a QR code on The Weather Channel, and the release of the HTC Eris' source code.

Carlos Graves regularly reviews, on video, cooked ROMs and applications, and this Twicca review is a good example of his work:

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Those are some of the items that stood out to me at DroidDog over the past week, but there's plenty more material available. If you're curious about upcoming phones, check out Motorola's Android plans for the year, Nexus One's coming destination, the myTouch Slide, details of Devour, and another Sammy.

Have you signed up for the DroidDog Forums yet?

Take care, folks.

VIDEO: Sanyo Incognito (Boost Mobile) - UnPaking

2/4/2010 6:50:00 PM

What's an unboxing when the phone comes in a FedEx Pak with no box? An UnPaking! Sanyo Incognito is like LG enV3 for Boost. But shinier!

ARTICLE: Samsung announces the SHW-M100S, complete with Android 2.1

2/4/2010 6:45:00 PM

Despite the fact that the device has no plans to venture to the United States (just yet, at least), it doesn't mean that the SHW-M100S should go unnoticed. With a 3.7-inch AMOLED screen, the device packs an 800 MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording, 3.5mm headphone jack, and DivX support. The SHW-M100S runs Samsung's TouchWiz user interface on top of Android - a major point of contention for some. Given the lukewarm feelings surrounding TouchWiz, it will be interesting to see how the device is received by consumers.

The Samsung SHW-M100S is slated for SK Telecom (and only SKT) at this time. Despite the plans to keep it in South Korea for now, it's nice to see Samsung ship a device with Android 2.1 pre-installed. Could we see some US-bound 2.1 devices soon?

Via AndroidCentral

ARTICLE: Former T-Mobile customers: How to order a Nexus One

2/4/2010 3:15:00 PM

Yesterday, my interest in the Nexus One piqued to the point that I couldn't contain it any longer. I had to add it to my arsenal of wireless devices. Excited, I rushed to Google's ordering page, and that's where the trouble began. Turns out, the ordering process was a bit more frustrating than I had anticipated. I review phones for a living, and as such, have had several accounts in the past with numerous wireless carriers. T-Mobile was no exception. When the ordering process got to the credit check, I was told that T-Mobile was "unable to verify my eligibility" at that time. Mind you, I don't carry balances, and I pay my bills regularly, so I was baffled.

Long story short, I called T-Mobile Customer Care, and after some time on the phone, we came to the conclusion that my having accounts in the past (though they were closed) was confusing the system. What's worse, with no direct link between Google's ordering system and T-Mobile's credit verification tools, I wasn't able to resolve the issue in the traditional ways (i.e. have them run a check, approve it, and save the credit application). Using my years of experience in wireless, I started thinking of ways to work around the issue.

This is far from a perfect solution, but for those former T-Mobile customers longing for a subsidized Nexus One, here's what to do. Get a T-Mobile SIM card, and call the Activations Department. Tell the representative that you want a postpaid account, but you have your own SIM card and equipment, and you don't want a contract. The representative will process a credit check, qualify in you in a credit class, and activate the SIM card. When asked what plan you want, opt for the 500 minute plan for $29.99 (since you're only going to have this line for a few days, the $29.99 plan results in the least amount of proration - more on that below), with no additional features. Make sure to write down the mobile phone number that's assigned to you, as you'll need it for the Nexus One ordering process.

Select the options you see in the picture above (or the "transfer a phone number" option) to obtain the $179 price tag.

As it turns out, once an account number is established, Google's (or T-Mobile's, rather) systems are able to process without issue. Once you're up and running, return to the Google ordering page, and select the "modify my existing individual plan with T-Mobile" option (see the picture above). Input your new mobile number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Under the "What would you like to do?" section, select one of the "add a new line of service" options to qualify for the $179 price.

When you receive the Nexus One, call T-Mobile and cancel the line that you activated prior to ordering the Nexus One. Since there are two lines on the account (the Nexus One and the SIM card you started the account with), you can cancel the SIM card without issue (note: DO NOT cancel the Nexus One line, or you will be charged by Google and T-Mobile). What's more, since the SIM card was activated contract-free, there's no early termination fee (ETF).

As I said, it's not the best solution, but for those that don't want to spend $529 for an unsubsidized Nexus One, it's the only workaround I've found to date. My device shipped out this morning, and will be in my hands tomorrow.

ARTICLE: Android-powered Motorola Zeppelin spotted in Brazil

2/4/2010 1:00:00 PM

Apparently, the device was shown to company employees last week, and it has been given the code name of "Zeppelin." Running Android 1.5 and MOTOBLUR, the size and general feel is said to be similar to the Motorola Backflip and Motorola CLIQ. Though the device is launching in Brazil next month, no word on whether we'll see this bad boy in the States.

I'd agree with the Gizmodo gang - should we see a US launch, it would fit in well at Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile as a low-end smartphone. We need additional Android devices in the category. Could the Zeppelin, combined with MOTOBLUR, serve as a nice entry-level productivity device for Mom?

Via Gizmodo

ARTICLE: Verizon makes use of 'Big Red' nickname, launches spoof ad

2/4/2010 11:30:00 AM

Rarely do I find an advertising campaign that I'm as impressed with as Verizon's "Big Red" commercial. The play on words that they're using here is all too reminiscent of the Big Red chewing gum commercials, which premiered in the late 80's and early 90's. It's easy to see that (1) they're finally taking advantage of the "Big Red" nickname that they've had for years and (2) they're marketing to a distinct demographic here.

I always believed that these catchy (yet stupid, at times) songs helped customers remember products. To this day, I remember the songs that accompanied Big Red, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, and Extra. And Verizon has thrown in a few catchy phrases of their own - "you'll watch YouTube on a horse...when you'll use it!" Who says that? I'm still chuckling - and I'm going to have it stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Check out the Verizon advertisement and the original Big Red commercial below.

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ARTICLE: T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8900 rides off into the sunset

2/4/2010 11:00:00 AM

With the recent rumors circulating about the BlackBerry (Curve) 8910, it doesn't surprise me that the Curve 8900 has taken a graceful bow and left the T-Mobile retail scene. Though it has reached the "end of its life cycle," the 8900 represented one of the first models in RIM's "new design" category and was a great upgrade to the Curve 8300 series. I made some calls this morning and found a few stores with Curve 8900's in stock, so if you're interested in picking one up, I would recommend a store visit as quickly as possible.

For now, customers have the option of picking up the Curve 8520 or the Bold 9700 until the Curve 8910 makes its way onto the scene. How about it - trackpad, OS 5.0, and a revised design of any interest to you?

Via BGR

VIDEO: Google Nexus One - Multitouch on Android

2/3/2010 9:19:00 PM

Google just issued a firmware update - Android 2.1-update1 - that brings pinch-to-zoom to the Nexus One. Noah checks it out.

ARTICLE: Motorola Devour spotted in the wild

2/3/2010 8:10:00 PM

Less than a day after the Motorola Devour was made official by Verizon Wireless, the device is already being handled in the wild.

From the images and various mockups circulating around the internet, it looks like the device is made of metal. The folks at AndroidSPIN (who were fortunate enough to get their hands on the device) reported that it "feels very solid." From the images on the website, it's safe to say that it's about the size of the Motorola DROID (albeit with a smaller screen).

With one month remaining until the official launch, it's nice to get a better idea of what the device is going to look like (because, ya know, mockups only go so far). Now, some hands-on video, and I'll be set.

Via MobileCrunch

ARTICLE: LG Accolade, Clout en-route to Verizon?

2/3/2010 6:15:00 PM

Despite the deluge of smartphones that have hit the market in recent years, there's still a demand for basic phones. Verizon has quite the history with LG when it comes to clamshell devices, and if rumors are correct, the LG Accolade and Clout will fit right into the lineup. Branded as the LG VX5600, the Accolade will be the latest addition to the LG VX5XXX line and will offer a 1.3-megapixel camera and Bluetooth. The LG Clout, on the other hand, is slated to replace the LG VX8360. No word on pricing, features, or even a picture to go with it, but I'm sure it will offer 3G connectivity, a decent camera, Bluetooth, and an external display.

With Verizon's new data requirement for feature phones, the LG VX5600 is another alternative for those looking to avoid the charges. Sure, they're relatively bland, but not everyone needs a Motorola DROID. Backup phone, anyone?

Via PhoneArena

ARTICLE: The Weather Channel showcases Android app on TV

2/3/2010 5:50:00 PM

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Sure, The Weather Channel could take the conventional route and advertise their applications through their website and announcements on TV, but they've opted for a different approach. Seen during a live television broadcast recently, the company is using Google QR codes in their regular programming to promote the app. Scanning the QR code doesn't do anything more than take you to the webpage to download the application, but it's a smart marketing tactic, and one of the few mainstream places I've seen it used to date.

Via Engadget

ARTICLE: HTC Trophy spotted with touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard

2/3/2010 3:40:00 PM

Sure, it looks a lot like the HTC Dash, but the Trophy has been outed. Scheduled to launch in May, the Windows-powered device offers a QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen in one body.

Here's what we know about the device:

-Dimensions: 119 x 58.36 x 11mm
-Built for use with T-Mobile 3G
-Windows Mobile 6.5
-3.0″ VGA (640×480) capacitive touchscreen
-5 megapixel autofocus
-512 MB flash, 256 MB RAM
-microSD
-802.11b/g WiFi
-Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
-GPS/AGPS
-1400mAh battery
-Accelerometer
-3.5mm jack, FM Radio
-TouchFlo 3D Interface
-Business card scanner

All in all, it's not incredibly interesting on the design front (I've often criticized manufacturers for making rather boring Windows Mobile devices, and barring the touchscreen, I would argue that this is no exception). On the positive side, the device offers Windows Mobile 6.5, and a business card scanner. I will say - if we're looking at specifications alone, it's a well-equipped phone. Would you agree?

Via MobileCrunch

VIDEO: Nexus One vs Motorola Droid - Dogfight, Pt 2

2/3/2010 3:06:00 PM

The two best Android phones on the planet? Maybe. HTC Google Nexus One vs Motorola Droid in a dogfight, hosted by Noah. Part 2 of 2.