Samsung Galaxy R Announced

The Samsung Galaxy S II is one of the most hyped Android phones to date, with millions of copies sold; Samsung just announced a cheaper priced spin-off for those that aren’t swimming in money. This mid-range device was originally rumored under the name Samsung Galaxy Z, but today’s announcement by Samsung indicates it is going to be released with the name Galaxy R. The notable changes are all downgrades to hardware components.

The screen was downgraded from a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus to a 4.2 inch Super Clear LCD. The camera isn’t as stunning anymore, stepping down from the 8MP to a 5MP. Samsung may also be changing the processor from their Exynos dual core processor found in the Galaxy S II, to the popular NVIDA made Tegra 2 chipset. The last notable change is with the storage memory; according to the announcement it will be downgraded to 8 GB rather than 16 GB the Galaxy S is currently offering.

This is certainly a less powerful device than the current "King Kong" of the Android world. The specs have made this fall in-line with the mid-range crowd, rather than stand out like the Galaxy S II does. Hopefully the release date and price will make this a great deal in comparison to the rest of the competition. 

Sprint Getting LG Black And Samsung M930

The LG Black is one of the best devices that came from LG this year. The device has a very sexy, and simple design all in a thinner form than the iPhone 4. The leaked document above has the LG Black going under the name LG LS855, and indicates it will be coming to Sprint’s network sometime in October. 

The other device worth nothing is the Samsung M930, which people are speculating is a replacement to the Samsung Transformer that has been getting some decent sales on Sprint. Engadget, along with other blogs, have said this device will have many similarities to the Verizon 4G Droid Charge device, so if that's true, Sprint has another great looking device coming along with the LG Black.

HTC Desire Gingerbread Update Ready?

Many HTC Desire users have been patiently waiting for their promised update to Gingerbread. This update has been pushed back countless times, but one XDA member seems to have received some information that might help calm the impatient. According to an HTC rep that he spoke to, a few unbranded HTC Desires in Europe, (not all), should be getting the update as we speak. 


This update would bring your device to Android 2.3 world, but you’d lose some functionality before getting there. For the people doing the update, you would lose Sense UI, a few apps, and other system files you most likely never needed. This was done to make the update small enough to fit on the phones smaller storage. Nevertheless, if you’re an HTC Desire user, it wouldn’t hurt to check for the update.

Toshiba Thrive 8GB for $380 With Free shipping from eBay Daily Deals

If you've been wanting to get an Android Tablet then this deal might make it easier for you to decide.

This dual-core Android 3.1 tablet can handle all of the peripherals that you can possibly throw at it, and fortoday only, you can grab the 8GB version for $380 from eBay Daily Deals.

So what are you waiting for?

Samsung Galaxy S II For Only $20 at Bell Canada

If you live in Canada and are looking to get a new android phone, then you might want to check out theSamsung Galaxy S II. 

If you head over to the Bell website, you'll see that it is avaiable for only $20 on a new 3 year contract. 

That's a pretty good deal but a very long contract.  Now when are we getting this phone here in the US? 

Apple plans massive retail store expansion ahead of iPhone 5 release

Preparing for iPhone 5 release, Apple is setting up 30 new outlets by the end of the third quarter, planning to expand its retail stores. According to the company’s CFO Peter Oppenheimer, the second quarter record sales of 20.3 million iPhone units and 9.2 million iPad units boosted Apple’s profits to $282 million with a $3.5 billion in revenues.

The average data shows that each of the company’s retail stores generated about $ 10.8 million in each quarter, except for the holiday period, when average sales hit $ 12 million.

Apple’s successful sales are not only due to iPhones and iPads, as Mac computers also sold well, 768,000 units during this quarter. Oppenheimer has also reported that Apple’s stores hosted a staggering number of 73.7 million visitors and that over two million were held Personal Setup sessions, hence Apple’s audience proving to be one of the most loyal ones among the PC and smartphone users.

The first retail store in Apple’s plans is one in Hong Kong, Apple’s Chief Operation Officer Tim Cook arguing that China is a key region for retail expansion. Hoping to benefit from the strong sales in Asia Pacific market, the company intends to open 25 stores in China by the end of the year.

No wonder Apple thinks of China’s market as a key one, since this quarter’s sales in Asia Pacific were double the company’s 16% average growth over the previous quarter. And if we were to compare it with the year ago quarter, Apple’s Asia Pacific sales were three times the company’s average growth of 82% , namely up an incredible 247 percent.

Oracle releases Virtual Desktop Client App for iPad

Oracle has announced the official release of the Virtual Desktop Client application for iPad, available for free download from the App Store on iPads or at Oracle Virtual Desktop Client for iPad on the iTunes App Store

The app provides access to different enterprise applications, including those who require a full desktop, such as Oracle’s Siebel CRM. The users are offered support through desktop virtualization as well as secure access to Oracle’s Sun Ray Software or Oracle Virtual Desktop Infrastructure virtual desktops. After installing the application on their iPad, users must log in with the Sun Ray or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure account and they are free to use multi-touch and gesture-based operation as well as a virtual keyboard including cursor keys.

The fast interface provides multiple tasks and allows users to access different iOS applications. The VPN functionality ensures the users of the app’s security, enabling them to experience highly secure access to all desktops and applications. In addition, the 256-bit AES encryption protects users even in wi-fi connections. The app features an automatic recognition of Oracle Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or Sun Ray Software available servers. The multimedia features are as well included in the Virtual Desktop Client App, with Windows Media Player, multimedia playback on Oracle Desktop Virtualization applications and Adobe Flash Player.

This application is included in Oracle’s complete portfolio of virtualization solutions, from desktop to datacenter, allowing users to efficiently manage their software and hardware stack, from applications to storage solutions. The Oracle Virtual Desktop Client Application requires an iPad or iPad 2, an iOS 4.2 or higher operating system and a Sun Ray Software 5.1 or higher or Oracle Desktop Infrastructure 3.2.2 or higher server and it is available for free at the App Store.

iPad 2 keyboard case from Zagg

Any iPad fan is well aware of the fact that their favorite tablet has the option to be fitted to a number of cool and helpful attachments. Some of the most successful have been the keyboard cases. Apart from making your iPad look great, they have also proved to be highly useful and give some users higher ergonomics when using the tablet.

The latest in a long line of iPad 2 keyboard cases comes from Zagg and it’s called the Zaggfolio.The case sports a fashionable carbon-fiber design and microfiber lining. It’s also got a built-in stand and island-style keys. The keyboard is removable and connects via Bluetooth to the tablet.

One very interesting feature is the ability to flip your iPad while in the case to either use it in portrait or landscape mode.

If this new case caught your eye, look for it at around $99.99.

HD Movies On Your iPhones and iPads

Sooner than you would expect you might be able to enjoy some high quality HD movies on your iPhones and iPads. Apparently Apple is making some big steps in the HD area, producing displays that would support a lineup of 1080p movies for their next generation of iPhones and iPads. The mobile devices are expected to run iOS 5 and rumors say they will be launched on the market this fall.

The HD display rumors seem to coincide with the upcoming version of Apple TV as well as with the iOS operating system that would support HD viewing. Provided that Apple’s iPhone 5 to come will feature 1080p Hd videos, it would surpass Toshiba’s 4 inch screen smartphone released a few months ago, that plays 720p videos and features 367 per inch density. The HD playback will probably be integrated in the Android smartphones with powerful hardware, wich can support 1080p videos, such as the dual core processor offerings from Nvidia, exas Instrument and Qualcomm.

The next generation iPhone is expected to come with an A5 processor and a redesigned, larger 4 inch screen . Apple has apparently selected developers to create new apps for iPhone 5’s faster, powerful hardware, according to 9to5 Mac

The iPhone 5 is not the only Apple device to feature the HD displays, since the company plans the same for the next generation iPad tablet. Apple is currently undertaking tests in its China Laboratories, on LG and Samsung HD displays with 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution and a 9.7 inch touchscreen for the future iPad tablet, Korea Times reports. The iPads will apparently have a more powerful A6 processor running iOS 5.2. , improving the video experience with smoother quality images.

Since the iPhone 5 is expected to come this fall, and the next iPad hopefully by the end of this year, the timing couldn’t have been better.

iPhone still needs to gain access to 25% of Americans

Looks like signing a pact is more efficient than living in competition. It is the case of Verizon and AT&T, who have been outselling one another in a direct rivalry. Now, with the new iPhone 5, displaying both Verizon and AT&T simultaneously, Apple went from a potential market of less than half Americans to gaining about three quarters of them. The remaining quarter is unlikely to become a prey, the iPhone 5 and the Apple’s iOS does not appeal to the unpersuadable part of the market, who are still faithful to Sprint and T-Mobile. Even if the truce brought Apple a significantly number of potential clients, it seems that the figures are still not enough.

Since there is no doubt that Apple can’t win T-Mobile and Sprint’s part of the market, they will have to aim at Android and BlackBerry’s share, targeting their phones in an effort to gain some new costumers or to retain their own. On the other hand, Sprint and T-Mobile may pull their tricks in case their clients wish for an iPhone, offering network experiences or reduced monthly pricing for iPhones.

Such offers would sure put a pressure on Verizon and Apple, rushing them to come with better deals to their users. Verizon might need to rethink better strategies, while AT&T should consider providing an improved networking cover, since users from smaller cities (less than five thousand people) can’t even get a 3G signal. So, even if a truce between the iPhone 5 and Sprint or T-Mobile would attract the other 25% of the population, there would be no competition left. And without a competition, there is no pressure and no need to winning the customers, to offering improved services and an improved iPhone 5 experience.

Verizon Clears Out Inventory To Make Room For iPhone 5

As the predicted September launch of Apple’s latest smartphone, iPhone 5, is closer than ever, more and more rumors on the eagerly waited for device are floating in the air. One of the juicy rumors that have just hit the internet says that Verizon is apparently clearing out inventory to make room for the arrival of Apple’s next generation smartphone. It seems that Verizon has started to discount some of iPhone 4’s accessory bundles. And usually, discounting a device’s accessories means getting rid of the inventory. And clearing out an inventory could only mean making room for a new device to come. In this case, the next generation iPhone.

Since the prices of single accessory offerings are expected to drop, iPhone 4 is probably heading towards the end of his supremacy, its iPhone 5 successor taking its place. Although the sources point to a ‘trusted tipser’, the speculations haven’t been yet confirmed and no information on the clearing inventory is official. Even so, the generally embraced rumor that iPhone 5 is coming this fall, September to be more exact, is most likely true.

While Apple refrains from providing some official information on the release date of their next iPhone, considering their traditional annual cycle and given the latest clues, the iPhone 5 will probably soon be officially announced and the autumn will most likely bring the longingly expected iPhone 5. Whether the rumors are true or not, apart from the thrill of finally enjoying the iPhone 5, we will be sad to have to say goodbye to its little brother iPhone 4.

Will the new iPhone use Bluetooth 4.0?

More and more rumors about the still-to-be-officially-announced new model in the iPhone family. After long debates regarding the supposed features of the new phone, with sources confirming or denying information, now we got some palpable indication of at least one capability.

A few days ago, Apple launched the new Macbook Air and Mac Mini, both of whom use Bluetooth 4.0 instead of the old 2.1 which has been used up to now.While looking to only use state-of-the-art technology in their products, Apple has chosen to bypass using Bluetooth 3.0 and is now blasting past their competition by using this new version and thus becoming the first manufacturer to launch a Bluetooth 4.0 capable device.

The main difference between the third and fourth generation is that the new one is able to adapt its power use, increasing or decreasing it to suit the instant need. This new technology is called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and even at maximum power, still uses only about half the power needed by Bluetooth 3.0 devices, while using only a hundredth when idling.

Apart from that, Bluetooth 4.0 is also capable of using an increased active area, somewhere around 200 m and it has a 6ms latency, as supposed to the 100ms capability of the current third generation.

Not to be overlooked is also the fact that the equipment needed for Bluetooth 4.0 is a lot smaller. Couple that with the low power usage mentioned above and you get two major pluses Apple decides to use it for the new iPhone or any other mobile device i.e. iPad or iPod.