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Despite being late to the smartphone game, it looks like Microsoft’s Windows 7 smartphone could make a strong entrance into the smartphone arena, despite the crowded field.
While the mobile OS looks highly functional (in some ways more than Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android, especially in the social networking department), the overall layout of the OS remains an eye sore as one can tell from the video below. [Read more…]
Originally posted on June 23, 2010 @ 10:58 am
Known mostly for creating PC’s powered by Windows, it looks like Dell could be pondering a laptop powered by the search engine giant’s official operating system (aka Chrome OS).
“There are going to be unique innovations coming up in the marketplace in two, three years, with a new form of computing, we want to be on that forefront … So with Chrome or Android or anything like that we want to be one of the leaders,” [Dell’s president for Greater China and South Asia] Midha said, adding that there were no firm announcements to be made but talks were underway. (Reuters) [Read more…]
Originally posted on June 21, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
Often seen as the premier Android phone due to its 8 mpx camera (complimented by its front facing camera, albeit 1.3 mpx), it looks like Sprint’s Evo 4G smartphone (powered by Google’s Android) is not selling as many units as some thought.
[A] Sprint employee used the inventory system to figure out exactly how many EVO 4Gs were sold and posted that number online, resulting in a speedy investigation by Sprint HQ and the employee’s immediate termination. […]
“according to sprint we as a [company] have sold 66,483 theres a whole bunch of stores though that dont have any more inventory i [sic] dont think any major city sprint does†(Mobile Crunch)
Last year Apple sold one million iPhone 3GS’s on its first opening weekend, a figure few (if any) Android devices have yet to match individually (with the closest rival probably being the original Droid).
While this news will probably not convince Android fanboys and girls that the Evo 4G is not an iPhone killer (as some of my friends are insisting that Evo makes the iPhone worthless), nonetheless these sales should help Google in its quest to displace Apple as the center of the mobile universe.
Either way it will be interesting to see whether the iPhone 4 launch is able to douse the Android fervor, as the public will be able to decide for themselves if Apple’s walled garden is superior to Google’s open platform.
Originally posted on June 14, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
The search engine giant has released another update for Google Earth users that should please those who enjoy hiking, biking and running in the out doors (especially over long distances).
With Google Earth 5.2, you can now import existing GPS data as a new kind of “track.†With a track, you can move the time-slider to animate time and retrace your journey. Google Earth will draw an icon so that it is properly positioned for the given time that you are viewing. As you move through time, the icon will animate along your path. You can also select a window of time which will highlight the corresponding section of your trip.
In Google Earth 5.0, we introduced Tours: cinematic, narrated flights around Google Earth. With one click you can make a tour based on your track, which will fly you along your journey from a bird’s-eye view. You can play back the tour like a video and share it with friends. (Official Google LatLong Blog)
By integrating tracks with their 3D software, Google Earth will once again become a highlight among bikers, runners and hikers (who often like to brag how far and fast they have traveled on a particular route or trail, this author included). [Read more…]
Originally posted on June 14, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
It looks like the boys and girls at Cupertino have launched an official app for their app store, allowing Apple fans too lazy to fight the iFaithful in the physical world to order their gear from the palm of their hands.
Buy Apple products and accessories, read customer reviews, find an Apple Retail Store, stay up to date with in-store events, and make Personal Shopping, Genius Bar, or One to One appointments.
The Apple Store app is also the easiest way to buy or reserve your new iPhone — right from your current iPhone. You can do it in just a few taps, without entering your AT&T account information. Order your new iPhone from the Apple Online Store and it’s shipped to you free and ready to use. Or reserve your new iPhone, pick it up at an Apple Retail Store, and we’ll set it up for you in minutes. (Apple Store App)
This should make pre ordering iPhone 4 (or even the glorious iPad) much easier for iFans, as the app connects directly with your iTunes account (so make sure you have plenty of funds available before ordering).
While an official Apple App was long over due, what is puzzling is the fact that Apple didn’t make their app “iPad friendly.” [Read more…]
Originally posted on June 15, 2010 @ 11:52 am