TDK starts mass production of transparent OLEDs, makes texting and walking safer

TDK is taking those transparent OLED screens we saw back in October and putting them into mass production. The 2.4-inch, QVGA (240 x 320) UEL476 display has a transmittance of 40 percent, but obscures light passing through the front so others won't be able to read your text messages from behind. Obviously, these aren't going to find their way into high-end Android handsets, but they may have a home in fashion phones like Lenovo's S800. And, you know, they seem perfect for SMS addicts who can't stop their thumbs from flying even while walking. Check out the full PR after the break.

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TDK Starts Mass Production of See-Through Type High-Definition Organic Electroluminescent (EL) Display

Tokyo, May 31, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - TDK Corporation has started mass production of a newly developed see-through passive matrix type QVGA organic EL display (product name: UEL476) from this Spring, a world's first*.

Organic EL displays are formed through thin-film techniques, using organic material that emits light in response to an electric current. High brightness, wide viewing angle and other favorable characteristics make this display type very easy on the eye, and since it also achieves fast response, Organic EL displays have been adopted for wider use in flat panel displays. All organic EL displays from TDK employ the passive matrix principle. The newly developed see-through type is mainly intended for use as the main display panel in mobile phones and other mobile devices.

The see-through type organic EL display for mobile applications has a field angle of 2.4 inches, transmittance of 40 percent, and brightness of 150 cd/m2. Compact mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones these days require a display that is appealing also from a design point of view. The newly developed product is a see-through type, but is constructed so that the display contents cannot easily be seen from behind, to protect the user's privacy.

TDK started developing organic electroluminescent materials in 1991, establishing an in-house R&D framework covering the entire process from molecular structure design to chemical composition and device evaluation. As a result, a proprietary long-life material and thin film layer configuration, as well as an optimized mass production process were developed. Development of a white organic EL element was started in 1995, culminating in a final product in 2000.

The use of the color filter principle means that the service life of the each Red, Green and Blue color of RGB elements is identical, and color shift is absent. Furthermore, favorable temperature characteristics allow a wide operating temperature range from -20 to +85 degrees C.

Development efforts are ongoing, with a view to widen the range to include various color products, as well as towards further improving precision and longer service life for all types.

Glossary

-- Passive matrix drive principle: One of the methods used to drive organic electroluminescent elements. A grid of vertical and horizontal electrode lines is used to drive a line of pixels each. By contrast, an active matrix display uses a dedicated TFT (thin film transistor) to drive each pixel separately.
-- QVGA: Abbreviation of "Quarter Video Graphics Array", featuring a 320 x 240 pixel grid.

Main applications

-- Mobile phones, mobile electronic devices etc. requiring a QVGA color display

Main features

-- See-through type achieving high brightness (150cd/m2)
-- Display contents not easily viewable from rear (for enhanced privacy)
-- Transmittance 40%

Main Specifications
-- Display area: 36.0 x 47.9 mm
-- Number of pixels: 240 x RGB x 320
-- Brightness: 150 cd/m2

* Current as of May 2011, TDK data.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762; US: TTDKY) is a leading global electronics company based in Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize "ferrite," a key material in electronics and magnetics. TDK's current product line includes ferrite materials, electronic components and ICs, wireless computer networking products, magnetic heads for HDD, digital recording hardware and advanced digital recording media. For more information, please visit www.global.tdk.com.

Nokia's online stores go offline in France and Spain

Nokia's "around breakeven" outlook announced earlier today is discouraging at best, and now it looks like the company has begun shuttering online stores in response to growing competition from resellers, which offer lower prices on the same hardware. So far, online stores in France and Spain have been replaced with a closure notice, so customers in those countries will need to turn to third-party vendors to get their smartphone fix. European online stores in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, and the UK remain open for business, but low online sales figures (and the inevitable death of Symbian) mean we may see more countries falling offline in the near future. "Prices are too subsidized by the carriers and sales were low, so they will keep providing support," a representative from Nokia Spain told us today, so as expected, the shutdown only affects sales operations -- of course, you'll still be able to turn to your local Nokia site for support.

[Thanks, Reppu]

U.S. Cellular Launches the HTC Merge and LG Genesis

U.S. Cellular is expanding its device portfolio with two more Android-powered smartphones that are packed with cool features and access to countless apps. Starting today, the HTC Merge is available for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the LG Genesis will debut June 9 at the same rate.

"Customers who switch to U.S. Cellular join the happiest customers in wireless and can get easy-to-use devices that can be personalized to fit their busy schedules," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "Whether it's managing your calendar, keeping track of family activities or staying in touch with close friends, we have phones that make your life easier."

The HTC Merge is U.S. Cellular's first Android-powered Global Ready smartphone. So, if you're traveling abroad this summer, you can stay in touch with friends and family no matter the continent or time zone by using a required SIM card and service for the country you're visiting.

Maps+ App Is Maps Plus Lots Of Other Stuff

At TechCrunch Disrupt NYC last week, Google’s location boss Marissa Mayer pointed out that Google Maps for mobile traffic will surpass that of its desktop counterpart by June. Our dependence on mobile technology for where we are and where we’re going seems to be growing by the minute, so its not too surprising to see a number of enhanced Map apps hit various app stores. One in particular, Maps+, caught our eye. And Maps+ is exactly what its name describes: Google Maps… plus a lot of other cool features.

A three-finger swipe up and down will bring up the different map types, and a tap on your current location will offer up extra information about your location fix, including coordinates, horizontal accuracy, altitude, and vertical accuracy. When a route is requested, Maps+ offers all the different possible routes to take, with options for driving, walking, or cycling. And just like the default Maps app, Maps+ offers track recording.

Another fun feature is the ability to add bookmarks to locations with label customization (unfortunately only three labels at a time), which can then be exported to GPX with mail or iTunes, or imported using Safari, Mail, or any other app that supports quick look. Maps+ also taps the power of one of our favorite social networks, Twitter, to show you where friends are tweeting from, which is my second favorite feature besides location alarms. Location alarms give you the option to be notified when entering or exiting the area of a certain bookmarked location.

The app interface is clean and easy to use, and offers the option to add any of your frequently used buttons straight to the map itself. Unfortunately, certain features are limited: one route bookmark, three pin bookmarks, two route transit points, one track bookmark, 2km of track recording, and one alarm bookmark. Twitter log-in and GPX import capabilities are also disabled upon the initial installation, but that can all be remedied with a simple in-app purchase to the tune of $2.99.

If you’re a hardcore Maps user like myself, Maps+ is definitely worth a try. The IZE app is available today in the Apple App Store for free for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous: the WHO changes its mind

To say that experts generally don't agree about whether cellphone radiation can fry your brain is an understatement of massive proportions, but amazingly enough, the World Health Organization has come to a pseudo-conclusion. A group of 31 scientists from 14 countries working in the org's International Agency for Research on Cancer says that -- based on a survey of the literature -- those electromagnetic fields are as likely to be potentially carcinogenic as 266 other worrisome substances, including DDT pesticide and the exhaust from your automobile. Mind you, the WHO isn't saying that cellphones cause cancer, as today's decision is merely the latest call for more research, but the fact that respected scientists even claim that a correlation should be considered will probably be enough to stir the pot.

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IARC CLASSIFIES RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AS POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS

Lyon, France, May 31, 2011 The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer (1), associated with wireless phone use.

Background

Over the last few years, there has been mounting concern about the possibility of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. The number of mobile phone subscriptions is estimated at 5 billion globally.

From May 24–31 2011, a Working Group of 31 scientists from 14 countries has been meeting at IARC in Lyon, France, to assess the potential carcinogenic hazards from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. These assessments will be published as Volume 102 of the IARC Monographs, which will be the fifth volume in this series to focus on physical agents, after Volume 55 (Solar Radiation), Volume 75 and Volume 78 on ionizing radiation (Xrays, gammarays, neutrons, radionuclides), and Volume 80 on nonionizing radiation (extremely lowfrequency electromagnetic fields).

The IARC Monograph Working Group discussed the possibility that these exposures might induce longterm health effects, in particular an increased risk for cancer. This has relevance for public health, particularly for users of mobile phones, as the number of users is large and growing, particularly among young adults and children.

The IARC Monograph Working Group discussed and evaluated the available literature on the following exposure categories involving radiofrequency electromagnetic fields:

occupational exposures to radar and to microwaves;

environmental exposures associated with transmission of signals for radio, television and
wireless telecommunication; and

personal exposures associated with the use of wireless telephones.

International experts shared the complex task of tackling the exposure data, the studies ofcancer in humans, the studies of cancer in experimental animals, and the mechanistic and other relevant data.

Results

The evidence was reviewed critically, and overall evaluated as being limited (2) among users of wireless telephones for glioma and acoustic neuroma, and inadequate (3)to draw conclusions for other types of cancers. The evidence from the occupational and environmental exposures mentioned above was similarly judged inadequate. The Working Group did not quantitate the risk; however, one study of past cell phone use (up to the year 2004), showed a 40% increased risk for gliomas in the highest category of heavy users (reported average: 30 minutes per day over a 10year period).

Conclusions

Dr Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California, USA), overall Chairman of the Working Group, indicated that "the evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification. The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk."

"Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings," said IARC Director Christopher Wild, "it is important that additional research be conducted into the longterm, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as handsfree devices or texting."

The Working Group considered hundreds of scientific articles; the complete list will be published in the Monograph. It is noteworthy to mention that several recent inpress scientific articles(4)resulting from the Interphone study were made available to the working group shortly before it was due to convene, reflecting their acceptance for publication at that time, and were included in the evaluation.

A concise report summarizing the main conclusions of the IARC Working Group and the
evaluations of the carcinogenic hazard from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (including
the use of mobile telephones) will be published in The Lancet Oncology in its July 1 issue, and in a few days online.

(1) 237 913 new cases of brain cancers (all types combined) occurred around the world in 2008 (gliomas represent 2/3 of these). Source: Globocan 2008

(2) 'Limited evidence of carcinogenicity': A positive association has been observed between exposure to the agent and cancer for which a causal interpretation is considered by the Working Group to be credible, but chance, bias or confounding could not be ruled out with reasonable confidence.

(3) 'Inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity': The available studies are of insufficient quality, consistency or statistical power to permit a conclusion regarding the presence or absence of a causal association between exposure and cancer, or no data on cancer in humans are available.

(4) a. 'Acoustic neuroma risk in relation to mobile telephone use: results of the INTERPHONE international casecontrol study' (the Interphone Study Group, in Cancer Epidemiology, in press)
b. 'Estimation of RF energy absorbed in the brain from mobile phones in the Interphone study' (Cardis et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, in press)
c. 'Risk of brain tumours in relation to estimated RF dose from mobile phones – results from five Interphone countries' (Cardis et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, in press)
d. 'Location of Gliomas in Relation to Mobile Telephone Use: A CaseCase and CaseSpecular Analysis' (American Journal of Epidemiology, May 24, 2011. [Epub ahead of print]

Mobile Workforce Will Demand Seamless Print Capabilities from Mobile Devices

As the mobile workforce expands and the lines between the office and the outside world become more transparent, the demands and expectations of mobile workers will increase as well. This evolving mobile landscape presents tremendous opportunity for mobile enterprise print applications that are geared toward providing users with a seamless, more convenient way of printing their documents both inside and outside the office. According to new research from International Data Corporation (IDC), the rapidly expanding mobile worker population, the proliferation of smartphones and media tablets, and the explosion of mobile apps will converge to drive demand for mobile printing solutions over the next five to ten years. IDC's research also shows that smartphone users are more likely to report year-over-year increases in their print volume, whereas nonusers are more likely to report flat or decreased print volume.

"A print solution will be a 'must have' for mobile users expecting the ability to print from their handheld devices," said Holly Muscolino, research director, Hardcopy Peripherals: Software and Services. "But the market is young and the plethora and variety of solutions has been very confusing to both hardcopy device vendors and end users, with no clear-cut standards emerging."

AT&T to Offer the Sporty Pantech Crossover

Perfect for first-time smartphone users, the Pantech Crossover is the first Android smartphone from Pantech in the U.S. Crossover boasts a slide out full keyboard, a 3.1-inch touchscreen display, 600 MHz processor, 3-megapixel digital camera with camcorder, the popular AllSport GPS app and Mobile Hotspot support. Pantech Crossover will be available from AT&T at company-owned stores and online at www.att.com on June 5 for $69.99 with a two-year contract and minimum monthly data plan. Pantech Crossover will be one of the premier phones promoted this summer on the Dew Tour, a major coast to coast action sports tour, of which Pantech is the official handset sponsor.  

Customer Benefits

 

The Pantech Crossover makes it seamless for active people to stay connected through messaging and social media. Ideal for customers looking for additional features, personalization and convenience in their next phone, Crossover runs the Android 2.2 platform, has a side-sliding, full QWERTY keyboard, a five screen customizable interface, and an easy-to-use 3.1″ touch screen to access apps, widgets and more. For users ready to make the switch from a messaging phone to smartphone, Crossover is a simple take on the popular Android operating system.

 

Crossover’s durable design means it can go wherever you go. With a textured back cover and rubberized corners, it’s not afraid of a little action and is packed with features customers use most. The full QWERTY keyboard makes it a breeze to text, email and surf the web, and from the touchscreen, AT&T customers can use Android Market to grab the latest apps for social networking, games and more. Crossover is preloaded with AllSport GPS, an application that offers workout tracking, maps, a calorie counter and more features for your active lifestyle. Sporty good looks and durable design come together to make Crossover a perfect fit for any active lifestyle.

 

In addition, Crossover also offers AT&T Mobile Hotspot to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices for customers who choose a tethering plan. Customers can also enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi usage on the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network with qualifying data plans.

 

Key Specifications

Android 2.2 (Froyo)

3.1″ Full Touchscreen Display with Full Keyboard Slider

HSPA Tri-Band 850/1900/2100 MHz; Quad-Band GSM850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

2GB card preinstalled

microSD Memory Card Supports up to 32GB

4.45″ (L) x 2.28″ (W) x 0.56″ (D), Weight: 5.15 oz

3-megapixel camera with camcorder, fixed focus, 4x zoom

600 MHz processor

Micro USB and 3.5mm headset jack

1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery; Up to 5 Hours, Standby Time: Up to 360 Hours

Voice Recognition

Accelerometer

 

Limited-time offer:

2 year agreement, new activation, eligible voice and a minimum $15 a month smartphone data plan required.  Qualified customers only.  Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract & rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. $36 activ. fee applies.  Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $325.  Smartphone Data Plan Requirement: Smartphone requires minimum DataPlus (200MB); $15 will automatically be charged for each additional 200MB provided on DataPlus if initial 200MB is exceeded. All data, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which the allowance is provided or they will be forfeited.  For more details on Data Plans, go to att.com/dataplans.  Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

 

Mobile Hotspot requires a minimum $45 a month DataPro 4GB plan.  Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot use data from your DataPro 4GB plan. Overage charges of $10 per GB provided apply if the included monthly data allowance is exceeded. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors.  If you do not use a password, others will be able to use your Mobile Hotspot connection.

 

Wi-Fi Access – Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.

 

Creative Introduces the Live Cam inPerson HD – HD Video and Voice Web Camera for Skype HD Video Calling

Creative Technology Ltd today announced that Skype has certified the new Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD for video and voice quality, meeting the exacting requirements for HD video calling in Skype.  The Creative engineering team set out to significantly improve the video and voice quality of web cams to provide an outstanding HD video calling experience with Skype.   The result is the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD, in which Creative has integrated an H.264 video encoding processor, ensuring the fastest possible video frame rate for HD video calling and alleviating the problem of choppy video that users often experience, even with lower definition video calling.

By performing the H.264 encoding on the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD instead of using the PC, the user is not required to have the highest-performance PC to experience smooth HD video quality with Skype. In addition to the leap forward in video quality, the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD features crystal-clear voice through the implementation of Creative’s quad mic array. To achieve improvement in voice quality, the mics are precisely spaced across the nine-inch flat-panel surface of the camera. This quad mic implementation coupled with Creative’s noise-canceling technology removes ambient noise much more effectively than web cams with single or stereo mics and allows the user to be heard with substantially greater clarity.

 

“In order for web cams to become Skype Certified we put them through a rigorous video and voice testing and qualification process,” said Ed Botterill, Head of Skype Certification at Skype.  “The Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD met these exacting specifications and provides an excellent solution for Skype video calling.”

 

The Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD features built-in H.264 compression, in order to deliver smooth, glitch-free HD video, ensuring fluid motion and high-quality video streaming over the web.  Often when users experience jerky motions or choppy video when video calling, the cause is likely the PC’s CPU being overworked while trying to process the stream of data.  With hardware accelerated video all of this work is offloaded from the PC’s CPU and performed right on the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD, delivering smooth movements and video calls every time.  The Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD also features auto focus, for clear, detailed images and videos from a range of distances, giving users the freedom to sit directly in front of the camera or up to 10 feet away and still be seen clearly.

 

“We wanted to eliminate choppy video, which is typically caused when the PC can’t handle the encoding fast enough, so we engineered the camera to have the highest frame rate possible,” said Steve Erickson, Vice President and General Manager for Audio and Video at Creative Labs, Inc.  “As a technology leader in audio and voice processing for more than three decades we know that voice quality is critical to having a great video calling experience, so we also elevated the audio in the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD with a quad mic array.  Just like you can’t accept a phone call when the audio is poor, you can’t have a great video call with poor voice.”

 

Rounding out the robust feature set of the Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD is the bundled Live! Central 3 software suite with advanced video and audio effects, avatar creation, movie creation, desktop sharing features and surveillance capabilities.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Creative Live! Cam inPerson HD will be available at the online store at www.creative.com/shop in UK from June 2011 onwards at the suggested retail price of 119.99.

 

Apple to unveil iCloud, iOS 5 on Monday, June 6

Had some doubts that Apple was heading skyward? Those lingering concerns can now be put to rest. Apple has confirmed that it will be announcing iCloud on June 6th, what it's calling an "upcoming cloud services offering." That will be part of the keynote for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, known to the cool kids as WWDC. This is, of course, where everyone has come to expect new iPhones to come to light, but this year we're thinking the focus will be more on software, and indeed Apple's event notice indicates that the big highlights will be Mac OS X Lion and the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 5. This is a decidedly non-Apple way to announce something big like iCloud, making us wonder what other surprises Steve Jobs will have for us at the event -- yes, he'll be kicking things off. As ever you can find out as it happens here, live.

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Apple to Unveil Next Generation Software at Keynote Address on Monday, June 6

CUPERTINO, California-May 31, 2011-Apple® CEO Steve Jobs and a team of Apple executives will kick off the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address on Monday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. At the keynote, Apple will unveil its next generation software - Lion, the eighth major release of Mac OS® X; iOS 5, the next version of Apple's advanced mobile operating system which powers the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®; and iCloud®, Apple's upcoming cloud services offering.

WWDC will feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers. Mac® developers will see and learn how to develop world-class Mac OS X Lion applications using its latest technologies and capabilities. Mobile developers will be able to explore the latest innovations and capabilities of iOS and learn how to greatly enhance the functionality, performance and design of their apps. All developers can bring their code to the labs and work with Apple engineers.

For more details, visit the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2011 website at developer.apple.com/wwdc.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Gets Android 2.1 Eclair

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 owners: don’t forget to put a smile on this morning when you get dressed because the sweetest Eclair of last year is headed your way. Sony Ericsson today announced the release of the update to Android 2.1 Eclair to all Xperia X10 owners on AT&T’s network.

The jump from Android 1.6 Donut to 2.1 Eclair will bring with it some photographic perks like 720p HD video recording capabilities (1280 x 720 pixels), continuous auto-focus in still and video capture, and face detection during video capture. Users will also get multi-touch support and two extra homescreens, bringing the X10 homescreen total to five. Of course, all the other goodies that come with Android 2.1 Eclair will hit the X10, too.

You’ll have to connect the phone to a PC for installation, but Sony Ericsson has assembled a little step-by-step guide for anyone who needs a some extra help.

[via MobileBurn]

Viewsonic Announces Two new Android Honeycomb Tablet 7-inch Viewpad 7x and the Viewpad 10Pro

Viewsonic has unveiled two of its latest upcoming tablet offerings, the 7-inch Viewpad 7x and the Viewpad 10Pro. The Viewsonic ViewPad 7x, which will come with Android 3.0.1 Honeycomb, making it one of the first 7 inch tablets to come with Honeycomb.It will be running on the Nvidia Tegra 2 processor. The multi-touch display will be of 1024×600 pixels and the tablet itself will weigh about 380 grams. The device will also pack in DLNA, HSPA+, HDMI-out, and front and rear cameras. The existence of the Viewpad 7x was leaked earlier this May.

The Viewpad 10Pro will be the successor to the Viewpad 10. This tablet will run of Microsoft’s Windows 7 Professional with the ability to use Blue Stacks virtualization for Android Apps. An Intel Oak Trail 1.5GHz Atom Z670 will power the device, in addition to its 3G capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and 1080p video playback. All in all, the 32GB Viewpad 10Pro should last around 4.5 hours on its 3500mAh internal battery.

 

Unfortunately there are no details as yet on when the Viewpad 7x and 10Pro will go on sale.

 

GIGABYTE Announces the Booktop M2432 Mobile Notebook

GIGABYTE, a longtime leader in computer technology and innovation, today unveiled the 14-inch Booktop M2432, the successor to the unique and highly regarded Booktop M1405. The Booktop M2432 is a sleek and mobile notebook that comes with an innovative docking station with a desktop grade graphics card built-in and full I/O ports to provide a complete desktop PC experience. The notebook also has a powerful 2nd generation Intel Core i5 Processor, USB 3.0, THX TruStudio Pro and many other exceptional features.

“The M2432 is an extraordinary choice for users who want to combine the mobility of a lightweight notebook with the power of a desktop PC,” said Stephen Lee, Sales Director at GIGABYTE Notebooks. “The M2432 and its docking station continue GIGABYTE’s spirit of innovation to deliver exciting new products that are transforming the PC industry.”

 

Powerful Performance in a Stylish, Lightweight Design

 

The M2432 is powered by a high-performing and energy efficient 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor that delivers fantastic performance and comes with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, which provides an extra burst of power when needed. With a 14” LED backlight display that produces bright and crisp images at a 1366×768 screen resolution and Intel’s high-quality integrated HD 3000 graphics, the M2432 is great for casual mainstream gaming and watching HD movies. For audio, the notebook comes equipped with two excellent speakers and THX TruStudio Pro technology that brings the same level audio experience found in live performances, movies and recording studios.

 

The M2432 has a sleek and eye-catching design with a gorgeous aluminum hairline brushed finish that comes in either red or silver. Weighing just 1.81Kg and with a uniform thickness of 27.6mm, the notebook is incredibly thin and light, making it a superb choice to take on the go. The M2432 also has a nicely designed chiclet keyboard for a comfortable typing experience and a responsive multi-touch trackpad with a matte finish.

 

Innovative Docking Station Creates a Desktop Experience

 

The unique M2432 docking station comes loaded with many exceptional features to provide a desktop-like experience. An outstanding built-in NVIDIA GT 440 GPU with 1GB VRAM DDR5 comes equipped on the docking station and delivers desktop level graphics performance on up to two external monitors. The result is a stunning visual experience that is great for gaming, enjoying multimedia content and other graphics intensive applications. At the same time, with two monitors hooked up, multitasking is made simple so that you can do two things at once – like watch a movie on one screen, while surfing the internet or checking email on the other. The docking station also includes full I/O connectivity, including six USB ports, HDMI, D-Sub, DVI, and other useful ports normally found on a desktop PC.

 

Enhancing Your PC Experience

 

USB 3.0: Data transfer is now up to 10 times faster with SuperSpeed USB. Powered by a true dual-way transmission, the latest USB interface is ideal for Sync-N-Go.

 

FlexiBay for ODD & 2nd Battery: The M2432 boasts a slim-body ODD that can be hot swapped for an extended battery, great for those times when extra battery life is needed on the go.

 

Smart Manager: The Smart Manager user interface consolidates different system programs into a single intuitive guiding page. With Smart Manager, access to external displays, volume control, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0, webcam and more are just a click away.

 

Easy Upgrade: When the need for more storage space or additional memory arises, the special modularized design allows for quick and hassle-free upgrading so that users can customize their notebooks exactly as they want.

 

Hassle Free System Restore: With a quick click on F9 to launch Smart Recovery, the computer can be conveniently and easily restored to factory default settings.

 

Battery Status Check: When in a hurry, the unique single click battery power status button saves time by letting you check the battery power even when the computer is off.

 

ASUS Unveils New Padfone, UX Series notebooks, Eee Pad Memo 3D, ultra-thin Eee PC X101 netbooks and All-in-One high-definition ET2700XVT desktop PC at Computex 2011

ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih has unveiled the highly-anticipated Padfone along with the latest ASUS innovations, which include new UX Series notebooks, redesigned N Series notebooks with SonicMaster audio technology, the revolutionary and versatile Eee Pad Memo 3D, ultra-thin Eee PC X101 netbooks, and unique home entertainment devices such as the motion-sensing WAVI Xtion and the 27” All-in-One high-definition ET2700XVT desktop PC. With “Break the Rules, Innovation Beyond Expectations” as the dominant theme this year, Mr. Shih has reiterated the company’s strength in cutting-edge designs and superior engineering skills to help bring users the devices of their dreams. “Breaking the rules and changing the status quo are the keys to our success, and we strive to offer customers an experience that surpasses their expectations,” said Mr. Shih.

Padfone elevates consumer choice to new levels

 

Innovation is at the heart of ASUS design and the new Padfone reveals exciting new possibilities for mobile computing and communication. This convergent device combines a smartphone and a tablet computer into one symbiotic gadget that allows consumers to choose the screen size that best fits their activities while seamlessly sharing data and 3G internet access.

 

UX Series ultraportables

 

ASUS is noted for its exquisite design, and nowhere else is this more evident than in the new UX Series, developed in close cooperation with Intel to ensure the best products become available to consumers. These astonishingly thin ultraportables are made possible through the use of a strong but light aluminum alloy shell with a unique ‘spun’ finish on polished surfaces. The artistry of the series draws inspiration from luxury timepieces, displaying sharp edges, an oversized keyboard and smartphone-like touchpad for added comfort, as well as reinforced hinges for extended longevity. Measuring a mere 17mm at its thickest point, the needle-thin UX Series nonetheless packs impressive specifications, with the latest 2nd generation Intel Core™ mobile processors up to the powerful i7, SATA 6Gb/s solid-state drives and the Instant On feature, which resumes the notebook in seconds.

 

N Series notebooks and All-in-One PC with SonicMaster

 

ASUS continues to innovate in PC audio. The same SonicMaster technology that ASUS first developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower for the incredible NX90 can now be enjoyed on the new N Series, where stunning high-gloss designs meet the very latest mobile technology. This latest N Series, co-designed by ASUS and world renowned designer David Lewis, comes with the addition of a dedicated external subwoofer for deep bass extension that would otherwise be impossible to replicate on a notebook. Desktop PC users can also experience the same well-appointed luxury with the 27” HD All-in-One ET2700XVT desktop PC, which offers ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angles and optional 10-point multi-touch for smooth, fully consolidated computing.

 

Eee Pad MeMO 3D adds depth to tablet devices

 

Recognizing that no two users have quite the same needs when it comes to tablets, ASUS has introduced a fourth tablet to go alongside the recently announced Eee Pad Transformer, Eee Pad Slider and Eee Slate. Powered by the latest version of the Android operating system, the Eee Pad MeMO 3D has a 7” multi-touch screen that can also be used with the supplied stylus for note taking in portrait orientation, plus a unique glasses-free 3D display mode for entertainment on the go.

 

The Eee Pad MeMO 3D is designed to be an alternative take on the 10” tablet that is fast becoming a standard size. This portrait-oriented device uses a screen that can also be used more traditionally with all Android Honeycomb applications, should users choose to do so.

Eee PC evolved

 

ASUS evolves the Eee PC further with new models that take netbooks to ever-greater heights. The new Eee PC X101 has been designed from the start to be the perfect ultraportable for modern mobile users, with its Intel MeeGo operating system incorporating full support for a wide range of social networking services. Eee PC X101 Series netbooks are also offered with the Windows 7 operating system, and models ship with both solid state and mechanical hard drive storage configurations.

 

 

Wireless home entertainment with WAVI Xtion

 

Drawing on its research and development foundations, ASUS has worked closely with PrimeSense™, the leader in motion-sensing technology, in crafting the world’s first and only open-source, controller-free gesture-based device for PC. WAVI Xtion offers limitless enjoyment for consumers, upscaling PC fun onto big screen TV. The technology represents total integration of multimedia, social networking and gaming. The Xtion Browser affords internet usage with hand and body movements for an interactive experience, expanding web content with larger fonts, icons and graphics for livelier navigation. The Xtion Portal acts as an app store where users can purchase new games and utilities designed for WAVI Xtion, while social networking becomes more intuitive with a controller-free interface and exciting gesture input, also using an attractive visual style. WAVI Xtion ships with a game bundle that includes MayaFit™, Beat Booster, and DanceWall™, all perfect for exercise and fun for the entire family. Better still, the Xtion Engine incorporates gesture-based controls into many existing PC games, so consumers can experience them in a completely new way.

 

Samsung Ups The Ante In Apple Patent Dispute, Requests iPhone 5, iPad 3

“Anything you can do, I can do better,” is the tune Samsung’s whistling this Memorial Day weekend, as its legal team has requested that Apple hand over some upcoming products as a part of its ongoing patent battle with the Mac maker. Just last week, Apple asked the same of Samsung, and a federal judged agreed, ordering Samsung to hand over five products from its Galaxy and Infuse lines.

For those of you who are new to the case, the issue essentially comes down to the fact that Apple’s iPad and iPhone 4 look suspiciously similar to some of Samsung’s Galaxy tablets and Infuse phones. After Apple sued Samsung in April over the lookalikes, Samsung immediately followed suit and counter-sued Apple for copying its products.

This time around, however, Apple has much more at stake, as Samsung lawyers have asked to see the iPad 3 and the iPhone 5: products that have never seen the light of day. The products that Apple got its hands on last week included the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1, the Infuse 4G, and the Infuse 4G LTE. Two of those devices have already hit the market, and the remaining three have been spotted in leaked photos or product announcements across the web. In other words, everything Apple’s legal team had a look at, we’ve seen, too.

The next-gen iPad and iPhone, on the other hand, are two tightly kept secrets. Nevertheless, Samsung believes it has a valid argument to check out these devices. In court documents posted by This Is My Next, Samsung needs the devices to “evaluate whether a likelihood of confusion exists between the Samsung and Apple products that will be in the market at the same time.”

Apple, of course, rejected the request, claiming that future devices bear “no relevance” to the issue at hand, which concerns products currently in the market. There’s no telling how this will end up for either manufacturer, but one thing that seems clear is that this patent battle is far from over.

[This is my next via PC World]

Samsung teases 4G tablet for 2011, Galaxy S III in first half of 2012

Don't expect a lawsuit or two to keep a good chaebol down. Not if J.K. Shin has his way. The president of Samsung's mobile communication division is telling us to expect an "enhanced" 4G Galaxy Tab (without providing any detail) sometime later this year, following the launch of the company's 8.9- and 10.1-inch Tabs next month -- the latter priced between $499 and $599. He also teased a third version of the wildly popular Galaxy S handset series for the first half of 2012. A proclamation arriving on news that the delectabled Galaxy S II has just set a record for the fastest selling smartphone in Korea after unloading one million handsets in the first month of domestic sales.

Naturally, Shin also had a bit to say about Samsung's ongoing legal battle with Apple. "We didn't copy Apple's design," he said bluntly, adding that Apple's allegations "will not be legally problematic." Sure Sammy, tell it to the judge.

Verizon devices are Now Loaded with Skype mobile

Do you want to take advantage of Skype mobile on your Verizon device, but not sure if it’s available? Great news; you can now get Skype mobile on the Droid X2, Samsung Gem, CASIO G’zOne Commando and the Droid Incredible 2.  The Skype mobile app allows you to make free Skype-to-Skype voice calls and instant messages. Just as exciting, users can make low cost calls to landlines and mobile phone internationally for as low as 2.3c/minute. 

Here is how charging works:

 

Skype-to-Skype calls, to or from your mobile, computer or TV

These calls are completely free. They don’t count towards your Verizon Wireless minutes allowance.

 

Calls to another mobile number or landline number in the US

These calls count towards your Verizon Wireless minutes.

 

Calls to an international mobile number or landline number

These calls are great value – pay for these using Skype Credit or one of our subscriptions. For example, you can make unlimited calls + to landlines in the United Kingdom for just $6.99/month.

 

All calls run on the largest and most reliable wireless network in the US, which helps to make sure that call quality is top-notch, and lets you use your favorite accessories, including Bluetooth headsets.

 

 

To get Skype on your Droid X2, Samsung Gem, CASIO G’zOne Commando or Droid Incredible 2, visit m.skype.com on your phone or scan this QR code to download it.

 

Droid Bionic benchmark reports PowerVR GPU, new SOC inside?

A very strange thing popped up on mobile graphic benchmarking site NenaMark the other day -- an entry for the Droid Bionic. Now, it would be very easy to fake this test, and you'd be right to be skeptical given the incomplete score and the fact that it's reporting PowerVR's SGX 540 GPU, instead of the Tegra 2 we saw at CES. But, let's not be too hasty -- we heard back in April that NVIDIA's mobile chip wasn't playing nice with Verizon's LTE. Perhaps when Motorola said it was delaying the Bionic to incorporate "several enhancements" it really meant "rebuilding the phone with a more LTE friendly CPU." Both Samsung and Texas Instruments use the SGX 540, and Moto has previously turned to TI's OMAP for the Droid, Droid 2, and Droid X. Then again, a single, suspiciously low benchmark score isn't the most convincing basis for a rumor.

Visualized: Samsung wants to see the iPhone 5 and iPad 3

Samsung lawyers recently asked the court to make Apple show them the as-yet-unannounced iPhone 5 and iPad 3, claiming that they need to know what Apple's products will look like ahead of time to avoid future lawsuits and uncanny similarities.

If only it were this easy.

Return To Wired Communication, Potentially Pony Express

Yesterday, the Council of Europe released a report recommending that member states rethink the way they look at radiation used in wireless communication, putting it on par with the type of health hazards found in cigarettes and genetically altered foods. The report suggests that member states should push for a return to wired communication and a ban on Wi-Fi in schools. This seems to be a pretty exaggerated response, as most of the research we have on the dangers of wireless communication is inconclusive, at best.

Apparently, Europe has Jean Huss, member of Luxembourg’s Les Verts, to thank for such an observant response to the issue. To Huss, the ambiguity that the rest of the world has conceded exists around the issue is crystal clear: “non-ionizing frequencies, be they sourced from extremely low frequencies, power lines, or certain high frequency waves used in the fields of radar, telecommunications and mobile telephony, appear to have more or less potentially harmful, non-thermal, biological effects on plants, insects and animals, as well as the human body even when exposed to levels that are below the official threshold values,” said Huss.

The issue here isn’t whether or not cell phones, and other forms of radiation-emitting wireless communication, are a danger to our health. The answer to that question has yet to be answered definitively. This issue is, rather, the way we digest research, and the way we shape policy around it.

[via Ars Technica]

Today’s Mobile News in Brief (May 27, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Friday, May 27th, 2011.

Nokia Plans To Crank Out A New Windows Phone Every Two Months
Yes, you read that right folks. Nokia will pushing out a new Windows Phone handset every two to three months. Nokia Senior VP of Marketing for Mobile Jo Harlow says: “We’re going to keep coming with new devices in order to have something to talk about.” We don’t doubt one second Nokia’s ability to keep this promise. Question is, when will this start? Hopefully, a lot sooner than later ‘coz Nokia might just miss the boat on this one yet again.
Business Insider : SAI

Asus Teases Possible Tablet/Phone Combo
It looks like the Dell Streak 5 won’t be the only tablet/smartphoe combo in town. Asus has just come out with a teaser for their offering at this week’s Computex, and one poses the question: “Pad or Phone? How About Both?” Now, we’re not quite sure what Asus has here, but the silhouette of two device plus that intriguing question does pose some pretty enticing possibilities. More on this soon.
CrunchGear

ooVoo brings its webcam wares to iOS with six-way video calling and more
Take that Fring! Upping the ante on mobile video conferencing, ooVoo is now providing iOS users the freedom to enjoy 6-way video calling. There is a bit of catch, though. At least one of the users needs to subscribe to a monthly plan. If none have one, video calling will only be limited to 3 individuals. Yeah, that’s a bit of a bummer, but hey, 3-way video calling ain’t that bad, and who knows, maybe one of your friends/family members has an ooVoo video subscription, then you can freely then enjoy 6-way video fun on the go. Interested? Then head on over here to download ooVoo now.
Engadget

3-year contracts banned in the UK… hopefully Canada follows
UK independent communications regulator Ofcom has just dropped the hammer on 3-yr contracts, and banned it in the country. Citing that “shorter contact are likely to promote competition and enale consumer to switch provider more easily to benefit from better prices and services,” monthly plan offerings “will be limited to a maximum of 24 month” and “consumers and businesses must also be offered a choice of contract lasting no longer than 12 months.” It’s a pretty sound argument. So, does this mean Canada might soon be following suite too? We can only hope, but being one of the few countries left to have 3-yr contracts as a standard, the pressure is now definitely on.
Mobilesyrup

Xperias with unlocked bootloaders won’t get updates
Bad news for you folks out there who’ve unlocked the bootloader on your Sony Ericsson Xepria handset. Sony Ericsson has just revealed that handset with unlocked bootloaders won’t be receiving OTA updates since they rely on specific firmware versions, and updating via the regular software update tool won’t work too since this doesn’t support devices with unlocked bootloaders. They may add support for unlocked bootloaders to the regular software update tool in the future, but this is still uncertain. What’s guaranteed at this point in time is that unlocked Xperia handset will be locked out of the Android treats Sony Ericsson will be rolling out to users.
GSMArena

Nokia X7 Review

Nokia and Microsoft might be bezzie mates these days, but the X7 sticks to what’s familiar. Is there enough life left in Symbian to take on the big boys?

The X7 runs a new version of Symbian, called Anna – which, if nothing else, means you no longer have to worry about how to pronounce €^3′. It also brings some tweaks to the interface, faster web browsing (with Flash) and a portrait QWERTY keyboard – hardly revolutionary, but all welcome improvements.

Nokia’s worker drones plundered the ‘fancy Stuff cupboard when they put the X7 together. Its stainless steel and glass chassis should mean it outguns even the iPhone in the desirability stakes, although with colour options listed as ‘dark steel’ arid light steel you won’t be spoilt for choice.

Nokia’s Ovi app store might not be as well stocked as Apple’s, but it’s got the bases covered. The X7 comes loaded with Facebook and Twitter, plus its free Ovi Navigation includes turn-by-turn voice directions. As for games, don’t forget Ovi was one of the first platforms to get Angry Birds (after iOS, natch).

Nokia’s cameras have been hard to beat for a long time, and the X7 doesn’t show any signs of giving in. It shoots 8MP pics and 720p videos, a dual LED flash helping out in low light. Unfortunately, arid unlike the N8, there’s no HDMI-out for watching them back on your TV.

With a vent on each corner of its 4Jn screen, the X7 looks a bit like something Darth Vader would use to order a pizza. The screen is AMOLED, meaning it should be bright enough for the odd movie or game, but with a resolution of 640×360 it’s not going to challenge the iPhone’s 960×640 Retina Display.

Verdict:

The X7 suggests there’s some life in the old OS yet-but for how long?

Tech Specs

Screen 4in, 640×320 touchscreen

Camera 8MP, dual LED flash

Video 720p @25fps

Storage micro SD [8GB included]

Connectivity A-GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, HSDPA, USB, Wi-Fi

Battery 6h30 talk, 450h standby

Alternatively…

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

Sony Eric’s 4.2in Xperia Arc is just as shiny as the X7, but runs Android 2.3 and undercuts the Nokia in the slim stakes by a full 3mm.

Top 10 Android 3.0 Apps

Quickoffice Pro HD

In our experience Quickoffice, and apps of its ilk, tend to work swimmingly until you’re three minutes away from the most important presentation of your life, Still, the increased screen real estate of Android 3.0 makes spreadsheets more workable.

Fuze meeting

Brilliant, you’re thinking: a web conferencing app for Android 3.0. Because all my colleagues have Android 3.0. Well, never fear -Fuze is capable of hosting up to five remote attendees on various platforms, including iOS, Mac and Windows. Sweet.

Google Earth

Unsurprisingly, Google Maps and Google Earth work far better on Google’s own native operating system than on other platforms, Couple that with the fact that Google Earth is one of the best things ever, and you’ll sec why this is a must-have free app.

Plus News

Super RSS readers may not seem like a particularly zeitgeisty thing to do with a next-gen tablet, but it is, in fact, a highly desirable functionality. Pulse News enriches your feeds with pictures and formatting, making it a nicer way to absorb content.

Google Body

It€™s not all fun and news, you know. Apps can be educational. Google Body let you €“ or, more likely your kids €“ swoop in and out of the body€™s parts with enough sickness and gunther von Hagens €“ esque horror to forget that they are learning.

CNN

While iPad users are quickly getting over the hyped-up hoo-hah of the Sky News app, CNN has created rather a nice Android app with stacked stories and integrated video. There’s user-submitted content too, for all you citizen journalists.

Samurai II: Vengence

High-def, comic-genic slash n’ stabber that shows off the rich screen of the Motorola Xoom. It doesn’t look like the most Involving game ever, but it does have a combination of adventure and challenge modes to make dull train journeys a lot brighter,

LogMeIn Ignition

So, dilemma. You’re going on a two-day business trip. Do you take your laptop, with all that useful stuff on it, or your light, lovely tablet? The latter, with LogMeln so you can remotely access your PC desktop. Pricey, but essential for road warriors,

TouchDown for Tablets

There is a big difference between an OS that supports MSExchange throughout its various email and calendar extensions, and a slick, Exchange-accessing app that shows all your corporate gubbins in neat tabbed sections. This, you may have guessed, is the latter.

WeatherBug Elite

There are certain things about which it is useful to know each morning, and how Angry the Birds are is generally not one of them. What the weather is doing, anywhere in the world, and subsequently how one should be attired, is. Fact.

Cydle i30 Brings Live Television To The iPhone

I happen to be a huge fan of television on demand. Without cable, I guess I’d have to be. In fact, If I was better at keeping up with Foursquare check-ins, I’d probably be the Mayor of Netflix, and I’ve had Hulu bookmarked since its launch. But every so often, I get jealous of those who can watch “real” TV, with their commercial references and obscure made-for-television movies. But apparently, people like me won’t have to be jealous for long, as a new device has surfaced in FCC filings that gives users the ability to watch live broadcast digital television straight from the iPhone.

It’s called the Cydle i30, and it wraps around the back of the iPhone, sticking out past the bottom. The new device has an adjustable antenna to make sure you’ve got a strong signal, and then the antenna sends the video to the phone over Wi-Fi. Plus, for those of us who need every ounce of battery juice we can get, the Cydle i30 has its own integrated battery.

Obviously, you won’t want this thing strapped on to your phone all the time, but for live sporting events or breaking news, it’ll definitely come in handy. As of now, broadcast networks have live events on lock for the most part, with the exception of a few live feeds on YouTube Live.

[via Mobiledia]

HTC Desire S & HTC Wildfire S to launch exclusively with Telstra

Telstra and HTC today unveiled the HTC Desire S and HTC Wildfire S smartphones, available exclusively on the Telstra Next G network.

“Australians are displaying an incredible appetite for adopting smartphones. HTC is committed to offering strong alternatives to Australian consumers looking for a smartphone to suit their individual lifestyles,” said Ben Hodgson, Country Manager, HTC Australia and New Zealand. “The HTC Desire S hits the sweet spot for people who want a premium Android smartphone experience. The HTC Wildfire S is affordable and compact without compromising the quality consumers have come to expect from HTC.”

 

“The original HTC Desire was a huge hit with our customers and helped usher in Australia’s interest in Android-powered phones,” said Andrew Volard, Director Telstra Mobile Products. “So it’s only fitting we’ve teamed up with HTC to launch the HTC Desire S – our first smartphone to run the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. Our customers will love the way the HTC Desire S brings the web and apps alive in a design that stays true to the original Desire’s winning combination of performance and personalisation. We’re equally pleased to bring the affordable and compact Wildfire S to our customers. It’s tailored especially for our younger customers with strong social networking features and lots of entertainment options including Mobile FOXTEL from Telstra.”

 

HTC Desire S

 

As a successor to the popular, award-winning HTC Desire, the new HTC Desire S blends together cutting edge display and design. The device is sculpted out of a single block of aluminium making it feel solid and natural in your hand through a slimmer unibody design. With Qualcomm’s new 1GHz 8255 Snapdragon processor, the HTC Desire S offers snappy performance and power while its 3.7-inch WVGA display presents multimedia content brilliantly. HTC Desire S also comes with front and back cameras supporting video chat and High Definition video recording respectively.

 

HTC Wildfire S

 

Building on the popularity of HTC Wildfire, the HTC Wildfire S is a compact but powerful device, featuring a 3.2 inch touch screen and a 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and flash. The HTC Wildfire S enables people to build and establish connections and friendships through an easy Facebook share experience, Friend Stream (which groups all your friends’ social network updates together) and an intuitive caller ID displaying name, number and vital information including birthday reminders.

 

HTC Desire S Key Features:

 

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with HTC Sense

Super fast 1GHz processor

5 megapixel colour camera with auto focus and power LED flash

720p HD video recording

Virtual surround sound via SRS WOW HD

130 grams (4.59 ounces) with battery

Display screen of 3.7-inch touch screen with 480 x 800 resolution

microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)

 

HTC Wildfire S Key Features:

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with HTC Sense

600 MHz processor

5 megapixel colour camera with auto focus and flash

microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)

3.2-inch touch screen with 320 x 480 resolution

105 grams (3.7 ounces) with battery

G-Sensor, Digital compass, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor

 

 

Availability

 

The HTC Desire S will be available from May 31, 2011. It can be purchased on Telstra’s new Freedom Connect Plans including on the $59 Freedom Connect Plan with a mobile repayment option of $5 per month, after using an included MRO Bonus (for eligible customers), for 24 months (min cost is $1,536). This plan includes $550 worth of eligible calls, unlimited standard national text and 1.5GB of data to use in Australia.

 

Telstra Business customers will be able to team the Desire S with a range of Business Mobile PLUS and Business Mobile Maximiser plans.

 

The HTC Desire S will also be available to purchase outright for RRP $648.

 

The HTC Wildfire S will be available from July 19 on a range of Telstra Freedom Connect Plans, or, outright for RRP $360.

 

Google Announces Wallet NFC Initiative with Groupon-Alike Offers

Google has announced its plans to launch Google Wallet, a new mobile payment system in tandem with Citi, Mastercard and Sprint. The goal of the initiative is to build an open mobile payment ecosystem with an API to allow merchants and customers to buy and sell product quickly.

Along with the announcement of Wallet, Google also quietly announced the launch of its own prepaid card to tie into Wallet and Google Offers, its own Groupon-alike service that spotlights special offers from local merchants for massive discounts to drive sales in tandem with loyalty programs.

The Wallet service will initially launch with the Google Nexus S 4G on Sprint as an app, following the integration of Google Voice service on the carrier this month. The service will further be expanded to more phones as more phones are released with NFC hardware, with Citi and MasterCard providing infrastructure support as the service can be tied to an open Citi Mastercard as well as the aforementioned Google Prepaid Card for purchases, also backed by Mastercard and includes PayPass support.

Check-ins and Rating Places Now Easier on Google Maps 5.5 for Android

Google has made it easier to check in and out of places, rate various locations, and get transit information with Google Maps 5.5 for Android. This release adds ‘check in’ and ‘rate and review’ buttons to Place pages, the option to edit your home/work address for Latitude, and redesigned transit station pages.

Now when you open a Place page from your mobile device, you can check in to places with Google Latitude or submit a rating or review by clicking on two new buttons at the top of the listing.

Last month Google released the Location History dashboard for Latitude which estimates how much time you spend at home, work, and everywhere else. If your home or work address changes, or you’d rather set a different address to represent ‘home’ and ‘work,’ you can now edit these addresses within Latitude.

AT&T Confirms First Five LTE Markets

AT&T has confirmed that its first five LTE markets rolling out this summer will consist of Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio with ten more markets to be named at a later date with rollouts also to be confirmed. AT&T is currently in the process of purchasing T-Mobile USA, which is triggering controversy from the US government and the wireless industry due to the decrease in competition in the marketplace that is feared if the purchase and subsequent merger is allowed to be completed. AT&T is justifying the merger via the expansion of LTE to complete national coverage with the addition of T-Mobile’s assets.

Currently, AT&T is rolling out LTE on the 700MHz band and is quickly searching for more spectrum to purchase in order to roll out the network nationwide, which is triggering outrage from rural operators that are fighting AT&T’s continued purchases of spectrum due to the same fears regarding competition and the additional concern of roaming access.

Best Buy Mobile Upgrade Checker reveals other numbers on your Sprint account, invites scaremongering

Some crack reporting from an NBC affiliate news station has revealed a little foible in Best Buy's cellphone upgrade checking utility. If you punch in your Sprint mobile number and ZIP code, you get taken to a screen showing all the other numbers on your account as well. This applies only when yours is the main number on the account, mind you, but the issue is in the obviously lax approach to securing data you might care to keep private -- Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers have to pass a security check first. Of course, the actual risks resulting from someone being able to find other numbers associated with your cellular account are so small as to verge on the benign ("somebody can use that... for something", as the KXAN report sagely advises), though that hardly excuses Best Buy from being sloppy with Sprint subscribers. They're human too, you know!

Microsoft Previews Next Release of Windows Phone

Microsoft Corp. today previewed the next major release of Windows Phone, code-named “Mango,” through a series of media events around the world. “Mango” will deliver more than 500 new features to push the boundaries of the smartphone experience around communications, apps and the Internet. The “Mango” release will be available for free to Windows Phone 7 customers and is scheduled to ship on new phones beginning this fall. More details on device update timing will be provided closer to availability. Windows Phone will also add support for additional languages, expand access to apps by launching Windows Phone Marketplace in new countries, and partner with new OEMs to enable expansion to new markets.*

“Seven months ago we started our mission to make smartphones smarter and easier for people to do more,” said Andy Lees, president of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft. “With ‘Mango,’ Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the Internet, giving you better results with less effort.”

AT&T To Roll-Out LTE Coverage To Five New Markets This Summer

AT&T has gotten off to an incredibly late start rolling out its LTE network coverage, planning to compete with Verizon’s 55 markets by deploying its own LTE coverage in five markets starting this summer. The Texas-based company isn’t making any effort to hide its homestate favoritism, with three of its first five LTE-supported markets located in the Lone Star state.

CEO of Business Solutions John Stankey announced this morning that Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio would be swimmin’ in AT&T’s LTE radio waves this summer, with promises of ten additional markets before the end of the year. By contrast, Verizon has plans to deploy in 23 new markets next month, totaling out Verizon LTE-supported markets at 78.

AT&T also promised 20 new 4G-capable devices before year’s end — some running on AT&T’s not-quite-4G HSPA+ network, others on their actual, big-boy-4G LTE network.

Sprint Rolls Out of New Online Store

Sprint customers can now "add to their carts" a new, more robust shopping experience when they visit Sprint.com. Sprint’s new online store, which can be accessed at www.sprint.com/phones, has new features and functionality that make it easier for customers to pick the right phone, scan and compare service plans, and change plans and add-ons right in the online store.

"Shopping online at Sprint.com for wireless devices and plans has never been easier," said Mike Cooley, Sprint vice president for Online Channels. "We spent months testing the new Sprint online shopping experience directly with our customers and getting their candid feedback. We wanted to ensure that what we launched includes the tools and functionality they need and to help them make the most informed purchasing decisions when shopping on our website."

T-Mobile to Double Speed of its 4G Network

T-Mobile USA, Inc. has announced it is doubling the speed of its 4G network in more than 50 markets to achieve theoretical peak download speeds of up to 42 megabits per second (Mbps). T-Mobile customers in 55 markets will now have access to increased 4G network speed, capacity and reliability. These markets include Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; Miami, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Portland, Ore.; and San Francisco, Calif., among others.

In addition, T-Mobile’s first 42 Mbps-capable 4G product, the T-Mobile Rocket® 3.0 laptop stick, will be available for purchase beginning tomorrow, May 25. The Rocket 3.0, manufactured by ZTE, is designed to take advantage of T-Mobile’s faster 4G network speeds. Capable of speeds twice as fast as T-Mobile’s previous 4G devices, customers in 42Mbps coverage are expected to experience more consistent 4G speeds when creating and sharing mobile content, streaming and connecting through mobile video, and participating in multiplayer gaming.

Getaround car sharing service goes live, rent out your ride with an iPhone app and car kit

We expressed our excitement when we first heard about Getaround, the personal car rental service that enables users to rent out their autos by the hour or day, and at TechCrunch Disrupt the service has officially gone live for drivers outside the Bay Area. The company also announced an accompanying car kit that allows potential renters to unlock their temporary ride using just an iPhone app, at which point they can access a physical key inside. The company says it functions just like any other keyless entry device, and can be set up in as little as five minutes. Worrisome owners should also know that when you offer up your ride you get full insurance coverage from the Getaround folks, so all liabilities are transferred to the individual behind the wheel. Renters get rated by car owners so there's definitely an incentive to keep things neat and tidy, though we'd totally get downrated for neglecting to return the seat to its original position. Be sure to check out the demo video at the via link, you'll wish you thought of this yourself.

New CyanogenMod lets you rule Android app permissions with an iron fist

We've recently seen Google crack down on rogue apps and patch some server-side security issues, but let's not forget Android does have a small measure of built-in security: app permissions. But as with those pesky EULAs, many users tend to breeze through the permissions screen. And Android forces even the most attentive readers to accept or deny all permissions requested by an app. But the newest nightly builds of the CyanogenMod custom ROM include a clever patch allowing users to grant and revoke permissions individually -- something like the TISSA security manager we're still awaiting. Obviously playing God with permissions can crash your applications: with great power comes great responsibility. But we figure if you're running aftermarket firmware on a rooted phone, you're comfortable experimenting. See how it works in the video after the break, then hit the source link to download.

Hackers Keyboard for Android that brings with it all the keys

Do you miss the use of some keys you have become accustomed to while using a real life keyboard that aren’t available on your Android touchscreen devices? Well help is at had with the Hackers Keyboard for Android that brings with it all the keys that would normally be available on an actual physical keyboard.
The Hackers Keyboard has separate number keys, punctuation in the usual places, arrow keys and has been based on the AOSP Gingerbread soft keyboard, enabling it to also support multitouch for the modifier keys.

The Hackers Keyboard also provides access to working Tab/Ctrl/Esc keys essential for devices such as the Xoom tablet or Nexus S that don’t have a trackball or D-Pad, and is currently free to download from the Android Market.

The thinnest 15-inch PC on the planet Dell XPS 15z unveiled with its Performance, Style & Battery Life

Today Dell made official introduction to it’s XPS 15z laptop—the thinnest 15-inch PC on the planet, and the first in a series of new thin and powerful products from Dell to come this year. Dell’s XPS 15z is available today via Dell.com for customers in the United States and Canada, plus several countries around the world.

Starting at $999.99, the XPS 15z brings performance, style, battery life and craftsmanship together in a sleek package less than one inch thin. Dell designed the XPS 15z for the work-hard-play-hard ‘prosumer’ who needs and wants a high-performance laptop for a great work and entertainment experience, but who also places a premium on portability and style.

 

Dell made it thin… 0.97 inches (24.68mm) thin to be exact, and Dell packed it with performance via dual core second-generation Intel i5 and i7 processors paired with 1 or 2GB NVIDIA graphics cards and a beautiful optional full HD 1080p display. It also has a high-end standard feature set to match, including HDMI 1.4 out, two USB 3.0 ports, a 1.3 megapixel HD webcam and a 7200 rpm hard drive. All in a slick aluminum design that weighs just over 5.5 pounds (2.51kg).

 

Dell’s XPS 15z laptop features standard Core i5 and i7 processors—not the low-voltage equivalents. That means this system will chew through processor-intensive tasks like encoding or transcoding true HD video, or editing layers on large RAW images taken from digital SLRs. Beyond the processors, in the United States, Dell offer it with either 6 or 8GB of DDR3 memory that runs at 1333MHz (places outside the US will offer a config that starts with 4GB). And like I mentioned before, all configurations come standard with 7200 rpm hard drives in capacities up to 750GB. On the software side, all XPS 15z laptops come standard with Dell Stage installed, so your favorite music, photos and videos are a click away.

 

Customers made it clear that solid video performance is a requirement. That’s why Dell offer two NVIDIA GPU options, both the 1GB and 2GB versions of NVIDIA’s GT 525M. These graphics card options provide more than twice the performance vs. other laptops using typical integrated video chipsets. Beyond that, all XPS 15z video configurations support NVIDIA’s Optimus technology. It optimizes graphics performance based on the power you need at the time. See NVIDIA’s explanation of the technology for a bit more information.

 

 

Performance doesn’t mean much in a laptop without decent battery life. In our labs, the XPS 15z provides up to 8 hours of via an 8-cell battery according to MobileMark 2007 results. The display itself is also an important factor for our customers. The optional 1080p display (1920 x 1080) is 50% brighter than many other typical laptop displays. You’ll notice it’s easier to read outdoors compared to a typical notebook display. The full HD panel features a new color enhancement technology that produces more realistic and accurate images than any other Dell laptop. I’ll blog more about this sRGB-based display technology in the future – for those who are display technology enthusiasts, it means our optional Full HD display on the XPS 15z is comparable to sRGB standards.

 

Here’s a video interview with Brian Pitstick, Dell’s executive director for CSMB notebooks, that highlights the XPS 15z’s features and performance:

 

And like I mentioned in the title, design was a key part of the equation. Much has been written about Dell’s Adamo line and our decision to discontinue it. I agree with outlets like Gizmodo Australia who say that the Adamo line inspired the XPS 15z. No question that the Adamo line paved the way for the XPS 15z. You’ll see it in things like craftsmanship, premium materials such as anodized aluminum, polished and brushed accents in places like the speaker grills and other vents. Other nice touches like the latch-less mechanism to open the display and the standard chiclet-style backlit keyboard definitely shows off the XPS 15z’s Adamo heritage as well. After getting to use one for a few days, I can say the 15z feels like a solid and well-built machine.

 

Opera Mini makes its encore performance on iOS

Today, the Opera Mini 6 browser for iOS joined the Opera band and is available to download for free from the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad. The Opera Mini mobile browser provides a different kind of browsing experience to complement the default iPad and iPhone browser. It features up to 90% compression of data traffic for speed and cost savings, making both your patience and wallet happy on slower connections or when roaming.

So Opera Mini is ready to chime in and sing harmony when you are on a slow connection, crowded network, paying per megabyte for browsing, or simply want to save time and money.

 

Have an iPhone 4? Our browser adapts to the high resolution and changes the user interface to accommodate the screen size. How about iPad? Yep, the Opera Mini 6 browser will switch to a more convenient view for tablet handling.

 

The chorus of Opera Mini users gave feedback and we listened. Like the rest of the Opera Mini 6 lineup, the iOS version features:

Much faster and smoother panning and zooming that lets the user get all the way into the details of every page, in one smooth motion

Share buttons to share the love for a site to your friends on My Opera, Facebook, Twitter or vKontakte right from the Opera Mini 6 browser

New jazzed-up skin and redesigned Opera menus

 

Backstage, Opera’s engineers have tuned the browser and created a faster and more fluid user experience. Scrolling and panning are ultra fast, even on the largest webpages, for instant access. On iOS, the Opera Mini 6 browser is submitted as a single download for all iOS devices.

 

The Opera Mini 5 browser for iOS launched in April 2010, to the delight of screaming fans who threw their underwear at the stage, racking up more than a million downloads at the Apple app store in the first 24 hours. Super fast browsing, cost savings on data traffic and unmatched user experience leads to a Woodstock-like download rush.

 

During that time, the Opera Mini browser topped the charts in every Apple App Store globally.

 

Barnes & Noble Introduces the All-New NOOK, The Simple Touch Reader

Barnes & Noble, Inc. today expanded its bestselling digital reading offering with the All-New NOOK, The Simple Touch Reader. With a full touchscreen, NOOK features record-setting, extra-long battery life on the easiest-to-use, ultra-light, portable 6-inch eReader with the most-advanced E Ink Pearl display, and the world’s largest bookstore available by Wi-Fi. Now available for pre-order at www.nook.com and at Barnes & Noble stores for just $139, NOOK will begin shipping on or about June 10. Barnes & Noble adds the All-New NOOK, a significant leap forward in the dedicated eReader category, to a product line that includes the bestselling NOOK Color, the only Reader’s Tablet. Based on the success of the NOOK product line, combined with focus on the absolute best reading experience, Barnes & Noble now claims more than 25 percent of the digital book market – just 18 months after launching NOOK 1st Edition.  

Barnes & Noble has always recognized the simplicity and ease that the element of touch brings to its NOOK product line, and the All-New NOOK is no exception. With a simple tap to the 6-inch touchscreen, it’s intuitive and easy to navigate, shop and read. Customers can look up words, highlight passages, adjust the font size and style or search by typing on the responsive on-screen keyboard that appears only when a customer needs it. The paper-like E Ink display features crisp, clear text that’s great for reading anywhere, even in bright sunlight. The no-glare display offers 50 percent more contrast than NOOK 1st Edition.

 

At only 7.48 ounces (212 grams), the artfully designed All-New NOOK is lightweight and thin – 35 percent lighter and 15 percent thinner than NOOK Wi-Fi 1st Edition. Lighter than a paperback, NOOK’s sleek but durable, compact design (6.5 inches high by 5 inches wide by 0.47 inches deep) makes it easy to fit in a jacket, pocket, purse or backpack, holding up to 1,000 digital books and more personal content using the expandable memory slot. Its ergonomic, contoured design with a soft-touch back makes it easy and comfortable to read, even with just one hand, and for extended periods of time. And thanks to best-in-class battery life, read for up to 2 months on a single charge with Wi-Fi off – that’s twice as long as the other leading eReader available.

 

Barnes & Noble’s use of the latest-generation E Ink screen and proprietary technology offers unmatched performance on the All-New NOOK, delivering a seamless and immersive reading experience. NOOK offers 80 percent less flashing than other eReaders – whether turning pages, browsing for books or scrolling through your library. Page turns are lightning fast, using the touchscreen or well-placed side buttons, and with the new Fast Page feature, just press and hold a side button to quickly scan through content and skip right to the desired section.

 

“We set out to design the easiest-to-use, most optimized, dedicated reading device ever created and accomplished it with the All-New NOOK,” said William Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Barnes & Noble. “Touch makes it simple to use, and the beautifully compact design makes it the most portable eReader in its class. Add to that an unmatched battery life, the most advanced paper-like touch display on the market and wireless access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, and we believe that for readers of all ages, the All-New NOOK is the best eReader on the market, and a great value at $139.”

 

The World’s Largest Bookstore in Your Pocket

 

With the All-New NOOK, customers can enjoy a wide variety of digital content, all at their fingertips. Shop for everything from new releases and current bestsellers to classics and more, all in a single search. The NOOK Bookstore offers one of the most expansive digital catalogs of more than two million books, magazines and newspapers. Enjoy helpful recommendations from Barnes & Noble’s experts, personalized based on customers’ favored authors and genres, to decide what to read next. Have more than 80 popular national and local market newspapers and magazines from the NOOK Newsstand automatically delivered to NOOK the moment they’re released, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA TODAY, as well as Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Discover, Fast Company and New York magazine. All periodicals are available for subscription with a 14-day free trial or via single copies.

 

Most NOOK Books are $9.99 or less, including most of The New York Times Bestsellers, plus there’s over a million free classics. Enjoy more than 100,000 titles from independent publishers and self-publishing authors using Barnes & Noble’s PubIt! digital publishing platform. Young readers will find more than 12,000 NOOK Kids chapter books in Barnes & Noble’s world’s largest collection of digital children’s content. Sample NOOK Book titles for free and download all content wirelessly over a Wi-Fi connection in just seconds.

 

When customers visit Barnes & Noble stores with their All-New NOOK, the shopping and reading experience gets even better. Connect to free and fast Wi-Fi and browse complete NOOK Books for free through the company’s innovative Read In Store program and get exclusive content and special promotions through the More In Store program. NOOK customers receive access at more than 24,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as other personal and public hotspots to browse, buy and download new content wirelessly.

 

Get Social with NOOK Friends

 

Another way NOOK customers can learn more about great books is through NOOK Friends, an exciting social experience previously available only to NOOK Color customers. From the home page, customers can see book recommendations from friends. See what your friends have posted about their current read, swap recommendations, share reading status, favorite quotes, and much more. Through Twitter and Facebook integrations, right from their current book, customers can tweet the title they’re reading, post on their Facebook wall and see what their NOOK Friends “like” on Facebook. With Barnes & Noble’s exclusive LendMe technology, you can also lend eligible books to your friends at no cost for 14 days, and see and request to borrow friends’ LendMe books.

 

And coming in the next few weeks, Barnes & Noble will offer a new custom website, mynook.com, where customers can get recommendations from Barnes & Noble expert booksellers and NOOK Friends, access their NOOK Library, and manage their device.

 

Read Your Way

 

Customers can customize their All-New NOOK and reading experience to their liking. Choose from 7 font sizes and 6 font styles. NOOK owners can personalize their device with one of Barnes & Noble’s screen savers or transfer personal photos (JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF) to make NOOK their own, and choose from a complete line of exclusive, new NOOK accessories (www.nook.com/accessories) to show their style wherever they go. They can also create personalized My Shelves to organize their NOOK Library and group reading content similar to their bookcase.

 

Read Everywhere

 

A customer’s entire NOOK Library follows them wherever they go. They can also easily transfer personal EPUB and PDF files to their All-New NOOK device to read documents on the go using the 2GB internal memory or a microSD card. Since the All-New NOOK is built on Android Operating System 2.1 and uses Adobe technology, device owners can also borrow digital books from their local library, a feature Barnes & Noble has always offered to NOOK device customers. Customers can also read seamlessly, accessing their NOOK Library and sync the last page read across their NOOK devices and their favorite mobile and computing devices using Barnes & Noble’s free line of eReading software (www.bn.com/freenookapps).

 

Availability

 

The All-New NOOK can be pre-ordered for $139 today and is expected to begin shipping on or about June 10, making it the perfect gift for dads and grads, and a great addition for every book lover’s summer reading wish list. Experience the All-New NOOK at www.nook.com or at the NOOK Boutiques and displays in one of Barnes & Noble’s more than 700 bookstores. With The Barnes & Noble Promise, the company offers unmatched customer support in neighborhood Barnes & Noble bookstores, as more than 40,000 booksellers across the country are ready to assist customers with setting up their NOOKs or choosing their next great read. The company also continues to provide award-winning customer service support via phone and email. The All-New NOOK will also be available beginning next month at Best Buy, Walmart, Staples and Books-A-Million, along with NOOK Color.

 

European Commission regains sanity, cancels €22 million SYMBEOSE project

Last November, to the surprise and dismay of many, the European Commission decided it needed to stimulate some homegrown innovation in the mobile space and pulled together €22 million in a public/private investment designed to help Symbian get ahead. It was intended to turn Nokia's former lover into the Embedded Operating System for Europe (hence the name SYMBEOSE), but alas the breakup between Symbian and the Finnish mobile maker was too much to overcome. The EC has decided, quite rightly, that there's no sense in continuing its symbtopia project, and now a member of Neelie Kroes' team has confirmed the entire venture has been cancelled. European taxpayers (two of whom you see on the right) will also be glad to know that no money has exchanged hands, so the bullet has been well and truly dodged. Guess that's why they're looking so happy.

[Thanks, Danijel]

T-Mobile doubling the speed of its 4G network and announces 42 Mbps-capable T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 laptop stick

Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced it is doubling the speed of its 4G network in more than 50 markets to achieve theoretical peak download speeds of up to 42 megabits per second (Mbps). T-Mobile customers in 55 markets will now have access to increased 4G network speed, capacity and reliability. These markets include Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; Miami, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Portland, Ore.; and San Francisco, Calif., among others. 

In addition, T-Mobile’s first 42 Mbps-capable 4G product, the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 laptop stick, will be available for purchase beginning tomorrow, May 25. The Rocket 3.0, manufactured by ZTE, is designed to take advantage of T-Mobile’s faster 4G network speeds. Capable of speeds twice as fast as T-Mobile’s previous 4G devices, customers in 42Mbps coverage are expected to experience more consistent 4G speeds when creating and sharing mobile content, streaming and connecting through mobile video, and participating in multiplayer gaming. 

“We are continuing the aggressive expansion of America’s Largest 4G Network, and also doubling our speeds in more than 50 markets this month,” said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA. “While customers with existing 3G and 4G devices will benefit from our continued network enhancements, new devices like the new Rocket 3.0 laptop stick will enable customers to reap the benefits of even faster 4G speeds.”

Providing customers with a blazing fast Internet connection on almost any laptop while on the go, the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 is equipped with a convenient rotating swivel USB form factor and three changeable faceplates in cobalt blue, dark violet and matte black. The Rocket 3.0 will be available at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-Mobile.com tomorrow for $99.99 after a $50 mail in rebate, with a qualifying mobile broadband plan on a two year service agreement1. Postpaid monthly plans start at $29.99, and customers with a qualifying voice line of service with T-Mobile receive a 20 percent discount. Customers can also purchase the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 without an annual contract for $199.99.  For more information about the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0, including pricing and plan details, visit www.t-mobile.com/broadbandgoesmobile.

As T-Mobile’s 4G network continues to expand and get faster, the company’s portfolio of 4G products is also growing. T-Mobile currently offers a dozen 4G-capable devices spanning smartphones, tablets and mobile broadband products that give customers access to America’s Largest 4G Network. The company has announced plans to deliver a total of 25 4G-capable devices in 2011.

T-Mobile’s 4G network already reaches more than 200 million Americans in 170 markets. By midyear, T-Mobile expects that more than 150 million Americans will have access to increased 4G speeds as T-Mobile upgrades its 4G network. A list of new markets where the new faster speeds are available can be found below.

T-Mobile 4G markets where 42Mbps service is launching today:

Albany, Ga.; Athens, Ga.; Atlanta, Ga.; Auburn, Ala.; Augusta, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Bentonville, Ark.; Boulder, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas; Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Durham, N.C.; El Paso, Texas; Fort Collins, Colo.; Gainesville, Fla.; Gainesville, Ga.; Greeley, Colo.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; Long Island, N.Y.; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif.; Macon, Ga.; Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Miami, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Olympia, Wash.; Omaha, Neb.; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Ponce, Puerto Rico; Portland, Ore.; Salinas, Calif.; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, Calif.; Savannah, Ga.; Seattle, Wash.; Spokane, Wash.; Tampa, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; Valdosta, Ga.; Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif.; Warner Robins, Ga., and Wichita, Kan.