Phone AsK: August 2011

Samsung Galaxy S, S II and Ace: Banned by The Hague

Apple getting its way

24 August 2011 15:52 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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The Apple / Samsung legal battle has hit a new twist with the news that The Rechtbank's-Gravenhage (a Dutch court in the city of The Hague) has issued a Europe-wide preliminary injunction against the Galaxy S, S II and Ace smartphones.
As the brothers Chuckle would say: "Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear."
Now, before you start panicking and going out to buy the Android devices by the bucket-load whilst they're still available, be aware that voice of patent reason - Foss Patents - has stated that even though the UK is one of the EU countries the ban could apply to, the likelihood is that Samsung will appeal, or even restructure its shipping channels, before the 13 October banning date.
"In legal terms, the order does not bind Samsung's Korean parent company - only three different Samsung subsidiaries registered in the Netherlands - with respect to other countries than the Netherlands," states Florian Mueller, the brains behind Foss.
He adds: "However, it is my understanding that Samsung's European logistics use the Netherlands as the primary hub. If Samsung's Korean parent company wants to exercise its freedom to ship into other European countries despite this injunction, it will have to reorganise its logistics chain in Europe accordingly."
Apple originally sued Samsung back in April due to claims that the South Korean manufacturer had copied many elements of its iPhone and iPad designs and user interface with the Galaxy range of phones and tablets.
This escalated earlier this month with the news that Samsung had been told that it has to withdraw the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 from sale in Europe including the UK, just days after it went on sale, following orders by a German court. Samsung appealed and the preliminary injunction was lifted (everywhere but Germany) for the time being.
This recent judgement does not seem to apply to the Galaxy Tab but, worryingly for Samsung, is the first instance of Apple possessing an enforceable court decision that finds Android to infringe upon its patents.
The plot thickens.
Via: engadget.com Via: fosspatents.blogspot.com

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Phones, Apple, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy Ace, Biz

source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41684/samsung-galaxy-banned-the-hague

White Samsung Galaxy S II official: Coming 1 September

UPDATE: In stock and in store

31 August 2011 9:53 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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If you want your Samsung Galaxy S II to stand out from the crowd, but don't fancy adding a physical QWERTY as per the AT&T variant, then how about a white version of the massively popular handset?
That dream (yes, dream) is now a reality as web rumours and leaked pics have led to official confirmation from Samsung. The Galaxy S II white edition exists and what's more it's going on sale in just over a month.
Simon Stanford, MD of mobile at Samsung UK and Ireland said: "Sales of the Galaxy S II have surpassed all expectations since its release in May this year. The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S II white brings to market an incredibly stylish addition to our latest multi-award winning handset.
"The Galaxy S II is our slimmest, lightest, fastest and now whitest smartphone, the first device to offer Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, alongside the most advanced technical specifications including the latest Android OS and a dual core processor."
The Galaxy S II is a big hit with team Pocket-lint too - we gave it the "Hot Product" tag following our comprehensive review.
The white Samsung Galaxy S II hits UK shops on 1 September.
Update: Three is set to stock the handset soon, priced in at £499 for PAYG customers and will also arrive on the one plan from £30 per month.
Update 2: Samsung has contacted Pocket-lint to tell us that the UK stock has arrived a day early and the phone should be in store from today (31 August).
Check out: Samsung Galaxy S II review
And: Best Samsung Galaxy S II accessories
And laugh at Dan here: Samsung Galaxy S II extreme unboxing videos - all of them!!!

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Phones, Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung, Mobile phones

source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41299/white-samsung-galaxy-s-ii

Motorola Pro+ adds flames to the Fire

Another QWERTY Gingerbread handset

31 August 2011 10:04 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Thought that the Motorola Fire would be the only Gingerbread QWERTY handset getting an official release from Google's new baby? Then think again as the Motorola Pro+ has just been announced.
Taking a leaf from Samsung's naming conventions, the Pro+ is indeed a follow up to the Motorola Pro that was announced in February at MWC, and does, of course, pack a full physical QWERTY. What self respecting Pro labelled handset wouldn't?
The Android 2.3 handset packs Corning Gorilla glass on its 3.1-inch, 640x480 display and is powered by a 1GHz processor, backed up with 512MB of RAM. Onboard storage is 4GB.
There's a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, HSDPA 14.4Mbps connectivity as well as Wi-Fi, aGPS and a 3G mobile hotspot feature (for up to five other devices).
"The Motorola Pro+ is built for people who want to take the pressure off and consolidate their work and personal lives with an efficient smartphone that acts like your personal assistant," said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility.
And you thought a Pro+ was just to help get over a hangover.
No word on pricing yet, but we're told the Motorola Pro+ will be available in Asia and Europe starting in October.

Full tags

Phones, Motorola Pro+, Motorola, Motorola Pro, Motorola Fire, Mobile phones

source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41790/motorola-pro-plus-qwerty-handset

Sony 3D head-mounted visor going on sale in November

IFA 2011: Look like Geordi La Forge

31 August 2011 10:32 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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We first saw the Sony 3D head-mounted display at CES at the beginning of the year in prototype stage, and now nearly 9 months later the company has announced that it will go on sale in Japan in November.
The headset, which looks like some sort of fat Tron-esque Geordi La Forge visor, gives you a separate video channel for each eye immersing you in a world of 3D - a bit like real life.
The head-mounted display - Personal 3D Viewer - "HMZ-T1" is, says Sony, akin to watching a 62ft screen as if you where in the cinema and is equipped with two OLED displays offering up a resolution of 1280x720 pixels with simulated 5.1-channel surround sound being piped in through the ear pieces.
"The effect is good, with Sony's demo tape offering a better 3D experience than some of the large-screen action used to demo its new products during the press conference presentation," said Pocket-lint’s editor Chris Hall when he tried the headset at CES in Las Vegas.
Like the newly announced Vidoculars, launched by Sony earlier in the month, the device uses two separate screens to give you a 3D-quality image, which is how Sony is able to claim such a good picture.
The unit is equipped with one socket for HDMI output and another for through output. The built-in HDMI output switcher enables both the head-mounted display and a television to be connected to the processor unit at any given time, thereby allowing the user to switch between devices for their desired output destination.
The new headset is expected to cost around 60,000 yen, which is around £480.

Full tags

Home Cinema, Sony, Sony HMZ-T1, IFA2011, 3D

source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41792/sony-3d-headset-cinema-googles

Are apps dead? The FT thinks so

Is this the beginning of the end for apps?

31 August 2011 10:39 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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The Times, they are a changing. The Financial Times that is, as it's no longer available in app form through Apple's App Store after being pulled following a disagreement over bounties Apple wanted to collect from the UK newspaper.
Could the move spell the beginning of the end for apps, or will the app-loving world that we find ourselves in carry on regardless?
If you're unfamiliar with the new Cupertino T&Cs then allow us to fill you in. Apple wants to treat all in-app purchases; whether that be new weapons on a game, extra tracks for a music app or, in the FT and other publications' cases, subscription fees, in the same way. It wants its 30 per cent cut.
This has seen Amazon dropping the link to the Kindle Store from its iOS apps as well as setting up its own, outside of Apple's control, HTML5 web based app, and the Wall Street Journal ending all transactions inside iOS apps and saying: "We remain concerned that Apple’s own subscription would create a poor experience for our readers."
The Financial Times has almost 250,000 digital subscribers and, back in June, launched its own web-app in preparation for the move out of the App Store which it claims has been used by 550,000 people during its free trial period.
The concern for Apple will be that, rather than towing the official Infinite Loop line, big organisations like Amazon and the FT, as well as the likes of Vudu in the States, are simply taking their apps to the browser.
Could this, therefore, be the beginning of a slow death for native OS apps? With the OS ecosystem becoming so spread, and the tablet boom looking as if it will continue at a pace, we wouldn't be at all surprised.
Via: paidcontent.org

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Mobile phone apps, iPad apps, iPhone apps, Apple, App Store, Financial Times

source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41791/financial-times-pulled-app-store

Amazon tablet coming October claim sources

10.1-inch version next year

31 August 2011 11:14 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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Amazon’s tablet rumours are continuing to grow following more gossip out of the Far East, this time hinting that the online retailer will launch a 7-inch tablet in October and a 10.1-inch tablet at the start of next year.
According to Digitimes in Taiwan:
"Mass production of Amazon's 10.1-inch tablet PC reportedly will be conducted in the first quarter of 2012 with Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) to handle the orders, according to sources from upstream component suppliers."
The article goes on to say that "Amazon's 7-inch tablet PC, which is supplied by Quanta Computer, is expected to start shipping in October, the sources added."
The October time frame for the Amazon rumours fits in with previous speculation that the company is expected to launch a tablet before Christmas, taking on the Apple iPad and a range of other tablets launching from Samsung, Toshiba, ViewSonic and others.
Amazon, like Apple, is one of the only company’s to be able to offer both a hardware and software solution and while it doesn’t have its own operating system, it does already offer a book-buying service via the Kindle, an MP3 download service, and a movie streaming service in the US and the UK.
With a strong content portfolio and decent hardware this could cause a very big shake up within the tablet market.
What do you think? Will an Amazon tablet be a success? Let us know in the comments below.
Via: digitimes.com

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Tablets, Amazon, Foxconn, Rumours

source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41794/amazon-tablet-coming-october-sources

Geofences - the new Flickr buzzword

Privacy settings just went local

31 August 2011 13:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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Geofence. That’s the new buzzword you’ll have to remember, especially if you are a flickr user looking to control who sees your images online.
The idea behind Geofencing is that it allows you to create a virtual barrier around key locations, thereby filtering your contacts between those allowed to see photos within the location and those who aren't.
For example: you may only want specific friends and family to see photos taken within your home or at your child's school; just set a Geofence around the location and specify who can see it - any subsequent GPS-tagged pics uploaded to Flickr will then have the new privacy control in place.
Working like the site's Groups feature, that allows you to manage who sees what, this ability to do the same for photos taken with geographical data attached means up-to-date smartphones will be able to make the most of the new feature.
Why would you want such a service? According to Flickr it is so “you can easily make sure that only people you trust can see the location of photos taken inside your house or any other sensitive areas while still showing the world exactly where you had those amazing cheese covered duck fat fries."
Flickr users can set up their new geo preferences page to create geofences within Flickr.

Via: blog.flickr.net

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Flickr, GPS, Phones, Social networks, Online
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41796/flickr-goefences-geotagging-privacy-settings

HTC Runnymead rumours suggest 4.7-inch Android smartphone

Big screen for big rumour

31 August 2011 13:42 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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Another day another rumoured HTC handset. This time it’s the turn of a new codename and therefore a new phone in the guise of the HTC Runnymead.
According to well placed leaks, and some EXIF data that’s already turned up on the interwebs, the HTC Runnymead will be an Android handset of huge proportions.
It will, if rumours are to be believed, sport a massive 4.7-inch Super LCD screen and be among the first phones to emerge from the collaboration between HTC and Beats Audio.
Mobile phone site Pocketnow.com is citing the phone to have a 1.5GHz processor, 768MB of RAM, an 8 megapixel camera on the back and a 1.3MB camera on the front all running the latest version of Android (2.3.4) alongside the usual HTC tricks.
Those worried about putting something like that in your pocket shouldn’t be, according to the supposed specs it will be under 10mm thick, although at 4.7-inches it is starting to veer towards Dell Streak territory.
Other gems include DLNA and Beats headphones (not earphones).
HTC watchers will notice that those specs are virtually identical to the HTC Eternity handset that is also doing the rumour rounds at the moment. The difference of course is that the Eternity is rumoured to be packing Windows Phone 7 instead of Android suggesting that if both products are real, HTC is building an Android variant for Google fans.
The HTC Eternity is expected to be announced on the 1 September to kick start the new Windows Phone 7 season.
If that happens, it will either mean the “source” mistook the operating system the HTC Runnymead was running, or that HTC are building two phones for the price of one simply changing the bottom of the screen button configuration.
With HTC not being quiet about the fact that it still has plenty of handsets to launch will we see the Runnymead some time before Christmas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Via: pocketnow.com

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Phones, HTC, HTC Runnymead, HTC Eternity, Android, Windows Phone 7
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41797/htc-runnymead-4-7-inch-android-smartphone

Live from IFA 2011: Pocket-lint touches down in Germany

We're out in Berlin - bring on the tech

31 August 2011 13:52 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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Each year Berlin becomes the focus of the entire consumer electronics industry, as the city hosts one of the world’s largest trade shows on the planet. That is the thing they call IFA.
Pronounced ee-fa by most who know her, the acronym stands for Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, which roughly translated comes out as The Berlin Radio Show - Giving an indication of how the show began life in 1926.
And IFA 2011 is now underway with the technology media, including a strong Pocket-lint contingent, arriving in Germany for the press events ahead of the big show.
We'll be furiously treading the 140,200 square metres of floor space devoted to over 1441 exhibitors at the Messe Berlin, bringing you all the news as it breaks and getting our grubby paws on all of the new kit so we can let you guys know what's what.
It's all set to be a tablet-tastic event with Toshiba, Sony, ViewSonic and others launching new tablets to take on the iPad 2, while others will be keen to show us the latest phones, cameras, televisions, and other goodies.
But there will be plenty more going on if you're not a tablet fan - IFA has seen some pretty huge launches in the past, so expect the unexpected.
All of the big boys are there - we've already heard rumours of what Sony might be announcing, but expect to hear news from the likes of Panasonic, Sharp, Philips, Toshiba, and LG as well.
During IFA week, be sure to check our dedicated IFA site for all of the coverage at www.pocket-lint.com/ifa2011
Enjoy!
- IFA 2011 - the gadgets we're expecting to see

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Tablets, Gadgets, Home Cinema, Laptops, IFA2011, Phones, Cameras
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41801/live-from-ifa-2011-tech-news-review-photos

Samsung Slate PC Series 7 Windows hybrid tab unleashed

IFA 2011: The tab with your desktop in mind

31 August 2011 13:58 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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If you agreed with us that the Samsung Series 7 700Z premium notebook looks magical then prepare for your second Samsung Series 7 related gasp of the day as, over at IFA in Berlin, Sammy has unleashed a tablet with a twist - the Samsung Slate PC Series 7.
The twist is, this isn't the Korean giant's latest Android tab foray - it's a Windows 7 based 11.6-incher, designed to be equally at home docked on your desk as it is on your lap.
It packs quite a punch too - an Intel Core i5 chip is on board (there are Core i3 and a Pentium versions too), backed up with 4GB of RAM. Storage is 32 or 64GB of the SSD variety and connectivity is pretty good with Wi-Fi, WiMAX and HSPA+, as well as USB, microSD and HDMI.
Cameras are 3-megapixel on the back, 2-megapixel up front, and there's a 170-degree viewing angle on the 16:9 HD display.
The dock adds full sized ports for USB and HDMI as well, plus Gigabit Ethernet. The keyboard hooks up using Bluetooth. Battery life is given as 7 hours, which is pretty good for a Windows tab. It weighs in at 0.86kg and is around 12.7mm thick.
No prices or release dates yet - we'll keep you posted.
Keep up with all the goings on over in Berlin, using our dedicated IFA 2011 home page.

Full tags

Samsung, Samsung Slate PC Series 7, Tablets, Windows 7, IFA2011
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41799/samsung-slate-pc-series7-launches

PEGI age rating hits Windows Phone 7

Classification goes mobile

31 August 2011 14:24 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Worried that your kids are playing games that perhaps they shouldn't on their mobiles? Microsoft is too, it seems, as it has introduced PEGI age ratings to its Windows Phone platform.
The PEGI system is the standard form of classification for video games in the UK, announced by the government back in 2009 as part of its Digital Britain report.
PEGI Express is a mobile based system, with developers able to get their games rated with a tool built into the Windows Phone platform.
"At Microsoft, providing parents with the tools to help keep their children safe online is a top priority, and we have made considerable investments in this area both in our Windows environment as well as on the Xbox 360," said Chris Lewis, VP IEB, Microsoft EMEA.
"Given the fast growing popularity of mobile gaming amongst a younger age group, we felt that it was critical to apply those same rigorous standards to our Windows Phone devices as currently apply to Xbox and Games for Windows titles."
It makes sense. With gaming on mobile devices becoming so prolific and ever more realistic, it seems only fair that parents with concerns have the same guides in place for their kids' phones as they do for their consoles.

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Gaming, Pegi, Windows Phone 7, Microsoft, Mobile phone apps, Operating Systems
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41795/pegi-age-rating-windows-phone

Nokia 703 Windows Phone 7 device pictured

Could this be the Sea Ray?

31 August 2011 14:51 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Nokia's Windows Phone 7 devices continue to drip out, with the Nokia 703 now doing the rumour rounds as the potential launch name for the Sea Ray, thanks to this leaked shot of the phone appearing on a poster.
The image is a little blurry - but the specs seem to suggest a mid-range phone; possibly to fall under the 800 which is said to be Nokia's Windows Phone 7 flagship device.
The spec sheet points towards a device measuring 112 x 60.8 x 12.3mm, weighing 114g, with a 3.7-inch LCD 480x800 display, a 5-megapixel camera with 720p video shooting at 30fps, 8GB of storage and 512MB of RAM.
Next to "General" it looks as if it says 27 November - presumably a release date for the handset.
Nothing more is known at this point, although the handset does look familiar to the one Elop showed off to the world (by accident, of course) back in June.
And, with HTC all set for a 1 September Windows Phone 7.5 declaration, Microsoft mobilers finally have something to get excited about.
Via: wmpoweruser.com

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Phones, Nokia, Nokia Sea Ray, Nokia 700, Nokia 703, Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 7.5, Mobile phones, Mango, Rusourc
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41802/nokia-703-windows-phone-7

HTC JetStream: The 10-inch HTC Honeycomb tablet hits AT&T

Flyer gets bigger

31 August 2011 15:08 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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HTC has just announced the HTC Jetstream, a 10.1-inch Honeycomb-powered tablet in the US exclusive to AT&T.
The new model, available on Monday 4 September, is the company’s first 10.1-inch tablet and comes after months of rumours.
The tablet features a 10.1-inch WXGA HD display, Snapdragon 1.5 GHz dual core processor along with front (1.3 megapixels) and rear facing (8 megapixels) cameras and LTE/HSPA connectivity. It will support 1080p playback and capture.
It runs the Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) operating system and represents the first iteration of the HTC Sense user experience on Honeycomb.
Like the company’s 7-inch offering, the HTC Flyer, the Jetstream will work with the company’s stylus - the HTC Scribe - an optional digital pen accessory. AT&T has said that for a limited time it will bundle one in the box.
"This tablet is a beautiful 10.1-inch, LTE powered masterpiece," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "When you combine powerful options like HTC Jetstream with our upcoming LTE technology and nationwide HSPA+ network, it flies."
Available on the 4 September, the tablet will be available exclusively to AT&T to customers online and in company-owned retail stores for $699.99 with a new 2-year contract.
AT&T postpaid tablet customers now have a new $35, 3GB monthly data plan option with a 2-year contract.
Customers who do not choose a long-term commitment may still select one of two existing monthly billing options:
Postpaid whereby users pay $14.99 for 250MB or $25 for 2GB or Prepaid which will cost $14.99 for 250MB or $25 for 2GB.

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Tablets, HTC, HTC Jetstream, Android
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41806/htc-jetstream-10-1-inch-android-tablet

iCloud iTunes Match has streaming uncertainty

Download only insists Apple bod

31 August 2011 9:32 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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On Tuesday Pocket-lint reported on the fact that iTunes 10.5 beta 6.1 seemed to bring with it iTunes Match streaming from iCloud, rather than just the download-only option that the awaiting fanboys were expecting.
Well, don't get your streaming hopes up just yet, as an AllThingsD report seems to squash any suggestions that Apple is about to enter the streaming market.
It quotes an Apple spokesperson as stating that any digital music you want from your iCloud-stored collection still must be physically stored on your iPad or iPhone - suggesting that the stream option is more of a stream and download one.
So, rather than simply streaming the song using just your web connection and using up no storage space on your iDevice, the "stream" option would begin to play instantly (or, at least, once it had downloaded enough of the file) but continue to download to a temporary cache folder on your Apple machine.
Storage space would therefore still be a consideration - although it's not clear if there would be a time-frame set by Apple for its devices to flush this stored streaming cache.
There are said to be a couple of reasons why Apple won't go fully streaming. The first being that it is apparently concerned that the networks would let users down, and mean a stuttering playback - hardly matching Apple's slick ethos - and the second being that Apple is keen to distinguish a different service, one based on a physical digital media rather than a remote one, than its rivals such as Google and Amazon seem keen to promote.
"Apple’s platform is all about these files on their devices, that have incredibly great playback experience for the consumer," said AllThingsD's anonymous music exec source. "The other cloud version, the Google version, of playback on any device on the cloud - they’re not interested in that. Apple is using the cloud to fix and advance their ecosystem."
So it's not exactly full stream ahead for Apple... not yet at least.
Apple iCloud vs Google vs Amazon Cloud Drive vs Dropbox vs Microsoft SkyDrive
What is Apple iCloud? Via: allthingsd.com

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Apple, Software, iTunes, iOS 5, Music streaming, icloud, Cloud computing
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41788/icloud-itunes-match-download-only

Gresso unleashes $30,000 limited edition white iPhone 4

Bank-breaker

14 July 2011 16:17 GMT / By Hunter Skipworth

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The Gresso company, famed for its outlandish mobile customisations, has gone and released a $30,000 diamond encrusted mobile phone.
The iPhone 4 Lady Blanche diamonds also has a younger sister, covered in Swarovski crystals and priced in at $7000.
Both feature three, independently timed Swiss clocks on the back, showing New York, Paris and Moscow. Alongside these are pearl dials with a choice of either diamonds (the more expensive version) or crystals. Naturally things are hand made using a clever floating diamonds technique that allows for a "unique dazzling".
Using only odd numbers of diamonds or crystals coupled with clever jewellery work means that especially bright tracks of light are created, making things shinier than shiny. As if there wasn't enough diamond action already, the entire back of the phone uses solid diamond-coated mineral glass.
Current release date details remain pretty vague, with things only confirmed as coming out this year. Keep checking the Gresso website if you are interested. Careful though, a few distractions or accidental purchases could easily see you bankrupting yourself in an instant.
We definitely like the idea of a bit of mobile bling, personally though we prefer something along the lines of the vajazzled Virgin Media TiVo box.

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Gresso, iPhone 4, Phones, Apple, ios, Apple iPhone 4, Mobile phones
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41053/gresso-30000-limited-white-iphone4

Win a white iPhone 4

Just follow Plantronics and tweet

27 August 2011 7:26 GMT / By Pocket-lint Promotion

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Plantronics is offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a brand new 32GB white iPhone 4 complete with the latest Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Plus worth over £700.
To enter, all you need to do is follow @PlantronicsUK on Twitter and Tweet about the most extreme location you’ve ever made a call from using the #PLTXT hashtag! And if you’re feeling really adventurous - link it to an image or send us a photo and we’ll post it up on our website for everyone to see!
Was it while you were halfway up a mountain, flying through the air on a rollercoaster, traversing the icy conditions of the Arctic, bungee jumping off a cliff or did you suddenly get a call while you were in the middle of a parachute jump? Whatever it was we want to hear about it!
The winner will be announced on the website and contacted via Twitter at the end of August, and two runners up will also receive a Voyager Pro UC Smartset worth £119.
For more information about this competition and how to enter please contact us via the feedback form.
Winners will need to continue to follow Plantronicsuk on Twitter otherwise we will not be able to direct message you to let you know you’ve been selected as the winner at the end of the competition.

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iPhone 4, Phones, Plantronics, Competitions, Mobile phones
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/40943/win-white-iphone-4-competition

White Samsung Galaxy S II official: Coming 1 September

UPDATE: In stock and in store

31 August 2011 9:53 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Phones, Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung, Mobile phones
source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41299/white-samsung-galaxy-s-ii

Amazon tablet coming October claim sources

10.1-inch version next year

31 August 2011 11:14 GMT / By Stuart Miles

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Tablets, Amazon, Foxconn, Rumours
source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41794/amazon-tablet-coming-october-sources

Are apps dead? The FT thinks so

Is this the beginning of the end for apps?

31 August 2011 10:39 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Mobile phone apps, iPad apps, iPhone apps, Apple, App Store, Financial Times
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41791/financial-times-pulled-app-store

iCloud iTunes Match has streaming uncertainty

Download only insists Apple bod

31 August 2011 9:32 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Full tags

Apple, Software, iTunes, iOS 5, Music streaming, icloud, Cloud computing
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41788/icloud-itunes-match-download-only

Apple shares tumble, iPhone 5 coming to save the day? (And recover)

Jobs' resignation could be all about timing

25 August 2011 11:13 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

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Much of the Steve Jobs fallout following his high-profile resignation as Apple CEO has been centred on the tumbling Apple share price, which fell 7 per cent in after-hours trading in the US - the only country where its shares are sold.
But Pocket-lint wouldn't be surprised to see those share prices recover in the next week or so - aided by an iPhone 5-flavoured tonic. Back in 2010, for example, Apple stock was listed at $258.29 on the day of the iPhone 4 announcement. Within a couple of weeks that price had risen to $277.69 - a rise of over 7.5 per cent.
Apple's last three September events (traditionally the iPod launching platform) were on 1 September in 2010, 9 September the year before that and 9 September also in 2008.
However, with IFA kicking off on 1 September this year - we'd be very surprised to see Apple let its rivals get all the attention for 6 whole days. Last year, Apple's September event launched the new iPod Shuffle, iOS 4.1 and 4.2, iTunes 10 and the new Apple TV, all on the same day that Sony's IFA press event took place, and a day before Samsung unveiled the original Galaxy Tab at the Berlin-based expo.
Apple is traditionally an IFA (and CES) spoilsport and likes to make big waves to gobble up all the attention from its competitors.
So, with Apple's share price taking an inevitable dent due to the step-down of its charismatic leader, it wouldn't surprise us to see an Apple event taking place next week. We've got an eye on our inbox, and we'd be shocked if we don't see an invite from Apple drop through in the next few days.
It's not for us to discuss Jobs' illness, or make suggestions that his resignation coincides with any health issues that he may or may not be suffering from. But it is fair for us to question the timing of the announcement. Apple as a company (with Jobs at the helm) has a meticulous attention to detail, and you don't become the biggest company in the world without making key decisions at key times.
Sure, the Apple share price has taken a hit, but the Cupertino boardroom would have planned for that. Did it plan for it with an iPhone 5-shaped trick up its sleeve? It's very likely, and we're sure it'll reveal its hand very soon.
UPDATE: Apple stock ended just 0.65 per cent down on the previous day's trading in the end, slightly above the NASDAQ as a whole. It suggests that shareholders have already started to forget the former CEO. Steve who?
Of course, it could mean that the market fully expects the iPhone 5 to come shortly too...
- Steve Jobs' resignation from Apple: Industry reaction
- Tim Cook: Apple not going to change
- The five faces that will create your next Apple gadget

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Apple, Steve Jobs, iPhone, iPhone 5, Biz
source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41696/apple-shares-saved-iphone-5

Samsung Series 7 700Z hands-on

Premium like a MacBook Pro

31 August 2011 2:00 GMT / By Chris Hall

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By now we all know about the Samsung Series 9, the thin and light model that looks to challenge the Apple MacBook Air in the high-end stakes.
By the same logic the new Series 7 700Z takes on the MacBook Pro. Of course, we’ve seen the Series 7 previously in the guise of the Series 7 Gamer. This Series 7, the 700Z or Chronos, is pitched as being a premium device that, well, is like the MacBook Pro.
Mentioning Apple so many times in two short paragraphs might seem like bad taste, especially considering the ongoing legal wrangling between the two companies, but having spent some time with the 700Z, it feels like a valid comparison.
To draw a line under this comparison let’s deal with the trackpad. The trackpad on the 700Z is possibly the best trackpad we’ve seen on a Windows PC to date. It’s glass, it’s one giant button, it’s silky smooth, it offers multitouch. High praise indeed, as in our exploratory play it seemed as good as that on the… MacBook Pro.

But let’s not do Samsung a disservice. We’ve seen two models of the 700Z in different sizes: a 15.6- and a 14-inch model. The 15.6-inch is coming to the UK, but the surprising thing is that the difference between the two models is discreet - effectively, Samsung have squeezed the 15.6-inch display into a laptop frame that feels much smaller.
The display also has an anti-glare finish and when we viewed the 700Z with windows behind us we didn’t find it a problem - that bodes well for those that like to work on the move, which is where the 700Z will probably be most popular. Samsung tells us it's a 300nit display and that finish comes as standard, it doesn't cost you extra. The resolution of 1600x900 is reasonable, although we know some will be screaming for more pixels.
The keyboard seemed excellent for the brief time we spent with it. The responsive keys are backlit but the inclusion of a numpad on the right-hand side does mean the keys shift to the left, so it might feel a little lopsided to some, with the left palm rest being much smaller than the right.

Ports and connections are packed down the left-hand side, the slot-loading DVD drive on the right-hand side with a third USB. You’ll find the likes of a full-size HDMI connection in there, USB ports on both sides of the chassis for convenience and an SD card reader on the leading edge.
We didn’t get much of a chance to witness the performance, but with starting specs of Intel Core i5-2430M processor and 6GB RAM, the price of £799, combined with the premium build makes it an attractive combo.
Step-up options for the Core i5 offer AMB Radeon HD6750M graphics with 1GB dedicated memory and 8GB RAM for £899, or a Core i7 model again with ATi graphics and 8GB RAM for £999. All models include the Express Cache technology which claims to speed up boot times and common application launches.
There is no denying the sex appeal of the Samsung Series 7 700Z. When we asked Samsung how they'd respond to those who compared the 700Z to the MacBook Pro, the response was "we'd be flattered". Of course, we'll be looking to get the 700Z in for a full review as soon as we can.

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Hardware, Laptops, Samsung, Samsung Series 7 700Z, Photos, IFA2011
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/41755/samsung-series-7-700z-hands-on