First Nokia Windows Phone Announced

Nokia CEO, Stephen Elop, has announced the first ever Nokia Windows Phone codenamed: 'Sea Ray.' The phone was announced at an event where Elop asked for all recording equipment and cameras be switched off as he didn't want the video to 'hit the blogosphere.' None-the-less, a few people kept their cameras on and the phone was unveiled. To take a look at the full 20 minute video of the announcement, just go to Technet.hu who decided to continue to film the event and announcement (it will most likely be removed).

Features
Mango has 500 new features that will work hand in hand with the new Nokia Windows Phone. The phone has many exciting features. One very interesting feature is the ability to book your ticket with British Airways. You will see a virtual plane to allow you to choose your seat and you will have the ability to upgrade your seat if you want. You will then be able to confirm your booking and save the e-ticket on your phone for online or offline viewing so you can walk to the airport and basically 'check in with your phone.'

The phone will run Internet Explorer 9 with full capability as a PC. It will allow HTML5 content and HTML5 videos, slowly reducing the use of flash. There is clean, seamless, multi-tasking allowing you to switch between apps at any point.

Nokia did mention that Nokia Apps would also be integrated in to the phone, so you will see Nokia Maps. Also, it was mentioned that 'Sea Ray' was one of the many Nokia Windows Phones being made and that consumers will have a range of phones to choose from.

Take a look at this clip from Technet.hu, of the appearance of the phone:

Go to Technet.hu to see the full video.

Sounds Exciting, doesn't it? Or will Android and Apple continue to dominate the market?

Read more: Technorati

'Reliable' Rumor: iPhone 5 Set To Release in August 2011?

The title says it all. The highly anticipated iPhone 5 has been rumored for an August 2011 release late in the month. BGR insists the phone will be announced in an unusual Apple event in the beginning or middle of August with the phone hitting the shops in late August.

So far, BGR suggests and confidently says that the phone will have a 'radical new case design.' It will look nothing like the previous iPhone's and is set to stun Apple fans, according to reports.

Most Apple pundits so far believe that the iPhone 5 or maybe an iPhone 4S will release around the same time as new iPods (September). However, today, new reports are very confident of almost a surprise Apple event where the iPhone 5 will be announced. Not just a few tweaks, but a huge difference between it and the previous versions.

Joshua Topolsky on the other hand insists the iPhone 5 will get a whole new design. He has created a mock up image of the phone with the screen going from edge to edge. It also suggests there will be a bigger home screen button and that the back of the phone will be very similar to the iPod Touch with a curved back.

Other reports suggest that the iPhone 5 will run the same ARM A5 1GHz dual-core processor as the famous & popular iPad 2. It will sport an 8-megapixel camera with the ability to shoot 1080p HD video and will have a 720p HD screen.

It is almost guaranteed though that the next generation iPhone, whether it be the iPhone 4S or the iPhone 5, will definitely run iOS 5. There is no doubt about it as Apple already announced it at this year's WWDC event and what better way to release it then with the iPhone 5?

Take a look at Joshua Topolsky's mock-up of the iPhone 5 below:

What are your predictions? How long will you wait?

Read more: Technorati

LG Optimus 3D: UK Release Date & Pricing Released

Carphone Warehouse has confirmed that the LG Optimus 3D will release on July 7th this year. The phone will be exclusive to Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy for the time being. Carphone Warehouse will make the UK's first 3D phone available for free on a £35 a month contract or £499.95 for SIM-free. Pre-orders are now being taken for anyone who is definitely going for the phone.

A few features to note:

- It will be capable to record and play 3D content (as well as shoot 1080p video)

- Dual-core 1GHz processor & 4.3-inch screen

- Android 2.2 (Bit of a let down but will be able to update soon after)

- 3D hot key to change your entire experience

Take a look at the hands-on video review from Dialaphone:

What do you think? Will you buy it?

Read more: Techorati

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: The Details

Android 4.0 (or maybe 2.4 or 3.4, who knows) Ice Cream Sandwich was announced at Google's I/O event earlier this year.

Google suggested it would become the standard platform across all android devices regardless of whether it's a tablet or phone. Most devices will get the update eventually to create a sense of high standard.

Release Details

Google has said that Android '4.0' will release around Thanksgiving time in the US. This means all tablets and phones trying to hit the market in time for Christmas will most likely have the new version already running on it. It is not known as of yet when the update will be available for the UK and which devices will get it.

Which Phone is most likely to get it?

Lots of details about the supposedly 'Nexus 3' have released in the last couple weeks. Many people have rumored that the Nexus 3 will ship with the latest version of Android which is Ice Cream Sandwich. Reports also suggest that HTC will be the manufacturer of the phone although this has not been confirmed yet.

USB Hosting

It is understood that Android 4.0 will bring about USB Hosting which will allow you to use practically any device with the tablet ranging from an x-box controller for games to a keyboard/mouse for surfing and other things. You will also have the ability to integrate a USB device to work specifically with an app. So a heart monitor used with a fitness app, for example.

Tracks Your Face

Android 4.0 wil have the ability to track your face so instead of you trying to move around to get into the camera, the camera will auto-focus on to you instead. It will also be handy in video conferencing because the camera will move to you when you begin speaking and then move to whoever speaks so you don't waste time trying to move your phone or tablet every time the you want to focus it on someone in particular.

Tell us what you think? Are you looking forward to Android Ice Cream Sandwich?

Read more: Technorati

Sony Tablets: Release Date Leaked

Reports from Technology Site Engadget, suggest the Sony's highly anticipated Tablets named S1 and S2 will be released in early September this year in the UK.

As of yet, it has not been confirmed exactly which tablet it will be or if it is both, but it is said to be retailed by John Lewis before the Christmas rush.

Both Tablets are said to run Android 3.0, Honeycomb. Also, it is suggested that both tablets will run dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processors which matches up to Apple's new iPad 2. The S1 will sport a 9.4-inch screen and will be supported by Sony Bravia. It will also have a design which is said to be for 'home use' while the S2 will be a tablet to use 'on the go.' The S2 will have a dual 5.5-inch screen, which can be easily folded and put into your pocket. Sony's press video did show the two tablets with PSone emulation, but if there are no buttons, many people may not be too happy.

Take a look at the S1 and S2 video:

What do you think? Still prefer the iPad 2?



Read More: Technorati

Google Nexus 3: What You Need To Know

Well Google plans to release the Google Nexus 3 with features such as 4G for our fellow Americans, a dual-core 1.2GHz, maybe even 1.5GHz, processor; could be OMAP 4460 or the famous Qualcomm Snapdragon.

The display, which is reported to be MASSIVE, will be 720p HD and will have to ability to shoot 1080p HD. Now we're not sure as yet whether it will be Super AMOLED Plus like the Samsung Galaxy S II but if it wants to maintain or raise standards then AMOLED Plus looks like the way forward. There will also be 1GB RAM, which sounds exciting.

One downside will be that it will sport a 5MP camera; now even though this is yet to be 100% confirmed, it appears the 5MP is becoming out-dated. But we'll see...Google might change their mind...who knows?

Another aspect which some may appreciate and some may be disappointed about is that the buttons will disappear, as in the phone will be button-free (except volume... etc.) but along to bottom, no button, purely software based.

Now here is the main, exciting part: Android 4.0 - Ice Cream Sandwich. Now, many of you may have seen Google's IO event (Google IO Event - Video) on the release of the firmware but here is a recap of what to expect:

- It will run as a standard platform across all smartphones and tablets

- Holographic User Interface

- Improved Multi-tasking and App Switching

- More Advanced Applications

- Resizing Widgets to Suit You

- Face Recognition & Virtual Camera

- Much more to be announced and confirmed...

The device is said to hopefully be released in November or maybe even a bit later during Christmas time.

Tell us what you think? Is it something you would buy?

Technorati

Twist: HTC Desire WILL get Gingerbread

Suddenly Happy? 24 hours after HTC announced that the HTC Desire would NOT get the Gingerbread update, we can confirm that it WILL get the update. Go figure. Initially it was understandable that due to spec issues, especially memory, 2.3 would not be possible. This is after certain tests by HTC. Now, it is capable of running it and we will have to wait and see just how, suddenly this will be made possible. Maybe they didn't want to upset their fans....who knows? We'll keep you posted but all you HTC Desire owners can now celebrate.

iPhone 5: September 7th, 2011?

Well well well...sources suggest that, yes, September 7th is the date for the iPhone 5 release. Here are a few reasons why. Firstly, iOS 5 has already been announced and Steve Jobs has confirmed that the iPhone 5 will release in autumn. Now, usually the iPhone released at Apple's WWDC event which didn't happen. Apple's range of iPods release in autumn, so reports suggest that maybe Jobs wants iOS 5 to be ready to go on the iPhone 5 and also the iPod Touch. But, another thing to consider is that iPod Classic's and Nano's in comparison to the iPod Touch are becoming less popular which could suggest that Apple may be trying to get rid of them? Just a thought. With the features available on iOS 5, it's very likely that they would want to release it with a new iPhone 5, to match. 

Some people are suggesting that the iPhone 5 will release in 2012, but hold on a sec. It has already been over a year since the iPhone 4 has released and the rate that Android phones are going at, Steve can't afford to wait that long. I don't think anybody would be willing to wait that long. Some people may argue that that is the reason for a late White iPhone 4 release. Hmmm....

We'll have to wait and see but you can use the information above to maybe help you decide whether you're going to wait for the iPhone 5 or go for something amazing like the Samsung Galaxy S II which personally I possess and I must say, WOW. 

Improving Battery Life on Smartphones with AMOLED Screens

So here's the very simple trick: The way to save battery life if you have an AMOLED screen is to opt for a darker background, less glamourous. I know that means your phone looks ugly in front of your friends, but hey, if you are at home for a day or you're not so conscious about what background then go for something darker. Reason is, the colour black does not require the back lit light to show the pixels and apparently that makes a huge difference. I'm pretty sure you can find some nice, fancy if you wish, backgrounds that will save some of your battery life and also makes your phone look up to standard and well, nice. Credit goes blogger Steve Mould for this handy discovery.