Droid Incredible by HTC Out Now for Verizon– Already Sold Out Online! April 30, 2010
Posted by Eli Blumenthal in : Cell Phones , add a comment
So the latest and arguably greatest Android phone (or perhaps even just the best overall phone) for Verizon, the Droid Incredible by HTC, is finally out. And, while not a huge surprise (yet still very impressive), it’s already sold out online! Now don’t worry if you didn’t already order or pre-order your Incredible, as you can still try your luck at your local Verizon store (and if that doesn’t work out, you can still place your orders online, though new orders aren’t expected to ship until next Tuesday 5/4). Oh, and all Droid Incredible buyers between now (including those who pre-ordered) and May 31st get a free 2 GB microSD card, bringing the built in memory up to around 10 GB (it also has 8 GB built-in).
Now for those that we’re able to get an Incredible, what you think of it (is it Verizon’s best phone yet? Better than an iPhone?), and if you didn’t yet– do you plan to? Lets us know in the comments.
And for all the details on what is the Droid Incredible and why it’s so great, see our previous post here.
Pic and info from Verizon.
Halo Reach: Multiplayer Beta – Impressions April 30, 2010
Posted by Chaim Gartenberg in : First Look/Reviews, Video Games , add a comment
Master Chief Not Included.
As you may or may not know, the Halo Reach (next Halo game) Multiplayer beta’s going live in a few days for anyone with a copy of Halo 3: ODST. After playing a few rounds of Multiplayer, here’s my impressions:
First off – Jetpacks. Yes, you can get a Jackpack. And it is awesome. Really awesome. Basically – you hold down the Jetpack button. And you fly. You have a certain amount of fuel, that recharges, but it’s pretty awesome. Adds a whole new dimension – personal favorite of mine. But in general, there aren’t only jetpacks, but load-outs of a sort – Bungie (makers of Halo) has several preset load-outs, with Armor Abilities – no more will cloak and overshield be found on the map, instead replaced by coming with a set ability – Sprinting, Evasion, Cloak, Armor Lock (lock down in place, invulnerable, then kinda explode – it’s pretty cool). And my personal favorite, the jetpack, as described above. What you choose can be swapped out at any point when you’re respawning.
The graphics have been completely redone, and look fantastic.
Controls have actually been tweaked from the previous games, and the default control is different from that of Halo 3. Those comfortable with 3′s control would do best with the “Recon” setting, which changes “X” to grenade switch from LB, with LB now being equipment.
Dual wielding is out, and grenades have been trimmed down to just regular and energy (sticky). unfortunately, I was only able to try the Slayer and Cpature the Flag modes (with their new variations, like Headhunter, where you collect skulls for kills and get them to a selected drop point, or Capture the Flag with 3 flags.) Other modes that will be included will be an Invasion mode (which looks incredible – a multiphase gameplay, unlocking better weapons and vehicles as time goes on), and Generator Defense (Hold down 3 generators with a team from a fortified position against an advancing 3).
Of the two new maps so far, Sword Base, a multi-level map, with a bunch of bridges crossing between two sides over a big hall, is pretty fun, as is Powerhouse, which is a bit more open, and bears some similarity to High Ground from Halo 3.
So far, I’m liking Reach’s multiplayer. I’ll update once the new game modes go live.
Verizon Announces Samsung Reality, Teens Wait Impatiently April 20, 2010
Posted by Zev Rosenbaum in : Cell Phones , 3comments
Boy, if you have Verizon, and you are thinking about getting a new phone, you are going to have plenty of options. Between the Kins, the HTC Droid Incredible, and the possibility of a new iPhone this summer, Verizon is certainly pandering to the teenage community. For those who want a more simple yet solid phone (that don’t necessarily need constant internet or apps), the Samsung Reality is certainly going to be a big contender and with specs like these, you can’t disagree:
- 3-inch touch screen with TouchWiz interface. TouchWiz allows you to completely personalize your phone through special widgets. For instance, the communities widget allows you to post videos on YouTube, update your status on Facebook, and go to ESPN in a snap.
- Horizontal slide-out keyboard
- 3.2 megapixel camera with a slew of editing features such as: single, multi, panorama, mosaic and frame shot modes; and video capture capabilities, photo editing features, including Dynamic Canvas, which supports flash animations in pictures. Y’ know, just in case you ever need to edit entire movies on the go
- Bluetooth technology
- Corporate E-mail, support for Microsoft Exchange so you can e-mail on the go
- Micro SD slot with support for 16 GB
- Visual Voicemail, for those lazy moments when you just can’t lift your phone to hear the voicemail
The Samsung Reality is set to come out on April 22nd for a not-so-expensive $79.99 after a $50 mail in rebate and a 2 year new customer contract. However, as with many new phones coming out with Verizon, in order to get the most out of the Samsung Reality, you will have to purchase a 25 MB data plan for $9.99 (yes, on these new “feature phones”– or phones that don’t run a smartphone OS like BlackBerry, Android or iPhone– Verizon has begun adding in the requirement of a data plan in order to get the subsidized price).
So, are you going to go with the Reality? Or will you wait for the Droid Incredible or Kin to come out? Sound off in the comments.
The iPhone 4 is Real April 19, 2010
Posted by Eli Blumenthal in : Apple, Cell Phones , 2comments
Wow that was quick. In a span of 3 days that rumored pic of the iPhone 4, we saw has gone from rumor to apparently real deal (though until Apple confirms it, it still technically is rumor and could also be a prototype which while looking near a final version, may be subject still to some changes)– even throwing in some more info in the process. Gizmodo was able to get a hands on with this new iPhone, and while it didn’t power on (thanks to most likely a remote wipe of the device by Apple), they have confirmed that it’s indeed made by Apple. How? They cracked it open and an Apple quality machine is easy to distinguish from a Chinese knockoff.
So what else have we found it about this next generation iPhone? Actually, for a phone that didn’t even power on– a whole lot.
- Flash for the back camera!– Something a lot of us have been waiting for, and that back camera, according to Gizmodo, has also been improved from the 3GS’s current 3 megapixel (they mention how the lens is larger than the 3GS’s, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see 5 or even 8 megapixels, particularly because this will be going head-to-head with some really enticing offerings like the upcoming HTC Droid Incredible for Verizon and the HTC EVO 4G for Sprint– both of which offer 8 megapixel cameras).
The front camera on the iPhone 4
- Improved screen resolution– Which they were able to tell by turning on the new iPhone, and comparing it’s “Connect to iTunes” screen to that of a 3GS’s. If you notice, things looking clearer and better there, and so we wouldn’t be surprised to see things look better all around the phone. (While a beta copy of the iPhone OS 4 is available for testing, it naturally only is designed for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, which have different software).
- New design– We saw this in the pix from the other day, but the new iPhone looks to finally be bringing some real changes to the design of iPhones. We’re obviously talking more than just making the Apple and iPhone logos more shiny, like the back of the 3GS’s upgrade from the 3G. The new bezel– or silver border around the iPhone’s screen– is now aluminum instead of the previous plastic (a welcome step up no doubt), the volume buttons are now 2 separate buttons as opposed to one (leading Gizmodo to think this is because you can use one of the buttons as a camera key in addition to the option to tap on the screen to take a pic. Again, very welcome), a second mic for noise cancellation at the top of the phone, and a Micro-SIM card slot instead of the usual SIM card slot (the microSIM as you may know, is the same type of SIM card used in the iPad WiFi+3G, this making the components in the new iPhone even smaller). Additionally, the back of the phone is now flat, and made of possibly glass or other material as opposed to the 3G and 3GS’s plastic backs. Now this means the iPhone 4 is in fact thinner than the 3GS, though it is slightly heavier (though don’t worry, it’s still mighty light). Also, the screen appears to be slightly smaller than the 3GS (though it does have that higher resolution) but there is a larger battery (which will hopefully add some much needed extra juice to help get through the day).
New iPhone 4 next to old iPhone 3GS (iPhone 4 on left, 3GS on right)
In my opinion, this really looks like the real deal, further proven by what the insides look like inside the iPhone 4. I don’t care how great you are at making knock-offs, no one is that good (and seriously, who beyond Apple has currently announced the use of a Micro-SIM instead of a traditional SIM card). This all seems to further make sense with what some of the code (tech talk for programming apps and programs) of features like iChat, which as we all unfortunately know is sadly missing from the iPhones we have today. Apple is also rumored to have booked the same place where they announced the iPhone 3G and 3GS for early June (the Yerba Buena Center in San Fransisco), which make sense as the time to unveil yet another iPhone.
As I said before, I can’t wait for June.
Video of the iPhone 4 after the break. More info, photos and videos can be found at Gizmodo.
Is this the Next iPhone? April 18, 2010
Posted by Eli Blumenthal in : Apple, Cell Phones, Rumors , add a comment
Rumored shots of the iPhone HD (aka iPhone 4– this pic from Twitter user TUDream)
We know that Apple is working on a new iPhone (both history and common sense tell us that– I mean, Apple has updated the iPhone every summer since it was released, and what makes this one to be an exception to that precedent). But here is something we didn’t expect to see so soon– pix of a supposed 4th Generation iPhone (the 4th iPhone, not necessarily an iPhone that runs on 4G).
This 4th iPhone (rumored to be called the iPhone HD), if these shots are to be believed, is made out of aluminum (or some metal like material), which would make sense seeing Apple’s new love of the material (used on Macs, MacBooks, iPod Shuffles, and of course the iPad), and packs a video for iChat videocalling (YES!). Also noticeable on these pix is the location of a SIM card slot, which, while not 100% confirming (again we still don’t even know if these are even close to what the 4th iPhone looks like), seems to indicate another AT&T or maybe even a T-Mobile release as well, but less of hope for Verizon and Sprint. Engadget has gotten a few pix of the device (said to be found on the floor of a bar in San Jose of all places– and wow, if this is real, somebody is gonna learn very quickly to stop drinking on the job), and it is said to be packing a rather odd 80GB of storage (which would be great but strange, considering the flash storage found in the past iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches are in capacities like 16, 32 and 64 GB so we’d think the new iPhone would double the current 3GS’s 32 GB to say 64, but hey, we wouldn’t mind an extra 16 GB).
Also of note, Boy Genius Report has said AT&T has told employees that they can’t vacation in June. Only other times they did this? The last iPhone releases.
All I know is, I really can’t wait for June.
Verizon Announces the Droid Incredible By HTC April 15, 2010
Posted by Eli Blumenthal in : Cell Phones , 2comments
The first thing that came to mind when I saw this: wow. If you’re on Verizon — between this and the KINs — you’ve got some really tough choices ahead. This phone truly is crazy, a seeming mix of the Nexus One and HTC Desire, taking pieces from both and making one sick phone. The Droid Incredible really looks to bring “the next chapter in the Droid saga” (Verizon’s words, though I completely agree). Just look at these specs:
- 3.7 inch AMOLED touchscreen– This is a really high quality screen. Think of it like the Nexus One‘s screen– very clear and very bright.
- Very thin design– Look at the pic above. See the Droid Incredible in the side angle? Yeah, it’s that thin.
- 8MP camera with flash, auto–focus and video capture– Not only do you get great shots, but this can also shoot full 720p HD (yes, HD!) video.
- 3G, GPS and WiFi
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Android 2.1 with next generation Sense UI– As we’ve seen from MWC, this takes the Android homescreen to another level with features like “Leap” (for viewing all 7 homescreens in an Expose like way) and “Friend Stream” for viewing Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates in one combined view.
- 1 Ghz Snapdragon processor– To keep everything running really fast and smooth.
- 8GB built in memory — with the ability to add up to 16GB more through microSD. The built in 8GB can hold about 2,000 songs.
So when can we expect this beast to arrive? Thankfully, Verizon plans to release this soon– in 2 weeks, on April 29th.
You can pre-order the Droid Incredible starting next Monday, April 19th. The Droid Incredible will cost $199.99 on new 2 year contract with data plans ($29.99 a month). So what will you choose this or the KIN?
Doxie – Scanner of Awesomeness? April 14, 2010
Posted by Chaim Gartenberg in : Computers, First Look/Reviews , 2comments
Doxie. Saving my back in the near future?
So, this one’s a bit out there for me, but it was too cool not to let you guys know about. Yes, a scanner. But hear me out. Scanning stuff, if you think about it for a student, is a great idea. And I carry around 50 pounds of folders every day to know that I carry around more paper with me then that produced by a court of law. But yesterday, I came across this. Doxie. A small, portable, full color scanner. Easily could fit in a schoolbag or locker – just slide the paper right through. Scans in color and black and white.
And suddenly, a vision came into my head. Of getting a handout from my history teacher – of all the hundreds of handouts I’ve gotten. And just scanning them in on the spot. Never having to carry around asignment sheets for essays, never losing another critical chart – the potential is HUGE, especially for a student. And if all it did was just scan, that’d be great. But Doxie takes it a step further – by having built in integration with a whole bunch of stuff – including Acrobat, Google Docs, Flickr, Evernote, Twitter, iPhoto – just scan and have it automatically imported, or sent out to the internet cloud. And the dream gets better – not just scanning all my school stuff, but having them available for my whole class on our Google Group through Google Docs.
Furthermore, it’s totally portable – just plug it into a laptop – it powers off USB, and you’re all set. It’s also got some slick photo scanning tricks up it’s sleeve – automatically straightening, cropping, and importing to the photo software or site of your choice. So for anyone looking to have a scanner for non-school stuff, it’s not bad.
The clincher though is price – $130. Before you start losing it over a scanner that costs more then a Benjamin, go to Staples or Best Buy and search for scanner. I’ll wait. Most scanners, you might have seen, cost equal or significantly more – arguably, they offer higher resolution, and such, but lack the portability and application support Doxie has. And lets face it, you’re NEVER going to need to do anything beyond basic scanning.
Basically – I seriously want one of these. A portable scanner designed for sharing, uploading, and documents sounds perfect for a teenager – whether you’re looking to go paperless in school, or just manage your old-school pictures.
Check out Doxie here.
(And to the guys out there – it comes with some skins for the device, so you don’t have to carry something around with hearts on it.)
[Photo credit - getdoxie.com]
HP Slate – the iPad Killer? April 13, 2010
Posted by Zev Rosenbaum in : Computers, Microsoft, Tablets , comments closed
Back in January, we caught a short glimpse of the HP Slate, HP’s new tablet. Last week, Engadget uncovered some “unofficial” specs of the new tablet compared to the iPad. Later that day HP released a trailer of the Slate doing things that the iPad can’t do, including video chatting and taking pictures (that’s right, two cameras– one on the front for video chatting and one on the back for taking regular pictures), as well as:
- 8.9 inch multi-touch screen, with stylus support– While this is a drop smaller than the iPad’s bigger 9.7 inch screen, the ability to use a stylus for writing on it is very interesting, particularly for use in school.
- A USB slot– shown ironically through connecting an iPod cable to the Slate, which can run iTunes because…
- The Slate runs on Windows 7 (with some custom HP Touch software thrown in as well)
- Available with either 32 or 64 GB of storage– Like the iPad, just you can also add even more storage via an SD card slot with room to add up to a massive 128 GB! (Though don’t run for that 128 GB yet, as it probably right now costs about as much as the whole tablet, though still awesome for future use.)
- WiFi and optional 3G for $50 more– meaning that for $600 you get a 32 GB Slate with 3G, compared to $730 for a 32 GB iPad WiFi+3G (this is even cheaper than the 16 GB WiFi+3G which starts at $630). No word on what data plans for this will be like (if they’ll be like the iPads $15 for 250 MB a month and $30 for unlimited or like the usual $60 for a laptop data plan).
- Output to an HDTV through some sort of dock– so you can share your photos and videos on your big HDTV.
- A base price of $549 for 32 GB Slate and $599 for the 64 GB model (both without the optional 3G), whereas with the WiFi only 32 GB iPad starts at $600 and the 64 GB start out at $700.
Obviously, the Skype and camera features could make the HP Slate a thorn in the iPad’s side and we will see if these features will make the HP Slate more customer-friendly than the iPad (just as a note: HP hasn’t officially released a spec sheet of the Slate nor announced pricing, things– like pricing– is still very much rumor and subject to change). Check out one of the HP promo videos of the Slate, as well as the leaked iPad-Slate comparison sheet after the break.