With the iPad launch nearing, things in this rejuvenated tablet market look to become much more interesting– and much more intense. Now there’s been word for a while of rumors of Microsoft making their own tablet– codenamed “Courier”– and recently more shots of what this device is have leaked out, and I, as someone who views the iPad as a possible the perfect school computer, and is really considering buying my own iPad once it comes out (though I might wait that little extra time for the 3G version)– would  really consider dropping those plans immediately for this. Yes, this looks to be that good.

The Courier truly is a very unique and very cool device– with dual multi-touch screens (reminds me of an open notebook), a very stylish and sleek interface (while rumored to be based off the Windows Phone 7 Series OS, this is not just plain copy of a Windows 7 or Windows Phone 7, but something different that looks to be perfectly designed for this type of device), a camera (something we all know the iPad is missing), and a special “Courier pen” that can be used for writing notes onto the tablet. Seriously check out this video of the Courier from Engadget:

Whether or not you like Microsoft or are “an Apple fanboy,” you gotta admit this looks amazing. There also is said to be a headphone jack for media playback, some really cool artistic apps for all you creative types out there, an eBook app (as seen below; maybe this is also Microsoft’s attempt to get into the very hot eBook game, as the iPad is Apple’s), and as you saw in the video, a dedicated website for uploading your work and sharing it with the world. I mean, imagine this– your taking notes in school miss a day. You upload this and your friends can come in and instantly fill in what’s missing (as well as save the notes if they needed). Projects and collaboration couldn’t have been made easier.

The web looks great here as well (exactly as you’d expect on your laptop or desktop)–  and if this thing can do some gaming like Windows Phone 7 Series, I’ll be the first to line up!

I’m really hoping Microsoft fesses up to this soon (as of right now, we still gotta categorize this as a rumor as of course Microsoft hasn’t acknowledged that this thing even exists), and before I and many others give in to the temptation and go for the the iPad. But seeing as the iPad goes on sale in only a couple of weeks– which tablet would you rather go with– the iPad, Courier or are you looking at some other tablet?

Pix, video and info via Engadget

Is this the BlackBerry Slider?

BlackBerry fans out there- brace yourself. What we’re about to tell you is pretty HUGE news. Like seriously HUGE.

As you can see in the pic above, pix are leaking out all over the web of this– a BlackBerry that isn’t just touchscreen and isn’t just a regular BlackBerry with a full QWERTY keyboard– BUT BOTH, in a sleek-looking slider design.

Unfortunately, all that we have to go on is the pix (thanks to a site called BBLeaks)– which look to feature a touchscreen (though no SurePress as with the Storm), the new trackpad, and of course that awesome slide out full QWERTY keyboard. All in a design that doesn’t look to be much thicker than a Curve.

The BlackBerry Slider– closed and with the Curve

Ok, now for what some of the rumors on what else could be in this mysterious device. According to Boy Genius Report, this phone will run BlackBerry OS 6.0 (today’s BlackBerrys like the Bold 9700 are on 5.0, hopefully this new OS begins to separate itself from the same old BlackBerry OS we’ve been seeing for years), as well as pack WiFi capability with wireless N, for getting onto the latest and greatest WiFi networks out there. The device is also expected to use GSM/HSPA, the tech for networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, unlike the Storm, which is a Verizon exclusive (though that does not necessarily confirm nor deny the phone, or a version of it, to any of the networks). Additionally, according to CrackBerry, the Slider will also be a part of the Bold line– not the Storm.

This is clearly in the very early stages of rumors (yes, just to make sure it’s all loud and clear– this is still a rumor), but a rumor that looks to be absolutely awesome and one were hoping RIM makes official ASAP. What you think– would you buy a BlackBerry if it was a slider like this, or do you prefer your BlackBerrys to remain the same in terms of design? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Rumored shots of Windows Mobile 7

This week is a big week for all things cell phone related with the Mobile World Congress (aka MWC) taking place in Barcelona, Spain. This event is seriously HUGE– think of it as a CES for cell phones. A lot of big stuff plan to be announced next week– newer, more powerful, and just plain better phones, new services for phones (such as TV, video calling), more info on the 4G that is set to begin being rolled out by Verizon and AT&T (as well as many other carriers around the world) later this year and early next year– but none of this seems to be as big as what Microsoft has in store.

According to the Wall Street Journal (note: subscription needed to read the whole article) and tons of other news outlets, Monday– which is the start of MWC– will finally be the day where Microsoft finally announces a truly new and much better version of Windows Mobile. We’re talking the release of Windows Mobile 7, not some small decimal point like last year’s Windows Mobile 6.5, where the OS was nearly the same as it was for most of the last decade, save for some nicer menus and an updated homescreen.

So what can we expect in this new OS that will keep it up to date with the likes of Android, webOS and the iPhone OS? If some of these rumors are true– then a lot. Everything from Zune and Xbox tie-ins (yes, Xbox– though to what extent is still very much up in the air) to a much, much better media and overall user experience (we love the Zune HD and it’s interface, which is said to play a pretty big role here throughout Windows Mobile 7). There is also talk that the Zune software will be where you sync your phone with your computer, similar to iTunes and the iPhone. There also is said to be better support for touchscreens (particularly capacitive/finger-friendly ones that don’t require a stylus, like the iPhone, Pre and most Android phones), multi-touch, a better version of Internet Explorer Mobile (which is much-needed as well), and just much more powerful hardware, which, supposedly, Microsoft is working more closely with device manufacturers to make sure all phones run this well. Heck, there is even talk Microsoft may release their own phones.

Whatever Microsoft plans to do, we’ll make sure you stay in the know. Their press conference is called for Monday at 9 AM Eastern time (or 3 PM Barcelona time), so make sure to check back Monday for all the news both and Microsoft and everything going down at MWC.

Pic from Engadget

Seeing as that in under 24 hours Apple will finally announce it’s new “creation,” the rumor wire has been burning up on the internet. Seriously, there is every type of rumors here from an actual possibility, all the way to “some guy in his basement’s magic wish.” And while we tried our hardest to stay away from all these rampant rumors, here’s a few of the latest and coolest ones, with our thoughts on if we believe it will actually happen.

RUMOR– The Tablet is coming.

Is this what the Apple Tablet will look like?

Our Thoughts– Seeing as this has been pointed to in every which way– be it from major magazine and newspaper editors like Conde Nast and the New York Times to a major textbook publisher– McGraw-Hill (who’s CEO today in a CNBC interview went so far as to say that tomorrow Apple will show off the Tablet running the iPhone OS and that it will offer it’s textbooks as eBooks for the device), I’d have to say this 98% chance of some sort of Tablet-related announcement. Throw in the different style of invite (if you recall, when Apple sends out invites to new events, they usually have some kind of theme– like this iPod one and MacBook related one), and the fact that Apple also uses January for its major new announcements– such as the announcement of the first iPhone, and the MacBook Air. We really like the Tablet (or iPad, iSlate, iTablet– whatever it’s called) odds.

RUMOR– The Tablet will have AT&T and/or Verzion 3G built in.

Our Thoughts– The fact that the Tablet will offer some sort of 3G “always connected” option seems logical enough to actually happen, now the rumors of AT&T and/or Verizon having their 3G on the Tablet… a little tougher to understand. There are some sites, like Fox News, saying that the Tablet will have both an AT&T and Verizon 3G option available (yay!), while others are saying it will be only Verizon 3G, or only AT&T 3G. The last two make a lot of sense, as there are advantages and quirks to both sides: AT&T’s iPhone data problems are well-documented but it still does carry the iPhone and using it’s GSM tech; Verizon, on the other hand, uses CDMA tech for connecting to 3G networks which would be better for using the device worldwide (unless the Verizon one has a dual CDMA/GSM chip that would allow it to work here on Verizon 3G and overseas as well).

There is also talk that Verizon is telling it’s employees to stay tuned for a big live webcast at around 1 PM EST, which just so happens to be when a certain Apple event is taking place. This is a complete up in the air, personally, I’m hoping for the Fox News option that both can get the device.

A rumored pic of the new iPhone OS 4.0 (via Boy Genius Report)

RUMOR– iPhone 4.0 software announced, with an iPhone FOR Verizon

Our Thoughts– If the Tablet is, in fact, running the iPhone OS as opposed to regular OS X, then this too is 98% likely to be announced. According to Boy Genius Report, the new OS should bring some much needed and long awaited features like multi-tasking and a new contacts sync option (perhaps syncing with Facebook etc. like Android and webOS?) among other updates. There is also talk that select developers have already been given an updated SDK to make their apps better compatible with the larger screen of the Tablet to be shown off at the announcement.

As for a Verizon iPhone, we really want to believe this is coming. It’s for sure possible for Apple to make a dual GSM/CDMA iPhone that would allow it to be international while also using Verizon’s network back home (the BlackBerry Storm and Tour as well a bunch of other phones already do this), but we’re not as sure on this just because the rumors aren’t as strong and the fact that Apple usually updates the iPhone around June time. While on the topic of new iPhone carriers, we’d have to say T-Mobile would be the more likely next carrier as they use similar tech to AT&T. Some rumors say a T-Mobile iPhone will come this summer.

A 4G iPhone, however, has better odds and it would be able to run on both Verizon’s and AT&T’s upcoming 4G networks, which Verizon plans to start rolling out later this year and AT&T next year. In such a case, only one iPhone type would be needed since both would then use the same tech. Chances of iPhone 4.0 announcement: probable. Verizon iPhone: doubtful (though we’d love to be surprised).

RUMOR– Tablet will be not just an eReader, large multimedia player and internet viewer, but also a great game player.

Our Thoughts– Now while this sounds like someone’s dream device– a mix of the book reading of the Kindle, the media playback and great web browser used on the iPod Touch and iPhone, and a PSP/DS type of game player– it actually could make sense. Invites have been sent out to a lot of gaming publications, not what you’d expect if there was no big gaming aspect to the device. There also is talk that EA is planning on attending to show off the great gaming power of the Tablet.

If this is true (which we very much believe to be), then Apple has made it very clear that the new Tablet is not just after the Kindle’s lunch money, but the DS and PSP’s too.

Now there are a bunch of other rumors out there (we’re not even gonna try to get into all the hardware possibilities), but these are some of the more interesting (and well, rational) ones. You know what, though, like many others out there I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s event for no other reason than to calm down the rumors (if only for an hour). Of course, make sure to check back here tomorrow, as we’ll have whatever Apple plans to show off covered right here. Oh, and feel free to share your picks on what Apple announces tomorrow (maybe a cereal line), as well as to guess the name of said device or what you think the Tablet will be called.

What with Facebook, Netflix and Twitter already playing on Xbox Live, and with a new Halo and, of course, Project Natal coming out later this year, you’d think Microsoft has done enough to pump up 360 owners for another great year. Well, for all us 360 owners who love all things sports and ESPN, things look to be getting even better.

According to the New York Times, Microsoft is having “super secret” meetings with Walt Disney Co. (the owners of more than Disney land and Disney channel—they also own ABC and ESPN) in order to bring live streaming of ESPN to the 360 (think kinda like the current ESPN360, we know—a perfect name, that lets you watch live games on you computer).

The rumors also say that, unfortunately, this may require some sort of subscriber fee, though if its any consolation, it might be live streaming and some interactive games. Of course seeing as neither Microsoft and Walt Disney haven’t said anything on the topic, take this as an awesome rumor for now.

And I believe this very well could happen. Microsoft over the past couple of years have pushed something called IPTV, or TV over the internet, with the 360 helping drive its case. Getting ESPN and perhaps other Disney-owned channels would be a great way to really build this service up and really make the case for people to ditch their regular cable or satellite.

What you think? You think/want this to happen? You watch any movies or do other things with your 360 beyond gaming? Do you want the 360 to become your “cable box?” Sound off in the comments.

Info from the New York Times. Pic from Engadget

The Sprint Overdrive 4G hotspot shown in a Sprint online ad

With CES only 2 days away, the news and rumors flying out of Vegas are crazy.

Among the older ones is that Sprint is releasing a 3G/4G portable WiFi hotspot — basically a 4G-capable version similar to the MiFi 2200 we saw last year. For those unfamiliar with the MiFi, it takes the 3G/4G Sprint signal and turns it into a WiFi network, where any other device with the ability to connect to WiFi (iTouch, Zune HD, laptop– heck even iPhones) can get internet connection. In other words, let’s say you got your iTouch or laptop and want to get an update on the Jets-Bengals game this Saturday, but you don’t have any WiFi networks to connect to. With this new device attached, all you got to do is turn it on and you’ve got all the latest updates streaming down to you on Sprint’s fast 3G and really fast 4G network (think speeds close to the ones you get on your home broadband network, and much faster than the current 3G networks).

The device, called the Sprint Overdrive, does all that and is also quite compact, so it should be no problem for you to carry this in your pocket. Other specs on the device are said to include a microSD card slot (perhaps for sharing files over your portable network), support for location services (like a GPS), and has an 100 150 foot range (which is definitely not bad for such a small device).

Now while Sprint hasn’t yet confirmed any of this, some of their 4G ads online just so happen to be showing this off (that’s how we were tipped off on it), and going to sprint.com/overdrive takes you too a Coming Soon page, so an announcement and official details (like price and release date) can’t be too far off now.

UPDATE (1/06): With CES now really starting to get underway, Sprint has come out and made this official. Updated specs include sharing your 3G/4G connection with up to 5 WiFi devices– like the MiFi– a built in GPS,  and support for up to a 16 GB microSD card which can be used as shared storage over your network. The Overdrive will be available online and in Sprint and Best Buy stores starting January 10th for $99.99 after a $50 mail in rebate and a new 2 year contract (with a $59.99 a month 3G/4G data plan).

A clear shot of the Nexus One, and Google’s site for the phone.

Remember the Nexus One, you know Google’s true “Google Phone“? A whole bunch of new info just came out on this highly anticipated phone, and while it doesn’t answer all the questions about the phone (no full confirmation on specs), it does seem to answer a fair share of them.

The most significant revelation is in terms of which networks will be carrying this phone and the available plans. Unlike previous rumors, Gizmodo and other sites are reporting that while the phone will be sold unlocked without a contract from Google’s site directly for a steep $530, it will have T-Mobile 3G (and only T-Mobile and Europe 3G, not AT&T), and will give the option to purchase the phone  at a dramatically subsidized $180 on 2 year contract with T-Mobile. However, only one plan appears to be currently available: $79.99 for 500 minutes, and unlimited text, and web. So if you’re on a family plan, your gonna need to buy the phone for the $530 unlocked price, which is something we honestly cannot believe is the only option, especially if Google and T-Mobile actually want to move a lot of phones.

But that’s not all. If you buy the phone on contract and decide to cancel your service within 120 days of service, you will either have to return the phone to Google, or you’ll need to pay the remaining the $350.

On the hardware front, the leaked info also talks about a home-and-car kit (you know, perfect for using this as your car’s GPS with Android’s Google Maps Navigation), and the originally leaked pix of the phone also appear to be the real deal. As for name and release, word is that Google will be calling this the Nexus One, and all the official details should be made really soon, as Google has scheduled an Android-related press conference for Tuesday of next week.

Technically this is all still rumors, but don’t worry– whatever Google’s got planned and unveils next week, we’ll make sure your kept up to date.

Pix and info from Gizmodo and Engadget

Yes its that time of the year again. Its time for a new facebook layout. Will it be a welcomed update or will stir up a storm of complaints like the last update? Read on for more.

For those of you that don’t know, Facebook has undergone some controversial site redesigns that were not always welcomed with open arms by the Facebook community. The last update introduced the new homepage which brought arguments against Facebook for privacy invasion. Basically, you were able to see everything your friends were doing on Facebook, whether it’s their wall posts or their approval of someone else’s status.

Now, Facebook wants to add a few more changes, but none that will cause such a stir as the last update. (keep in mind, this is only rumored information)

A shot of what the rumored new Facebook will look like.

• A new emphasis on the search bar - could mean an enhanced searching experience
• Removal of redundant “your name” link to your profile on the top right side (the profile link serves the same purpose)
• Removal of the bottom screen, pop-up navigation bar, leaving only the chat box – personally, I never used the “navigation bar” except for chat and notifications
• Notifications have been moved to the top left of the screen right next to the facebook logo
• Sidebar has been cleaned up a bit – so you don’t need to sort through meaningless categories of news feeds anymore.

So, are you excited for this new Facebook update, or are you satisfied with the experience as it is right now? Sound off in the comments

Info and pix from Switched.com

The BlackBerry Tour2, on left, next to the original BlackBerry Tour

Sprint and Verizon BlackBerry lovers listen up (and those who got the first BlackBerry Tour, you may wanna look away from this), as we got some news for you on a new version of the popular BlackBerry Tour. The Boy Genius Report has posted a brief first look and some pix of an all new BlackBerry Tour2 9560 (not sure if that a final name for the device), that looks to take everything that’s great about the first Tour, and well you know, make it even better.

So what’s better in this new Tour? A few things according to BGR a faster processor t0 make everything faster (always good), WiFi (this is great considering it was one of the biggest downsides of the first Tour), and of course that all new trackpad found on all the latest and greatest BlackBerrys. The keyboard is of course nothing short of the great keyboards BlackBerry is known, and the size is said to be about equal to that of the first Tour (meaning it should be more than comfortable to carry around in your pocket).

This is a solid update to the Tour line, and we’ll of course keep you updated as more info comes out on this new BlackBerry– but what you think possible Tour owners, you willing to hold off on that new holiday Tour for a Tour2  and willing to hold off for this to come to your carrier (said to be coming to Sprint and Verizon probably sometime next year)?

Pix and info from Boy Genius Report

The internet has been abuzz the last couple of days with something that is sure to be huge– we’re talking Apple Tablet-like huge. What is it? Well, as one Twitter user who claims to have seen it, put it– it’s “like an iPhone on beautifying steroids.” Those are some pretty strong words, so what are we talking about that’s so awesome? The gPhone of course. Yes, the Google Phone– the real Google phone designed/made BY Google, not just a phone running Android.

You ready for some details on something that looks to shake up the cell phone as we know it? Read on.

Ok, so here’s what we got so far.

Google has over the past couple of days has given out to employees an secret, unknown unlocked device that  looks to be something we’ve never seen in an Android phone. We’re talking design possibly thinner than iPhone, equipped with AT&T AND T-Mobile 3G (a first for any phone), Android 2.1 (or some other version of Android we haven’t seen before), a high resolution OLED screen (like the awesome one found on Sprint’s Samsung Moment, just even better), 2 mics– one for regular voice, one for noise canceling, a 1 GHZ processor (meaning a REALLY, REALLY fast phone), and a new voice to text feature that will let you take notes or write emails just by using your voice (yeah, meaning you could have this take notes for you)! As you can see this is pretty big stuff.

The phone is said to be designed by Google and made by HTC (though with Google logos and branding all over the phone), and will possibly be sold unlocked by Google directly (meaning you buy the phone from Google first and then can pick whatever carrier you want), as well as possibly being sold through whoever carries the device (some say T-Mobile, others say this will be AT&T’s first Android phone– as they may lose the iPhone next year, some say it’ll be on both, with other reports saying Verizon was first offered the phone by Google and said no). And remember, Google has even confirmed a device like this exists on their own blog! So what this phone look like? Here’s one rumored shot.

The Google Phone/Nexus One?

Yeah, not bad at all. The phone is said to be referred to as the Nexus One (odd name we know), and the current rumors suggest that the wait for Google to make this all official ain’t that long either, possibly even in January.

So, your probably wondering, what makes this so big? Well, this seems like just a start of yet another awesome Android device, and should really shake up the cell phone market as Google goes with the Palm, BlackBerry and Apple approach of making both the hardware and the software– in simple terms, a sick phone that is sure to lead to not only better Android phones (I mean, this is Google showing how they do Android, and seeing as they made Android, you know they’re gonna do it really well), but expect a lot of better phones from Apple, Palm, BlackBerry and everyone else as they try to fight Google.  Google has enough money and power (as shown with how badly they killed the big GPS market when they announced Google Maps Navigation), that when they wanna do something, you better beware.

The news of a Google Phone is just beginning (everything we got so far is still in the very early phases and just rumors), and we’ll make sure to keep you up to date on all the news as Google looks to really shake up the cell phone world, but we wanna know– would you buy a device like the one we described above? You think Google is really making a “Google Phone”? Let us know in the comments.

Info from Engadget, Tech Crunch, and Google Mobile Blog.