Author Archives: Deepak Dhingra

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile to offer BlackBerry 10 devices at launch

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Verizon, AT&T and TMobile to offer BlackBerry 10 devices at launch

Can't wait for RIM's big mobile refresh? Neither can major US carriers, apparently. Just like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have confirmed that they'll be carrying BlackBerry 10 devices at launch, too. Hardly a surprise, considering all three carriers have stocked RIM hardware in the past -- but still an important win for customers betting on BlackBerry. UK carriers announced something similar recently as well. As VP Alec Saunders tells us, BB10's designed to be different and to move you forward -- and going by what we've experienced so far, the upcoming six pack just might help the folks at Waterloo move forward, too.

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Source: Reuters

Microsoft retiring Messenger on March 15th, wants you to use Skype instead

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Microsoft retiring Messenger on March 15th, wants you to use Skype instead

While we knew Microsoft Messenger was due to retire sometime in the first quarter of this year, we now have a confirmed date. According to The Next Web, Redmond has informed users via email that they have until March 15th to use the IM platform, after which they will need to hop on to Skype to chat with their Messenger pals. Your buddy list will automatically be migrated to the VoIP-focused offering. Desktop users of the outgoing service (globally except mainland China, where it will live on) should receive a banner notification to install Skype and, as it turns out, clicking on said banner will also uninstall Messenger. Road warriors are also taken care of, with Microsoft account support already baked into iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 versions of the Skype app. Nostalgia notwithstanding, fans of the long-standing MSN descendent can at least take solace in the broader set of features Skype offers.

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Via: The Next Web

eFun unveils Nextbook 7GP for $130: 7-inch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1

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eFun unveils Nextbook 7GP for $130 7inch screen, 15GHz dualcore processor, Android 41 on offer

Not to miss out on the CES action, eFun has announced it will be bringing a new slate to the show. The 7-inch Nextbook 7GP is part of the cheekily-named Google Play Series and runs Android 4.1 with help of a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a gig of RAM -- all yours for $130 when it ships next month. The 1,024 x 600 display resolution can't really be labeled "high-definition", and most other specs are plain Jane too -- 8GB storage (expandable), dual snappers, WiFi and HDMI-out. While we aren't sure whether that moniker will jerk Mountain View's chain or not, penny-pinching shoppers can look forward to some more deets when the budget tablet graces the CES floor next week.

Continue reading eFun unveils Nextbook 7GP for $130: 7-inch screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1

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Via: Ubergizmo

Soundmatters’ $250 Dash 7 portable Bluetooth speaker to debut at CES 2013

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Soundmatters' $250 Dash7 portable Bluetooth speaker to debut at CES 2013

Shortly after revealing the foxLv2 aptX Bluetooth speaker, Soundmatters is adding another member to its foxL range with the Dash 7. This pocket-friendly soundbar doubles up as a speakerphone and carries a $250 sticker, boasting pristine omnidirectional sound and also bundling an angled stand for direct on-axis listening. Tipping the scales at 200g, the Dash 7 stands just about 18mm tall and is designed to be nestled below your slate without restricting the view. The speaker plays well with the diminutive foxLo subwoofer too -- a pairing that promises to add some punch to impromptu parties. The Dash 7 will come in red, white, black and silver when it lands later this month, but the core specs are currently MIA -- a problem we expect to resolve as early as next week when we encounter the accessory at CES.

Continue reading Soundmatters' $250 Dash 7 portable Bluetooth speaker to debut at CES 2013

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Source: Soundmatters

Samsung will showcase its Smart TV Evolution Kit at CES 2013

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Samsung will reveal its Smart TV Evolution Kit at CES 2013

The Smart TV Evolution Kit that Samsung's been teasing us with since last year's CES will finally be revealed at the same trade show a full year later. The hardware kit will plug into the back of compatible Samsung Smart TVs and "evolve" 2012 models to the latest 2013 versions by adding a smorgasbord of hardware and software enhancements including CPU, memory and GPU upgrades, plus enhanced voice / motion control features. We reckon this just might help elevate your Angry Birds experience to a whole new level. Given that CES 2013 is just around the bend, it shouldn't be long before we get you a proper peek -- stay tuned!

Continue reading Samsung will showcase its Smart TV Evolution Kit at CES 2013

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Via: SammyHub

Source: Samsung

TransPhone modular smartphone / tablet goes Pro, still looks like a beginner

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TransPhone smartphone tablet hybrid goes pro, gets ICS and a bump in specs

ASUS' PadFone 2 may be the only notable contender in the phone-in-tablet space, but it does have a cheapo me-too in TransPhone. The latest "Pro" version of this budget hybrid comprises a 7-inch 1,024 x 600 TransPad dock, which swallows up a 3.5 inch 960 x 540 smartphone powered by a dual-core 1 GHz MediaTek chip. The set carries a $240 price tag on pre-order, though since this company doesn't have much of a track record, you may want to hold on to your cash until it becomes a real entity sometime in March 2013 -- even if it'd set you back an extra $50 at that point. There are more details in the PR, if you're up for a gamble.

Continue reading TransPhone modular smartphone / tablet goes Pro, still looks like a beginner

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Source: TransPhone International

Imo’s iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

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imoim for iPad updated, brings in voice calling and enhanced photo sharing

When Imo crammed free voice calling into its iPhone application, it neglected to port the functionality to its large-screened counterpart. Now, the iPad version of Imo.im is catching up -- adding VoIP support over 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi to other Imo users across iOS and Android. The latest version of the instant messaging aggregator boasts revamped photo tools too, featuring group photo sharing and real-time image uploads. These tweaks accompany a slew of design changes, including a color-coded status indicator bar and similar hue-based notifications for contact availability. Standard stuff, really, but that shouldn't stop iPad-toting chatterboxes from heading to the source link and giving the app a whirl.

Continue reading Imo's iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

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Source: iTunes

Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music

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Nuance updates its Dragon Mobile Assistant beta on Android, delivers expanded functionality and Gingerbread support

Nuance has refreshed its Dragon Mobile Assistant for Android to let you do more stuff using speech alone. The beta app now allows you to set alarms, launch apps and play music, in addition to its existing hands-free prowess that covers making calls, getting directions, updating your Twitter status and waking up your device from slumber using a "Hi Dragon" greeting. The voice-driven personal assistant, which hitherto worked only on ICS and up, also now supports devices running Android 2.3. (And no, you can't customize your phone's nickname. It has to be Dragon, not Snuffy.)

Continue reading Dragon Mobile Assistant beta for Android updated, lets your voice launch apps and music

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Source: Google Play

Nokia Lumia 510 will skip Mango, land with Windows Phone 7.8 on board

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Nokia Lumia 510 will skip Mango, land with Windows Phone 78 on board

Nokia's Lumia 510 was toting Mango when we saw it last, but it seems the affordable smartphone will be hitting Indian stores with Windows Phone 7.8 instead. The new iteration, which is starting to filter down to other Lumia handsets, boasts a smorgasbord of new goods including resizable home screen tiles and 20 accent colors, with Espoo likely to add a few Lumia-specific features such as an enhanced set of camera lenses and improved contact sharing. While the lure of something lurking between WP7.8 and the more child-friendly version 8 could spice up the deal further, budget-minded Indian customers coveting a newer Windows Phone operating system might not have to wait till the New Year.

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Source: BGR India

Google tests Flight Explorer tool, offers more visual and powerful ticket searches

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Google test flying new Flight Explorer tool

Google may have updated its flight search tool for tablets just a couple of months back, but it's been a while since its desktop counterpart saw a refresh. Currently being tested under the call sign "Flight Explorer", the outfit has a new offering that provides a more customizable and visual interface to help root out a suitable plane ticket. While the filters are pretty much the same as the existing Google Flights search engine, there's a new slider to choose trip length, an upfront indication of the best available ticket price for the selected timeframe, along with handy graphs that show price over time, and which yield up specifics when you hover over them with your mouse pointer. There's every chance that these new additions will be merged into Google Flights once any crinkles have been ironed out, but in the meantime there's nothing to stop you using it at the link below. And hey, send us a postcard!

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Via: WebProNews, The Next Web

Source: Google Flight Explorer