OnStar and Chevy show off Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone control apps for Volt

Continue reading OnStar and Chevy show off Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone control apps for Volt

OnStar and Chevy show off Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone control apps for Volt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Computerworld: iTablet Will Be on Verizon, iPhone… Maybe

Computerworld is rumoring that Apple’s allegedly-to-be-announced-January-27th iTablet/iSlate will run on Verizon’s CDMA network according to… an analysts sources (!)

“The tablet will be supported by multiple [mobile] carriers,” said Brian Marshall of Broadpoint AmTech, citing unnamed sources he said were close to the situation. “Verizon and others,” he continued. “Definitely Verizon. I’ve been told that’s a certainty.”

Meanwhile, AppleInsider quotes another analyst who says, when it comes to the iPhone, Apple and Verizon can’t see eye-to-eye on pricing. Control-freaks the both of them, no one is yet blinking:

Currently, it is estimated that Apple gets a favorable $700 average selling price per iPhone, subsidized through exclusive carrier AT&T. Compare that with the ASP of the Motorola Droid, exclusive to Verizon, which costs an estimated $450 per sale.

Also, combined CDMA/GSM chips, which would let the iPhone run on both Verizon and GSM carriers like AT&T and most of the rest of the world, aren’t likely to be ready until the second half of 2010.

Hey, maybe Verizon will get a CDMA iTablet, but it can also be perpetually tethered to an AT&T/GSM iPhone! Sound off in the comments!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Computerworld: iTablet Will Be on Verizon, iPhone… Maybe

Parrot’s AR.Drone seeks us out, destroys us as we go hands-on

Continue reading Parrot's AR.Drone seeks us out, destroys us as we go hands-on

Parrot's AR.Drone seeks us out, destroys us as we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Potential iPhone Gen 4 ARM Cortex A9 Multicore Processor Demo

ARM is showing off their new Cortex A9 multi-core mobile processor, which will scale over 2Ghz at less than 0.25W of power per proc — and since Apple is rumored to be a massive ARM licensee and Apple staff were hinting that developers should prepare themselves for multi-core, rumors once again resurface that this smoking hot chip might become part of the 4th generation iPhone and iPod touch. (As part of PA Semi system-on-a-chip, ‘natch).

The current iPhone 3GS and iPod touch G3, as well as a bunch of competing smartphones (and superphones, don’t get us started!) use the ARM Cortex A8. MacRumors is guessing it might just make its way into the iTablet/iSlate as well.

CES is ramping up folks, and remember TiPb will be there, so we’ll bring you back anything more we can find out.

Video highlights after the break…

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Potential iPhone Gen 4 ARM Cortex A9 Multicore Processor Demo

AT&T Announces Completion of HSPA 7.2 3G Upgrade — Just Don’t Count on Speed Yet!

Looks like AT&T put the HSPA 7.2 3G peddle to the metal so T-Mobile wouldn’t grab all the nation-wide upgrade headlines today.

“We are focused on providing our customers with the industry’s best combination of mobile broadband speed, performance, coverage and available devices,” said John Stankey, president and CEO, AT&T Operations, who announced the network updates at the Citigroup 20th Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference today. “As we light up new backhaul connections across the country, we’re able to deliver a meaningful 3G speed boost for millions of customers who are already using HSPA 7.2-compatible devices. At the same time, we’re also looking to the future with these backhaul enhancements, which will support our move to next-generation LTE technology starting in 2011.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean iPhone 3GS users (who’s radios support HSPA 7.2) will suddenly feel themselves pressed back into their seats yet — oh, no, no, no. This is only potential. The reality is only 6 US cities have been lit up so far:

Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami, with capabilities being turned up on a site-by-site basis beginning last month. Further backhaul deployment will continue in these markets and begin in additional markets across the nation. We anticipate that the majority of our mobile data traffic will be carried over the expanded fiber-based, HSPA 7.2-capable backhaul by the end of this year, with deployment continuing to expand in 2011.

So, any of you in those cities at warp factor 1 yet?

[Thanks to our good friend Phil Nickinson for the tip!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

AT&T Announces Completion of HSPA 7.2 3G Upgrade — Just Don’t Count on Speed Yet!

T-Mobile finishes upgrade to HSPA 7.2

T-Mobile USA has completed its deployment of a faster 3G technology across its national network, reaching more than 200 million U.S. residents with the high-speed data and voice system while getting ready to upgrade some areas to even higher speeds later this year.

Second-generation Blue Microphones Mikey announced, uses free app

Filed under: Accessories, Audio, Hardware, iPod Family, iPhone, iPod touch

The audio wizards at Blue Microphones have wowed Mac and iPod fans with their Snowball, Snowflake, and Mikey microphones. Now, just before the start of CES 2010, Blue has announced the US$99.99 second generation Mikey Portable Recorder for iPod and iPhone.

While the new Mikey hasn't yet achieved iPhone certification, it promises to be a powerful professional recording solution for iPhone owners when it arrives in the spring. Mikey still features two Blue mic capsules for pro-quality stereo recording, but now has improved acoustic circuitry for better recordings of loud events such as concerts.

The new Mikey also has a 3.5mm line input for those times that you want to plug in a sound source like a guitar or mixer. There's also a USB pass-through connection for charging and syncing. A newly designed case makes Mikey usable with most iPhone cases, and the mic can be adjusted to seven fixed positions within a 230-degree range for optimum positioning. But wait, there's more! Blue is also throwing in a soft carrying pouch for Mikey, along with a headphone extension cable for playback monitoring with the iPod touch and nano.

Blue has also put a high-fidelity field recording app for iPhone and iPod touch into the App Store. Blue FiRe [Free, iTunes Link] has been out for a few months and is optimized for the second generation Mikey. The combination of the high-quality mic and free software produces a complete mobile recording experience.

Expect to see the new Mikey at Apple Stores, Guitar Center, and Amazon.com this spring.

[via Engadget]

Second-generation Blue Microphones Mikey announced, uses free app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Second-generation Blue Microphones Mikey announced, uses free app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES goes down to the docks

Filed under: Accessories, iPhone, iPod classic

It's CES time yet again, and that means that everybody and their business partners will be showing off iPhone and iPod touch accessories that do all sorts of crazy things, from the useful to the useless. Here's two interesting docks that Engadget has already seen at the big electronics show. The first, above, is a speaker dock with a twist -- not only does it play your music and charge your iPhone as usual, but it comes with an app that will turn the whole thing into an alarm clock as well. It's called the iLuv App Station, and it'll be released in February at a price of $130.

In the slightly more functional category, there's the iNet-2.0 tabletop unit from Sherwood, which combines an iPod dock with an 8" display that allows for internet radio streaming, the usual alarm clock settings, and a photo display. It's a pretty nice piece of tech to put on your nightstand, but the price may turn some folks off: it will retail for $300 later this year. We'll keep an eye out for more great iPhone/iPod accessories in the CES frenzy later this week.

CES goes down to the docks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

CES goes down to the docks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Planets for iPhone

Planets is a very cool quick pocket reference for anyone who is curious about the celestial objects they see in the sky.

Analysis: What the Nexus One isn’t

Google's new Nexus One phone falls short of some expectations.

Rumor: Verizon and Apple are at odds over pricing on CDMA iPhone

Filed under: Hardware, Rumors, Apple, iPhone

Analyst Maynard J. Um told investors today that while the rumored Verizon/Apple deal to bring a CDMA iPhone to the big V is still on the table, it's hit a snag over a pricing disagreement. Apparently Apple is used to being paid about $700 for every iPhone sold through AT&T, while Verizon pays out just $450 for Motorola's Droid, and the two companies are at odds over how much money should change hands for iPhones sold over the network. Seems like there should be a compromise somewhere in there, but of course any delays in making an agreement mean delays in actually releasing the phone.

And just for the heck of it, Um mentioned that he does expect a tablet this year, and that Apple's stock will depend on the "functionality and appeal" of the rumored new device. This just in: If people like something and think it works well, they will buy it. Thanks, analyst!

Rumor: Verizon and Apple are at odds over pricing on CDMA iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rumor: Verizon and Apple are at odds over pricing on CDMA iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ARM Cortex A9 Performance Demo - Likely Chip to Power iSlate and Future iPhones

As CES kicks off, one technology we've been hoping to hear more about is the status of the ARM Cortex A9 processor. Apple's iPhone as well as many of its competitors including the just released Nexus One currently utilize ARM processors based on th...

Google slides king’s pawn to Nexus One, takes on Apple

Google's recently unveiled Nexus One is less significant for what it does than for what it is: yet another move in the chess match between Google and Apple.

New book features secrets from Apple Design Award winners

Apress's new book, iPhone Design Award-Winning Projects, shares secrets learned by five of the six 2009 Apple Design Award winners.

Report: One-fifth of smart phone buyers want Android

Filed under: Apple Corporate, Hardware, Multimedia, Portables, Apple Financial, iPhone

Those incessant Droid ads are working, as consumer interest is climbing.

Last December, ChangeWave Research conducted a study to determine what kinds of smartphones shoppers want. As in previous surveys, the iPhone topped the list. However, 21% of the 4,068 consumers who stated their intention to buy a smartphone within 90 days said they wanted the Android OS -- a 15-point jump from the last poll taken in September. Just 3 months ago, Android was tied for last place in consumer preference.

Even though Apple's share of those planned purchases is down 4%, it's still positioned to do extremely well. In ChangeWave's research, the dropoff in sales following the introduction of the 3GS (12 points) is a big improvement when compared to the post-3G introduction drop (26 points).

The competition is getting intense and you know what that means: better products for us as the manufacturers try to outdo each other! May the best gadget win!

[Via Electronista]

Report: One-fifth of smart phone buyers want Android originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Report: One-fifth of smart phone buyers want Android originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google takes wraps off Nexus One

Google introduced its Nexus One Android phone, which is available now for use on T-Mobile's network.

3D Multitouch Interface… for iTablet and/or iPhone 4.0? Apple Patent Regurgitation!

The Baltimore Sun has regurgitated a recent Apple patent filing for a 3D, multitouch, zooming user interface. So the speculation jumps immediately to iTablet/iSlate and iPhone 4.0? Is this the “surprising interaction method” we’d heard rumored? Or just another in a long list of patents Apple may or may not ever get around to implementing in a real device? Place your bets in the comments!

[Baltimore Sun via Engagdet]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

3D Multitouch Interface… for iTablet and/or iPhone 4.0? Apple Patent Regurgitation!

Smartphone Round Robin Podcast Part 2: Device Impressions!

You may have heard that we’re taking a short break from the 3rd annual Smartphone Round Robin for CES this year (and for our own sanity, truth be told.) Lucky for you, we have just the thing to tide you over this week: two podcasts with your favorite editors from the Smartphone Experts Network.

This week we have the second podcast we recorded over the course of our time together. We’ve embedded it below, but honestly: you’ve subscribed to TCPJ by now, haven’t you?

How to listen to the Smartphone Round Robin Podcast Part 2:

• The Cell Phone Junkie
• Subscribe with your favorite client
• Subscribe via iTunes
• Listen via phone with Podlinez: 510-495-6352
• Download the show directly

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Smartphone Round Robin Podcast Part 2: Device Impressions!

Link4 Online for iPhone — Connecting Fun, Just Don’t Type “Grapes!”

I have been playing the iPhone game Link4 Online [Free - iTunes Link or $2.99 - iTunes Link], which is a “connect 4″ type game by PlayMesh. I love Link4 and have spent many a long night challenging other players to the game. Link 4 also has a chat room and if you have ever been in a chat room you know that a lot of nefarious things can happen. To keep the discussions as clean as possible, PlayMesh has evoked an auto-banning system. Now certain words (that will not be mentioned here so as not to get my editor’s wrath) are sure to get you banned. However, what has been happening in Link4 is interesting.

Waiting on players, I would sit in the chat room and after a time I noticed that many people were asking about how wine was made and where raisins came from from. I also noticed a lot of people were being banned, for 24 to 316 hours of play.

PlayMesh, did someone steal your Fruit of the lomb undies? Did the California Raisins cause you indigestion? The reasons are unclear, but if you even whisper the word ‘grapes’ in Link4 be assured your account will be banned.

It turns out, you can’t type the word “grapes” without being banned. Now perhaps grapes is a rude word somewhere I’m not aware of, or perhaps PlayMesh has a personal vendetta against the fruit, but either way watching this never-ending process has become almost more fun than the actual game.

If anyone has any ideas as to why this is occurring comment below. Also, if you want to try me at a game of Link4 my tag is Belarbrina.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Link4 Online for iPhone — Connecting Fun, Just Don’t Type “Grapes!”

Google Launches Nexus One: T-Mobile Plan Available Now, Verizon and Vodafone Coming Soon

Google today announced the launch of its Nexus One smartphone, ushering in what the company calls the first of its "superphones" based on the Android operating system. The Nexus One, which offers an 800x480 screen, 5 megapixel camera with fl...