June 30, 2011

UK: O2 UK makes the HTC Salsa in the UK free from £27

Its this Facebook-centric phone's time to shine. Just days before this news came all the attention was directed to the HTC ChaCha since the device is already being sold in the UK and was announced in the US. It's brethren, the all touchscreen Salsa, is now being sold in the UK courtesy of O2 UK.

USA: Samsung Conquer 4G announced to come to Sprint



Sprint have announced a new 4G capable phone that will be added into their Android smartphone portfolio. Dubbed as the Samsung Conquer 4G, it runs on Android Gingerbread, a 3.5" HVGA touchscreen display, 1GHz single-core processor, a 3.2MP rear facing camera, 1.3MP front, a side sliding QWERTY keyboard, and of course connectivity with Sprint's WiMax 4G network. For pricing, there is no word about it yet. 


USA: AT&T officially announced the HTC Status Facebook phone


AT&T have officially announced the US' first Facebook phone, the HTC ChaCha or known as the HTC Status from AT&T. Since this will be the US' first announce Facebook phone, I believe this will be a hit to the Americans. The HTC Status runs on the latest version of Android, Gingerbread. Also, the Status has a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.6" touchscreen display. Of course, the Facebook button is also present, which makes sharing stuff on the world's largest social networking site a breeze. Other stuff in the HTC Status are an 800MHz processor, a 5MP rear facing camera, VGA front facing camera, and a 1250 mAh battery. Head over the break to read AT&T's official press release.

USA: Verizon puts the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G on pre-order


Verizon has put the 4G LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on pre-order! Starting at $529.99 with a 2-year contract you'd be getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE and 16GB of internal storage. Verizon is also selling the 32GB variant and also in either grey or white. The 32GB variant of the tablet, also with 4G connectivity, will be selling for $629.99. Head over to Verizon's website to check out their offer.


Angry Birds now available to Windows Phone


Finally, Rovio's popular mobile game, Angry Birds, is now available for the Windows Phone platform. The game is currently available with a tag price of $2.99 and a free trial is also available if you want to try out the game before you buy it. Head over to the marketplace now and download the game and fire those birds away!


PHIL: LG Optimus Mega Sale from July 1 - 10


LG Philippines throws out another promo to two of their Android powered devices in the Philippines! Called, the LG Optimus Mega Sale, get a chance to own either the LG Optimus 2X or the LG Optimus Black for less than their market prices. Starting July 1 to 10, you will be able to get either devices on a discounted price bringing the Optimus 2X's price to just Php 24,990 and the Optimus Black's to just Php 17,990. Here is the list of participating stores nationwide.


Google improves the design of their website


Google have announced and have actually started rolling out a new design to their website. Although not much, it is indeed very noticeable. The new design is primarily just a black bar at the very top of google.com. There are links of other Google services on that bar which will be highlighted with a thin red bar on the service you are on. Like that in the photo since the search page is open or used, the link highlighted on the black bar is the one that says "Web". Head over to Google.com to check if you got the new design.


Yahoo releases final version of Yahoo Messenger 11


Yahoo have finally made Yahoo Messenger 11, which was available on beta for quite a while, available with the apps' final release version.YM 11's most noticeable feature is Twitter and Facebook integration. Of course, if a messaging application would integrate with Facebook it also included with it Facebook chat and that is what YM 11 is giving you.

June 29, 2011

Google finally has unveiled their take on Facebook - Google+ Project


The Google+ Project was announced and will be Google's take on the world's largest social networking site, Facebook. This is how Google see's how people are and how they share in the world of the internet. Well, just base on how the project or the UI of Google+ looks, its a bit if not very different from what Facebook is offering. Google is even saying that this is what people are more interested in and not what other people are talking about and what they are doing. Head over the break to get a glimpse of what I am talking about here.

Opera releases 11.50 to stable brings in a new look

Opera made the Opera 11.50 out from it's beta phase and is now available for download. The newer version of the browser brings in a lot of stuff, most noticeably is the new look that it has for all platforms. These new look was first introduced to the Opera Next beta browser and now it's available in it's stable version. The new design of Opera is said to be a faster design, which is evident enough, when I was able to use the browser for a while.

Google Chrome updated to 12.0.742.112


I just want to make this clear that TechPump will now focus on updating you guys with Google Chrome's stable version. TechPump have dropped updates regarding the beta version of the browser and will focus only on the browser's stable version from this point on. Anyway, Google Chrome is now updated to version 12.0.742.112 and is available for all platforms. This update mainly brings in security fixes. 


IND: Motorola Xoom launched in India for Rs 32,000


The Motorola Xoom is officially launched in the Indian market. Both the 3G version and the WiFi version was launched and are both priced accordingly. The WiFi version will cost you Rs. 32,000 while the 3G enabled Xoom will be selling for Rs. 40,000. Both versions will be equipped with a 32GB internal storage.

June 28, 2011

USA: T-Mobile officially unveils the myTouch 4G Slide


T-Mobile USA have finally unveiled and introduced the HTC made myTouch 4G Slide. Yes, this will be TechPump's first post about a myTouch 4G handset. Anyway, the rumored and leaked smartphone is now finally announced and will be available, apparently, exclusively from T-Mobile this July.

UK: White LG Optimus Black available for pre-orders


Yes! A White LG Optimus Black is now available for pre-orders in the UK! Even if the white version of the smartphone is contradicting the name of the device LG still made a white version of it. The LG Optimus Black features a 4" IPS LCD (480 x 800) touchscreen display, 1GHz processor, Android 2.2 Froyo,  WiFi, Bluetooth, a 5MP rear facing camera, 2MP front facing camera, GPS, and all the necessary stuff a smartphone has.

UK: Sony Ericsson Neo now available via Expansys for £379.99

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, announced back in MWC 2011, this smartphone was not able to reach the UK in time due to some earthquakes in Japan. The smartphone was, at least, given an official time when it will be launched in Europe but in the UK, it will be launched in August 4th according to Exansys. The third party retailer also puts the handset on pre-order and have stated on their site that the Xperia Neo is due August 4th. Well, this is what my source (UV) said and has a photo to prove it. But when I got to Expansys' website the phone is currently available and 14 are available in stock "now".

HTC Evo 3D to land in Europe in July


The HTC Evo 3D, is the Taiwan-based company's first 3D capable handset and is bound for a trip to Europe this July. The phone will be sporting just like what Sprint is currently selling like a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 4.3" qHD glass-less 3D touchscreen display, 5MP dual-lens rear facing camera, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. HTC just said that the smartphone will be available "broadly in Europe in July. What broadly means to them is for them to know and for us to find out. Head over the break to check out their official press release.

IND: HTC Flyer officially launched in India for Rs 39,890


HTC has finally launched their Android powered tablet in the Indian market for Rs 39,890. Before this happened, we already know that the tablet was already being offered by Letsbuy.com for Rs 37,499. I do not know what happened with HTC's pricing but it seems that India will first be getting the 3G capable HTC Flyer and should launch the WiFi only tablet in due time.

Samsung will be making the Google Nexus Prime the first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone


So, another rumor from the mills. According to BGR, who reported that Samsung will be making the next iteration of the Pure Google phone dubbed as the Google Nexus Prime. So, what's up for the 3rd Nexus phone? Well, the report says that the Samsung made Nexus Plus will be sporting a "monster" 720p-resolution touchscreen display. Of course, Samsung will be developing that screen and will be named or called as the Samsung Super AMOLED HD.

Samsung is rumored to be developing the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus


Rumors from the mill are telling us that Samsung is developing the so called Galaxy S II Plus. Why plus? Well, it is said to be carrying a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread when launched. We know that the Galaxy S II is yet to be available globally, and it seems that even before the smartphone gets to all those markets worldwide a new one is set to be released.

June 26, 2011

USA: Sprint launches the HTC Evo 3D and the Evo View 4G


Sprint has finally made the HTC Evo 3D and the HTC Evo View 4G available. The HTC Evo 3D is the upgraded version of the popular Evo 4G smartphone but now it has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and  3D capability. The HTC Evo View 4G, on the other hand is basically the HTC Flyer, HTC's first Android powered tablet. Sprint, yesterday, launch both devices and made them available to customers. The Evo 3D is priced for $199.99 with a 2-year contract with, apparently, Sprint. The Evo View 4G is available for $400 with a free HTC Scribe digital stylus. Head over the break to read Sprint's press release.

Skype for iPad promo video leaked - coming soon


Skype finally have an iPad specific application that is confirmed to be coming soon. The confirmation came after the leaked video of the Skype for iPad app over at YouTube. Of course, we know that the iPad is still yet to see it's Skype app coming to the App Store and this is it. Skype VP of Consumer and Product Design, Rick Osterloh, confirmed it himself that indeed the app is coming to the iPad. Also, the app will be carrying most of the features that the iPhone's version of the app has but will not carry some of the features that the desktop version has, like file sharing. Head over the break to check out the silent video.

Best Buy puts the Motorola Triumph on pre-orders for $299.99


The Motorola Triumph that was announced recently is now available for pre-order over at Best Buy for $299.99. This smartphone which runs on Android 2.2 Froyo and does not have any Android UIs on top of it is expected to be offered by Virgin Mobile. The price will let you own the smartphone without any contracts, which I believe is a good deal for this phone. If you wish to get it with a contract then you only need to pay $39.99.

UK: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 arriving in August 4th


Vodafone UK was the first to sell the Galaxy Tab 10.1v (the thicker of the two kinds of Galaxy Tab 10.1s). I believe Samsung was already producing the tablets before they redesigned the whole thing to make it thinner hence, the had to sell those tablets. Anyway, Vodafone UK already announced that soon enough they will be replacing the Galaxy Tab 10.1vs that they are selling to the thinner version which is the Galaxy Tab 10.1.


June 25, 2011

HTC Glamour leaked - colorful HTC smartphone aimed for women?


HTC is apparently working on a phone that isn't afraid of wearing bright pastel colors. Codenamed as the HTC Glamor, the Android powered handset is said to be aimed for women who likes their handsets out of that very mainstream black color. Unfortunately, we do not have much details with the phone aside from this leaked photo. So we take a look at the photo, if you notice the Glamor looks like two HTC handsets combined. The top part of the handset looks like a an Incredible S and the bottom part of the handset looks like the HTC Sensation. I will be blogging if I get more info regarding the smartphone. So stay tuned.


Twitter for BlackBerry 2.0 Beta updated - gets support for trending topics


RIM released an update to the Twitter for BlackBerry 2.0 Beta app the app that not most BB users like and have received a lot of comments, negative comments. According to BlackBerry, this update is due to customer feedback that the first version of the beta app and I am sure it got a lot of feedback.

Apple releases to public Mac OS X version 10.6.8


Apple have released to public an update to their Mac OS X Snow Leopard platform. Version 10.6.8 is expected to bring in an enhanced Mac App Store, probably in preparation for the launching and availability of Mac OS X Lion. Also this version of the OS will make your Macs ready for the update. For those who have Macs then it is recommended you update your OS X-es now.

Archos 80 & 101 G9 Honeycomb tablet tows with it a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 250GB of storage


A new entrant to the world of tablets, Archos, have unveiled not only one but two differently sized Honeycomb tablets that are set to become another player in the slew of tablets currently in the market. Archos ain't just announcing another tablet, they are actually announcing the world's most powerful dual-core tablet to date. Yes, you read that right, so head over the break to check the details.


HP Pivot will launch in July 2 - HP's app discovery solution


Apps is one of the things that a platform needs to be used by consumers and when you talk about apps, their is one master of that, Apple. Anyway, HP's newest version of WebOS, version 3.0, will be ported into the HP TouchPad when it launches or when it starts to ship. Currently the tablet is available for pre-order in Canada/US and in the UK. Anyway, HP in July 2nd will release HP Pivot in the UK, which is HP's way of letting WebOS users discover apps. This is important, so that WebOS or HP would attract developers in creating apps for the platform. The HP Pivot will be a unique way of discovering apps from whatever HP will call their applications market place, since Pivot will be a magazine-like UI. HP will definitely announce this and when that happens I'd be blogging.


IND: BlackBerry PlayBook launched in India


RIM have launched their tablet challenger into the Indian market. The BlackBerry PlayBook is a 7" tablet that runs on the QNX based OS and is a tablet that packs the specs to challenge any other tablets right now in the market. Anyway, the BlackBerry PlayBook will be selling in India with a price tag of Rs. 27,990 for the 16GB WiFi only version. The other PlayBook that sports the 32GB and the 64GB will be selling for Rs 32,990 and Rs. 37,990 respectively.


Nokia's first Windows Phone 7 handset leaked - looks like an N9


That is Nokia's first Windows Phone device and its confirmed! By no less than Nokia CEO himself Stephen Elop. How it was leaked is a question that I cannot answer, unless the person who leaked the photos goes public. Anyway, the phone was showed off by Elop when he was showcasing the phone. He clearly did not want photos or videos going out in public but it did. And we will take it.

June 24, 2011

USA: HTC ChaCha will come to AT&T as the HTC Status


This little guy you see in the photo have been getting a lot of news lately since it has just started to be available in markets. The HTC ChaCha was announced by the Taiwan-based phone maker during MWC 2011. Said to be coming to the US via AT&T, the phone with deep Facebook integration is now said to be named as the HTC Status once it lands in the US (at least via AT&T). BGR have "exclusively confirmed" from sources that the handset will be offered by AT&T under the identity of the HTC Status. Oh well, this is still considered as a rumor but we'll take it. Until AT&T or HTC makes an official announcement, this is what we have for now.


USA: AT&T announces availability of the LG Thrill 4G - coming this Summer


AT&T announced that the LG Thrill 4G, their first 3D capable handset, will be available "this Summer". Unveiled by AT&T back at CTIA 2011, the LG Thrill 4G is basically the LG Optimus 3D renamed. The carrier unfortunately, did not mention any exact dates with this announcement, just "this Summer" and a lot of stuff about the smartphone.

PHIL: Samsung announces the Galaxy Tab 10.1 & 8.9 in the Philippines


Samsung on Wednesday announced the Samsung Galaxy S II and together with the superphone they have also announced the launching of their latest, thinnest, and lightest tablet in the world in the Philippines. Yes guys we are not late. Anyway, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will, apparently, be the first of the two (since both the 10.1 and 8.9 were announced) to arrive into Philippine shores. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available in the country beginning at the end of July and will be followed by the 8.9 after a few weeks.

June 23, 2011

HP's TouchPad commercial hits YouTube unofficially


The HP TouchPad's commercial with Manny Pacquiao pops up in YouTube. The video though is still not available from HP's official YouTube channel so this is leaked. Anyway, the video features basically how WebOS 3.0 works on the TouchPad and how fluid and nice the platform is. Not much on the specs of the tablet but we all know its a powerhouse. Head over the break to watch the short clip.

Samsung Series 5 launched in Europe for €399

 

The Samsung Series 5 ChromeBook is already selling in the US and the rest of the world is still yet to get a taste of the world's first ChromeOS powered laptop. Now, European markets and those who wants to get one can rejoice. Samsung have announced the launching of the Samsung Series 5 ChromeBook. To start the launching the laptop will be available starting June 24 (tomorrow). For the pricing it will be sold for €399 (£349) for the WiFi only variant and for €449 (£399) for the 3G version of the ChromeBook. The Samsung Series 5 will be available in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy at first and the will be launched in more countries in the next few months.

HTC Evo 4G+ shows up in HTC South Korea site


Yeah, a new Android powered HTC smartphone is headed to South Korea. Called as the HTC Evo 4G+, this is a smartphone basically the HTC Evo 3D sans the 3D of it all. Anyway, the smartphone is expected to be launch in South Korea via KT (A network carrier in SK). I don't know about you but I am confused why the HTC Evo 3D and so does the Evo 4G+ has a 1GB RAM and the Sensation does not have it. But anyway, head over the break to view the specs of the Evo 4G+.

iPhone 5 to launch in August?


Apple's next iteration of the iPhone dubbed as the iPhone 4S or the iPhone 5 is tipped to be launched during the month of August. Of course, I know most if not all of you have already heard a lot of rumors about the device like it will have a bigger internal storage capacity, a bigger screen, cameras with dual-LED flash, and actually the list can go on. You might also notice that I am not really blogging much about those rumors, I just don't think they are important. I mean, yeah it's Apples way of building the hype before it's inevitable launch but the specs will be there during the day Apple announces the smartphone.


Opera shows off their new UIs for Windows, Mac, and Unix


Opera have made available the different and improved UIs that the browser will eventually get when these designs gets pass beta. Three improved UIs for three platforms are showed off and you can use via a different version of Opera. Head over the break to check out the much better look they have given to the browser.

Motorola Xoom gets updated to Android 3.1 actives microSD card slot


When the Motorola Xoom launched it carries with it a microSD card slot for extra storage but the draw back is the fact that the microSD card slot is dormant or unusable until today. Motorola have started rolling out the Android 3.1 Honeycomb update for the Xoom. But it's for those who are outside the US. Those who are in Europe should start expecting the updates to arrive to your Xooms over the next several weeks. This update includes the software needed to active that dormant microSD card slot that you have on your Xooms, so this is a totally good news for those who have one. This was announced via Motorola Europe's Facebook page.


Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray announced


The last of the three phones that Sony Ericsson announced, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray is I believe and undoubtedly the higher-end of the three. Like the Xperia Active, the Xperia Ray will also be added into Sony Ericsson's Xperia line of devices and this is made with fashion and a good choice of materials in mind. The phone is also made with features in mind and stuff that the other high-end Xperia phones out there have, like Sony Ericsson's Reality Display with Mobile Bravia Engine and the Exmor R lens.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Active announced - Android powered smartphone


Sony Ericsson adds another smartphone in their Xperia line of devices, unlike the SE Txt, the Xperia Active (photo) is powered by Android and hence, a smartphone. The Xperia Active will be Sony Ericsson's first dust and water resistant smartphone which is perfect for those who has an active lifestyle or for those who plays sports and whatnots.

Sony Ericsson Txt announced - candybar messaging handset


Sony Ericsson have announced three new handsets yesterday and this will be the first I will be blogging about. Named as the Sony Ericsson Txt, is a candybar type phone that does not run on any smart OS out there, so this can't be called a smartphone. But don't be confused with the recently announced Sony Ericsson Txt Pro.

PHIL: HTC Flyer comes in the Philippines for Php 36,990


Apparently the HTC Flyer was not included during a launch event by HTC back in where the Taiwan-based phone maker launched the HTC Sensation and the HTC Wildfire S. Their Android tablet challenger is yet to be officially announced, the HTC Flyer

USA: Sprint announced it will be offering the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on June 24 for $499


Sprint have announced that they will be offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi only version, yup! no 3G/4G connectivity, starting June 24th for $499. We should know by now what the Galaxy Tab 10.1 boasts (specs) so I won't be listing the specs here again. Anyway, the US' third largest network is selling WiFi only version tablets, this being the second, with the PlayBook being the first it offered. It may be a strategy by the company since they also offer mobile broadband plans, you those MiFis. Head over the break to read Sprint's press release.

Huawei Glory Android handset with 1.4GHz processor for $300 without contract


That is the Huawei Glory, an unannounced handset that is said to be heading to Cricket. The Glory is also said to be sporting a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655T single-core processor, Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread with Huawei's own Android UI (base on the photo), a 4" (854 x 480) touchscreen display, 2GB of internal storage, WiFi, GPS, 1900 mAh battery and an 8MP rear facing camera. 

June 22, 2011

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo to finally launch in the first week of July in Europe

Said to be launched in the UK in April 19th, which apparently did not happen due to a delay after the Japan earthquake, the Xperia Neo is now finally given a launch date. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo will officially be launch in Europe by the first week of July. This is evidenced by Sony Ericsson Italy and Netherdlands' tweets.

RockMelt for iPhone gets updated to ver. 0.11.1 - faster than ever


RockMelt have updated their mobile version of the Social Networking included browser for the iPhone to version 0.11.1. When you update your browsers on your iPhone what you should expect is a much faster browsing experience.  Also, they have improved the stability and have fixed issues with the previous version of RockMelt for iPhone. To get the latest version of the browser click here.




PHIL: Samsung Galaxy S II to launch July 2 in the Philippines


The unlocked version of the Samsung Galaxy S II which will be launched by, of course, Samsung in July 2nd. Their promo is still up (more info) and Globe is still scheduled to launch the superphone in June 27th. Anyway, the July 2nd launch date was announced yesterday during the launch event by Samsung and still the superphone carries an SRP of Php 29,990. So, that's it the Galaxy S II will launch in the Philippines in July 2 with an SRP of Php 29,990 for details on the smartphone's specs click here.


Seesmic to stop support for BlackBerry effective June 30th


Seesmic, the maker of one of the most popular Twitter client, have officially announced that they will be dropping support for RIM's BlackBerry platform effective June 30th. The reason? Well here's what Seesmic had to say. 

UK: HP TouchPad now available for pre-order starting at £399.99 to ship July 15


The HP TouchPad is now available for pre-orders in the UK market from Clove starting at £399.99 for the 16GB tablet. The retailer is also saying that the tablet will launch in July 15th. The 32GB variant is also available. For those who are waiting for this device then head over to Clove to pre-order yours now. If you want the 16GB TouchPad click here, for the 32GB click here. The 32GB variant, by the way, will set you back £479.99, which I believe is still a very cool deal.