January 30, 2012

Samsung unveils the Galaxy S Advance


Samsung, who's crown as the world's #1 smartphone vendor was taken away by Apple, has expanded their successful Galaxy line of smartphones by announcing the Samsung Galaxy S Advance. It is not the successor of the original and the first Galaxy S but is just an improved and a redesigned version of the smartphone. The Galaxy S' successor is apparently the Galaxy S II. The Galaxy S Advance is scheduled to launch in February in Russia followed by other markets like CIS, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Latin America, and in China. The Galaxy S Advance sports a 1GHz dual-core processor and that very Galaxy Nexus-y curved glass design. Head over the break to check the device's detailed specs and Samsung's press release.

January 29, 2012

IND: LG Optimus Sol now available in India for Rs 16,990


The LG Optimus Sol, the successor of the Optimus One, is now available in India. The handset was announced by the Korean phone maker back in August of 2011 and, as far as TechPump is concerned, is first launched in India for Rs. 16,990. The handset is being sold over at Flipkart, so for those who are in India and wants to get the Optimus Sol head over here to order yours now.


January 28, 2012

USA: Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX now available over at Verizon for $299.99


Verizon has officially launched the Droid Razr Maxx last January 26th for $299.99. The handset is basically just the Droid Razr with a bigger battery to last you the whole day without any worries of draining your smartphone. Verizon announced the Razr Maxx during CES 2012 and still features a slim and sleek design. For those who wants to own one now, head over to Verizon and get it for the said price. If you want to get it in a lower price, then head over to Amazon who is pricing the device for only $199.99.

January 26, 2012

UK: White Samsung Galaxy Note now in stock at Clove for £538.80


The white Samsung Galaxy Note is now in stock over at Clove UK priced at £538.80 (VAT inclusive) unlocked. The device comes with 16GB of internal storage and is in the color white. For those who wants to own a white colored Galaxy Note that sports a huge 5.3" HD Super AMOLED display and a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, head over to Clove to order yours now.

January 25, 2012

LG Optimus Black Android 2.3 Gingerbread update starts rolling out in Europe and India


The Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the LG Optimus Black has finally started rolling out but in Europe and in India only for now. It took LG a while for them to roll out the update taking into consideration that the phone maker announced the Gingerbread update back in November of 2011. For those who are in India, you can head over to LG's support page to get instructions on how to get the update. For those in Europe the update is rolling out for those Optimus Blacks that are unlocked.

Opera 11.61 now available for download


Opera has released 11.61 and is now available for download. For those who are using Opera you can update your browsers by clicking through the Opera button > Help > Check for Updates and download and install the update. You can also download Opera 11.61 here. The update or Opera 11.61 is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux (links will direct you to the changelog)

Google Chrome updated to 16.0.912.77

Google Chrome has been updated to 16.0.912.77. The update does not bring, apparently, the browser to Chrome 17 but it only brings security and bug fixes. The full change log of the update can be read here. To update your Chromes click through Settings > About Google Chrome > wait for it to download and install the update. You can also download the latest version of Chrome manually from the official download page. The update applies to Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame.

January 24, 2012

USA: AT&T launches the Pantech Element and Burst


AT&T has officially made two Pantech devices available today., the recently announced Pantech Element (tablet) and the Pantech Burst (smartphone). Click on the device's names for their specs. Anyway, AT&T is offering the Android tablet, Pantech Element, for only $299.99 with a 2-year contract with the carrier and for $49.99 for the Pantech Burst. 

January 22, 2012

USA: Best Buy now selling the Acer Iconia Tab A200 for $349.99


The Acer Iconia Tab A200 is now available over at Best Buy. Best Buy only has stock of the 16GB version of the tablet and they are offering it for only $349.99. This is not the Iconia that sports a quad-core processor but rather this tablet breathes an nVidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor and runs on 3.2 Honeycomb. For those who wants to buy one, head over at Best Buy and order yours now. Click on the tablet's name (first sentence) for it's specs.

USA: BlackBerry Curve 9370 now available at Verizon for $99.99


The BlackBerry Curve 9370 is now available over at Verizon for only $99.99 on contract. The Curve 9370 was launched by Verizon together with the LG Spectrum. Unlike the Spectrum, the Cruve 9370 does not have 4G connectivity to boast with and is also not a high-end device from BlackBerry. Anyway, for those who are waiting for the handset to finally be available at Verizon, head over here to order yours now.

January 20, 2012

Samsung Galaxy Notes gets a "one-handed keyboard" with a new software update


According to Android Community, the Samsung Galaxy Note has been receiving software updates after updates. The most recent though is touted to be one of the most major of them all. The software update brings in a lot of tweaks to the device. Taking into consideration that the Galaxy Note is one hell of a giant with 5.3" of display real estate. One of the most noticeable changes that this update bring is the lock screen and a new "one-handed kleyboard". The new keyboard, by the way, includes a 5th row which is dedicated for numbers. The update is being rolled out to the international Galaxy Note and should be available over at Samsung Kies (if it ain't administered OTA).

USA: LG Spectrum now available at Verizon for $199.99


The LG Spectrum with 4G LTE connectivity is now available over at Verizon. The carrier is offering the device for $199.99 with a 2-year contract. The device was announced during CES 2012 and is Verizon's first smartphone that boasts a 4.5" True HD  IPS display. Also the device is breathing a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and for $199.99? This is something you should consider in getting, if you want Verizon's 4G LTE in a smartphone too. For detailed specs of the device, head over here. For those who wants to order now, head over to Verizon's online store.

January 19, 2012

ZTE Tania running on Windows Phone launched in London


ZTE's first Windows Phone in the UK is officially announced and should come in February 13th since Clove is already expecting the first stock of ZTE Tania's to arrive at that day. The phone maker, ZTE who is by the way the 4th largest in the world, has stuffed Windows Phone 7.5 Mango into the Tania and sports a 4.3" display and a 1GHz processor. Head over the break for the device's specs and ZTE's press release.


Asus Transformer Prime gets another GPS fix update


DroidLife was able to get a software update on their resident Asus Transformer Prime that is yet another GPS fix and also for some camera improvements. The software will bump your Transformer Prime's software build  number up to 9.4.2.11. To get the update you can manually check it from your tablet by tapping through Settings > About Tablet > System Software Update.

IND: Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman Android smartphone launched in India


The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman is officially launched in India with an SRP of Rs. 14,549. Announced way back then in 2011, the Live with Walkman is one of those Walkman Android smartphones that SE was able to produce before, of course, SE eventually became Sony Mobile Communications. Anyway, head over here for the detailed specs of the device. For those who are in India should start seeing the device at Sony Ericsson stores.

Nokia Lumia 800 update rolls out - improves battery life and WiFi connectivity


Nokia has started rolling out a software update to the Nokia Lumia 800 which will bring the software version of the device to version 1600.2483.8106.11500. The software brings in the promised battery life enhancement and WiFi connectivity improvements. The software update, by the way, is being rolled out globally. For those who owns a Lumia 800, your smartphone should be sending you a message for a new software update available for download and installation but the update will be delivered via Microsoft Zune (Windows Phone 7 Connector for Macs). For detailed instructions on how to update your Lumia 800, head over to the Nokia Support Site.


January 18, 2012

Samsung SUR40 now available starting at $8,400


At the National Retail Federation Conference 2012 in New York, Samsung announced that the Microsoft Surface 2.0 is now available starting at $8,400 (for customers in the US). That price will get you the display only of the Samsung SUR40 if you want it with the tabletop with a matching stand the price for the whole package is at $9,094.

UK: Motorola Defy Mini available for pre-order in the UK for £174.99


Clove is now offering the recently announced Motorola Defy Mini on pre-order for only £174.99 (VAT included) unlocked. The price does not compete with high-end smartphones out there simply because the Defy Mini is a mid-rang handset. As the name suggests, it is a smaller version of the same rugged Defy+. For those who wants top pre-order their Defy Minis head over to Clove, the online retailer is expected to receive the first stock of the handset in late February or early March.

UK: Unlocked BlackBerry Bold 9790 now available for £330


In the UK, according to UV, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 is scheduled to launch on January 20th but Clove UK already has stocks of the smartphone. Priced at £330 for one unlocked BB Bold 9790 you'd already be getting, personally, the slickest Bold ever. For the device's specs, click here and if you want to order one now from Clove, click here.

January 15, 2012

Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook unveiled [CES 2012]


Dell, at CES 2012, also unveiled an Ultrabook to go with the ranks of other PC makers that have announced theirs. The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is probably the company's thinnest laptop that only measures 18mm at its thickest point. The device is priced somewhere around $1,000 so its not bad for a Dell XPS.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga "flip and fold" Windows 8 powered device [CES 2012]


The Lenovo Yoga, showcased by the China-based company at CES 2012, stands by its name. The laptop is capable of being folded and flipped over like a true notebook. This design concept is probably due to Windows 8's very unique feature. That feature if being able to switch between two UIs (the photo above shows one of the and the other UI is the normal and familiar Windows everyone knows).

January 14, 2012

Samsung unveiled the world's thinnest laptop the Samsung Series 9 [CES 2012]


At CES 2012, the battle for the thinnest laptop crown is very hot. Acer unveiled the world's thinnest laptop, the Acer Aspire S5, that measures only 15mm thin. But Samsung immediately took the crown from Acer and announced the Samsung Series 9, the world's thinnest laptop at only 14.9mm thin at it's thinnest part. 0.1 of a milimeter is unnoticeable but, according to Samsung, their Series 9 is thinner still. The second generation Series 9 is expected to be launched in February 27th and will retail for $1,399.99 (for the 13-incher) and for $1,499.99 (for the 15-incher).

HP Envy 14 Spectre Ultrabook announced [CES 2012]


HP unveiled to the world the Envy 14 Spectre, their second Ultrabook to come out from their factory. The HP Envy Spectre comes witha 14" Radiance Display and is unfortunately priced at $1,400 and is tagged by HP as a "premium Ultrabook". Well the 14" Radiance Display has a resolution of 1600x900 (above average if you come to think of it). Also the laptop comes with an Intel Core i5-2467M processor, 4GB of RAM, 9hrs of battery life,  NFC chip, and.... "Other bells and whistles include Intel Wireless Display, HP's CoolSense technology, Beats, HP Wireless Audio, full copies of Photoshop and Premiere Elements and a two-year subscription to Norton Internet Security." This is one amazing laptop, and makes the price worth it. HP is scheduled to launch the Envy 14 Spectre in the US on February 8 and will be rolled out to other markets like in Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Chile, and Mexico (in March).

January 13, 2012

UK: Sony Xperia S already available for pre-order at Clove UK for £467.99

Sony Xperia S is already available for pre-order in the UK thanks to Clove. The popular online retailer is offering the handset that was announced at CES 2012 for only £467.99 unlocked. The first stock of Xperia S-es is due to arrive in the UK on March 5. For a detailed specs of the device head over here. For those who are in the UK and wants to own one of the most beautiful smartphone to ever land on Earth, head over here to pre-order you Xperia S now.

Acer Timeline Ultra [CES 2012]


Not only did Acer announced the world's thinnest Ultrabook ever, the Aspire S5, but they also brought in the Timeline Ultra which is expected to start shipping in Q1 of 2012. The laptop comes in either a 14" or a 15" version in a 20mm thin chassis. Other features include the latest Intel Core i processors, a dedicated GPU, DVD drive, and either an HDD or an SDD.

World's thinnest Ultrabook the Acer Aspire S5 with Thunderbolt port [CES 2012]


Acer announced the world's thinnest Ultrabook that measures only 15mm at it's thickest point. The Acer Aspire S5 was shown off at CES 2012 and thankfully, Acer has stayed away from making a MacBook Air or Pro copy. The laptop is a 13-incher and at only 15mm thin this is a laptop fan's device.  The Aspire S5 sports a 13.3" display enclosed in an magnesium-aluminum alloy, an HDMI/USB/Thunderbolt ports (amazing!), and an SDD. Since it sports a Thunderbolt port, it is officially the first Ultrabook to one which is actually nice and a very good strategic move for Acer. Head over the break to read Acer's official press release.

Lenovo unveils two Ultrabooks - IdeaPad U310 and U410 [CES 2012]

IdeaPad U410
Lenovo at CES 2012 unveiled two Ultrabooks named as the IdeaPad U310 and IdeaPad U310. These Ultrabooks basically succeed over the IdeaPad U300s which was missing an SD card slot and a very steep price. Yup! These Ultrabooks from Lenovo are now priced lower than what you would expect from an Ultrabook. The cheapest from these is priced at $699.

HP releases WebOS 3.0.5


HP is not yet giving up on WebOS device owners evidently, the company just released a software update which will bring the system software of your WebOS devices up to WebOS 3.0.5. The update brings in improvements here and there. The update is administered OTA and is currently available to unlocked Pre 2 and to AT&T and Verizon Pre 2s and to unlocked Pre 3s. Head over here for information on what to do with the OTA update.

PHIL: Nokia Asha 200 available in the Philippines for Php 3,500

Nokia has made the Asha 200 available in the country for days now. The Nokia Asha 200 was announced back then , together with Nokia Lumia 800 and 710. Anyway, the Asha 200 is being sold in the country for Php 3,500 and with that you get a colorful QWERTY phone with a dual-sim feature. The phone should be available at Nokia Stores and for those who wants to own one can go head to the nearest Nokia Store and get that 3,500 pesos ready.  For the device's specs head over here.


January 12, 2012

Acer shows off the Iconia Tab A510 with Android 4.0 ICS and an nVidia Tegra 3 processor [CES 2012]


Acer did not only show off the Iconia Tab A700 at CES 2012 but they also came with the A501 which is also a quad-core tablet. The A510 is an apparent successor to the Taiwanese company's A500 tablet. Since it succeeds its older brother it means this device will have more power to it, true enough it sports nVidia's latest mobile chipset technology with quad-core awesomeness in it and of course Android's latest version, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

WikiPad announced as world's first glasses free 3D tablet with Android 4.0 ICS [CES 2012]


WikiPad the world's first glasses free 3D tablet with dedicated gaming buttons is showcased and announced at CES 2012. That is pretty much what we have about the tablet. It is scheduled to be launched in Spring so by that time we should have the full specs and pricing of the device. For now, head over the break to read the official press release announcing the device.

UK: Orange UK announces the Tahiti tablet - re-branded Huawei MediaPad


Orange UK had announced their own Android tablet, a re-branded Huawei MediaPad, named as Tahiti by Orange UK. So, since the tablet is just a renamed MediaPad the specs should pretty much, if not at all, stay the same. Orange UK will be offering the tablet for only £69.99 on a £25 monthly plan. The tablet, by the way, is available now nationwide. Head over the break to check Orange UK's press release. You can head over here to order one now and get to know more the Orange UK Tahiti.

USA: T-Mobile announces the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G [CES 2012]

T-Mobile USA announced another addition to their collection of Android smartphones with 4G connectivity into their portfolio by announcing the coming of the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G. The device, since its a Galaxy S, is a high-end smartphone that runs on Android Gingerbread (based on the photo) and boasts a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 dual-core processor. Also, it sports a Super AMOLED display, WiFi, Bluetooh, GPS, you know those stuff you will find in a smartphone. T-Mobile said that it will be launched "later this year" and you can already sign up for updates about the phone here.

January 11, 2012

PHIL: BlackBerry Curve 9380, Bold 9790, Torch 9860, 9810, and Bold 9900 (whit) will arrive in the country in January 13th


BlackBerry will be officially launching 5 smartphones in the Philippines. These smartphones will be arriving in January 13th to update BlackBerry's line of smartphones in the country. These handsets are the BlackBerry Torch 9810, BlackBerry Bold 9790, BlackBerry Torch 9860, BlackBerry Curve 9380, and a white BlackBerry Bold 9900. Head over the break for the pricing of each handsets.

USA: Samsung announced the Samsung Exhilarate for AT&T [CES 2012]


Samsung announced the Samsung Exhilarate smartphone packing 4G LTE connectivity for AT&T at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. The smartphone should be launched by the carrier "in the coming months" and should be priced at a very affordable number since the smartphone is aimed to bring the speed of 4G LTE to the masses. The device is made from post-consumer materials to not only keep the cost of manufacturing one down but also to keep everything a bit greener. AT&T should then be offering this handset below $50 and with 4G LTE, this is a neat offer. 


Sony announced their iPod challenger the Sony Walkman Z Android PMP [CES 2012]


Sony at CES 2012, announced their own iPod killer. Called the Walkman Z, the portable music player is powered by Android and boasts that cool curved Xperia Arc S type of design at the rear. The PMP is coming to the US, and should probably be launched globally, hopefully. The device comes in three versions at 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB and are priced at $249.99, $279.99, and at $329.99, respectively. For those who are in the US, expect the device to be launched beginning Spring. Head over the break for the device's specs.

USA: Nokia Lumia 900 announced for AT&T [CES 2012]


Nokia, at CES 2012, showcased and announced the Nokia Lumia 900. A larger version of the Lumia 800 and will be offered exclusively over at AT&T. We still do not know how much the phone will cost and when it will actually be launched by AT&T, I will be posting about it when that happens. The Lumia 900 so far, as I am still checking, does not have any difference from the Lumia 800 in terms of specs, except for the screen size. The design is pretty much the same too. Anyway, I will be listing the specs of the Lumia 900 below and you might want to compare it with the Lumia 800's specs here.

USA: Nokia 710 now available in the US via T-Mobile


Nokia announced that the Lumia 710 is now available in the US at the nearest T-Mobile store. The smartphone was officially announced by T-Mobile and will cost $49.99 with a 2-year contract with the carrier. The phone, as we already now, can connect with T-Mobile's 4G network which allows users connectivity to a fast internet connection. Head over here to check the Lumia 710's specs and for those who wants to own one, head to a T-Mobile store near you.

USA: Sony Xperia Ion S to come to AT&T [CES 2012]


Sony, aside from announcing the Xperia S, also announced the Sony Xperia Ion S which is bound to be sold exclusively by AT&T. Basically the phone is almost the same as the Xperia S the difference lies in the screen size and the design of the handset. The Xperia S has that amazing cut at the bottom part of the device while the Xperia Ion S, doesn't. You can check the Xperia S here. Sony did not say anything about when the device will be launched by AT&T but that should happen soon.

USA: Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX [CES 2012]


Motorola announced another Android smartphone that will add up to Verizon's portfolio of Droid handsets. Called the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX, it is a thicker version of the original Droid RAZR but comes with a beefier battery which, according to Motorola allows the smartphone to be alive and kicking for as much as "twice" as long as "the leading competitor". The smartphone is still thin at only 8.99mm at it's thinnest point. The specs stay the same with the Droid RAZR, the battery is the only main difference and of course its thickness.

RIM starts rolling out BB OS 7.1 worldwide


RIM have already started rolling out to BlackBerry carriers worldwide BB OS 7.1. What does this updated version of the OS bring to our BB phone? NFC support, universal search, mobile hotspot, and WiFi calling to name a few. Expect the newer OS to be ready in the next few weeks. For more information about the update or BB OS 7.1 head over to the Inside BlackBerry blog (BlackBerry's official blog site).

Motorola announced the world's thinnest and most powerful 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone - Motorola Droid 4 [CES 2012]


Motorola announced the world's thinnest an the most powerful 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone, the Motorola Droid 4. The smartphone has been roaming around the rumors park and has been leaked like I dont know how many times already. At CES 2012, Motorola have officially made the handset official. By the name itself plus its form factor we can already and obviously tell that this will exclusively be offered by Verizon. No word, though, about how much it will be priced but Verizon says that it should be available "in the coming weeks." Head over the break to check the device's specs.

USA: BlackBerry Curve 9370 to be launched by Verizon on January 19 [CES 2012]


At CES 2012, Verizon officially announced that the BlackBerry Curve 9370 (specs) will be offered by the carrier come January 19th. Verizon is putting a $99.99 price on the smartphone with a 2-year contract with 3G connectivity with Verizon's network. The price, by the way, comes after a $50 mail-in rebate. Head over the break to read on Verizon's press release.

HTC TItan II announced - sports a 16MP rear facing camera [CES 2012]


HTC announced the successor apparent of the HTC Titan at CES 2012. The HTC Titan II which runs on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango and boasts 4G LTE connectivity and a mind boggling 16MP rear facing camera. The HTC Titan II is expected to be available exclusively over at AT&T in the US in the coming months. In terms of design there are little noticeable changes from the first Titan and the Titan II like the rear bottom part of the handset which is curved with the Titan II. Anyway, head over the break to check the device's specs.

January 10, 2012

Sony unveils the Sony Xperia S - marks end of Sony Ericsson [CES 2012]


You probably already heard that Sony will be or has bought all the shares of Ericsson from the Sony Ericsson venture making the phone maker a Sony brand. At CES 2012, Sony announced the first smartphone to have only Sony as the brand. The Sony Xperia S is the first of the Xperia NXT smartphone line (NXT = next generation Sony smartphones) which is scheduled to be available globally in the first quarter of 2012 with Android 2.3 Gingerbread ported into it. The company also promised that the device will eventually be upgraded to Android 4.0 ICS. Head over the break to check the Sony Xperia S' specs.

USA: AT&T announces the Samsung Galaxy S II SkyRocket HD [CES 2012]


AT&T announced the Samsung Galaxy S II SkyRocket HD at CES 2012. The improved smartphone, which will be better in terms of screen size compared to the original SkyRocket the carrier announced last year, will be launched soon albeit they are silent about it. The difference probably from the SkyRocket and the SkyRocket HD is that it has a different back panel (design) and a larger 4.65" compared to a 4.5" Super AMOLED Plus display the original SkyRocket boasts. Head over the break to read on AT&T's press release to get a bit more info about the device.

USA: Samsung Galaxy Note lands in the US via AT&T packs 4G LTE connectivity [CES 2012]


Albeit silent about when exactly the Galaxy Note will be available officially in the US, Samsung did not hesitate to tell the whole world that the largest smartphone will be available over at AT&T in the S soon. The smartphone-tablet hybrid is already in display at CES 2012 and should probably be announced by AT&T and should give us the price and launch date. AT&T''s Galaxy Note will be capable of connecting with the carrier's 4G LTE network. Spec-wise, AT&T's Note and the world's Note are identical except that AT&T's is 4G capable. Head over the break for more press photos of the device. By the way AT&T will be offering either the Cobalt Blue or White Galaxy Note when the device becomes officially launched. By the way, the Galaxy Note supports GLONASS tech. For more info about GLONASS click here (Wikipedia link)

USA: AT&T makes the Pantech Element official to arrive this month [CES 2012]


AT&T and Pantech will soon make the Pantech Element available. This tablet is the company's "premier" tablet that runs on Android 3.2 Honeycomb and breathes a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. For pricing, the tablet is christened for $300 with a 2-year contract with AT&T. Head over to Endgadget to watch their hands-on video.

USA: Verizon unveiled the LG Spectrum 4G LTE for $199.99 [CES 2012]


Verizon unveiled the LG Spectrum with 4G LTE connectivity at CES 2012. The smartphone will be Verizon's first 4G-enabled handset to sport a 4.5" True HD IPS display. The handset is priced at a very mouth-watering $199.99 on a 2-year contract. So for those who wants to get Verizon's fast 4G LTE network in an Android smartphone that packs a great display then the LG Spectrum is the phone for you. The phone will be officially available come January 19 at Verizon stores and online. AT&T has their own version of the Spectrum, they just named it as the LG Nitro HD.


USA: Motorola XyBoard WiFi-only variant now up for pre-order


Remember the Motorola XyBoard? The successor of the Motorola Xoom? Verizon announced the device back then and have also made them available. This time its the WiFi-only version's time to be available for pre-order. Motorola's online store are already offering them starting from $399.99 for the XyBoard 8.2 16GB version. The tablets are also expected to be shipping within this month, so for those who wants to own one, head over here and pre-order one now.