PHIL: Nokia Lumia 710 offered by Smart with their Special Edition Plan 1000

Smart has announced that they will be carrying the Nokia Lumia 710 with their Special Edition Plan 1000. Smart will be launching the device come April 17 so you can basically pre-order your Lumia 710 from this point on. For those who wants to pre-order, you can head over at http://smart.com.ph/Lumia710. 

Nokia pushes a software update to the Lumia 800 which improves battery life

Nokia has released a software update to the Lumia 800 which is here to basically confront the battery life of the device. Nokia says that this software, version 1600.2487.8107.12070, should significantly improve the battery life and the battery management of your Nokia Lumia 800. The update is not administered OTA but you need your USB cable and your Mac or PC in order to get the update. You can check if the update has arrived in your country and/or your carrier by heading over here.

Opera Mini 7 for Android available for download

Opera has officially released Opera Mini 7 for Android and has already been available for download. Opera Mini 7 for Android brings in the promised "Unlimited Speed Dials". Aside from that Opera Mini 7 for Android also brings in significant improvements the the browser's language support. For those who wants to get Opera Mini 7 for Android, head over at Google Play to download it now.

Nokia launches the Lumia 800C in China

Nokia has launched the Lumia 800 smartphone in China and is apparently the country's first Windows Phone device to be launched. Nokia and China Telecom jointly announced it. China Telecom operates the world's largest CDMA network and Nokia has purposely made the necessary tweaks on the Lumia 800 to properly work with the carrier's network and o properly give the Chinese market the best Windows Phone experience they can get from the smartphone. Nokia has named the device, officially, as the Lumia 800C.

UK: Clove UK puts the Samsung Galaxy Beam on pre-order

Clove UK has officially put the Galaxy Beam on pre-order and is pricing the device at £454.80 (VAT inclusive). For those of you who wants to own an Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone with a built-in projector for sharing content from your phone, then the Galaxy Beam is the phone for you. You can check out the specs of this device by heading over here.

Opera releases Opera 11.62

Opera has now made for public download Opera 11.62 for Windows, Mac, and Linux OS-es. The new version of the browser brings not security updates and overall stability. With this new version of Opera, users should also be able to see differences in performance which was also enhanced. Update to Opera 11.62 no by clicking through the Opera Logo > Help > Check For Updates. You can also download the update here. For the changelogs head over here.

Google Chrome 18 officially out from beta - brings in "faster and fancier graphics"

Google has officially made Chrome 18 available for update and download. Google Chrome 18.0.1025.142 is a major update, apparently, because it Chrome 18 "sped up graphics and drawing performance for users on capable hardware, and enabled fancier 3D content for other users on older computers." This version of Chrome also brings in the latest version of Adobe Flash. So for those who are using Chrome, update your browsers now to Chrome 18 by clicking through the Wrench button > About Google Chrome > and wait for it to download and install the newest version. Some of you might have the browser in automatic update so all you need to do is run the browser and it should notify you to relaunch it. You can also manually download it from the official download page.

USA: Verizon to launch the LG Lucid by March 29th for $79.99

The LG Lucid is officially announced to be launched by Verizon Wireless come March 29 for only $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a 2-year contract with the carrier. I just discovered I have not blogged about this device. It seems this is also an official announcement of the device so expect the specs of this device after the break. When March 29 comes, you should be able to buy this device at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at their website. Without any further adieu, the specs of the LG Lucid.

USA: The HTC Titan II available over at AT&T in April 8th for $199.99

Aside from the Nokia Lumia 900, AT&T is also set to launch on April 8th the HTC Titan II. The Titan II is the apparent Successor to the HTC Titan. The Titan II was announced back in January at CES 2012. The HTC Titan II, like the Lumia 900, is equipped with 4G LTE connectivity allowing you to use AT&T's fast LTE network. While the Lumia 900 is being offered for a low $99.99, the HTC Titan II is offered for $199.99. I don't really know what is up with the price difference but I think this is Nokia's way of stealing the show over at AT&T and prospect buyers of a Windows Phone 7.5 device.

USA: Nokia Lumia 900 available in April 8th for $99.99 from AT&T

AT&T has officially announced that the Windows Phone powered Nokia Lumia 900 will be available starting April 8th for just $99.99. You probably know by now that this device, the Lumia 900, is the US and the bigger version of the Lumia 800. When I say bigger it means that the device sports a 4.3" AMOLED touchscreen display which is 0.6" larger than that of the Lumia 800's. Anyway, the smartphone is 4G LTE equipped which would allow it to run on AT&T's fast LTE network. For those who are interested in owning one and cannot wait for the launch date AT&T now allows you to pre-order the Lumia 900 over at http://att.com/lumia. Head over the break to read on AT&T's press release for further information.

PHIL: Huawei Honor launched in the Philippines for Php 13,999

Remember the Huawei Honor? The Honor was officially unveiled last year in September and is now available in the Philippines with an SRP of only Php 13,999. That price is such a great bargain for those looking for a smartphone. Come to think of it, your 13,999 pesos will take you way ahead of the curve because the Huawei Honor is not a smartphone that will not pack a punch.

USA: AT&T releases the Android 4.0 ICS update for the HTC Vivid

AT&T has officially announced that the HTC Vivid's Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update is here and is ready for download. To those who owns an HTC Vivid, this is great news for all of you. The update brings in Beats Audio technology and an improved HTC Sense experience. You can check out the cool new things,. aside from the fact that your HTC Vivid will be running on the latest version of Android, that this update will bring to your smartphone by heading over here. From there you can also download the update. Enjoy your Android 4.0 ICS on your HTC Vivid!

Facebook Photos updated brings in high-reso photo and full screen viewing

Facebook has announced that there will be a better way for you to view photos on Facebook. This update brings in the ability for us to view photos at high-resolution quality. With that said photos are now 4x larger than before (as seen in the photo above). For those using the latest version of Google Chrome or Firefox, Facebook will now give you the ability to view the photos in full screen.

USA: The Acer Iconia Tab A510 now up for pre-order

The Acer Iconia Tab A510 is now available for pre-order in North America. The device was first seen and was officially unveiled at CES 2012 and we were only given its very limited specs details. But now we have them. But before about the specs, the device is already available fore pre-order for $499.99. And for the specs, we already know that the tablet will run on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and sports an nVidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU. Also, this will be an Olympic edition of the device.

Twitter updates TweetDeck to version 1.3 - Brings in new columns and more!

TweetDeck by Twitter has officially released an update to the most used Twitter client in the world. The update will bump the version of your TweetDeck up to 1.3 and in all fairness, has brought in a lot of new and much-awaited features to the app. So, how do you update TweetDeck? I am on Windows and was using the app when I read the news. I knew that my TweetDeck was set to automatically update (it seems that's the default setting). What I did to trigger the update is to close TweetDeck and a windows should pop-out notifying you of an update. From there, you know what to do, simply follow what are instructed for you to do. For those using Macs you might want to check the newer version of the app over at the Mac App Store.

Google Chrome update to 17.0.963.83

An update to Google Chrome has been released which fixes issues with Flash games. The update also brings in security fixes. It is available to Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame. If you want to check out these security fixes and other information relating to this update head over here. To update your Google Chromes click through Settings (wrench button) > About Google Chrome > and wait for it to download and install the update. If you have set your Chromes to auto-update, you can check if you are running on the latest version of the browser by going through the same steps. You can also download Google Chrome from its official download page.

Samsung Galaxy Note Android 4.0 ICS update to come in Q2 of 2012. Samsung announces Premium Suite update to the Galaxy Note

Samsung officially announced that the Galaxy Note's Android 4.0 ICS update will start rolling out to devices in Q2 of 2012. The update will basically be included in what Samsung calls as the Premium Suite software update exclusive to the Galaxy Note and is aimed to not only bump the platform version to Android 4.0 but also to improve what the Galaxy Note is capable of with its S-Pen. The Premium Suite will be available globally in Q2 of 2012 which will also come with free 30 levels of Angry Birds Space. Head over the break for a preview of what to expect from the Premium Suite update by watching the video.

Angry Birds Space now available for download!

Rovio has officially launched and made the latest version of the most popular game, Angry Birds, available or download! Angry Birds Space can now be downloaded from the the Apps Store and from Google Play. The game is priced at $0.99 and the HD version of the application (for the iPad) is priced at $2.99. For those on Android the same pricing will be in place. $0.99 will be for the ad-free app and $2.99 for the HD version for Android tablets. The game is also available for Macs and PCs. Priced at $4.99 for the Mac and retail copies for Windows will come shortly.

PHIL: Sony Xperia S will launch in the Philippines in April for Php 27,990

So, Sony Mobile has just announced that they have started shipping the Xperia S to the world and is now available in the UK. For TechPump's Philippine readers, here is news from PTB, which sees Sony Mobile Philippines confirming that the smartphone will be arriving in the country in mid-April. For price? It will carry an SRP of Php 27,990. A good price for that wonderfully designed smartphone from Sony Mobile.

Sony Xperia S now shipping globally

Sony Mobile Communications has officially started shipping the company's first ever smartphone (after becoming Sony Mobile), the Sony Xperia S. This pone is not only the company's first but is also, if we include Sony Ericsson, the first dual-core smartphone from the guys. Anyway, yes! They have started shipping the smartphone globally! It is actually now in stock in the UK, at least from Clove UK. Carriers around the world should start announcing the availability of the device. For now, as far as TechPump is concerned, it is only Clove UK who has confirmed to have stocks of the said device. Head over here to check out the device over at Clove.

Already updated your Samsung Galaxy S II to Android 4.0? What has changed?

Do you own a Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100)? Did you already get the Android 4.0 ICS update? If your answer to the questions is yes, then this should be of great help or is very informative for you. For those who does not have the update yet, it will arrive at sometime and while waiting you might also want to read on about this post.

Sony Mobile announces the Xperia Neo L in China

Sony Mobile in China has announced their first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone. Dubbed as the Xperia Neo L, it will apparently succeed over the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and the Neo V. This will be the phone maker's first ever Android 4.0 smartphone which means that it will run on the latest Android platform straight from the box. Since it is announced in China, it also means that it will be sold first in China and unfortunately there is no word if this will be sold to other markets aside from that of China. I will be posting about it if Sony Mobile will actually sell it elsewhere. Anyway, head over the break to check out the device's specs.

PHIL: Android 4.0 ICS update for the Samsung Galaxy S II arrives in the Philippines

When Samsung officially started rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update to the Galaxy S II, the first countries who got the update were, of course, South Korea and countries in Europe. No mention was made on when exactly it will reach the Philippines. But the Philippines' Galaxy S II is the international version (GT-I9100) which is basically the same with those in South Korea and in the European market. Unlike in the US where they have heavy carrier customization and different CPUs in their SGS IIs and of course the antennas they use for the devices to work with the specific carrier in the US which eventually would require a different update. 

AUS: HTC One X to be available in Australia in April 2

The HTC One X, apparently HTC's new Android flagship phone and their first quad-core device, will be launched in Australia come April 2 by two carriers. These carriers are Optus and Virgin Mobile. Yup! Both are scheduled to launch the same smartphone on the same date. Optus will be offering the HTC One X "for $0 on the $59 plan or $0 on the $79 plan with 2 months of free access." while Virgin Mobile will offer the device "for $0 on Fair Go $59 cap."

HTC announces which devices will get Android 4.0 ICS

HTC has confirmed which of their devices will be getting the latest iteration of the Android platform, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, on their official blog. HTC has listed a lot of them and that is nice since everyone who owns an HTC wants their device to be included in the list. The first HTC devices that will get the update as early as in the next few weeks are the HTC Sensation and the Sensation XE. Then the HTC Sensation 4G and the HTC Sensation XL will follow. Head over the break to see the complete list of devices confirmed to get the Android 4.0 update.

Firefox 11 now available for download

Firefox 11 is now officially available for download. This update apparently brings your Firefox's version up to 11 but that does not mean that there are major changes to the browsers, well at least from those who are regular users of a browser. Firefox 11 actually brings in a neat feature called Inspector 3D view which I will not be discussing because it is out of my league. Anyway, you can update your Firefox browsers by simply clicking through the Firefox button > About Firefox > Then apply the update (after downloading). You can also download it manually from the Firefox official download page.  This is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. By the way, head over the break for the Inspector 3D View there's a video down there.

Sony Mobile announces the Xperia Sola

Sony Mobile Communication has unveiled another Xperia device with a very nice technology incorporated in it. The name of the device is the Sony Xperia Sola. It sports Sony's Floating Touch technology, which will allow users to navigate around the web by simply hovering your finger above wherever you want on the screen and then tapping it to go to that link, photo, or video. You can watch the video after the break to check out this new technology in the Xperia Sola. The device will be available in three different colors, namely Black, Red, and White which is bound to be launched globally.

TAG Heuer Racer revelead

TAG Heuer has revealed, I believe, is their second Android smartphone to date. The TAG Heuer Racer which I cannot really say is the successor to the TAG Heuer Link. The phone is not yet available but you can sign up your interest by heading over the phone's page at the TAG Heuer website. The Racer's design is inspired by GT Cars and cost much less than the Link (priced at $6700 when launched), at $3,700. Head over the break for the introductory video of the smartphone.

Safari 5.1.4 available for download

Safari 5.1.4 was available for download a while back already. The new version of the browser primarily brings in improvements in viewing web pages. Nothing really new should be expected but any update is always nice. By the way, these improvements also come with security fixes so update your Safaris now. You can get the update via the Apple Software Updater or you can download it from it's official download page.

Samsung starts rolling out Android 4.0 ICS update to the Galaxy S II in Europe

Samsung has officially announced that they have already started pushing the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update to the popular Samsung Galaxy S II. Samsung, today, is now one of the first phone makers to officially start providing Android 4.0 updates to their devices. The update will be first pushed in Europe including Poland, Hungary, and in Sweden. South Korea, of course, will also be getting the update and will be pushed to other markets gradually. Samsung also said that devices like the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy R, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Galaxy Tab 7.7, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will all be getting the said update soon. Head over the break to read on Samsung's press release.

USA: ZTE Fury announced and now available via Sprint for $19.99

Sprint is now selling the ZTE Fury for a rock-bottom price of only $19.99. The smartphone was announced a while back already and has started being sold in March 11, 2012. The ZTE Fury is now where near a high-end Android device considering its price we should not expect too much from this little fellow. Before we go to its specs, the $19.99 comes after a $50 mail-in rebate and it excludes taxes and surcharges so don't be shocked when you discover that Sprint won;t give you the smartphone for just $19.99. Of course the $19.99 price requires you to commit with Sprint for 2 years.

iOS 5.1 available for download

Yeah, I know, I apologize for posting this news very late. But its better late than never. Apple, together with the announcement of the New iPad, has announced the availability of iOS 5.1. The latest iteration of Apple's crowning glory is compatible with the iPad 2, iPad, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod 2nd gen, iPod Touch 3rd gen, and the iPod Touch 4th gen. Enjoy iOS 5.1 on your iDevices!

iTunes 10.6 available for download! Supports 1080p videos

Apple released iTunes 10.6 a few moments after the New iPad was announced a while back. iTunes 10.6 most important stuff that it brings to users is the fact that it will support 1080p videos (movies and TV) "to match those available on the new Apple TV." iTunes 10.6 also brings in some improvements to iTunes Match. So, update your iTunes now by downloading it from the iTunes download page.

Chrome for Android Beta updated to 0.16.4301.233

Google has released an update to the Chrome for Android Beta browser which bumps up the mobile browser's version up to 0.16.4301.233. That version number is the equivalent of Chrome 16.0.912.77 for desktops. The update primarily brings in security fixes and it fixes a compatibility issue that prevents the browser from starting up when running on Android 4.0 ICS. You can update your Chrome for Android Beta browser from you Android Market app (or the Google Play app) or by heading over to the Google Play website and downloading it directly from there.

The Samsung Galaxy Pocket

Samsung has announced a very affordable Android smartphone dubbed as the Samsung Galaxy Pocket. I'd like to think of this device like it's the Galaxy Y, that very affordable Android smartphone from Samsung that allows those who really does not have a budget for those high-end smartphones but is wanting to have one. The Galaxy Pocket is scheduled to be launched in Italy from March and will be rolled out to other markets like in Europe, CIS, Latin America, Southeast and Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and in China.

Google Chrome updated to 17.0.963.79

Google has been very busy updating the stable version of Google Chrome. It is probably because of that securit issue with Adobe Flash. The most recent update brings your Google Chrome to version 17.0.963.79, which apparently, brings in fixes to the said issue. The update is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame. Since this is a security fix, it is recommended you update your browsers. You can do that by clicking through Settings > About Google Chrome > and then wait for it to download and install the newer version. You can also get the latest version of Chrome by downloading it from the official Google Chrome download page.

Google announces Google Play - the Android Market renamed

Google has officially announced Google Play. It is basically the Android Market renamed and Google have added a few stuff here and there more noticeably Music, Movies, and Books. Google Play actually merges the Android Market, Google Music, Google eBookStore, and Google Movies (if it exists) into one place. For those who owns an Android device, your Android Market should start updating to Google Play.

Apple officially unveils "The New iPad"

The Cupertino-based company has officially unveiled "The New iPad". Yep, you read it right, the company does not call the next iteration of the iPad as the iPad HD nor is it called the iPad 3 but simply it's called as the New iPad. So what's up with the new iPad then? One jaw-dropping feature about it is that it sports Retina Display with a screen resolution of 2048x1536 with a pixel density of 264 per inch. Anyway, the new iPad, yet again, will be Apple's first device to sport the new Apple A5X dual-core chipset with a quad-core GPU.

Google Chrome updated to 17.0.963.65

Google has released an update to their popular desktop browser. The update brings Google Chrome to version 17.0.963.65 available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame. What this update fixes are there issues: Cursors and backgrounds sometimes do not load, Plugins not loading on some pages, Text paste includes trailing spaces, and Websites using touch controls break. The update also brings in a newer version of Adobe Flash. Update your Google Chromes now by clicking through The wrench button > About Google Chrome > and wait for the browser to download and install. You can also download it from the Google Chrome official download page.

IND: Asus launched the Transformer Prime in India for Rs. 49,999

Asus in India has launched the Transformer Prime Android Honeycomb tablet. Apparently, the world's first quad-core device, Asus has given the device an SRP of Rs. 49,999. With that price, you'd be getting a 10.1" Super IPS+ LCD display with a screen resolution at 1280x800, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, a 1GHz nVidia Tegra 3 processor, 1GB RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and so on. For more details on the device's specs head over here.

USA: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 available over at Verizon for $499.99

Verizon has announced the availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 with 4G LTE. The tablet is already available over at Verizon since the 1st day of March. I know this is kind of late but late is better than never, right? Anyway, Verizon is offering the tablet for $499.99 with a 2-year contract and those who gets on will have access to Verizon's fast 4G LTE network. If you want to check out the device's specs, click here. No changes to its specs were made its the same all throughout with the exception of 4G LTE connectivity.

Skype for Windows Phone Beta now available to download

Skype for Windows Phone Beta is finally available for download! Most if not all of you who owns a Windows Phone smartphone must have been waiting for this for a long time now. When Microsoft acquired Skype, I thought they'd immediately launch an app for those who use Skype but apparently it took them a while to do so. Nevertheless, the Skype for Windows Phone Beta app is cool! Just like how cool the entire UI of the platform is.  You can now get the application directly from the Windows Phone Marketplace and start using the amazing application. Head over the break to watch a video featuring some of the coolest features the app gives you.

USA: Sony Tablet P now available over at AT&T for $399.99

The Sony Tablet P is finally available in US shores courtesy of AT&T. The network is offering you this clamshell tablet for $399.99 with a 2-year contract. The tablet will allow you to connect to AT&T's 4G network giving you, theoretically, blazing fast mobile internet speeds. The Sony Tablet P is available over at AT&T's online store and at 1000 AT&T company-owned retail stores. Head over the break to read AT&T's  press release. You can read the full press release by clicking here.

MWC 2012: Asus Transformer Pad 300

Asus, aside from announcing the Transformer Pad Infinity, announced a lower-end tablet dubbed as the Transformer Pad 300. Yeah, they all look the same, except for that tablet-dock for the PadFone, but they sure do not share the same specs. Like what I have said, this tablet you see will be a lower-end device which means specs that are not at par with the company's, apparent, tablet flagship, the Infinity. No word yet on when it will be launched and for how much. Head over the break for the specs.

MWC 2012: The Fujitsu F12arc

Photo Credit: Unwired View

Fujitsu has officially unveiled their own quad-core packing Android 4.0 ICS-runnin' smartphone, the Fujitsu F12arc. By the looks of it, in the photo, Fujitsu is putting a vanilla flavored Android 4.0 and that is good news for those who does not want their Androids with UIs here and there. The device, in addition to its power specs, is waterproof and dustproof. According to the blog post where I got that perfect photo of the device, Unwired View, this handset being displayed over at MWC 2012 (which was already concluded), is still a prototype. That means that the market-ready version of the device might already have an overlay on it.

MWC 2012: ZTE Era

ZTE has announced a high-end Android smartphone at MWC 2012. Named as the ZTE Era, the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich running smartphone boasts a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and a 4.3" qHD display. The smartphone will be ZTE's new flagship handset and is bound to be launched in Europe and in China in the second quarter of this year. No word on pricing ye. Head over the break for the device's specs and ZTE's press release.

MWC 2012: ZTE Orbit

ZTE, at MWC 2012, announced a budget friendly Windows Phone smartphone dubbed as the ZTE Orbit. The device will be joining the ZTE Tania in the company's effort to be more felt in the Windows Phone market. The Orbit is scheduled to be available in the second quarter of this year. No word on how much the smartphone would cost but we should have the pricing when the device gets launched somewhere. The Orbit runs on the latest version of the platform, Windows Phone 7.5 Mango. Head over the break to check its specs and ZTE's press release.

MWC 2012: The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity

Asus, aside from the PadFone, announced the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity. The tablet is basically the Transformer Prime but with revisions here and there. I was not able to post about a Transformer Prime that was said to be like a "repaired" version of the first Prime. According to Endgadget, this is that tablet. Asus did not mention anything about when the device will be available and how much it will be priced. Anyway, head over the break for the specs and press release.

MWC 2012: The Asus PadFone officially official

Asus, at MWC 2012, has officially unveiled the market-ready Asus PadFone, the device that's a smartphone with a tablet-dock. The Taiwan-based computer giant has changed the design of the PadFoe, probably because the original design is just annoying to look at. The tabler-dock, unfortunately, looks like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I've read Asus' press release, which you can do too after the break, and according to my understanding, the PadFone is the smartphone while the tablet is the smartphone's tablet-dock. The tablet-dock gives you the resource of having an extra battery in a tablet form factor. It basically uses the smartphone for the CPU and whatnots that Android needs to run properly. Asus will be shipping the PadFone come April. 

MWC 2012: The Panasonic Eluga Power

Panasonic, a while back, announced the Eluga smartphone for the European market. At MWC 2012, the same company announced the smartphone's bigger brother, the Eluga Power. The Eluga Power sports a large 5" display and a dual-core processor from Qualcomm. Like the first Eluga, this will be waterproof and dustproof.