Color and social voyeurism without the passes

How Color app looks like in your iPhone
Source: http://itunes.apple.com

Social mobile voyeurism is on the rise. And Facebook will be another story if the new mobile phone application, Color, will tick.

Color is one of a kind location – based, photo sharing application that allows access and sharing with other people’s data, particularly those who are within 150 – feet radius around you –photos, music, and videos is made largely possible without the use of usernames, passwords or even no need for requests of friendships.

 It enable one to look at people’s background around him / her without the need to actively socialize, as well as looking at shared photos at different perspectives. That is, you will be able to look at other’s people’s files, journals or updates without their permission and know them better even without talking, as long as they are within your reach.

The app which is currently available to iPhones and Google Android smartphones is the brainchild of Bill Nguyen, who is also the executive developer of the site Lala.com aims to break into people’s current group of friends and be able to know the people around them. You will know more about that mysterious officemate or that quirky neighbour whom you haven’t added or whom you don’t normally see in your list of your usual Facebook friends.

Panalo Phone: the Masses' Landline

Now, everyone has the chance of reaching out to anybody as Smart, a telecom giant in the Philippines, offers its very affordable ‘Panalo phones’ to the country’s populace who don’t have yet the basic telecommunication amenities. 

The new phone kit would be available in handsets manufactured by ZTE (ZTE S500) and Cherry Mobile (Cherry Mobile B1) and is packaged with a preloaded with free SMS Talk n’ Text Panalo phone SIM and is priced at only Php 499 per unit. The unit allows basic call and text services, features an FM radio, and a flashlight.

Both the B1 and S500 are quite perfect for individuals who can’t afford to waste on the extras. Apart from the unit being inexpensive, Smart would also offer special prepaid promos that the target segment of the market, the D and E class in particular, could afford, and which is exclusive to Panalo Phone users. For example, exclusive “bucket-priced” promos that would allow the users of the Panalo Phone send at least 40 SMS to other users in the same network, and another 25 text messages to other networks. Another special item in the promos is that with your Php 5, you will get 20 free text messages for a day.

This strategy according to Smart execs would ensure that this particular offering is a “unique and relevant product” for the masses. And such, has the probability that it could even replace the usual landline, all at a very cheap prepaid rates.

4G: the new mobile technology

4G has been becoming the new buzz word and is gaining popularity nowadays in the progressive mobile world technology. It was also highlighted in the recently concluded 2011 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

4G and Mobile Communications

In basic principle, 4G wireless or the fourth generation of mobile communications network is the successor to 3G. It promises to deliver high speed service and enhanced coverage: that is, 10 times faster than that of current 3G’s speed. As 4G technology could provide quicker mobile internet, one would be able to view videos, online games, and a faster social networking become a reality. It could, in a way, help make communication better, and be able to reach out to more people in remote places.



HTC EVO 4G

Currently, however, the availability of 4G is limited. The ones that networks currently call as “4G” are not full-fledged 4Gs. There are only two types of what we could call true 4G tech (which were both determined by International Telecommunication Union (ITU): the Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE Advanced) and the WiMAX Release 2. Both are out in the market but are not yet deployed on a large – scale basis. Some of the provider of 4G high-speed service are Sprint, Verizon Wireles, and T-mobile.

What we have now are just later versions of 3G and is more appropriately be called 3.5G or 3.75G. These are just what we call marketing stunts of wireless networks that vie with one another for the attention of customers and prove that their 4G package is much better than any other.

 

Samsung Epic 4G



Utilizing 4G and 4G Phones

Of course, with this latest innovation, there are a number of phones that utilizes the 4G technology for you to fully realize the high – speed settings and improved coverage: Some of these are available in the market are:

1.     HTC EVO 4G – the first phone to run on Sprint's 4G WiMax network. Download speeds is up to 10 times faster than the usual 3G network.

2.     Samsung Epic 4G – is the only one of the line of Samsung’s Galaxy S line that support Sprint's high-speed 4G network

These phones, if 4G is not available, could automatically detect 3G system and utilize it seamlessly just like any other 3G phones.



Bold 9780 invades Philippines

Bold 9780, Research in Motion’s (RIM) newest and most powerful Blackberry device will be now offered in the Philippines.



Blackberry Bold 9780



Gregory Wade, RIM Southeast Asia managing director, said in Inquirer.net that the new device will cater to customers who require higher performance mobile gadgets.

He believes that Bold 9780 will be received well by the Pinoy market.

Thus, for Pinoys who want to have a new experience of Bold 9780, here is a quick look at its basics:

Bold 9780’s design is what you would call iconic. It is elegantly fashioned and packed with advanced communications, easy – to – use keyboard and incredibly responsive optical track pad navigation not to mention exceptional multimedia features.

The device provides a truly extraordinary mobile experience with its combination of features, performance and design.

Notable of which is the compact body and solid form of the Bold 9780.

The Bold 9780 is runs with the latest and popular new Blackberry sixth version operating system. It brings a decent and updated UI, a WebKit-based browser. It also supports 3G networks, Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS receiver and is preloaded with Blackberry maps. Email and data security are enhanced with the Blackberry services available.

Another complementary factor is the 512 – megabyte RAM (this is to accommodate the new OS) and an expandable memory card slot that could sustain up to 16 gigabytes of data storage.

Adding to the pack is Bold 9780’s autofocus five-megapixel camera, which is combined with scene modes, image stabilization and video recording features. 

The new wave: Geinimi vs Androids in China

As the popularity and the sales of 'powerful-handheld computers' boom had been very obvious in 2010 statistics in the field of mobile devices, and consumers had also been putting progressively more data in pockets, hackers and marketers are also on the loose as they try change tactics to infiltrate the most lucrative mine of sensitive and most prized data – be it either personal, business or public. 

Just recently, a report said that in China, for example, Geinimi, a powerful and sophisticated mobile device virus have had been affecting hundreds of thousands of smart phones particularly Google Inc’s Android operating system. Experts said that the objective that the bug seeks to achieve is yet to be discovered – but it could be “anything from a malicious advertising network to an attempt to create a botnet," an army of computers that could be used to launch attacks on websites or obtain valuable information that could be used for identity theft.

Such idea is not farfetched: 10.9B mobile apps were uploaded in 2010 alone. As the market is going at its peak, tech gurus are expecting that the number will double for the next years. Also, as data mining continues to be profitable, such data miners will turn to smartphones for another much rewarding gain. Such will give rise to the proliferation of mobile malwares and virus: and for a start, the Geinimi is a good one.

The culprit for the propagation of the virus, according to Lookout and Symantec Corp, is that when phone users downloaded contaminated software applications from third party stores that have been repackaged to include the virus. Some of the infected programs include versions of the video games Monkey Jump 2, President vs. Aliens, City Defense and Baseball Superstars 2010.

Unbeatable Snake Games...the Past, the Present, and the Future

the classical snake game

Snake game has had always been a part of my leisurely hours since my high school days. It is really funny to think that also my way of thinking has in a way been affected by the tricky snaky moves that had invaded cellular phones since it has started to become a commodity more than a decade ago.



Nokia 5110



Those were the times I just would skip classes just to play Snake. Whew! That was tough since I had to borrow my best friend’s (and at the same time, my classmate’s) bulky Nokia 5110 phone and had to compete with each other as to who will get the longest snake and of course, get the highest score. Not to add to that the one as to who will endure and make it to the topmost level, that is, survive the fastest and the most complicated routes, without touching the tricky mazes that will be undergone in the campaign. It was a classic game that tested our cleverness and practicality at the same time. And still continues to be. 

As I grow older (chronologically), so as the snake games. It has already a lot of variants that sometimes I have no idea if I’m still playing the same thing.  The simple game that I have had before is already old compared to the new game application that is installed in my X6. It has significantly evolved, armed with new customization settings (for example, a new body size, that will allow faster and more flexible movements or a body color that will make the snake stand out in the campaign) styled to sharpen strategies in fattening and ensuring that my virtual pet snake will live longer than its older counterparts.

Lenovo S800 Teases with Translucent Phone at China Fashion Show

             

Lenovo had chosen to debut its featurephone S800, with a translucent display in Beijing fashion show. The catch? The luxurious gadget was not allowed to be touched among the reporters there: it was only handled by models.

The S800 will be the first phone in the market that has a transparent display or color screen, Lenovo claims. Compared to the Sonny Ericsson XPERIA Pureness, the only other phone which has also a translucent screen, S800 is much better because its much bigger screen can display color.

As to its official launching, and the specs, there is yet no information. One thing is important though: the functionality of the unit to call, send as well as receive incoming calls, and messages.

Windows Phone 7's See Through

As the smart phone wars is heating up, Microsoft had also answered to the call with Windows Phone 7. It  is Microsoft’s answer to compete with Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS mobile platforms. It is a mobile OS developed by Microsoft, and is the descendant  to the Windows Mobile platform.

WP7 offers a new user interface, integrates the operating system with other services, and plans to strictly control the hardware it runs on. According to Steve Ballmer , CEO at Microsoft, through WP7, Microsoft and partners “are delivering a different kind of mobile phone and experience — one that makes everyday tasks faster by getting more done in fewer steps and providing timely information in a ‘glance and go’ format.”

Phone 7 is a complete overhaul of Windows Mobile, which currently has a very small market share of 5 per cent as compared to that of Nokia/ Symbian that dominates at 41%, and of  RIM/BlackBerry which holds at 18%.

Features

The UI design which is organized around “Hubs” maybe is the most vital advancement  of WP7. These so-called hubs are divided into several divisions: the People (with integrated contacts, phone and text messaging, and social networking), Pictures (photos on phone, and also on Windows Live, Office (OneNote, Word and Excel Documents, SharePoint), Music/Video (Microsoft’s Zune and subscription service ZunePass, iHeartRadio, and Slacker Radio), Games (multiplayer gaming with Xbox Live).

Applications

Microsoft’s goal is in response to the increasing number of apps that are now being developed, is that it wants to “work with our partners so their apps have elegant coexistence with what’s already on the device.” By this, Microsoft had adopted a hybrid technique to fully utilize the OS and other apps. That is, they have specified standards for their hardware partners to meet in order to carry WP7.

Syncing from the phone to the desktop through WindowsPhone.com, tight integration with Windows Live’s cloud-based office, data storage, contacts/calendar, e-mail/instant messaging, file-sharing and media-management services, as well as gaming downloads and social networking through Xbox Live is very possible because of the complementary design of the WP7 to the Windows system.

Dilemma

With the features and applications that are now in WP7, we can see that what is quite outstanding is the ‘integrated social networking features, together with the competitive games and the Office system  which are very opposite.

Its now up to you to choose, whether you choose to play, or spend time in the office during holidays.

Samsung B2100: Tough and Rugged

Having a low – end phone that is serviceable anytime of the day is much more reliable than any other new technology phone manufacturers are competing with nowadays. Rugged and tough as it is, Samsung Solid Extreme B2100 is only one of the few phones out there that could defy all the physical punishment and pressure that you would give to it. 

Samsung Solid Extreme B2100

On the specs, the B2100, doesn't have the latest technology, but is wrapped in endurance certificates (that is, European IP57 certification and the US Military Standard 810F (MIL-STD-810F). It can also be submerged in water if you feel like taking a call while on the pool for 30 minutes.

 

It does its job, for calling, and sending messages. You could also share files, which is made possible by a memory card slot, and Stereo Bluetooth A2DP support and download your favorite music or photos from the 1.3 mega pixel camera.

 

The most important factor for me is its sturdy build, both of the unit and the lock mechanism of the battery cover. However, if you have more adventures - extreme ones, that is, expect that it will not leave you hanging.

HTC Desire HD: The New Kid on the Block

HTC's top end droid is finally breaking the ground: the Desire HD, and it has exceeded performance benchmarks. It is complete with a huge cinematic touch screen of 4.3 - inch, Dolby Mobile and SRS virtual sound, intended to wow the techie in you.

It features include the latest Sense UI with HTC-sense.com, an experience created around gainful ideas.

Another is that its maps is quite responsive  - no waiting needed, and no dead spots, and will accurately tell you the exact location where you are.

Also, what is amazing for this Android is that you can locate it by just logging online. On the other hand, you can have it remotely locked if you believe that it has been lost or stolen.

As part of its important features, reading and browsing has been made easy. Zooming in on a page won’t make it difficult to read since the text changes and reflows to fit the screen, making it easier to read.

And for the technophobic, no more worries. It is made to make life easier. No need to fumble for your glasses and see who has called or sent you a message.

However, one has to consider this before buying. Battery life is quite limited: only 1230mAH.

Anyway, here are some specs you need to know before grabbing the bait.

General:     Available in 2G, 3G Network
Size:         123 x 68 x 11.8 mm, weighs 164 g

Display:     S-LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors; 480 x 800 pixels, 4.3 inches;  HTC  

      Sense UI; Multi-touch input method

Memory:     Phonebook: Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
                   Internal: 1.5 GB; 768 MB RAM
                   Card Slot: microSD, up to 32GB

Sound:       3.5 mm audio jack, Dolby Mobile and SRS sound enhancement

Data:         GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WLAN, Bluetooth, USB

Camera:    8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash, 8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels,

autofocus, dual-LED flash

Battery:     Standard battery, Li-Ion 1230 mAh; uo to Up to 9 h 15 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 30 min

(3G) talk time

Nokia X6: Working Its Way Up

 Owning a smart phone was never in my must -have list earlier this year, nor I had dreamed of owning one. It was only by luck that in an event I have attended, together with a few workmates an event by one of our company suppliers, that I won by chance the Nokia X6 around February of this year.

The Nokia X6

More than seven months had passed and my lucky phone is working: good as new. Unlike any other techie people, all I want from my phone is just a call and text feature where basically anybody can reach me. However, X6 had changed my mind that its not call-and-text is simply not enough.

With its gigantic memory capacity, I had already stored around 300 songs and high - resolution photos and videos. In addition, with my hectic schedule, I am now able to check out emails even when on the road. Now that's really some big improvement for me.

According to reviews, the phone is Nokia's step to make up for a late start in touch screen smart phones. The Symbian S60 is the fourth edition has had difficulty to catch up with the latest trend setter in the high end market. 

Features:

• Quad band GSM support
• Tri-band 3G with HSDPA support 
• 3.2" 16M color LCD capacitative screen (360x640 pix)
• Symbian S60 5th edition 
• Built-in GPS receiver
• 5 megapixels autofocus camera with dual LED flash
• 32 GB built- in storage
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB (standard microUSB connector)
• very good audio quality; stereo speakers
• FM radio with RDS
• comes with "Music edition"

Disadvantages:

• It is expensive. 
• Touch wen browser is not fully polished. 
• No Office document viewer that is installed in the unit. Opening office files attached in email is still quite difficult. 
• MicroUSB card slot is not available. 

Altek Leo: Invade Europe Soon

Camera phone lovers,  this is for you.

14MP Altek Leo

Taiwanese designer and manufacturer of digital cameras, Altek has announced the release of its first ever smart phone, Leo,  to be out in the market by the first quarter of 2011 in Europe. 

The Leo, according to Altek, uses a touch screen display and delivers a 3.5G functionality. Most of all, it brags the first 14MP camera with a 3x optical zoom and HD video recording - the foremost camera phone to ever have such feature.

      It is also equipped witn a xenon flash and LED video light which makes this

mobile phone unit a t substitute in favor of your digital cameras.

The 'Leo mobile phone' runs on Android 2.1(Eclair) and comes with a 3.2- inch WVGA disply. The unit's connectivity are by the built - in Wi-Fi, bluetooth, 2 GPS and as well as a full range of data transfer options via GSM, GPRS, EDGE and 3G with HSPA.

The extras that completes the Leo are its built - in accelerometer, digital compass and a slot for the microSD card for external memory.