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Best gadget news

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• News@8pm: iPad 2 camera confirmed and BB Torch 2
• BlackBerry PlayBook to ship one million units in first month
• First Direct iPhone banking app lets you transfer cash
• The Daily iPad newspaper delayed as images emerge
• Samsung Galaxy S Mini leaks ahead of MWC unveiling
• iPhone 5 and iPad 2 patent points to a slimmer design
• BlackBerry Torch 2 rumoured with huge specs upgrade
• Apple iPad 2 camera confirmed by iOS 4.3 app
• News@10: iPad patents out and new BlackBerrys leak
• BlackBerry PlayBook tethers to BB smartphones
• T-Mobile new fair use policy explained
• Giorgio Armani Samsung Galaxy S at Phones 4u

News@8pm: iPad 2 camera confirmed and BB Torch 2 Posted: 14 Jan 2011 12:00 PM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 Welcome to your nightly round-up of the day's news and goings on courtesy of T3.com. RIM’s BlackBerry devices are all the rage today with a number of upcoming devices teasing new titbits of information. Ahead of its expected March launch RIM has revealed it plans to ship more than one million BlackBerry PlayBook tablets in the device’s opening month ahead of expected high sales. In other BB leaked news, the follow up to last year’s Torch release, the Torch 2 has leaked with images appearing of the 1.2GHz processor touting beast.     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ App of the Day | Need for Speed: Shift I feel the need, the need for speed.” So said Tom Cruise in the ’80s cockathon Top Gun and EA delivered T3 App Chart | Top 10 Android Apps | Need for Speed: Shift Review ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Apple leaks continue as the arrival of the mooted iPad 2 grows ever nearer. Kicking off the day’s Apple-happy rumour mill production was the news that the iPad 2’s much expected inclusion of a camera has been confirmed. Basically. An iPad camera app has been discovered in the SDK of iOS 4.3 all but guaranteeing the hotly tipped second-gen addition. Elsewhere on the Apple front new patents from the company have revealed the iPhone 5 is to sport a slimmer form factor.   Mobile applications hit and misses are just a fine line of separation apart. Today has seen both a hit and a miss as whilst First Direct has launched a handy and helpful iPhone app allowing for in-app banking that allows for money transfers, a first for the UK, the merger between Apple and News Corp to produce The Daily, the first iPad-exclusive newspaper publication, has once again hit the rocks with further delays expected.     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

BlackBerry PlayBook to ship one million units in first month Posted: 14 Jan 2011 07:48 AM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 RIM target lofty opening month sales goal RIM’s first foray into tablet market the BlackBerry Playbook is expected to ship on one million units in its opening month, the smartphone manufacturer has revealed.   Set to launch in March and topple the one million unit mark later the same month when the opening quarter of 2011 comes to a close, RIM’s targets for the PlayBook eclipse those of the Motorola branded rival the Android powered XOOM tablet which is targeting figures of 800,000 in the same time period.   Related links BlackBerry PlayBook review: Hands-on Best tablets: iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. PlayBook BlackBerry PlayBook video demos features Set to target the existing BlackBerry handset user base the initial, Wi-Fi only, PlayBook will allow for tethering between devices for internet access whilst on the move.   Set to sport a 7-inch mutitouch capable LCD display and 1GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM, the pocket-friendly, powerful PlayBook is likely to beat the iPad 2 to the dual-camera touting punch with a 3-megapixel front-facing snapper joining a 5-megapixel rear-facing model.   Can the BlackBerry PlayBook trump the iPad and take the crown as the market-leading tablet device? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

First Direct iPhone banking app lets you transfer cash Posted: 14 Jan 2011 06:57 AM PST Posted by Chris Smith on Fri 14 Jan 2011 A banking app that actually comes in useful Up until now banking apps for the iPhone have come in handy if you want to view your balance or check how many beer tokens you have left for the weekend, but as soon as you discover that total is a mere £6.32 at 6pm on a Friday you're powerless to act.   The new First Direct app for iPhone changes all that, and allows users to transfer money between their accounts, and make payments offering the same functionality as most banks' full websites.   More from the T3 App Chart Google Finance for Android review Our top rated iPhone apps Best Android apps NatWest for iPhone rated It's the first UK banking app to enable payments and transfers, but naturally you'll also be able to view your last 20 transactions and check your current available balance.   It's free to download for the App Store today and this far into January, it's a pretty save bet you might need to transfer some money over if you want to eat this weekend.   Link: First Direct (via Telegraph)   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Daily iPad newspaper delayed as images emerge Posted: 14 Jan 2011 04:47 AM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 The Daily hits the skids as images emerge The Daily, the iPad-bound digital newspaper set to be launched by the impending Apple and News Corp partnership, is to face further delays, latest reports have revealed.   Having already faced a number of delays it was announced earlier this week that Apple CEO Steve Jobs and News Corp Head Honcho Rupert Murdoch were set to take to the stage of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art next Wednesday, January 19th, to finally unveil the first iPad-only newspaper.   Related links The Daily iPad paper to launch January 19th Daily: The iPad newspaper lives Download T3 Magazine on the iPad Apple iPad: The Ultimate Guide Reports from the Wall Street Journal, however, have today revealed that the expected launch is to be postponed until a yet unknown date as issues and continued testing of the subscription platform that is set to deliver the digital newspaper persist.   The Daily will be the first publication to use Apple’s upcoming subscription based app service that will allow users to have the latest editions of periodicals delivered direct to their iPads follow sign up. The WSJ is quoting “a person familiar with the matter” who has reportedly claimed: "The app and the service work, it's just getting them to talk to each other that needs more time."   News Corp has reportedly confirmed the latest delay but has failed to comment on any further reasoning or expected arrival date. Focus now turns to the imminent arrival of the mooted iPad 2, pegged for February 1st, with the unveiling of The Daily and iOS 4.3 distinct possibilities to join the iPad 2 announcement.   Stay tuned to T3.com and the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds for all the latest on the imminent arrival of The Daily and the iPad 2.   Via: WSJ   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung Galaxy S Mini leaks ahead of MWC unveiling Posted: 14 Jan 2011 03:27 AM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 New Samsung Android handset revealed With Mobile World Congress just around the corner and handset leaks coming thick and fast, the latest device to prematurely peak from the covers sees the Samsung Galaxy S return with a Mini form factor.   Having launched in July last year to much acclaim and eventual 2010 global sales that topped the 10 million unit mark, the Android powered Samsung Galaxy S marked Sammy’s first true competitor to the market dominating HTC Desire and Apple iPhone.   Related links Samsung Galaxy S review Samsung Galaxy S vs. HTC Desire Samsung Galaxy S2 set for MWC launch Dubbed the Samsung Galaxy S Mini, the upcoming Samsung S5830 has been caught on camera sporting a scaled-down design of that found on its predecessor adopting a 3.5-inch 320x480p Super AMOLED display compared to the former’s 4-inch 480 x 800p offering.   Expected to launch with Google’s Android 2.2, FroYo, operating system in tow, the Galaxy S Mini is said to feature a Qualcomm MSM7227 processor with quad band and WCDMA support.   Stay tuned to T3.com and the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds for all the latest from the halls of Mobile World Congress 2011 including up-to-date information on the leaked Samsung Galaxy S Mini.   Via: GeekyGadgets This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

iPhone 5 and iPad 2 patent points to a slimmer design Posted: 14 Jan 2011 02:59 AM PST Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 14 Jan 2011 Apple devices slim down and get longer battery life An Apple patent application to the US Patent and Trademark Office shows that the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 could use smaller conductive nodes beneath the screen, allowing for the overall devices to be slimmer. Related links LG Optimus Black: World's thinnest smartphone Best iPad apps Best tablets: iPad alternatives Weirdest gadgets of CES 2011 Not only that, the new method could also use less power, giving you longer battery life from each charge of your iPhone 5 or iPad 2. The patent application suggests placing the conductive nodes on a surface opposite the touch panel, instead of on the actual screen itself. The two surfaces would be close, so the nodes could sense when you press. Having the two surfaces separate would reduce the amount of hardware needed for a touch panel, making the device slimmer. The tech could also be implemented on the clickable trackpads on a Macbook, and the clockwheel on the iPod Classic, allowing both to slim down. Revealed this week, the patent was originally filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office back in July 2009. Apple Insider, via Electricpig.     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

BlackBerry Torch 2 rumoured with huge specs upgrade Posted: 14 Jan 2011 02:53 AM PST Posted by Adam Bunker on Fri 14 Jan 2011 Will NFC tech make an appearance in RIM's updated slider? Just bought a BlackBerry Torch not two months ago? Time to curse the skies as it seems that RIM has intentions of bringing out a sequel with beefed up specs – possible in time for Mobile World Congress in February. Related links BlackBerry Torch review BlackBerry Torch review: Video hands-on The Torch 2, as hinted at by BGR, looks to fix a lot of the main internal problems that dogged its predecessor, namely the sluggish computing power. The new model will have a 1.2GHz processor with 512MB of RAM, which should see it whip around BlackBerry OS 6.1. There’s also, according to reports, going to be NFC tech bundled inside – taking inspiration from the Nexus S. This’ll allow it to send data wirelessly in a flash at short range. The original Torch failed to make much of a splash at launch. Are you keen on an upgraded version? Let us know on the T3 Twitter feed.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple iPad 2 camera confirmed by iOS 4.3 app Posted: 14 Jan 2011 02:35 AM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 Second-gen Apple tablet to sport camera With the second generation Apple iPad hotly tipped to land with dual-cameras in the coming weeks, an iPad snapper app unearthed in the SDK of iOS 4.3 has all but confirmed the camera touting credentials of the iPad 2.   Seemingly clarifying what is already widely expected from the upcoming tablet release, expectant Apple fans will be disappointed to see the snagged camera app screen shots show a predicted iPad 2 capable 1024 x 768p resolution, identical to that of the current model iPad. Despite seemingly quashing hopes of an iPad 2-bound, iPhone 4-esque Retina display, this lack of screen progression could simply be attributed to the screen grab capabilities of the current model.   Related links T3 App Chart | Best iPad apps iPad 2 to lose home button with iOS 4.3 Apple iPad 2 rumours: What we can expect As Apple continues to expand its range of devices capable of running the company’s FaceTime video calling technology, the imminent arrival of the iPad 2 is widely predicted to host a front-facing 2-megapixel camera allowing for video calls with a 5-megapixel snapper taking up residence on the rear.   What is being claimed as a dummy model of the iPad 2’s form factor was caught in a hands-on video at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week showing the upcoming second gen tablet sporting both front and rear cameras on a redesigned body that features a larger speaker and a slightly angled edging.   What features would you most like to see added to the second-generation Apple iPad 2? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds and stay tuned to T3.com for all the latest on the upcoming tablet release.   Via: 9to5Mac   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

News@10: iPad patents out and new BlackBerrys leak Posted: 14 Jan 2011 02:00 AM PST Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 14 Jan 2011 T3 scans the Twitterverse to bring you a handy daily round-up of gadget news, tech rumours and randomness from the WWW. Kick back with your morning cuppa and catch up. Friday   MOBILE NEWS @TechRadar - BlackBerry Curve Apollo leaked     APPLE NEWS @Techtree - iOS 4.3 brings Find my Friends feature     GAMING NEWS @TechRadar - More Xbox 360s sold in 2010 than year before     TABLET NEWS @Gaj-it - Apple files 45 iPad patents     MOBILE NEWS @PocketLint - BlackBerry sheds some light on the Torch 2      Get more news, views and tech tips:    T3 on Twitter Direct your web attentions to twitter.com/t3dotcom for a feed of all the latest tech news and gadgetry goodness. We’ll also reach out for your opinions for future features, so have your brains ready.       T3 on Facebook Facebook.com/t3mag is our handle. Don’t worry though, we spend much less time growing Farmville crops and poking strangers than we do divulging tech info.     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

BlackBerry PlayBook tethers to BB smartphones Posted: 14 Jan 2011 01:40 AM PST Posted by Richard Wordsworth on Fri 14 Jan 2011 RIM's WiFi iPad-competitor, the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook, will allow internet tethering to the user's BlackBerry smartphone, according to bods at RIM on Thursday. This means browsing on-the- go for the loyal BlackBerry fans lucky enough to own both the new tablet and a permutation of the classic businessman's smartphone. Related links BlackBerry PlayBook hands-on BlackBerry PlayBook gets March release? BlackBerry 4G PlayBook unveiled Best tablets: iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. PlayBook Furthermore, if your BlackBerry smartphone and your PlayBook are connected via Bluetooth, experts at RIM will be able to set up tethering for you remotely, saving you all that trial and error, should-this-be-on-or-off settings prodding. We had a look at the PlayBook at CES this year, and were impressed by its build quality (less flimsy than Samsung's Galaxy Tab), touch-sensitive bezel and its snappy processor. Click here for a read of our first (and near-singularly positive) impressions. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

T-Mobile new fair use policy explained Posted: 14 Jan 2011 01:06 AM PST Posted by Richard Wordsworth on Fri 14 Jan 2011 T-Mobile explains its recent controversial shift in data use policy. T-Mobile caused a stir this week when it released a new fair use policy for data on its handsets, with a statement on the T-Mobile explaining to users that "browsing means looking at websites and checking mail, but not watching videos, downloading files or playing games" and that if "you want to download, stream and watch video clips, save that stuff for your home broadband." Related links T-Mobile: users to download big files at home T-Mobile changes mind over data allowance Vodafone scrap fair usage scheme for data Three unveils truly unlimited data plan T-Mobile customers were upset, not least of all those who were paying for contracts which included a 3GB data allowance. After a spot of legal questioning, T-Mobile came up with a different solution: folks on existing contracts keep their data allowances, and new customers are relegated to the 500MB. How does the new 500MB cap work? According to an interview in The Guardian with a T-Mobile representative, once you cross that 500MB limit, T-Mobile uses a "sophisticated network management tool" to suss out what kind of content you're trying to access. If it's video, flash games, or anything else other than text, essentially, you get a blank screen. Even e-mail attachments aren't safe. According to the interview, any attachments over 1MB (a decent-sized photo, for instance) will simply not be displayed. Irritating, but at the same time, going over your 500MB limit will not get you hit with penalty charges, unlike many other operators - the price you pay is simply hugely reduced functionality. Would a titchy 500MB data cap put you off T-Mobile, or is it fair game if it means avoiding over-use charges? Let us know your thoughts via e-mail or on the T3 Twitter feed. Via: The Guardian This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Giorgio Armani Samsung Galaxy S at Phones 4u Posted: 14 Jan 2011 12:15 AM PST Posted by Richard Wordsworth on Fri 14 Jan 2011 Giorgio Armani-branded Galaxy S strolls into the party six months fashionably late. Attention dedicated followers of fashion: we've a new addition to our until-now-comprehensive list of "designer phones". This plucky entrant: a Samsung Galaxy S with a Giorgio Armani case. Well, at least, a case with Giorgio Armani written on it. Related links Worst phones: Top 20 fashion disasters Finest pieces of designer inspired tech Versace mobile to launch spring 2010 Samsung Armani phone SGH-P520 What has the Italian guru of haute couture added to Samsung's original design? Well, for one the case is now metal, rather than plastic. For two, the handset itself is a tad less curvy at the shoulders and hips, and incorporates an extra couple of touch-sensitive buttons at the bottom. For three... Nope, us neither. Oh wait, he's added a load of money to the pricetag. Yep, that'll do. The handset can be yours for £49.95 on a £45.96 per month (!) contract, but with only 800 handsets available, you'll have to be quick to nab yourself a piece of Mr. Armani's take on a six-month-old Samsung blower available for free at £25 per month on O2, Vodafone and Orange on the same website (without the coveted Giorgio-ness). Actually, given that the last Armani handset is now being sold on clearance at Phones 4u, perhaps you won't.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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