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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Best gadget news

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Best gadget news


News@8pm: iPhone 5 delayed and Spotify takes on iTunes

Posted: 04 May 2011 12:00 PM PDT


News@8pm: Plus: Welcome to your nightly round-up of the day's news and goings on courtesy of T3.com.

Another day, another iPhone 5 rumour, with the latest whisperings confirming reports that the much anticipated device might not land under September. The gossip this time comes from an AT&T staffer in the US who told a MacRumors reader that the next gen blower will not be hitting shelves in June or July. Meanwhile, other reports are suggesting that Apple will this time produce two iPhone 5 models, in new 'standard' and 'pro' forms. Expect more rumours in the lead up to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is now just a month away.

 

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Research has shown that a fifth of all children aged 16 and under now own a smartphone, with 9 per cent of parents buying their child a device so that they wouldn't be bullied at school for not having one. The research comes as mobile network provider Vodafone UK started taking pre-orders for the HTC Sensation ahead of the dual-core handset’s official release later this month, which you can grab for as little as £25 per month.

 

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has slammed Facebook, calling it "the most appalling spying machine that has ever been invented." The Australian born whistleblower cast a warning about the amount of our personal data available on the site and claimed that Facebook, along with Google and Yahoo, "have built-in interfaces for U.S. intelligence." Also in America, questions are continued to be asked about the recent attack on the Playstation Network. A US Congresswoman has written to Sony demanding to know more about what happened. The letter, sent to Sony’s Kaz Hirai from Republican Mary Bono Black, lists thirteen queries and says they just be answered by the end of next week.

 

Already bored with the silver backing on your iPad? Good news, as tech trickster ColorWare has revealed it is now offering its brightly-hued gadget makeover service for the recently released Apple iPad 2. However, be prepared to take a hit on your wallet, with the service starting at a cool £546 for a makeover on the Wi-Fi only version. Spotify has also given an Apple product a twist, announcing that it is going head to head with iTunes. The Swedish streaming service now lets you manage your iPod directly within its desktop app, as well as buy tunes via the new Spotify download service.
 

 


 

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HTC Desire HD and Incredible S get Gingerbread update

Posted: 04 May 2011 09:19 AM PDT


HTC Desire HD and Incredible S users will receive an upgrade to the much touted Android 2.3 Gingerbread Operating System later today

Smartphone owners touting HTC's Desire HD or Incredible S handsets are to be on the receiving end of an Android 2.3 Gingerbread update later today, new reports have revealed.

 

The download is available via a Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) connection, which means you don't need to be connected to a computer to receive the file. However, with a hefty 100MB file size, make sure you’re in a wifi hotspot before you start the process to avoid hefty data charges on your next phone bill.


 


A message should appear on your phone when the update is available, with several users across Europe at time of writing already reporting that they have received the download. It’s important to note that HTC are advising all users to back up their files before starting the upgrade process, though it’s unclear as to whether or not any data will be deleted.

 The update to Gingerbread will provide users of the phone with a faster operating speed, new power management features, and a revised keyboard amongst other features.

 

 Have you upgraded yet to Gingerbread? Let us know on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

 

Via: Android Community

 

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BlackBerry Bold Touch UK release networks revealed

Posted: 04 May 2011 09:01 AM PDT


Latest BlackBerry flagship to hit major UK networks

Following this week’s official unveiling of the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900, a number of UK network providers have revealed they are to stock RIM’s latest flagship handset.

 

Whilst a confirmed UK release date and pricing remain firmly under wraps, O2, Three and Vodafone have all announced that they are to stock RIM’s latest BlackBerry handset in all its full QWERTY and touchscreen glory.

 


Unveiled at BlackBerry World in Florida Canadian firm Research in Motion confirmed the existence of the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 a device that will maintain the company’s hugely popular full QWERTY keyboard whilst complimenting it with a 2.8-inch touchscreen display.

 

Touting a 1.2GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording capabilities and 8GB of inbuilt storage the BlackBerry Bold 9900 will come fully equipped with the firm’s latest mobile operating system, unveiled alongside the handset, BlackBerry OS 7 which features NFC technologies.

 

Have BlackBerry tempted you with the Bold Touch 9900, will you be picking one up from O2, Three or Vodafone when they land later in the year? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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Android app news: 7digital adds MP3 downloads

Posted: 04 May 2011 08:38 AM PDT


Android gets its own iTunes-like download service.

7digital has updated its free Android app to allow users to download MP3s to their handset from within the application.

 

The new app, which gives Android owners an alternative to the Amazon MP3 store and boasts an integrated music player as well as the new download portal. 

 

7digital for Android now gives users access to a vast library of 13 million songs as well as the ability to sync music to your phone, from the cloud.

 

The downloads are of premium 320kbps quality, while the music player will also integrate songs that are stored on your phone's hard-drive. There's also Last.fm scrobbling on board. 

 

The update comes on the same day that rival service Spotify upgraded its own offering with a full download service and iPod syncing, offering a serious contender to iTunes.

 

Link: 7digital (via TechRadar)

 

 

 

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Star Wars Blu-ray UK release date confirmed September 16

Posted: 04 May 2011 08:12 AM PDT


It's nearly time for the last of the big films to make an appearance on Blu-ray. Lets hope it's been worth the wait


Anxious Star Wars fans will soon be able to get their hands on the most anticipated Blu-ray release of all time, with the complete saga coming to a planetary system near you on September 16th in glorious high definition.
 

For the first time ever, fans will have the option to buy of all six films as one collection for £89.99, with each film being cleaned up to achieve the highest possible picture and sound quality. Unfortunately though, no matter how hard Lucasarts scrubbed, Jar Jar Binks is still present in The Phantom Menace. The three original films are also available in a separate boxset priced £44.99.

 


Time will tell whether or not the transfer to Blu-ray is good enough to please a diehard fan base, but along with three additional discs and more than 30 hours of extensive special features including never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes and an exploration of the exclusive Star Wars archives, you would have to say that the force is strong with this one.

 

Its also worth noting another date in the diary if you're a Star Wars fan. On February 10 2012, Star Wars Epiosde I comes to cinemas in 3D. Regardless of what you think to The Phantom Menace, it's sure going to be an impressive sight.

 

Are you exited about Star Wars on Blu-ray? Let us know on our twitter and facebook pages.

 Via: Starwars.com

 

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FIFA to make decision on goal-line technology in 2012

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:55 AM PDT


Goal-line technology finally heading to football

FIFA, the world governing body of football has announced it is to make its decision of introducing goal-line technology to the sport next year following a two-stage testing programme for potential systems.

 

One of the sport’s most contentious and often criticised omissions, goal-line technology looks set to finally make an appearance in top flight football with FIFA President Sepp Blatter declaring the sought after tech that he has frequently moved against could be used during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

 


Whilst this is a long way off yet, companies interested in supplying the systems for goal-line tech need to register their interest with FIFA by June 3rd with the first round of tests to be held between September and December of this year. A second round of testing for a shortlisted selection of candidates is to take place between March and June of 2012 ahead of the final decision.

 

Each company vying to provide the system used for football’s goal-line technology are able to select a stadium in which they would like to demonstrate their service with a 90 per cent accuracy rate required to pass the first stage and a 100 per cent success rate required to make it into the final selection process. In order to pass the systems are required to send an immediate alert to the referee’s watch that the ball has crossed the line.

 

Is goal-line technology needed in football or does human error make the game what it is? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: BBC
 

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Facebook labelled an 'appalling spy machine'

Posted: 04 May 2011 07:32 AM PDT


With most of us having an account on Facebook, should we be worried about how our data is being used?

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has criticised Facebook in a recent interview, calling it "the most appalling spying machine that has ever been invented."


Speaking to Russia Today, the Australian born whistleblower, currently on bail in the UK awaiting extradition to Sweden, cast a stark warning about the amount of data Facebook users post about themselves online. “Here we have the world's most comprehensive database about people, their relationships, their names, their addresses, their locations and the communications with each other, their relatives".

Assange is wary, or possibly slightly paranoid, about how  this data could be used, questioning the relationship between Facebook and the United States Government and claiming that the social networking site, as well as Google and Yahoo, "have built-in interfaces for U.S. intelligence."

 


Facebook strongly refutes these comments. In a written statement to tech site CNET, a spokesman said that Facebook only complies with its legal obligations, stating that "there has never been a time we have been pressured to turn over data".


Defending the principles of the site further, the spokesperson said "we fight every time we believe the legal process is insufficient. The legal standards for compelling a company to turn over data are determined by the laws of the country, and we respect that standard."


Assange's comments may come as a suprise to those at Facebook, after the company refused to take down the Wikileaks page on the site following the leak of thousands of confidential documents. Facebook's stance was in stark contrast to that of other online organisations, with PayPal blocking the company's accounts.


Interestingly, Facebook's relationship with UK Authorities has also been brought into question by some after the company removed some 50 political protest pages from the site ahead of the Royal Wedding. Many were surprised at the timing of the deletions, and that owners of the profiles were given no warning. When asked about the removal exercise, Facebook has stated that the profiles were deleted as they did not represent a real person and therefore broke the website’s terms. The protest groups have been told they can create a Facebook page instead whereby people can 'like' the page.


It's not the first time that the social networking site has been criticised for its apparent lack of concern for user privacy, with Facebook privacy controls automatically set to assume users want to share as much information about themselves as possible. Users have to actively 'op out' of displaying details and photos, with many unaware of how much information is on display to the world.


Despite these concerns, Facebook continues to expand at a rapid rate, with user numbers doubling since last December as the site becomes available to those across Africa. Facebook is also rumoured to be on course for a jaw dropping $100 billion dollar valuation next year when it goes public. Not bad for something that started as a university project.


Are you worried about how much of your personal data is viewable online? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

ViaCNET

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One in five children under 16 now own a smartphone

Posted: 04 May 2011 06:45 AM PDT


The desirability of smartphone devices is obvious to everyone, but new research shows that the younger generation are also craving the devices

A fifth of all children aged 16 and under now own a smartphone, with 9 per cent of parents buying their child a device so that they wouldn't be bullied at school for not having one, a new study has found.

The findings are taken from a survey which polled 1,876 parents across the UK, and show how desirable owing a smartphone device has become, even amongst the younger generation. Of the tech savvy kids that used smartphones, 43 per cent owned Android devices, 29 per cent used an iPhone and 11 per cent owned a BlackBerry

 

And it appears that it's not just older ones using the devices, with the research revealing that out of those children owning smartphones, 16 per cent were aged 8-10 and 29 per cent were aged 11-13 years.
 

 

Parents also seem to be happy to foot the cost of their childs's phone, with two thirds of those surveyed saying their child paid no money towards the item.
 


Commenting on the survey results, Mark Owen, Managing Director of GoodMobilePhones.co.uk who conducted the survey, said: “Smartphones are valuable items and can often attract unwanted attention, and also make access to the internet easy, which may not be suitable for younger children. Making sure correct privacy controls are in place should help this, so parents should ensure they are vigilante to make sure their child’s Smartphone is safe in their hands.”
 


Would you buy a smartphone for your child? Let us know on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
 


Via: Goodmobilephones

 

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iPhone 5 release to see 'standard' and 'pro' models

Posted: 04 May 2011 04:20 AM PDT


iPhone 5 to be made available in new 'standard' and 'pro' forms

With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) now just a month away rumours surrounding the mooted iPhone 5 have kicked into overdrive with latest reports suggesting Apple will launch two iPhone 5 models.

 

These two models won’t simply be the classic black and white combinations, however, reports from the iPhone download blog suggest the fifth generation Apple blower will land in ‘standard’ and ‘pro’ formats making the device more accessible and attuned to a wider audience.

 


The claims which come from “an employee of an Apple part supplier,” suggest that the iPhone 5, which will reportedly feature a significant redesign over the iPhone 4, come following the revelation that Apple is buying a variety of handset components that vary in quality and performance potential.

 

Whilst tradition would suggest Apple is to unveil the iPhone 5 at next month’s WWDC event, numerous reports have claimed the handset’s release is to be held back until September to launch alongside the refresh to the much loved range of iPod devices.

 

Which do you think is more likely, Apple will launch two iPhone 5 variants or the handset(s) won’t arrive until September? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: iPhone download blog


 

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HTC Sensation available for pre-order from Vodafone

Posted: 04 May 2011 03:16 AM PDT


HTC Sensation to launch later this month as pre-orders begin

Mobile network provider Vodafone UK has opened the recently unveiled HTC Sensation up for pre-order ahead of the dual-core handset’s official release later this month.

 

Announced with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and a newly revamped version of HTC’s hugely popular Sense UI that will run over Google’s Android 2.3 mobile operating system, the Sensation is to hit Vodafone for as little as £25 per month.

 


Whilst this 24 month £25 per month deal will require wannabe Sensation owners to fork out a hefty £199 up front for just 100 minutes, 500 texts and 500MB of inclusive data per month, those willing to pay a little more each month will be able to snap up this smartphone powerhouse for free.

 

Landing with no upfront costs on a two year £35 per month contract, those taking up the Sensation pre-order deal will find themselves equipped with 900 minutes, unlimited texts and 750MB of data per month.

 

Vodafone announced following the unveiling of the Sensation that the dual-core handset would be exclusive available through the red-hued network from launch in ‘mid-May’ with O2, Orange, Three and T-Mobile joining the Sensation party a month later.

 

Will the HTC Sensation dominate the smartphone market or will the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S II and mooted iPhone 5 steal its thunder? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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Nintendo Selects: budget Wii games incoming

Posted: 04 May 2011 03:10 AM PDT


Cut price games show Wii is reaching end of life.

The Wii is set to get a new budget range of games, dubbed Nintendo Selects. The classic titles, yet to be officially confirmed, will include the likes of Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros. Ball, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Mario Super Sluggers.

 

 

US prices for the games will start at just $19.99, suggesting UK gamers should be able to snag them for around £15. The news comes as Nintendo preps an official price cut to follow the one US and UK retailers rolled out last month.

 

The move also shows that the Wii is finally reaching its golden years, with its successor set to be shown off at E3 in LA this June, before release in 2012.

 

For more on this and all today’s gadget news and gossip, head over to our Facebook and Twitter pages now.

 

Via Kotaku

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Dell readies MacBook Air rivalling ultra-thin laptop

Posted: 04 May 2011 02:48 AM PDT


Should Apple be worried?

The MacBook Air’s had the run of the land for a while in terms of ultra-portable devices, but it’s a reign that may end soon as more and more super-thin laptops enter the market. Now it appears that Dell will be next to join the fold, as a source has been getting loose-lipped about a new range of notebooks.


While Dell’s previous attempt at an ultra-thin laptop – the Dell Adamo XPS – was slated for being underpowered, a source has told CNET that the upcoming model will be capable enough to take down both the MacBook Air and the Samsung 9 Series, while retaining a minimal profile.


According to the source, Dell’s initial plans are for an ultra-slim 15.6-inch laptop with Intel’s new Snady Bridge processors. "This is the first in a series of products,” said the source, with a “focus on ultra-performance and ultra-thin." Apparently, the 15.6 inch model will then lead to a spate of smaller variants: "This is not a one-time product. This is a full commitment to a product category that is focused on thin and powerful."


Is Dell about to make an epic ultra-thin comeback? Let us know on the T3 Twitter feed.

 

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Apple iPad 2 now available in a variety of new colours

Posted: 04 May 2011 02:47 AM PDT


Second-gen Apple tablet gets a colourful finish

Tech trickster ColorWare has revealed it is now offering its brightly-hued gadget makeovers to the recently released Apple iPad 2.

 

Allowing users to fully customise the colour scheme of their second generation Apple tablet, the ColorWare offering includes both the black and white fronted devices and offerings varying options for both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models.

 


With Wi-Fi models costing $900 (£546) to customise the body, logo and home button, Wi-Fi + 3G devices rack up a $1030 (£625) colouring-in bill adding the antenna to the options list meaning sporting a extravagantly coloured iPad 2 will set you back a hefty sum.

 

The iPad 2 was officially launched in the UK at the end of March sporting a newly slimmed form factor, a 1GHz dual-core processor and the highly desired front and rear mounted cameras that allow usrs to utilise Apple’s FaceTime video calling technology.

 

Green and purple or a nice blue shading? What colours would you use to customise your iPad 2? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: Engadget
 

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iPhone 5 release date: AT&T says no June or July release

Posted: 04 May 2011 02:13 AM PDT


Latest gossip backs up claims that iPhone 5 will not land until September.

An AT&T staffer in the US has told a MacRumors reader that the iPhone 5 will not be hitting shelves in June or July. What’s more, he claims that that’s the official word direct from Apple, backing up rumours that the next-gen blower won’t be out until September.

 

The AT&T worker said, “Apple has informed us that they do not plan to release the iPhone in the June to July timeframe, though there will be a newer version in the future. Unfortunately, we have not been given a release time for the new phone. We will release this information on our website when it is available to us.”

 

That’s no surprise, but the information does confirm what many were already talking about. Apple’s annual WWDC event, held in June and where the past three iPhones have been revealed, is this year set to focus on iOS and Mac OS X Lion.

 

For more on the iPhone 5 release date and what to expect from the new handset, hit up our Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

Via MacRumors

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News@10: Atrix release date and Galaxy Tab 10.1 update

Posted: 04 May 2011 02:00 AM PDT


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.

Wednesday

 

MOBILE NEWS

@TechWatch - Motorola Atrix now on sale with Orange exclusively

 

 

GAMING NEWS

@Guardian - 'Farmville' project with real animals launched by National trust

 

 

PC NEWS

@Engadget - Dell's ultra-thin laptop will have a 15.6-inch screen

 

 

IPHONE NEWS

@GeekyGadgets - Sophie iPhone case prints your photos

 

 

TABLET NEWS

@Engadget - Samsung's new Galaxy Tab 10.1 hits the FCC with GT-P7510 moniker

 

 

 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.

 

 

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US Congress wades into PSN attack row

Posted: 04 May 2011 01:00 AM PDT


13 questions asked, answers demanded by end of next week.

A US Congresswoman has written to Sony demanding to know more about the recent PSN attack. The letter, sent to Sony’s Kaz Hirai from Republican Mary Bono Black, lists thirteen queries and says they just be answered by 13 May.

 

Questions include ‘When did you become aware of the illegal and unauthroized [sic] attack’, ‘When did you notify the appropriate authorities about the breach’ and ‘How many PlayStation Network account holders provided credit card information to Sony Computer Entertainment’?

 

The letter comes as Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer faces mounting pressure to quit, following a further attack on the SOE online gaming service, in which 24 million users details were exposed. That followed the revelation that 77 million PSN accounts had been compromised.

 

For more on the PSN and SOE outages, keep it locked to T3.com and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

Via CVG

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Loewe Individual Compose 3D TVs outed

Posted: 03 May 2011 11:42 PM PDT


40, 46 and 55-inch versions all up for grabs.

Still after a new 3DTV, but fancy something a cut above? Then Loewe’s new Individual Compose 3D TVs might just be the way to go. As well as packing three dimensional smarts, they also come loaded with stacks of other bleeding edge features that make other tellies look naff by comparison.

 

Loewe is touting 40, 46 and 55-inch models of its new 3D boobtubes, each with 2D upscaling, 400Hz for smooth picture viewing and a whacking 500GB hard drive for stashiong 3D and HD content.

 

What’s more, Loewe’s MediaPortal lets you stream content on your home network, while the MediaNet feature lets you browse the web on the TV. You can even stream content stored on the Individual Compose to another Loewe TV.

 

There’s no word on just how much these top-end TVs will cost, but Loewe isn’t renowned for offering cut price goodies. That’s more than made up for though by the impressive spec sheet. Stay tuned for more news on this and the rest of the day’s tech gossip on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Spotify iPod syncing, wireless iPhone sync and MP3 store revealed

Posted: 03 May 2011 11:26 PM PDT


New update takes aim at iTunes as service becomes one-stop music shop.

Spotify has just rolled out a major update, which is set to put it on a collision course with iTunes. The Swedish streaming service now lets you manage your iPod directly within its desktop app, as well as buy tunes via the new Spotify download service.

 

It means that iPod owners can bust out of the Apple ecosystem and do all their digital music dealings in Spotify instead. The iPod nano, Classic and Shuffle are all supported and appear in the new ‘devices’ section when you plug them into your Mac or PC.

 

The new Spotify music store is set to offer tracks for as little as 50p a pop, as the service looks to move beyond its tie-up with 7Digital and let you buy your playlists in an easier fashion.

 

But it’s the changes to the Spotify Mobile app that are bound to get Apple het up. Not only are the iPhone and Android add-ons now available to Spotify Free as well as Spotify Premium users, they can also sync your tunes wirelessly, a feature conspicuous by its absence in iTunes.

 

All you need to do is open the Spotify app up using your home Wi-Fi network and your iPhone or Android blower will appear in the devices section, ready for you to transfer tracks. It’s a major breakthrough for an app that’s been sluggish and awkward until now. Wireless syncing also works with the iPod touch.

 

Have you got the new Spotify? Tell us what you think of it now on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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