Apple Ready to Sell Unlocked iPhones in US

NEW YORK   :  Apple Inclosed on Tuesday that they are going to sell "unlocked" iPhones in the U.S. for the first time, allowing owners to switch carriers to a limited extent and save money when traveling. Apple is selling them on its websites and its store for $649 and $749 depending on how much memory they have. They're identical to the versions sold for use on AT&T Inc.'s network, but don't require a two-year contract.

The buyer will separately have to buy a Subscriber Identity Module, or SIM card, from a carrier to activate the phone. Apart from AT&T, the only national U.S. carrier that's compatible with the phone is T-Mobile USA, and it can provide only phone calls and low data speeds. Its U.S. "3G" wireless high-speed data network isn't compatible with the iPhone.

Many overseas carriers, however, are fully compatible with the phone, so international travelers can switch out their U.S. SIM card with one from the local country to avoid AT&T's international roaming fees. Apple already sells unlocked iPhones in all other countries where the phone is available, according to Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harris.

Hackers have also made a sport of unlocking iPhones, freeing them up for resale and use in other countries. AT&T sells iPhone 4s that are locked but don't come with contracts, also for $649 and $749. Spokesman Mark Siegel said AT&T will not sell the new unlocked phones.

AT&T does not let customers unlock older iPhones either. The company provides unlock codes to customers with other phones if their contracts have expired or they're willing to pay an early termination fee.

Unlocked and no-contract phones are more expensive than phones sold under contract because carriers like AT&T subsidize phones that come with contracts, figuring that they will make their money back through service fees.

US Cellular Company Offers HTC 7 Pro WP7 Smartphone

 US Cellular has just officially released a new Windows Phone 7 powered smartphone, the HTC 7 Pro. This HTC smartphone is offering for priced at $199.99 on a new two-year agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.

 New HTC 7 Pro WP7 phone is already available via US Cellular’s official website. It is become the first regional US carrier to pick up this handset. As noted, this handset is also known as the HTC Arrive that offered by Sprint.

HTC 7 Pro smartphone sports a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with WVGA (800 x 480) resolution, a full physical QWERTY keyboard, GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, stereo Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, a 5MP autofocus camera, and a 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery. The heart on HTC 7 Pro is a 1GHz Snapdragon single-core processor, 512MB RAM, 576MB ROM, and 16GB of on-board storage.

In additional, it packs Xbox LIVE integration, access to Zune and NetFlix. Dimensions of HTC 7 Pro are 4.63 x 2.32 x 0.61 inches and weighs 6.5 oz.

Samsung SGH-t528g Touchscreen Mobile Phone

 

 Samsung has just unveiled its new touchscreen phone in the US via TracFone carrier, called the Samsung SGH-t528g. This handset is comes with Samsung’s proprietary OS and combined TouchWiz 2.0 user interface.

 Feature on Samsung t528g cellphone is a 3-inch touchscreen display with three scrollable workspaces, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, a 2 megapixel camera with video recorder and 2x zoom, and stereo Bluetooth. The Samsung SGH-t528g phone is also providing a quick access to social networking sites. For battery, the battery of t528g is capable up to 6 hours in talk time, 10 days of standby mode.

 Samsung t528g handset is available in dark gray only. Dimensions of SGH-t528g are 4.33 x 2.01 x 0.47 inches and weighs 3.24 ounces.

HP Launching NFC WebOS Devices Later This Year

  NFC is getting stronger and stronger. After Google announced its upcoming Wallet service, which has arguably been the greatest catalyst for NFC-related talk recently, we now hear that another big-time player is considering adding NFC capabilities to its gadgets.

 According to Boomberg's unnamed sources, HP is actively working on getting some near-field communications love into its upcoming phones and tablets, running (Palm's) webOS platform. However, it looks like HP might not stop at just incorporating an NFC chip, but creating a whole ecosystem of its own.

 It is said that customers will be able to use the technology in order to pay for goods, as well as receive coupons and royalty points by placing their handsets near the designated objects (terminals, special posters, etc.), similarly to Google Wallet.

The rumor states that we may see HP's first NFC-enabled devices by the end of the year. As most are probably aware though, the company's first webOS tablet – the HP TouchPad, which is expected to launch on July 1 in the U.S. - will not sport an NFC chip inside. Oh well, having to wave your 10-inch tablet in front of a payment terminal probably wouldn't have been the most comfortable thing to do anyway.

Google Android Beating Symbian

 Symbian has been dismissive of Google Android, as well as smaller upstarts like the LiMo Foundation, arguing that the latter is overly focused on middleware for wireless operators and the former is fake open source with more hype than substance.

 All of which might be true, but the reality is that it seems to be working for Android. Google has been signing new handset manufacturers at a frenetic pace, while Symbian has been holding steady with Nokia...and that's about it.  Despite Symbian announcing new handsets, Google is actually shipping Android. There's a big difference between marketing and reality. Google Android offers the latter

For all the buzz that Android gets from developers, its success owes more to handset manufacturers than to open-source developers. Handset manufacturers and wireless carriers are hungry for alternatives to surging Apple and declining Microsoft. And while others may not be seeing source code in copious amounts, handset manufacturers are apparently getting their fill.

 More than this, though, Google gives them a safe, consumer-friendly brand. Symbian does not. This is the reason Google Android is winning. It's not about developers--at least, not yet. Neither Symbian nor Android really offers developers open communities and open code. No, the difference today is brand. Google has it. Symbian does not, and that's despite decade-long dominance of the mobile market.

Symbian still has a ways to go. It has a weak user interface (UI) that is supposed to get better, but that describes much that is wrong with Symbian today. Everything (source code, revamped UI, and resumption of market dominance) is always spoken of in the future tense.

Meanwhile, Google Android rolls on--not because it out open-sources Symbian, but rather because it out-executes it.

Verizon and Payfone Power's a New Mobile Payment Solution

 Verizon Wireless and Payfone, a leading mobile payment processing service, today announced the companies are working together to bring a new mobile payment system to Verizon Wireless customers. When available, the service will allow Verizon Wireless customers to make online purchases from their smartphones, tablets and PCs using numerous payment methods, including charging purchases to their monthly wireless statements or using traditional payment methods through financial institution partners.

"Our relationship with Payfone complements the part of the mobile payments equation we're already working on with our Isis joint venture," said Greg Haller, marketing vice president, Verizon Wireless. "We approach the mobile payments arena from a customer's perspective. As we move forward, the most important goals will be security, privacy and simplicity. Through our relationship with Payfone, we will be able to quickly offer value to our customers by offering them greater choice and a simple, safe and secure purchasing experience when shopping online from their smartphones, tablets and PCs."

With Payfone's unique approach to mobile payments, operators and merchants are able to complete transactions securely and accurately. Payfone also provides other features important to consumers and merchants, including intelligent routing, pre-authorization and authentication designed to reduce the friction and fraud that affect sales conversion and revenue yield for merchants and operators.

"We are pleased to be working with Verizon Wireless to deliver a new level of convenience, security and flexibility to their customers and to boost revenue and conversion for operators, merchants and publishers," states Rodger Desai, chief executive officer, Payfone. "This underscores Verizon Wireless' dedication to cutting-edge innovation as it stays ahead of the mobile payments curve."

Samsung Chrono (Cricket ) Cheap Flip Phone Is Available Now

 Flip and cheap phone is the Samsung Chrono from Cricket. This Samsung feature phone is previously available at US Cellular and has feature simple to operate and paired in fashionable flip phone.

 Cricket is offering the Samsung Chrono for priced at $59.99 and ideal for consumers looking for a quick and simple way to stay connected on 3G network.

 This entry-level flip phone has a 2-inch display with resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, an external 1-inch CSTN 96 x 96 display, 55MB of internal memory, large keys, a VGA camera, Bluetooth, and an 800 mAh battery. The Cricket Samsung Chrono phone also packing 1000 contact entry Phonebook, Calendar, Alarm, and Calculator. In additional, it is capable to as mobile Web access.

HP TouchPad for United States, Europe and Canada

HP today announced that the Wi-Fi version of HP TouchPad will be available in the United States on July 1.

HP's first webOS tablet will be available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany a few days later and in Canada in mid-July, with availability scheduled to follow later this year in Italy and Spain, as well as in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore.

HP TouchPad will be available from U.S. retailers, commercial resellers and direct from HP with the option of either 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage(1) for $499.99 and $599.99, respectively.(2) Preorders in North America and Europe will begin June 19.

"What makes HP TouchPad a compelling alternative to competing products is webOS," said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. "The platform's unmatched features and flexibility will continue to differentiate HP products from the rest of the market for both personal and professional use. This is only the beginning of what HP's scale can do with webOS."

With webOS, HP TouchPad users have a next-level multitasking experience, access to the web, premium audio playback with stereo speakers and Beats Audio™ technology, the ability to find information on the device or in the cloud using the Just Type feature, integrated access to their information with HP Synergy, and HP's exclusive Touch to Share capability for sharing web addresses between HP TouchPad and compatible webOS phones.(3)

Optional accessories for HP TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, the HP TouchPad Wireless Keyboard and the HP TouchPad Case (sold separately).

HP also announced it will be partnering with AT&T to introduce a connected version of HP TouchPad later this summer. More information will be available closer to availability.

U.S. retailers and commercial resellers for HP TouchPad will include Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Sam's Club, OfficeMax, Amazon.com, Fry's, Microcenter, other leading local and regional retailers, and HP's online stores. Specific pricing and availability for HP TouchPad in Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom will be announced regionally. Details for Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore and Spain will be announced at a later date.

Choosing The Right Mobile Platform

 There are more number of mobile applications alive in the market in now a days, which has different mobile platform's.

 The perfect OS for your mobile phone is very substantial , whether it is for business or just to stay in touch with the outside world.So Developers should think the important metrics of that before choosing the right platform.

 And here is some points to choose the right mobile platform for developing the mobile applications.

1. Technical Aspects:

Before you begin to examine the technical features,you must know the transparent picture of the software that you are going to use.Get the technical features of the applications which you want to include will help you to reduce your work tension while developing them .Whether you are targeting basic users?or complicate background applications?If it is the second one better you go ahead with Palm Os rather than using iOS.

2.Targeting end Users:

Secondly the most important point is targeting users.If you are targeting non business who are not from the business market then android and iphones are the best platforms . If it is a business market then obviously they may expect more features ,then the choice would be RIM Blackberry . Keep it in mind that your application may well liked if you give the precedence to the various nned of users.

3.Financial Prospect:

The Third important fact is financial aspects.Though each platforms offering different income probability,you should target the end users for mass marketing.But high-priced products may attain good for long time.If you are intending that kind of users who is not elude to buy lavish applications , then they are enough to you.

4.Future Presumption:

And the fourth one is future presumption.The Mobile Application industry prompting so many changes from day to day.You should think about the endless usage of mobile applications before choosing them.So Understand the enduring significance of choosing the distinct mobile platform.

On the Contrary , if you are a User ,then be carefully and analyze each mobile platforms before you decide to buy . Mobile market will bloom and there may be some merging in the platforms.So you need to cautiously study and look for people who have dropping this path before.

Motorola Photon 4G Dual-Core Smartphone

 Motorola Photon 4G  handset is supporting work in 3G and 4G/WiMAX connectivity.

 The Motorola Photon 4G is made in monoblock form factor and boasted by a 1GHz nVidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor along with 1GB of RAM, 16GB on-board storage with expandable via MicroSD card (up to 32GB).

 This handset running with Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, new Motorola Photon 4G smartphone is packing a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of qHD (540 x 960 pixels). There are two cameras: 0.3 megapixels for video calls and 8 megapixel rear-facing with dual LED flash and 720p HD video recording.

 Photon 4G handset is equipped with Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, GPS, a kickstand, HDMI, and a 1,700 mAh battery. The Photon 4G is also works in GSM/CDMA network. Dimensions of Motorola Photon 4G are 126.9 x 66.9 x 12.2 mm.

The Death Of SMS Greatly Exaggerated

  Announcement of iMessage and the return of the rumor of a similar messaging system for Android have created a tidal wave of industry analysts, enthusiasts, and media talking heads calling for the death of SMS. The trouble is that everyone is making it sound like they are predicting the death of SMS. There is a big difference there, and one that is filled with far more nuance than would seem at first glance.

 The difference is that no one really wants SMS as a communication tool to die, but everyone wants to end awful carrier fees. Everyone is also pointing in the wrong direction for the solution to this problem. iMessage, BlackBerry Messenger, the rumored Android offering, Kik, Beluga, Twitter, Google Voice, Facebook messaging and every single IM program in existence. All have been positioned to take down SMS and free us from ridiculous fees. But, all of those apps come with their own limitations and pitfalls.

The first three are (or would be) tied to specific operating systems. Each one inherently limits its potential audience. iMessage may be a threat to any lingering reason someone might have to stick with BlackBerry, but it poses no real threat to SMS as a communications tool. The next three: Kik, Beluga, and Twitter all rely on user adoption, because while the apps are multi-platform, they are still closed systems. Google Voice requires user adoption to use, lacks any attachment system, and isn't available outside of the US. Facebook is surprisingly the closest, because it is cross-platform, and can send or receive messages through Facebook, SMS or e-mail. But, as with all the rest, it still relies on user adoption.

Adobe Issues Security Warning About Flash Player 10.3

  Adobe issued security warning for user's, those using Flash Player 10.3 on their phones need to make sure that they have downloaded the latest version of the application. Because the security of the program has been compromised, make sure that version 10.3.185.23 is on your handset and if not, head over to the Android Market and install it. The software developer is saying that if you visit a malicious web site, you could receive emails designed to trick you into clicking on a "malicious link".

 We can imagine Apple CEO Steve Jobs leaning back in his office chair with a self satisfied look on his face. Nonetheless, once the latest version of Adobe Flash Player 10.3 is installed on your Android phone, your device is safe-for the time being. Back in April, we reported that a similar security problem was found in Adobe Flash Player 10.2, and with the app's widespread use on Android devices and its vulnerability to being hacked, this might not be the end of the problem.

Google Introduced Live Transit to Mobile Maps

 Google Maps has become pretty much a standard for mobile mapping applications as Android is rising in market share with a pace of some 400,000 each day, and that's why the addition of Live Transit to the service is more than welcome. As you'd expect, Google Maps Live Transit adds live information about the schedule of local public transportation, so even if the bus/train is late, you can still be informed about the actual time of its arrival:

 Google introduces Live Transit to mobile Maps

“When you click on a transit station or plan a transit route with Google Maps and there are delays or alerts related to your trip, you’ll now see “live departure times” (indicated with a special icon) and service alerts.”

 Beginning now, the service will be rolled out to cover the public transportation system of Boston, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, as well as the European cities of Madrid and Turin. Google states that it will be working closely with the public transportation systems of other cities, so we hope that list will get updated soon. So while this might not make a world of a difference for motorists, it's a great tool for the rest of the bus-riding public. Check out the video below with all the fine details.

KM-S200 1.5GHz Dual-Core Phone For KT

 KT Telecom has just introduced a new powerful smartphone for Korean operator, which is called TAKE Janus KM-S200. The handset is looks like the Samsung Galaxy S but become the world’s first 1.5GHz dual-core smartphone.

 TAKE Janus KM-S200 phone sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with qHD (540 x 960 pixels) resolution and runs Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) OS.Hardware-based specifications are a 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 along with Adreno 220 graphics, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB flash storage with expandable MicroSD card (up to 32 GB).

There are a 1.3MP front-facing camera, a 8-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, TV tuner, MicroUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, orientation sensor, light and proximity sensor, and e-compass.

TAKE Janus KM-S200 for KT is also able to split-screen display layout that allowing users watch live TV and show Twitter feed at same time.

Dimensions of TAKE Janus KM-S200 are 128.5 x 65 x 9.8 mm and weight 131 grams. It is comes in three color options – black, white, or two-tone black and white.

 It is works in HSUPA and GSM network. KT will be selling the TAKE Janus KM-S200 powerful smartphone at price of $740.

Kate Winslet Poses Nude For Mario Testino:

 Titanic girl Kate Winslate has admitted that, she posed nude for Mario Testino's latest exhibition because of the photographer's innate ability to capture beauty.

"You know that his biggest strength without fail is making women look beautiful," said Winslet. "When Mario turns to you and says, 'It's beautiful, but I think it would work better naked, no?' How can one refuse?"

Calling Testino a "magician", Winslet explained that she had no intention of posing naked for the shoot, but was persuaded in a matter of minutes.

"One moment you are in the hair and makeup chair fully clothed and wishing you had smoother skin, longer legs and smaller feet and then Mario comes in and in that charming way he takes you by the hand and says, 'Don't worry it's going to be amazing.'"

Winslet is no stranger to posing naked – she famously appeared nude in the films Titanic and The Reader, but says it's important for young women to know that films and photos aren't a reflection of reality.

"I do think it's important for young women to know that magazine covers are retouched. People don't really look like that. In films I might look glamorous, but I've been in hair and make-up for two hours. With the nudity in The Reader, for example, even I was like, 'Damn, I look good.' It was a bit of body make-up. I don't believe in pretending those things don't go on."

Revealing that her childhood nickname was "Blubber," Winslet admitted to marie claire US in 2009 that she was "always the girl that people would say, 'Ah, it's such a shame, because you've got such a pretty face.'

"I had that well into my teens," Winslet continues, adding, "Even now I do not consider myself to be some kind of great, sexy beauty. I don't mind the way I'm ageing. No reason to panic just yet. I think I look my age, and that's fine."

London tourist alert: Prince William on horseback

LONDON : Sharp-eyed tourists outside Buckingham Palace had a rare opportunity Saturday to see Prince William on horseback.

But even those in the vicinity might well have missed him, since his well-known face was obscured by a traditional tall bearskin hat.

The prince was taking part in a rehearsal for next week's "Trooping the Colour," a major event to mark Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday.

The queen turned 85 in April, but the public party for the monarch's birthday is held on a Saturday in June when the weather is better. The custom dates from 1748 and will be June 11 this year.

William, riding a mottled gray horse called Wellesley, was wearing the red Irish Guards tunic with a blue sash that he wore at his April 29 wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

William, 28, was made Colonel of the Irish Guards in February. He is expected to wear the same outfit at the actual "Trooping the Colour" ceremony, which usually draws thousands of well-wishers to the ceremonial heart of London.

William and his new wife, formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge, plan to visit Canada and California in late June and early July.

Podcasts and Smart DJ in Windows Phone Mango

The next release of Windows Phone, called Mango, is expected to arrive on the market with a great deal of enhancements when compared to the existing flavor of the platform, some of which would affect the experience users receive from the Music+Videos Hub on their handsets.

In Mango, users would have access to on-phone podcasts, as well as to features like a new Smart DJ, as well as to other improvements, such as a simpler search in the Marketplace, or interface changes in the Music+Videos Hub.

Windows Phone Mango would bring podcast on the phone, and users in the US would be able to find them in a special section in the Marketplace.

Podcasts can be easily streamed on the mobile phone, or automatically downloaded to the device, provided that users are subscribed to a specific series.

Videotron Offers Nokia C7-00

 Videotron has currently released the Nokia C7-00. This Nokia's smartphone is runs with Symbian^3 OS and has cost of $89.95 (reduced price) with a monthly service fee or $439.95 retail price.

The Nokia C7-00 has features a 3.5-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display with 360 x 640 pixels resolution, 8 megapixel camera with flash and enabling 720p HD video recording, 350 MB + 8 GB internal flash memory, and a microSD card slot (holds up to 32GB).

 For connectivity on Nokia C7 has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, and micro USB port. This sleek and stylish Nokia smartphone has measures 117.3 x 56.8 x 10.5 mm and weight 130 grams.

Vodafone Awarded as a Top Pension Recognition:

Vodafone awarded the Pension Quality Mark (PQM) Plus award in recognition of top class contribution scheme:

 Vodafone has been awarded the Pension Quality Mark (PQM) by the National Association of Pensions Funds (NAPF). It is the 100th employer in the UK to receive this accreditation. The operator was awarded the PQM PLUS award meaning its total contributions are at least 10 per cent out of 15 per cent of employees annual wages.

The award also means Vodafone has “good quality governance and low charges” as well as “clear and ongoing communication with scheme members”. Vodafone Group head of pensions Geoff McKenzie said the award showed the operator was committed to looking after the long term future of its employees.

Our company pension scheme remains a vital component in our benefits package to retain and attract the very best people,” McKenzie said. The recognition comes less than a month after Vodafone announced it would set up a staff bonus scheme following the posting of strong revenues for the year ending May 17 2011.

A Vodafone spokesperson said at the time: “ Employees will be receiving bonuses this year as a result of the performance of the UK business, but we can’t say what the payout will be yet, as the year end salary review is still going on. In October 2008 Vodafone came under fire when it was revealed Deloitte had lost a laptop containing the personal pension data of thousands of employees.

The laptop was stolen from external auditor Deloitte during a statutory pension scheme audit and also contained employee’s surnames and initials, employee numbers and grades, as well as pensionable salary, earnings and contribution information.

British Singer Adele Cancels US Tour Due To Throat

LOS ANGELES: British singer Adele said Friday she canceled the rest of a North American tour to recover from laryngitis.

 She  already postponed five shows under doctor’s advice, but while resting in Los Angeles she saw a specialist “who determined it was imperative that she take the next few weeks to recover with absolute voice rest.”

 The 23-year-old, known about powerful love songs including “Someone Like You,” had been due to resume the sold-out tour in San Francisco on Saturday, but has now canceled the remaining nine dates.

“I’m really frustrated. I was hoping with a weeks rest I’d be better to sing again straight away. However, there is absolutely nothing I can do but take the doctors advice and rest some more,” she said in a statement on her website.

“I’m so sorry. See you soon, love Adele.” Adele said plans to reschedule the canceled dates were being considered, and more information would be given when available.