Critter Crunch for iPhone

by Chris Barylick
With the gold rush of games coming to the iPhone and iPod touch via the App Store, there are cases where the
developers try to include every bell and whistle available to capture the new market. Then there are the games that
know exactly what they’re all about, the developers having created something simple and fun and forgoing the
extras.
It’s Crunch Time: The horde of adorable critters keeps descending in Space Invaders-like fashion, and it’s up to
you to eliminate them—and rack up points in the process.Take Critter Crunch, a perfect example of the latter and
one of the best puzzle titles for the iPhone to date. A variation of the arcade classic Space Invaders, Starwave’s
Critter Crunch puts you in control a long-tongued, furry creature named Biggs who completes levels by fending off a
descending horde assorted critters. He does this by grabbing them with his tongue and feeding the smaller ones to
the larger ones, remove them from the board and racking up points.
Like Space Invaders, Critter Crunch picks up the pace after a few levels, pushing you to figure out how to and clear
out the level as quickly as possible.
Critter Crunch’s bright, friendly graphics stand on par with anything you’d find on a handheld gaming console such
as the Nintendo DS. But the sound really stands out—you’ll hear distinct noises like Biggs’ tongue extending, a
critter being happily crunched, or a power-up being collected. The impressive audio adds to the fun of Critter
Crunch.
While the standard Adventure game mode is interesting, it’s the little things that make Critter Crunch interesting.
Three additional game modes (Puzzle, Time Trial, and Survival) are interspersed throughout the standard game, and
players will suddenly find themselves tasked with clearing out a puzzle within a given number of moves or some other
challenge.
There’s a polish to the game that’s appreciated. For example, a simple set of options lets you turn the sound on
and off. The beginning of new levels feature helpful tutorials. A well-designed background process does a good job
of automatically saving a your level, allowing you to resume the game from where you left off, even if you need to
take a phone call or perform some other iPhone function.
As the levels go by, Critter Crunch introduces new critters to clear, new power-ups to collect, and power-downs to
avoid. You can also collect power foods— items which can be spat back at the critters to remove them. Though a
puzzle game, the puzzle continuously changes, keeping you on your toes.
The developers put a lot of effort into this $5 game, making a bright, friendly, accessible, and fun offering. And
if you’re still not sure if the game is right for you, the App Store also offers a free lite version of Critter
Crunch. It’s worth checking out.

Gadgets that won't be in my stocking

by Mikael Ricknas
Living in Sweden is not the best choice for those who want to be first to get a hold of the latest gadgets.
We have a good health-care system, free university studies and five holiday weeks each year, but what do those
benefits matter when you have to wait for the latest phone or music player? Two of the hottest mobile phones right
now are the T-Mobile G1 and the BlackBerry Storm from Research In Motion. Neither is available in this part of the
world and although I am not sure I would want either, but would at least like to have the option to buy them or not.
(The first generation of the iPhone didn't show up in Sweden either, but that was probably a smart move by Apple --
selling a smartphone without 3G support wouldn't have been such a good idea as the country is among the best for 3G
coverage, at least according to its telecom regulator.)
The Nintendo DSi is another gadget that is missing in action for the holiday season, but this time Sweden is at
least in good company. I have never understood why Nintendo ignores Europe when it launches new products, but its
delays have always given me the impression that the company only grudgingly sells its consoles outside of Japan.
Part of the problem is, of course, that Sweden is a small market, with 9.2 million inhabitants. Manufacturers of
gadgets with Qwerty keyboards also have to add the Swedish vowels å,ä and ö, which is a bit of a hassle.
But it isn't just the availability of the latest gadgets that's a problem; cost is also an issue.
Many wish lists on both sides of the Atlantic undoubtedly include Blu-ray players, and one of the hottest candidates
is the Panasonic DMP-BD35, the new entry-level model from the Japanese home electronics manufacturer.
In the U.S. that player costs about US$230, in Sweden it would set you back another $100. A value added tax at 25
percent doesn't help much either.
Digital cameras and iPods are other examples of gadgets that Swedes have picked up in droves when visiting the U.S.
lately, which I guess is good for the U.S. economy.
Yet another area where it sometimes feels like Sweden is a third-world nation is content. iTunes has turned into a
great source for movies and TV in the States, but in the Swedish version of the store users will have to make due
with podcasts. Comparing the amount of TV in HD here and there, and the number of available Blu-ray discs, is also a
losing battle.
All of this might sound like a bit of a rant, and it is. All I can say is that I blame the lack of daylight and
sunshine this time of year. Oh, and by the way, the headline is a little misleading -- Christmas stockings are
something else we don't have in Sweden.

The Eight Hottest Smartphones of 2008

by Al Sacco
The year 2008 has been a momentous one for the mobile industry, and in particular, the smartphone space. A record 39.9 million smartphones were shipped
globally in the third quarter of the year, according to market research firm Canalys. That's 28 percent more phones shipped than in the same July through
September period of 2007, and smartphones now make up some 13 percent of the overall handset market, Canalys says.
That's a whole lot of smartphones.
And though the line between "regular" mobile phones, or feature phones, and smartphones gets blurrier every day, there are a select few uber handsets that
still stand out from the pack. Whether it be stunning design, new and innovative functionality or exclusive features, the following eight handsets are our
picks--in no particular order--for the best smartphones of the year, and each and every one is worth a look.
Best of all: You've still got all the handsets of 2009 to look forward to.
T-Mobile G1: Say Hello to AndroidThe T-Mobile G1, released on October 23, 2008, is the first smartphone powered by Google's open-source, mobile operating system (OS), Android. Though not
as powerful or full-featured as many had hoped, the 3G device clearly shows the promise of the Android OS. And with a slider-style, physical, full QWERTY
keyboard and touch screen, Wi-Fi and GPS, the G1's certainly no slouch.
(T-Mobile; GSM; $179 with two-year service contract)
Sony Ericsson Xperia 1: Experience XperiaThe name Sony Ericsson isn't exactly synonymous with "smartphone," but if the company keeps rolling out devices like the Xperia 1, that may soon change.
Originally released in the fall of 2008, the Xperia 1, which runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, is unlike other smartphones due to its innovative
navigation key and customizable home screen "panels," making for a truly unique user "Xperi-ence." And the fact that it's got 3G, a 3.2 megapixel camera,
Wi-Fi and Assisted GPS (aGPS) doesn't hurt, either.
(Unlocked; GSM; approximately $800)
BlackBerry Bold: Dare to Be BoldInitially released in November in the United States, the BlackBerry Bold 9000's launch was hindered by various software glitches and issues with AT&T's 3G
network. Now that it's finally widely available, the smartphone is quickly building a faithful fan base thanks to it's stunning 480 X 320 display, blazing
624-Mhz processor and inimitable, full BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard. Aimed specifically at businesspeople, or power users, the Bold also packs 3G, Wi-Fi and
GPS.
(AT&T; GSM; $299.99 with two-year service contract)
Apple iPhone 3G: A Touch of BrillianceApple's iPhone 3G needs no introduction. The second generation of the company's first smartphone has quite literally taken the world by storm.
Specifically, Apple shipped upwards of 10 million devices in 2008, making it the number two smartphone vendor in the world behind Nokia and bumping both
RIM and Microsoft downward. The iPhone is jammed packed with features, but what stands out are its intuitive touch-based UI, best-of-breed Safari browser,
high-end media player/iPod and the iTunes App Store.
(AT&T; GSM; 8GB, $199 with two-year service contract; 16GB $299 with contract)
Nokia E71: A Smartphone with StyleNokia's business-oriented Eseries devices aren't new, but you couldn't tell that from the latest addition to the line, the Nokia E71, which is thinner,
lighter and heck of all lot better looking than its Eseries siblings. First released early last summer, the Symbian S60-powered device has aGPS, 3G, Wi-Fi
a 3.2 megapixel camera, outstanding battery life and more. The keyboard's a bit cramped for me, but it's a full QWERTY and could be great for folks with
smaller digits.
(Unlocked; GSM; $442)
Palm Treo Pro: Jewel in the RoughPalm has seen better days--to say the least--but the company's struggles didn't keep it from releasing one of the hottest Windows Mobile (6.1 Professional)
devices to come out of 2008: The Treo Pro. Along with GPS and Wi-Fi, the candy-bar-style device, first released in August, also packs both a 320 X 320
touch screen and a full physical keyboard. Though not officially available through any U.S. carrier quite yet, AT&T is expected to announce the device any
day, and rumors suggest both Sprint and Verizon may soon debut CDMA variants of the Treo Pro.
(Unlocked; GSM; $549.99)
HTC Touch Pro: A Touch of ClassIn June 2007 came the HTC Touch. In mid-2008, the Touch Diamond. Then the HTC Touch Pro, the best smartphone of the bunch, landed in the United States,
first with Sprint in October 2008 and with Verizon a month later. Compact and feature-packed, the 3G Touch Pro's rocking Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional;
HTC's innovative TouchFLO, touch-screen-based UI; GPS; Wi-Fi; and a 3.2 megapixel camera. Its rear panel is also designed to look like jagged rock--hence
the clever name.
(Sprint and Verizon Wireless; CDMA; $299 [Sprint], $350 [VZW] with two-year service contract)
BlackBerry Storm: All Touchy FeelyRIM's first touch screen BlackBerry, the Storm, thundered into the United States in November to much fanfare, but unfortunately its launch was hindered by
poor quality OS code. Verizon has since shipped an OS update that did away with, or at least improved upon, many of the early problems, and the device is
beginning to shine. With a unique, 360 X 480 SurePress screen that clicks when you press it, GPS, both CDMA and GSM functionality and an entirely new
BlackBerry OS, the 3G Storm is a force to be reckoned with.

Share: Joke your friends with prankish Christmas E-card

Christmas is coming on, and then comes on the heels of the New Year. Here I collected three online E-card-making sites which can customize Christmas card with your picture to give your friends or family a big surprise.

1. ElfYourself

Upload photos of yourself or friends, adjusting well to his head and the coordination of cartoon characters, and then choose Disco / disco dance, Charleston / Charleston dance, Country / rural and dance Classic / classical dance of four into a dynamic Greeting cards, send to a friend.

This site also provides E-card download service, you can download the customized card and play it on your iPod, mobile phone, or burn it onto a DVD to send it to your frinds. Here are two guides tell you how to have fun after downloading the video.

a. How to convert video to iPod, iPhone, PSP, mobile phone, etc?
b. How to burn video to DVD?

2.CardFunk

Similar as ElfYourself, but CardFunk supports up to 5 individual picture upload , suitable for groups wishing to send cards.

3.GushyGram

Is a unique e-card Web site rich in greeting card templates, some of the greeting card templates includes a short interesting story, for example, the Turkey Run, I believe you can get a lot of fun from this site.

To use these sites for the production of greeting cards, will surely be able to give your friends a pleasant surprise when they received the blessing.

Note: If you want to use the photos of others, with the consent of the person in order to avoid unpleasant.

T-Mobile, AT&T agree to stop saying mobile voicemail is safe

by Robert McMillan
Mobile service providers AT&T and T-Mobile have been banned from saying that their voicemail systems are safe from sabotage after agreeing to permanent injunctions filed in a Los Angeles court.
The cell-phone providers falsely advertised the security of their systems, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. During an investigation, "cell phones purchased by undercover investigators were easily hacked into, enabling the voicemail to be changed at will," the district attorney said in a statement Thursday.
"Hacking into voicemail allowed messages to be changed or erased. Important information could be removed from the voicemail and phony information could be inserted," the district attorney said. "Imagine the havoc that could result."
Investigators were able to hack into voicemail accounts using something called a SpoofCard. SpoofCard's software lets people display any number they want on caller ID and has been used to access voicemail systems that do not require passwords such as those used by Cingular (now part of AT&T) and T-Mobile.
Two years ago, SpoofCard suspended Paris Hilton's account after gossip sheets linked her to the voicemail hacking of her celebrity rival, Lindsay Lohan. At the time, SpoofCard said it had suspended more than 50 customers for using the service to hack into voicemail accounts.
As part of Thursday's settlement, AT&T will pay US$59,300 in penalties; T-Mobile will pay $25,000. The case was heard in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.
In a separate civil action, SpoofCard's parent company TelTech Systems has agreed not to advertise its product as "legal in 50 states." It is not legal in California and some other states, the district attorney's office said. TelTech will also pay a $33,000 fine.
AT&T, T-Mobile and TelTech did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Making the iPhone a killer business device

by Ryan Faas
After the release of the [iPhone 3G (and the iPhone 2 .0 update for first-generation iPhones ), I reviewed the
challenges facing corporate IT departments integrating the iPhone as a business device. In that three-part series, I
looked at how to handle mass iPhone configuration and deployments , how to configure the iPhone to function in an
Exchange environment , and the issues and rewards involved in developing custom in-house iPhone apps .One thing became clear: The iPhone is unique. While it offers numerous features, its origins as a consumer device
still leave in place a number of challenges when adopting it in the enterprise.
To its credit, Apple has dealt with a number of these issues, allowing the iPhone to be preconfigured for users,
supporting secure networking and offering Exchange support -- including Exchange security policy support and the
ability to remotely wipe a lost or stolen phone. But there's more Apple can do to meet corporate needs, from the
perspective of both IT staffers and business users.Here are 10 things that Apple could -- and should -- offer to make the iPhone a killer business device.
1. Provide expanded configuration and restriction options for administrators.Apple's iPhone Configuration Utility gives administrators a way to automatically configure a handful of features on
the iPhone. Areas like e-mail/Exchange server and account information, passcode and auto-lock policies, wireless
networking and VPN configuration, and installation of security certificates can be configured for users with
configuration profiles that can be manually loaded onto each iPhone, distributed by e-mail or hosted on a Web site.
While the options for configuration profiles cover several core areas, they're still limited. A quick look at the
iPhone's Settings application shows other areas a business might want to configure: the use of direct push or
periodic fetch for new e-mail and other data, the ability to enable Bluetooth and location services; access
restrictions on, for example, explicit content in the iPod application or built-in apps such as Safari, YouTube, the
iTunes Wi-Fi store, the built-in camera and the App Store; and security settings for Safari.
Moving beyond the Settings application itself, administrators would benefit from being able to preconfigure
additional applications, though this might be more difficult with third-party applications. Perhaps most
importantly, administrators should be able to restrict access to any installed application, particularly since
there's no way to remove any of Apple's built-in apps. What better way to really secure the device and ensure it is
used appropriately and in accordance with company policies or local laws?
2. Provide a way to enforce the use of configuration profiles.Even if you set aside the need for expanded configuration options, there's a much bigger concern for IT staffers who
are required to manage iPhones. Configuration profiles are designed to ease iPhone configuration, not to serve as
security policies that can be implemented with other platforms. End users must actively accept a configuration
profile before it can be applied to an iPhone, and they can remove a profile simply by using the iPhone's Settings
application.
This approach makes any real security or enforcement of acceptable use policies well-nigh impossible. Administrators
can't be sure that any configurations they deploy to an iPhone will be in use at any time. The inability to enforce
passcode policies on an iPhone without an Exchange environment raises security concerns.
It can also lead to support headaches if users routinely remove profiles that deliver needed configuration details,
such as for Wi-Fi or VPN access. For the iPhone to be secure and properly managed in enterprise environments, it
must offer an option for security and configuration policies that can be reliably enforced.
3. Develop over-the-air deployment for profiles.Given the limitations of working with profiles for the iPhone, Apple needs to develop a way to deploy configuration
profiles (as well as provisioning profiles to enable the installation and use of in-house applications) and make
sure they're enforced.
The current approach does not push profiles out to devices; it requires administrators to manually apply a profile
using the iPhone Configuration Utility, e-mail it to users or host it on a Web site and ask users to load it via
Safari. That alone makes initial deployment a challenge, and it makes managing profile updates even harder.
Without a staff member manually applying profiles, there's no way to ensure that an updated profile is actually
installed after it's released. This can pose headaches when pushing out security policies and ensuring that changes
to other configurations -- in particular, Wi-Fi and VPN -- are updated.
Since the iPhone supports syncing of security policies from an Exchange server, it's clearly capable of these
functions. Even if the capability isn't fully extended to all environments, providing a workable solution for
Exchange environments would be a step in the right direction.
4. Develop direct push options for platforms other than Exchange.Apple's decision to rely on Exchange as the sole method for direct push and other enterprise features for the iPhone
was a logical choice. Exchange is widely deployed, and it already offers support for direct push, groupware
functionality and security policies that Apple would need to offer to make the iPhone an enterprise-caliber smart
phone.
Using Exchange also meant that Apple didn't have to create a server solution of its own for the iPhone, as Research
In Motion (RIM) provides with the BlackBerry Enterprise Messaging Server. On the flip side, even organizations
without Exchange get access to push mail and related groupware features under RIM's model. Ironically, by relying on
Exchange, Apple excludes its own Leopard Server and its suite of calendar and collaborative tools .Providing a broader solution could give smaller organizations -- or
those that already have legacy solutions such as Novell's GroupWise -- options that are now available only via
Exchange. And it could help position the iPhone to better compete with RIM.
Ideally, Apple will provide a solution for the variety of other groupware and collaborative tools on the market in
the upcoming Snow Leopard Server , which is expected to boast enhanced collaborative tools, its own level of
Exchange integration, and at least some iPhone-specific collaborative features. But options already exist for
integrating the iPhone's direct push features without Exchange; for instance, NotifyLink integrates with a range of
mobile devices -- including the iPhone -- and mail server and groupware platforms.
5. Offer a unified in-box.Another area where RIM's BlackBerry stands out against the iPhone is with its unified in-box. The iPhone maintains
separate sets of mail folders for every configured e-mail account. While this can keep mail better organized, it's a
pain for users accessing mail from two or more accounts.
When new mail arrives, users have to navigate from a single account's in-box back to the accounts list, and then
root around among the other accounts to find new messages. This can be time-consuming and frustrating. The problem
could be solved by simply providing a single in-box or even a single set of mail folders.
6. Develop tools to create and edit Office documents.Perhaps the biggest business feature needed on the iPhone is the ability to create and edit Office documents.
Since its early releases, the iPhone has allowed users to download e-mail attachments that contain common file
formats like Word and Excel and view the contents. The list of supported file types has grown dramatically and now
includes all major Office formats as well as Apple's own iWork formats.
The problem is that the iPhone provides no way to edit these files. This is one of the biggest advantages other
smart phones offer over the iPhone. BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Palm devices all allow basic document editing,
either as a built-in feature or through third-party applications.
While not all editing features are needed, being able to make basic changes to a document on the iPhone is a sorely
needed improvement. If Apple itself can't devise a solution, it should encourage third-party app makers to develop
one.
7. Allow file storage/management on the iPhone itself.Perhaps one reason document editing isn't available on the iPhone is that it would require the device to support
some kind of file storage and management. Apple hasn't offered up any such capabilities and, in fact, seems to have
worked to prevent any way to directly store or manipulate files on the iPhone.
There is, of course, room to add applications to extend the iPhone's capabilities, with the amount of space
depending on which model you pick -- the 8GB version or the 16GB iteration. But all that room does nothing for file
storage if there's no file storage architecture on the phone.
This is a problem for business users. There is no way to use the iPhone as a hard drive to store or move files from
one computer to another -- something iPods have been able to do since they were introduced. More importantly, it
means developers cannot allow different applications to access each other's documents. While it's understandable
from a security perspective why Apple might adopt this approach, there's no practical reason it couldn't create a
single locked-down directory on the iPhone for user documents.
A number of third-party applications, including Air Sharing , DataCase and FileMagnet , already allow users to
transfer files to an iPhone using Wi-Fi networking, which proves it can be done without compromising the device. The
problem is that many of these options result in what is essentially read-only access, limiting their practical use.
8. Add copy and paste functionality.One of the iPhone's big limitations from the start has been the lack of support for copying and pasting data, either
within an application or between applications.
Copy and paste has become such an ingrained part of computing that it's shocking to imagine any platform without it.
Since it's been available on Windows Mobile and other platforms for years -- and in the third-party Magic Pad iPhone
application -- the capability clearly exists.Apple claims to have heard the cries about copy and paste but says it isn't a priority. Sure, there are more
important issues that should be addressed first, but if Apple ever offers document-editing capabilities on the
iPhone, copy and paste needs to be implemented alongside them.And even now the ability to copy and paste from e-mails, Web pages, calendar items and read-only documents would be
a boon. If the iPhone is ever to become the business kingpin it has the potential to be, this feature is a must.
9. Implement enterprise licensing for the App Store.I doubt anyone could call the App Store anything but a rousing a success. With thousands of applications easy to
access (if not always easy to find) and download, the App Store offers users a single place to get new apps and
provides a revenue stream for Apple and developers. Numerous applications in the App Store have serious business
potential.
But the entire plan for the App Store seems relentlessly consumer-centric. Access is tied to an Apple ID for billing
and is required even for free applications. Like other iTunes purchases, only five computers can be authorized for a
single Apple ID.
While this works for individuals, families and very small businesses, it doesn't scale well for businesses looking
to roll out more than a handful of iPhones. There are only two main options: centrally activate and sync all iPhones
to a handful of computers using the same set of Apple IDs, or require users to purchase and download applications on
their own with individual Apple IDs -- though these could be set up to bill to a company account. Neither option is
particularly attractive.
Apple needs to develop some sort of enterprise licensing scheme, one that allows an organization to make bulk
purchases of iPhone applications, either in a volume- or site-licensing format. Ideally, this would also include a
way to distribute the applications to all the iPhones owned by a company.
Apple does have some options. It allows ad hoc and enterprise distribution of applications created by developers
through the use of provisioning profiles that let applications run -- even if they weren't purchased from the App
Store. The problem isn't technical here; it's the payment and licensing issues across a spectrum of potential iPhone
developers that could be the stumbling block.
Interestingly enough, licensing for FMTouch, an iPhone FileMaker Pro solution, is available for enterprises and can
be done outside of the App Store. (FileMaker requires membership in the iPhone Developer program , however, to offer
enterprise licensing.) This proves enterprise licensing can be done. However, since FileMaker is an Apple
subsidiary, the logistical challenges for the company are much reduced.Another approach already used by Salesforce.com and Oracle for their iPhone applications is to tie access to an
iPhone application to an existing product license. These options may point to Apple's eventual plan to partner with,
or allow major developers access to, enterprise licensing models without providing full enterprise licensing to the
entire App Store.
10. Develop a mass deployment solution other than iTunes.One of the big iPhone challenges in any business is its tie to iTunes. This is one of the areas where the phone's
consumer orientation is most obvious.
While other smart phones may rely on desktop applications for syncing of contact, calendar and task information,
none rely on an application that is first and foremost a media player. For many businesses, providing an iPhone to
employees isn't the issue; granting access to, and indirectly encouraging the use of, iTunes is.
Apple does provide a way around this. iTunes is not required for iPhone use, only for activation and syncing. So
it's possible for activation and distribution of the iPhone to be centrally managed with no planned sync to a
desktop computer.
If your organization has an Exchange environment, users can sync most business data over the air once the iPhone is
configured with an Exchange account. However, for organizations without Exchange, users can't sync most of their
data without iTunes.
In an ideal remedy, Apple would develop an enterprise solution similar to the version of iTunes used by carriers to
activate an iPhone in the store. That would provide all iTunes' data sync options as well as the ability to back up
iPhone data -- without providing access to the iTunes Store or a media library. It could also provide a way to
distribute in-house or enterprise-licensed apps.
Or, as I noted earlier, Apple could develop a server-based answer that provides sync options for environments
without Exchange. This kind of platform could also be used to create a network version of the iPhone Configuration
Utility, allowing administrators to keep track of their corporate iPhones and push out configuration profile
updates. In effect, this would offer much the same capabilities available for managing iPhones from Exchange.
Regardless of what approach Apple takes, the challenges of mass iPhone deployment and management need to be
addressed if the iPhone is truly going to be able to unseat other devices as the smart phone of choice for business.
Where does Apple go from here?The iPhone has a lot of potential as a business device, but its ultimate success will depend on how well it responds
to the real-world needs of corporate users and IT managers. To succeed, Apple will need to prove that the iPhone is
more than a media player or a toy.
Getting developers to build business applications and providing certain core features in the iPhone interface are
only half the battle. The other half will require Apple to shake off some of its consumer-oriented thinking and
focus on the needs of enterprises when it comes to supporting and managing mobile devices.

For Me? The Best Holiday Gifts From You to Yourself

by PC World staff
Just being you may be gift enough, but surely there are times when it isn't as easy as it looks. So show your appreciation during the gift-giving season by surprising yourself with one of these great presents. Remember, when you're buying for yourself, the thought isn't what counts!
Creative Zen X-Fi
The amazing Creative Zen X-Fi is an outstanding all-around digital music player, boasting many features that stand up nicely to the latest versions of Apple iPods. The X-Fi has great sound, superb headphones, an amazing feature set, expandable storage via an SD card slot, an easy-to-use interface that will please users who don't want to work with a touch screen, and--here's the kicker--the ability to stream and download music from your PC wirelessly. It looks great, too.
The masses may continue to think iPod first when they need a new MP3 player--but the X-Fi is an innovative, feature-packed player, and it's an absolute steal for the price.
Samsung PN50A760 HDTV
The Samsung PN50A760 HDTV combines cool multimedia capabilities and great image quality. In PC World lab tests, this Samsung plasma HDTV was the only model in its size category to earn a rating of Very Good for image quality.
At $2500, the Samsung PN50A760 is pricey. Still, you get what you pay for in image quality and extra features.
For more HDTV coverage, see "Top 46- and 47-Inch HDTVs" and "The Top 42-Inch HDTVs."
Apple iPhone 3G Smart Phone
Apple's iPhone 3G still stands in a class all its own. While this smart phone is not perfect, its lower entry price compared to the first model, 3G radio, GPS, and business-friendly security features broaden the iPhone's appeal--and cements Apple's position as a defining force in the cell phone industry. And the iPhone 3G is even relatively durable, as our video of iPhone stress tests proved.
In general, when it comes to mobile apps, Web access, and media playback, it slaughters all comers.
Sony Cybershot T700 Digital Camera
The fashionable Sony Cybershot DSC-T700 camera offers plenty of features--most of which are flat-out fun.
A trend-setter in cameras, Sony's main innovation with this good-looking touch-screen camera is its 4GB of on-board storage, as well as a few other features that may be irresistible despite the camera's $400 price tag.
The T700 also sports the highest-resolution LCD in its class. In fact, at 3.5 inches diagonally, it very nearly constitutes the entire back of the camera. Aside from the power and shutter buttons, the touch screen contains all of the camera's controls. The unit is slim and compact, too, measuring a little over a half-inch in depth and weighing a slightly heavy 5.6 ounces.
On the exterior, this camera looks cool. The T700 has a brushed-metal finish that
comes in several colors (red, pink, silver, and gray). Our test unit was gray, and out of the box its iridescence was mesmerizing: Tip it one way, it takes on a violet sheen; another direction, it becomes a slight pink or blue. It also has a neat sliding cover that's an attractive and functional design choice.
For more, see "Top 10 Point-and-Shoot Cameras."
HP Mini 1000 Netbook
The HP Mini 1000 Netbook is HP's second-generation foray into the netbook arena. This model has a couple of advantages over its predecessor, the HP 2133, which we reviewed back in early April.
Gone is the Via C-7M processor; gone, too, is the pipe dream that any current netbook could handle Windows Vista. The Mini 1000 that we received for testing runs Windows XP, and packs Intel's 1.6-GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 4200-rpm, 60GB PATA hard drive. With that configuration, it falls in with the rest of the current mini-notebook pack.
With the Mini 1000, HP does a good job keeping most of the things that worked on the 2133, while upping the performance and managing to cut prices in the process (well, not counting the beautiful, fashionista-oriented Vivienne Tam edition).
Thankfully still present in this model is the fantastic keyboard. The oversized, square keys look like they belong on a full-size laptop. In fact, the main QWERTY and number buttons are large enough to fit your entire finger. No need to carefully hunt-and-peck on this keyboard.
I found the audio impressive, and it matched my experiences with the earlier model. The ingenious top-mounted speaker also serves as a sturdy hinge for the device; this design saves space. And while I'm not one to say that you could use the Mini 1000 as some incredibly dorky boombox, it does get decent audio without turning into a crackly mess.
For more on netbooks, see our ranked "Top 5 Netbooks" chart.
Solio Battery Charger
If one of your new year's resolutions is to reduce your carbon footprint, try a solar-powered battery charger. With the Solio solar-powered charger, all you need is the sun to keep your gadgets' batteries filled to the brim. The Solio will charge all your devices, from phones and iPods, to digital cameras, to game players and GPS. Charging the Solio for an hour in the sun will provide about 25 minutes of phone talk time.
Linksys WRT610N Dual-N Band Wireless Router
The previous version of the Linksys WRT610N router was one of the first draft-802.11n Wi-Fi routers to support simultaneous 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz networks, making it a great choice for supporting both legacy Wi-Fi gear and future streaming media devices.
Linksys has updated that dual-band wireless-N unit with this model, the WRT610N. With USB drive sharing as a bonus, this router can support 2.4-GHz legacy devices and 5-GHz clients simultaneously.
In PC World tests, the previous generation Linksys outperformed five other routers that we tested at the same time in overall speed and range.
For more, see "The Truth About Superfast Draft-N."
HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC
HP nailed the design aesthetic with this 22-inch TouchSmart All-in-One: This model would look equally at home in your living room, bedroom, or office. It comes with five USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire port, gigabit ethernet, a slot-loading DVD player, an S-Video input, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in.
For even more elbow room, HP recently released a 25.5-inch model.
Paying the $1500 price buys you a system with classy design, the versatility to handle everyday tasks, and the ability to do some light multimedia lifting. It doesn't have enough oomph to serve as a gaming or graphics PC, but it pulls ahead of other recent all-in-ones with its ability to handle most productivity tasks easily.
For more desktop PC reviews, see "Top 10 Value PCs."
Garmin Nuvi 360 GPS Device
The compact Garmin Nuvi 360's accuracy, features, and battery life make it a great value.
You get first-rate maps and an intuitive interface (with features like 3D maps and pronunciation of street names).
The Nuvi's SiRF Star III GPS transceiver latches onto satellite signals quickly, and the routes the device suggested were timely and accurate. The device's smallish (3.5-inch diagonal) display can't fit in the amount of information shown on de­vices with 4.3-inch screens; it is easy to read even in bright sunlight, however, and the touch-screen controls make entering street addresses and changing settings quick and simple. The unit's Safe mode (off by de­fault) prevents you from changing certain settings, to help you avoid getting distracted while driving. You can enter a code to prevent unauthorized use, too

Eight easy steps to iPhone security

by Tom Yager
As someone who's been around the block a few times with mobile technology, I get a kick out of lengthy treatises on the practices one should follow to keep the information on your iPhone secure. They follow a commonsense pattern: Use a PIN, set the device to auto-lock after a minimal delay, set it to blank itself after a limited number of invalid unlock attempts, block access to the App Store, use Safari's security defaults, and use WPA2 security for Wi-Fi. This is helpful, but it isn't enough. Users of the iPhone, and mobile devices in general, deserve the big picture regarding the balance of security and convenience.
When you leave the store with your shiny new phone, you accept sole responsibility to protect your investment. It's not the manufacturer's or seller's job to keep your property safe. They've built in mechanisms that, if used as documented, will reasonably protect your phone and the information it contains. If the phone gets swiped, pillaged, or vandalized, it is either your fault or bad luck, and when bad luck plays a hand, it's likely that you contributed to the circumstances. Here are eight uncommon things you can do to steer the odds in your favor.
[ Follow these links for more on iPhone: " iPhone 3G enterprise scores are in," " Why iPhone won't yet rule the roost in the enterprise," " How to make the new iPhone work at work," and " Top 10 iPhone apps for the techie." ]
1. First and foremost, never, ever leave your iPhone unlocked. You've heard that, but you haven't heard how to make it painless: Practice. Whenever you'd ordinarily be bending paper clips or generally goofing off at work, sit in your chair and lock and unlock your phone over and over again until it's as natural as twiddling your thumbs. Practice with your nondominant hand. Practice with one hand concealing the other. Practice with your eyes closed. Practice with the display facing the floor. When entering your PIN becomes ingrained into muscle memory, you'll never be tempted to disable the lock to save time, and even sharp-eyed shoulder surfers can't watch you enter your PIN. As a bonus, you will never forget your PIN. Try it; it works.
2. Keep up with Apple firmware updates. Apple's well-publicized flaw that allowed access to the address book via the emergency call mechanism was repaired, but only if you applied the patch. Unfortunately, Apple requires the use of desktop tools for firmware updates: Users must run Apple Software Update on their Mac or PC to grab them from iTunes when they become available. I think that's poor design, especially when BlackBerry and Android demonstrate the ease with which OTA updates can be performed. In an enterprise setting where OTA firmware updates aren't possible, IT should send iPhone users a broadcast SMS alerting them that they
need to dock to iTunes to load an urgent fix. When running iTunes at a work desktop is forbidden by policy (as it should be), easy access to IT-controlled update stations should be arranged.
3. Put your iPhone on a leash. Keeping your phone with you provides the only impenetrable shield against theft or tampering. A comfortable, fashionable holster that suits your style makes it less likely that you'll nonchalantly toss your phone in your bag when you leave the house. Don't choose a jacket pocket, a backpack compartment, or any container from which you walk away. In the same vein, don't let anyone borrow your iPhone. Even your best friend could leave your iPhone, take out his curiosity on your device, or get hoodwinked by a malicious hacker. Treat your iPhone as you do your wallet.
4. Secure your iTunes host. Your PIN affords you little protection if someone gets hold of your computer. That's because your PC or Mac keeps a complete image of the flash memory in your iPhone. From this recovery image, a skilled hacker could read all of the data on the phone. It only takes a few seconds to move that firmware image from your disk to a thumb drive. And it takes little time or skill to replace that image with one that can reflash your iPhone's firmware with something nasty. The smartest way to go is to keep your iPhone backups on your own thumb drive. This makes automatic restores and updates slightly more challenging, but it's worth it.
5. Don't jailbreak your iPhone. The iPhone jailbreak process purposely disarms the mechanisms that Apple created to protect your data. With App Store, a trusted party tests and vouches for the software, and Apple can trigger an uninstall of an app if a risk is discovered later. The protections offered by open source projects --multiple contributors, readily viewable code, and a central location for comments and fixes -- don't exist in the jailbreak world. I'll grant that jailbreaking an iPod Touch or a retired iPhone can be good fun. Relying on a jailbroken iPhone as your primary mobile device is idiotic.
It's so quick and easy to jailbreak an iPhone that it takes a minimum of social engineering to trick a trusting user into bypassing Apple's built-in guard against modified firmware. It's a simple sell: By holding down one key while clicking Restore, you don't waste time waiting for new firmware to download from Apple. Don't fall for it. Always download firmware directly from Apple.
6. Hide sensitive data in plain sight. The iPhone has no device-wide data encryption. It does support encrypted databases, but the inconvenience of having to unlock the data every time you want to read it may limit your use of it. As an alternative, hide some of your most sensitive data in plain sight by scattering it across nonobvious places, like your iPod library and browser bookmarks. Embed what you really need to protect in nontext form, such as buried among lots of images or audio, to avoid discovery by string scanning of your desktop or firmware. As a bonus (or not, in some cases), using iPod files syncs your secrets across iPod, iTunes, MobileMe, and AppleTV.
7. Use FileVault on the Mac or EFS on Vista. On a Mac, create a separate user account with a strong password, apply FileVault protection (using System Preferences), and activate and manage your iPhone exclusively from that account. If you never leave that account logged in, you can reinforce other desktop protection methods or skip them entirely. On Windows Vista, consider using Encrypted File System (EFS) to encrypt the entire iTunes file tree. Neither of these methods protects data on your iPhone, but it does guard against insertion of doctored firmware or simple copying of data.
8. If you use the iPhone professionally, use Exchange Server for its back end. Exchange Server keeps backups of all messages and mail settings, and most important in my book, it supports remote device blanking. In fact, Exchange is the only way to blank a remote iPhone. One drawback of remote blanking from Exchange Server is that it takes several hours -- eight, by Apple's estimation. But because the mail client is always running, a remote blank can only be circumvented if the thief is smart enough to disable your Exchange account before you discover your iPhone is missing. That's something he can't do because, of course, you've PIN-locked your device. Make sure that you or your IT department knows how to blank your device, and don't be shy about triggering a remote blank even if you just suspect your device is missing. You can always recover your data if you find your device.
Several service providers offer hosted Exchange Servers for a small monthly fee. Call to make sure that the provider offers either Exchange Server 2003 with mobile extensions or Exchange Server 2007, and ask whether users are allowed access to Exchange Server's management console. Without management console access, you can't remotely blank your phone.
Apple designed the iPhone as a consumer device, so it's heavy on convenience and light on security. If you want protection, you have to accept some pain. Fortunately, it doesn't take a lot of time or tech savvy to keep what's in your iPhone for your eyes only. The oft-repeated recommendations alluded to in the beginning of this story are all worthwhile, but if you augment them creatively, you'll befuddle the bad guys with techniques they hadn't considered and that don't yield to automated cracks. Never overlook unorthodoxy as a means of protection

AT&T hopes for single smartphone OS

by Stephen Lawson
AT&T hopes to standardize on a single operating system for AT&T-branded smartphones as part of a "dramatic consolidation" of its mobile platforms over the next few years, a company executive said Thursday.
The mobile operator believes smartphones will make up the largest portion of devices connecting to its network by about 2014, and it wants to avoid the fragmentation of platforms that has made it hard to develop mobile applications, said Roger Smith, director of next generation services, data product realization at AT&T. Speaking at the Symbian Partner Event in San Francisco, he said Symbian is "a very credible and likely candidate" to become that one operating system.
The consolidation effort is focused on a completely AT&T-branded smartphone, distinct from the iPhone and other products that may use AT&T's network, Smith said in an interview following his speech. The iPhone is actually a third-party device that takes advantage of AT&T services, such as voice, voicemail and SMS (Short Message Service), he said.
If there are AT&T-branded smartphones on many different platforms, "Whose support nightmare is that? It's ours," Smith said.
The event is taking place at a time of transition for Symbian and the whole mobile industry. On Tuesday, Nokia completed its acquisition of Symbian, the latest step in a process that eventually will make Symbian an open-source operating system under the planned Symbian Foundation. That foundation can now enter operational mode, beginning efforts such as recruitment, and Thursday's event probably is the last one put on by Symbian itself, said Jorgen Behrens, Symbian's executive vice president of marketing. The consortium, of which Nokia has been the largest shareholder, has been overseeing the operating system since 1998.
The mobile industry hasn't been effective at offering compelling user experiences, and one key problem has been fragmentation, AT&T's Smith said. AT&T has placed a lot of emphasis on Java as a platform for mobile applications but has ended up with a fragmented platform, he said, adding that the carrier hasn't managed Java well. There are many more operating systems for mobile phones than for PCs, even within a single manufacturer or carrier, and Java was once seen as a tool to simplify developing applications for all those platforms. But as in the PC universe, it has come under criticism for not fulfilling that promise.
In addition, Java doesn't allow developers to go deeply enough into a phone's software stack to deliver the kinds of experiences customers want, Smith said. So instead of trying to solve Java's fragmentation, AT&T will try to standardize on as few operating systems as possible, and preferably open platforms, he said. That will give third-party developers more opportunity to reach AT&T subscribers with mobile applications, he said.
Mobile data services could "out-value" the Web by adding location awareness and personalized search, Smith said. But as the economy sags and subscriber growth in the U.S. slows, carriers can't keep relying on pulling more revenue out of subscribers to pay for it, he said. AT&T will push for many more advertising-based services over the next year or two, he said. Other possibilities include mobile banking and shopping services that generate transaction fees, and business-to-consumer or business-to-business applications in areas such as health care or transportation. Businesses themselves would pay for those in order to realize greater efficiencies, he said.

BlackBerry Storm bridges business and lifestyle

by Tom Yager
The new BlackBerry 9530, sold in the United States as the Verizon Storm, has the familiar fingertip navigation and flick-to-scroll gesture common to most widescreen phones. Apart from that, the Verizon Storm is very much its own device, unmistakably a BlackBerry in its strong messaging, connectivity, and extensibility, but carried to a new level of usability by a touchscreen display and a redesigned GUI.
The iPhone, T-Mobile G1, and Touch Diamond have Wi-Fi; Verizon Storm does not. For some readers, the absence of Wi-Fi and the inferior Web browser (RIM's is barely serviceable) will add up to a showstopper. I can't keep you from blowing off the Storm for the lack of WLAN, but I'd advise that you'd be making a mistake to do it without at least looking at the smartphone yourself.
[ Competition among business smartphones is heating up. See InfoWorld's guide to next-gen mobile and Test Center reviews of iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1, Palm Treo Pro, and HP iPaq 910c. ]
RIM had to make some sacrifices to bring the 9530 to Verizon for less than US$200. This isn't a device that RIM could stamp out from its standard QWERTY template. Everything is new, and until the R&D is paid down by volume, something had to give. In the Verizon Storm, Wi-Fi got the chop. If this inclines you to blow off this handset, I suggest you take a beat. Omitting Wi-Fi made room for an enormous combination of features you don't find in sub-$200 devices. It's a matter of balance, and I consider the scales tipped decisively in the buyer's favor.
Getting past Wi-Fi
For file transfers, Verizon Storm works as a mountable USB Storage Class device; no drivers or proprietary client software is required. Storm operates on CDMA/EvDO and GSM/UMTS 3G networks, so it's global without caveats; plus, once you've paid your debt to Verizon, it will jump with you to any carrier you choose. Verizon bundles a removable 8GB SD (Secure Digital) card, and its data plan supports tethering, so you can use the phone to connect your notebook to Verizon's network with functionality identical to Verizon's very popular cell data access dongles/cards. Verizon client software for Macs and PCs configures the Storm as a modem automatically, but even that utility is optional.
Verizon Storm's tower-triangulation-assisted GPS powers Google Maps, E-911, location-aware Java and JavaScript applications, and VZ Nav, a very cool voice-enabled turn-by-turn navigator. VZ Nav gets a fast fix on your location down to the street address, and if someone wonders where you are, you can e-mail or text them your whereabouts from within the navigator. I have yet to determine whether VZ Nav is trialware, as Sprint Navigator is on Touch Diamond, but with Verizon Storm's loudspeaker and big display, I'd pay for it or my prevailing BlackBerry turn-by-turn favorite, TeleNav.

iPhone 2.2 update gets jailbroken

by Daniel Ionescu

If you're into iPhone gimmicks and unsupported Apple applications, DevTeam released PwnageTool 2.2 to help you jailbreak the latest 2.2 iPhone software update available from Apple since Friday.
Two free software tools are available from the DevTeam to help you jailbreak your iPhone, namely QuickPwn and PwnageTool. However, only the latter preserves the iPhone's baseband firmware, giving you the maximum chance for any upcoming software unlock. As usual, using just the iTunes update method will lock back any previously jailbroken iPhone.
iPhone 2.2 Jailbreaking 101
Jailbreaking your iPhone means that you can install third-party applications unsupported by Apple a new functionalities. Jailbreaking your iPhone does not mean that you will be able to use your Apple device on other wireless networks other than the one you bought it from (unlocking).
The DevTeam warns that using QuickPwn, available for both PCs and Macs, will modify your iPhone's baseband firmware (internal components software that handles the phone calls and Internet access) meaning that you will not be able to use any future release of a software tool that could unlock (soft unlock) your Apple phone from your current wireless carrier.
In order to jailbreak your iPhone and be able to soft unlock the device in the future, DevTeam recommends the use of their PwnageTool, but this app is only available for Mac OSX users at the moment.
Not for the faint-hearted
Most iPhone jailbreaks are designed for power-users and developers, so I recommend that you should carefully consider whether you want to take the plunge into the grey world of iPhone jailbreaking or not.
Moreover, if something goes wrong with your jailbreak process (and there's plenty or horror stories on the DevTeam's comments page), Apple will not repair your iPhone, even if it is still under warranty.

LG KF750 Secret and LG KF510 Touch Slider: Phones Which Make A Difference

by Andrew Mthew
These days the mobile manufacturing companies are striving to keep up with the taste and preferences of the mobile community. The latest mobile phones are packaged with innovative and dynamic features and won the hearts of the masses with their sleek and compact design which makes it easy for the user to keep the device in his/her palm. Though the market is hoarded with an array of models, however only few of them have met with the expectations of the user. The mobile market is flourishing with ultra-stylish gadgets such as LG KF750 Secret and LG KF510 Touch Slider.
These handsets have been widely appreciated for their deliverance and high-end features, which leave the user mesmerised. To begin with the LG KF510 Touch Slider is a multi-functional handset which performs every function with versatility. The exclusive slider has notable dimensions measuring 104.5 x 49.5 x 10.9 mm and a negligible weight of 91 grams, which allows the user to fit it into his/her pocket without creating a bulge.
The stunning phone has a admirable front and side view and its rough and tough exterior will ensure that it remains intact after a fall. The fashionable handset with its robust built also offers a visually delightful experience with its vivacious TFT screen, which is made bright and colourful with the support of 256K colours. It's screen can be customised by selecting an attractive wallpaper or screensaver. Those amused by the wonders of photography can relish the beauty of the competent camera loaded in the phone. The incredible camera will allow the user to capture brilliant images with a professional finish. Those who have an unsteady hand can rely upon the auto-focus and image stabiliser to produce focused and crystal clear shots.
The flash feature will enable the user to click photos in a dull-lit environment. Entertainment can be experienced with the powerful media player incorporated in the system of the handset. The user can also enjoy a clear sound quality which is soothing to the ears and update himself on the latest events with the FM radio. The numerous connectivity options will enable the user to access the internet at high-speed and share data files with the help of the Bluetooth technology. The user can remain in touch with close ones with the numerous messaging options such as SMS, EMS, MMS, Email. Heading for tough competition is the trendy looking LG KF750 Secret. The sensational gadget is adorned with a TFT touchscreen, which gives instant access to any application just with the touch of the finger. The 5 mega pixels camera loaded in the gadget is enriched with image-enhancing features such as an auto-focus, face detection and flash. The user can utilise the video facility to restore sweet moments spent in the company of family and friends.
Face-to-face interaction can be entertained with the secondary video-call camera. Photography apart, the user can enjoy hummable music with the versatile media player which supports popular music formats. The player will ensure that the user is entertained in moments of boredom and loneliness. The FM radio with RDS is another feather in the cap as the user can enjoy witty jokes cracked by RJ's at the same time keep himself updated with the current affairs. Office goers can mobilise their office with the Document viewer which enables the user to view and edit files in Excel, Powerpoint and Word. The internet facility has become a common feature in every modern phone therefore this stunning devices pleases the user with superb connectivity options which give the user access to valuable information. The WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser will provide a great browsing experience to the user and help him/her to download content which is important to him. The device features an organiser which will help the user to a track of his appointments and dates. The wonderful gadget has a 100MB memory size which can be expanded with the insertion of a microSD (TransFlash) card slot. Overall, both the devices are empowered with high-end features which are highly useful to the user.

BlackBerry mobile phones: Excelling the rest

by Andrew Mthew
Mobile phone have truly revolutionised the entire system of wireless communication. It seems that people have now got the right medium to enjoy communication at ease. Moreover, the war of the mobile giants have offered one after one high-end gadgets at regular hiatuses. In other, the top notch manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola and BlackBerry etc., are striving hard to sting the right chord of their target customers.
In this process, numerous models are lunched almost after every alternate day to experiment the taste of the people. So, it can be said whatever be the case, the customers are enjoying the benefits. In such a context, the most important thing for a mobile manufacturer is to make a position and to sustain that position in a consistent manner. However, it is quite difficult to earn fame when such a stiff competition is swirling on the mobile fraternity. All said and done in such a tough situation, there are also certain brands upon which the customers trust and rely without any second thoughts. BlackBerry is one of such trusted and most reliable brands. The BlackBerry mobile phones are always launched with certain ultimate high-end functionalities.
BlackBerry has created a niche in the market with its sturdy design and high-end functionalities. As a matter of fact, most of the BlackBerry handsets are specially business oriented. People find it quite easy to manage their professional needs with these handsets. Moreover, when features such as web browser and wireless e-mail come boosted with these handsets then doing professional works while on the move obviously becomes easy. But, most importantly people these days like these features not to satisfy their professional needs but to enhance their levels of mobile entertainment. However, though sturdy handsets are specially produced by this brand, slim and sleek mobile phones are also there in the company's kit. It would entirely depend on the style consciousness of the users, whether they like slim or study handsets. In terms of high end specifications, handsets from both the genre add more fun to the mobile entertainment. Communication devices such as the BlackBerry 8820, BlackBerry 8310 Curve, BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 and BlackBerry Storm 9500 etc., are the most successful models. These models are surely going to astir the users once again as BlackBerry does it always.
To get the latest updates regarding the latest launched models, you can even seek the support of the Internet. The online websites would permit you to get access to the cheap BlackBerry phones and that also without any hassles. By logging onto these online mobile stores, you can get a deep insight regarding the high-end specifications of your preferred models. Moreover, not only this, you can also read the reviews of various customers and know the merits and demerits of your preferred models. BlackBerry has actually make a mark with its high end models with many of them coming with a full QWERTY keyboard and user-friendly interface. Enjoying the liberty of accessing the emails and listening to favourite music tracks whenever and wherever, actually add more benefit to the benefit list of the latest BlackBerry phones. Now, at very cheap rates, you can have access to the business-oriented handsets and enjoy mobile entertainment at ease. As such, without any second thoughts, people these days are preferring to own such a high-end handset.
As such, it can be concluded by saying that these days, the BlackBerry mobile phones are the most rated ones, both in terms of design and in context of high-end specifications. It would now entirely depend on the users whether to excel among the rest or to stay content with the sub-standard available options. But when various options are available then why not take a good chance?

Sony C905, Samsung Pixon or LG Renoir? The 8 Megapixel Decision

by ballswinger
Mobile camera phones have recently evolved in terms of picture resolution and one of the latest to join the 8 megapixel race is the Samsung Pixon, up until now the highest specification camera lens availble from a mobile phone was 5.0 megapixels but a new breed of phone has pushed the boudaries up to a massive 8 megapixels.
These new phones that offer this high technology include offerings from Sony Ericsson, LG and Samsung, but it is the latter that has been working hardest by releasing not just one but two devices with this new camera technology.
The first was the Samsung i8510, a minimalistic design that hides a wealth of new features whilst the manufacturers latest launch is the Samsung Pixon, an all singing and dancing model that shouts style and expense.
The previously mentioned manufacturers have also added to this new market category with the Sony Ericsson C905 and LG Renoir, both competing with an 8 megapixel camera lens but both offering something a little different when it comes to design.
Sony Ericsson C905The C905 is a sliding phone and part of the manufacturers Cybershot range, features include Face detection, Autofocus, 16 x Zoom, Xenon Flash, Image stabilizer and Bestpic to produce the highest quality images with the minimum of fuss.
The Sony C905 has a real sense of durability and sturdiness, finished in a brushed metal finish giving it a sophisticated & expensive feel. This groundbreaking handset is one of the releases of the year and the most advanced camera phone to date.
LG RenoirThis new LG offers a similar feature set but with a large touchscreen for viewing those high quality photos, smile detection; blink detection, flash, and geo-tagging through the GPS feature make for an exciting phone that could easily replace a standalone digital camera.
The KC910 Renoir is LG's first plunge into the almighty realms of the 8-mega-pixel mobile phone camera market. The handset is slimmer than most of its high quality camera competitors, measuring only 14mm thick. Technically, the LG Renoir is probably just as much a camera as it is a mobile phone.
The LG Renoir comes with MP3, wi-fi, video calling, and document viewer technology. The GPS is precise & clear, whilst the accelerator touch screen navigation is easy & simple. The design is sleeker than most, supporting smooth corners & simplistic interfaces.
Samsung PixonThe M8800 Pixon is the newer of the models to hit the 8 megapixel market, as with the LG Renoir it incorporates touch-screen technology. Samsung want you to have the best with a newly improved swipe and tilt touch-screen function used for browsing through all your pictures and music.
With an 8-megapixel camera autofocus Dual Power LED flash ASR (Advance Shake Reduction) and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) you’ll have everything you need and more. Keeping up with the camera-heavy features there’s an Auto Panorama Shot feature Geotagging supported by GPS and a photo browser.
The Pixon is also capable of taking impressively high quality movies and has a slow motion video capture option plus face detection smile shot face link (face tagging) and photo memo.
As for deciding who will win this war of the 8 megapixel camera phones? Well, its going to be down to a lot of personal choice, each model offers something a little different. The Sony Ericsson C905 can play on its Cybershot name which has always been associated with camera technology, the LG Renoir will appeal to any users of the current Viewty and Omnia models with large touchscreens whilst the Samsung Pixon is an alrounder which Samsung enthusiats will instantly warm to.

Convert DVD to MKV HD video to keep the high quality

Many people complain that when they convert DVD to video and watch it on laptop or PC the quality get bad. Why this happen?

A ordinary DVD disk movie is often 7-8 GB in size, if we convert them to ordinary video formats the size would be hundreds of MB, so We have to face this problem that the code compress process would destroy most of unimportant data and the video quality get bad.

How do we resolve this issue?

We can decrease the damage by converting DVD to MKV and other HD video formats as these HD videos are often bigger than 3GB.

This tutorial includes three parts:
1. What’s MKV HD video?
2. How to convert DVD to MKV to keep the high quality?
(You can also learn how to convert MKV to AVI and other videos from this guide.)
3. How to play MKV HD video on Windows media player?

Part 1: What’s MKV HD video?

An MKV HD video file is a Matroska file, the Matroska Multimedia Container is an open standard free Container format . It is similar in conception to other containers like AVI, MP4 or ASF, but is entirely open in specification, And the size is often much more bigger than common video for the HD code methods . Matroska file types are .MKV for video (with subtitles and audio), .MKA for audio-only files and .MKS for subtitles only.

Part 2: How to convert DVD to MKV HD video to keep the high quaity?

Here I listed a few good DVD to MKV converters I found on google and other downloading sites. They all support MKV HD video, but you can select a better one for your needs.

Aimersoft DVD ripper

This DVD to MKV converter has been upgrade recently and added MT2S, TS, TP, TRP and MKV HD video formats into its output formats.

Important features:

1. Input DVD formats: DVD disk, DVD folder, IFO, ISO.
2. Convert DVD to MKV, MP4, WMV, AVI, FLV, MOV, 3GP, 3GPP, MPG, RMVB, Xvid, ASF, WMA, M4A, MP3, AAC, OGG, MKA, AC3, WAV.
3. Convert DVD to iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune and other digital divices with only one DVD converter with ease.
4. Conversion speed: 58 minutes. (DVD: Kungfu Panda)
5. Editing function: video cropping, trimming and effect adjusting; parameters setting (aspect ratio, brightness, contrast, saturation, etc)
6. Subtitle and Audio track select.
7. Chapters and Clips selecting, so you can choose any part of the DVD to convert.
8. Free download trial with water mark on the screen. $35 dollars for full version.

DVD To MKV Converter:

This is a specialized DVD to MKV converter, the output format supports only MKV, a DVD to MKV converter for the people who have owned other DVD converters but not include MKV video in their outputs and the price is cheaper than other comprehensive DVD rippers.

Important features:

1. Input DVD: DVD disk, DVD folder, IFO.
2. Convert DVD to MKV only.
3. Subtitle and Audio track select.
4. Conversion speed: 1 hour 18 minutes (DVD: Kungfu Panda)
5. parameters setting (aspect ratio, brightness, contrast, saturation, etc)
6. Free download trial, output time 5 minutes limit. $19.95

Avaide dvd ripper:

Important features:

1. Input DVD: DVD disk, DVD folder, IFO.
2. Convert DVD to MKV, AVI, WMV, MP4, FLV, MOV, MPG, 3GP, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA for iPod, PSP, Zune, etc.
3. Parameters setting (aspect ratio, brightness, contrast, saturation, etc)
4. Chapters selecting; Time trimming to select any part of the DVD.
5. Conversion speed: 1 hour 37 minutes. (DVD: Kungfu Panda)
6. Free download trail version, output 5 minutes limit. $29.95

In summarize, if you already got one comprehensive DVD converter but doesn’t support MKV format, DVD to MKV converter can help you save more $; Aimersoft DVD ripper has the fastest conversion speed and more editing function for users; Of cause, if you don’t care too much about these two features and want to spend less dollars Avaide dvd ripper is also a good choice for the same good output quality.
OK, choose one to convert DVD to MKV HD video, then I will tell you how to play MKV in Windows Media Player.

Part 3: How to play MKV on Windows media player?

Many people who download a HD video file with the extension MKV will often try to play it back with video player software they have installed on their systems. Most of the time this doesn't work.
As it is based on DirectShow Windows Media Player will play back MKV HD video files perfectly if you have the proper codecs and filters installed. A great help here is the Matroska Pack. This pack is an ideal solution for new users as it installs pretty much all you will need to play MKV HD video files.

You can get more details and download the Matraoka Pack from its official site:
http://www.matroska.org/

Keywords: DVD to MKV, MKV, HD video, convert DVD to MKV

Pay As You Go Phones – Among The Best Phones

by Andrew Mthew
With Pay as you go phones becoming popular day by day, it has become inevitable for people to meet all deadlines. It has now become convenient for people to make use of the services of the Pay as you go mobile phones and connect with others without having any commitments with the service provider. People rely on the services of the Pay as you go phones and bring to others connectivity with mobile phones that are not dependent on SIM cards of a particular provider. Users thus can make use of the balance to forward calls to clients all over the world. So, one enjoys absolute freedom to utilise this offer for forwarding calls to others without facing any trouble. There is absolutely nothing to care for as the money deposited is always safe. The deposited amount gets transferred once the account is recharged. Moreover, the user-friendliness of the system draws people close to it. The only obligation being that one has to make payments beforehand in order to avail the services of the Pay As You Go Phones.
The pay as you go mobile Phone deals are also accompanied with several free gifts that include free calls, free text messaging and also other discounts. Then users also find immense scope to move around with the phone. A connection can be discarded and a new one can be availed very easily. People find it very convenient and the user-friendly nature of the deal draws attention of others. There is also immense possibility of mobility and one can succeed in making use of the deal to succeed in their business or personal goals.
The users of the service find it convenient on their part to make use of pay as you go phones to excel in their business. This is the reason why people have started to rely on this excellent service to further enhance their business.
Detailed information about the pay as you as go phones is available on the internet. It is possible for people to avail the services and stay connected with others by making use of this effective plan. The plan is user-friendly and people normally benefit from its innocuous benefits. Thus people actually benefit from the seamless services of the Pay As You Go deal.
There is no doubt about the fact that the plan is very effective and leaves scope for people to overcome the hurdles in connectivity. People find it exorbitantly important for them to avail this deal and stay
ahead of others in every sphere of life. The deal is one of its kind and makes it possible for people to venture in areas so as to become more successful in their life.
The best thing about this deal is that there are huge deductions of expenses of a person associated with his or her phone bills. In fact, the bills are always under ones control as payments are made beforehand. The efficiency level of the plan is high and people thus rely on it for availing things that was not possible before. Almost all mobile companies and service providers offer the pay as you go plan to everyone free of cost. Users feel satisfied to avail the offer as the cost involved is very less.

New Android apps a mixed bag, should improve

by Nancy Gohring
Some of the new applications loaded to the Android Market since it opened on Monday don't work very well, crash the phone, aren't particularly elegant and in one case, uses commands written in Chinese.
But the good applications should ultimately outweigh the bad as developers make improvements to their applications and as the community matures, analysts say.
The G1, the first phone to run Google's Android open-source software, went on sale last week by T-Mobile USA.
"I believe it will evolve much the way Linux did," said Carl Howe, an analyst with Yankee Group. In the early days of Linux, developers produced a lot of low-quality applications, he said. With enough bad comments from the community about the applications, developers either improved them or pulled them, he said. Already, many applications in the Android Market have been updated based on user comments.
The Android Market, where phone users shop for and download applications, initially included only applications that Google had approved. But on Monday, the market opened to any developer who, after paying a US$25 registration fee, could upload any application.
Since then, many new applications have appeared, including several calculators, to-do lists, weather applications, tip calculators, budget planning tools and flashlights.
JogTracker, an application that uses the GPS (Global Positioning System) in the phone to map out a runner's route and show distance, works quite well. Another, Gmote, has gotten rave reviews from people who use the application as a remote control for their computers. Users who have a computer connected to their TVs for streaming video find the application especially useful.
While most of the top-ranked applications are those that appeared before the market opened to any developer, a few new ones including a notepad, a dictionary, a language translator and a Yellow Pages application have made it near the top of the list.
The rating system in the Android Market, which lets Google include a list of applications based on popularity, is an important feature in such an open environment, analysts said. "Communities do a good job of weeding out the chaff from the wheat," said Howe.
That should help users focus on the better applications and ignore the others. "If [bad applications] start to be a preponderance of what people get and if they get frustrated, people won't stand for it. It's not worth their time to fight through the bad applications," said Ken Dulaney, an analyst with Gartner.
Some of the applications that don't work so well include DroidRecord, which should record audio but doesn't for some people. AReader is an ebook reader that some users have had trouble with. Some buttons in the application launch windows with instructions in Chinese.
Other applications seem like very early versions. Statusinator is an application designed to let users update their Facebook status and photos. The description apologizes for how cumbersome it is to use: "login is complicated (sorry!). In short, press 'menu,' then click 'login,' 'authorize status updates,' and then 'authorize photos.' Each will open a Facebook Web page in which you'll have to confirm the action."
The appearance of faulty or low quality applications in the market is a result of its openness, and makes the market different than Apple's iPhone App Store. Developers must submit their applications to Apple, which examines them and decides whether to include them in the store. That helps ensure that mostly quality applications appear there, Dulaney said.
However, applications in the Android Market have the potential for more functionality than apps in Apple's store because Android developers can access more phone functions, such as the dialer, Howe said. SpellDial, for instance, is an Android application that lets users spell out and then call someone from their contacts list using the on screen touch number keypad. Without SpellDial, G1 users must slide open the keyboard to type out a name that they want to find and call from their contacts list.
In addition since anyone can build a phone around Android, applications could take advantage of various hardware innovations. While that's not the case for Apple developers, who are stuck with just one set of hardware specifications, that's also a benefit for Apple. Developers build iPhone applications based on one set of specifications describing the size of the screen and other features, so their applications are sure to work on all iPhones.
By contrast, it's unclear what will happen once there are multiple phones running Android on the market. Presumably the phones will have difference hardware capabilities, so not all applications will work on all Android phones. If there remains just one Android Market to serve all phones, that could create problems. "You might have to read a list of requirements to decide if the application will run," Howe noted.
That means some users could end up buying applications that can't run on their phones. Google has a provision for that, though. The current Android Market terms state that anyone can return an application within 24 hours for a full refund. For now, all applications in the market are free but by the first quarter next year Google plans to roll out a mechanism so that developers can charge for their applications.

BlackBerry fund backs three startups

by Nancy Gohring

The BlackBerry Partners Fund, launched earlier this year, announced its first investments in companies that support mobile commerce, help travelers and offer location-based entertainment information.
The fund, sponsored by BlackBerry maker Research In Motion, Thomson Reuters and Royal Bank of Canada, has US$150 million to invest in companies developing mobile applications and services primarily, but not exclusively, for BlackBerry devices, said Kevin Talbot, co-managing partner of the BlackBerry Partners Fund. The investments are a rare bright spot for startups in an otherwise gloomy economic environment.
WorldMate, a New Zealand company, got $8 million from the BlackBerry fund, Motorola Ventures and AMC Communications to expand its operations. WorldMate offers a mobile travel application that alerts users when planes or trains are delayed or canceled. Users can find and book flights or hotels nearby based on location information. A free application is advertising- and affiliate-supported, and a subscription buys a gold package with more features.
WorldMate is already available for BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Palm OS phone users.
The Blackberry fund, along with a few other partners including Qualcomm Ventures, Greycroft Partners and Monitor Ventures, invested $3.2 million in Buzzd, a location-sensitive entertainment service. Users can find and read user reviews about local events and venues. The service is already available through all the major U.S. operators, but the investment will fund further development of the client version, said John Albright, co-managing partner of the fund.
The third company the fund invested in is Digbee, a provider of a mobile commerce platform. Phone users can download the software that lets them buy from retailers featured in the Digbee mall. But retailers can also offer self-branded versions of the client for customized shopping. The client links to the phone's contacts list so users can choose an address from the list to send purchases to.
The BlackBerry fund and existing investors at Eyes of Texas partners awarded Digbee a $5.5 million investment.
The companies met the criteria that the fund managers look for, said Talbot. "These four things, which frankly economic crisis or not are hallmarks of good venture investing, are things we consider," he said.
The BlackBerry Partners Fund is looking for companies that are appropriately valued and are cash-efficient. "We are insisting that companies be adequately capitalized, which means having enough capital to weather a prolonged situation in the economy," he said.
The fund also considers the end-user of the service or product to make sure that the target customer base is likely to remain strong.
Finally, the fund is making sure to invest with partners that have good funding. "We're being selective with our syndicate partners. We're seeking out high-quality investors that have the venture capital and that will be able to stay with our company in the long haul," Talbot said.
The criteria should be heartening to solid startups looking for funding, he said. "A good company will always get financed, regardless of what's happening in the economy," he said.

How to treat the love affair offered by the third one like that in the film Painted Skin?

Hello， morning

It is a quite difficult topic, since it happens frequently in this modern society. No one can say they can absolutely avoid this situation.As modern society brings us with human right, it at the same time takes the human right of some other people. Modern people become more and more self-oriented and think less for people around them.
Since a third one in love relationship and marriage becomes more common, some people think it rational to accept a third one and attribute the mistake to the third one. They will say that the third one offers first. It is quite ridiculous. But we can not say that in this world there is no kind people, there is, they are who can resist the third one and insist in the family and his wife(her husband). In whatever society, morality is eternal good quality. Bad marality is not against the law, but the conscience will be scolded.

Product review: Nokia E71 3G smartphone

by Ginny Mies
As Nokia's very first 3G phone with a full QWERTY keyboard, the US$500 E71 is an all-around improvement on its predecessor, the E61. It not only has a sleeker and more sophisticated curved design, but it packs a multitude of features ideal for both business and personal use.
This candy-bar phone is remarkably slim at 0.4 inch thick and fits as easily in your hand as it does in your pocket. And at a light 4.4 ounces, it won't weigh you down. Call quality on my end was generally very good, but some callers on the other end reported that my voice sounded tinny. I also noticed an echo in some calls. In the PC World Test Center's trials, the battery lasted 4 hours, 50 minutes--on a par with other 3G smart phones.
The E71's keyboard is smaller than the E61's, but a colleague with larger hands had no trouble using it. The raised, tactile keys enable quick and easy typing.
Nokia has made the sometimes confusing Symbian S60 platform more user-friendly by including customizable shortcut keys and a standby screen. You can access your home page, calendar, address book, and e-mail from the dedicated shortcut keys on the keyboard. These keys can be customized to launch another application of your choice. And holding down a shortcut key for a few seconds triggers a different action. For example, holding down the calendar key lets you enter a new appointment. You can add up to 15 shortcuts on the E71's standby screen. A new Switch mode allows you to create two separate standby screens to accommodate the business and personal sectors of your life. And finding a contact in your phone is as simple as typing the first few letters of their name.
The Web browser loads quickly, and pages look sharp on the E71's 2.3-inch QVGA screen. The d-pad offers easy mouse maneuvering, and Nokia's Mini Map feature, which zooms out to a full screen view of the entire page, is helpful for speedy navigation. Just find the section you want and zoom in.
Setting up personal e-mail is a snap, but business e-mail requires your IT department's assistance. The free Nokia Exchange client synchronizes your phone with push e-mail, contacts, and calendar appointments from Microsoft Exchange, but you cannot access e-mail subfolders--something I find baffling in a business phone. The E71 supports e-mail accounts from over a thousand ISPs as well as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Hotmail.
Many of the E71's applications, such as the Music Store and Push-to-Talk, are not available to American users. The inclusion of Nokia Maps 2.0 is a real gem, however. Turn-by-turn pedestrian and car navigation, voice guidance, satellite maps, and multimedia city guides are just a few of the features of Nokia Maps.
You can also share photos and videos via the preinstalled Ovi and Flickr applications, but given the camera quality, you might not want to. Pictures I took with the E71's 3.2-megapixel camera came out grainy and dark, particularly in bright environments.
The music players' audio quality is good, and it offers features such as an equalizer and balance control. Videos stored in the device's memory or on a card play smoothly in RealPlayer; however, flash videos in YouTube tend to skip frequently.
Unfortunately, the E71 comes at a steep price, as it is not currently offered by any U.S. carriers. You'll have to drop around $500 for it, so it is important to evaluate exactly what you want out of it. But overall, the E71 shines as a stylish device that does more than the average business phone.

HTC's 3G iPhone rival out in 30 countries already

by Dan Nystedt
High Tech Computer (HTC), the world's largest maker of smartphones that use Microsoft Windows Mobile, said Thursday its Touch Diamond handset has already been launched by 50 operators in 30 countries around the world.
The company also plans to introduce four or five more Diamond family products in the second half of this year.
The Touch Diamond, popular for its contoured shape, touchscreen and other iPhone-like features, is also a 3G (third generation mobile telecommunications) handset and can store up to 4G bytes of music, photos or other data. It's a follow-up to the HTC Touch smartphone launched last year.
HTC says it has also been successful in working out deals to lower the initial cost of the handset for users. Apple's US$199 price tag on the 3G iPhone put pressure on HTC, which had originally planned to launch the device for NT$23,900 (US$783) in Taiwan.
Earlier this month HTC announced a deal to sell the Touch Diamond for NT$2,999 (US$98) with certain 3G contracts from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest mobile phone service provider.
The company has already announced one of its new Diamond family products, the Touch Pro, a business handset with a similar design to the Touch Diamond.
Touch Pro shares the curved diamond backside of its sister handset, but it's thicker due to the Qwerty-keypad that slides out from underneath for easy thumb typing. Also like the Touch Diamond, the Touch Pro is a 3G smartphone with a 2.8-inch touchscreen, and runs on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional OS.
HTC said it expects its revenue in the third quarter to rise 30 percent year-over-year, a sign of confidence in sales of Diamond family handsets.
Also on Thursday, HTC reiterated its expectation to put out a handset based on Google's Android mobile phone software in the fourth quarter of this year.

Move over, Android: Here comes BlackBerry Bold

by JR Raphael
Research In Motion doesn't mind stealing Android's thunder. Details about the long-delayed BlackBerry Bold, RIM's new weapon in the 3G battle, were revealed Wednesday -- yep, right smack in the middle of Google's G1 release day glory.
RIM says its BlackBerry Bold phone will become available on AT&T starting November 4. Bold's pricetag isn't too timid, either: The phone will sell for a cool US$300, two-year contract included. Compare that to the $200 iPhone 3G and $180 T-Mobile G1, and you'll see where Bold earns its name.
Breaking Down Bold
So will Bold be worth the big stack of bills? Maybe. The device -- first flaunted back in May, before the iPhone 3G had even entered our vocabulary -- has seen delay after delay as RIM worked to perfect its network performance. RIM and AT&T are certainly hoping all the waiting will pay off. Here's what you can expect in the Bold:
-- An iPhone-esque look with a customizable leatherette backplate (add-on colored shells let you switch out the hue)
--A tweaked-up QWERTY keyboard with specially sculpted keys meant to avoid slipping and new thin metal dividers between each key
-- Support for 3G, HSDPA, and EDGE
-- Simultaneous voice and data capability
-- 802.11a/b/g WiFi
-- Stereo Bluetooth
-- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack (sorry, G1)
-- Full GPS capabilities
-- A 2-megapixel camera with 5X digital zoom
-- A 624 MHz mobile processor with 1GB on-board memory and 16GB additional memory capacity
Now, to be clear, Bold isn't BlackBerry's answer to the iPhone; that's the Storm, expected to hit stores by the holidays. Bold lacks the iPhone's touch technology, screen size, and accelerometer. Its AT&T Mobile Music Service is also no match for Apple's ubiquitous iTunes offering. But for business users seeking a full office suite and a non-virtual keyboard in a powerfully updated package, Bold might just be the right next step -- if, of course, the cost isn't too much of a burden.

BlackBerry Bold to hit stores Nov. 4

by Matt Hamblen
AT&T Inc. said Wednesday its BlackBerry Bold smart phone will go on sale Nov. 4 starting at US$299.99 with a two-year contract.
The device will operate on AT&T's HSDPA network in more than 300 U.S. cities and on similar networks in 60 countries, including Korea and Japan, the carrier said.
The Bold was first announced in May, when rumors first circulated about the BlackBerry Thunder, which Verizon Wireless will begin selling later in the year. The Bold had earlier been referred to as the BlackBerry 9000.
The Bold features a smaller screen than the Thunder, but it also has a QWERTY keyboard, instead of an on-screen keyboard. It boasts a powerful 624-MHz mobile processor, with 1GB of onboard storage, which can be upgraded to 16GB with an SD expansion slot. Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi are also provided.
AT&T said that the Bold can run cellular video and mobile music services, but also noted that it will work with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, allowing advanced IT administration and security. Verizon Wireless has touted both the consumer and business-user qualities of the BlackBerry Storm as well, noting that IT managers have come to rely on BlackBerry security more than other devices.
The announcement of Bold's availability came on the same day that T-Mobile USA Inc. put the G1 Android phone on sale, amid a season of smart-phone launches that included the July iPhone 3G launch by Apple Inc.
Motorola Inc. this week also said it is building its own Android phone, with a touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

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Boosted bandwidth in the offing for more smartphones

by Mikael Ricknäs
IDG News Service — A growing number of smartphones come equipped with support for both higher download and upload speeds.
The T-Mobile G1, Research In Motion's BlackBerry Storm and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 all come with support for HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) at 7.2M bps (bits per second), as well as HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) at 2M bps.
"By the end of this year a good proportion of mid- and high-tier products are certainly going to be 7.2M bps. At the moment there is a small percentage that are supporting HSUPA, largely given to the fact that there aren't that many operators who yet have activated HSUPA in their network," said Geoff Blaber, analyst at CCS Insight.
How aggressively the handset manufacturers are going to add support for HSUPA will be dictated by the operators. Chances are a good proportion of high-tier products, at least, will move to support it during next year, according to Blaber.
Users who just send e-mails with their BlackBerry devices won't see much of a difference. Streaming video and downloading content on the move are the kinds of applications that warrant higher speeds. Bloggers who want to upload pictures and files to Web pages will also be able to take advantage of the improvements in bandwidth, according to Blaber.
"We are at a time now when the applications and the requirements are there for that extra capacity. I would argue that when 3G first came out it was a technology without a clear requirement from the users," said Blaber.
Samsung, which has been an early adopter of mobile broadband, also sees blogging and social networking as applications that will benefit faster phones. "The more bandwidth you get, the more convenient it will be to use that in the mobile phone," said Erik Johannesson, Nordic PR manager at Samsung.
Samsung has announced the W600, which supports the next step, HSUPA at 5.76M bps, for the Korean market.
But not all manufacturers are onboard -- Apple and Nokia are still on the fence.
"We will have plenty of phones that support HSUPA," said Antti Vasara, senior vice president, productization devices, at Nokia R&D.
Phones that support HSDPA at 7.2M bps are also on the way, according to Vasara.
But he doesn't want to reveal any details. "It's always about getting the timing right. It's bad if you're too early, and it's of course bad if you're too late," said Vasara, who thinks that users will see the biggest difference when watching videos.
Apple doesn't want to talk about future plans, according to spokesman Alan Hely.
So far about 40 operators worldwide have HSUPA, HSDPA at 7.2M bps or both in service, compared to about 200 commercial HSPA networks, according to figures from the GSM Association.
As speeds and data usage continue to increase network divisions at operators will be kept busy. Because if users are to take advantage of the higher speeds the network, especially the data links to and from base stations, will have to keep up.
"That is certainly the biggest concern," said Blaber.