Wednesday, November 26, 2008

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.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

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.

Monday, November 17, 2008

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?

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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.


1


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.


2


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:


3


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

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

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.