Virgin Media Offers Up Budget Alcatel VM202

Virgin has announced that it will be the very first in the UK to get the Alcatel VM202 – and that it will have it exclusively in ‘dazzle pink’. Consider yourself warned.

We’re not sure if the VM202 is going to cause iPhone style queues outside of Virgin Media stores, but you never know – especially as Virgin Media has described the handset as both “functional and entertaining”. Wow Virgin Media – you had us at “functional”.

The phone as you can see looks a tad old-school (well, very 2008), with a 320 x 240 screen, keypad and sliding QWERTY keyboard underneath. The press release states that this is the very first Alcatel phone to feature a MicroSD card slot, which we suppose is an achievement of some kind. Virgin will even be kind enough to furnish you with a 1GB memory card to fill it.

The phone keep up with all the latest fads, thanks to Facebook Twitter and Instant Messenger apps and Opera mini is on hand for web browsing. Other key features are an MP3 player with a nice and sensible 3.5mm jack, and FM radio, and a VGA – yes, VGA – camera.

While the phone is unlikely to set the heart of a gadget fiend all aflutter, it does cost a very reasonable £29.99 on a PAYG tariff and when bought with £10 airtime comes with 300 free texts. What more could you want? Well, maybe an iPhone.

Via : trustedreviews.com

Xbox Live on Windows Phone 7 looks amazing

The guys over at Engadget have a great first look at the Xbox Live platform that is being brought over to Microsoft’s new mobile OS Windows Phone 7.

Seeking to compete with Apple’s successful push for games on its iPhone and iPod Touch devices, more than 60 titles will be available at Windows Phone 7’s launch this Fall. You’ll find these games in the Xbox Live Market on the WP7 devices and at launch you can expect titles like Castlevania, Halo: Waypoint, Star Wars, Crackdown, and Guitar Hero, according to Engadget.

In addition to playing the games, you’ll be able to accrue Gamer Points, check your Xbox Live messages and account details as well as customize your avatar and more.

Engadget’s first impressions of the platform are highly positive and they have a ton of videos for you to check out, so do yourself a favor and hit up the source link below to take a look.

After watching a few of the videos I know I can’t wait to try it out for myself and it’s making the wait for WP7 pretty unbearable. Let’s hope Microsoft hits a homerun. Competition helps us all.

Via : Engadget

T-Mobile ups Android Ante with G2, First HPSA+ Smartphone

The grandpappy of all Android phones finally has an heir in the T-Mobile G2, and it will be the first HSPA+ smartphone on the network.

T-Mobile may have been the first to the Android party, but after Verizon showed up with a three-pack of Droids and Sprint tapped a keg of 4G, life just hasn’t been the same for the quiet purveyor of phones like the Cliq XT and myTouch 3G. Now T-Mobile is making another go at Android glory with a successor to the phone that started it all – and it has a new trick up its sleeve.

The carrier let word slip back in July that the successor to the G1, aptly named the G2, would carry HSPA+ compliance, which will allow it to leverage the full speed of T-Mobile’s quasi-4G network. Now it has posted a formal teaser page for the G2, including a murky profile rendering of the upcoming device.

“The T-Mobile G2 will deliver tight integration with Google services and break new ground as the first smartphone designed to run at 4G speeds on our new HSPA+ network,” the page states. Unfortunately, that’s about all it states, for the moment.

Given the recent leak of benchmarks for the HTC Glacier – an upcoming T-Mobile device that nearly triples the performance of the HTC Evo – it’s possible that the Glacier is the G2.

T-Mobile claims the backhaul upgrades it made in order to put HSPA+ in place benefit all its 3G customers, only HSPA+ compliant devices are capable of pushing the pedal to the floor on the network.

For the moment, that elite fraternity includes only the webConnect Rocket and Rocket 2.0 USB data sticks – and soon, the G2. According to its teaser page, T-Mobile will provide additional details in the coming weeks.

Read More @ digitaltrends.com

Teaser for T-Mobile's G2 Android phone released

Some of you may remember way back in October 2008 when T-Mobile’s G1 was the first Android smartphone to hit U.S. shores. T-Mobile is taking that naming scheme for another spin by today teasing the T-Mobile G2.

The HTC Magic was rumored to be released as the G2 back in July 2009 but never surfaced. Now with the white color and after leaks of benchmarks by a T-Mobile employee, it’s possible that the G2 is the dual-core HTC Glacier.

Specs are at a minimum at this point, with T-Mobile only releasing that this will be the network’s first HSPA+ phone that is “designed to run at 4G speeds.”

Read More @ tweaktown.com

Gran Turismo 5 Racing Towards November EU Release

Back at E3, the much-anticipated release date for Gran Turismo 5 was announced. However, it was only dated for American territories. Now, a release date for the PlayStation 3 exclusive racer in Europe has finally been revealed.

During Sony’s press conference at gamescom, it has been announced that Polyphony Digital’s masterpiece will be racing towards a November 3rd release date. A November 5th release for UK is almost certain, but we’ll update you once the official confirmation comes through.

The game’s North American release was confirmed to be November 2nd during Sony’s E3 press conference. For more information and coverage on Sony’s upcoming racer, be sure to check out PlayStation LifeStyle’s previous coverage.

Read More @ playstationlifestyle.net

Titanium Blue PS3 To Accompany Gran Turismo 5 Launch Bundle In Japan

Alright folks, we are taking this with a grain of salt since it involves the long awaited Gran Turismo 5 actually coming out, to the public, you know so real people like you and me can actually play it. According to Joystiq, that is absolutely true.

Even more interesting is that a limited edition version of the game will be bundled with a Titanium Blue PS3 and controller. Now the Titanium Blue controller is nothing new, I have one of those at home, but an entire console taking on that bright blue coat is.

The GT5 Racing pack will retail for ¥35,980 ($421) and will include that limited edition version of the game that we mentioned, and a Titanium Blue (160GB PS3 link this to the post about the new consoles from yesterday) to match. So folks what do you think, do you think the Titanium blue is icy cool or is it just too much?

Read More @ zoknowsgaming.com

Sony Japan Unveils GT5 Limited Edition, PS3 Hardware Bundle

Gran Turismo 5 is coming, which means hardcore racing enthusiasts all over the world are gearing up for their most anticipated title of the generation.

Although the same details concerning the Limited Edition for Japan may not transfer to North America, you'll still want to see the info provided by SCEJ.

They've announced the finalized release date, the Limited Edition, and a PS3 bundle: the release date is November 3 and the first print run will be in the form of that Limited Edition, which features some very cool stuff, including a 308-page booklet (car history, tuning tips), and a product code for downloading five additional cars from the PSN. The press release also indicates over 1,000 cars, 20 courses and 70 variations, A-Spec and B-Spec modes, course maker, 3D, face tracking functionality, and the option to carry data across from Gran Turismo PSP.

As if that isn't enough, they also revealed the snazzy GT5 PS3 hardware bundle, which features a 160GB PS3 model, a copy of the first print run version (so, the Limited Edition), a Dual Shock 3 controller, and both the controller and system are "Titanium Blue."

It all looks very, very hot. Also, series creator Kazunori Yamauchi spoke at length about the game in question, and all those unbelievable features and details that will set GT5 apart. For us, it's November 2 and hopefully, SCEA will soon tell us about our hardware bundle...

Via : psxextreme.com

Sony beefs up PS3 consoles, announces Resistance 3

Plenty of news from PlayStation at this year's Gamescom in Cologne as Sony announces two new models of the PS3 console: a 320GB version to replace the current 250GB and a 160GB to replace the original 120GB.

The 320GB model will retail at €349 in an exclusive PlayStation Move bundle while the160GB model will be marketed at the same price as its 120GB predecessor - €299.

These two new PS3 models with larger drives were amongst several new additions including the announcement of six new catch up TV channels.

Meanwhile the PlayStation Move has a confirmed release date of 15 September following the revelation that global sales of the S3 console reached 38 million units overall with 16 million sold in the SCEE region, representing tear on year growth of 57pc.

Back to the entertainment side of things: Sony's PS3 streaming music service VidZone has delivered nearly 500 million videos to users in the SCEE region to date and the forthcoming release of PlayTV Live Chat represents a community angle, which is being added to the PlayTV service.

And for UK PS3 owners the good news is that TV channel ITV is being added to the Catch Up TV service with TV3 added in Spain and Animax in Germany.

Some new games have been added to the PS3 line-up with LittleBigPlanet 2, Heavy Rain (the Move edition), DC Universe Online and InFamous 2 amongst the upcoming titles while Resistance 3 and Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One were both confirmed.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One will allow four players to team up as Ratchet, Clank, Quark or Dr Nefarious for the first time.

Some quick new on the PSP handheld games console: a new selection of games is set to launch soon within the Essentials range.

Via : gadgetrepublic.com

Sony unveils two new PS3 models

At the ongoing Gamescom 2010 convention in Germany, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO Andrew House announced two new PlayStation 3 models. These two new PlayStation 3 models comprises of 160GB HDD PS3 model for $299. Another model is the 320GB PS3 with PlayStation Move controller when it launches on Sept 19. This 320GB PS3 bundle will also carry other goodies and is priced at $400.

ndeed, Sony will be bringing two new models with higher storage but it's likely that old models with 120GB and 250GB HDDs might be knocked off in several regions like Japan. INC Gamers got notified by Japanese games firm that new 160GB and 320GB models will replace the existing models. Interesting one is the 320GB HDD PlayStation 3 model that will also bundle along:

-PlayStation Move motion controller
-PlayStation Eye Camera
-Sports Champions on Blu-ray Disc
-Bonus Blu-ray game demo disc


We're yet to get any confirmation on whether these two bundles would be made available in India, anytime in next three months.

Via : techtree.com

Nokia X3 touch variant with front keypad unveiled

Nokia declining

Although Nokia still sells millions of handsets across the world, especially in developing countries, most of these are of the lower-end variety. When it comes to smartphones, the Finnish company has been steadily losing steam to touch screen handsets, like the iPhone or the latest crop of well-received Android mobiles.

The problem for Nokia, of course, is that smartphones are not only increasing market share, but also have higher profit margins: the Finnish mobile giant’s revenue has predictably taken a sizable hit, while smartphone centric rivals like HTC reap record earnings. The latest mobile phone from Nokia might not change any of this, but it does seem to incorporate some vital smartphone elements into Nokia’s popular low-end mobile segment.

Small touch screen

The newly introduced Nokia X3 Touch and Type might look like any old Nokia model, but there’s a major difference with this one: the touch screen and keypad at once. Unlike most high-end touch smartphones, the touch screen with the Nokia X3 doesn’t cover the entire front of the device, in fact it only covers the top half of the handset.

Whilst this means less room for viewing videos, browsing the web, or executing touch moves, it also gives the Nokia X3 enough space to sport a 12 button keypad on its front.
Convenient keypad

In an age of slide-out full QWERTY keyboards, this Nokia-like mobile keypad might seem a bit old-fashioned, but it does have a number of advantages. For starters, Nokia claims, based on its own research, that people who have gotten used to texting and phoning using only one hand with their thumbs, don’t want to stop.

Though we might not completely agree, the keypad with its dedicated text message and music buttons, as well as overall convenience, is definitely quick and easy to use. Another positive result of using a frontal keypad is the Nokia X3′s ultra slim 9.6mm thickness, something smartphones, especially those with slide-out features, generally can’t rival at all.

Read More @ news.idealo.co.uk

BlackBerry 9670 Clamshell Confirmed for Sprint?

Now that we’ve got all of this BlackBerry Torch 9800 business out of the way, we’re looking to RIM’s next big device: the 9670 clamshell. Today, we’re hearing the 9670 has landed in Sprint testing labs, leading us to presume a carrier launch is around the corner.

We had an inkling that at least Sprint would offer the 9670, but now it’s all the way double-confirmed. Combine the availability of 9670 housings for sale and back to school season coming up soon, and it wouldn’t be entirely crazy to expect an announcement before the end of the month.

From what we’ve heard, the 9670 will have a 5 megapixel camera, 512 MB of memory, 4 GB of on-board storage, Wi-Fi b/g/n, 360 x 480 non-touch display (plus an external screen for at-a-glance notifications, like the Pearl Flip), and OS 6 (though we’ve seen it running 5).

Reception for the first BlackBerry 6 device was a little cool, and we can only assume the Oxford here will be received similarly. The form factor is a little more edgy though, since we’ve seen portrait sliders before, but there aren’t many full-QWERTY flips out there.

Read More @ intomobile.com

BlackBerry 9670 simulator leaked out

Previously, we had reported on the BlackBerry 9670 clamshell fashioned handset. Well, the news we bring is not about its authorized announcement but its simulator’s availability. Yes, users heard it right! According to UnwiredView the BlackBerry 9670’s simulator is speculated to be available for download from not just one website but a number of them.

Users need to keep in mind that the simulator software is not official. Interestingly, this device is speculated to be rechristened as Oxford. There is word in the mobile terrain about this one operating on the BlackBerry OS 6. Sporting a 5MP camera, it is has a complete QWERTY keypad. This phone is designed in a clamshell style and loaded with 4GB of onboard memory.

The curvaceous BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 has been declared by the company to come through Rogers and T-Mobile on its launch. With the company declaring the Curve as official, mobile enthusiasts must be waiting for its clamshell brother, the BlackBerry 9670 to also get the official word.

Via : mobiletor.com

Hands-Free Bluetooth Headset For Blackberry Torch 9800 From Motorola

Considering that a good chunk of Blackberry owners are businessmen who might be always on the move, the regular low-cost bluetooth headsets might not be helpful to these users for two reasons – Firstly, these headsets cannot endure the wear and tear that you can expect with regular outdoor use and secondly, the noise-cancellation on these devices is pretty poor making them unusable outdoors.

Motorola has announced that their new H790 bluetooth headset is now compatible with the recently launched Blackberry Torch 9800 smartphone. The device makes use of a CrystalTalk technology that not only cancels noise but also suppresses wind that can hinder conversation while you are traveling at high speeds.

Additional feaures on the Motorola H790 headset include “voice prompts“. This feature will audibly tell the user how to pair up the device and also make other notifications like when mute is activated or to let the user know which phone is ringing (supposing you have paired up more than one phone – which is possible with the device).

Read More @ gorumors.com