LG unveils Optimus T Android 2.2 smartphone for T-Mobile

For those of you in need of another T-Mobile Android device in your life, you may want to direct your attention to LG, as they have just announced a new handset in their Optimus line, the Optimus T.

The Optimus T will not be a powerhouse of a smartphone, but will be better suited for those upgrading from a feature phone to a smartphone. Feature phone customers looking to upgrade to smartphones seem to be the new target demographic for smartphone makers around the world, and LG is keen to cash in on this new trend.

The Optimus T features a 3.2 inch capacitive touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera with no flash, and GPS, WiFi (with Mobile Hotspot option), and Bluetooth can also be found on board.

The handset is running on Android 2.2, so expect the experience to be one of the best out there, if not hindered by the hardware, that is. The Optimus T will also ship with the standard Google applications like Maps, Gmail, etc., and will also have Swype pre-installed for those who like to text as fast as they can.

While the Optimus T, along with the LG Ally, come with customized user interfaces, they bear the lightest customizations in the Android space. The LG Ally allows you to change from the LG home to the standard Android home launcher, and I would expect the Optimus T to do the same. The Opimus T looks a little on the cheap side, but the button configuration looks interesting, so we’ll want to play around with the final hardware before we come to any solid conclusions.

The UI comes with 7 home screen panels, providing a lot of real estate to throw applications and widgets on. LG has also customized the application drawer, and allows you to break applications into groups, re-arrange them in virtually any way, and even gives you the option to uninstall apps right from the tray (by tapping and holding the icon and dragging it to the trash can. This is a feature that, on the surface, seems trivial, but is actually really useful in real life.

We expect that this will be one of many Android phones from the manufacturer, as they promised to deliver somewhere near 20 Android handsets this year. Let’s hope they begin to focus on some high-end handsets soon, because the Optimus T certainly won’t sway too many people away from the G2 or upcoming myTouch.

Via : intomobile

LG brings affordable Android love to T-Mobile with Optimus T

T-Mobile is adding another clamshell to its Android lineup. This time, its LG Optimus T coming exclusively to T-Mobile with Android 2.2.

LG Optimus T is an affordable Android phone marketed as the phone for first-time smartphone users. The specification known so far include 3.2 MP camera, a capacitive touchscreen, upto 32GB microSD support (2GB included) and the latest AndroidOS.

The device comes pre-installed with popular Google application including Google Search, Gmail, Gtalk and Google Maps. It also supports voice actions for Android which allows customers to control their phone using voice commands. LG Optimus T would be available in burgundy or titanium finish. It is expected to hit the shelves during holiday season. No details on pricing yet.

Via : onlygizmos

The Phantom Lapboard Is Ready For The Google TV Takeover

Remember the Phantom gaming console saga? You know the gaming system that promised the world and eventually turned into vapor besides the clever lapboard? Well, the company is still around and actually have a chance to make a comeback thanks to Google TV.

The company just sent us over a note reminding us of the Lapboard. Good thing, too, because we honestly forgot about the Lapboard and it seems like it could be a solid Google TV input device.

Sure, it’s big and bulky, but that’s probably fine with some people. Google TV promises to bring the full web to the livingroom and we’re going to have to input text somehow. Sony’s QWERTY keypad might be good enough for some people, but perhaps others want something a bit more serious. After all, with the full web at your disposal, you might be communicating a good deal through Google TV and typing with your thumbs tends to get old in about three and half minutes.

Via : crunchgear

Apple TV Sold Out in Some Stores

I took a ride over to the Apple store at Menlo Park Monday to pick up an Apple TV for review. I heard they came in just before the weekend, but I felt there was no need to rush to grab what Steve Jobs has referred to in the past as a "hobby".

So imagine my surprise when the I arrived at the store only to be told that the Apple TV sold out on Saturday.

Hmmm...I can only assume Menlo Park is not the only store shy of supply, which suggests a few things.

First, consumer reaction to the updated product has exceeded expectations. Apple TV 2.0 is considerably smaller than the original and its transition to the iOS operating system that powers the iPhone has played well with the public. iOS does open up the potential for it to run applications from the App store. Think non-mobile gaming at $0.99-$4.99 for most game apps as just one benefit - intriguing, as my muse says Apple may be aiming Apple TV at vulnerable $40 Playstation and Xbox titles.

Second, $99 is a sweet spot for those looking to purchase the latest greatest from Apple. At that price Apple TV is less a risk and more an affordable luxury in bad times.

Early reviews have been mixed for the unit. Like the iPhone before it, the real power will be derived from what content developers specifically create for it in the near future. Sales volume is what will propel that development and right now Apple TV is entering quite a few homes. It's too early to say if it will be a hot Christmas commodity. What we can say is that in a weekend Apple has taken over the lead from Roku and other similar devices aiming to capture the american living room. The question is can Apple finally bring the concept to mass market maturity?

Via : mp3newswire

Cisco Umi serves up HD telepresence

Cisco Umi (pronounced YOU-me) is a telepresence system that requires a mix of Cisco hardware and hardware users already need to own. The Umi service includes a Cisco-issued high-definition camera with an embedded microphone, a set-top box and a remote, but users will need to supply their own HD TV (1080p) and internet connection to use it. There is no external microphone, but audio quality can be recalibrated. Cisco's algorithms cancel external background noise and bring users' voices into the foreground.

Video calls and video messages are at the centre of the Umi service, but the remote control will also let customers manage their contact list, profiles and settings. In addition, Umi will record videos capable of being uploaded to Facebook and YouTube, or attached to an email.

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Cisco Umi brings HD telepresence to the living room on CNET News.

Via : zdnet

Tascam's TC-1S guitar tuner is solar powered

We hate to point out the obvious, but it's about time you threw procrastination in the nearest dumpster and started thinking about your holiday shopping duties. For the budding guitarist in everyone's life (admit it, there's always one), Tascam has a cutesy new guitar tuner that's both a) affordable and b) Stocking Stuffer-approved at just 3.77- x 0.71- x 1.57-inches. The TC-1S claims to be the world's first solar-powered tuner, complete with a rugged silicon wrap, a USB port for cloudy days and shadowy clubs, a sweet carrying clip, integrated microphone and a quarter-inch input for guitar and bass tuning. It can even be calibrated to an external source, and it'll be available in a half-dozen hues (black, pink, orange, green, blue, white) later this month.

Via : engadget

Buy @ Tascam

Motorola is 'open' to developing Windows Phone 7 devices

In case you somehow missed it, Microsoft lodged a complaint with the ITC on Friday, alleging Motorola's Android smartphones infringed on nine of its precious patents. You might imagine that'd sting the pride of Moto's chief exec Sanjay Jha, but nothing could be further from the truth. Describing such turf wars over intellectual property as "part of business," Sanjay explains that his company is willing to work with Microsoft on developing a handset based around its new OS, so long as the offering is "compelling." He notes that the first call he received upon becoming co-CEO and handset division chief back in 2008 was from none other than Steve Ballmer, but Microsoft's failure to deliver a new OS in '09 is what compelled him to go the Android route (we doubt he regrets doing it, mind you!).

It's no coincidence to our eyes that Microsoft went after the one top-tier Android phone maker that didn't sign up to the Windows Phone 7 utopia project. We recall HTC was in hot water with the Redmond team back in April for similar reasons, and its resultant licensing of Microsoft's patents seems to have been embedded into the WP7 partner agreements -- which is why we're not seeing the likes of ASUS and Samsung being served with similar complaints. So basically, if things get too hot and steamy, Moto could just kick out a token Windows Phone handset, get the accompanying licenses in order, and this whole thing blows over nice and peacefully. Marvelous.

Via : engadget, Wall Street Journal

Sony Google TV details leak

The first details of Sony's upcoming Google TV integrated HDTV sets have leaked ahead of the official launch on the 12th, and it looks like buyers will be paying a premium for the interactivity.

According to documents obtained by Sony watcher Sony Insider, the company will be announcing four HDTV sets with integrated Google TV technology on the 12th: the NSX-24GT1, NSX-32GT1, NSX-40GT1, and NSX-46GT1, measuring 24in, 32in, 40in, and 46in respectively.

Powered by an Intel application processor, the integrated Google TV functionality will offer the same features as a separate set-top box, but with significantly less clutter. Sadly, initial pricing information indicates that Sony will be charging a premium for its first Google TV devices.

The 32in model will launch for $1300 (around £820), while the 40in will set you back $1500 ($946), and the 46in flagship version will retail at a whopping $1900 (£1,198). Pricing for the 24in version is not yet available, but given the pricing of the larger versions may just dip below the $1000 (£630) mark.

The sets will also come with an interesting multi-function remote control, which was captured on video during an ABC Nightline broadcast in the US. Featuring dual-directional pads and standard TV functionality on the top, the bottom three-quarters of the remote is given over to a miniature QWERTY keyboard for text entry. While that will make browsing the web and searching for content significantly easier, it does make the remote extremely bulky.

Official UK pricing for the Sony Google TV sets, plus its NSZ-GT1 stand-alone box, should become available after its official launch early next week.

Via : expertreviews

Sony to launch PSP2 before Christmas 2011

Rumors are swirling that Sony is working on the next version of its popular PlayStation Portable gaming console, called PSP2.

VG247 has reported that sources familiar with the matter told it that the PSP2 could be launched before Christmas 2011.

Sources told VG247 that game developers at Sony had been developing the new games console for many months using development toolkits readily available to them. In addition, it is believed that a number of video game developers already possess developer kits for the Sony’s PSP2 gaming console.

According to reports, Sony’s next games console will come equipped with a touchscreen, two cameras and improved buttons. Sources did not make any comment on PSP2’s GPU and processor.

However, Sony has not confirmed the reports.

If the reports are correct, Sony could announce its potential PSP2 at the Game Developers Conference or at the next year’s E3 trade show, where more details could emerge.

Any new gaming console from Sony will have to face cut-throat competition from the 3D gaming capable Nintendo 3DS that is scheduled to be launched in Japan on February 22, 2011.

Via : topnews

Qi charger prototype from Sanyo

Wireless charging gear compatible with the Qi standard should be hitting shelves any minute now, but NTT DoCoMo's charging base at CEATEC has a completely unnecessary (and completely awesome) trick up its sleeve to set itself apart from the crowd. The prototype -- developed in concert with Sanyo and bearing the Eneloop brand -- gives you some visual indication that a compatible gadget has been detected by displaying a ring of blue LEDs that converges around the device to be charged once you set it down. It's a neat effect... and you can see it unfold on the video after the break. No indication on whether NTT DoCoMo will actually be bringing its own branded Qi charger to market, but clearly, these products are nearly production-ready.

Via : engadget