Gaming with the LG Optimus 2X

The LG Optimus 2X is the first smartphone to feature NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 processor, which includes an ultra low power GeForce GPU. Not everyone considers themselves a gamer, but there comes certain times in the day when you want to kill a few minutes while waiting in line at the bank or being stranded at the airport for a couple hours (don’t get me started).
NVIDIA already showed us with their benchmarks that they have the fastest GPU available, but how do the actual games perform? I’ve spent the weekend playing around with the Optimus 2X and I’m glad to report that it meets the high expectations we set and it delivers the best gaming experience of any Android phone I have tested.
Most of the joy of playing games on the Optimus 2X comes from LG’s superb touch sensor. I’m not sure whose sensor they are using (could be the Atmel Maxtouch), but it recognizes unlimited touch points and provides the most responsive touch screen I have ever used.
The GeForce GPU absolutely shreds any Android game out there, but the fact is that most titles are not yet optimized to take full advantage of its advanced capabilities. Many developers (see below) are collaborating with NVIDIA to optimize their titles for the best visual experience and performance, but most of those games are still being worked on.
The good thing is that when these Tegra HD (THD) games are finished, we will be able to easily find them in NVIDIA’s showcase application called Tegra Zone. This spotlight app will help you discover the best games designed for Tegra devices by providing “professional game reviews, high-res screenshots, HD video trailers, gameplay videos, and behind-the-scenes footage.” The Optimus 2X shippped with a preview version of Tegra Zone (which you can see in our video), and the full version is expected to be available when Tegra phones launch on U.S. carriers over the coming months.
Overall, the Optimus 2X delivered exactly what we expected – the best gaming experience available on any Android smartphone. Current Android games play great and they will only continue to get better once the optimized titles come out. Android games have been really lacking when compared to Apple’s iOS library, but that is going to change this year thanks to Tegra. NVIDIA has the industry’s largest content development team that works closely with developers and we will see the fruits of their labor in the coming months.
If you want an Android smartphone that delivers the fastest GPU and has the most console-quality titles to choose from, make sure you look for the NVIDIA logo on the box.
Developers already confirmed to be working on Tegra games include:

• Cooliris
• Electronic Arts
• Epic Games
• Factor 5
• Gameloft
• Guild Software
• Ideaworks Game Studio
• Natural Motion
• Ogre
• Psyonix
• Silver Creek Entertainment
• Stonetrip
• Trendy Entertainment
• Unity
• War Drum Studios

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Google Maps updated to version 5.1, bringing Latitude check-ins

Seems Google’s at it again. Today marks the release of Google Maps 5.1, which brings full check-in support using Google Latitude. Google has added the following new features:

• Notifications: Turn on check-in notifications in Latitude’s settings and get a notification to check in at a nearby place once you arrive. Never forget to check in again.
• Automatic check-ins: Choose to automatically check in at specific places you designate, and you’ll be checked in when you’re there. You can talk to friends or finish your bagel without fumbling with your phone.
• Check out: Once you leave, Latitude knows to automatically check you out of places so friends aren’t left guessing if you’re still there.

Checking into a location takes you to its Google Place page which has more information on the location including customer reviews. If one of your Latitude friends checks in somewhere, you can click on their check-in to gather more information about the place, which is extremely helpful if you’ve never been to that place before.
If you check into a location enough times, you get the same status you’ve come to expect from the likes of Foursquare, becoming a “Regular,” a “VIP,” or a “Guru.” No word on whether or not checking in gets you real life rewards such as discounts like Foursquare or SCVNGR.
Using Google’s new check-in service is completely optional, and you will automatically be opted-out, needing to opt-in in order to use this service.
Interested in using Latitude’s new check-in service? Head on over to the market and update your maps application.  You should probably update even if you don’t plan on using this service, just simply remain opted-out of Latitude’s check-in service.

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Android Market experiencing technical difficulties

It seems like the Android Market has been experiencing a hiccup throughout the evening, with many users reporting issues downloading apps or updating apps they already have.
There’s no telling if this issue is related to the Honeycomb event Google is hosting tomorrow, but we’ll keep you updated as more news becomes available.

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Galaxy S 4G Landing Later This Month On T-Mobile [OFFICIAL]

In addition to teasing us with some three dimensional details of the T-Mobile G-Slate, that we HOPE will be shown off tomorrow, T-Mobile took a moment out of their day to remind us that the iPhone isn’t really that good. Why get an iPhone when it’s only 3G on both the AT&T and Verizon versions? They’d much rather you pick up the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and tonight they provided some details to help make that decision.
First of all, T-Mobile is expecting a February launch which is good to know if you’re shopping around for your selection. A few perks TMO just threw into the mix are HD TV through T-Mobile TV, a copy of INCEPTION pre-installed on your device, Video Chat by Qik, and data plans that start at $10/month.
The Galaxy S 4G is essentially an upgraded version of the Vibrant but for full details you’ll want to dig into the press release below:

Galaxy S 4G from T-Mobile to Offer Blazing-Fast Speeds and Unparalleled Entertainment Experience Featuring Movies, TV and Video Chat
T-Mobile expands America’s Largest 4G Network to eight new metropolitan areas in South and Midwest
BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS -- Feb. 2, 2011 -- T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. 1, today announced the anticipated February availability of the Galaxy S™ 4G, exclusively from T-Mobile. According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S 4G will be the fastest smartphone running on America’s Largest 4G Network™2. The Galaxy S 4G, T-Mobile’s first smartphone capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps, offers enhanced mobile experiences and unparalleled entertainment including mobile HD TV3 through T-Mobile TV, the ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated film INCEPTION, and T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™ -- delivered at 4G speeds on its 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display.
T-Mobile also announced the expansion of America’s largest 4G network into more than 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching more than 200 million people nationwide. In addition to expanding its 4G footprint, T-Mobile also has aggressive plans to double the speed of its 4G network in 2011, and the company expects that 140 million Americans in 25 major metropolitan areas will have access to these increased 4G speeds by midyear.
"The Galaxy S 4G pushes the envelope by reaping the benefits of our network’s unprecedented speeds and by offering groundbreaking entertainment experiences," said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. "We are excited to continue to expand our portfolio of 4G devices that enable our customers to have access to unique and compelling features and an optimal 4G experience."
"The Galaxy S 4G offers customers Samsung’s core premium product investments to speed, screen and content," said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer, Samsung Mobile. "Galaxy S 4G is T-Mobile’s fastest smartphone and offers Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED display and rich multimedia features for premium movie and TV content."
Through the delivery of faster speeds comes an enhanced experience when viewing video entertainment over the Web using services such as YouTube. In addition T-Mobile TV, a preloaded application, offers consumers access to live and on-demand mobile HD TV on T-Mobile’s 4G network, including free programming from select stations like ABC News NOW, FOX Sports, PBS Kids and Azteca America.
To further enhance the entertainment package on the Galaxy S 4G, T-Mobile has preloaded, at no additional cost to consumers, Warner Bros. Pictures’ ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated film INCEPTION which is nominated for Best Picture, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Music (Original Score), Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which features a robust collection of new releases and TV shows.
The Galaxy S 4G’s blazing-fast speeds will make sharing memories via e-mail, social networks or video quick and easy. For example, the preloaded T-Mobile Video Chat application powered by Qik enables customers to share any moment with loved ones virtually whenever and wherever they want through T-Mobile’s network or Wi-Fi. Using either the front-facing or the rear camera, which features a 720p HD camcorder, paired with Video Chat allows customers to hold video conversations with friends and family who have a compatible mobile device.
Featured as a pre-installed application, doubleTwist® with AirSync™ provides customers with a useful and easy way to auto-sync and back up photos, HD videos and music to and from their home computer. With a Wi-Fi connection, customers can easily sync their media wirelessly and at no additional cost. The doubleTwist Player lets customers enjoy their favorite tunes and videos directly from their phone while on the go. The Galaxy S 4G also comes preloaded with Slacker Radio, offering music fans more than 130 genre stations and ability to create their own custom stations for free.
With a slim and sleek design, the Galaxy S 4G’s 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display gives customers a vivid, sharp viewing experience, whether consumers choose to watch a movie or read a book or newspaper with the preloaded Kindle for Android application while on the go. Powered by Android™ 2.2, the Galaxy S 4G is equipped with a speedy Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor, an ST-Ericsson M5720 HSPA+ 4G modem to enable theoretical peak downloads of up to 21 Mbps, a 5 megapixel camera, a pre-installed 16GB microSD memory card, and a 1650 mAh lithium ion battery.
Availability
The Galaxy S 4G is expected to be available to T-Mobile customers in February. Customers can visit http://galaxy-s.t-mobile.com/4G for more information.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab sales “smooth” not “small”, return rate stays at 15%

It looks like even the big boys can make mistakes. Recently, the WSJ published that sales for the Samsung Galaxy Tab were “quite small”, which turns out to be a misquote. What should have been published is that Samsung’s Tab sales are “quite smooth” – a big difference for such a small word. Samsung tells consumers that sales still aren’t stunning, however; they say that sales right now are “OK”.
However, it looks like Samsung isn’t slipping their way out of the numbers game just yet, as reports are showing that the Galaxy Tab has a return rate of 15% – that’s 3 returned Tabs for every 20 sold. Not the best numbers, not by a long shot.
What do you think of Samsung’s execution of bringing the Tab to the consumer market? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

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Motorola Xoom lands in Chad Ochocinco’s hands

If it’s not some new commercial about zits with Justin Beiber, or Katy Perry, it’s something new with Chad Ochocinco. This time around, he’s the guy with his capable hands all over the new Motorola Xoom. You think their new Superbowl teaser ad has something to do with him getting one already? We’ll see this coming Sunday I guess, but Motorola is handing these out to celebrities in hopes they’ll keep the hype going for launch.
The image seen above is from Ochocinco’s Twitter where he tweeted that the Xoom is “pretty awesome” and that Motorola “won’t be getting this back!” Looks awesome Chad. We can’t wait.

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Archos 5 Tablets On Sale Today Only at Amazon.com – 500GB Half Price

Amazon.com has the Archos 5 500GB Android tablet on sale half-price today only. Normally $499, it’s now on sale for $239. The 32GB flash memory version, normally $379.99 is now 289.96. While these tablets don’t have the full range of Google apps, like Gmail, the market, and maps, and they only come with Android 1.6, they can be hacked in. They do each come with a 5-inch screen and an 800MHz CPU, which makes them very adequate tablets. Do a little reading up on them and see if they might be what you’re looking for, if you’re shopping for a tablet. And if you’ve been waiting for a good deal on this one, today is the day to pull the trigger!

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Availability and Pricing Announced for HTC Inspire on AT&T

We told you recently that AT&T announced the HTC Inspire, but pricing and availability has not been specified. Well today, AT&T issues a pretty release filling out some of the details on what we can expect. The Inspire will feature 4G capability, and will go on sale Feb. 13 for $99.99 with a two-year contract. It will have a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 1 GHz processor, and an 8-megapixel camera. It ships with Froyo, and is a very capable phone for the price. This also marks AT&T’s first 4G-capable phone, and is likely the beginning of the big push for Android devices they announced a few days ago. Full press release below.

HTC Inspire 4G Arrives for AT&T Customers on Feb. 13
AT&T 4G Smartphone is the First of Many Planned for the Nation’s Fastest Mobile Broadband Network
Dallas, Texas, February 01, 2011
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Key Facts
AT&T* will begin selling the HTC Inspire™ 4G on Feb. 13.
The first 4G mobile phone offered by AT&T, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first to run the Android 2.2 platform and AT&T Mobile Hotspot application.
The 4.3-inch super LCD display on the HTC Inspire 4G will be the largest in the AT&T portfolio, and the first to offer the next-generation HTC Sense experience.
HTC Inspire 4G will cost $99.99 after a two-year agreement beginning Feb. 13 in company owned retail stores and online at http://www.wireless.att.com/.
4G Portfolio
AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S. in 2011 and said it plans to offer two 4G smartphones in the first quarter. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul.
HTC Inspire™ 4G
The HTC Inspire™4G will be the first 4G smartphone in AT&T stores and will have the largest screen of any AT&T smartphone, with a 4.3-inch super LCD display, and will offer an 8-megapixel camera with HD video recording. Running on the Android 2.2 platform, the HTC Inspire 4G will be the first smartphone in the U.S. to feature the next-generation HTC Sense™ experience with cloud services. The HTC Inspire 4G will also be the first to introduce AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built into the smartphone, allowing users to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Exclusively available to AT&T customers for $99.99 after a two-year agreement, the HTC Inspire 4G will include a 1 GHz processor, Dolby® Mobile and SRS WOW HD sound, and a premium, aluminum unibody design. HTC Inspire 4G comes preloaded with a Blockbuster and eReader application to keep users entertained on the go. For more information, visit www.att.com/inspire4G.
With the next-generation of HTC Sense, the HTC Inspire 4G offers even more ways to stay connected, including FriendStream™, which delivers Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. The HTC Inspire 4G also offers customers the ability to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map and send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode – through the htcsense.com website. If needed, owners can also remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number.
Quotes
“We are kicking off an exciting year for AT&T’s smartphone portfolio, and leading off with our first 4G phone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With its iconic design, 4G speeds and awesome features, Inspire 4G is going to please a lot of AT&T customers.”
”With a 4.3 inch screen, latest version of the HTC Sense experience and a sleek unibody aluminum design, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first true superphone to launch at under $100, bringing unparalleled power to more people than ever before,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas.
1: Mobile broadband coverage is not available in all areas. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Will be available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Learn more at att.com/network.
2: Limited time offer. Two-year contract required. Qualified customers only. Early Termination Fee up to $325. HTC Inspire 4G requires a minimum data service starting at $15/mo.
3: Mobile Hotspots requires a DataPro Tethering Plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot use data from your DataPro Tethering Plan. DataPro Tethering Plans are not unlimited and significant charges may be incurred if the included data allowance is exceeded. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that are sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Brainchild Intros The Kineo Tablet, Focuses On Education Android Style (Video)

If it’s one thing I can appreciate most, it’s using technology in and for an educational milieu.  Over the years I can admit that having a smartphone within arms reach has increased my knowledge exponentially by always having pertinent information at my finger tips.  It’s nice to note that companies like Brainchild feel the same way.  Today, at the Florida Educational Technology Conference, Brainchild introduced the Kineo, a 7″ Android tablet that is geared towards educating our youth with today’s tablet technology.  The device sports an 800 x 480 touchscreen, 800 MHz processor, 2GB of storage along with WiFi and HDMI out support.  Hit the break for more info, pics and a video.

The Kineo is completely geared for use in the classroom and comes with security features which prevent a child from accessing inappropriate websites.  Jeff Cameron, president of Brainchild states “Learning devices need to enhance instruction, not be a distraction.”  I couldn’t agree more.  He also goes on to say “with over 15 years of experience in developing handhelds and software for schools, we know how to make a tablet device suited to a teacher’s needs for individualized instruction.”
We applaud Brainchild’s efforts here and hope to see many more companies jump on board with campaigns like this one.  Check out the video of the device in action.  Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

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