Motorola Xoom starts showing up in stores, at Verizon, and User Guide leaked

The Motorola Xoom is almost out, and how excited are we getting?! I’d have to say pretty darn excited! With the price of $800, the Xoom began showing up at Verizon stores, among others with promo materials and goodies to assist in the retail launch. The units to hit Verizon thus far look to be dummy devices, but still, that makes it that much more real.
Pricing for the tablet should still be around the $800 range we saw at Best Buy, and had heard about Motorola’s CEO justifications of that pricing, but we’ll really just have to wait and see what it gets listed as the day of sale. That sale should be Feb. 24th.
If you’re going to grab one on the 24th, or there after right away, why not get familiar with how to use it before hand. You can now because the Xoom user guide made its way online already, just before launch. You can grab a copy of it here if you want to get a head start.

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Motorola Atrix 4G rooted and system dump now available

The Motorola Atrix 4G is the latest device to get the root treatment, and it’s not even released yet! In doing so, you’ll gain access to the standard FroYo features like Mobile Hotspot and using apps like Titanium Backup (which require root access). Why stick with the carrier locks when you can get everything. If it sounds simple, it’s not quite that easy, but if you’re willing to give it a try, hit the link here to XDA-Developers for more information.
To add to some Atrix 4G hackiness, the system dump is also now available, which will give you some cool added wallpapers and ringtones for the Atrix. If you’re so inclined to look a little deeper at the code, you’ll be able to see the complete system, and who knows what you could do with it then…the sky’s the limit. You can download it by accessing the AC Forum link below, where you’ll need to be logged in to see the download and article.

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iPad 3 to feature 2048×1536 resolution display, Apple developing larger ‘iPod touch'?

Despite the fact that the iPad 2 hasn't even been announced yet, rumors have begun circulating regarding the display of the iPad 3. According to AppleInsider, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities is claiming that a trusted source has told him that Apple's third-generation iPad will feature a 2048 x 1536 resolution display, compared to the current 1024 x 768 resolution. The third-generation iPad would also retain its 9.7″ display, which means a significantly higher pixel density would be coming. Kuo also stated that the display would have a wider viewing angle and better visibly under direct sunlight.
Mr. Kuo also said that the reason the higher-resolution display wouldn't be making its way onto the iPad 2 is because of production limitations: the technology is not available yet. However, Kuo does believe the iPad 2 will have a lighter and thinner screen that will have “anti-reflective” capabilities.
Kuo also reported that Apple is in the process of developing a device that is larger than the iPod touch, but smaller than the iPad. The device would obviously run iOS and it's very likely that we might see a 5″ display on it. It wouldn't replace the current iPod touch, just be an addition to the iOS device family.
Interested?

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AT&T to support iOS 4.3 Personal Hotspot feature

A report from AppleInsider today claims that AT&T will indeed be supporting the Personal Hotspot feature currently found in the iOS 4.3 betas from Apple, following Verizon's lead. Apple first included the Personal Hotspot feature, which allows up to five other devices to use the Internet connection of your device, in iOS 4.2.6, which came pre-installed on all Verizon iPhone's.
A developer who called AT&T regarding the feature stated that the carrier provisioned the Personal Hotspot feature for his phone “after I [the developer] mentioned Verizon a few times.”
iOS 4.3 is expected to be released to the general public within the next month.

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Google planning on bringing NFC technology to Bluetooth on Android

PocketNow is reporting on a claim that Google is planning on bringing support for Near Field Communication (NFC) for Bluetooth device pairing in Android OS version 2.3.3. Bluetooth is a useful tool: it allows you to transfer files and data over-the-air, but if you've ever used Bluetooth, you probably know it's a pain to setup. First, you need to know the name of your device, make sure both devices are “discoverable” and then make sure that all transfers are secure.
Google is trying to make life easier for those who use Bluetooth on Android. Android devices that include a Near Field Communications chip (like the Nexus S does and future smartphones will) would in theory be able to “scan” or “bump” other devices to connect to them and use Bluetooth.
Android 2.3.3 is currently in testing with a select group of developers and should be available to the general public soon.

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iPhone Hacker Geohot Needs Support in Sony PS3 Battle

You are probably aware that GeoHot, aka Gorge Hotz who first jailbreaked the Apple iPhone is in the midst of a legal battle with Sony over jailbreaking their PS3 console, and as legal battles cost a fortune Geohot is now asking for some support from his followers.
According to an article over on Redmond Pie, the iPhone hacker has now set up a new blog after discussions with his lawyers and is asking for donations to his legal fund or if you can’t donate then spread the word.
Geohot is adamant that Sony isn’t suing him for piracy or even copyright infringement, but claims Geohot played such games as “super mario world, an unauthorized game” on his PS3. You can read Geohot’s explanation by hitting up Geohot.com.
Now personally I’m not legally minded, and I don’t own a PS3, but my personal view is somewhat akin to Geohot’s and that if you hand over you hard earned cash for something then that something becomes your property to do with as you see fit.
The product no longer belongs to the manufacturer and they shouldn’t have any rights to tell you what to do with it, once the warranty has run out of course. Thus I feel Sony is overstepping the mark as they don’t have the right to tell owners of their product what to do, which is what they are trying to accomplish with this court case, send a message to the public that you don’t mess with Sony gear even if you paid for the right to do so.
Put it this way, if a individual sold an item on say eBay, once it is sold it is the property of the buyer and not the seller, and the seller doesn’t have any rights to say what the buyer does with the item after its been paid for, so why should a big company like Sony think they can?
It seems to me this is a case of, we are big and you the public will do as you are told otherwise we will use large amounts of cash that the public has given us by purchasing our products in the first place, to slap you down in court and make you and everyone tow the line.
Basically I see this Sony verses Geohot case as not about Geohot jailbreaking the PS3, but more of Sony sending a message to the public saying mess with us and you will pay. So perhaps it is time all those iPhone users who have taken advantage of Geohot’s jailbreak of the Apple device to stand up and be counted, lend the Geohot some support, and send a loud message back to Sony saying…No Sony, you are not bigger than the public, you do not own a device the public has purchased, so back off.
Of course if Sony does browbeat Geohot into submission and wins the case maybe Apple will then decide to take the same stance with the iPhone, so there is a lot to lose here. Feel free to voice you opinions as to whether you agree or disagree to our comments area below.

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Apple iPad 2 Leather Case Handled on Video

Now we all know that at some point the next generation Apple iPad will see release, and the rumour is that the Apple iPad 2 will be smaller and slimmer than the original iPad, and it seems accessory makers are coming up with Apple iPad 2 cased based on that rumour.
So what we have for your viewing pleasure today is a hands on video of a supposed Apple iPad 2 leather case, the video footage comes our way courtesy of the guys over at Daily iPhone Blog and by way of 9to5 Mac.
In the video you will not that the leather case doesn’t fit the Apple iPad and apparently the case isn’t a prototype, mock-up or a mould, but is the real deal and according to the source article over on MIC Gadget apparently 120,000 of these Apple iPad 2 cases have already been shipped to the US to a “famous case company.”
We’ve also got a comparison video of an Apple iPad case against the Apple iPad 2 case for your viewing pleasure below, so check out both videos as let us know what you think, and if you just might consider purchasing one when they become available…enjoy.

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Never Eat A Bad Meal Out Again Thanks To Android App Bizzy

Between CES and MWC we’ve seen probably 100 new location based apps so when we were asked to take a look at Bizzy we wanted to know what does Bizzy do we can’t get anywhere else.
The answer a Bizzy spokesperson told us “Bizzy is helping people to never eat a bad meal out again”. Whether you like fusion sushi, Idian, Thai or just the best burger in town, Bizzy knows what to suggest. Bizzy is a recommendation engine app and it’s very easy to use.
Basically you ask Bizzy “What’s the best burger in town” and based on the recommendations of others (the social aspect) it recommends the best burger in town. It’s great to discover places in new towns when you’re traveling or find places that you didn’t know were right around the corner.
Bizzy App Features:
·       Discover nearby recommended businesses on your Android phone from anywhere
·       Access recommendations based on your personal tastes – not friends, ads or random listings
·       View a list of your top recommendations
·       See tips for a place from Bizzy users, plus see Foursquare tips and Yelp reviews
·       Filter recommendations based on business category and subcategory
·       Discover people with similar tastes
·       Share new favorites via Twitter and Facebook
·       Leave tips to share your favorite things about a business
Bizzy allows you to set up an account by using your email address or Facebook authorization.
Bizzy can already be found on IOS devices Gadi Shamia, Bizzy founder, president and general manager said “Finding places is something that people are doing on the go all the time, which is why we are excited to expand our mobile portfolio to the Android platform.”
Try Bizzy now click here

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Motorola Atrix Rooted Before You Can Buy It

 

Joining the ranks of the HTC Thunderbolt, the Motorola Atrix, the flagship Android device headed to AT&T has been rooted! XDA developer designgears along with getaphixx have rooted the Motorola Atrix.

Root access gives you super user privileges in your Android phone. Possibly one of the most important features of a rooted device on AT&T is the access to sideload apps or use apps from “unknown” sources. For “your” protection AT&T restricts this functionality on all their Android devices. The problem is when they lock down outside sources it restricts you from using popular and safe sites, getjar and gameloft.
At this time the bootloader is signed and locked down which means you can’t currently flash roms to the Atrix however the device is still days away from pre-order status.
If you aren’t familiar with root you should be careful when attempting. Also we, nor the source site, nor the developers, nor anyone but yourself is responsible if you brick your phone. But you still have a few days to study the instructions.
For the complete instructions on how to root your Motorola Atrix (when you get it) head over to our good friends at Brief Mobile.

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