Monday, February 14, 2011

Samsung officially announces the Galaxy S II

As expected, Samsung kicked off Mobile World Congress by announcing the new Samsung Galaxy S II. Like any true successor, the Galaxy S II delivers on all the expectations set by the original and raises the bar to a whole new level. The Samsung Galaxy S II comes equipped with a 4.27-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED Plus display, a 1GHz Dual Core application processor (most likely the Samsung made Exynos processor), 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and capable of 1080p video recording, 2 megapixel front-facing-camera, and NFC capabilities all bundled into a package that’s only 8.49mm thick. Last we checked, that makes the Samsung Galaxy S II the thinnest smartphone on the planet.
On the software side, the Samsung Galaxy S II is powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) coated with the new TouchWiz 4.0 UI. Samsung is also including a new Game Hub which they hope will give SONY’s Playstation Suite a run for its money.
Overall, it looks like Samsung has delivered exactly what was expected of them. The Samsung Galaxy S II will be one of the top players in 2011 and may turn out to be the best selling Android handset of the year. If you want the full list of specs, we suggest you take a peek at the press release below.
GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_0GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_1GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_2GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_3GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_4GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_5GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_6GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_7GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_8GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_9GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_10GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_11GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_12GALAXY S II Lifestyle Image_13Samsung Galaxy S II_0Samsung Galaxy S II_1Samsung Galaxy S II_2Samsung Galaxy S II_3Samsung Galaxy S II_4-1

Samsung announces the GALAXY S II, World’s thinnest Smartphone that Will Let You Experience More with Less
Global launch of Samsung’s most powerful smartphone delivers unmatched performance with a Dual-Core application processor and best-in-class viewing experience by Super AMOLED Plus display in sleek and lightweight design
BARCELONA, February 13, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), a beautifully thin (8.49mm) and lightweight, dual-core smartphone that combines an unmatched viewing experience with incredible performance.
The Samsung GALAXY S II uses Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world’s fastest-growing mobile operating system. The next generation smartphone includes access to Samsung’s four new content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to music, games, e-reading and social networking services.
“In 2011, we will take Samsung’s leadership in Speed, Screen and Content to a whole new level,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “With the GALAXY S II, Samsung wants to set the new standard of quality viewing on mobile, powerful performance, and slim and modern design.”
“GALAXY S II is a natural and powerful evolution of GALAXY S. Building on the phenomenal success of the original Samsung GALAXY S, we are proud to unveil the ultimate smartphone. Consumers no longer have to contain themselves – the Samsung GALAXY S II allows them to design their own smart lives.”
“We’re pleased to see Samsung bring another Android-powered device to market to help grow the Android ecosystem,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.
Powerful Performance
Incorporating a dual-core application processor and advanced wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, the Samsung GALAXY S II has the speed and power to provide an unrivalled mobile performance. Dual-core application processor delivers compelling features such as fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen. The GALAXY S II also delivers seamless multitasking, switching between applications instantly. Superior 3D hardware performance makes games and video incredibly fast and smooth.
With super-fast HSPA+ connectivity, the GALAXY S II offers rapid mobile download speeds while BlueTooth® 3.0+HS considerably reduces data transfer times.
The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with an 8MP, high-profile camera and camcorder with 1080p full HD recording and playback. With Samsung’s patented AllShare technology, customers can capture, create and then share their experiences hassle-free.
A Next Level of Viewing Experience
The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with Samsung’s new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen, the most advanced mobile visual display ever created. Setting the standard of quality viewing on mobile, Super AMOLED Plus introduces the best in quality in color gamut, contrast ratio and edge sharpness. Using RealStripe screen technology and a greatly increased sub-pixel count, Super AMOLED Plus complements the mechanics of the human eye to recognize images look clearer and more detailed than ever before. With a wider viewing angle and increased visibility in outdoor, the Samsung GALAXY S II provides a more vibrant viewing experience than any other mobile devices.
Even with its unrivaled performance, the innovative Super AMOLED Plus display does not compromise battery performance. A significant reduction in power consumption from Super AMOLED display means it is also more energy-efficient than other comparably-sized devices, allowing Samsung to minimize device weight.
Samsung GALAXY S II Goes to Work
Samsung has introduced a new range of enterprise mobility solutions, expanding the business capabilities of the Samsung GALAXY S II and helping enterprise customers empower a flexible and connected mobile workforce. Samsung has partnered with IT industry leaders to offer the most relevant enterprise solutions to the Samsung GALAXY S II, working seamlessly on the Android Gingerbread platform and paying special attention to securing data and network. These solutions include enhanced conferencing and connectivity services from Cisco, the most comprehensive mobile implementation of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and secure remote device management from Sybase.
A New World of Entertainment and Smarter Interaction
Samsung has selected the Samsung GALAXY S II as its premium mobile product with which to launch Samsung Hubs – integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of your life. With Samsung Hubs, the Samsung GALAXY S II delivers rich catalogues of books and magazines, music, advanced mobile games and control of your online social life, all from a single device.
  • Social Hub Premium: The future of communication – talk to whoever you want, however you want, all from one place – your contact’s list. Communication history, IM status, and updates from social networking sites are all readily available. From here, users can access all types of messages (push e-mail, text, VM and SNS) and respond directly without resorting to individual applications. It truly acts as a hub for entire social life.
  • Readers Hub: Carry an enormous library of books, magazines and newspapers on-the-go. Through strategic partnerships, Samsung Readers Hub provides over 2.2 million books and novels, 2,000 global and local newspapers in 49 languages and 2,300 popular magazines in 22 languages.
  • Game Hub: The easiest way to download and play best-in-class mobile games. Featuring a 3-axis gyroscopic sensor, the Samsung GALAXY S II unleashes a world of gaming possibilities. Try for free and download premium titles from partners like Gameloft, or ‘enjoy Social Network Games (SNG) powered by mobage including ngmoco’s We Rule and We City’.
  • Music Hub: Make Samsung GALAXY S II a personal music manager and access over 12 million tracks from 7digital. Discover what’s hot from top charts, search for favorite music, get recommendations on albums, enjoy previews and download them directly to Samsung GALAXY S II.
The Samsung GALAXY S II gives customers more choice in personalizing their smartphone experience. New for the Samsung GALAXY S II, Samsung has introduced Live Panel, a service that aggregates live web and application contents to a single customizable home-screen. Customers can design the lay-out of their own Live Panel, online services and mobile apps to appear on-screen. SNS feeds, information and many more applications can all be embedded and accessed instantly through the magazine-like layout.
With the enhanced voice technology on the Samsung GALAXY S II, customers will be able to do more with less. From opening the app to controlling the messaging, social media, email and calling, Samsung Voice Solution will recognizes voice and convert it to text and vice versa. Customized Voice Translation application makes the Samsung GALAXY S II the perfect travel companion, translating voice or text into – and from – a range of languages: simply speak a word or phrase into the handset and it will instantly translate it, with audio and text output.
For swift and simple device management, Samsung has introduced Kies Air. With Kies air, consumers can manage their smartphone contents from their PC, via local WiFi connections. download photos taken on the built-in camera, listen to music, check missed calls and send messages in the web browser on their PC. For added connectivity, WiFi Direct allows consumers to connect to wireless-enabled PCs and printers without the need for wireless access points. According to market requirement, the GALAXY S II is able to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to support emerging mobile payment service and other services with mobile operators.
The GALAXY S II is exhibited at Hall #8, Mobile World Congress 2011.
For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungunpacked.com/press.
Note to Editors:
Samsung GALAXY S II Product Specifications
  • Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA+ 21 850/900/1900/2100
  • OS:  Android 2.3 Gingerbread
  • Display: 4.27” WVGA (480×800) Super AMOLED Plus
  • Processor: 1 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
  • Camera: Main(Rear): 8.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash
    Front: 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
    Single Shot, Beauty Shot, , Panorama Shot, Smile Shot, Action Shot, Cartoon Shot
  • Video: Codec : MPEG4/ H.264/ H.263/ DivX VC-1
    Playback : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
    Recording : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
  • Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+
    3.5mm Ear Jack & Speaker, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, Voice Recorder
Value-added Features
  • Android Market™
  • Adobe Flash 10.1 support
  • Samsung TouchWiz
  • QuickType by SWYPE
  • Document Viewer / Editor
  • Android Brower, RSS Reader
  • Exchange ActiveSync
  • Google MapsTM with Latitude, Places, Navigation (beta)
  • A-GPS
  • Google Voice SearchTM
  • Lost Phone Management
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 + HS, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 (a/b/g/n), WiFi Direct, NFC Connectivity (Optional), MHL, DLNA (AllShare)
  • Sensor: Accelerometer, Light, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope sensor,
  • Memory: 16/32GB + microSD (up to 32GB)
  • Size: 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 116g
  • Battery: 1650mAh
Enterprise Solutions
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync – The comprehensive mobile implementation of Exchange ActiveSync, which provides the most policies and restrictions support among Android ActiveSync clients, along with e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks synchronization with a Microsoft Exchange Server
On Device Encryption – A security solution that enables the protection of mobile data without the need to sacrifice speed and functionality. Superior performance can also be achieved when incorporated with Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, both of which complement the encryption support with their own mechanisms.
Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network – provide reliable and easy-to-deploy encrypted network connectivity for mobile workers everywhere for business email, virtual desktop, and other Android apps, AnyConnect enables business-critical application connectivity
Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management – provides the comprehensive capabilities that IT requires to allow mobile workers access to enterprise assets using the device of their choice. IT can now confidently extend corporate security policies to the Android platform, allowing for the adoption of both personally-owned or corporate owned Galaxy S II.
Cisco WebEx – the workforce will be able to stay connected to important meetings wherever they are while using Samsung Galaxy devices; users can view shared desktops, browsers, applications and documents with live annotations.
Cisco Mobile – a VoIP solutions allowing the workforce to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using an Android interface, providing significant cost-efficiencies for an international workforce
* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Tegra 2 based Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 official

Samsung has officially unveiled its second Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, and as we suggested it’s running NVIDIA’s dual-core 1GHz Tegra 2 chipset rather than one of Samsung’s own processors. The Galaxy Tab 10.1, as the name suggests, has a 10.1-inch 1280 x 768 touchscreen, just like the Motorola XOOM, along with an 8-megapixel autofocus camera capable of Full HD video recording.

OS is Android 3.0 Honeycomb, and since the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a “Google Experience” slate it uses the native Honeycomb UI, rather than Samsung’s own custom TouchWiz interface. That should mean faster OS updates in future, too.
Samsung isn’t saying exactly when the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will launch, nor pricing, but we’ve heard separately that the company hopes to beat Motorola and the XOOM to European availability; we’ve also heard whispers that Vodafone – in the UK at least – may have the slate exclusively in April 2011. Stand by for hands-on and video!
samsung_galaxy_tab_ii_official_3 samsung_galaxy_tab_ii_official_2 samsung_galaxy_tab_ii_official_1 Press Release:
NVIDIA and Samsung Partner to Deliver the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Honeycomb Tablet
GALAXY Tab’s Successor Powered by Tegra 2, Featuring a Dual-Core CPU plus an NVIDIA GeForce GPU That Enable Full Use of Android 3.0
Barcelona — MWC 2011 — Feb. 13, 2011—NVIDIA and Samsung Electronics announced today the Galaxy Tab 10.1, a 10.1-inch screen tablet which uses the NVIDIA® TegraTM 2 mobile super chip to take full advantage of the Android 3.0 (also known as Honeycomb) user interface.
While the previous 7-inch GALAXY Tab introduced the Android tablet space, the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet maximizes the entertainment on-the-go experience. It features the Tegra 2 chip’s dual-core CPU and GeForce GPU for faster Web browsing, snappier response time and overall better performance.
Galaxy Tab 10.1 utilizes the Tegra 2 chip to power Honeycomb, the first GPU- accelerated user interface designed for tablets and other larger-screen devices.
The new Samsung tablet with Tegra 2 enables consumers to engage in multitasking, surf the web quickly with fast-loading Web pages and Flash-based content, enjoy console- quality gaming and savor HD movies.
“Our first GALAXY Tab successfully defined a new generation of Android tablets,” said Hyungmoon Noh, VP of R&D Strategy Group, at Samsung. “We’ve worked closely with NVIDIA to raise the stakes again. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, with Honeycomb and Tegra 2, provide the optimal entertainment and multimedia experience without compromising mobility Samsung is known for.”
“Samsung’s latest tablet with the Tegra 2 mobile super chip and Honeycomb is a great example of what we’ve come to expect from one of the world’s most innovative companies,” said Michael Rayfield, General Manager of the Mobile business at NVIDIA.
The companies are also partnering to bring a new Android-based super phone with a dual-core CPU to consumers, for never-before-seen experiences.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

FPse for android

Screenshot of FPse for android Screenshot of FPse for android
FPse for android is the fastest and the most compatible PSone emulator for handled devices.

Make image ISO from your games, and enjoy playing them on your Android phone.

FPse include those impressives strengths:

- Very fast
- High compatibility
- High sound quality.
- Realtime savestate
- Audio tracks emulation (using .cue file)
- Forcefeedback
- Overlay Pads dynamically loadable
- Guncon emulation
- Analog Sticks using sliding on touchscreen
- Playable from Gsensor, Touchscreen and hardware keys.
- Support .img .iso .bin .cue .nrg and .Z disc image format.


Now just get it and enjoy this first version!



Latest version: 0.10 (for Android version 2.2 and higher)


I Can't Believe It's An HTC Tattoo In My Butter!

So the story goes that some store-bought Norwegian butter was eaten away to reveal a very special Android-powered surprise at the bottom. It looks to us like the butter could have possibly been packed back in after the fact to create the effect, but even so: if you're willing to sacrifice a Tattoo in such spectacular fashion, you deserve a little recognition.

Android Apps: Best 5 For Weight Loss

In this weight conscious age people are always looking for new ways to shed a few extra pounds or weight and gain that slimmer physique, most exercising equipment is expensive, but there are a few mobile apps that can help you achieve that weight loss goal.
So if you own an Android device and looking to lose a few pounds we thought we’d bring you out pick of the best five Android diet and weight loss apps available on the Android Market, so let’s get right to it…

First up we have the Deit2Go app, a successful dieting tool, which guides the user thought, their weight loss attempt and features the largest and constantly growing dietary plans for every preference, lifestyle and taste.
The Diet2Go app for Android delivers weight loss estimates based on physical characteristics, delivers a complete grocery list for each plan, body mass index calculator, tips and tricks, and a new diet plan every 2-weeks. The Diet2Go app is available to download as a free app from the Android Market.

Next we have the WWPoints Diary app, an application with a Weight Watchers diet points calculator, food database tracker and widget for those wishing to loss weight in both the US and the UK which auto-selects US plans for US smartphones.
The WWPoints Diary app offers a daily allowance calculator along with support for nursing mothers, online and offline access to the food database with access to points on over 20000 items, full tracker with a 49 weekly allowance, a widget so you can see weight loss ad daily points on the home page, barcode scanner to check points value on foods scanned. The WWPoints Diary app can be downloaded to your handset for a cost of £1.89

Then we have the Personal Dietitian Free app, which is for the user that wants to have a healthier lifestyle along with improved eating habits and includes diet plans and weight tracker with charts and useful tips.
The Personal Dietitian Free app features nutrition facts, weight tracker in pounds, stones or kilograms, body mass index calculator, dietary plans, healthy choices of diet food combinations, weight loss and diet tips, and a weight chart/graph. The Personal Dietitian Free app as the name suggest is free to download from the Android Market.

Next we have the Weight Loss for Cardio Trainer app, however with this weight loss portion of the Cardio Trainer program you will be required to download the free CardioTrainer app for it to work.
The Weight Loss for Cardio Trainer app enables the user to lose weight without counting calories, all the users does is set their plan and goal, weight themselves once a week and the app calculates calorie intake, along with auto-calorie calculations over 40 exercise types along with exercise reminders, The Weight Loss for Cardio Trainer app is free to download to your chosen Android smartphone.

Lastly we have the Hypnosis for Weight Control app, which uses the power of self-hypnosis to control your weight and boost unconscious determination enabling the user to feel confidant they can achieve their weight loss goal.
The Hypnosis for Weight Control app features stunning user interface and animation design, background brainwave settings, tips for quieting the mind, playback progress control and playback repeat settings, enabling your subconscious to end your struggles with weight loss. The Hypnosis for Weight Control app is again a free app from the Android market.
So there you have it our five best weight loss apps for your Android device; however if you have a favourite weight loss app you are already using and works for you feel free to share it in our comments area below.

Starbucks Card Widget, Pay For Coffee Using Your Android Device

Want a little taste of NFC now when it comes to paying for your Starbucks brew?  Well, ok, it’s not NFC but it’s the next best thing.  Developer birbeck has conjured up a little handy application to better assist you in paying for your coffee and keeping tabs on your….tab.  Starbucks Card Widget allows you to enter your Starbucks card number to keep track of your balance, rewards points, transaction history and even lets you add funds to your card when your balance gets low.  In addition, you can search and find the nearest Starbucks location and use Google Maps to get you there.
You can pay for your brew at any Starbucks  using the bar code scanner feature on your device.  Just have the cashier scan your phone and the correct amount is automatically deducted from your card.  There you have it, it’s that simple.  And if you’re really anal concerned with your monetary status, you can add the card widget to one of your home screens.  The widget gives you a quick glance at your balance, rewards and provides you with one click access back into your transaction history.  The more you use the app, the more rewards points you earn.  So give it a try and let us know what you think.  Head on over to our apps database for more info and to download the app.  You know, this also begs a certain question.  Where is the Dunkin Donuts card app?  Anyway, let us know what you think of the app in the comments below.
From the developer:
• Home screen widget always shows your current balance, updated automatically
• Leave the card at home, pay for your Starbucks purchases directly from your Android phone
• Manage all of your cards and track your rewards points from a single app
• View your recent transactions
• Reload your card directly from your phone
• Find Starbucks stores nearest you with Google Maps or “Find a Starbucks” app (separate download), turn-by-turn GPS navigation provided by Google Maps
• Works with registered and unregistered cards
• Prevent unauthorized use by password protecting your cards
• Absolutely free, no ads or nags
Coming soon:
• Smaller widget option
• Low balance notifications
NOTES:
• Requires a Starbucks card, the application will not be very useful without one.
• If your barista reports a “bar code not found” error, please instruct them to press “Tender Starbucks Card” and re-scan.
• Security code is an 8-digit number found on the back of your Starbucks Card. May require scratching off the gray scratch label to reveal.
• Does not work with Duetto Visa and Mastercard, this is a Starbucks restriction for your security and privacy
Starbucks Card Widget is an independently developed 3rd party application as is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starbucks Corporation. Starbucks, Starbucks Card and the Starbucks logo are registered trademarks of Starbucks Corporation.

What To Expect At MWC 2011

Well folks, it’s that time of year again.  CES has come and gone and Mobile World Congress is upon us.  Easily one of the biggest phonegasm meetings of year, MWC promises an exceptional show for us.  With an expected attendance of 50,000 plus, it’s going to be elbow to elbow trying to report all of the mobile tech news coming out of that venue.  So, what Android goodness can we expect to see?  Here are a few things we’ll be keeping tabs on at the event:  
Xperia Play – aka the PlayStation Phone, should be given its fair share of time at the event.  And though it’s not new to us, as we’ve seen it demoed and previewed before, it will be nice to see a nearly finished product and get some good o’l quality hands on time with it.
Samsung Galaxy S2 – We expect to see a ton of Samsung products coming out of MWC this year.  Among the anticipated will be the highly acclaimed Samsung Galaxy S2, sporting a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 4.3″ screen, super thin and light form factor, Gingerbread 2.3 and a Super AMOLED Plus display.  Not too mention its HSPA+ radios installed, making it a blazing fast device.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 – Definitely looking forward to seeing the Galaxy Tab 2 in action.  A reported 10″ display, dual-core 1 GHz processor and Honeycomb (3.0), it’s sure to be the hit of the party.  It will also house an 8 mp camera and “full HD” support.
Samsung Mid-Level Entry Phones – We should also see several low-end to mid-level android devices by Samsung presented at MWC  this year.  Among them are the Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Gio and Galaxy mini.  These devices will have somewhere in the vicinity of a 3-3.5″ screen and 600-800 MHz processors.
LG’s Optimus 3D - LG should be touting their Optimus 3D device, the first to incorporate a glasses free 3D display.  Who can’t use one of these?  We expect to see this device with a dual-core CPU and 4-inch plus multi-touch display of some sort, possibly Super AMOLED.
LG G-Slate Tablet – We expect to see more 3D devices than just smartphones by LG.  The upcoming LG G-Slate will tout HSPA+ 4G speeds (21-42 mb/s), a high definition 8.9″ 3D-capable multi-touch display, the ability to record in 3D and full HD video.  In addition, the Slate also supports 720p HD on-device video playback and HDMI output to show 1080p content on 3D and HD displays.  It will also come packed with Nvidia’s Tegra 2 dual core processor, 32 GB of storage and Honeycomb (3.0)
New Honeycomb Applications – We saw several videos showing off Honeycomb and even had the pleasure of streaming the Honeycomb event live at the Googleplex.  However, we’re sure we are going to see a slew of new apps to compliment the new tablet OS during MWC this week.
Dual-Core Chipsets – Although Nvidia has been steeling the show with all of their dual-core glory, it’s possible we can see some new contenders in the “two is better than one” dept.  Samsung, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments could be debuting their new processors at MWC along with some new hardware to house it.
So, be sure to head back to Talk Android as we report the news by the butt load during MWC.  What device are you most excited about to see this year?  We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

HTC Inspire 4G On AT&T On Sale Today



AT&T enters into the 4G space today with the release of the HTC Inspire 4G.  Although the Inspire 4G’s big brother on Verizon seems to be getting all the press we’ve spent some time with out HTC Inspire 4G and really like it.
Let’s go over the bads first:
Battery Life: We’re not sure what HTC was thinking putting a 1230mah battery on the Inspire 4G. Perhaps they needed to put the battery into the clever little side slot to make way for the newer radio but the 1230mah battery is lasting 5 or so hours for us and we’re medium users.  Wi-Fi hotspot, like with all other phones that offer this feature, drains the battery at an incredibly fast pace.
No FFC: There is no front facing camera on the HTC Inspire 4G. We’re not sure why it is on HSPA+ and T-Mobile seems to have it down on their Mytouch4G also made by HTC.  Video conferencing and 4G are supposed to go hand in hand.
Part 2 video after the break

The Network: We tried to be as positive as we can about the HSPA+ network or (4G) on AT&T. We will tell you from experience that HSPA+ on AT&T and HSPA+ on T-Mobile are two entirely different beasts. T-Mobile seems to go an average of 2.5x faster than the best speeds we saw on AT&T HSPA+. We tested the Inspire 4G in: Atlanta, Charlotte, Richmond, Washington DC, Philly, New York and Boston in the last week and we typically didn’t get better than 1.3-1.8mbps download.  T-Mobile in most of the same cities came in between 3-7mbps.  We did get a spike in Atlanta on Peachtree street at 4mbps for about 20 minutes.
Now The Good:
The HTC Inspire 4G is one bad ass piece of hardware. It actually feels better in the hand, and more sturdy than it’s brother the HTC Evo 4G.  The 1ghz pocessor has to have been optimized because its a really zippy phone and handles multi-tasking very well.
HTC moved the battery and while for some reasons it’s really bad, it freed up the microsd slot for much easier access along with the sim card compartment.  The Inspire 4G comes with an 8gb microSD card however this thing plays videos really well and handles gaming well too so if you need multiple microSD cards (we don’t recommend hot swapping) but it’s in a much easier to access location.
AT&T Uverse TV streams well in HSPA+ areas.
Gmaps looks beautiful on the HTC Inspire 4G’s screen.
The 8mp camera takes very beautiful pictures and the dual flash makes sure the phone takes great pictures in low light and even dark.
The video quality is great as well.
Here’s the best part though, the HTC Inspire 4G is well worth the $99.99 AT&T is going to be selling it for starting today.  It’s by no means a low level phone at a crazy great price. The Samsung Infuse is supposed to come out in the summer so if you’re looking for an alternative to the Atrix or to upgrade to HSPA+ go for it, you won’t be disappointed, even the bad stuff can be worked around.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

iPhone and Android Apps, Poetry and eCards for Valentine’s Day

Whether you are wrapping up your Valentine’s plans or just getting started, there are a lot of apps on the market to help you make the day a special one.  Here’s a round-up of some Valentine’s Day-themed apps and website goodies:

e-Cards

YourCards is an app for iPhone or iTouch that allows you to send an animated app-based greeting via email, text, Facebook or Twitter. It’s actually an app you can use all-year round, with categories for Birthday, Anniversary, Thank You, Just Because, as well as Love and Dating. A bit of advice from one user (me) – make sure you preview the card before you send it, not all the cards on the home page are Valentine’s cards.

A super-easy way to send a quick and artsy e-Valentine is through the Kate Spade website. A gallery of e-Valentines are ready for the choosing, plus it’ll get you points for good taste.

Poetry

I Write: Love Poems guides you through the process with  step-by-step instructions to inspire you to take that chance and for those of you looking for a little more adventure there is also an erotic version.
Instant Poetry HD allows you to explore your inner Wordsworth. Instant Poetry uses your own photos as the backdrop for a drag and drop poetry-creator.

Instant Poetry App Screen-Shot
Instant Poetry App Screen-Shot
Seek inspiration from the words of others with Love Quotes 500. This app contains hundreds of quotes from the likes of Shakespeare to Judy Garland in a flip-able format. If all goes well this Valentines Day and you find yourself planning a wedding someday, check back in on this for quotes for your wedding invitation or program.  :-)

Music

If you’d rather set the mood with music, check out Love Songs — 100 Greatest of All Time. The Top 100 Love Songs application plays the “full tracks of the greatest 100 love songs ever made” in shuffle mode. (Note: Whether these are the greatest is debatable – and you can take your opinions on Michael Bolton to their forum.) Top 100 Love Songs requires a connection to a 3G, Edge, or Wi-fi network to stream the music to your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Food

Cook a meal (or make an impressive dessert) with romantic recipes from Valentine’s Recipes #2. (The first version of this app is free, but doesn’t have as many recipes.)
If you’d rather head out, guarantee your reservations with OpenTable.

Love-testing Apps

Does [insert name] see and  appreciate the uniqueness of who you are? Use The Questions to find out. This app is  based on  a deck of conversation-starter cards designed by a psychologist. Sit down with your partner for a series of probing questions; afterwards the app summarizes the ‘session’.
Lovetricity
This app reminds me of those promotional cards you put your thumb on to determine your stress-level. Maybe it will cause some stress if you and your partner each put your thumb on this iPhone app and you get anything less than “burning hot”.
Download Lovetricity Valentines Day App for iPhone from iTunesLovetricity (Your Valentines Day App) - Splaysoft, LLC.

Android and iPad apps

iTunes has a special category to house all of the Valentine’s Day apps. Android Market has it’s share of holiday-related apps as well.
Photoid Valentine Edition l allows you to add Valentine effects such as stickers, text and graphics to new or existing photos on your phone. After you’re done, you can post the photos on Facebook, upload it to Flickr, or email/text them.
Other Valentine-themed Android apps include games (like the new Angry Birds Valentine’s edition: Hogs And Kisses) and wallpapers.
ScrapPad – Valentines Day Scrapbooking takes your photos and along with your text and their graphics creates a scrapbook for your Valentine.
ScrapPad
ScrapPad Your Valentine's Day Together
Finally, have a laugh with someecards.com, they never get old, like the ones below.
Celebrate Valentines Day Like St. Patrick's Day - Cheers!
Celebrate Valentine's Day Like St. Patrick's Day - Cheers!
If You're A Pimp I'd Be Your Valentine Ho.
If I Were A Pimp You'd Be Your Valentine Ho - Super!
If you’ve come across any great (that includes funny) apps for Valentine’s day, please share!