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US Update: BlackBerry Protect, HTC EVO Shift 4G, iPhone 4
iPhone 4 bests HTC HD7 and Nexus S in screen test
360 Panorama: Safari Mobile plus gyroscope equals augmented reality
Call of Duty: Black Ops breaks $1 billion in sales
HTC EVO Shift 4G: more photos, details emerge
BlackBerry Protect incoming: protect and restore your device data
Sky+ iPad app lands in time for Christmas
Win a Sony Ericsson LiveView!
Best gadget stocking fillers for Christmas
Advent Calendar day 22: Win laptop, tablet and gadget prizes!

US Update: BlackBerry Protect, HTC EVO Shift 4G, iPhone 4

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 07:00 PM PST

The week is flying by, but before we hit the weekend and kick off the holiday festivities, it's time to dig deep into the world of tech. In the morning round up, what we like to call the US Update, we'll take you through the latest on the BlackBerry Protect service, HTC EVO Shift 4G, Call of Duty: Black Ops sales and more

First, we start with an update on the BlackBerry Protect service we first about earlier this year. RIM has released and official FAQ for the service, a sign the roll out to the BlackBerry App World is coming very soon. More photos of the elusive HTC EVO Shift 4G have surfaced. We now know it features an 800 MHz processor and should be unveiled at CES 2011 in Las Vegas.

Activision has published the latest sales figures for Call of Duty: Black Ops. The company has surpassed $1 billion sales since the November launch and shows no signs of slowing down. A new panoramic photo app is available in the App Store. Using your own images and the Safari Mobile browser you can enter your own augmented reality, simply put – it's awesome.

Last up this morning was news on the CNet comparison test between the screens of the iPhone 4, HTC HD7 and Google Nexus S. Surprisingly, the HTC HD7 finished a close second behind the iPhone 4.

That wraps up things this fine morning from the states. Thanks for spending your morning with us as we break the headlines fresh off the press from our side of the world. Until tomorrow, this is Nick saying over and out.

iPhone 4 bests HTC HD7 and Nexus S in screen test

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 06:00 PM PST

The folks at CNet have put the iPhone 4, HTC HD7 and Google Nexus S through their paces to determine which phone offers the best screen. The iPhone 4 walked away with top honors, but you might be surprised who finished in a close second.

Using three methods (scientific measurements, test patterns and real-world usage), the phones were ranked from best to worst: iPhone 4, HTC HD7, Samsung Nexus S. Surprisingly, the HTC HD7 displayed the most accurate color while the Nexus S had the the best contrast ratio of the group thanks to the OLED display.

There's plenty of details on the test and we reckon you should draw your own conclusion. However, we can't imagine anyone else doing such an intricate test so we're inclined to stick by CNet's results. Read on for the full comparison.

via CNet

360 Panorama: Safari Mobile plus gyroscope equals augmented reality

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 05:00 PM PST

There's a little known feature packed inside Safari Mobile for the iPod touch or iPhone running iOS 4.2. Using just the built-in gyroscope in your iOS device, the 360 Panorama app and the latest version of Safari Mobile you can experience augmented reality via user-submitted panorama photos. Are you ready to take street view to the next level?

Occipital, creators of the 360 Panoramo app, discovered that Safari Mobile 4.2 features gyroscope support for panorama viewing from within the browser. If you don't believe us, simply head to occip.it/pt3dmqna from your iOS 4.2 iPhone or iPod touch for a taste at what we're talking about.

The link is only an example of what can be done, in fact you can create your own augmented reality experiences and share them with your friends. Using the 360 Panorama app, simply capture a panorama and upload the picture via Twitter. You'll be presented with a link which you can share with your friends.

Of course, your friends will need to have iOS 4.2 devices to make full use of the link. Clicking the link will open Safari Mobile and the browser will alert them that they're gyroscope is on. Moving the phone will mimic actually being in the environment of the panorama, just like you are using Google Maps Street View. The major difference being, you create your own views.

For desktop users, sending the link will bring up the website and allow them to use the mouse cursor to navigate the virtual experience, but it's not quite the same as being able to do it on the iPhone. Honestly, this is one of the coolest apps we've seen in a very long time.

You can download 360 Panorama now from the app store

Out Now | 360 Panorama | $.99

Call of Duty: Black Ops breaks $1 billion in sales

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:00 PM PST

Activision is riding high and dry as 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' has achieved its third record-breaking milestone — surpassing $1 billion in sales. Racking up more than $360 million in opening day sales, followed by $650 million over the first five days has proven to be just the beginning for the latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise.

To put the success of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' into perspective, the five-day sales total of $650 million outpaces all theatrical box office, book and video game sales, ever. Officially, "in all of entertainment, only Call of Duty and "Avatar" have ever achieved the billion dollar revenue milestone this quickly", said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard.

Since November 9 when the game launched, more than 600 million hours have been logged playing Call of Duty: Black Ops, According to Microsoft, the average player logs on more than once per day and plays more than one hour each time. Over half of that time is spent playing online with and against friends.

It's no secret, we're avid fans of Call of Duty: Black Ops, we even gave it four out of five stars in our review. While we weren't exactly sold on the single player campaign mode, like the majority of gamers out there, we live for online play. It looks like the hours we've been playing on PSN and Xbox Live helped contribute to those 600 million hours tallied so far.

It's crystal clear, the sky is the limit for the Call of Duty franchise. Anyone want to take a guess how soon until they eclipse the $2 billion sale mark? It certainly can't be long, unless of course everyone with a gaming console has already purchased the game.

Out Now | Activision

HTC EVO Shift 4G: more photos, details emerge

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 03:00 PM PST

A little over a week ago we introduced you to the HTC EVO Shift 4G, the CDMA-variant of the HTC Desire Z. Today we are back with some new photos of the device and the latest details on what type of hardware this bad boy might be packing.

Also known as the HTC Knight or HTC Speedy, the HTC EVO Shift 4G is rumored to feature a 800MHz processor, the same processor used on the T-mobile G2. The exact processor model is uknown, but it is entirely possible we may see the same Qualcomm MSM7230 processor.

Judging the the size of the handset, the EVO Shift 4G looks to be one of the most pocket-friendly Android handsets of record. Seeing the phone handled on camera really puts the dimensions into perspective. Also, the raised edges do not seem nearly as pronounced as they appeared on our initial photograph of the phone.

On the back of the phone is an extremely large camera sensor, megapixels aside — this thing looks absolutely huge compared to other mobiles, with the exception of maybe the Panasonic Lumix Phone. Unfortunately the photos do not provide any further indication as to whether there will be a front-facing camera so we're no closer to solving that riddle.

The HTC EVO Shift 4G is still rumored to be launching on January 9 during CES 2011 in Las Vegas. We certainly expect some serious hands-on time with the device when we land stateside in Sin City, but for now you have the latest on the EVO Shift 4G.

Coming Soon | Sprint

BlackBerry Protect incoming: protect and restore your device data

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:00 PM PST

The public release of the BlackBerry Protect service is coming very soon. So soon in fact, RIM has published a FAQ for the new service on their website. Whether you are looking to wirelessly back up your data or restore existing data, BlackBerry Protect has you covered — here's what you need to know.

BlackBerry Protect wirelessly backs up your contacts, calendar, memos, tasks, text messages and browser bookmarks. Once set up, you can choose between backing up regularly, manually or you can even choose to only back up depending on the type of network connection.

Taking a page from Apple's 'Find My iPhone' service, using the BlackBerry Protect website you can check your phone's current location, make it ring or even display a custom message on the device Home screen. In the event that the device is stolen you can remotely lock, change the device password or wipe all data.

Now for the catch — you cannot use the BlackBerry Protect service for phones configured to work with BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). However, your network administrator could certainly wipe your device and restore the email, calendar and contacts, so you don't exactly need the service in the first place. The other catch is that there's a hard limit of five devices for each BlackBerry Protect account, a number which should satisfy most users, but we imagine some larger families might run into an issue.

When released BlackBerry Protect will be available for download in the BlackBerry App World. We'll keep our eyes peeled, but in the meantime you can get a head start on the service by reading the full FAQ here.

Coming Soon | RIM | TBD

Sky+ iPad app lands in time for Christmas

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 08:58 AM PST

Setting your Sky+ box for a few festive films? Now you can use an iPad to browse the Sky+ planner, thanks to a newly launched iPad app just in time for the Christmas break.

As with the Sky+ iPhone and Android app, the iPad version lets you browse upcoming programmes with a seven day EPG, and once you tap the record button your Sky+ or Sky+ HD set top box at home will record the show.

There are recommendations for shows you might otherwise miss too, based on shows you've watched of recorded previously.

Even better it’s free, and the new Sky+ iPad app links to Sky's other iOS apps, letting you watch Sky News and Sky Sports on iPad at the press of an icon.

Out now | Available through iTunes

Win a Sony Ericsson LiveView!

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 06:07 AM PST

The Sony Ericsson LiveView is a watch-sized micro display, which partners with an Android phone to put your messages, social networks and call alerts at your fingertips. You can wear it as a watch, clip it to your clothes, or attach it to your notepad to keep an eye on your social life while stuck in meetings.

We've got four Sony Ericsson LiveView devices to give away. And all you have to do is answer the question below in the comments section! We'll pick one correct answer at random 24 hours later, and send them a Sony Ericsson LiveView. The next day, we’ll do it all again, simple as that!

Don't fancy winning a Sony Ericsson LiveView? You can buy one direct from Sony Ericsson instead, and receive a 20% saving with our discount code. Just type SELV1 at the checkout.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question (hint: You can find the answer here).

Name the artist and song we played during our Sony Ericsson LiveView 10 second challenge.

Winner will be chosen on 23 December 2010, and details added here. Our usual terms and conditions apply.

Best gadget stocking fillers for Christmas

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:14 AM PST

Christmas isn’t Christmas without stocking-fillers. We’re not talking a lump of coal or a satsuma though. If you’re looking for something a bit whizzier, we’ve got three great choices for you, no matter what your budget.

Our gadget stocking fillers will keep everyone in the household entertained before Christmas dinner, stop the kids fighting over who gets to play with the big day’s largest cardboard boxes, and might even encourage a bit of family bonding. No promises though, read on for the full list of stocking filler ideas…

If you really love them…
Mindflex
Buy it now
The closest we will get to telekinesis! This game combines cutting-edge technology with the power of your mind, using a headset that reads your brainwaves to navigate a hovering ball through a course. Futuristic fun for all, it may not be the cheapest of games but it is the most fascinating one we have ever seen.

If you really like them…
Nerf Stampede
Buy it now
For all-out office, living room or back yard warfare, the Nerf Stampede fires clips of 18 soft shells at a rate of two per second. It has "tactical rails" to attach accessories, such as a shield, bipod, torches and scopes. One of the finest toys we’ve seen this year, just be careful not to spill Santa’s sherry.

The cheapskate option
Big Track Jr
Buy it now
Thanks to the company behind the Sylophone, the roving robot rears its beautiful head again with Bigtrak Jr. Moving forwards and backwards, turning and putting the ‘photo cannon’ to expert use, you can once again put your programming skills to the test of all tests. It doesn’t come more retro than this.

For the mobile phone obsessive
Powermat
Buy it now
Got a friend or relative who’s constantly glued to their mobile? Of course you have. Stuff a Powermat charging kit into their stuffing, and we guarantee a smiling face on Christmas morning. The neat wireless charging kit means they can juice up their phone without fumbling for cables. It’s safe to use in the kitchen, since there are no exposed electrical connectors to get damp, and if you kit them out with Powermat cases for all their portable kit, they can use one charger to juice them all up!

For the gadget fan who has everything
Sony Ericsson LiveView
Buy it now
If there’s an Android-owning loved one on your shopping list, surprise them this Christmas with a Sony Ericsson LiveView in their stocking. It’s a watch-sized micro display, which partners with an Android phone to put your messages, social networks and call alerts within easy reach. You can strap it to your wrist, clip it to your clothes, or attach it pretty much anywhere within 10 metres of an Android phone. From then on, you can gossip in secret through Twitter, get RSS alerts or check out Facebook without fishing out a phone!

Advent Calendar day 22: Win laptop, tablet and gadget prizes!

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 03:35 AM PST

Three sleeps ’til Christmas! But you don’t have to wait for the 25th to bag yourself a pressie. Open today’s Electricpig Advent Calendar and you could win a brilliant tech prize! We’ve got Advent laptops, Android tablets, gaming PCs, digital photo frames and PC accessories to be won!

Today we’re asking for Christmas films. All you have to do is log in using your Facebook ID (that’s really important, without it we can’t reliably contact you, or check you’re based in the UK) and tell us one in the comments section will win! Once we have a winner, we’ll reveal the prize they’ve scooped.

Each day we’ve got a mystery prize up for grabs thanks to the generous people at PC World. It could be a speaker system, a digital photo frame, a keyboard and mouse set, an Advent Amico tablet, Advent laptop or computer, or even a newly-released Advent Vega tablet.

What’re you waiting for? Scroll down, log in using your Facebook account and get commenting!

We have a winner!

Congratulations Bob Grover! Your speedy fingers and razor sharp Christmas movie-naming skills have bagged you today’s prize! It’s a set of Logik PC speakers! But the goodies don’t end there. We’ve got more prizes to give away right up to Christmas day! Check back tomorrow for another chance to win.

Check out more Advent products at www.pcworld.co.uk, and remember to come back tomorrow for another chance to win: we’ll offer up a fresh prize each day between 9am and 12 noon! Our usual terms and conditions apply.