Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

US Update: iPhone mini, Acer 3D HDMI monitor, Internet Explorer 9 RC
Vodafone UK offering 12 month contracts on iPhone 4?
Internet Explorer 9 RC released: faster than Firefox and Chrome?
Acer GH245HQ monitor brings Nvidia’s 3D HDMI gaming to the masses
Skype for iPhone extends to select Panasonic and Samsung TVs
Apple iPhone mini: smaller version of iPhone incoming?
Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC PS3 release date
My first day at Twitter: the best employee induction ever?
MWC 2011: What to expect from LG
While my guitar gently beeps: Guitar Hero franchise canned

US Update: iPhone mini, Acer 3D HDMI monitor, Internet Explorer 9 RC

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 07:00 PM PST

We're back at it again, delivering your daily dose of tech goodness. In today's US Update we drop the scoop on the rumored iPhone mini, a smaller and cheaper no-contract iPhone, then we take a look at the new version of Skype for iPhone which supports video calling with select Samsung and Panasonic TVs, link you to the new Internet Explorer 9 RC and more.

A rumored, iPhone mini, is headed to the world of prepaid buyers. Priced at $200 without a contract, this smaller iPhone could see a release as soon as this Summer according to Bloomberg. A new version of Skype for iPhone has been released with support for H.264. The new version also works with the Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 and allows video calling between iPhones and select TVs.

Acer unveiled their first monitor to support Nvidia's 3D HDMI solution, 3D Vision. The Acer GH245HQ packs a 100 million to 1 contrast ratio and just about every bell and whistle we can think of, definitely take a look. At a special event in San Francisco this morning, Microsoft planned to unveil the Release Candidate of Internet Explorer 9. Lucky for you, the links leaked early, hit the story to download your copy now.

Last up this morning are new 12 month contracts coming to Vodafone UK. The rumored plans will support a variety of smartphones, including the iPhone 4. We've got the details and pricing you need to know before they hit the website.

That wraps up the world of tech this morning. As always, I'm Nick Marshall and I'll see you tomorrow — over and out.

Vodafone UK offering 12 month contracts on iPhone 4?

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 06:00 PM PST

The return of 12 month contracts for Vodafone UK is purportedly coming within the next few days. Not yet published online, these new plans bring 12 month contracts to smartphones such as the Nokia N8, Desire HD, Samsung Galaxy S, BlackBerry Bold and even the iPhone 4. Here's the full breakdown:

For some time, 18 and 24 month contracts have become standard with 12 month contracts typically being reserved for SIM-only customers. If you choose the Nokia N8, Samsung Galaxy S, BlackBerry 9780 or BlackBerry 9700, your pricing is as follows:

£35 a month plan the phone costs £159
£40 a month plan the phone costs £119
£45 a month plan the phone costs £79
£50 a month plan the phone costs £39

HTC Desire HD and BlackBerry Torch hopefuls can choose from the following:

£35 a month plan the phone costs £179
£40 a month plan the phone costs £139
£45 a month plan the phone costs £99
£50 a month plan the phone costs £59

Things start to get a little more expensive with the iPhone 3GS 8GB:

£35 a month plan the phone costs £199
£40 a month plan the phone costs £139
£45 a month plan the phone costs £89
£50 a month plan the phone costs £29

The iPhone 4 16GB ups the ante another £100 in handset pricing:

£35 a month plan the phone costs £299
£40 a month plan the phone costs £239
£45 a month plan the phone costs £189
£50 a month plan the phone costs £99

The most expensive of the group, the 32GB iPhone 4, really lays the hurt:

£35 a month plan the phone costs £399
£40 a month plan the phone costs £339
£45 a month plan the phone costs £289
£50 a month plan the phone costs £189

Overall, if you've been waiting to jump into a short-term contract with a subsidized smartphone, Vodafone UK looks to make it an easy fix. We'll be watching the Vodafone website closely, but word on the street is these plans will go live in just a "few days". Stay tuned.

via Coolsmartphone

Internet Explorer 9 RC released: faster than Firefox and Chrome?

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 04:47 PM PST

The war of the browsers is heating up as Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate (RC) has just gone live. While the original plan was the launch the browser at a special event in San Francisco today, download links leaked a tad bit early. The real story is Microsoft's claim the latest build puts it ahead of both Firefox and Chrome.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its beta version of Internet Explorer 9 had been downloaded more than 20 million times since being released on September 15, 2010. As of today that number is 25 million. The two primary focuses of IE 9 are privacy and speed. The latter of which comes from the addition of hardware acceleration to the browser.

“With this release you are seeing innovation after innovation that other folks are catching up to. Hardware acceleration was something no one was talking about until we did it. No one else was talking about privacy and tracking until we did it.”

On the privacy front, Internet Explorer 9 provides better control over how your information is being shared. Following the Federal Trade Commission's call for a web equivalent of the Do Not Call list, Microsoft has added tracking protection lists that are user created. There's also list created by the four main online privacy and tracking companies to allow or block a sites and ad networks.

A final version of Internet Explorer 9 is expected to release at MIX 11 in April. For now we have the Release Candidate, which should be very close to the final product, give or take a few bug fixes. If you're ready to experience the future of Internet Explorer web browsing, hit the download link below and select your language and version of Windows from the drop-down menu.

Out Now | Microsoft | Free

Acer GH245HQ monitor brings Nvidia’s 3D HDMI gaming to the masses

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 04:10 PM PST

Acer's first monitor to support Nvidia's 3D HDMI solution, the Acer GH245HQ, is set to hit the UK in mid-March. Priced at £419.99 inc Vat, this 3D-capable display will transform your gaming experience, whether you're a casual gamer or a pro – fragging will feel like the real deal.

The Acer GH245HQ offers both HDMI 3D or dual-link DVI connectivity with Nvidia 3D vision. With the included Nvidia 3D glasses, featuring advanced active shutter 3d technology and combined with the monitor's built-in IR emitter, Acer delivers the sensation of full immersion.

Since we're always a fan of specs, let's take a look at what separates this monitor from the pack. For starters you have a 100 million:1 contrast ratio and full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The 23.6 inch LED backlit panel uses a 16:9 ratio, perfect for video playback. Gamers and sports fans will appreciate the 120 Hz refresh rate 2 ms response time.

For the casual gamer, Acer GH245HQ can also be used as your TV. Simply connect a 3D capable set-top box or Blu-ray player and you can extend the usefulness of this stunning display. Those of your focused on the environment will be happy to note the GH245HQ falls under Acer's range of EcoDisplays, the company's plan to reduce their footprint on the environment. Combined with LED technology for lower power consumption and mercury-free materials, the display is both easy on the eyes and the environment.

The Acer GH245HQ comes with a two year warranty and will be available in mid-March for a SRRP of £419.99 inc Vat.

Coming March 2011 | Acer | £419.99 inc Vat

Skype for iPhone extends to select Panasonic and Samsung TVs

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:40 PM PST

The world of Skype for iPhone is evolving. As our favorite video calling software, we've grown accustom to using Skype video calling on our Android and iOS smartphones. Today, Skype for iPhone adds H.264 support, bringing video calls to the full range of Skype devices, but most importantly our TVs.

If you have Skype for iPhone installed, check your phone for an update. Otherwise, first time users should head to the App Store and download the latest version immediately. Now that we've got that out of the way, here's the scoop on the latest version. For US users, Skype for iPhone now supports the Verizon Wireless iPhone 4 which launched today, nationwide.

All users of Skype for iPhone will be able to benefit from a "small, but significant step" in technology with H.264 support. There are currently four Panasonic models (G25, G20, VT20, VT25) and two Samsung models (C7000, C8000) which are compatible with Skype video calls from the iPhone. Previously, if you had one of the aforementioned TVs, you could not complete a video call with an iPhone user.

There you have it, Skype for iPhone comes to Verizon Wireless and H.264 support means more devices can make video calls with Skype iPhone users. If you happen to have one of the six TV sets listed above, a compatible web cam and an iPhone, feel free to link us to your video demo'ing the setup. We'd love to see it in action.

Out Now | App Store | Free

Apple iPhone mini: smaller version of iPhone incoming?

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:08 PM PST

According to a report by Bloomberg this afternoon, our friends from Cupertino are preparing to release a smaller version of the iPhone, an iPhone mini. Apparently this iPhone mini, is just one of many iPhone variants which Apple plans to release in an effort to slow the pace of Android handset sales. Will we see an iPhone mini in 2011?

Before you run out to your local electronics retailer asking for an iPhone mini, let's dive into the source of these rumors. Bloomberg received word of a smaller and cheaper iPhone from an unnamed source who claims to have seen a prototype. Adding fuel to the fire, two other sources came forward to corroborate the story with claims that Apple is developing a technology to make it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks.

So how much is this iPhone mini going to cost? Best estimates place the handset in the $200 range with no contract. A contract-free iPhone for $200? Sounds good to me. According to the source, Apple is aiming to release this smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone near "mid-year", but the introduction may be delayed or possibly scrapped. Bloomberg went on to say that few Apple employees know the details of the project and that Apple often works on products that don't get released.

Now let's dive into the second claim in the story. Apple is purportedly working on a "universal SIM", which would let iPhone users toggle between GSM networks without having to switch the SIM card. The move would help cut the cost of distributing (and managing) millions of SIM cards. The source also disclosed that Apple is working on redesigned iPhone software that would let customers choose a network and configured their device on their own, without relying on a carrier.

So will we see this rumored iPhone mini in 2011? As of right now, it is very much a rumor and until we see actual images of the prototypes, we won't be holding our breath. The idea is interesting, a no contract iPhone for $200 is an attractive proposition for the prepaid market, especially if it is powerful enough to run the latest version of iOS. Will the iPhone mini make a dent in Android handset sales? Only time will tell, but I invite you to give it your best guess.

via Bloomberg

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC PS3 release date

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 08:00 AM PST

All you Call of Duty: Black Ops gamers not on Xbox, you can stop snivelling over the fact that Xbox Live got the DLC first. Now there’s a date for the PS3 release of the Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC, and it’s less than a month away.

The Call of Duty Black Ops First Strike DLC will be hitting the PS3 on 3 March. That’s a worldwide launch too so you’ll all be getting your dirty mitts on it at the same time.

Out 3 March | TBC | PS3

Will you be getting the Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC after what you’ve seen of the Xbox Live DLC? Shout out in the comments!

My first day at Twitter: the best employee induction ever?

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 07:36 AM PST

Twitter has revealed its tip top employee induction process. There’s wine, T-shirts, breakfasts, and no trust-falls and ice breaking games to be found. Phew! If you don’t think you want a job at Twitter, you will after this. Read on for more!

Before you start
There are over 75 different departmental hand offs that have to happen before you even reach your desk at Twitter HQ. That might sound groan-worthy, but as a new employee, you only see the best parts…

Twitter makes sure your desk is in the best place possible, so you’re not out of earshot of your team, and gives you a bottle of wine on your first day too, plus a lot of PDFs about what is about to happen to you, so you can skip through your first day slightly tipsy, and not have to worry about anything because it’s all been put in a pretty flowchart for you. There’s also a T-shirt on your desk, in case you drink too much of that wine, spew up on yourself, and have to change. (Disclaimer: that’s obviously not the real reason Twitter gives you a T-shirt.)

Breakfast with the CEO
To get you started, and to give you some familiar faces from the word go, Twitter arranges for you to have breakfast on your first day with its CEO, Dick Costolo, so you know who he is, and visa versa, and so you get to know some friendly faces. After this you’ll head on to a some briefings on projects, Gmail filters and the like, which also include briefings on inside jokes.

Lunchbreak sorted
So that new employees don’t have to face an awkward first lunchtime situation, Twitter reserves tables in the cafeteria with your new team, so you’re sat with the people you’re going to be working with, and forced to get to know each other, instead of awkwardly smiling when you get up to go to the loo for the first three days.

Start work!
After this, you’ll be ready to start work. In between times though, there’s a regular new starters happy hour with the senior team, and a series of Friday afternoon presentations, where you hear what the rest of the company has been up to, or, in the case of the Biz Stone and Evan Williams presentation that comes around once in a while – the story of Twitter’s creation.

What would you add to Twitter’s induction process? Shout out in the comments!

[via @anm]

MWC 2011: What to expect from LG

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 07:04 AM PST

Mobile World Congress is just around the corner now, and the stories have been coming thick and fast, not least for LG. Will there be any surprises from LG this year? Read on for our guide on what to expect from LG at MWC 2011.

LG Optimus 3D
LG has been pretty open about the LG Optimus 3D. It's sent out a short press release (sans pictures) as well as two teaser videos. In other words, this is definitely real, and definitely being released. So far we know that it has a glasses free 3D screen, and dual rear facing cameras for filming and snapping away in 3D.

T-Mobile G-Slate
Expect to hear more about the T-Mobile G-Slate from LG at MWC. This is LG’s Android Honeycomb powered tablet that we first heard about back at CES. It’s going to be 4G, have a 1GHz processor, 32GB of internal space, and rear facing stereoscopic cameras that capture 3D images. Here’s the teaser video that was outed last month:

Windows Phone 7
It’s likely that LG will unveil a couple of Windows Phone 7 handsets at MWC 2011. Will one of these be a QWERTY WP7? We don’t know, and with all the talk of the LG Optimus 3D there’s been no mention of it. This is one announcement that we’re not sure about, and could throw up some minor surprises.

LG Revolution for Europe
Could we see the LG Revolution winging its way to Europe, complete with LTE smarts? This could be one of the big surprises of MWC. Watch this space for more info.

What do you want to see from LG at MWC 2011?

While my guitar gently beeps: Guitar Hero franchise canned

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 06:20 AM PST

Axe gods will be mourning the death of Guitar Hero today, as Activision Blizzard cans the game franchise after five years. Turns out nobody wants to wield a plastic axe and prance around the living room to AC/DC anymore. Or at least, they don’t ant to pay for a game where that’s the objective. This also means that the 2011 version of Guitar Hero has been shelved for the time being as well. But while this is the final curtain for Guitar Hero, DJ Hero could still survive, although there’s no news on its fate as of yet.