Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!


Gears of War 3, iPhone 4S, HTC Flyer: US Update

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 02:04 PM PDT

Gears of War 3, iPhone 4S, HTC Flyer: US Update We're back on the grind, tackling the latest and greatest in tech news this side of the pond. In today's US Update we kick things off with the release of Gears of War 3 online multiplayer beta. We take a look at a new report suggesting the iPhone 4S might come before the iPhone 5 and we pass on some great news which will secure a bright future for the HTC Flyer. This and more on your daily US Update.

The third installment, Gears of War 3, is now alive and kicking in online multiplayer beta form for all those who pre-ordered the game. With three new versus multiplayer modes and four new maps, what's not to love? Apple insider, MIC gadget, has released photos of a white iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 4S. While it packs a larger 3.7-inch display, the design remains mostly unchanged compared to the current-gen iPhone 4.

Samsung has announced the new D6350 series 3D Smart TV, bringing the power of stereoscopic 3D and the eye-friendly 2D viewing while reducing dizziness and eliminating eyestrain. Like its big brothers the D8000, D7000, D6500 and D6400 series, you'll have Samsung's Smart Hub and TV apps within arm's reach. Skype video chat for Android is finalized and that the future of video calling on Skype for Android lie in the hands of Verizon Wireless. How this factors into the worldwide release of Skype for Android is anyone's guess, but let's hope we see a unified release sooner rather than later.

Today, HTC gave Android users a reason to celebrate. The upcoming HTC Flyer which ships with Gingerbread (2.4), will be updated "shortly after launch" to Android 3.0 Honeycomb. That wraps up the latest and greatest int he world of tech news. As always I'm Nick Marshall and I'll see you again tomorrow.

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Honeycomb update confirmed for HTC Flyer: Android users rejoice

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Honeycomb update confirmed for HTC Flyer: Android users rejoiceThe shelf life for gadgets evaporates at a blistering pace, particularly in the world of Android where new devices are announced in what seems like 24-hour intervals. Granted, it's not exactly that fast paced, but for those covering the daily tech grind — at times it certainly feels this way. Today, HTC gave Android users a reason to celebrate. The upcoming HTC Flyer which ships with Gingerbread (2.4), will be updated "shortly after launch" to Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

Today's news effectively secures a much longer lifespan for HTC's inaugural tablet. While the HTC Flyer packs a unique skin and patented Scribe technology, Google has been quick to point out Honeycomb is their official tablet OS. Initially, it appeared the Flyer might suffer the same ill fate as the 7-inch Galaxy Tab — left behind without an official Honeycomb update.  By way of Twitter, HTC confirmed the details about the Honeycomb update this afternoon.

The HTC Flyer is still on track for a May 9 release in Europe. With an Android 3.0 Honeycomb update expected "shortly after launch", odds are we'll see the update roll out before the end of May. In related Android news, the HTC Sensation sign-up page is now live. If you're looking to get a taste of HTC's new flagship Android device, head on over and join in. In case you're not familiar with the Sensation, take a look at our previous coverage and preview.

via HTC

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Skype video chat on tap for Android, release coming soon?

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 01:07 PM PDT

Skype video chat on tap for Android, release coming soon?Last week we overcame a major hurdle in widespread Skype adoption for Android with an application update which addressed security vulnerabilities and enabled worldwide 3G voice calling. The stronghold, currently imposed by Verizon Wireless in the US, looked to be fading — that is, until today. A new version of Skype for Android, complete with video calling capabilities, looks to be a Verizon exclusive and it's ready for release.

Skype with video is a killer feature for iOS users. Whether you're using WiFi or 3G data, the quality of audio and video will have you quickly forget FaceTime exists. On Android, the application development hasn't been quite as timely. Video support remains absent and up until last week, 3G voice calling via Skype was not universally available.

Skype video chat on tap for Android, release coming soon?

A couple weeks ago a leaked version of Skype for Android with video support made its rounds across the Internet. Today, a report over at droid-life suggests that version is finalized and that the future of video calling on Skype for Android lie in the hands of Verizon Wireless. How this factors into the worldwide release of Skype for Android is anyone's guess, but let's hope we see a unified release sooner rather than later.

via droid-life [image via]

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Samsung releases new 3D Smart TV D6350 series in 32 and 40 inch flavors

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 12:43 PM PDT

Samsung releases new 3D Smart TV D6350 series in 32 and 40 inch flavorsSamsung has its sights set on landing a new 3D Smart TV in a bedroom near you. Offered in 32 and 40 inch varieties, the new D6350 series brings the power of stereoscopic 3D and the eye-friendly 2D viewing while reducing dizziness and eliminating eyestrain. Like its big brothers the D8000, D7000, D6500 and D6400 series, you'll have Samsung's Smart Hub and TV apps within arm's reach.

As tech aficionados we love choice. Whether that means choices in service or products, it all boils down to matching our needs with the right device. For TVs, while I hate to admit this, not everyone needs a 55 inch set in every room. Bedrooms, guest rooms and even small studies are the perfect locations for 32-inch Samsung D6350 3D Smart TVs.

Samsung releases new 3D Smart TV D6350 series in 32 and 40 inch flavors

The 32 and 40-inch D6350 series use the crystal black panel, 3D hyper-real engine and Samsung's own "smart real-motion" technology to improve viewing angles and reduce screen flicker. To prevent radio frequency interference for stereoscopic 3D viewing, Samsung uses bluetooth. Add in Samsung's TV apps, social network integration and a killer remote, and you have your all-in-one bedroom media center. The D6350 series is now available in Korea with a worldwide release to follow.

Out Now | Samsung | TBD

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iPhone design curveball: iPhone 4S to come before iPhone 5?

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 12:20 PM PDT

iPhone design curveball: iPhone 4S to come before iPhone 5?A new report and accompanying photos have thrown a hex in last week's iPhone 5 design renders. Apple insider, MIC gadget, has released photos of a white iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 4S. While it packs a larger 3.7-inch display, the design remains mostly unchanged compared to the current-gen iPhone 4.

Fans of gadget history will be quick to note Apple's tendency to release revolutionary upgrades every other device cycle. Following the iPhone 3G we had the 3GS, a modest upgrade which improved processing power and the image sensor. For most, the iPhone 4 has been seen as a revolutionary device, leading us to believe its successor would follow the 3GS with minimal changes.

Enter, the iPhone 4S with a 3.7-inch display and new proximity sensor. Under the hood is an A5 processor, in line with the iPad 2, and memory upgrade. The phone would certainly improve on performance as the iPad 2 did over its predecessor, but would this be enough to convince existing iPhone owners to upgrade?

iPhone design curveball: iPhone 4S to come before iPhone 5?

The iPhone 5 renders we saw last week were beautiful. From the iPod touch/MacBook Air-inspired backing to the gesture area below, we were onboard. A design change of this magnitude would certainly warrant a delayed release, breaking Apple's late June iPhone product cycle. If these iPhone 4S photos are in fact legitimate, we're not entirely convinced Apple would miss its Summer launch.

Do you believe Apple will go with the purported iPhone 4S this summer or will it be released in September like previous reports indicate?

Coming Soon | Apple | TBD

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Gears of War 3 beta now live, game on!

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 11:57 AM PDT

Gears of War 3 beta now live, game on!Few Xbox 360 titles resonate through our veins like Gears of War. The third installment, Gears of War 3, is now alive and kicking in online multiplayer beta form for all those who pre-ordered the game. With three new versus multiplayer modes and four new maps, what's not to love?

Admittedly, I currently use a Playstation 3. However, there was a time when Xbox Live and a Xbox 360 Elite were staples of my media center. After dedicating far more time than I'd like to admit to my Gears of War habit, I eventually suffered the ill-fated red ring of death syndrome. Upon receiving my replacement Xbox 360, I sold it and went with a Playstation 3, never looking back — until today.

Here's how the multiplayer beta will play out: from today until May 1, beta participants will experience the new team death match and king of the hill modes on three different fields of battle (Trenches, Checkout and Thrashball). May 2 through May 8, fans will get to play capture the leader and access a fan-selected map called old town. Closing out the beta May 9 through 15 will be team death match, king of the hill and capture the leader on all four maps.

But wait, that's not all. In a press release issued by Epic Games and Microsoft this morning, "special events and surprises" were hinted, along with the ability to unlock a number of exclusive player variants, weapon skins and medals. Gears of War 3 will be released worldwide on September 20 (Sept. 22 in Japan). Will this be the game to signal my return to the Xbox 360?

Out Now | Xbox Live | Free with pre-order

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Nintendo Wii successor confirmed as profits drop 66%

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 01:16 AM PDT

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Wii successor will ship in 2012. It revealed the Wii HD/Wii 2/Project Cafe will be revealed at E3 in June.

The revelation came in an official statement from the company as it released its 2010/11 earnings figures. The announcement is vital as Nintendo reported a 66% slump in its annual net profit, the second fall in two years…

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Nintendo says the huge profit drop is down to the strong yen and a Nintendo DS price cut. The figures do not include the bulk of the company’s recent [Nintendo Nintendo 3DS review”) sales.

The unnamed Nintendo Wii successor is rumoured to featured a touchscreen controller and more power than the Xbox 360 and PS3. Hit the comments to let us know what you want from Nintendo’s next generation console.

Out 2012 | £TBC | Nintendo

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