Gadget Venue

BGR is reporting that the HTC EVO 4G is due to get a minor update next week that will fix a few issues. The first fix is for WiFi where improvements will be made. At this point we assume to reliability and connection speeds.

The update will also provide a fix for Exchange Active Sync where the service will be improved. Here we assume it will also work quicker. Exchange Server 2010 Calendar Sync will also be included along with PIN policy usage.

Finally an issue with a social networking sync issue with Facebook will be fixed which should help battery life on the device. [Read more…]

Swype is an alternate text entry system for mobile phones. The system works by you sliding your finger across a virtual keyboard to spell words. The company claim it is far quicker to do text entry with Swype than it is with a standard virtual keyboard.

We now hear that the company expect to see Swype on 50 smartphones by the end of 2010 with about 90% of those being powered by the Google [GOOG] operating system called Android.

Earlier reports today indicated that Swype was on it’s way to the Apple [AAPL] iPhone although this isn’t happening just yet and it isn’t clear if Apple would approve such software as it replaces one of the main features of the device. [Read more…]

Since the deliveries of the iPhone 4 started a couple of days ago, a few people have been reporting problems with a yellow band or yellow spots on their screen.

We now hear that these yellow spots are actually fading with time. It appears that it takes a day or two for the spots to go and from what we understand, it is just the bonding agent that needs to dry fully. The reason the glue isn’t 100% dry is due to how fast Apple [AAPL] are having the iPhone 4’s manufactured.

Apple is using a bonding agent called Organofunctional Silane Z-6011 to bond the layers of glass. Apparently, Apple (or more likely Foxconn) is shipping these products so quickly that the evaporation process is not complete. However, after one or two days of use, especially with the screen on, will complete the evaporation process and the yellow “blotches” will disappear. How do I know? I was involved in pitching Z-6011 to Apple.

[Read more…]

Reports of the iPhone 4 having signal problems are starting to arrive according to BGR. iPhone 4 users mention today that when picking up their iPhone 4 the signal drops, perhaps due to holding on to the antenna.

We just got back from the Apple [AAPL] store with our iPhone 4 (read the iPhone 4 review later today) and have to agree that when holding the phone it is common to see the no service or searching message. After putting the phone down the signal strength jumps back to 3 or 4 bars (for the area I am in).

Some users are suggesting that putting the iPhone 4 in a case might be one good way of solving the problem although we hope a firmware fix will arrive soon to some how fix the problem. [Read more…]

A while back Farmville was announced at the Apple [AAPL] WWDC event and allows users to use the Facebook game on their iPhone. Farmville has now arrived and can be downloaded from the iTunes store right now. It appears that a number of countries now have the application with the UK getting it early hours of this morning.

‘Plow, plant and harvest on the go 24/7! FarmVille, the most popular game on the web, is now available on your iPhone. Current FarmVille players can access their existing Facebook farm, and new users can create a farm.

Choose from a variety of seeds to grow beautiful fruits and vegetables. Earn coins and XP to decorate your farm or expand your acreage. Work faster with vehicles like tractors and seeders, and rear livestock including cows, sheep, and pigs. The more you help your neighbors, the faster you’ll level up. Exclusive iPhone/iPod items available!

[Read more…]

Three in the UK has decided to finally launch details of the Apple iPhone 4 and the tariffs that they will be offering it on. Prices for the iPhone 4 on Three start with the 16GB iPhone 4 for £99 on a £30/month 24 month contract. The 32GB on the same contract will cost you £189. Included in the contract for both handsets is 500 minutes, 5000 texts and 1GB of data as well as another 5000 3 to 3 minutes.

SIM only tariffs have also been announced where you can pay £15/month on a month to month contract and get 300 minutes with 3000 texts and 1GB of data. Up that to £25/month and you can get a 12 month contract with 2000 minutes, 5000 texts and 1GB of data. [Read more…]

Vodafone has finally announced when the iPhone 4 in the UK is ready for order. Orders start tomorrow morning (June 24) at 7am where you can order online, in store or over the phone. It isn’t clear in the Vodafone message if you can actually get your hands on an iPhone 4 from Vodafone tomorrow (other than at the Apple store), but for those wanting to get one direct from Vodafone, 7am is the time you can start ordering.

It isn’t clear why Vodafone took so long to make this announcement right on the 11th hour so to speak, but alas, we now have the details. [Read more…]

Gizmodo made a very brief announcement today regarding Google Android 2.2 Froyo saying that it has been open sourced and is available today.

Many people are now wondering when it will hit their device. For those with devices such as the HTC EVO 4G, it could be a few months away while HTC make the necessary modifications. For the Nexus One from Google [GOOG] it should be a lot quicker. Update: Any moment now.

Details are a little scarce at the moment but we expect to start seeing a lot more information about it shortly. [Read more…]