Skype Wont make it to Windows Phone 7

May 13, 2010 by 3 Comments

We are hearing today that Skype will not be creating a version of it’s VoIP software for Windows Phone 7 devices that will launch later this year. Instead, the company will focus their efforts on iPhone OS, Android OS and Symbian based devices.

Right now the reasons are unknown for this decision, but perhaps it’s due to restrictions that Microsoft [MSFT] have put in place for developers where Skype might feel they cannot do enough. Alternatively they might have just lost a bit of faith in the platform.

Although they have said no to creating a WP7 VoIP app at an event in Sydney Australia, this could change closer to the time and we’ll never know for sure until Skype make an official announcement – or, when Skype never appears for WP7 devices. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

German Court Rules that Germans Must Secure Wireless Networks of Face Fines

May 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The top criminal court in Germany has made a new ruling that those running private wireless internet connections must secure them or potentially face fines.

Internet users can be fined up to euro100 ($126) if a third party takes advantage of their unprotected WLAN connection to illegally download music or other files, the Karlsruhe-based court said in its verdict.

“Private users are obligated to check whether their wireless connection is adequately secured to the danger of unauthorized third parties abusing it to commit copyright violation,” the court said.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Tech News

Vodafone add new iPad microSIM Dataplan

May 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Vodafone has added a new 3GB data plan for those wanting an Apple iPad microSIM. Previously the only options were 1GB for £10/month or 5GB for £25/month. The new offering is an in-between plan that brings 3GB of transfer for £15/month.

The £15/month 3GB plan is in-line with the other two providers, Orange and O2 who also offer the same 3GB £15/month plans.

The microSIM it’s self is free to get, but when choosing the card you need to specify what data plan you want. Also note that the card is a microSIM and not a SIM card, so unless you can build some sort of adapter, it won’t work in a regular phone as it is a lot smaller than a traditional SIM. Also note that you only get data on this plan as you wont be able to send text messages or make calls on the iPad anyway. [Read more…]

Filed Under: iPad

Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 Now Ready for Pre-Order

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Just a day after Sony announced the Sony NEX-5 and Sony NEX-3, we learn that both cameras are now available for pre-order.

The Sony NEX-5 is the higher end model of the two new cameras and comes with two options. When purchasing you get a choice of the camera and the 18-55mm E-Mount lens, or the option of a 16mm prime lens. Each option costs $699.99 and $649.99 respectively.

Next up is the Sony NEX-3 that drops full HD 1080 recording as well as ads a little bulk to the camera and also drops a few other features… but costs $100 less. Options here include the same 18-55mm lens which costs $599.99 or with the 16mm prime lens the price drops to $549.99. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Camera Gadgets

HTC EVO 4G Landing June 4 for $199

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

We finally have official news about the HTC EVO 4G and the launch date. The 4G smartphone will be made available on June 4 with a price tag of $199 on contract. The phone will cost an extra $10/month though on top of a service plan to connect up to the higher speed network – Update: This $10/month is for those wanting to get rid of download limits. Also, for wireless sharing mentioned below, that’s an extra $30/month which Sprint point out is cheaper than buying a mobile broadband connection.

The HTC EVO 4G is the first 4G smartphone being launched in America. The 4G network being used is provided through Sprint who run the network across a number of States in the US with more coverage being added through out the coming years.

The HTC EVO 4G has two cameras built in with one facing forwards for video calls and the other facing backwards to capture photos while out and about. The rear facing camera can capture images at 8 megapixels while the front camera is 1.3 megapixels. It runs Android 2.1 and has full access to over 35,000 apps found in the Android Market. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

iPhone OS 4.0 Might get Built in Facebook App

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Gizmodo are reporting today that the Apple iPhone OS 4.0 release could have Facebook integrated with the iPhone. This isn’t just another Facebook app mind you, it’s actually a deep integration.

The integration could include contact syncing collecting your iPhone contacts and Facebook contacts and storing them in a central location. Also direct connection with apps to Facebook like how the Photo section of the iPhone can already do.

Traces of code in the beta updates is indicating the heavy integration although nothing has been found or confirmed yet officially. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cell Phones

Deal of the Day: Seagate 640GB Portable External Hard Drive

May 12, 2010 by 1 Comment

Amazon have an offer on the Seagate 640GB portable external hard drive today bringing the price from $113.99 down to $79.99.

The drive has 640GB of storage and connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 connection. The drive is also powered by USB which means no external power source is needed.

When connecting up the portable external hard drive to a Windows PC, the operating system automatically recognises the drive and lets you drag and drop files to and from it with in seconds of connecting it up. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Computer Gadgets

Intel to Build Tablet Devices – Will go on show at Computex 2010

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Intel has revealed that they will be delivering an alternative to the Apple iPad and other tablet based devices.

The information comes from Mooly Eden who is the vice president of the PC client group.

Intel ‘are going to design silicon for the tablet segment and will ‘actively participate in the market.

‘People ask me, are you serious about trying to participate in the tablet market? The answer is yes, we are going to have tablets ¦ stay tuned for Computex. We are going to design silicon for this category and we are going to actively participate in this category. Mooly Eden, VP PC Client Group, Intel

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Tech News

Sony Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker W252 Walkman Announced

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Sony is launching a new limited edition walkman called the Sony W252. The new walkman is themed around the new Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker game that is launching on the PSP and PSP Go.

The W252 walkman has been designed with a camouflage design and has a number of features all relating to the new MGS game as follows…

* Wearable, water resistant MP3 player with unique camouflage finish
* Exclusive limited edition of WALKMAN® W252 MP3 player
* Unique camouflage finish
* Six pre-installed music tracks from METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER soundtrack
* Special in-carton code unlocks original designed characters
* Iconic past WALKMAN® models appear in METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER(KONAMI) game play as collectible items [Read more…]

Filed Under: MP3 Players

Casio EX-FH100 Reviewed

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Photography Blog has done another lengthy review. The Casio EX FH100 review goes in to eight pages worth of review covering all aspects of the digital camera and what it can and cannot do.

The Casio EX-FH100 has a 10 megapixel sensor, is capable of 10X zoom and has an illuminated sensor to help with darkened shots. One of the more impressive features is it’s ability to capture video at 1000 frames per second providing the ability to capture some amazing slow motion shots.

The review is quite positive although a bit of work on the innards of the camera is said to be needed which includes poor quality images when settings of over ISO 200 are used. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Camera Gadgets

Panasonic CF-31 Rugged Notebook Computer Announced

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The Panasonic CF-31 is a flagship computer produced by Panasonic that falls in to the Rugged Notebook category of laptops.

The CF-31 is a rebuild of a previous model called the CF-30 and brings a number of new features such as improved CPU performance.

Inside the Panasonic CF-31 an Intel Core i5 CPU with vPro and Turbo Boost technology powered the notebook. It comes with standard integrated Intel HD graphics although if desired, you do have the option to upgrade to a Radeon HD 5650.

The screen on the CF-31 rugged notebook measures 13.1 inches and has a rating of 1000 nits brightness along with a low reflection ratio. Nits is a measurement used to capture how bright the screen is over a certain area. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Laptops

Dell Latitude 2110 Netbook Launched

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Dell has announced and launched the new Dell Latitude 2110 that is a netbook aimed at business users.

The new netbook has a 10.1 inch screen running either a 1024 x 600 or 1366 x 768 pixel display depending on the option you choose when purchasing. As well as being able to choose between two screen resolutions when purchasing, you can also opt for a touchscreen. Powering the netbook is a 1.83GHz Intel Atom N470 processor and powering the graphics side of things is a Broadcom Crystal HD Accelerator that can support resolutions of up to 1080p playback.

Memory wise, it has 1GB and for storage there are several options which include a 16GB or 64GB solid state drive (SSD) or a 160GB/250GB hard drive. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Laptops