The HTC One X and the EVO 4G LTE are two flagship super phones for the U.S. and they are now delayed indefinitely by U.S. customs for investigation of Apple patent infringement . Apple had won an exclusion order last December on the imports of HTC Android devices at the International Trade Commission.  The issues have to do with the way the messaging app and browser convert phone numbers and e-mail address into clickable links for actions within the phone.  The exclusion was delayed until April 19th to allow HTC to find a way around the patents but the order was broad enough that it could hold any HTC device that falls under ‘”personal data and mobile communications devices.” HTC has stated the follow below about this issue:

This is a pretty big blow as currently the HTC One X for AT&T is out of stock with no signs of when new shipments will come in and the EVO 4G LTE was due to start selling this Friday. There isn’t a time table yet on when this will be resolved and both the One X and EVO 4G LTE will be available again but HTC has posted the following statement on the matter below:

The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC Evo 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible.

Lets hope that this gets resolved quickly and the consumers who have been looking forward to these super phones can get what they want.  We’ll add more news as we get it but for now share your thoughts below about this and do you think that this happen to other Android phones when they are ready to launch in the US like the Samsung Galaxy S III?

Via The Verge

Via DROIDDOG

Windows Phone’s shortcomings give it the ultimate opportunity to propel itself in the race for top smartphone manufacturer. Windows Phone 7.5, better known as Mango, came to fruition mid way of last year and it became a welcome addition to the platform. It added great functionality in the social and multi tasking department; as well as enhancing the live tile aspect of the platform. Microsoft seemed to be on the path of steady and significant upgrades that every consumer wants. Windows Phone can win, if Microsoft steps it up.

The Reality

Microsoft began their refresh for a place in the mobile space to late.  iOS and Android already had their feet set in stone when it came to market share. The bad distaste consumers had from Windows Mobile also didn’t benefit the cause. Windows Phone is vastly different than anything else on the market, but as the past as shown being different isn’t enough in this mobile ecosystem. Upgradable differentiation is the key to constant progression with your product.

The Software

Metro UI is a fluid and elegant piece of work. It takes Apples form of simplicity with a pane of applications and gives it a taste of 21st century eye candy. From the outside looking in, it gives a valiant effort for the most part. Consumers want to get intimate with the operating system, but it’s seemingly boring interface isn’t enough to convert them. Only everyday Windows Phone users know how the user experience drastically differentiates itself from the crowd. It never slows down or push itself more than it needs to. Its a very nicely knit package that performs more like a piece software that’s been around longer than just 2 years.

The Apps

Apps, apps, and more apps. Applications have become the holy grail or the crucifix for present day mobile operating systems. They extended the functionality of the software as well deeply integrating a consumer with its fellow man. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Apple gave birth to it, Google copied it, and Microsoft is trying to redefine it. The app hysteria around Windows Phone is somewhat unwarranted. Quantity should never overtake quality and in Microsoft’s case, they have a pretty good mix of both. Windows Phone already has the core apps baked into their software so there’s no worries in that department. WP email client is only second to Blackberry’s iteration and the strict hardware guidelines make every experience the same as the next device. The majority of the tech world finds these guidelines as a limiting attribute that ultimately hurts WP expansion, but quality user experience breaks the status quo of beefy specs anyday. Apple is the ultimate showcase of that idea mastered to perfection.

The Hardware

Microsoft mandates that all their WP devices have a hardware requirement to ensure the best user experience for all consumers. In theory, this is genius. It destroys the negative aspects that open source platform brings to the table and supplements it with efficiency. The only problem with Microsoft’s initiative is that all their hardware requirements are last generations tech. It’s a shame that hardware like a snapdragon processor, 512mb of ram, and 800×480 screen resolution have become considered ancient in the tech world. It’s goes to show you the speed of innovation in the mobile industry. It’s truly something to marvel at. Even tho WP doesn’t need the advances in technology such as a quad-core processors or 1gb of ram yet, it does however have to future proof its prized software. Firmware updates have become the make or break feature of present operating systems. It gives the consumer a new lease on the user experience. It puts them at a comfort level knowing that their device won’t be obsolete in a matter of months. Again, Apple has done an amazing job in this regard. Apple has mastered the craft of making its consumers blissful with every device. Microsoft should keep strict hardware for its next version of WP. It just needs to make sure that the hardware is compatible with future versions of itself.

Summary

Windows Phone has been the talk of the town in the tech world the past few weeks. The majority of it is coming from two very distinct viewpoints. One being that Microsoft needs to give current WP users the Apollo update. This update is supposedly going to be an epic change in nature. Multiple different sources have said the update will and will not becoming to current Mango devices. Not to add to the fray, the only thing i will say is that NOT giving current WP users the update is beyond idiotic. I rest my case. The second surprisingly is the Nokia Lumia 900. The consensus is that hardware wise, it’s in a class of its own, and on the other hand, it’s just another WP device. The funny thing is that the negative aspect of various reviews still say that it being another WP device isn’t necessarily a bad thing, only that other current generation operating systems like IOS and Android are more advanced. The critics are right in more ways than one. But Microsoft and current WP users should take one thing away from all this sudden Windows Phone hysteria. Windows Phone has POTENTIAL! Tremendous and warranted potential. Microsoft has to supplement its own shortcoming with progression in the mobile space. A 2 year old operating system causing this much discussion can only mean that people WANT a Windows Phone. They just can’t in it’s current state. I can’t help but feel the Metro UI is a reincarnation of WebOS trying to resurrect itself lol. Maybe it’s the tech geek inside of me, or maybe it just has THAT much potential. Only time will tell, but in the mean time, STEP IT UP MICROSOFT!

The world we live in today is highly dependent on consumer electronics and high-tech devices. These devices are literally built-in our everyday lives so much that even a day without them seems like a disaster. People pay bills online or make business decisions by using cell phones or computers. Millions of computers and cell phones are shipped to customers every year.

In 2011 alone global shipments of PCs reached 364 million. The data also shows that 4 billion people own a cell phone today. That’s 60% of the entire population on the planet. So, the question is, if millions of new gadgets hit the market every year, where do the old ones end up? The answer is that there is a whole industry out there dedicated just to recycling consumer electronics. Recycling is a big business today.

Consumer electronics can be recycled in many ways. One way is to sell or give away your gadget to the original manufacturer who recycles the gadgets within its recycling program or to contact a third-party recycling company. Apple is the best example of the first case. Through its environmental policy Apple runs a recycling program that customers can use to recycle their old iPads, iPhones as well as the entire Apple’s product range. The third generation of iPad, the iPad 3 was released just a few days ago and that’s fine for all new customers. But what about those customers who already own iPad 2 and now want to switch to iPad 3? What are their options? Well, the good news is that options are limited only by their imagination. So here are the 10 Ways to recycle your obsolete iPad 2.

1.) Sign up your old iPad 2 to Apple’s ‘reuse and recycling program’ and receive Apple Gift Card, which can then be used to buy new products.

2.) Recycle it trough bestbuy.com. This company is an authorized Apple reseller and will also offer you gift cards in exchange for your old iPad.

3.) Ebay offers ‘instant sale’ option trough their ‘Ebay Green Team’ program that lets you get an offer from eBay itself on many used electronics.

4.) Craigslist. A great option if you want to sell your iPad 2 locally and avoid the hassle of dealing with companies

5). Earth 911. This would be a good choice if your iPad 2 is damaged and now working anymore. Earth 911 will make sure that it gets recycled in a responsible way that does not generate any harmful e-waste.

6). There are a number of websites like buybackworld.com, which can be used to sell your iPad 2 or trade it for some other gadget of choice.

7). You can always donate your old iPad 2 to the local charity organization or to your neighbor who can’t afford.

8.) Oneipadsforsoldiers.org. This is a great way to support your country and to enable our soldiers to stay in touch with their loved ones. This charitable fund collects donations for US soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

9.) You can go to Gazelle.com, the leading electronics recycling in America and see how much you can fetch for your iPad 2.

10.) When iPad 2 was revealed, customers could easily get $240 for the 16 GB iPad 1You could also keep your iPad 2 because it’s a great gadget and is not THAT old.

Before you decide what option among these the 10 Ways to recycle your obsolete iPad 2 is the best, you should be aware that someone made an effort to build and design your iPad 2 (Apple Inc.) and that someone appreciated that effort and payed for it (You). This means that your iPad 2 certainly still packs a significant value.

About the author: Claudia is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on luxury and technology. She was recently busy in a photoshoot. These days she is busy in writing an article on free android apps.

Today Apple finally let loose the new iPad and its coming up big from the iPad 2. Available on March 16th the new iPad sports a Retina display at 2048 x 1536 with 3.1 million pixels and 265 PPI (Pixels Per inch) for 40% more color saturation. The processor is update to an A5X quad-core processor and Apple says is “four times the performance” of the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor. The camera is updated  to 5 megapixel with improved camera optics and supports 1080p HD video capture.  There isn’t any Siri but Voice Dictation is added and supports several languages. And to top things off we now have 4G LTE data speeds supported by both Verizon and AT&T up to 73 Mbps. For markets without LTE there is 21 Mbps HSPA+ and DC-HSPDA at 42 Mbps.  All this pack into a 9.4 mm thin frame and weighing in at 1.4 lbs. and includes the same great 10 hours of battery life and 9 hours of 4G. Pricing is the same as earlier models and goes as follows

Wi-Fi Only

• 16 GB $499
• 32 GB $599
• 64 GB 699

Wi-Fi + 4G

• 16 GB $629
• 32 GB $729
• 64 GB $829

Good iPad update here from Apple. The quad-core processor should allow some amazing games and apps to be build and that Retina display will be gorgeous to view content on. The improved camera was just simply needed and caught up to the competition. However some of my  disappointed in the pricing which may still be out of reach of many people stating at $499 for just the 16 GB Wi-Fi model and going really experience if you want 4G at $629 and that’s not including the data package you will need as well.  Will you be getting the new iPad when its available starting March 16? Let us know below.

Verizon iPad

Today Apple just announced their new update to Apple TV. The latest release in Apple’s streaming media player now supports 1080p content and has a new full HD 1080p “streamlined user interface.” Not much else is new and most of use were expected a new full-blown TV from Apple. You can score this new Apple TV next week for $99.

Just days before the big launch of the iPad 3 its prototype parts show up on video. M.I.C Gadget has published a video that shows the body case of the iPad 3. If you don’t look close you’ll think it’s a iPad 2 with the same dock connector, 9.7 inch glass frame for the screen and 3G-ready aluminum body but there are some big changes. First the iPad 3 is thicker than the iPad 2 which is probably due to the rumors of a quad-core processor, retina display and most likely a larger battery for the rumored 4G LTE connection. There is also a larger camera lens which suggest that Apple’s tablet will finally get a decent camera on it. I would think it would be at least 5 megapixel and will record HD video to match and/or beat some of their competitors.

We will have to wait and see on Wednesday what the final look of the Apple’s newest tablet will look like. Enjoy the video below and remember that you can get our live blog coverage of the event right here by bookmarking the link below.

Apple iPad 3 Live Blog Event

Via: Engadget

Source, Video, Image: M.I.C Gadget

So Apple has finally set a date for their launch even of the highly anticipated iPad 3. The rumors for the new iPad 3 is a high-resolution Retina display, quad-core processor, improved cameras and different back cover. There is also rumors that the iPad 2 will still be produced but sold at a lower price to compete better with other low-cost tablet such as the Kindle Fire.

We will be live blogging the event start at 1 PM EST which is 10 AM PST. So bookmark this page!

In the video battler we put the Kindle Fire into battle with the iPod Touch. Now at first when you look at both of these devices you wouldn’t think there is any real way to compare them since they are designed different and meant for two totally different markets. But at the their respective price points of $200 its cause many to compare them to see which is best for them money. The iPod Touch is well-known and proven and the Kindle Fire is the new guy in the market looking make waves.

The Kindle Fire is aimed at being a more consumer friendly media consumption tablet. There isn’t much you can do for content creation. Its goal is to make it easy and simple to read books, play games, watch moves and TV shows and buy them from the Amazon store along with other products. It comes with a 7 inch screen to make sure you can experience this content well in a portable but not pocketable device.  Its using Android with a heavily customized user experience on top of it which is design for anyone to pick up and use.

The iPod Touch is for the MP3 Player and PMP (Portable Media Player) market. It’s all about taking your content on the go from music, movies, TV shows and games.  This portable and pocketable device gives you the ability to enjoy your content anywhere. Similar to the Kindle fire is all about consuming content and not so much creating and the screen can become small when trying to read books, watch movies and TV shows.

As you can see the both come with similar functions in a different hardware body for the same price. In our video you will see us comparing these similarities and breaking down the differences between both of them to give you all the information you need to make the best decision on which one to get.

J5Create has made the task of communication between a Windows-based PC and a Mac computer simple and easy all through one cable. The Wormhole cable allows you to transfer files and control a PC and a Mac computer at the same time.  You can use one mouse and keyboard to control both machines and the only limits to the file size you can transfer is the hard drive space on the system you are transferring to.

Press Release:

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j5create Opens Ports and Portals with its Sleek New Wormhole,

Newport and Display Adapter Products

 

Global Company Introduces Six New Data and Device Sharing Peripherals
to the North American Market

ATLANTA – Aug. 1, 2011 – j5create, a manufacturer of specialty computer products, enters the North American market today with the availability of six new products. The line combines functionality with aesthetics and is designed to help users easily transfer files, share peripherals and utilize additional monitors.

“We are creating practical peripherals for the growing segment of consumers using multiple computers, which is made up largely of families and businesspeople,” said Fred Schweer, director of North American sales, j5create. “We develop our products specifically with the style-conscience consumer in mind, and aim to give them easy-to-use, affordable solutions for managing data and increasing productivity.”

j5create’s new product lineup includes:

• Wormhole Switch: The Wormhole Switch allows for the sharing of mice and keyboards, including copy and paste capabilities, across two computers. It also features seamless drag-and-drop file transfer via a simple plug-and-play USB to USB cable. The Wormhole Switch retails for a MSRP of $29.99.
• Newport Station: The Newport laptop docking station acts as a sleek extension for laptops. Connecting to a laptop via a single USB port, the Newport station accepts Ethernet cables, audio connections, VGA monitors and acts as a USB hub with three additional USB ports. The Newport station retails for a MSRP of $129.00 and is built with a sleek, durable form factor that easily travels.
• Wormhole Station: The Wormhole Station is built with a similar design as the Newport, but includes USB 3.0 support and flash memory card readers. Using j5create’s wormhole technology, the device allows for sharing keyboards and mice simultaneously across two computers and also features drag-and-drop file transfer. The Wormhole Station retails for a MSRP of $129.00.
• USB Display Adapters: j5create offers three USB display adaptors for the most popular formats: VGA, DVI and HDMI. The adaptors allow users to connect up to six monitors to a laptop or desktop via USB and retail for $59.00, $69.00 and $99.00, respectively.

- more -

The Newport Station and USB Display Adapters are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems and the Wormhole products are compatible with Windows operating systems, with Mac support coming soon. The Wormhole products allow users to share a keyboard or mouse across two devices, creating unparalleled access. The exclusive technology also allows for easy file transfer and enables the consumer to avoid the use of intermediaries such as flash drives or external hard drives when transporting data. With sustained transfers of up to 5Gbps on the Wormhole Station and up to 480Mbps on the Wormhole Switch, transferring data is fast and seamless.

j5create’s products are available at Fry’s Electronics and online retailers, including: Buy.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, among others.

For more information about j5create’s products, please visit http://www.j5create.com

About j5create

j5create, a subsidiary of KaiJet Technologies, is a global technology company that delivers innovative products to consumers and businesses. j5create makes high-performance, dependable and easy-to-use USB, multimedia and wireless accessories to connect people with their content and devices. The company’s North American headquarters are in Atlanta with an additional office in Irvine, Calif.

More information is available at http://www.j5create.com.

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The iPhone 4s is the latest devices in the iPhone series. It’s not the iPhone 5 that people were expecting as Apple is following the same path that they did with the iPhone 3G to 3GS with this being a minor upgrade from the iPhone 4. The question is that is there enough of an upgrade here for you to consider the iPhone 4S?

Hardware & Design

Externally there isn’t much change here from the iPhone 4. The screen is still a 3.5 inch retina display with a 960 x 640 resolution and remains one of the sharpest and vibrant displays to look at from all angles. Above the screen is the same VGA front facing camera and below is your only button on the front the home button. The sides are still made of metal and contain your volume buttons, power button, lock switch, 3.5 mm headphone jack and sim card slot. One of the major changes is on the back with the camera upgraded to 8 megapixel with LED flash and can record HD video at 1080p. It’s a welcomed improvement  and image quality is good. There is HDR support and image stabilization but there is no way to turn on or off the stabilization feature it’s just on by default when the camera needs it.  You can check out the same video and pictures at the bottom of this review.

There are also new internal changes with the Apple A5 dual-core processor which is the same one from the iPad 2. The 4S includes both GSM and CDMA radios so one device will work on both network making it a world phone however CDMA will only work if you activate the phone with a CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint. Also with the GSM radio it support HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps for high-speed downloads on AT&T.  It’s the same solid design with some cool hardware improvements inside.
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Software & Usability

The 4S come shipped with iOS 5 the latest version of the mobile operating system. iOS 5 comes with a number of improvements and upgrades. In this review we will focus on some of the major ones.  Siri is one of the major additions which recognizes natural language voice commands to act as a personal assistant.  You can as Siri a basic question and it will answer you back directly , search a database to pull up the answer or Google search your question and open up the web browser. The software also can take commands such as reminders, alarms, calendar appointments, send text messages and e-mails. For the most part these features work but you’ll still want to speak as clearly as possible to get the best results.

The notification center is also a new feature which let’s be honest here it’s inspired by android but regardless of that it’s a welcomed improvement over the original notification which were plain terrible. Swiping at the top of the screen will bring the drop down with your notifications. At the top is a weather widget and below each notification is set by groups based on the app such as mail, text, stock quotes, Facebook and tweets (With the new twitter integration into the OS). You can check each individually or close out an entire notification group.  These notifications can also be viewed on the lock screen and be directly accessed from the locks screen when you unlock the phone.

iOS 5 takes advantage of Apple’s new iCloud services for iTunes music, e-mail, contacts, calendar, reminders, bookmarks, notes, photo stream, documents & data, Find My iPhone and full backups of your iPhone. Each Apple ID gets 5 GB of free storage.

The OS runs and operates as smooth as the earlier versions have before. Battery life for me at the time of this review was fine and with heavy usage I was able to get through the date on a single charge. Moderate to light users should be able to stretch that out to about 1.5 days. I do know there are some reports out there of poor battery life which could be true from some users but I didn’t experience this in my review. Call quality is also solid with clear audio on both sides of the call.

Overall

Yes the 4s is a solid improvement over the previous iPhone and is the best available. If you’re currently using a iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS user its time for you to upgrade and this is the upgrade for you. if you are using an iPhone 4 there is no real reason for you to upgrade. You can get iOS 5 and the upgraded camera is only worth it if you seriously take a lot of photos with the iPhone and want a better camera.  Apple has certainly caught up to the competition here with the 4s but they have left room open for competitors to raise the bar higher.