Acer Liquid Metal gets official in the UK with Android 2.2 and Breeze UI

After seeing quite a few leaks, Acer just made its Liquid Metal handset official. The 3.6-inch slate runs Android 2.2 Froyo atop an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 processor. Inside all that molten metal you'll find 802.11n WiFi, support for 14.4Mbps HSDPA, DLNA/UPnP streaming support, Dolby Surround technology, and an image stabilized 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash capable of recording video at 720p (30fps). Acer's new handset also features a new Breeze UI and SocialJogger app that aggregates Twitter and Facebook feeds. Look for it to land in brown in the UK starting mid November for £299. A silver version should arrive in early December.

netTALK offers free VoIP app for Android, iPhone, and more

NetTALK unveiled its interesting netTALK DUO VoIP device for computer users back in July. The company has now announced a new smartphone application that is available for all major platforms. The app is offered free on the iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile devices.

The app allows the smartphone users to make calls to people in the US and Canada using the phones 3G network or a WiFi connection. The app will also function on slower EDGE networks as well allowing calls without using minutes on your cellular plan. The app will let the user record conversation and contacts can be imported from the smartphone to the app.

Hands on the Nexus Two by Samsung

The Nexus Two is real. It's made by Samsung, and a friend of ours got to play with it. It's not going rock your face like the Nexus One did. But it will record it with a front-facing camera. "When I first saw it from 10 feet away, I thought it was the Galaxy S," says our source, who got to handle one. "I was a little surprised it was the Nexus Two," because it's so different from the Nexus One.
It's black and shiny, built with glossy plastic. Up close, though, it's "got this curve to it." While the screen, which our source thinks is the same 4-inch AMOLED affair from the Galaxy series, is flat, the front is "sort of concave" with hard edges. And the back is curved. The tapering makes it feel thinner than Galaxy S, though it might be about the same thickness. "It feels really similar to the Galaxy S in a lot ways." (Note: Our mockup is very approximate.)

Vulkano gets Android and Blackberry apps for video streaming

Back in July Monsoon Multimedia unveiled the cool Vulkano Pro set top box that can record TV shows and allow place and time shifting for your favorite programs. The company has announced a cool new mobile smartphone app that is available for Android and Blackberry smartphones.

When the app is used with the Vulkano Pro or Deluxe DVRs the content on the DVR can be streamed directly to the smartphone over 3G or WiFi. The user can also watch life TV and can pause/rewind and record programs directly from the phone.

The app has the ability to record programs using the electronic program guide and it allows the viewing or photos and streaming music from the home to the device as well. Video is streamed in H.264 and MPEG-4 formats. The app is free and available to download right now.

WiFi-only Galaxy Tab stops by the FCC for tea

$599 is a bit pricey for a seven-inch tablet, and while you can get $200 off that at some places by signing your life away to a data contract, that really isn't any fun either. Thankfully Samsung appears to have another option with what looks to be the $499, WiFi-only model that showed up in a Best Buy flier earlier this week. That version has now been cleared by the FCC, indeed with only tests for 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless. The absence of 3G looks like it will save you $100 and obviously make the device a little less flexible than its bar-bearing brethren, but whether that modified cost:inconvenience ratio works out in your favor depends largely on the value of your income:restlessness factor.

Equinux unveils mobile TV hotspot for iPhone and iPad

European users of the iPhone and iPad have a new method of getting TV programs on the iPhone or iPad using a new hotspot from equinox. The TV hotspot is the first in Europe and delivers digital TV in DVB-T/DTT/TNT formats directly to the Apple devices using WiFi.
The gadget is called the tizi and it is black with a very small and compact design. The tizi has a preconfigured wireless network and to get TV on the iPhone or iPad the user only needs to select that preconfigured network on their device. The tizi is good for up to three and a half hours per charge and charges via a USB port.

All 89,000 Microsoft staff getting Windows Phone 7 devices

Back in July, when we were still tentatively confident about Windows Phone 7 after our technical preview, rumors surfaced that Microsoft would be encouraging its employees to drink the smartphone kool-aid by giving everyone a free WP7 device.  Now the company has confirmed that’s the case, with Microsoft exec Guy Gilbert telling Network World that all 89,000 staff would indeed be getting an early Christmas present.

iPad orientation lock switch forever gone post-iOS 4.2 says Steve Jobs

Apple has made its minimalist reputation by paring down hardware controls to the bare necessities, and one of the more useful switches has been the screen rotation lock on the side of the iPad.  Originally intended as a mute switch, as on the iPhone, the control changed function ahead of the slate’s launch and became far more useful in the process.  Now, it seems, Apple has decided to reverse engines and, post-iOS 4.2, change the control back to its original purpose with no software workaround.

As with iOS 4.2 on the iPhone 4, screen rotation on the updated iPad is apparently controlled by a software toggle in the multitasking bar.  A 9 to 5 Mac reader emailed Steve Jobs to ask if there would be a user-changeable option to revert it back to its previous function, and was told “nope” by the Apple CEO.

It’s a decision that is already provoking strong reactions from iPad owners, who have already got attached to the little hardware switch and its current abilities.  Here’s hoping Apple concede and at least put an option in the settings pages to swap it back.

Viper unveils SmartStart 2.0 for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry

Back during the summer, I talked a bit about the new Viper SmartStart system that had launched for Android smartphones. The Android app interfaces with the car alarm allowing the user to start the car and get messages from the alarm system right on their phone. The app is offered for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry smartphones.

The latest version of SmartStart dubbed 2.0 has now been unveiled and it brings with it some new features and a new price. The price of the SmartStart 2.0 system is as low as $199 for vehicles that already have compatible Viper car alarm installed.

Along with the lower price also comes a new roadside assistance feature for free. The new roadside assistance feature lets the user get a jumpstart, flat fixed, and help several other issues that might pop up unexpectedly on the side of the road. I would assume you have to pay for the actually service once the assistance arrives on the scene even if calling them is free with the SmartStart app. The VSS3000 Remote Start System sells for $299, the VSS5000 Security with Remote Start System sells for $499.

Via Android Community

Acer Liquid Metal S120 spotted running Android 2.2 on AT&T bands in FCC

Rumors of a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 Liquid Metal handset from Acer have been heating up in recent months. Now the aluminum handset said to be housing an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230-1 processor just cleared the FCC sporting GSM/EDGE 850/1900 and WCDMA Band II and V making it the perfect candidate for an AT&T launch. The listing also confirms Android 2.2 Froyo, GPS, Bluetooth, and 802.11b/g/n WiFi on the tested model S120 DVT2 (that's Design Verification Test 2) prototype. With an October launch set for the UK, well, it won't be long before we see this babe in North America. A bit of documentary evidence after the break.

Droid Pro to launch on Verizon for $299 with contract says leak

We don’t have much in the way of info on this new leaked Android smartphone for Verizon. Apparently, a new device called the Droid Pro by Motorola is coming and a page on the Verizon site for the new smartphone has been leaked ahead of the official unveiling of the smartphone.

The page has scant facts and no images for the device, but it does list the price for the smartphone at $299 with a 2-year contract. That is a lot of money with high-end new devices typically going in the $199 range with a new contract.

The only features listed on the holder page for the device claims Bluetooth, a touch screen, email access, and video recording. All of those are things we expect on smartphones today so nothing earth shattering there. A test page also surfaced on the iPad showing the non contract price of $699 so that $299 price with a contract looks accurate. Ouch.

Samsung Galaxy Beam projector smartphone helped to light up the lives of the Chilean miners

Did you hear the one about the trapped Chilean miners? Turns out they were a little bit under the weather. But, seriously folks, living in a cave for a couple of months is no fun, and thankfully those guys had a crew of support people sending down all sorts of toys. One of those toys, we're now learning, was a Samsung Galaxy Beam Android projector phone, loaded with a "message of encouragement" from Chile's Mining Minister along with a recording of an exhibition soccer match between Chile and Ukraine (which we were previously told was beamed down via fiber optics ). We have to admit feeling the smallest pang of jealousy, as down there is one of the few places where a six lumen pico projector is more than bright enough.

Dubious Image, XML Data Hint at HTC Knight for Sprint

Over at xda-developers there's rumblings of an HTC Knight headed to Sprint. There's even a generic, somewhat doctored-looking pic, which is always perfect fodder for the ol' rumor mill. Updated.
The xda-developers source claims this slider phone boasts a 3.7 inch screen (same as Nexus One), looks like an evo and has the same USB micro port. Here's the telling bit of XML data that kicked this all off:

3. Make sure to activate your device before you operate the handset by setting up the Google account on the device. 4. To view the contacts on the device, select "Contacts" and push "Menu" button, select "Display group > All contacts > OK". 5. Do not slide screen in/out during the operation.

The 3D cellphone lands in India for $97, no glasses required

It's not every day that you hear about an autostereoscopic 3D cellphone launching let alone for less than $100 (Rs. 4,299)... off contract. But that's exactly what Spice Mobility just announced in India. The M-67 3D phone features a 2.36-inch 240x320 pixel display with dedicated 3D shortcut key letting users switch between 2D and 3D viewing modes for the UI, images, and video. Unfortunately, this dual-SIM phone is only equipped with a 2D camera, not one of those 3D jobbies being cooked up by Sharp. We're guessing that at this price the viewing experience doesn't approach the Nintendo 3DS, but it's certainly a harbinger of things to come.

EVO 4G picks up stylish Powermat induction charging (video)

This isn't your father's Powermat. The company who's name is synonymous with induction charging has undergone a makeover of sorts, reducing the bulk of its egregious logo in addition to the custom battery covers it makes for select devices. The $59.99 mat and receiver door (or $39.99 for the receiver only) for the notoriously power hungy EVO 4G is a good example of where Powermat's aftermarket induction charging tech can melt away into the design without affecting the overall aesthetic. In fact, if it wasn't for that logo and charging connector on the case to the right we'd swear that was a stock EVO 4G handset. See it unboxed and put to task in the video after the break.

Sony Ericsson plan 2011 Windows Phone 7 push

Sony Ericsson managed to post a profit this past quarter, largely because of their Android efforts, but the company is also looking to Windows Phone 7 to further feather their nest.  CEO Bert Nordberg confirmed Sony Ericsson’s Microsoft intentions during the company’s financial call, though failed to give any specific details beyond a 2011 expected launch window.  Sales overall were €1.6bn, with net income of €48m ($68.8m).
According to Nordberg, Sony Ericsson believes it currently has around 19-percent of Android segment revenue, and is focusing on smartphones

Atomic Tom Plays Live Show on NYC Subway Using iPhones [Video]

For some bands, having all of your instruments stolen by some unknown individual would mean the end of the road, at least for a little while. But, not for Atomic Tom. The four gentlemen, not put-off by the fact that all of their real instruments had been stolen, decided that they’d take a long ride on the New York City subway, pull out their iPhones, and start an impromptu show.
Each of the band’s members found an application for their instrument, ranging from guitars to bass, to even a keyboard, and then began playing right then and there.

iPhone 4 in White Spotted in New York City, Owner Explains Why You Can’t Have One

When Steve Jobs stood on stage earlier in the year and officially unveiled the new iPhone 4, no one expected that the white variation of the device would become a rarity in the world, with the Cupertino-based company announcing that the white version of the iPhone wouldn’t be shipping with the black model. And still, there are people out there waiting to get their hands on the “other” iPhone 4, but Apple has remained quiet on the status of the release. Thanks to Pocket-Lint, though, it turns out the reason for the hold up of the white iPhone 4 has everything to do with the fact that it’s white.

Salsa Table Seats Four, Includes Integrated iPads

There are some out there that would argue that technology has separated us, as it has made it easier for us to talk through our gadgets than face to face. On the other side of the fence, you could argue that at least we’re still talking, and with devices like Apple’s iPad, collaboration can be potentially made a lot easier, too. So, what if we make people sit right next to one another, and put an iPad in front of them? Will collaboration increase? One designer believes it will, and the test is the Salsa Table.

How to Safely Disinfect and Clean Your Gadgets

First, if you're the only one using your gadgets, you're probably pretty safe from the spread of germs. But as soon as you start handing off your iPhone, iPad, laptop, video game controllers, cameras, and other tech to your ogling friends, germs (and illness) can start spreading quickly.
Use alcohol or disinfectant (sparingly!)...
Most of your oft-touched tech, like your keyboard, mouse, laptop, and headphones, can usually be cleaned safely with simple alcohol or disinfecting spray. You probably don't want to go with pre-soaked wipes, here—instead, get a bottle of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and put it on a soft cloth before wiping down your gear. The less moisture you expose your gear to, the better.

iPhone for Verizon Landing in March 2011, Analyst Predicts

Even if Target and Sam’s Club are getting ready to launch the iPhone in their own stores across the nation, talk about the iPhone launching on Verizon continues. While initial rumors paint the launch of the iDevice for Big Red’s network anywhere in the first half of 2011, it looks like one analyst believes that it’s “on track” for a March, 2011 release date. But, as we’ve heard in the past, it looks like the CDMA iPhone won’t just be for Verizon, but for other international markets as well.

The Best Cooking and Recipe Apps for iPhone

Cooking with your iPhone is a lot tastier when you have the right recipes and culinary techniques. Here's our list of the best apps for turning your iPhone into a pocket sous chef
Cook's Illustrated has become a favorite lately, being a free and extremely rich iOS cookbook filled with useful features in an elegant interface. It's exactly the app
you're looking for if you're an Apple geek and you like to cook. Finding a recipe is pretty straightforward, in that you can search or browse, but once you find what you're looking for you have lots of great features to make the cooking or baking process a lot easier. Like many cooking apps

Siemens MiniTek Beams Music To Hearing Aids Over Bluetooth

If you're hearing impaired and you've already got a wireless hearing aid from Siemens, the company's new matchbook-sized miniTek box will wirelessly beam audio from any Bluetooth device straight to your ear.
In addition to Bluetooth devices, the miniTek can receive audio from gear that uses e2e wireless connections or T-coil systems, and it has a 3.5mm jack for whatever non-wireless equipment you might come across. All in all, you're pretty thoroughly covered.
The miniTek can stream audio for 5 hours or last for a few days as a remote—it has a buttons for controlling volume, answering calls, and so on. If you've already got Siemens hearing devices in yo' ears, it makes perfect sense to put them on double duty. Talk to your hearing specialist for pricing. [Siemens via Wired]

Froyo is go for Samsung Galaxy S

Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone has finally received its official update to Android 2.2 Froyo, with users in Norway, Denmark and Sweden telling BriefMobile that the new I9000 JPM build has shown up in the Samsung Kies software manager.  As well as bringing with it speed increases over the Eclair build of Android that the Galaxy S shipped with, the new ROM has Adobe Flash Player 10.1 support, a GPS fix and a “pinch-to-zoom homescreen flyover”.

Full Angry Birds Game Now Available on Android for Free

It's been a thorn in any Android user's side, but finally the full Angry Birds game is now available on Android phones...only, not in the Android Market. Instead, Rovio chose to release it, for free, on the GetJar store.
Rovio said that it was an "obvious choice" of GetJar over Android's Market, thanks to the "global reach and popularity as well as their unique App It! download service."
Although it's free to the Android user, the guys at Rovio won't be living off baked beans and cup-a-soup you'll be pleased to know, as it's ad-supported. That's not a big problem to you guys, is it? Extra Angry Birds levels in exchange for a few adverts?

Cricket Crosswave hits stores today

About a week ago we talked a bit about the Cricket Wireless Crosswave mobile hotspot device. At the time, the price was expected to be about $109, but now that the thing is actually shipping, the final pricing is more than we expected.
Cricket has announced that as of today the Crosswave is available in all retail stores at an MSRP of $149.99. That is $40 more than we thought the thing would be. If you missed the Crosswave, the first time around the hotspot device will work with all WiFi packing devices including the iPad and iPod touch.

iPad limera1n PwnageTool gets video tease

A video showing iTunes restoring an iPad to pre-jailbreak iOS firmware 3.2.2 has been uploaded by iPhone Dev Team member MuscleNerd, suggesting that the next level in hacking for the Apple slate is fast approaching.  The technique apparently uses Geohot’s limera1n exploit cooked into a new version of the Dev Team’s PwnageTool; the next step, according to the hackers, is taking on the new Apple TV.

HTC HD2 Windows Phone 7 install gets video demo

Cotulla says that the video shows the latest results from the the DFT Team of ROM fondlers, and that there’ll be more information at a later stage.  Of course, we don’t actually see the phone being used, so it’s possible that it’s still missing various drivers.  He also asks people to refrain from asking about release dates, which is going to be hard to do since we’d love to see the HD2 running the much-improved Windows Phone 7.

SlashGear Week in Review – Week 40 2010

Another week come and gone and another Week in Review is here for your perusal. Verizon Wireless has started to refund customers money that it overcharged for wireless access. The charges apparently went on for years and the refunds will cost Verizon about $90 million.
The Sharp IS03 Android smartphone surfaced this week with a 9.6MP camera and a display that is as high resolution as the iPhone 4 screen. That screen is 3.5-inches and the phone has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The really cool Skylifter balloon concept surfaced this week. The massive balloon is designed to carry huge equipment into remote areas that weighs up to 150 tons.

Nokia C7 now shipping

Nokia’s C7 Symbian^3 smartphone has now begun shipping, making it the second device from the company to launch using the newly-updated platform.  Announced back at Nokia World 2010, the Nokia C7 has a 3.5-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, an 8-megapixel camera and a stainless steel and glass chassis that’s 10.5mm thick.

Modu T touchscreen modular phone packs Brew OS; Android Modu W still to come

Modu held their launch event for the Modu T over the weekend, but expectations that it would be the company’s first Android smartphone were disappointed.  Instead, the Modu T runs Qualcomm’s Brew OS – like the HTC Smart – on a QSC6270 processor, with a custom swipe-controlled UI and a 2.2-inch 240 x 320 touchscreen.

HTC HD7 (aka Schubert) pictured in glorious monochrome, headed to T-Mobile for $200?

We've seen O2 Germany's HTC Schubert and a Chinese HD3, but here's a giant Windows Phone 7 device with "T-Mobile" clearly painted on the upper right-hand corner of the screen. TmoNews got these alleged images of the HTC HD7 from their usual anonymous source along with a partial spec sheet, which actually claims slightly different dimensions for the phone and double the amount of flash memory (16GB in all) than we heard before. Different strokes for different folks, or is one of these two rumors totally off? You'll probably want to keep both possibilities in mind before considering this last tidbit from the very same source: the phone will reportedly cost $199

Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 launch event is Monday at 9:30AM ET, and we'll be there live!

As you may have heard, Microsoft is having a major event Monday in NYC to announce details surrounding Windows Phone 7 launch dates and devices... and Engadget is going to be there delivering the best live coverage in the universe. In case you don't already know, Steve Ballmer and AT&T's Ralph de la Vega will be on stage to delight your senses, and there will likely be lots of new hardware we'll be getting our hands on.

Modu reveals the T, a tiny modular Brewphone, keeps us waiting for the Android-based W

Modu Mobile finally came clean about the T-phone today, but we're afraid it's bittersweet news -- it's not the lilliputan Android device we've been lusting after for months (that's coming "in the near future") but rather a Brew-based tri-band phone with a 2.2-inch QVGA touchscreen on the relatively old QSC6270 chipset. Thankfully, it does have a host of modular accessories that up its geek quotient radically. You can "camerafy" your Modu by sliding it into a 5 megapixel shell, "sportfy" it with an exercise armband sleeve, "boostify" by slotting it into a combo speaker dock / base station, or even "textify" by adding a vertical QWERTY

HTC Mozart and mystery LG Windows Phone 7 device appear in Telstra storefront, coming '21-10-10'

Well hello there giant Windows Phone 7 handsets. This interactive sidewalk display was just unveiled at the Telstra store in Melbourne Australia. On the left we've got what looks to be the HTC Mozart already rumored for Telstra. The device on the right, though, is a previously unseen LG Windows Phone 7 device. Best of all is the "coming 21-10-10" text in the fine print that matches up nicely with the rumored European launch date. Don't worry, in a few hours we'll have all the details nice and official like.

Samsung Omnia 7 brings 4-inch Super AMOLED screen to Windows Phone 7... a little early

Boy, there's hardly been enough time to catch our breath and analyze the first unintentionally official Windows Phone 7 handset in the form of LG's Optimus 7, yet Samsung is already joining the fray with its own Omnia 7. Currently populating its very own landing page on Samsung's Russian site, the Omnia 7 is a 4-inch Super AMOLED beastie with a rather aged 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8250 at its core, 8GB of storage, and a 5 megapixel cam that can do 720p video. Hit up the source link before somebody over in Moscow wakes up and realizes that Windows Phone 7 isn't meant to be launching for another few hours. 

BlackBerry Storm 2 Refresh May Have Been Canceled

If you were waiting for the BlackBerry Storm 2 refresh—which was supposed to fix the wrongs in that ball of SureCrap that is the Storm 2—you may be out of luck. It looks like RIM is canceling it.
According to a BBleaks' source, RIM has killed their 3.7-inch display refresh.
Thank you for your hard work and diligence in preparing your application to support the upcoming hardware refresh of the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone (model number 9570, codename R027). Regrettably, RIM has decided not to pursue this device further and has ended the program.

Sony Ericsson's LiveView Android device plays nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date

We're still trying to decide if a postage stamp-sized secondary display for your Android smartphone that you can wear as a wristwatch is a piece of genius or just a misguided widget that became a real gadget when it got kissed by a fairy in a dream. It's looking like we'll get to find out soon, as Sony Ericsson's little LiveView remote/watch has just hurdled over the FCC's measuring device and, according to Le Journal du Geek, will be shipping in November with a price of 59 euros. That's right around $80, which could either be an awful lot or only slightly dear depending on how useful it turns out to be.

Yahoo messenger coming to iPhone and Android with cross-platform 3G video calls

You'll be seeing a lot more of the good ol' Yahoo smiley on front-facing cameraphones soon -- the web portal's VP of Mobile David Katz says that a new Yahoo! Messenger with cross-platform video chat is headed to Android and iPhone. Originally confirmed for the new T-Mobile myTouch, it's presently been submitted to the iTunes App Store for review. It'll reportedly work over both 3G and WiFi connections and freely conduct video calls with any other device running Yahoo! Messenger, including webcam-equipped PCs. Look out Qik, Fring and Tango -- there's a new sheriff in town.

Meizu M8 ceases production amid pressure from Apple and intellectual property office

Well, can't say we didn't see this coming; we're just surprised that it's taken this long for Meizu to take a hit over its notorious handset. In case you have no idea what we're talking about, earlier this month said Chinese company's been in heated talks with Apple due to the M8 smartphone bearing an "appearance roughly similar" to the iPhone. Seriously, that's the only reason Apple provided for the accusation, if CEO Jack Wong is to be trusted (and hey, he did kinda ask for it). Anyhow, the latest development is that Meizu's bowing to pressure from both the provincial intellectual property office and Cupertino, and announced that it's shutting down production lines for its flagship M8 this month. This is no doubt a big blow to the company, but it might get even nastier -- here's what Jack said in one of his many frustrated forum postings:

Samsung Galaxy Tab stars in leaked slide, T-Mobile version to cost $399?

If what we're looking at is really and truly a legitimate T-Mobile slide, then we've got practically the last part of the Galaxy Tab puzzle -- that ever-elusive price point -- as it states the slate will charm your wallet out of $399. That'd be a bit of a disappointment if true, as that's the most we were told to expect and twice the Galaxy S's price despite lacking telephone functionality. Still, it's the first legitimately impressive Android tablet, and being on the bleeding edge isn't cheap. We just wonder if Sammy can truly sell ten million on two-year contracts -- or worse, going head to head at an unsubsidized $649 with the iPad 3G. Say it ain't so, Sammy.

Limera1n iOS 4.1 Jailbreak Tool Released

The just released limera1n promises to jailbreak iOS 4.0-4.1 on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPod Touch 4G, and iPod Touch 3G. It's Windows only for now, with Mac & Linux support coming soon.
Jailbreak at your own risk! Limera1n is a different jailbreak tool than the GreenPois0n jailbreak tool we were expecting to release tomorrow. [limera1n]

Wireless body area network allows your body to send status updates to your cellphone

Dutch researchers recently demonstrated a new type of wireless body area network, or BAN for short. A BAN essentially gives the human body its own IP address, and the new techniques demonstrated at IMEC based in Eindhoven incorporate a dongle that plugs into the SD card slot of a cellphone, enabling the streaming of data from the sensors to the cellphone in real time. The demonstrated software, which runs Android OS and uses the nRF24L01+ radio wireless standard rather than Bluetooth. So what does this mean for the future of medicine? Well, with just a few EKG-like sensors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems, or athletes in training, will be able to monitor their own body on their cellphones. The technology is still in the demo phase, but it's one we look forward to seeing in practice. Video is below.

T-Mobile no longer accepting G2 pre-orders due to 'overwhelming demand'

Already got your pre-order in for the T-Mobile G2? Then you should count yourself lucky, as the carrier has updated its website for the phone with the short and sweet notice that "due to overwhelming demand, we're no longer accepting pre-orders for the T-Mobile G2." It does note, however, that you'll still be able to buy the phone online starting tomorrow (though there's no guarantee when it'll ship) or, of course, at your local T-Mobile store. Then again, you could also try your luck at a few stores today, considering that official October 6th launch date isn't exactly set in stone.

Motorola Droid Pro, first hands-on! (update: video!)

Motorola's BlackBerry? The freshly-announced Moto Droid Pro's keyboard feels like it, to be sure, and after trying it out, we believed the Motorola rep who told us they tested comparable speeds of 37WPM in several focus groups. But that's definitely Android under the hood, paired with a nice, responsive capacitive touchscreen and a 1GHz processor that sped through the UI. Check it out in our gallery below while we go find out more!
Update: We just had a nice long chat with a Motorola representative, and found out what's under the Droid Pro's hood -- it's a 1GHz OMAP 3620,

LG E900 (aka Optimus 7) finds its official press pictures unofficially leaked

We love a nice pre-release leak as much as the next tech blog, but come on, aren't you starting to feel sorry for these Windows Phone 7 guys? By the time Steve Ballmer takes the New York stage on Monday, we'll be more familiar with the stuff he'll be showing off than the big Microsoft boss himself. Today, LG's Optimus 7 handset has suffered the only indignity left, after being videoed, pictured, and handled many a time -- it's had its official press shots unleashed unto the world. It'd be hard for them to tell us anything we don't already know, but at least they're nice and neat. More at the source link.



Samsung i8700 put through 13-minute video exposé

You know how those Korean electronics makers are. One does something -- such as a Windows Phone 7 leak -- and the other has to go and try to match or better the feat. Samsung has today easily outdone LG, whose Optimus 7 only revealed some press pics, with a thorough video exposition of its i8700 WP7 handset. We're hearing references to this phone being called the Omnia 7, which makes sense, but is at present not something we've been able to verify. So what might you enjoy in this video treat? It's mostly a jog through now familiar territory, though we do get to witness the phone taking a picture --

Nokia N8 going on general sale October 22, available online October 15

Been waiting for the N8 but weren't sure enough about buying it to get into the pre-order queue? Well, Nokia must have found your lack of faith disturbing as it's now stiffing those who didn't pre-order its all-new handset with another couple of weeks of waiting. Those without Nokia logos tattooed on their lower backs will finally be able to purchase the N8 on October 15 -- but only via Nokia's own web store -- before a general release hits the UK and presumably most of the rest of Europe on October 22 (slightly later than the promised October 1 landing date). The distribution is indeed wide, however,

HTC grows profits in Q3 to $360 million, revenues rise to $2.45b

It's good to see that HTC's omnipresence in the smartphone market is paying off in nicely growing financial figures as well. Having reported $268 million in profit for Q2, the Taiwanese company is today touting a $360 million tally for the period between July and September 2010. Android is again fingered as the chief catalyst for this growth, which is best illustrated by comparing numbers to last year, when HTC managed to pull in $184 million during Q3, or almost exactly half of this year's haul. Total revenues were also appropriately inflated, up to $2.45 billion, and analysts seem in agreement that HTC's future is looking rosy. So long as the G2 hiccups remain an isolated incident, that should indeed be the case.