What's new on SlashGear.com

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• Apple MacBook Pro 2011 GPU-Related Glitch Fixed With Mac OS X 10.6.7
• Intel Executive Anand Chandrasekher Resigns
• Kyocera Android Developer Program Launches To Support Echo
• Samsung Droid Stealth 4G LTE Launch Leaked For April 7th
• My Two Concerns for Android
• Microsoft Sues Barnes & Noble Over Android Device Patent Infringement
• Sprint Nexus S 4G Found in the Wild by Android Community
• Apple, RIM, Motorola, Among Seven Sued For Patent Infringement
• eVolo 2011 Skyscraper Competition
• T-Mobile customers will have to replace their Phones after AT&T merger
• Why Is Redbox Helping Someone Steal My Identity?
• SlashGear at CTIA Wireless 2011
• SG Comics Presents: AT&T and T-Mobile
• ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official release date
• Novatel MiFi 2372 turns media server with DLNA support
• ZTE snubs Windows Phone
• iPad 2 international release on track despite US scarcity insists Apple
• Xbox 360 replacement in 2015 hints IEB designer
• Chrome gets Flash Player exploit fix ahead of rivals
• AT&T LG Thrill 4G (aka Optimus 3D) and HTC HD7S with Super LCD announced
• Google fined $142k for French Street View data collection
• iOS 4.3.1 imminent with iPad 2 Jailbreak block?
• AT&T: We’d use T-Mo AWS spectrum for LTE plus double some 3G coverage
• BookBook iPad case supports iPad 2
• Sprint adding Google Voice Integration to all devices [Video]
• Energizer adds new Qi-enabled single-zone inductive chargers
• Google Nexus S 4G hits Sprint this spring
• Ben Heck combines Xbox 360 and 70′s Atari
• Eee Pad Transformer landing this week in Taiwan
• Cheap Ouku Tab Android 2.1 tablet lands

Apple MacBook Pro 2011 GPU-Related Glitch Fixed With Mac OS X 10.6.7 Posted: 21 Mar 2011 03:01 PM PDT Display issues have plagued the early 2011 MacBook Pros since they launched at the beginning of this month. Users have complained about display flickering to system freezes due to possibly a GPU-related problem. Apple’s release today of Mac OS X 10.6.7 aims to resolve these issues including a few other fixes. The update note reads: The Mac OS X 10.6.7 Update for MacBook Pro is recommended for all early 2011 MacBook Pro models. It includes general operating system fixes for Mac OS X Snow Leopard that enhance the stability, compatibility, performance, and security of your Mac, including fixes that: • Improve the reliability of Back to My Mac • Resolve an issue when transferring files to certain SMB servers • Address various minor Mac App Store bugs • Address minor FaceTime performance issues • Improve graphics stability and external display compatibility An Apple Discussion thread that began March 1 revealed that many users experienced their MacBook Pros freezing during GPU-intensive apps. One user was able to pinpoint the problem down to the discrete AMD Radeon GPUs. Freezing seemed to occur when CPU intensive apps coincided with running apps that caused Mac OS X to automatically switch graphics processing from Sandy Bridge’s integrated Intel graphics to the discrete GPU. The user was reportedly able to reproduce this problem on every floor model MacBook Pro at his local Apple Store. Apple flagged the issue as a priority in its internal support database but believes that the problem lies in firmware not the GPU. This Mac OS X 10.6.7 update is believed to fix the problem. If you were experiencing these issues on your early 2011 MacBook Pro, has the update fixed it for you? [via ArsTechnica] Relevant Entries on SlashGear MacBook Air display woes addressed with OS X 10.6.5 MacBook Air screen glitch fix released Verizon 3G browsing outage fixed; “technical glitch” blamed Apple releases firmware updates for all late 2008 MacBook models New Macbook Size on the Way?

Intel Executive Anand Chandrasekher Resigns Posted: 21 Mar 2011 02:08 PM PDT Anand Chandrasekher, the senior vice president and general manager of the Ultra Mobility Group (UMG), was the driving force behind the Atom and Centrino Atom low power CPU’s. He will be replaced by VP’s Mike Bell and Dave Whalen, who will be co-leading the group in Chandrasekher’s absence. Intel’s site says about the UMG,”This group is responsible for low power Intel® Architecture products, ultra-mobile PC’s, mobile internet devices, smart mobile and hand-held market segments.” Intel’s announcement noted that Chandrasekher would be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities after a long run at the company. He’s been with Intel since 1988. With Nokia dropping the MeeGo project, this news indicates more volatility going on within Intel. They just picked up Silicon Hive in an attempt to secure some technology for mobile chipsets. Because Intel’s flagship mobile chip, the Atom just doesn’t cut it in comparison to the ARM based designs (I always liked RISC more in principle anyway) and nVidia’s Tegra 2. It’s not like Intel’s about to drop out of the race, they’ve just obviously had to steer the company in a somewhat different direction than they were headed before the chip market started shifting to mobility as number one. [via Intel Pressroom] Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice president and general manager of Ultra Mobility Group (UMG), announced today that he will be leaving Intel to pursue other interests. Effective immediately, Mike Bell vice president of IAG and Dave Whalen vice president of IAG, will co-manage UMG. "Intel remains committed to this business," said David Perlmutter, executive vice president and Intel Architecture Group general manager. "We continue to make the investments needed to ensure that the best user experience on smartphones and handhelds runs on Intel Architecture, and to ship a phone this year. "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Anand for numerous contributions to Intel over his 24-year career here, and wish him well in his future endeavors." Relevant Entries on SlashGear Intel Atomizes Silverthorne Intel “important announcement” to be Nokia MID? Intel Medfield smartphone prototype gets brief preview CES 2007 Cherry Picks: DocuPen RC800 Executive Kit Intel Atom Z550 2GHz & Z515 launched; Moorestown gets first demo

Kyocera Android Developer Program Launches To Support Echo Posted: 21 Mar 2011 02:00 PM PDT Since Sprint and Kyocera jointly announced the Echo Android-based device last month, we’ve had a hands-on look at it, and confirmed its arrival for April 17th at a price of $199. The Echo is the first smartphone to feature dual touchscreen displays in an attempt to be a tablet-smartphone hybrid. Kyocera today launched an Android developer program to entice developers to optimize apps for this unique display layout. "Kyocera Echo's unique design gives third-party developers a new opportunity to enhance and showcase the full functionality of their applications, without being restricted by screen space," said Yasuhiro Ohishi, vice president of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "Echo supports virtually all applications available from Android Market, yet we're excited to see so many developers embracing the new format and optimizing existing and new applications for the dual displays." Kyocera hopes that developers will create and/or optimize applications and features spanning across multiple popular categories including gaming, social networking, location-based services, mobile entertainment and productivity. The company is already working with some of the industry’s most popular game developers including Electronic Arts for the Sims 3, Gameloft, and NAMCO Bandai to take advantage of their unique dual-screen real layout. [via Business Wire] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Sprint Kyocera Echo To Arrive April 17 For $199 Apple Mac Developer Program launches: $99 per year Sprint dual-touchscreen Kyocera Echo unveiled today? Sprint’s CTIA Special Event Invitation Received Sprint Kyocera Echo Hands-on

Samsung Droid Stealth 4G LTE Launch Leaked For April 7th Posted: 21 Mar 2011 01:43 PM PDT Verizon is set to get another 4G LTE device soon as leaked information reported by Android Central shows that Samsung's Droid Stealth will make its appearance on April 7th and will be ready for pre-orders on March 24th from Costco. The phone will be Samsung's first LTE phone on Verizon's LTE network. Samsung previewed the phone at CES 2011 earlier, but no name was given to the device until now. The Droid Stealth is powered by a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, 8-megapixel rear-camera and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera. While the phone will be on the fast Verizon LTE network, it doesn't have the dual-core processor that is becoming more of the norm now for new smartphones. Samsung's device does have the impressive Super AMOLED display to hang its hat on though, and the rest of the specs make the smartphone definitely a player. Looks like live demo units will be at Costco stores on the 24th so you'll be able to get some hands on time with the Droid Stealth soon. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Samsung Galaxy Tab WiFi-Only Version To Ship April 4 For $399? Verizon DROID “Stealth” commercial leaks [Video] Samsung YP-U3 MP3 Player, Specs Leaked O2 XDA Stealth photos 4.3-inch Samsung Stealth V SCH-i510 Froyo smartphone clears DLNA testing

My Two Concerns for Android Posted: 21 Mar 2011 01:36 PM PDT Android’s continued momentum continues to be good news for many handset and device manufacturers who need a solid platform in the market. Since Windows Mobile has failed to make a compelling offering to those in the space Android has seemed to be the savior of many. I do however have two primary concerns that could put a dent in the Android ecosystem if not dealt with. #1 The Lawsuit from Oracle and Others Through my work as an industry analyst I spend a good deal of time working with companies and addressing their major questions about the market and the technology industry. My firm Creative Strategies is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with the majority of smartphone, tablet and PC OEM’s many who make Android devices. This issue of the lawsuit comes up frequently and is a major point of concern for those who are committed to Android. There is concern amongst them that if Google looses this lawsuit it opens the door for Oracle and others (like Microsoft) to come after the device makers themselves not just Google. This type of turn of events has the potential to have a significant economic impact on companies who already make razor thin margins selling Android smart phones and tablets. Proof in point with the news this morning from Microsoft that they are suing Barnes and Noble over patent infringements with the Nook and parts of its Android implementation which they claim infringe on their patents. HTC we know licenses patents from Microsoft that go into some of their Android devices and if suits like this continue the device makers will be shelling out so many license fee’s that they can no longer make money using Android. Google may only have a few options should they lose, they could issue major code overhaul and update to existing devices. Another option could be to take the Android code and put it under the GPL (General Public License) which all though a solution would make it even harder for developers and manufactures to make money on the platform. Primarily because under this structure anyone would have the ability to access and modify both the OS and ANY third party apps built on Android. I am not sure how this will play out but several patent lawyers and patent specialists that I and many of our clients have spoke to seem to indicate a strong case. For more reading on the lawsuit issues from IP and Patent experts check out: Google’s Android Contains Legal Landmines for Developers and Device Manufacturers and Google’s Android faces a serious Linux copyright issue (potentially bigger than its Java problem) #2 The potential of Malicious Apps / Software I’ve searched for third party data on how significant the chance of a severe security breach and / or privacy invasion is on Android. There isn’t a ton of data out yet, but there is enough to cause concern to those who make Android devices. The consensus is that all it will take is one major breach or stolen identity story to hit the mainstream media to cause consumers to think twice before buying an Android device as their next smart phone. The security concerns are one of the main reasons that we have learned from many Fortune 100 CTO’s and CIO’s that they are not interested in Android in their enterprise. I also have suspicions that Google is also not interested in Android penetrating the enterprise due to their business model for Android skewing highly toward the consumer. If you recall the story that came out earlier in the month about Google pulling 21 malicious apps from the marketplace. The apps in question had also already been downloaded approximately 50,000 times and anyone who had those apps was being recommended to try and replace their handset. It may very well be a little extreme recommend people replace their handset but none the less something of a much larger magnitude could easily disrupt the consumer mindset as it relates to Android. Android has the potential to be one of two platforms which I think can make it to a billion users. Google is adapting quickly which is good and learning how to work with new customers as well. Like many large institutions they become a target both domestically and internationally and because of that they will need to stay on their toes. Relevant Entries on SlashGear “Too many players” in Android led Nokia to Windows Phone EKEN M001 $100 Android MID gets reviewed Notion Ink prompting concerns with lack of hardware demo, sky-high return fees [Updated] Data shows Android 2.2 is most common, 3.0 the least Archos launching Android 3G PMP on June 11th?

Microsoft Sues Barnes & Noble Over Android Device Patent Infringement Posted: 21 Mar 2011 12:58 PM PDT Microsoft filed a lawsuit today suing Barnes & Noble and its two contract manufacturers Foxconn and Inventec for patent infringement involving the Nook e-reader. Filed in the US District Court in Washington and with the US International Trade Commission, the action actually targets the entire Android platform. "The Android platform infringes a number of Microsoft's patents, and companies manufacturing and shipping Android devices must respect our intellectual property rights," Deputy General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez said in a statement, "To facilitate that we have established an industry-wide patent licensing program for Android device manufacturers." According to Gutierrez, Microsoft “tried for over a year to reach licensing agreements with Barnes & Noble, Foxconn, and Inventec.” Other manufacturers such as HTC, have already agreed to license Microsoft patents. "Their refusals to take licenses leave us no choice but to bring legal action to defend our innovations and fulfill our responsibility to our customers, partners, and shareholders to safeguard the billions of dollars we invest each year to bring great software products and services to market," said Gutierrez. [via All Things Digital] Relevant Entries on SlashGear My Two Concerns for Android Barnes and Noble Nook dual-display ebook reader outed: $259 this week Barnes and Noble prepping Android & WinMo ebook apps Barnes & Noble register NookColor.com for Android ereader? TiVo sues AT&T and Verizon over DVR patents

Sprint Nexus S 4G Found in the Wild by Android Community Posted: 21 Mar 2011 12:33 PM PDT We’re here at CTIA 2011 where our pals over at Android Community seem to have fallen face first into a few “spy” photos of the Sprint Nexus S. They’re noting that this phone appears to be virtually indistinguishable from the original Nexus S in every way save for a few tiny details (in the hardware, of course.) Inside the back of the phone, that is, under the battery cover, there’s a noticeably absent partner that’d normally be riding along, the SIM card. A tiny adjustment of plastic and a bit less metal here and there and poof! It’s a brand new phone. The other ever so tiny difference between this and the original Nexus S Google powerhouse phone is the weight, this phone apparently just a “baby hair” lighter than the original. Note that the back of the phone on the original has a bit of the ol’ StealthArmor on it, so don’t get too antsy about the battery cover. All that said, this phone will more than likely be shown off in earnest later this week at some event or another (probably a SPRINT event, do you think?) In all honesty though, this phone is really exciting, and we’re sure those wary of the recent announcement that AT&T will be picking up a piece of T-Mobile will be glad to hear that this phone is, indeed, now going to be on Sprint. Until we get a better look at the phone, all we’ve got are these sassy spy shots though, so get your trading boots on and get ready to march on down to the Sprint store sooner than later! More as we get it! [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Nexus One Android 2.2 Froyo update tutorials Google Nexus Two is a redressed Samsung Galaxy S? Google Nexus S gets unboxed at Android Community Android 2.3 headed to AOSP imminently confirms Google; custom ROMs ahoy! Froyo extends Android lead as legacy versions dwindle

Apple, RIM, Motorola, Among Seven Sued For Patent Infringement Posted: 21 Mar 2011 12:23 PM PDT Imperium Holdings has filed a lawsuit against Apple, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Kyocera, LG, and Sony Ericsson for patent infringement. The court documents were filed last Friday in the Eastern District of Texas and all of the infringing products from the seven listed companies are mobile phones. Imperium Holdings says that the seven companies infringed on five of its patents and is asking for damages and an injunction against the companies. The '651 patent describes "a solid state imaging device comprising a red pixel, blue pixel, a first green pixel, a second green pixel, two analog-to-digital converters and a color interpolation circuit." The '715 patent involves a "CMOS image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in an array. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel proximate an optical center of array, and a second pixel proximate a peripheral edge of the array." The '535 patent is "an improved semiconductor device that reduces reverse bias junction leakage in a photodiode by using a junction isolation region to isolate the photodiode from a trench isolation region. The improved semiconductor device improves image quality for different applications such as stand-alone digital cameras and digital cameras embedded in other imaging devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants." The '768 patent describes "pixel correction system includes a dynamic range detection system that receives test pixel data and adjacent pixel data and determines whether the test pixel data is within minimum pixel characteristic data and maximum pixel characteristic data of the adjacent pixel data." The final patent is '884 which describes "an imager reduces lighting induced flicker by setting its pixel integration time to an integral multiple of the periods between peak intensity of the lighting. In one implementation, flicker is reduced in a 30 Hz frame rate camera capturing an image lighted with 50 Hz lighting by setting the integration time to approximately 10 ms, the period between lighting intensity peaks." [via The Loop] Relevant Entries on SlashGear RIM and Motorola sued by Klausner Technologies for patent infringement Apple sue Motorola over alleged touchscreen patent infringement EMG says iPad and most other Apple gadgets infringe on its patent ITC Moves Forward in Investigating HTC’s Patent Claims Against Apple Kodak files patent infringement suit against Apple and RIM

eVolo 2011 Skyscraper Competition Posted: 21 Mar 2011 12:17 PM PDT Moving forward into the 21st century is going to take some significant changes in the way we build our cities, both here in the US, and worldwide. eVolo is an architecture and design journal focused on the sustainable designs that are going to drive this whole century. They’ve been running a skyscraper design competition since 2006. They recently released the results of this year’s competition. French architects took home the first and second place prizes. Atelier CMJN’s team Julien Combes and Gaël Brulé took home the first place prize for their LO2P. This huge circular structure features biogas producing greenhouses, massive air filtration, and will be built-from-recycled-cars. Yoann Mescam, Paul-Eric Schirr-Bonnans, and Xavier Schirr-Bonnans won the second place for their ingenious Flat Tower dome design. Yheu-Shen Chua from the United Kingdom took home the bronze for his re-imagined Hoover Dam. The LO2P design is a combination of a recycling center, huge wind turbine, particulate filter and collector, and a giant biofuel-producing greenhouse. Wow. It was specifically designed to address the pollution that’s spiraling out of control in one of India’s fastest growing urban centers, Delhi. As the population booms, so does the number of automobiles on the roads. The idea that Atlier CMJN’s team put forward is to use the materials from recycled cars to construct the tower. The Flat Tower is a dome planned to be built in a Rennes, France industrial center, but the team says that it can be easily adapted to fit in any medium-sized city in the world. The dome spans a planned urban park or other greenspace to keep as much vegetation on the ground as possible. Cell-like holes perforate the entire structure. These allow light and air to get to the interior space, and the relatively large surface area of the Flat Tower easily allow for rainwater cachement or solar energy collection systems to be installed. Yheu-Shen Chua’s re-imagining of the Hoover dam is an interesting case. It’s a marriage between a hydroelectric dam and a skyscraper. The tower would actually be suspended from the dam and would hang down the 700 foot drop into the Black Canyon. Currently, the dam, gallery, and bridge are seperate structures around the area. Chua’s design would integrate them into a single structure, bringing every purpose: travel across the Colorado River, damming the river, and tourism, together into a single superstructure. The hanging tower would be the viewing gallery and would also contain a vertical aquarium, probably containing fish from the Colorado River itself. [via eVolo] Relevant Entries on SlashGear PSi Tower is a Multi-Colored Shape-Shifting Skyscraper Planned for Hong Kong Apple iPad crushes the competition Book of Music’s Teti Extreme Loudspeakers Samsung Catches up to competition with 1TB drive JVC GS-TD1 3D camcorder gets pre-release price slash

T-Mobile customers will have to replace their Phones after AT&T merger Posted: 21 Mar 2011 11:52 AM PDT Yesterday’s bombshell that AT&T would be buying T-Mobile USA for $39 Billion in cash and stock send shockwaves all over the industry yesterday, but today, the aftershocks have just as much resonance. AT&T representatives have casually mentioned that T-Mobile customers will have to replace their 3G phones once the merger is approved. The mandatory upgrade is due to the fact that AT&T will be spending over $8 billion to convert T-Mobile’s entire network of 3G towers to 4G, rendering T-Mobile customers 3G phones obsolete sooner or later. The spectrum they use for third-generation services, or 3G, will be re-purposed for 4G, which is faster. That would leave current T-Mobile phones without 3G. They would need to be replaced with phones that use AT&T's 3G frequencies. Ralph de la Vega, AT&T's head of wireless and consumer services, said this will happen as part of the normal phone upgrade process. "There's nothing for them to worry about … it will be done over time, in a way that's good for customers and good for AT&T," de la Vega said in an interview. AT&T or T-Mobile customers need not be too concerned, SG has had confirmation that their 3G phones will continue to operate over 2G and 3G networks in the short run. Users will be able to replace their handsets through what AT&T calls “the normal upgrade process.” And there’s no real need to replace phones once the merger is complete since the transition will be done over several years. So even existing AT&T customers will be able to upgrade according to the normal upgrade path as their contracts dictate. There are tons of questions and you can bet we’ll keep an eye on this merger as more details emerge. [via Yahoo Finance] Relevant Entries on SlashGear EU Commission clears T-Mobile, Orange UK merger Sprint and T-Mobile Merger a Possibility Thanks to Logic, According to Dan Hesse T-Mobile and Orange network share goes live today Sirius and XM merger has made it through the Justice Department T-Mobile USA axe their Sidekicks; working on “next chapter”

Why Is Redbox Helping Someone Steal My Identity? Posted: 21 Mar 2011 11:45 AM PDT I’m a movie fan, and a Netflix subscriber. In fact, I’ve been a subscriber for a long time, since the first year the service started mailing DVDs. It’s my preferred method for getting new movies and watching them at home. Sometimes I’ll rent from iTunes, usually if I can’t get the wife to agree to watch one of the three movies I’ve received from Netflix, or one of the long list of films I have in my instant queue. I don’t use Blockbuster anymore, and I certainly don’t use Redbox. I’ve learned that I’m very lazy about returning movies, so I prefer the flexibility that Netflix and iTunes offers me. [Image credit: Matt Mendick] So, you can imagine my surprise when I got a receipt from Redbox for a movie rental. It was a receipt for “Let Me In.” That’s a good movie. I saw it in the theater. I rented the original version from Netflix. I never rented the movie from Redbox. And I certainly never rented the movie from a Walmart in North Carolina. I live in Texas, near Dallas. It was easy to figure out from the email what must have happened. The email receipt gives the last four digits of the renter's credit card, and they don’t match any credit card of mine. I double-checked with my banks, and there are no charges on any account from Redbox. Nothing on my wife’s account, either. Furthermore, the email didn’t come to my normal email address. It came to a private address I use only for testing phones. It’s a fake name. My assumption is that someone with a very similar name typed their email address incorrectly. Thus, I get their receipts. I called Redbox, and that was their first suggestion, as well. They told me this happens all the time. I was still unnerved. Of course, when I get a fake receipt claiming to have charged my credit card, my first thought is always a phishing scam. I recently got an email claiming that I had made a rather hefty purchase from “Bobijou, Inc.” I responded to that email, which was a mistake, but I didn’t give them any more information. When I started getting more spam from them, I googled the name. Bobijou, Inc. is an email used in a common scam. They send you a fake receipt, claiming to have billed your card. When you reply, they get more contact information from you. At worst, they try to get you to send your credit card number, presumably so they can ‘verify’ the transaction. Then they start racking up charges. Having recently received the Bobijou, Inc. email, I was skeptical about the Redbox issue, but when I called they promised to remove my email address. I wouldn’t get any more receipts. Or so they said. I got more receipts. I’ve gotten about 6 or 7 so far. I deleted the first few, but now I’m keeping them. It is possible that Redbox deleted my email address as promised, but then the person reentered it again. Now I’m getting more suspicious. When I got the email from Redbox marked “Important: Confirm your email address and get a free rental,” I was more than suspicious. I was furious. Instead of confirming my email address and giving the moron using my fake name to rent movies a free rental, I sent Redbox an email explaining the problem again. I told them I wanted the emails to stop, and I now consider them spam. I threatened to sue under the CAN-SPAM act. I got an email back from Redbox the next day. They assured me that I was not charged for the rental, and none of my personal information has been compromised. Well, except for the email address, of course. But I figured that would be the end of it. Once again I was wrong. I received another receipt. Was someone entering my email incorrectly every single time? This seems like too much a coincidence. I called Redbox and asked them to shut down the account. They refused. They claimed I couldn’t ask to shut down another user’s account. “But if someone has signed up using my email address, it’s my account. I want my account deactivated.” They still refused. So I escalated to a supervisor. The supervisor, Rasheeda, wouldn’t budge. I offered a suggestion. Do they have a phone number? A postal address? Can they get in touch with this person any other way to let them know they are entering the wrong address? No. They have a credit card, though, and it isn’t under my fake name. I asked if the name on the credit card matched my email address. I asked if it was even close. If it’s off by one letter, or if it’s similar, then I could possibly understand the mistake. But it wasn’t. It was a completely different name. She wouldn’t tell me the name, but she said it was totally different. This is not a mistake. This is fraud. Maybe this person doesn’t have an email address. Maybe they just don’t want to get the spam that I’m getting. In any case, someone is using my email address to rent movies. Sure, they aren’t charging my credit card, but it’s still wrong, and I wanted it stopped. Rasheeda still wouldn’t budge. Redbox is content to let their customers commit fraud. They don’t mind if you use someone else’s email address, as long as they get paid. They suggested I contact my email provider. I use Gmail. “But this has nothing to do with Google,” I protested. “Google didn’t give out my email address. Google isn’t letting someone use my address. Whether this is a mistake or a fraud, I want it fixed.” There is an easy fix. Turn off the account. The next time this person tries to rent a movie, they will have to enter a new address. Redbox should bar them from using my email again. Create a new account for me, and tie my address to it. That way when someone tries to register my address, it’s already in use. Rasheeda wouldn’t budge. The only thing she would do is turn off my subscription to the emails. So, someone can still fraudulently use my address, I just won’t be notified when they do. How is this a solution, exactly? It isn’t. Redbox is complicit in this customer’s fraud. I told them as much, and demanded that it stop. But they wouldn’t budge. If they had just signed me up for an account and locked my email address to me, I might have started using the service. But their service is shady, their managers are unreasonable, and I will never use a service that helps its members commit fraud. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Redbox now renting Blu-ray in many areas Redbox and Paramount announce multi-year deal for release day DVD rentals Redbox readying movie streaming service to battle Netflix Redbox Thinks They’re Ready for Video Games Redbox Expands Video Game Rentals to More Kiosks

SlashGear at CTIA Wireless 2011 Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:57 AM PDT SlashGear has arrived at CTIA Wireless 2011, the yearly expo of what’s going to be hot in the North American mobile arena, and there’s already a mass of new devices we’re eagerly looking forward to. Sprint and AT&T jumped the gun this morning, with the Nexus S 4G and news of the upcoming LG Thrill 4G and HTC HD7S, but they’re just the tip of the cellular iceberg. Sprint is expected to wheel out a wide range of new devices, including a 4G WiMAX version of the HTC Flyer, and we imagine Verizon won’t be letting their old rival steal all the attention either. T-Mobile may be in the midst of AT&T negotiations, but they’re still expected to bring the HTC Pyramid and HTC Doubleshot along as well. Then there’s Samsung, and its 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab, another source of plenty of rumors from the past few weeks. You can follow all our show coverage with the CTIA 2011 tag, and of course follow along on the SlashGear homepage! Relevant Entries on SlashGear CTIA Wireless 2006 in LA: SlashGear’s All Over It! SlashGear goes to CTIA Wireless 2007 SlashGear Gears Up for CTIA Wireless 2008 Coverage Ooops I've arrived at the wrong expo! SlashGear CTIA Wireless Coverage: Nokia Strives for New User Experience

SG Comics Presents: AT&T and T-Mobile Posted: 21 Mar 2011 10:00 AM PDT AT&T made a big announcement this past weekend—on a Sunday of all days. The carrier has committed to purchasing T-Mobile for $39 billion, a deal that will take 12 months to complete. The acquisition is said to help more quickly expand AT&T’s LTE network coverage. But merging the two largest GSM carriers in the US, leaves little room for competition. Consumers, especially those who require GSM over CDMA, may suffer from less competitive pricing plans. Even if T-Mobile is kept as a separate subsidiary, there’s no longer need for it to compete against AT&T. It will be interesting to see how Verizon and Sprint respond to this development in the upcoming months. Relevant Entries on SlashGear DC Comics iPad app joins Marvel Sony’s Digital Comics Service Could be Launching on PlayStation 3 SG Comics Presents: Verizon vs. AT&T SG Comics Presents: Angry Turds SG Comics Presents: Survivor Mobile OS

ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official release date Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:42 AM PDT The ASUS Eee Slate EP121 has gone up for sale in the UK, priced at £999.99 ($1,627) and with shipping expected on April 20 2011. Your money gets you a 12.1-inch 1280 x 800 capacitive touchscreen, 1.86GHz Intel Core i5-470UM processor, 64GB of SSD storage and Intel HD graphics, but rather than running Android or some other smartphone platform, it gets a full copy of Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The Windows 7 tablet is already up for pre-order in the US, priced from $969, but it’s still out of stock and with no delivery estimates in sight. In fact, this is the first time a solid date has been attached to the EP121; previously all ASUS would say is that it was due near the start of April. While not appealing to everybody, the ASUS tablet does have plenty of promise for enterprise users and digital artists, who will appreciate the more precise active digitizer. More on the Eee Slate EP121 in our hands-on coverage of the tablet. Relevant Entries on SlashGear ASUS Eee Slate EP121 user guide goes live ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official unboxing & walkthrough [Video] Fourth ASUS Eee Pad caught on video ASUS Eee Pad E121 makes video tease: 12″ Core i5 Windows 7 slate ASUS Unveils The Eee Slate EP121, The World's Most Powerful Tablet

Novatel MiFi 2372 turns media server with DLNA support Posted: 21 Mar 2011 09:14 AM PDT Novatel Wireless has clinched DLNA certification for the MiFi 2372, turning the portable 3G hotspot into a mini media server. A new app running on the MiFi OS – the hotspot’s own operating system – the DLNA Server functionality can share content stored on a microSD card to nearby smartphones, notebooks and WiFi-compatible HDTVs. That media could be music – bypassing limited space on cellphones – or it could include photos or video; Novatel suggests shooting video on a phone then switching the microSD card into the MiFi so that multiple viewers could access it. More on the MiFi 2372 in the full SlashGear review. Press Release: Novatel Wireless MiFi® DLNA Server Receives Certification for Seamlessly Sharing of Digital Media Across Multiple Platforms SAN DIEGO ­March 21, 2011 ­ Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that it has been granted certification from the Digital Living Network Alliance® (DLNA) for its MiFi® 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The MiFi DLNA® Server resides on the MiFi 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and runs on the MiFi OS as an application to provide simple, hassle-free media sharing. The MiFi DLNA Server enables users to browse, play and share movies, music and photos anywhere, anytime, on any DLNA-compatible device. Users effortlessly access their media stored on a microSDHC card inserted in the MiFi device, stream to their screen of choice, and enjoy. ³The DLNA CERTIFIED® MiFi 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot improves the end user experience by allowing mobile access to a users personal content such as video, music or pictures and allowing that content to be shared across multiple devices,² said Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. ² We are excited to see the rapid adoption of DLNA Certified devices and believe our MiFi DLNA Server is a great application to empower consumers to share and communicate anywhere with industry leading ease-of-use². The MiFi 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot will be the first DLNA Certified® device commercially available. AT&T will be the first wireless carrier to offer this service with the MiFi 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The MiFi DLNA Server enables seamless access to digital content on DLNA-compatible DVD and Blu-Ray players, game consoles, televisions, tablets, mobile devices, computers, audio video systems, digital frames, home theater devices and more. The MiFi DLNA server makes it easy to share both user-generated and syndicated digital content without complicated configuration and without having to copy, move and synch media files on multiple devices. User scenarios with the MiFi DLNA Server include: € Stream movies to your laptop and/or watch directly on your living room TV € Listen to music stored on a microSDHC card on your home sound system € In the van, let the kids watch one video on a Galaxy Tab® and another on an iPod Touch® € Share vacation photos on the grandparents¹ TV using their Blu-Ray® player € Film the wedding reception, slip the microSDHC card into the MiFi device, and share the movie instantly on an iPad® According to ABI Research there were more than 440 million DLNA Certified devices already installed in users¹ homes at the end of 2010. ABI Research estimates there will be nearly two billion DLNA Certified devices in homes worldwide by 2014. Novatel Wireless will demonstrate its MiFi® 2372 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot with its MiFi DLNA Server at CTIA Wireless in Orlando on March 22-24, 2011 at booth #3416. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Novatel MiFi 2372 lands on KDDI in Japan for rental MiFi 2372 HSPA+ hits Bell Mobility in November MiFi 2200 firmware update adds Sprint CDMA roaming MiFi GPS apps get video demo; new versions discussed Bell MiFi 2372: Novatel respond

ZTE snubs Windows Phone Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:58 AM PDT ZTE has confirmed it has experimented with Windows Phone prototypes in its engineering labs, but has decided the Microsoft OS is not yet popular enough for it to be worth its while putting devices into production. According to ZTE UK, speaking to the WSJ, there are also concerns over the platform’s performance. While ZTE may not be a company with high brand recognition among consumers, it in fact holds a top five spot in the world mobile phone rankings. The company not only produces low-cost handsets for developing markets – increasingly an area of Microsoft’s focus with its new partners Nokia – but OEM devices rebadged by carriers. Several of ZTE’s Android smartphones have proved budget best-sellers, and the company brought several new models along to MWC 2011 last month. “We have active R&D plans on the whole Windows Phone 7 platform product” Wu Sa, ZTE UK director of mobile device operations confirmed, but went on to say that “wether we expedite that process will be driven by the market demand. … The usability of this platform in terms of its user-friendliness and the networks in terms of bringing the product to the market”. The company apparently hopes to establish its own brand in the same manner that HTC did in recent years. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Over 2 Million Windows Phone 7 Shipped Verizon Has no Plans to Carry Windows Phone 7 Until 2011 Windows Phone 7 Connector App Syncs Windows Phone With Mac Acer To Launch Windows Phone 7 Devices This Fall Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series Now Called Windows Phone 7

iPad 2 international release on track despite US scarcity insists Apple Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:39 AM PDT Despite fears to the contrary, Apple has insisted that the iPad 2 international launch set for this coming Friday is still on track. Following ongoing in-store shortages after the US iPad 2 launch, and online orders stretching out to 4-5 weeks before delivery, many were concerned that Apple would be forced to push back the international release of the tablet to suit; however, an Apple UK spokesperson confirmed to TechRadar that “everything that is on the website still holds true.” The US shortages have been compounded by ongoing unofficial exports and eBay flipping, with gangs of iPad 2 buyers taking advantage of the high demand and relative scarcity to drive up aftermarket pricing. Apple is yet to confirm official sales figures, only saying that the interest has been “amazing.” It could well be that Apple is retaining iPad 2 stock for the international roll-out, at the cost of availability in the US. That would at least help the company avoid the embarrassing delay the first-gen iPad suffered. Relevant Entries on SlashGear International iPad launch delayed until end of May International iPad on sale now iPad dropping March 26th; “special gift” for store campers? International iPad goes on sale International iPad preorders delayed again: vague “June” delivery estimate

Xbox 360 replacement in 2015 hints IEB designer Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:25 AM PDT Microsoft could be looking to a 2015 replacement date for the Xbox 360, according to the personal portfolio of a designer working with the company. Ben Peterson was brought on in March 2011 to working with the IEB (Interactive Entertainment Business) Design group on “investigating future user experiences and hardware for 2015.” The somewhat abstract photo could well be a teaser of some of Paterson’s designs, or accessories intended to work with the console. Microsoft is yet to confirm the replacement cycle for the Xbox 360, but by 2015 the core hardware will be almost 10 years old. Of course, we’re expecting whatever hardware replaces the 360 – and we don’t expect it to be called the Xbox 720 – to be more powerful and probably throw in DirectX 11 support as well. Whether Microsoft look to 3D gaming will remain to be seen, however. [via ZDNet] Relevant Entries on SlashGear GameStop quits offering product replacement plan for the Xbox 360 ABI Research predicts 59 million WiMax subscribers by 2015 ABI Research says 3D TVs will boom in 2013 to 2015 Microsoft discussing “Xbox 720″ next-gen console with publishers Will a future Wii support CD/DVD playback?

Chrome gets Flash Player exploit fix ahead of rivals Posted: 21 Mar 2011 08:09 AM PDT Google may have seen its Chrome browser come through Pwn2Own unscathed, but that doesn’t mean everything in the app is safe. The search giant has fixed a Flash Player bug which Adobe described as “critical”; however, other browsers will be forced to wait on Adobe’s own testing. Google jumped the queue because of its deal with Adobe over Flash integration in Chrome, getting early access to the latest builds including the bug-fixed version currently in the pipeline. Those not using Chrome could still fall foul of the exploit, which embeds a Flash file in an Excel document that, if opened on a PC, can open that computer up to hacker access. Adobe hopes to release a fix for Flash Player on other browsers this week. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Google Offering $20,000 Prize to Hack Chrome Google Rolls Out Sandbox for Adobe Flash Player in Chrome Browser Google Chrome 10 Complete With Faster Speed and Flash Sandbox Chrome browser gets baked-in Flash support Chrome Owns Pwn2Own, Google’s $20K Safe

AT&T LG Thrill 4G (aka Optimus 3D) and HTC HD7S with Super LCD announced Posted: 21 Mar 2011 07:07 AM PDT You certainly can’t accuse AT&T of holding back this morning. Not only is the carrier shouting about the potential benefits of its T-Mobile acquisition but it’s also got a pair of new devices: the Android 2.2 based LG Thrill 4G, complete with 4G connectivity and an autostereoscopic 3D display, and the Windows Phone 7 HTC HD7S. The LG Thrill 4G is basically AT&T’s branded version of the LG Optimus 3D, complete with a 4.3-inch glasses-free 3D display, dual 5-megapixel stereoscopic camera for shooting 3D stills and video, and a 1GHz dual-core processor. Due “in the coming months” the handset will have access to the LG 3D Space for 3D downloads, and come with 8GB of onboard storage and a pre-loaded 8GB microSD card slot. For more on the LG Optimus 3D, check out our hands-on coverage. As for the HTC HD7S, that’s AT&T’s version of the HTC HD7, until now only available on T-Mobile in the US. It will be preloaded with AT&T U-verse for on-device video downloads, and have a new Super LCD display for improved usability; considering we criticized the HD7′s display in our review that’s a good thing. It will be available “in the coming weeks” with pricing for both tba. Press Release: AT&T TAKES SMARTPHONE CUSTOMERS INTO A NEW DIMENSION Pair of 4.3-inch Smartphones For Best-in-Class Portfolio Include the LG Thrill 4G With Glasses-free 3D Experience, in Addition to the HTC HD7S, an Exciting Addition to the Windows Phone Portfolio DALLAS, March 21, 2011 — Key Facts · AT&T* announced two new leading-edge smartphones, the LG Thrill 4G and the HTC HD7S, will be added to the industry's best portfolio of mobile phones. · The LG Thrill 4G is the first U.S. smartphone that will feature a "glasses-free" 4.3-inch stereoscopic 3D display plus 4G speed capability on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network. · Beyond its 3D screen, the LG Thrill 4G features a dual-core, 1 GHz processor, and a 5-megapixel dual-camera that allows you to shoot and share high definition videos and images in 3D. · The HTC HD7S adds to the best portfolio of Windows Phones with its 4.3-inch, WVGA, super LCD display, 1 GHz processor and 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash. LG Thrill 4G The LG Thrill 4G will be exclusive to AT&T customers and reach AT&T stores in the coming months. Running the first dual-core, dual-channel 1 GHz processor in the U.S. and based on the Android 2.2 platform, LG Thrill 4G will be among the first to deliver a glasses-free 3D experience to U.S. customers and will allow users to shoot 3D video and 3D stills with the dual 5-megapixel stereoscopic camera. In addition to apps and games from Android Market, LG Thrill 4G will offer 3D content via the "LG 3D Space," which houses 3D games, video clips and images for quick, convenient access. Preloaded with 16 GB of memory (8 GB onboard plus an 8 GB MicroSD card), the LG Thrill 4G will record 3D video at 720p resolution and 2D at 1080p quality. The smartphone will be able to play video back in high definition through the HDMI-out port on the device or stream content wirelessly through DLNA technology. HTC HD7S The HTC HD7S will be the largest screen on a Windows Phone from AT&T and will include the latest version of Windows Phone software that offers many new benefits including the ability to copy and paste text. A powerful 1 GHz processor will power the unique Windows Phone experience and any of the more than 10,000 applications available for download or purchase from Windows Marketplace. In addition, with the preloaded U-verse® Mobile application, qualifying AT&T U-verse customers can download and watch hit TV shows on their Windows Phone. Non-U-verse customers can subscribe to U-verse Mobile for $9.99 a month and choose from a broad selection of programming to watch on their Windows Phone. This new AT&T smartphone will be the first HD7 model from HTC in the U.S. with an improved super LCD high resolution display. The HTC HD7S will be available in company-owned AT&T retail locations and online at www.wireless.att.com in the coming weeks. Quotes "AT&T customers know that we offer the best lineup of cutting-edge smartphones in the country. Our first 3D phone plus a new, leading Windows Phone underscore our commitment to continue to offer the best," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "2011 is going to be another landmark year for us with more best-in-class devices." AT&T Smartphone Portfolio AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. The LG Thrill 4G is the latest proof point in AT&T's commitment to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S., including 12 new Android smartphones in 2011. For further details please visit www.att.com/thrill4g. AT&T is the leader in Windows Phones, offering the only portfolio of Windows Phone 7 devices, now including the HTC HD7S with its 4.3-inch screen. For further details visit www.att.com/htchd7s. The LG Thrill 4G is one of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/network. Actual speeds experienced will vary and depend on several factors, including device, location, capacity, facilities, and other conditions. Important Information about 3D. Response to viewing 3D content varies by individual. Some viewers may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue, dizziness or nausea) while watching 3D content. If you experience any such symptoms, immediately discontinue use of the 3D function and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided. Viewing 3D content for an extended period of time may increase the likelihood of the above symptoms. Frequent breaks are recommended when using 3D functions. Parents should speak to a physician before allowing children under the age of 5 to view 3D content. Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services. Call or go to www.att.com/u-verse to see if you qualify. U-verse Mobile: Download and watch capability available for select content and requires select devices, Wi-Fi connection, and qualifying U-verse TV plan or monthly subscription fee. Standard data charges may apply. Relevant Entries on SlashGear SlashGear at CTIA Wireless 2011 LG Optimus Black coming soon says T-Mobile Optimus 103 suffers another set-back – keys to be monochrome Optimus Upravlator finally breaks cover – Updated! Optimus Pultius: add an OLED keypad to your regular keyboard

Google fined $142k for French Street View data collection Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:33 AM PDT The French data privacy regulator, CNIL, has slapped Google with a whopping €100,000 ($142,000) fine for its collection of private data during Street View surveying. The biggest fine CNIL (National Commission for Information Freedom) has imposed since sanctions were authorized in 2004, while the regulator conceded that Google had agreed to delete all the data inadvertently gathered, it still believed “that Google has not refrained from using the data identifying WiFi access points of individuals without their knowledge.” Under French law, that constituted “unfair collection” and, since Google was deemed to have received economic benefits from it, the fine was appropriate. Google’s Street View cars had scanned WiFi networks as they photographed French streets, with unencrypted information also netted in the haul. A similar inquiry in the US was closed back in October 2010, with regulators deciding that Google’s apologetic promise to delete the information was enough to satisfy them. Relevant Entries on SlashGear FTC called on to investigate Google WiFi data collection by Consumer Watchdog Google Street View hits Antarctica Google’s Seoul Office Raided by Police Google Street View Captures Dead Body on Brazilian Street Google to wipe accidental UK Street View data to escape further inquiry

iOS 4.3.1 imminent with iPad 2 Jailbreak block? Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:23 AM PDT Apple is reportedly preparing iOS 4.3.1 for release within the next one to two weeks, less than a month since the company pushed out iOS 4.3. According to BGR‘s sources, the update will include various bug fixes but also address an iPad 2 jailbreak vulnerability and introduce new baseband for the iPhone 3GS and original iPad. That new baseband could introduce issues for those wanting to unlock or jailbreak their devices, and Apple seems to be wasting no time in addressing the recent iPad 2 hacks. As for the bugfixes, they’re said to include: Fixing memory hang that results in memory corruption when reading large files from USIM filesystem Fixing problem with NTLM authentication in apps and on websites Fixing issue with the Springboard and 3rd party apps not recgonizing the gyroscope on the iPad 2 Relevant Entries on SlashGear iPad 2 jailbreak discovered Another geek shows off untethered Jailbreak for iPod and iPhone iPhone 4 jailbreak and unlock coming soon Spirit jailbreak for iPad and iPhone released Untethered iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2G/3G and iPad Jailbreak promised [Video]

AT&T: We’d use T-Mo AWS spectrum for LTE plus double some 3G coverage Posted: 21 Mar 2011 06:04 AM PDT AT&T is doing its utmost this morning to convince investors, regulators and the general public that its proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA is more than just a good idea for the carrier’s shareholders. In the AT&T presentation [pdf link; see gallery after the cut], the carrier promises that AT&T and T-Mobile customers will see benefits within a year of the deal closing; that will include freeing up T-Mobile’s 1700MHz AWS spectrum for AT&T to use for LTE roll-out. That, it’s suggested, would mean 95-percent of the US population would be able to get 4G LTE, along with benefits in 3G/4G coverage both in rural and urban areas. By combining the dual-band cell sites, AT&T reckons it can double 3G capacity in many areas, boosting coverage for subscribers on both networks, with Chicago, San Francisco and New York highlighted as particularly benefiting. As for complaints from rivals like Sprint that the acquisition would negatively impact competition, AT&T denies that would be the case. In fact, it’s claimed, US wireless prices have historically fallen when carriers have combined their efforts; AT&T flags up the Sprint/Nextel and Verizon/Alltel deals as evidence, in fact. Relevant Entries on SlashGear FCC takes 90MHz of wireless spectrum from mobile satellite service bands for mobile data Spectrum ZX Laptop – blast from the past Verizon 4G plans for 2011 Detailed FCC Approves White Space Spectrum Rules, Super WiFi a Possibility 700MHz spectrum up for grabs, Google looks to bid $4.6 billion

BookBook iPad case supports iPad 2 Posted: 21 Mar 2011 05:58 AM PDT I really like the cool BookBook cases from 12South. These cases look like old and battered hard cover books, but they are actually cases for all sorts of gadgets from the original iPad to the Kindle and more. 12South has announced that its BookBook style for the original iPad will fit the iPad 2. This is still one of the coolest cases you will find and is made from real leather and has a zipper closure to keep your iPad 2 safe and secure. This case will also fit the original iPad as well. And it comes in two styles. The BookBook for iPad sells for about $69.99 and comes in black and red styles. The case is made to fold backwards and turn into a stand to support the iPad in portrait mode. The case ships for free as well. Relevant Entries on SlashGear iPad waterproof case called Drycase unveiled iPad Lock and Security Case will protect your iPad from pilferage iChair iPad case protects and props Official Etch a Sketch app for iPad lands Bracketron unveils Twist360 iPad stand

Sprint adding Google Voice Integration to all devices [Video] Posted: 21 Mar 2011 05:31 AM PDT The Integrated Google Voice functionality announced alongside the Sprint Nexus S 4G will be available to all Sprint CDMA handsets, regardless of whether or not they run Android. The carrier has signed a deal with Google that will see them offer subscribers the opportunity to use their Sprint number with Google Voice, no porting required, as well as using Google’s voicemail transcription service. Video demo after the cut Any Gmail and text messages sent from google.com/voice will display the Sprint number, while Google Voice users can choose to replace their Sprint number with their Google Voice number when placing calls or sending text messages from their handset. Sprint and Google will be rolling the functionality out through this year, with a sign-up page here. [via Android Community] Press Release: Sprint and Google to Launch Integrated Google Voice Experience on All Sprint Phones, Including Upcoming Nexus S 4G Sprint is first carrier to allow customers to use their existing mobile number as their Google Voice number without porting OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Google announced today a new integrated Google Voice™ experience that will allow Sprint customers to set their existing Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number. Sprint customers will be able to take advantage of all the features and benefits of Google Voice without the hassle and fees associated with porting their number. Sprint is the first and only carrier to offer this capability, which will be available soon on all Sprint CDMA phones. In addition, Nexus S 4G1, announced today by Sprint, Google and Samsung, will allow Sprint customers to enable the integrated Google Voice experience and will come preloaded with the Google Voice Android app. "As part of our partnership with Google, our customers will appreciate having the easiest set-up experience of any wireless carrier for Google Voice across all of our CDMA phones, using their existing Sprint phone number," said Kevin McGinnis, vice president-Product and Technology Development, Sprint. "It's now easier than ever to truly live a mobile lifestyle with the ability to manage multiple devices through intelligent call routing and online controls using just one phone number – your existing Sprint number." “With this integration, we have made Google Voice simple to use with a Sprint phone,” said Dave Girouard, president at Google. “Sprint subscribers now have access to all the benefits of Google Voice behind their existing mobile number without the need for porting or, if they already have a Google Voice number, they can display that number from their Sprint phone without the need for a separate application.” Manage multiple devices with Google Voice Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different devices through one phone number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording using the phone's dial pad. Sprint subscribers will be able to use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice. Sprint is the only carrier that allows the user to assign their existing mobile phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges, potential service disruptions and the hassle of calling their carrier to terminate and port their number to Google Voice and then re-subscribe with another number. Sprint's integration with Google simplifies and shortens the process of moving a phone number to Google Voice to mere minutes. Integrated Google Voice Experience from Sprint One number for all your devices Work, home, mobile; no need to change numbers after a move or new job Route phone calls and text messages Send work calls to the office, personal to home or mobile Conditional call presentation Hear caller info before answering or send straight to voicemail In-call options Record calls, switch phones during a call, conference calling Manage it all online Manage call history, texts and voicemail; listen to voicemail and read transcribed messages; view threaded text messaging history and continue the conversation online Keep your existing wireless phone number without porting Only with Sprint Customers can sign up to be notified when the integrated Google Voice experience for Sprint phones is available at www.google.com/voice/sprint. With a few simple steps, any Sprint CDMA phone will be able to use Google Voice to simplify the customer's wireless experience: 1. Customers can simply go to www.google.com/voice/sprint and sign-up for the integrated service from Sprint. 2. Google will then confirm the customer would like to use their existing Sprint number as their Google Voice number. 3. Customers do not need to notify Sprint that they plan to use Google Voice. A notification is automatically sent to Sprint to provision the necessary services on the network required for the Google Voice integrated experience. 4. Within minutes, all of the customer's phone calls, text messages and voicemail run through Google Voice, and all inbound and outbound calls show up with the customer's existing Sprint number with all of the benefits of Google Voice. For more information on Sprint's Google Voice integration, watch the video and visit www.sprint.com/googlevoice.2 Use of Google Voice is available at no additional charge with Sprint plans including Sprint's Everything Data plans. Sprint's Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). Sprint Everything Data plans qualify customers for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program.3 Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.   Relevant Entries on SlashGear Official Google Voice for iPhone app imminent? Google Voice Opens to the Public Google Voice webapp bypasses iPhone and webOS app stores Google Maps Navigation beta for Android 2.0: turn-by-turn, Car UI, more [Video] Google Announces Voice Actions for Android

Energizer adds new Qi-enabled single-zone inductive chargers Posted: 21 Mar 2011 05:21 AM PDT Energizer unveiled a new cordless charging system for smartphones like the Blackberry and the iPhone a while back. These are the sort of chargers that use a case or battery door, you just lay them on the charge plate, and they charge. The line of Energizer offerings is Qi-enabled allowing them to work with any case brand that supports Qi. Energizer has announced that it has added some new single zone chargers to its lineup. The single-zone offerings are smaller and only have space for one device to sit on the plate. The original Energizer charge plates were much larger and have space for more than one device. The smaller plates are perfect for anyone that has a limited amount of space on their desk to nightstand and only needs to charge a single device. Energizer will also be showing off new products at CTIA including a new travel adapter with an iPhone dock, nightlight, and three AC outlets and dual USB outlets. A universal USB wall adapter will debit and a DC universal car charger. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Energizer debuts InductiveCharger for smartphones Major PC security issue with Energizer Duo Charger and USB Charger CES 2008: Energizer keeps going with several new products Energizer unveils AP1201 rechargeable iPhone 4 battery case Energizer Energi To Go Instant Cell Phone Charger

Google Nexus S 4G hits Sprint this spring Posted: 21 Mar 2011 05:17 AM PDT The Sprint Nexus S 4G has been made official this morning, the first Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone with 4G WiMAX support, and the first to bring the new Integrated Google Voice Experience to Sprint Android devices. The same Nexus S handset as we’ve seen from Google before, only with the added benefit of WiMAX connectivity, the Nexus S 4G will allow existing Sprint subscribers to use their current number as their Google Voice number, without having to pay to port it over. It will also support voicemail transcription and the usual divert features, allowing up to six phones to ring simultaneously on an incoming call. Otherwise the specs are as before, so a 4-inch Super AMOLED “Contour Display”, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 5-megapixel main camera and front-facing VGA camera. 16GB of internal storage, NFC and a 1GHz processor round out the key specs. The Google Nexus S 4G will arrive on Sprint this spring, priced at $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement including mandatory data plan. [via Android Community] Press Release: First Pure Google 4G Device with Android 2.3 in the U.S., Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung, Coming to Sprint this Spring First 4G device powered by Android 2.3 boasts pure Google experience, Google Voice integration, Super AMOLED display and Mobile Hotspot capability is Sprint's 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone announced to date Visit www.sprint.com/nexus to register to receive more information OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) extends its 4G device innovation lead once again with the upcoming availability of the 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone, Nexus S™ 4G1 from Google™. Coming to Sprint this spring, it will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented controls and services enabled by Google Voice™ integration built into the Sprint Network. Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, Nexus S 4G comes packed with a pure Google experience using Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones. It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience. "Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience," said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice." It is designed with Samsung's brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user's hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out. Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps. In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available. “We’re excited to partner with Sprint on Nexus S 4G, which brings innovative hardware by Samsung and innovations on the Android platform, to create a powerful smartphone experience," said Andy Rubin, vice president of Engineering at Google. Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera. In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right. Additional key features include: 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™ Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM) Wi-Fi® – 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR Integrated GPS 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery "Samsung is thrilled to work with Google and Sprint to create the next generation Nexus S. Adding 4G capabilities takes this iconic device to the next level," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. "Nexus S 4G integrates Samsung's best-in-class hardware and the exciting features of the Android 2.3 platform with the impressive speed and connectivity of Sprint's 4G network." Nexus S 4G from Google will be available exclusively from Sprint this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), as well as select national retailers. Sprint Nexus S customers also will be able to easily use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions. Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different phones through one number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording. Now Sprint subscribers can use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice. Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). Sprint customers get more with unlimited data plans on the Sprint Network. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings versus competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they've used. Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program3. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint is America's Favorite 4G Network4. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G. Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung fact sheet A pure Google experience Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), Nexus S 4G™1 from Google comes packed with a pure Android experience using Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available. Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android updates and the latest Google mobile services. Nexus S 4G is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content, and a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience. It is designed with Samsung's brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user's hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out. Productivity · 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience · 4-inch Super AMOLED display with pinch-to-zoom · Android 2.3, Gingerbread · Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games · Google Voice™, an innovative service that offers advanced calling controls, makes it easy to manage up to six devices with one Sprint phone number, with intelligent call routing and advanced call controls like call screening, blocking and recording, and online management of SMS, voicemail and call logs at www.google.com/voice · Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™ · Messaging – personal and business email and text messaging, as well as IM through a Google Talk · Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips · 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously · Integrated GPS · 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps · 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps · Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n Entertainment · Dual camera: rear-facing 5-megapixel camera with camcorder and flash, and front-facing VGA camera · Stereo speakers · Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR · Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack Specifications · Dimensions: 4.88 inches x 2.48 inches x 0.44 inches (124 mm x 63 mm x 11.2 mm) (LxWxT) · Weight: 4.62 ounces (131 grams) · Display: 4-inch (480 x 800) Super AMOLED touchscreen display · Battery: 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery · Memory: 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM) Sprint and Google to Launch Integrated Google Voice Experience on All Sprint Phones, Including Upcoming Nexus S 4G Sprint is first carrier to allow customers to use their existing mobile number as their Google Voice number without porting OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Google announced today a new integrated Google Voice™ experience that will allow Sprint customers to set their existing Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number. Sprint customers will be able to take advantage of all the features and benefits of Google Voice without the hassle and fees associated with porting their number. Sprint is the first and only carrier to offer this capability, which will be available soon on all Sprint CDMA phones. In addition, Nexus S 4G1, announced today by Sprint, Google and Samsung, will allow Sprint customers to enable the integrated Google Voice experience and will come preloaded with the Google Voice Android app. "As part of our partnership with Google, our customers will appreciate having the easiest set-up experience of any wireless carrier for Google Voice across all of our CDMA phones, using their existing Sprint phone number," said Kevin McGinnis, vice president-Product and Technology Development, Sprint. "It's now easier than ever to truly live a mobile lifestyle with the ability to manage multiple devices through intelligent call routing and online controls using just one phone number – your existing Sprint number." “With this integration, we have made Google Voice simple to use with a Sprint phone,” said Dave Girouard, president at Google. “Sprint subscribers now have access to all the benefits of Google Voice behind their existing mobile number without the need for porting or, if they already have a Google Voice number, they can display that number from their Sprint phone without the need for a separate application.” Manage multiple devices with Google Voice Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different devices through one phone number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording using the phone's dial pad. Sprint subscribers will be able to use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice. Sprint is the only carrier that allows the user to assign their existing mobile phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges, potential service disruptions and the hassle of calling their carrier to terminate and port their number to Google Voice and then re-subscribe with another number. Sprint's integration with Google simplifies and shortens the process of moving a phone number to Google Voice to mere minutes. Integrated Google Voice Experience from Sprint One number for all your devices Work, home, mobile; no need to change numbers after a move or new job Route phone calls and text messages Send work calls to the office, personal to home or mobile Conditional call presentation Hear caller info before answering or send straight to voicemail In-call options Record calls, switch phones during a call, conference calling Manage it all online Manage call history, texts and voicemail; listen to voicemail and read transcribed messages; view threaded text messaging history and continue the conversation online Keep your existing wireless phone number without porting Only with Sprint Customers can sign up to be notified when the integrated Google Voice experience for Sprint phones is available at www.google.com/voice/sprint. With a few simple steps, any Sprint CDMA phone will be able to use Google Voice to simplify the customer's wireless experience: 1. Customers can simply go to www.google.com/voice/sprint and sign-up for the integrated service from Sprint. 2. Google will then confirm the customer would like to use their existing Sprint number as their Google Voice number. 3. Customers do not need to notify Sprint that they plan to use Google Voice. A notification is automatically sent to Sprint to provision the necessary services on the network required for the Google Voice integrated experience. 4. Within minutes, all of the customer's phone calls, text messages and voicemail run through Google Voice, and all inbound and outbound calls show up with the customer's existing Sprint number with all of the benefits of Google Voice. For more information on Sprint's Google Voice integration, watch the video and visit www.sprint.com/googlevoice.2 Use of Google Voice is available at no additional charge with Sprint plans including Sprint's Everything Data plans. Sprint's Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). Sprint Everything Data plans qualify customers for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program.3 Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Google Nexus One Axed from Sprint Inventory Thanks to EVO 4G Google’s Nexus One Could Hit Verizon Wireless With Some Surprises Sprint Nexus S 4G Found in the Wild by Android Community Sprint tease Nexus S 4G with WiMAX and “fully integrated” Google Voice Google Nexus One Heading to Sprint

Ben Heck combines Xbox 360 and 70′s Atari Posted: 21 Mar 2011 05:07 AM PDT Man when I was a kid I spent a lot of time playing an Atari just like the one Heck used for his latest project. I was an Asteroids, Pac-Man, and Pole Position player myself. Heck took an Atari console from 1977 and integrated it into an Xbox 360 laptop system. Atari was in with Heck for this build combing vintage old school gaming with the latest Microsoft game console. The finished product is a portable device with its own LCD and all. The custom enclosure was made with wood paneling and classic metal switches that any gamer around in the early days of the console will remember fondly. “I was excited when Atari approached me to build this gaming system – it’s the most ‘Ben Heck’ type project I could possibly build,” said Ben. “It was a great experience taking consoles from two completely different eras and combining them. That’s what art’s all about!” Relevant Entries on SlashGear An Atari in the palm of your hand Xbox 360 Slim Made Portable Thanks to Ben Heck [Video] Ben Heck Atari 800 laptop casemod mk3 is best yet [Video] Ben Heck serves up a new Halo-themed Xbox 360 laptop NEStari – The ultimate NES/Atari handheld

Eee Pad Transformer landing this week in Taiwan Posted: 21 Mar 2011 04:48 AM PDT It’s rather refreshing to see a launch date moved UP for a change. I am used to seeing things get delayed for one reason or another. You might recall that Eee Pad Transformer Android tablet that turns into a netbook we spent a bit of hands-on time with back at CES. If you liked what you saw in that video the Eee Pad Transformer has had its launch date moved up to this Friday rather than April. The tablet will hit Taiwan first and hopefully will come to the US and other countries shortly thereafter. The specs are already known and include a 10.1-inch screen, Android 3.0 for the OS, a Tegra 2 processor, and 1GB of RAM. The Transformer will be offered in versions with 16GB or 32GB of storage. There are still a few unknowns about the tablet though. We can't be sure just how well received the software for turning keyboard input into something the touch-centric Android OS can understand will work. We also don't know what the tablet will sell for since and official price isn't offered. Asus had said during CES that the tablet would range from $400 to $700. The Transformer with no dock has been pegged at $560 in Spain. I was hoping the tablet alone would be in the $400 range and with the dock would get closer to $700. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear DARPA’s Transformer Project Should be Finished by 2015 High Score 100 Transformer turns into PlayStation controller DARPA’s Transformer TX Combines Humvee With Helicopter Garmin-ASUS nuvifone M20 landing Taiwan on August 19th DARPA’s Transformer Project One Step Closer to Reality

Cheap Ouku Tab Android 2.1 tablet lands Posted: 21 Mar 2011 04:21 AM PDT In the gadget world, you often get what you pay for. Some folks really want a gadget like a new Android tablet and are willing to risk poor performance in exchange for buying a cheap and little known brand of tablet like the Ouku Tab that is now available on Lightinthebox. The tablet is a 7-inch offering that runs Android 2.1 and sells for $124.99. The Ouku is shipping now and that 7-inch screen is touch sensitive. The tablet has a 0.3MP camera and it and has integrated WiFi. The tablet will surf the web and can download from the Android Market. It supports all of the things you expect with Gmail and more. Internal storage is to 4GB of memory and it has external storage with T-Flash cards. It has a micro USB port, a headphone slot, and a mic port along with headphone port. The battery is good for 4-5 hours of use per charge. The processor running the show is an ARM 2818a from Rockchip running at 660MHz. The capacitive touchscreen resolution is 800 x 480. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Unofficial Android 2.2 update for ViewPad 10 lands $35 Indian Android tablet gets launch date IN Media Tablet PC 7 runs Android, coming next month Advent Vega tablet now shipping: Tegra 2 slate for £249 [Update: Sold out!] Dell Announces Creation of 10 Inch Android Tablet

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