What's new on SlashGear.com

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• Home Farming, Not So Much
• Nokia Drop Beta from Nokia Labs
• Apple’s FaceTime playing Big Brother
• Bluetrek Carbon, World’s First Carbon Fiber Bluetooth 3.0 Headset Passes FCC
• Mario 3, 1, 2, and 1
• Search for Tilt in Google
• Mozilla’s Wall of Shame Shames the Shameful
• Möbius Gear
• SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011
• Samsung Galaxy S II Updated to 1.2GHz and May/June Release
• D-Link ShareCenter DNS-320 and DNS-325 join the NAS party
• Verizon latest victim in Epsilon hack; Secret Service investigating Phishing
• Gamestop gaming tablet plans confirmed for later in 2011
• Samsung doubles 3D glasses bundle; outs sub-$50 active specs
• Acer Aspire Z5761 touchscreen all-in-one packs Core i7 and NVIDIA GPU
• For a gadget reviewer, I’m rubbish at advice
• T-Mobile Nokia Astound on sale now: $80 Symbian^3
• Pogoplug Video and Buffalo CloudStor ship with cloud-access
• Motorola XBMC Remote control up for pre-order
• Toshiba unveils Satellite P, P 3D, and L notebook lines
• DISH Network grabs Blockbuster bankruptcy assets
• Toshiba unveils new range of TVs
• INQ’s Facebook phone, the Cloud Touch, hits shelves with cheap price tag
• NASA uses Vomit Comet to help grow nanowires in microgravity
• Virgin Oceanic pops Sir Richard Branson’s ocean exploring cherry
• Apple rejects iPhone app for lack of functionality, later releases app with same functionality itself
• Toshiba SmartNAND debuts, destined for future iPhones?
• Tempest Freeruning Academy looks like Mario Land
• Michelin develops bicycle inner tubes that fix their own flats
• Pioneer DJM-T1 mixer with Traktor Scratch Duo Software
• HTC Pyramid to launch as HTC Sensation?
• Kee Utility finally ships its Desk Phone Dock for iPhone
• Apple Dock Connector update patent could enable USB 3.0, DisplayPort, maybe Thunderbolt
• HTC EVO View 4G to hit Sprint with Honeycomb pre-loaded
• Toyota pulls jailbroken iPhone theme after Apple complaints
• Motorola XOOM and ATRIX 4G sales failures claims analyst
• White iPhone 4 deleted: Apple ousts troubled smartphone from system
• HP all-touch webOS “Stingray” leaks alongside Verizon Pre3
• T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound Review
• Obama Hosting Town Hall Meeting On Facebook

Home Farming, Not So Much Posted: 06 Apr 2011 02:25 PM PDT Designer, François Hurtaud has an idea. This idea is tiny ecospheres in our kitchens and living rooms that dissolve the organic garbage we dispose of into a tiny garbage ecosystem replete with fish and plants. The first thing that came to mind when I saw the image was, clean lines and cool fishbowls. It looks like something the Jetsons would have had in their home. But it has some flaws in the design. Basically, it’s a sustainable-minded idea, which always makes me smile a little bit, but he kinda glosses over the steps of composting and collecting methane to generate power for this thing, both of those processes are the kind that really need a level of critical mass to get the right biological chain reaction going.The idea here is to locally reuse organic waste, reusing those resources instead of shipping them either to landfills or grinding them up and sending them down the sanitary sewer. It’ll probably take something more along the size of a standard appliance (fridge, oven etc.) or larger to really take advantage of this kind of system. It’s not something that would be significantly useful with the standard waste stream coming from an average family, more like something that could go into arcologies. Sustainability is about understanding and maximizing the efficiency of the systems that bring us the things we need and want. We have to find the right ideas that can do the work most efficiently in terms of people’s labor, parts, maintenance, as well as initial expense. Many of these kinds of sustainable systems are more efficient when there are more than a nuclear family contributing to their development. Sorry Mr. Hurtaud, it’s a sweet idea, but think bigger! [via Yanko Design] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Home Automation gets its own laws Want to Hear a Great Story? ADT Pulse mixes security and home automation Windows Home server goes RTM, will be released sometime in September T-Mobile launches HotSpot @Home service nationwide

Nokia Drop Beta from Nokia Labs Posted: 06 Apr 2011 01:27 PM PDT Nokia Labs released a beta for a new application. They posted a demo for a Google Chrome extension that allows the user to drop images and hyperlinks directly onto their Symbian OS equipped phone. Mark Guim demos the extension with a Nokia C7, or Nokia Astound here in the US. Take a look at Nokia Drop. The extension adds a right-click menu option to images under Google Chrome. There are options available to send an image from Chrome to the active wallpaper on the C7, to send a URL from Chrome into a list under the NokiaDrop app running on the C7, and to send an image into the same list on the NokiaDrop. The cool part is that it does this without any interaction by the user on the device. The whole thing is done on the back-end and the phone really demonstrated being the endpoint of a complex system instead of a device in-itself. Check out the video here, Mark shows the whole process, it seems simple. The tinker-hacker-geek in me wants to know the source of the Download Failed that shows up about halfway through the video, but he doesn’t mention that during his explaining. [via the Nokia Blog] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Nokia Bubbles proves Nokia can be innovative, Symbian 1.1 update lands Nokia Big Screen turns N8 into a Wiimote-controlled media center Nokia Messaging Beta 2 launched: Twitter added, fuller Facebook [Video] Nokia N82 looks good on paper Nokia Image Space adds Augmented Reality for S60

Apple’s FaceTime playing Big Brother Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:51 PM PDT Get out your masks! The paranoia police are out in force! A user over at Apple’s discussion boards posted this about an experience she had using FaceTime. My boyfriend and I have both recently experienced this problem several times – when one of us is calling the other via FaceTime, an old picture freezes on our screen, while the person receiving the call only sees a black screen. It's kind of creepy, because it brought up photos of both of us at work, where I have used FaceTime a few times but he never has. We're just wondering how/why this is happening, and if there is a fix. It's not terribly inconvenient, but it's definitely unsettling, where is seems that even if we haven't taken a picture or used FaceTime, the camera is keeping images. If anyone else is experiencing this, we'd love feedback. Thanks! I’ll make a quick guess as to what’s going on here. There’s probably some minor bug that’s misplacing a memory address when buffering the image data it’s getting from FaceTime. But, as any geek knows, assuming the user is remembering correctly is always a bad idea when it comes to weirdness like this. So, to follow that probably incorrect assumption, I wonder if it’s possible that the program is snagging data from the CCD without any user indication. I would prefer to have hardwired capture indicators enabled whenever a camera is going. Most likely, the both of them did open up the FaceTime app, but didn’t connect a call. The app buffers image information right away to get it ready to start the whole process of sending that data over to the recipient. When no call connection is made, and the program is exited from, that buffer isn’t overwritten. So when the next call is made, the program opens up the same buffer and OMG! there’s already something that looks like image data there! So it sends along that old bit of buffered video and then goes black, because the camera is sending the new data to another chunk of memory. It sends that buffered frame and then gets stuck, it doesn’t have the right spot where the new camera images are being stored. [via Intomobile] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Video of Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 Apple’s FaceTime Not Available in the UAE FaceTime to use Apple ID & email for iPod touch & iPad users? FaceTime Security Hole Easily Fixed Apple FaceTime for the Desktop and Laptop Announced, Beta Available Today

Bluetrek Carbon, World’s First Carbon Fiber Bluetooth 3.0 Headset Passes FCC Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:21 PM PDT The Bluetrek Carbon is the world’s first Bluetooth 3.0 headset to be made from real carbon fiber. The choice of material along with an incredibly thin boom mic make the the Bluetrek Carbon feel almost weightless. The headset just passed through the FCC today signaling a launch coming soon. These days we’re used to seeing carbon fiber film being placed on lots of things for the cosmetic effect, but the Bluetrek Carbon actually uses it as the integral component for its mic stem. The stem is also designed to be super thin much like a stir stick, measuring what looks to be around 2 to 3mm in diameter. The earpiece itself is just big enough to fit a micro USB port. However they did manage to include an on/off button, in addition to the answer call button and a touch-and-hold volume adjuster. The headset is priced at $70 with a release date yet to be confirmed. [via Wireless Goodness] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Carbon Fiber Graphix For Your MacBook Carbon Fiber iPod case Black Badger coasters made from milled titanium and carbon fiber Nerocarbonio toilet is made from carbon fiber Apple Looking at Carbon Fiber for the Next iPad

Mario 3, 1, 2, and 1 Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:12 PM PDT This guy, aqwawaf, made an assisted speed run of four different Mario games running at the same time. Then, he posted the video on Youtube. This video uses four NES emulators all hooked up to a single controller input. The only way to get something like this accomplished is using emulators and save states to tweak Mario’s every twitch. This is what’s known as a tool-assisted speed run. It’s technically possible for a human being to actually perform these movements, but the timing would have to be so perfected that it’s virtually impossible. Luckily (?) we can manipulate emulators into doing all sorts of strange stuff these days. If you don’t know your Mario games, he’s running through two copies of Super Mario Bro’s on the right hand side. The left hand side has Mario 3 and Mario 2 stacked top and bottom. Watching this video makes my brain hurt. All I can hear are the cacophonous beeps and blips from four different Mario games going on all at the same time. My eyes keep snapping back and forth between the virtual screens and it’s very difficult to keep up with what’s going on in any single game. It’s a chaotic sight, but watching it you can discern the differences between the control systems from game to game. I don’t recommend turning up the volume too loud, it’s a little overwhelming, but awesome. It’s a relatively long clip, running 13:27 on youtube. You don’t really need to watch the whole thing to get what’s going on. If you want to check out a demonstration of how synced up the author had to be, flip to about ten minutes in and watch him defeat the final bosses of all three games simultaneously. That’s it, now watch the video. [via Wired] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Nintendo announces Mario Super Sluggers Super Mario turns 25 Itsa Meee Mario Tattoos from michibags Mario Power Up! Energy Drink The Super Mario Galaxy Wii Mod

Search for Tilt in Google Posted: 06 Apr 2011 11:43 AM PDT If you’re reading this on a smartphone, this should work for you. Google instigated a bunch of pranks this year. It seems that this one surfaced a little late. Leave it to Google to embed easter eggs so deep that it takes the collective internet five days to find. Simply load up your browser on your iOS or Android phone and search google for the term, “tilt”. The search will return with the results tilted ever so slightly to the right. Google has a long history of doing special things on their search results. Whether it be from their own engineers playing a fun prank or from hackers gaming the search results to bump amusing results to the top of the queue, there’s regular strangeness on the Google homepage. I enjoy it. You have this little trick, now go play some belated April Fools jokes on your friends. “I broke your phone.” “What?” “Yeah, it’s tilted to the side. Weird huh?” “Doubleyou-tee-eff what did you do?” “El-oh-El, gotcha.” [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Google Search App Unleashed For iPhone Live photos of AT&T Tilt Google Re-upping to compete with Ask.com Tilt-Shift done properly: Bathtub IV by Keith Loutit [Video] Google Instant – RIP Enter Key

Mozilla’s Wall of Shame Shames the Shameful Posted: 06 Apr 2011 11:42 AM PDT Behold, the Firefox Wall of Shame. Actually they’re calling it the Slow Performing Add-ons… list, I suppose. Either way, the following add-ons are likely to NOT be happy with this situation. The reason Firefox has created this list is to essentially make the slowest functioning groups feel so terrible about themselves that they either amp up their developing to create a better experience – or of course, hang themselves in shame. You’ll notice Firebug, an add-on that helps people make their webpages function faster – oh the irony. Then there’s a slew of oddities that more than likely have been abandoned by their masters to rot in a slowly degrading prison of dead pixels and hashtags. Furthermore, Mozilla wants you to know that it’s these evil brands that are slowing down your Firefox experience, not the browser itself. They chop the heads off the offenders with a simple “If you think add-ons might be the reason Firefox is lethargic, check the list below for some of the biggest bottlenecks. And remember, for best performance you should disable add-ons that you no longer use regularly.” Firebug and FoxLingo translator and dictionary slow down your Firefox day-to-day by a monstrous 74% – watch out! NOTE: The most ironic addition to this list is of course FastestFox – Browse Faster. Oh how marketing can take us for a ride… [via Firefox] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Benchmarks of ATI’s first DX10 card The Gamecube WALL-E Case Mod Make your own Wall-E Broken Walkman becomes CD Wallman Mirror, mirror on the wall, what are the highlights from last night’s game?

Möbius Gear Posted: 06 Apr 2011 11:08 AM PDT This blew my mind wide open today. This guy, he goes by the name of Aaron M. Hoover. He makes things. He made this model of a Möbius Gear. The black outer ring was laid down layer by layer in thin plastic slices with a computer controlled machine. The white Möbius ring in the center and the blue gears were both constructed from silicone rubber in wax molds also built with computer controlled machines. 3D Printing is very cool. Check it out. Aaron’s design demonstrates multi-part fabrication principles and the ways to go about fabricating a prototype widget quickly and with as little waste as possible. This model was first built as a three dimensional model and then fabricated using separate materials so that the whole thing could fit together properly. The black ring was fabricated using an additive process. Layers of plastic were deposited down on top of one another to build the model slice by slice. The other common machine shop technique to fabricate parts is to start with a chunk of material, plastic in this case, and use a computer controlled router to cut away at the chunk until the piece is formed. In any kind of computer controlled process like this the neat little Calculus bit is translating all of the 3D model data into what are known as tool paths. Every single movement of that computer controlled nib is translated from the 3D model into the language of the 3D printer, which talks in equations defining curves along which the machine will deposit material to build the part. Is that confusing enough? This is a video of an unrelated 3D fabricated part to show the process in action. [via Berkeley] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Mobius Introduction On my way to Amsterdam for Mobius Day 1 – What is Mobius? Mobius Strip Lamp Concept Design Aims to Streamline the Clutter McIntosh clock looks like its audio gear and costs as much too

SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 Posted: 06 Apr 2011 10:02 AM PDT Welcome to the SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up with your host, Chris Burns! I think I’ll take over the Daily Show someday. It’ll be horrible! Before that happens, let’s talk about everything that’s happened before we woke up here in the West. Let us begin with a big fat review written by yours truly that was actually published last night, but perhaps beyond a lot of people’s bedtimes: T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound – it’s the same as the rest of the world, but different. Then hit the advice books with Chris Davies as he admits: “for a gadget reviewer, I’m rubbish at advice.” First have a look at the all-touch webOS “StingRay” and marvel at the fact that HP isn’t either releasing these objects faster or taking a trip to the crypt. Next, Apple takes a hint from blathering maniacs everywhere and simply deletes the White iPhone from their system while they make Toyota pull a jailbroken iPhone theme or face their wrath. See a secret Apple Dock Connector that may include Thunderbolt speeds, and see Kee Utility ship their iPhone Desk Phone Dock so you can… use a bigger receiver again, like you always wanted. On an Android tip, see the Samsung Galaxy S II claim dual-core 1.2GHz speeds, the HTC EVO View 4G (aka HTC Flyer) claim a release with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, and the HTC Pyramid take on it’s street name: “Sensation!” Then see Fring Beta take on group video calls and the Xperia PLAY dump its entire contents, including games and wallpapers! Then the last pack: make sure you’re not being HACKED by Epsilon while you’re sitting pretty on Verizon, see Apple reject an app for lack of functionality then release an app themselves with the same functionality as the one they just rejected, and buy yourself the Facebook-laden INQ Cloud Touch – today! BONUS: Gamestop claims to have a gaming tablet coming down the pipeline – Kyocera Katsura watch your back! Relevant Entries on SlashGear SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 4, 2011 SlashGear Morning Wrap-up: November 11 2010 Electronic Bubble Wrap Keychain – just when you thought FedEx was Santa Bubble Wrap Calendar lets you pop a bubble each day iPad 2 to Debut April 2nd or 9th, Rumor Suggests

Samsung Galaxy S II Updated to 1.2GHz and May/June Release Posted: 06 Apr 2011 09:06 AM PDT We’ve had this amazing little device in our hands more than once now, and let me tell you firsthand – it’s a wicked beast. It’s filled with NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor goodness in some regions and Exynos dual-core Cortex-A9 in others, and although up until now it was said to be releasing at 1.0GHz, it’s now said that BOTH of these different chipsets will be clocked at 1.2GHz at release time. We’ll be asking Samsung directly about this situation soon. Then what about release time? This magnificent monster will be coming out in the UK near May 6th, while India has retailers reporting “a month” delay, meaning June. But what about USA? We’re guessing early May as well. And as for the information in the paragraph above, that comes from GSM Arena, who’s found that Samsung’s Estonian Facebook whose reported the 1.2GHz dual-core Gingerbread specs. So you’ve read this far and you still don’t know what all the full is about, huh? Let’s have a look at a few posts that will blow your freaking mind with the power they exude: Samsung Galaxy S II Hands-On Samsung Galaxy S II TouchWiz 4.0 Special Features Demo Samsung Galaxy S II gets glowing prototype preview [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Tab up for pre-registration Samsung Galaxy S Gingerbread ROM leaks Samsung Galaxy S2 i9200 tipped: 2GHz, 720p Super AMOLED display and more Samsung Galaxy S 4G Heading To T-Mobile Tomorrow Samsung Galaxy Tab with AT&T Branding Breaks Cover

D-Link ShareCenter DNS-320 and DNS-325 join the NAS party Posted: 06 Apr 2011 08:52 AM PDT It’s obviously a day for NAS; hot on the heels of the Pogoplug Video and Buffalo CloudStor comes D-Links two new home backup and streaming drives. The D-Link ShareCenter DNS-320 and DNS-325 each have a pair of 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays, a USB port and gigabit ethernet, and can funnel your music, photos and video around your home network. The DNS-320 – which was actually announced for the UK market all the way back in December 2010 – has an 800MHz processor and 128MB of RAM. As for the DNS-325, that has a 1.2GHz processor and 256MB of RAM. Both have standalone P2P functionality, internet photo sharing, FTP, various forms of RAID support and more. Pricing is $109.99 for the DNS-320 and $199.99 for the DNS-325, drive-free, while 1TB pre-configs will be $199.99 for the DSN-320-110 and $279.99 for the DNS-325-110 following on in May 2011. Press Release: D-Link® ShareCenter® Solutions Offer Easy Backup, File Sharing, Media Streaming, and Remote Access for Today's Digital Home New 2-Bay Network Storage Solutions with Superior Performance, Re-designed Interface and Enhanced Media Functionality for Home Users Now Shipping FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – April 6, 2011 – D-Link today announced the availability of its ShareCenter® 2-Bay Network Storage devices, the DNS-320 and DNS-325. With shared storage serving as an essential element in today's digital home, these network-attached storage (NAS) solutions feature an upgraded hardware platform and intuitive user interface, enabling consumers to easily share documents, files and digital media with everyone on a home network[i]. The next generation of the award-winning DNS-321 and DNS-323, the new DNS-320 and DNS-325 provide users with centralized storage to help protect, manage, share, stream and remotely access data. Both products feature two SATA HD bays for 3.5-inch drives of either 1TB or 2TB capacities, ensuring plenty of storage for today's home users. Whether streaming movies, sharing files, or storing video from a network camera, D-Link® ShareCenter storage solutions are designed to let consumers work, play, and share from any room in the home or from a remote location, over the Internet. A complementary piece to D-Link's digital home solutions, consumers can utilize ShareCenter products for a number of applications – whether it's connecting directly to the wireless router, storing video from mydlink-enabled IP cameras, or streaming video to your TV using the Boxee Box by D-Link. "From music for your iPod to photos from your digital SLR to videos for streaming, the need for centralized storage has increased dramatically in today's connected households," said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. "Our new ShareCenter products enable users to easily backup their digital lives with added capabilities and advanced technology to get the most out of their home networks." Installation of ShareCenter devices is simple, and if more storage is needed, easy expansion allows consumers to add additional hard drives without using tools or attaching any cables. Both solutions include Farstone's Total Recovery Pro Backup software to manage scheduled and incremental network backups, enabling users to backup all the computers in their home without having to hassle with physically connecting each device to a USB drive. In addition to content back-up and RAID support for data protection, the DNS-320 and DNS-325 also feature remote access to files through a built-in web file server app and FTP server. With the included remote backup application, users can easily backup content to a second storage device at another location to protect against data loss in the event of a catastrophe. And, using the USB port in each device, users can share a single printer among all of the computers in a household over the network. Additionally, users can automatically download content from the web without powering on a PC with the integrated Peer-to-Peer Downloader or access their files at top speeds without bottlenecking with the Gigabit Ethernet port. The DNS-320 includes its own internal 800 MHz processor, a simplified interface and software for finding and managing files. The DNS-325 features increased speeds due to its upgraded 1.2 GHz processor. Its rugged, compact design makes for easy desktop placement. It also includes applications, such as a photo gallery, an audio streamer and a Blog application that allows users to host their own blogs directly from the device, making the DNS-325 an ideal solution for not only storage, but also for streaming media over a home network. It can also support additional add-on applications as they are developed. Both products also feature AFP and Time Machine support for Mac users. The DNLA-certified DNS-320 and DNS-325 both feature an upgraded warranty of three years, compared with the one year warranty of prior ShareCenter products. Availability and Pricing The DNS-320 and DNS-325 are currently available throughout the D-Link network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, including Fry's Electronics, Micro Center, J&R, Amazon, Tiger Direct, NewEgg, Buy.com, and at the company's online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com. Street prices for the DNS-320 and DNS-325 are $109.99 and $199.99, respectively. In addition, D-Link will also launch the DSN-320-110 and DNS-325-110 (pre-configured with a 1TB disk drive) in May 2011 for $199.99 and $279.99, respectively. About D-Link D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink). Relevant Entries on SlashGear D-Link ShareCenter Pulse 2-bay consumer NAS revealed Fujitsu Joins in the Battery Recall Party Playstation 3 Play Beyond Party AT&T – “We don’t need no stinkin’ links” CES 2008: HD Digital Light Link Best of Innovations Honoree

Verizon latest victim in Epsilon hack; Secret Service investigating Phishing Posted: 06 Apr 2011 08:29 AM PDT Verizon joins JPMorgan Chase & Co, Kroger, Capital One Financial and TiVo as one of the companies whose customer details have been exposed in the recent Epsilon hack, with the carrier warning users earlier this week that their emails may have been exposed. According to Reuters, Verizon sent subscribers emails late on Tuesday evening informing them that their data had been compromised. “Epsilon has assured us that the information exposed was limited to email addresses,” the email claims, “and that no other information about you or your account was exposed.” Verizon joins what’s believed to be almost sixty companies with data leaked, according to DataBreaches, with Fry’s and Best Buy being other tech-related victims. Interestingly, at least one company affected was apparently no longer a client of Epsilon’s, which suggests the company was still retaining user information even after they had lost the contract. According to CBS, the US Secret Service is investigating the hack. Relevant Entries on SlashGear SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 iPad email database hack investigation underway by FBI Hackers access Epsilon email database exposing email addresses Secret Diary software for securing your thoughts Secret Service Invisible 2-Way Micro Headset from Brickhouse Security

Gamestop gaming tablet plans confirmed for later in 2011 Posted: 06 Apr 2011 08:08 AM PDT Retailer Gamestop has confirmed it plans to offer its own gaming tablet, complete with an app store dedicated to games titles. According to Gamestop president Tony Bartel, the company is still deciding between developing its own slate or using an existing design from an OEM, depending on the strength of the gaming experience and the flexibility in using a Bluetooth-connected controller. “If we can work with our partners and the OEMs and they come up with a great tablet that is enabled with a great gaming experience and coupled with a bluetooth controller, then there’s no need to go out and develop our own,” Bartel told CNBC. “But if we can’t find one that’s great for gaming, then we will create our own.” The own-brand Gamestop tablet won’t be the only slate on offer; general tablet hardware sales will begin at the retailer later in 2011. The company’s motivation is selling games software via its Impulse digital store, with Gamestop promising that, in the near future, all titles they have bought physically will be available in digital versions to their Impulse accounts. [Image is OSCOSMOS' OSC9 mockup] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Nintendo 3DS pre-orders taken at GameStop Gamestop to begin taking pre-orders for 360 Elite today Tired of your XBox 360? Gamestop is paying top dollar for them GameStop Gets Exclusive Wii Kiosk Rights GameStop no longer takes HD DVDs, including your 360 add-on

Samsung doubles 3D glasses bundle; outs sub-$50 active specs Posted: 06 Apr 2011 08:00 AM PDT One of the drawbacks of active-shutter glasses we mentioned in our SlashGear 101: What is 3D TV? feature is the expense; outfitting an entire family to watch 3D content can quickly get expensive. Samsung is doing something to address that, with the news that as of April 24 it will be throwing in not one but two pairs of active 3D glasses with its range of LED or plasma 3D HDTVs. Meanwhile, if you still need a third or fourth set, there are price cuts on the horizon. The Samsung 2011 3D active glasses (SSG-3100GB) will be priced at under $50. Samsung reckons a family of four can be watching content for under $100, though that only holds true as long as you’re also buying a new 3D TV, of course, which is a whole lot more than $100. The SSG-3100GB glasses have a non-rechargeable battery which lasts for up to 70hrs (and can be replaced). If you’d rather some of Samsung’s more advanced specs, the company is promising that they’ll be “price-adjusted” soon too, presumably in a downward direction. Press Release: SAMSUNG MAKES HOME 3D EXPERIENCE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER All Samsung 3D TVs to Provide Two Pairs of 3D Active Glasses; Extra Pairs to cost under $50. RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., April 6, 2011 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced new promotions that will make the 3D experience in the home more affordable than ever for consumers. Beginning April 24, Samsung will provide two pairs of 3D active glasses for its entire 3D TV lineup at no additional cost with the purchase of any Samsung 3D LED TV or 3D Plasma TV. Also beginning May 1, 2011, Samsung's 2011 3D active glasses (SSG-3100GB) will be available at retail for under $50. With the new promotions and price reductions, 3D TV customers can now outfit a family of four with 3D active glasses for under $100. The SSG-3100GB model does not require charging and will provide up to 70 hours of use from the included replaceable battery. Customers purchasing the D7000 and above 3D LED TVs or the D6500 and above 3D Plasma TVs will continue to receive Samsung's 3D Starter Kit (SSG-3100M). The kit includes two pairs of 3D active glasses, promotional versions of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) complete Shrek collection on 3D Blu-ray and a voucher for Megamind 3D on Blu-ray. Customers already receiving this starter kit with a step-up TV model will not be eligible for the new promotion. Samsung's 3D Active technology delivers a no-compromise 3D experience. Unlike other approaches to 3D, Active 3D Technology delivers 2x the resolution for an immersive, Full HD image (1080p picture for each eye), a wider viewing angle and no black lines interfering with the picture. Samsung's 2011 3D active glasses deliver superior image quality and vivid, realistic 3D imagery. Samsung's complete line of 3D glasses (including the stylish and incredibly light glasses designed by Silhouette) will also soon be price-adjusted. For more information on Samsung's full line of 3D glasses and TV accessories, please visit http://www.samsungusanews.com/. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Samsung active 3D glasses for LED 3D TVs get price Dixons offers 50″ Samsung 3DTV package for £999.00 in UK LG Jumps Into the 3D Ring with 3D HDTVs, Glasses, and Blu-ray Players XpanD X103 active 3D glasses spied at CES Samsung 3D Glasses Hands On

Acer Aspire Z5761 touchscreen all-in-one packs Core i7 and NVIDIA GPU Posted: 06 Apr 2011 07:31 AM PDT Acer has outed its latest all-in-one, the 24-inch Acer Aspire Z5761. Built around a choice of Intel Core i5-2400S, i5-2500S or Core i7-2600S processors along with up to 8GB of RAM, the touchscreen desktop promises home entertainment and even some gaming potential thanks to a range of discrete NVIDIA GPUs to choose from. As well as the integrated Intel HD Graphics there are NVIDIA’s GeForce GT440, GT435M and GT420 GPUs, which can be paired with up to 1.5TB of storage and a choice of hybrid analog/digital TV tuners. There’s also gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 2-megapixel webcam and a Blu-ray reader/DVD burner. Ports include eight USB 2.0 (though no USB 3.0), audio in/out, VGA (though no HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort) and PS/2, along with a memory card reader. The whole thing runs Windows 7, with various preloaded apps, but there’s also a Linpus Console Mode for quick-booting and getting online fast. The display runs at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Acer Aspire Z5761 will go on sale in early May, priced from £799 ($1,300). Press Release: New Acer Aspire Z5761: A touch of style and performance London, 6th April 2011 – Acer introduces the new Acer Aspire Z5761: combining great performance, excellent entertainment and stylish modern design, this all-in-one desktop heralds next generation computing. Thanks to the screen with multi-touch functionality, the Aspire Z5761 not only offers a dynamic user experience, but also delivers one of the easiest ways of interacting with your PC and integrating all your multimedia contents. Starting point for this smarter way to access the PC and the web, the Acer TouchPortal provides a truly hands-on experience bringing together a full suite of touch enhanced applications and gadgets for fun and entertainment: TouchBrowser is a touch-friendly web browser designed for searching, retrieving and presenting information from the Internet. TouchCam features handy touch controls to add fun video effects while chatting online, or do theme-style recording and share with friends on YouTube™. TouchMusic, lets you browse, manage and play your favourite music. TouchPhoto integrates photo management with photo sharing capabilities and is designed to interact with both local images and online albums. TouchVideo includes video management and sharing features. It allows you to enjoy Blu-ray or DVD movies and home videos, as well as browse and share your videos to YouTube. But the Acer TouchPortal is not the only way the Aspire Z5761 brings your digital life together. It also comes with Clear.fi, Acer's new media sharing system based on the idea that it's easier if all multimedia content is simply brought into a single system with a common interface. No matter where they are. Clear.fi is a cross-platform solution that works straight out of the box, automatically detecting the Clear.fi-enabled devices connected to the wireless home network, and then allowing all digital content stored on any of these to be shared seamlessly using the Clear.fi media interface. Featuring a modern, minimalist design, the Aspire Z5761 easily fits into any décor, gracing any living or working space with a sophisticated look and feel. Sharp-cut geometric lines set off the combination of aluminum with matt and glossy black surfaces, creating a luxurious effect. Cool blue lighting placed above the integrated speakers lights up the keyboard. When not in use the keyboard can be nicely tucked away below the PC, enhancing the overall minimalist look as well as increasing the free area in front of the desktop. Inspired by modern art, the silver stand is designed with a window for organizing cables while keeping a simple, yet stylish design. Performance-wise, this is an advanced PC, rich of cutting edge technologies engineered to convey an enhanced computing experience. Exploiting the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor family, that features Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, capable of increasing perfomance in response to the most demanding tasks such as editing multimedia files, or playing fast-paced games, this desktop can deliver optimal speed enabling smoother multitasking and ensuring maximised entertainment and productivity. What's more it combines turbo-charged computing power with energy efficiency. Top-quality visual and audio components make the most of your entertainment. With a spacious 58.4 cm (23") Full HD 1080p 16:9 display, fast 5ms response and powerful graphics solutions, you will catch even the tiniest details of your favourite movies, games, pictures, and digital TV thanks to ultra-sharp and colorful imagery. Captivating and immersive audio is brought about by an integrated 5W stereo speaker system and professionally tuned Dolby® Home Theater® v4. With a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive (optional), multi-in-one card reader, and TV-tuner (optional) these models bring together all facets of your digital life, from movies to games, from TV to pictures: an all-in-one design also in terms of entertainment. Full connectivity is ensured by the most advanced wireless and wired technologies: 802.11b/g/n network connection, Gigabit LAN and optional built-in Bluetooth® 2.1. The built-in microphone and high definition webcam will help you keep in touch with friends and family through video chats and conference. In terms of storage, up to 1.5TB of capacity offers plenty of space for all your digital archives. Up to 8GB of DDR3 memory ensure seamless running of the most demanding application, while a total of eight USB port supplies handy connection to all your peripherals. The Aspire Z5761 will be available in early May with prices starting from £799 inc Vat Relevant Entries on SlashGear Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 gaming desktop blows up Acer Aspire Revo Ion nettop gets Atom 330 dual-core Acer Aspire One 532G axed over underwhelming Ion 2 performance? Acer Aspire Timeline 1825PT convertible touchscreen ultraportable gets official Acer Aspire Predator finally hits U.S.

For a gadget reviewer, I’m rubbish at advice Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:41 AM PDT There’s an awful moment after I tell someone what I do for a living when you can see the cogs churning behind their eyes. “Oh,” they say, nodding in a way that suggests they’ve suddenly realized they don’t have to spend five quid on a gadget magazine, “I need a new phone/laptop/tablet/washer-dryer actually… what do you recommend?” [Image credit: Tom Rolfe] Before I go too far, I should probably make the usual “I realize how sweet my job is” disclaimer. Yes, a hobby turned into a job for me, and I get to write about gadgets and play with phones and tablets, and generally get paid to have a snarky opinion. It’s brilliant and I’m not trying to say I have a tough time in life by any stretch. Please don’t read any more into this than some casual observations in my geeky life. “What phone should I buy?” is the most common question, fueled no doubt by the fact that the smartphone segment seems to have taken over from PCs, PMPs and the like as the fastest-mover of the moment. There’s usually a simmering desire for an iPhone – either because they really want one or because they think they ought to have one – but mixed in with the sense that they could be stuck with a wrong decision for two long years. During which time, of course, their friends and family will mock them with their “better” phones, and call them names like “Brick Boy”, “Big Mister Phone Dud” and “Silly Susie CrapPhone.” Problem is, there’s no one, single answer. After all, we fill a lengthy review for every cellphone we cover, and that’s not – well, not entirely, anyway – because we love the sound of our own online voice. The right gadget for one person is entirely the wrong gadget for another, and you can fill a long conversation (a whole evening if wine is involved) digging through use-cases and the like figuring out which makes the most sense. Because of that, I’ve lost my ability to make snap judgements, which is a problem since that’s just what people are hoping for. Friend: “My contract is up, I need a new phone. You write about phones, what should I get?” Me: “Ah, good question. There are some really good phones coming out now. Do you do more messaging or more calling?” Friend: “Yeah, exactly… I’ve heard the iPhone is good, right? I should probably just get that.” Me: “Well, it’s a good phone, yes, but it’s not necessarily the best for you. Do you play games or use Twitter?” Friend: “That’s on one of those HTC Androids, isn’t it. I’ll get one of those, then, an Androids.” Me: “…” I’m not the only one to struggle with giving clear-cut advice. I bumped into a guy from one of the main online retailers for smartphones and other mobile devices last week, and he too had a hard time making suggestions. He’s surrounded by the newest gadgets, gets to play with prototypes well in advance of their public launch, and dreads being asked to recommend one or another. It doesn’t help that – as when you fix someone’s computer once – people feel they can legitimately blame you every time the device you half-recommended subsequently gives them problems. “You told me to buy this damn phone, you make it work!” The work world seems divided by those jobs that prompt work related questions from near-strangers and those that don’t. The doctors I know say they eventually get used to random people describing oftentimes deeply personal symptoms to them in the hope of an off-the-cuff diagnosis. Asking a builder friend if they could slap down a few bricks seems less acceptable, as does inviting a dentist to stick their fingers into your mouth and see if that molar really is wiggling. Maybe if they perpetually carried one of those mirrors-on-a-stick it would be different. My day job used to involve promoting safe sex, and I didn’t find I would get too many questions about condoms and STIs. Well, sometimes, but I’m not really allowed to name any names. The saving grace is that there isn’t really such a thing as a truly “bad” device out there today. Yes, you get the odd model that obviously missed the final quality-control check and needs to be replaced, but it’s tough to find something that’s legitimately awful through and through. That’s why, when pressed, I usually suggest people buy the phone that best matches their eyes. Relevant Entries on SlashGear SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 Inspector Gadget DVD Apple pull antivirus advice Low-cost universal remote has ultra-fast setup Gadget Shoulder Holster is dead sexy

T-Mobile Nokia Astound on sale now: $80 Symbian^3 Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:23 AM PDT As promised, T-Mobile USA has put the Nokia Astound – aka the Nokia C7 – up for sale, with the Symbian^3 smartphone priced at a bargain $79.99. The handset, which we reviewed yesterday, has a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera, front-facing camera and a slick metal chassis. There’s also quadband UMTS/WCDMA, though sadly not the pentaband support which the European version of the C7 offers. You also don’t get the impressive optics of the 12-megapixel Nokia N8, but then again the Astound is a lot slinkier than its photo-focused sibling. Now, many will turn their noses up at Symbian, but it remains Nokia’s primary smartphone push for 2011; the company has previously said it expects to ship 150m Symbian devices this year, and the first Nokia Windows Phones aren’t expected until 2012. Relevant Entries on SlashGear T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound Unboxing and Hands-On [With Symbian^3!] T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound Review Nokia N8-00 12MP smartphone breaks cover Rumor: Nokia N94i running Windows Mobile that looks like XP Nokia N95 8GB for sale on Nokia USA website

Pogoplug Video and Buffalo CloudStor ship with cloud-access Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:10 AM PDT Two pieces of Pogoplug news this week, with the news that not one but two gadgets using the company’s remote-access technology are shipping. First up is Pogoplug’s own Pogoplug Video, which is now shipping for $199, while Buffalo’s CloudStor NAS – which combines both internal storage and Pogoplug-based access – is also shipping now, from $149.99. The Pogoplug Video automatically transcodes video streaming on-the-fly so that no matter what device you’re using to remotely access the content, you should be able to play it. It’ll also support the usual multiple USB hard-drives – in Pogoplug’s unusually-shaped, but this time black chassis – for file and multimedia access. As for the Buffalo CloudStor, that will be available as the 1TB CloudStor (CS-WX1.0TL) for $149.99, the 2TB CloudStor (CS-WX2.0TL) for $209.99 and the 2TB CloudStor Pro (CS-WV2.0TL) for $249.99. It pairs internal storage, a gigabit ethernet port, a USB port (for adding external storage) and a spare internal drive bay (for adding internal storage and optionally setting up a RAID array) with the same cloud-access as on the Pogoplug Video. More details on Pogoplug in our review. Press Release: BUFFALO SHIPS THE REVOLUTIONARY CLOUDSTOR Seamlessly Access and Share Content with Anyone, Anywhere with No Fees AUSTIN, TX – April 4, 2011 – Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking and network and direct attached storage solutions, today announced the highly anticipated, revolutionary Buffalo CloudStor™ personal storage solution is now shipping. First revealed at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, CloudStor goes beyond simple storage, creating a portal to freely access and share photos, videos, music and much more with anyone, anywhere through the cloud. Unlike online storage services, CloudStor has no capacity or service fees. Just plug it in, turn it on and create your free account at mycloudstor.com. CloudStor comes with everything you need to get started. You just have to be free to share. "Digital content consumption has moved beyond traditional channels along with how it is stored and accessed," said Ralph Spagnola, vice president of sales at Buffalo Technology. "Bringing CloudStor to market delivers on Buffalo's promise of simplifying data mobility, allowing you to access and share your content freely, with anyone, anywhere." At the center of every CloudStor is the Pogoplug® cloud service. The popular service connects users to their storage and allows them to freely access and share their storage anywhere in the world. CloudStor is the first and only Pogoplug device with integrated storage. Files are securely shared between people and there is no need for user setup; just email a link to your family and friends. Consumers' digital content always resides on CloudStor and the online service is only used to connect users and guests to specified files on the device. In addition, CloudStor offers many traditional consumer network attached storage features including private share support for LAN based network sharing and pairing with the popular µTorrent™ client, allowing users to offload the task of downloading torrent files from computers to CloudStor. Buffalo CloudStor can also stream to popular media devices, including Sony PlayStation® 3 and Xbox 360®. Plus, CloudStor has an integrated Time Machine® backup system that allows Mac® users to use Time Machine to backup their systems to CloudStor when at home. Pricing and Availability The Buffalo CloudStor is backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 US based technical support. CloudStor is now available at an estimated street price of $149.99 for the 1 TB CloudStor (CS-WX1.0TL), $209.99 for the 2 TB CloudStor (CS-WX2.0TL) and $249.99 for the 2 TB CloudStor Pro (CS-WV2.0TL). Buffalo products can be purchased through distribution, online resellers and Buffalo's ecommerce website. For more information about Buffalo Technology and its products, please visit the company's web site at www.buffalotech.com Relevant Entries on SlashGear Pogoplug iPhone app makes external HD’s accessible from anywhere Pogoplug Now Supports Cloud Printing with New Firmware, Wireless Adapter and Biz Model Now Shipping Pogoplug cloud printing support due this summer Pogoplug allows users to remotely access their external hard drives Buffalo debuts Blu-ray USB 3.0 optical drive

Motorola XBMC Remote control up for pre-order Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:16 AM PDT If you are using a Smart TV or another connected device that uses an onscreen keyboard entering data into the thing can be very tedious. Motorola has a cool remote control called the XBMC that is up for pre-order right now. The remote is called the Nyxboard Hybrid, will work with the XBMC system, and is the first specifically designed for the platform. The device has an IR function and an RF adapter. The little adapter plugs into the USB port and it has a tiny USB adapter that you can plug in and forget. One side has traditional controls for media and the other side has a small QWERTY keyboard. The remote also has a gyroscope so that it knows which side is up and disables the buttons on the other side. That is a key feature so you don't sit the remote down and end up changing things by hitting the buttons on the other side by accident. The remote is up for pre-order for $59.99 with June 27 as the ship date. [via Tested] Relevant Entries on SlashGear iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video] Apple TV XBMC hack makes $99 STB a 1080p HD media center Infrared Tracker Remote Control Car is guided by light Pillow Universal Remote Control Costs only $30 Microsoft patent app for sweet remote control surfaces

Toshiba unveils Satellite P, P 3D, and L notebook lines Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:03 AM PDT Toshiba has rolled out several new notebooks today and only offered up tiny thumbnail pics of the things. Tiny pics aside the machines look pretty cool. The new machines include the P750/755 and P770/755. The 750/755 notebooks have Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 CPU options. It has up to 8GB of RAM, a 2.5″ 750GB HDD or SSD drive option, 15.6″ screen with 1366 x 768 and GeForce GT 540M GPU with Optimus technology. The notebooks also has Blu-ray RW drives and a backlit keyboard. The 770/755 shares some of the same features with a larger 17.3″ screen, Core i5 and i7 processors, and up to 750GB HDD. It uses the same GPU and has a BDR drive option. The Satellite L notebook has up to 750GB HDD, up to 8GB of RAM, Blu-ray options, Core i5 and i3 processors along with Pentium processors. The screen is 13.3″ with a 1366 x 768 resolution. Graphics are via Intel HD integrated or GeForce 315M GPU. The last of the new machines are the P750 3D and P755 3D. These machines can be fitted with a Core i7, i5, or i3 CPU and have up to 8GB of RAM. Storage is up to 750GB and they have 15.6″ screens and use active 3D shutter glasses. Graphics are GeForce GT 540M and the machines can be fitted with Blu-ray RW drives. The P770 3D and P775 3D are larger 17.3″ screen notebooks with active 3D glasses using the same GPU and Core i5 or i7 processors. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Unboxing – Toshiba Satellite A205 Toshiba shows off product line for 2010 with TVs, DVD players, notebooks, and more Toshiba Satellite Pro U400 Unboxing Ceremony Toshiba Satellite Pro S300-EZ2521 revealed Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 Notebook – Not So Slim Ultra Portable

DISH Network grabs Blockbuster bankruptcy assets Posted: 06 Apr 2011 04:46 AM PDT DISH Network has snapped up Blockbuster’s assets for $320m, after the bankrupt rental retailer put itself up for auction after facing an insurmountable $1bn in debt. “With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network” Tom Cullen, DISH Network’s exec in charge of sales, marketing and programming reckons, suggesting that the satellite company won’t immediately shutter all the stores. Still, with Blockbuster’s physical rental model on shaky ground, it remains to be seen how much DISH Network can salvage. Back in September 2010 there were around 3,000 Blockbuster stores open across the US, though the company planned to axe 500-800 of them; that total has now obviously dropped by almost half, under continuing pressure from IPTV streaming providers like Netflix, iTunes and Amazon. The acquisition is expected to be finalized sometime this quarter, assuming the bankruptcy court approves. Press Release: DISH Network Agrees to Acquire Blockbuster Assets ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced that it was selected as the winning bidder in the bankruptcy court auction for substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. DISH Network’s winning bid was valued at approximately $320 million. After certain adjustments are made at closing of the transaction, including adjustments for available cash and inventory, DISH Network expects to pay approximately $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster at the closing which is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2011. “With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Programming for DISH Network. “While Blockbuster’s business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster’s brand as a leader in video entertainment.” Completion of the transaction is contingent upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including bankruptcy court approval. Safe Harbor Statement under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in DISH Network Corporation’s Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and DISH Network Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. About DISH Network DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.1 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy industry-leading customer satisfaction, the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Blockbuster bankruptcy imminent tip insiders Blockbuster pre-planned bankruptcy tipped amid $920m debt DISH Network offers Logitech Revue to subscribers for $179 Blockbuster on Demand now on over 100 devices Another legal round for DISH and TIVO

Toshiba unveils new range of TVs Posted: 06 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT Toshiba has pulled the wraps off several new TVs today including the 55ZL1. This set his the first TV to use the CEVO-Engine with a 7-core processor and DRAM inside along with a co-processor for special picture enhancing algorithms all in search of the ideal image. The set has a 16:9 aspect ratio and full HD resolution with LED backlighting and support for 3D. The set has automatic calibration and can convert 2D content to 3D. The set will be offered in screen sizes of 42″, 46″, and 55″ and they have HDDs that can be mounted to the rear of the set. Another of the new TVs is the VL863 you see pictured above. This set has an Edge LED backlit and full 1080p resolution. The set has 3D capability with circular polarization tech and a 200Hz refresh rate. The circular polarization is intended to reduce ghosting when watching 3D content. The TV is WLAN ready with a USB dongle and it comes with RealD filter glasses that are passive. You can just keep the glasses from the theater to use with this TV in screen sizes of 42″ or 47″. The next set is the SL863 (or is it the SL833?) with a 16:9 aspect ratio and full 1080p HD resolution with a 100Hz refresh rate. The set is a Smart TV with web access and will come in 32″, 37″, 42″, and 46″ and it will land in May in Europe. The last of the new sets is the UL863. This set is full HD with 100Hz refresh and is a Smart TV. It has auto calibration, multiple inputs, and comes in 32″, 37″, 42″, and 46″ screen sizes. The set will land in Q2 for Europe. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Toshiba unveils new dynadock V Third-gen HD DVD players unveiled by Toshiba Toshiba rolls out DVD Recorder Add-On for Gigashot HD Cam Toshiba Satellite Pro S300-EZ2521 revealed Toshiba R400 cuts the docking cords but keeps the peripheral benefits

INQ’s Facebook phone, the Cloud Touch, hits shelves with cheap price tag Posted: 06 Apr 2011 04:38 AM PDT The first of the so-called Facebook phones has gone on sale, with INQ’s Cloud Touch hitting UK stores. Based on Android with a customized Facebook-centric UI, the Cloud Touch’s conservative specs help it keep the pricing low, in what’s likely to be a play for the teen/young adult market so obsessed with the social network. £299.95 ($589) SIM-free and unlocked, or free on £18 ($29) per month agreements, the Cloud Touch has a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen and runs Android 2.2 Froyo on an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor. There’s 512MB of storage, 3G, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth, along with an FM radio and a 4GB microSD card bundled in the box. On the back is a 5-megapixel camera. Facebook head honcho Mark Zuckerberg confirmed that there would be multiple Facebook-focused handsets arriving in 2011 back at the unveil of the HTC Salsa and HTC ChaCha at Mobile World Congress in February. Nonetheless there are still rumors that Facebook itself is still exploring the idea of adapting Android for a Facebook device of its own. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear INQ’s Cloud Touch budget Facebook phone up for pre-order INQ Mobile’s First Attempt At Facebook Phone INQ Cloud Touch Could be the Facebook Phone HTC Facebook Phones tipped for MWC 2011 SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011

NASA uses Vomit Comet to help grow nanowires in microgravity Posted: 06 Apr 2011 04:26 AM PDT All around the world there are researchers and scientist that are studying ways to harness natural motion to produce electricity for electronic devices and gadgets. The idea is that if you can create clothes that can take the motion of the person wearing them and use that motion to generate power for gadgets we can extend the run time of things like phones and more. NASA likes the idea of harnessing motion to create power and is investigating the tech for use in spacesuits that could use the motion of the astronaut to help power the various suit systems. NASA has is studying the growth of zinc-oxide nanowires in microgravity. The study is being conducted inside a modified jet the that takes the passengers through a series of parabolic arcs that create microgravity inside the aircraft. NASA researchers Olivia Lenz, Hannah Clevenson, and Tanya Miracle have found that microgravity alters the shape and length of the nanowires and allows them to produce better nanowires for use in spacesuits for generating power. This technology also has military applications for allowing soldiers to generate power for electronic gear in the field simply by walking. [via Ecouterre] Relevant Entries on SlashGear NASA collecting urine in moonbase toilet tests NASA HD iPad app launches with free content NASA turns 50 today HP scoops $2.5bn NASA computing contract NASA astronaut claims first International Space Station Foursquare check-in

Virgin Oceanic pops Sir Richard Branson’s ocean exploring cherry Posted: 06 Apr 2011 04:10 AM PDT Sir Richard Branson has his fingers into everything from space flight to air travel and lots in between. He is set to take is Virgin empire under the sea. Branson has launched a new enterprise called Virgin Oceanic. The goal of Virgin Oceanic is to explore the seas in a manned craft and map the bottom of the ocean at some of its deepest points. Virgin oceanic will work with some of the most important scientific institutions in the world to collate the data collected on its voyages and to catalog the ocean life it finds that may have been undiscovered before. Branson also hopes to have some fun and set some world records. The single person sub that the enterprise will use looks like an underwater airplane and Branson will pilot some of the missions himself. The ship will use Google mapping technology to chronicle the dives as they happen and share the discoveries made as well as the footage of the missions with the world. The company believes that it will set as many as 30 world records with each dive being the world’s first solo dive to the bottom of the five deepest trenches in the world. [via Virgin] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 available now Virgin Mobile confirm Helio Ocean 2 for 2009; more services on the way Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 reviewed: better, but better enough? Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 gets unboxed; coming Feb 12th? Rumor : Virgin Mobile to absorb Helio into their brand name

Apple rejects iPhone app for lack of functionality, later releases app with same functionality itself Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:54 AM PDT The inner working s of the how and why Apple does some of the things it does with the App Store and approval or refusal of apps is one of the great mysteries of the world. It ranks right up there with how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie pop. What we do know is that the reasons for tossing an app out are vague a lot of the time and the developers often never really know why they were denied. A developer submitted an app recently that took all the iAds that Apple has on the advertising network that you see in various places and aggregated them in one place so that users could see them all and called it Ads Tube. Some of the ads are interesting and the app seems cool enough so the dev had no reason to think it would not be approved. Surprisingly Apple reportedly said the app “lacked functionality” and kicked it out. The real douchebaggery starts later when Apple launched the iAd Gallery, which is the exact same thing that they refused to allow into the App Store when Apple denied Ads Tube. This seems very shady to me. This comes right on the heels of Apple forcing Toyota to pull an app from the Cydia app store. It seems to me that Apple is really trying to see how far they can push things without getting in trouble. Inneractive Blog] Relevant Entries on SlashGear No NFC for iPhone 5 claim carriers Sonos Controller app for iPhone & iPod touch, plus Pandora & Last.fm with 2.7 update SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 New iPhone instructional video from Apple OS X Snow Leopard to get WiFi triangulation, more multitouch control?

Toshiba SmartNAND debuts, destined for future iPhones? Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:39 AM PDT The crazy cats over at Toshiba have announced a new line of flash NAND today called SmartNAND. This stuff promises robust error management, a simple design, and faster time to market for advanced NAND for customer applications. The NAND is part of Toshiba’s 24nm NAND family and is sure to find its way into all manner of consumer electronics products. Toshiba reports that the SmartNAND was developed specially to remove the burden of ECC from the host processor inside a device and to minimize the protocol changes needed. This allows for the simplification of the host-side design and the SmartNAND is ideal for use in media players, tablets, digital TVs, set-top boxes and all manner of other electronic devices and gadgets needing high-density non-volatile memory. Toshiba is going to offer the SmartNAND in 4GB to 64GB flavors. I am sure we will see this stuff inside gear from Toshiba with its TVs and this looks like the perfect memory for smartphones of the future as well such as the iPhone. The 24nm product is a replacement for the current 32nm devices that Toshiba offers and is capable of faster read and write speeds. The smartNAND family will land mid-April and mass production is set for the April to June quarter. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Unboxing – Toshiba Qosmio F45-AV412 Toshiba denies Apple Retina Display plant investment Toshiba debuts new dynabook Qosmio V65 notebook with dedicated SpursEngine for video Toshiba and Fujitsu Wants Payback from Sony German iPhones unlocked using iTunes

Tempest Freeruning Academy looks like Mario Land Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:27 AM PDT All I know about freerunnign I learned from the Casino Royale Bond flick where he chases that dude all around at the start of the movie. It looks pretty cool in a Bond movie, but if I saw you running and jumping all over the place around my town I would think you are nuts and someone would call the police. I guess freerunning is something that many people do and you have to train for it. I can get that, I don't think you can just start jumping on and over things willy-nilly without something tragic happening to your gonads. If you live in LA, you have a place to train and the gym is more awesome than the sport for sure. The place is called the Tempest Freerunning Academy. It looks like Mario land and it is epic. Look at all the 8-bit brick walls and treasure boxes. I wonder if you bang you head on one if you get a few coins. Check out the video to see the place and the people that work out there in action. [via BoingBoing] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Mario Kart Wii to land on US shelves April 27th NZXT Tempest Gaming Chasis is the ‘Airflow King’ Nintendo announces Mario Super Sluggers Super Mario turns 25 Itsa Meee Mario Tattoos from michibags

Michelin develops bicycle inner tubes that fix their own flats Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:12 AM PDT The highway that runs near my house is covered with people riding bikes on the weekends. The local cyclists ride in packs with 20 or more bikes in one group at times and each weekend I see more than a few of those guys on the side of the road, tools in-hand, fixing a flat bike tire. I can only imagine standing on the shoulder of a heavily trafficked highway with a 70mph speed limit has to be a bit nerve racking. What these bicyclists need is one of these new inner tubes that Michelin has developed. These tubes have a special design that helps prevent the tubes from twisting inside the tires and the design that allows the air pressure inside the tube to seal itself by compressing the puncture rather than allowing it to expand. The tubes also have some sort of sealant gunk inside that finishes the sealing process. The little round things remind me of the Kraken’s arms. The tubes are called Protek Max, these things are surprisingly cheap at about $9, and they can be had in two sizes. I would use these if I rode a bike to prevent having to walk home or fix a flat on the side of the road. [via Gizmodo] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Michelin pulls out all the stops with a SEMA Supercar Spectacular Tubes Clock poorly impersonates Nixie tube clock Crazy Spider bike concept made with aircraft building tech Furniture designed using heavy cardboard tubes CES 2008: Interactive Toy Concepts showing off new Tube Amp-based shelf stereo with integrated iPod Dock

Pioneer DJM-T1 mixer with Traktor Scratch Duo Software Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:02 AM PDT It seems like every time I look up Pioneer is tossing a new DJ this or that onto the market. I had no idea Pioneer was so big in the DJ market until the last year or so with all the new gear it has been offering up. The latest new DJ product is the DJM-T1 mixer that ships with Traktor Scratch Duo 2 software. The mixer is jam packed with some cool features that DJs will really like. The DJM-T1 is a complete solution with a hybrid mixer, a controller, and an audio interface in one unit. Pioneer designed the new mixer to support and be ready to use the new features of the Traktor Duo 2 software right out of the box. The mixer can be used without a computer if the turntables stop working and the mixer has controls for the six FXs that are included in the software and for crossover adjustments as well. The mixer supports the Sample Decks feature that allows the DJ to open two scratch decks and load up to four loops or samples in each. The device has a USB soundcard inside and it can be used for scratching with CDJs or turntables. The soundcard will allow the recording of sets to a computer using a cable and the device uses a 24-bit DA converter for clarity. The mixer also has enhanced fader operability and durability. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Pioneer outs pair of new DDJ controllers for Traktor and Serato DJ software Pioneer DJM-900nexus DJ mixer aims at club DJs Pioneer debuts new CDJ-850 digital media player for DJs Pioneer CDJ-400 for the digital DJ Pioneer DJM-900nexus recalled over headphone flaw; availability now April

HTC Pyramid to launch as HTC Sensation? Posted: 06 Apr 2011 02:56 AM PDT HTC’s mysterious press event next Tuesday, April 12, will indeed see the launch of the HTC Pyramid along with its new street-name, according to the latest leaks. The handset – believed to run a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and have a 4.3-inch qHD resolution display – will apparently arrive in the UK as the HTC Sensation, claims Pocket-lint‘s source. The source couldn’t clear up any questions of pricing, availability, network support or specifications, though, leaving us still working on previously leaked information. In addition to the large display and speedy chipset, the Pyramid/Sensation is expected to have an 8-megapixel rear camera, a VGA front camera, WiFi b/g/n, 768MB of RAM and HTC Sense 3.0. That’s roughly in line with the HTC EVO 3D, announced at CTIA 2011 for Sprint last month, though of course without the glasses-free 3D-capable display. The EVO 3D has also been confirmed for a European launch, though there’s no timescale for its release. SlashGear will be at HTC’s event next week to bring back all the details. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear T-Mobile HTC Pyramid to bring the 1.2GHz dual-core love in May? HTC April 12 Event: Pyramid or Honeycomb tablets? HTC Pyramid leaks again: qHD display and front-facing camera Stargate Pyramid HTPC case-mod is motorized marvel [Video] HTC Pyramid caught in wild

Kee Utility finally ships its Desk Phone Dock for iPhone Posted: 06 Apr 2011 02:42 AM PDT I use my iPhone at home and anywhere else. I know that many folks are like me and have stopped using a landline altogether. I use my iPhone at my desk more than anything as I work each day and sometimes if I am trying to talk to someone and use my hands it gets to be a pain since I don't have a Bluetooth speaker phone sitting there. Kee Utility has a cool new speaker dock that it is now shipping. The dock is called the Desk Phone Dock for iPhone and apparently, it was unveiled a while back and was then delayed. The dock lets you plug in your iPhone into what looks like your typical business phone. The dock will charge your iPhone and the normal looking handset on the dock lets you pick it up and talk all you want. The Kee dock also has a speakerphone integrated and has a stereo speaker for your tunes. The thing I like about this other than using a Bluetooth speakerphone is that I don't have to worry about Bluetooth suddenly acting up in the middle of a call and I don't have to remember to charge a Bluetooth speakerphone either. Moreover, if I need some privacy on a call and someone else is in the office I can just pick up the handset. The price for the dock is $149.95. [via CNET] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Make use of that hole in your desk SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 Geohot’s Limera1n Jailbreaking Utility Now Available for Mac iLuv iMM190 App Station iPhone speaker dock ships Nexus One Desktop Dock arrives: A2DP audio but no PC sync

Apple Dock Connector update patent could enable USB 3.0, DisplayPort, maybe Thunderbolt Posted: 06 Apr 2011 02:31 AM PDT Apple has patented what could well be the next generation of Dock Connector for iOS devices, potentially including functionality like USB 3.0, DisplayPort and even ThunderBolt. The patent, “Reduced size multi-pin male plug connector“, describes a connector that is either narrower or thinner, thanks to various combinations of chamfered, rearranged or otherwise tweaked contacts, and which are technically capable of carrying the signals required for the latest breed of high-speed data bus. That, as Apple suggests, would allow for “one or more standardized connector components to speed connector design and manufacture of new electronic devices such as media players, thus reducing their time to market.” The “media player” reference is an obvious nod to the iPod line, though the iPhone and iPad both use the same connector; by shrinking it down, as well as boosting connectivity from mere USB 2.0, Apple could reduce sync times, make its iOS gadgets smaller, and potentially even support things like turning an iPad into an external display when plugged into a MacBook Pro’s DisplayPort/Thunderbolt connector. There’d also be all the usual provision for controlling playback and similar with external controls, so that an in-car audio system could remotely navigate through the iPod’s tracks. Some of Apple’s plug designs include pivoting flaps to protect the contacts, along with retracting barbs to hold the plug in place. [via Patently Apple] Relevant Entries on SlashGear iPad 2 Thunderbolt rumors reignite: More than just raw throughput Apple iPad official accessories priced MacBook Pro Thunderbolt connector spotted: Is it really Light Peak? iPad 2nd Gen Supposedly Breaks Cover in Leaked Photo, Shows Two Dock Connectors [Updated] Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi

HTC EVO View 4G to hit Sprint with Honeycomb pre-loaded Posted: 06 Apr 2011 01:57 AM PDT Sprint will release its version of the HTC Flyer, the HTC EVO View 4G announced at CTIA 2011 last month, running Android 3.0 Honeycomb out of the box, unlike the initial GSM units. While HTC showed the Flyer running a heavily modified version of Gingerbread at the slate’s debut in February, and said that early units would run the smartphone OS until a Honeycomb update could be released, a minor mention on Sprint’s “coming soon” page seemingly confirms it will get the tablet-centric OS from the off. That Honeycomb update will basically be possible as soon as Google allows HTC access to the source code. Previous rumors had suggested that Google was locking down the possibility of upgrading devices from Android 2.x to 3.x, as part of its anti-fragmentation drive, but HTC says this will not impact the GSM Flyer. When we can expect the Honeycomb update remains a mystery, though with the first GSM Flyer units tipped to ship in Q2 and the HTC EVO View 4G due over the summer, it looks like around the middle of the year is likely. More on the HTC EVO View 4G in our hands-on. [via Android Community] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Sprint Offers Full-length Movie to Subscribers Sprint Motorola V3m goes red for AIDS relief HTC EVO View 4G and EVO 3D get early Sprint sign-ups SlashGear Weekly Roundup Video – March 27, 2011 EVO View 4G Hands-On

Toyota pulls jailbroken iPhone theme after Apple complaints Posted: 06 Apr 2011 01:25 AM PDT Toyota has yanked a smartphone theme for iOS that required iPhone users jailbreak their devices in order to use it. The theme had been distributed via the unofficial Cydia app store since the end of March, but after it garnered some publicity earlier this week, Apple apparently complained to Toyota. According to ModMyI’s Kyle Matthews, Apple had contacted Toyota requesting the theme be removed, and they instructed Velti, the ad agency responsible, to do just that so as to “maintain their good relationship with Apple.” According to Matthews, the theme project had been in the works since April 2010. Apple’s attitude toward users jailbreaking their devices remains reasonably combative, despite jailbreaks being ruled legal; the company maintains that doing so will void the device’s warranty. The fact that it also allows users to bypass the official App Store – and thus bypass Apple’s cut of the revenue stream – is also likely to be a major consideration. [via AppAdvice] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Apple rejects iPhone app for lack of functionality, later releases app with same functionality itself SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 iPhone firmware 2.0 has already been jailbroken! Crackdown on jailbroken iPhone tethering underway at AT&T BlackBerry 8900 Gets to Act Like a Hero

Motorola XOOM and ATRIX 4G sales failures claims analyst Posted: 06 Apr 2011 01:05 AM PDT Motorola’s XOOM tablet and ATRIX 4G smartphone sales have reportedly “been disappointing” according to one analyst’s channel checks, with sell-through trends suggesting that the smartphone in particular has been impacted by cheap, $49 rivals. Pacific Crest’s James Faucette, quotes Forbes, claims the popularity of the iPhone 3GS and HTC Inspire – each of which undercut the ATRIX significantly in AT&T’s smartphone line-up – has meant sales were “well below forecast.” Motorola is yet to announce any official sales figures for either the phone or the slate. Both products scored reasonably well in reviews – you can find our ATRIX 4G review here, and our XOOM review here – though are perhaps suited more to technically advanced users than, say, the iPhone or iPad 2. Of course, the XOOM is yet to hit retail outside of the US, which might partially explain for any mediocre sales. The WiFi-only version of the tablet is expected to arrive in the UK this week, while the 3G-enabled version is due in mid-April. Relevant Entries on SlashGear Motorola XOOM To Have Unlockable, Relockable Bootloader Sprint Motorola XOOM spotted: 4G WiMAX inside? Motorola XOOM pre-order at Best Buy: February 24 release Motorola XOOM WiFi gets cheaper AT&T Motorola ATRIX 4G due March 6: $200 alone or $500 with Laptop Dock

White iPhone 4 deleted: Apple ousts troubled smartphone from system Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:26 AM PDT Ah, the white iPhone; rarer than a unicorn’s pelvis. The rare, pale smartphone is yet to see a commercial release – though Apple has promised it will drop sometime this spring – but according to a new store update it’s looking like the handset has taken one step back, not closer to launch. After the Apple Store went down briefly overnight, 9to5Mac dispatched their trusty retail insider to quest for changes. All they could find was that the white iPhone SKU has been deleted from the system. Now, that could mean that Apple is preparing a different version with a new SKU, or it might mean that the company has given up on the white iPhone idea altogether and is simply holding off until the iPhone 5. Previous rumors we’ve heard have suggested that Apple will take a little longer than usual with its fifth-gen smartphone, and that the white variant of the existing model would be used to tide things over – and prolong the relevance of the Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 – until the new handset is ready. Relevant Entries on SlashGear White iPhone 4 possible with “miracle painting” tech claims insider Best Buy clears shelf space for white iPhone 4 White iPhone 4 secretly cancelled; Apple treading water until iPhone 5? White iPhone 4 delayed until late July 2010 White iPhone 4 added to AT&T online systems

HP all-touch webOS “Stingray” leaks alongside Verizon Pre3 Posted: 06 Apr 2011 12:10 AM PDT webOS news this morning, with two leaked devices seemingly confirming that HP has a keyboard-free handset in the works, as well as that the Pre3 is most likely headed to Verizon. PreCentral‘s tipster sent them a couple of shots to tease the imagination; firstly what’s rumored to be the HP Stingray, described as “an EVO with webOS.” No accompanying specifications, however, which means all we have to go on is rumor. The device certainly looks thin enough to be keyboard-free, with a display that’s estimated to run at 800 x 480; up near the earpiece is what could be either a proximity sensor or a front-facing camera. Secondly, there’s a shot of the already announced Pre3 running on Verizon’s network. While we’ve known all along that the Pre3 would have both CDMA and GSM radios, this is the first time we’ve seen it hooked up via CDMA, and the first time a carrier has been connected with the device. Whether that means it’ll arrive on Verizon shelves in time, and whether or not it will be an exclusive or also available on Sprint, remains to be seen; there’s still some time before it’s due to arrive this summer. Relevant Entries on SlashGear HP Pre3: 1.4GHz webOS flagship webOS Touch to Share URLs, Calls, and More Between Pre3 and TouchPad SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: April 6th, 2011 HP webOS PCs, printers & more promised HP Pre3 hands-on

T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound Review Posted: 05 Apr 2011 05:44 PM PDT Before we go any further, I’d like to let you know that we’ve got not [one], but [two] hands-on experiences with this device. Check there for all the specs and tiny details your heart could desire. Below you’ll find a broad approach at a review since this phone is becoming somewhat of a rarity here in the USA – one that’s not a feature phone, yet not Android or iOS – such a diamond in a bucket full of diamonds, rubies, pearls, and other precious rocks! First Impressions You’ve very possibly already seen my first impression of this piece of hardware in either the unboxing post or the post where I got to hold the phone at CTIA 2011. All that information said, I can nutshell the experience up in one sentence: Using the T-Mobile Nokia C7 Astound is like carrying around a silver jewelry case filled with a heroic operating system fighting for life in a cruel, cruel world. It’s a harsh world this little phone is living in, one where feature phones are being punched in the face to death, and Android and iOS dominate. This phone is going to cost you $79.99 on a 2-year contract, right on track for a mid-range smartphone, and it just so happens to be available for purchase starting tomorrow. After a Week One of my favorite little Android phones is the LG Optimus T – this is T-Mobile’s Optimus mid-range Android phone roughly the same size of the Nokia C7 Astound with basically the same power and screen real-estate. The screen on the Astound is taller and thinner, the whole unit fits in the hand in a much more natural way, and there’s a host of physical buttons around the sides of this little ditty that only a full-keypad could match. The Astound is at least a match for the single-letter Optimus line. I can’t speak on the other couple of similar Android phones on T-Mobile, that being the Motorola CLIQ 2 and DEFY, as I’ve literally never held them in my hand, but I’m going to go ahead and say that chances are, the Astound stands up fine. The front of this phone has a 0.3-megapixel VGA camera that’s proven to be basically as bad as we’ve come to expect from any front-facing camera made for video chat. The back, on the other hand, has a camera that’s just as nice as basically any camera on the mobile market. Believe it or not, it’s a really great camera that looks pretty darn good. Not the BEST mobile-based camera in the world, (that’s the HTC ThunderBolt,) but close. The only thing holding back this camera is its lack of an auto-focus. This is a big deal. Accessing email, Facebook, and internet radio like we’d normally do is not quite as easy as working with an Android phone, as basically every account I’ve got for social media and updates is hooked up through Google. Am I trapped? No, but given Apple’s well-known trapping in a similar manner, Nokia is going to have a tough time breaking the majority of the USA out of their ever-loving box. Calling works perfect, text messaging works perfect, and the keyboard is excellent (SWYPE included). Navigating back and forth through applications and menus does not come as naturally to your humble narrators fingers as does the two major competitors, but it’s certainly better than BlackBerry, and Windows Phone 7 is what I’d call right on par. Music playing is slick and smooth, there’s a carousel, lists, covers, options, and most importantly, a play button. What more could you possibly want in a player of music! Battery life is fantastic. At least 24 hours of uptime. Wrap-Up This phone is essentially a perfect middle ground between the two charges a day required by smartphones and the two days before a charge on a feature phone. The smartphone experience isn’t quite as optimized and user-friendly as the most recent versions of iOS and Android, but feature phones aren’t anywhere near the league of the C7 Astound. Here’s a phone that gives you a lot of the functionality you’re going to find in a Google or an Apple phone but with fabulous battery life. But it’s not as simple as that. You can find this phone in several countries under the simpler C7 title, the only real difference between those and this being the connection guts and the T-Mobile branding. This phone is destined to be a lot more popular in the rest of the world than it is here in the states. But why? Symbian and Nokia do not hold the same mindshare that Apple and Google do, mindshare that’s vitally important when considering taking over the world of mobile OS. If you take the Nokia Astound and put it in a vacuum with every other phone in its price range, it’ll be a contender. Relevant Entries on SlashGear T-Mobile Nokia Astound on sale now: $80 Symbian^3 Nokia RX-51 N900 Rover Gets an Unofficial Prerelease Review Nokia 5230 Nuron gets reviewed: needs to be cheaper Is this the E62i in the wild? Nokia’s next-gen smartphone spotted T-Mobile Nokia Astound brings Symbian C7 to US (missing a 3G band)

Obama Hosting Town Hall Meeting On Facebook Posted: 05 Apr 2011 04:26 PM PDT President Obama is no stranger to social media and technology, from signing iPads to pushing for internet connectivity across all of America and hosting a tech dinner with the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. And now for his next town hall meeting, Obama will be heading to Facebook HQ to host a live-streamed session online. The town hall meeting will focus on the economy and everyone is encouraged to participate. The White House post reads: "The President will connect with Americans across the country to discuss the tough choices we must all make to put our economy on a more responsible fiscal path, while still investing in the innovation economy that makes America more competitive.” If you’d like to get involved and throw your questions in the ring, you can do so at the White House’s Facebook page. They are accepting questions submitted to their Facebook event page and Facebook will get to select from the questions posted. Also make sure to RSVP. [via Techland] Relevant Entries on SlashGear Vincent is at the show and ready, are you? Apple to dedicate a portion of today’s Town Hall meeting to gaming? The Obama DS Lite mod – Gamer supporting their candidates New iPod Video in August? Obama “oPhone” for the most patriotic people, in Kenya!

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