It seems that Sony Ericsson’s much anticipated media smart phone is finally out. The second version of the SE Vivaz has been released recently and is already making its way to store shelves.
For those unfamiliar with this impressive SE smart phone, the Vivaz was first shown off last year in a series of leaked images detailing the very first HD capable smart phone from the Japanese-Swedish developer. The Vivaz was an instant hit among media fans who would like to try out the first smart phone with 720p video recording capability.
The device finally showed up in physical form at the Mobile World Congress last February at Barcelona, Spain where Sony Ericsson was able to show off the Symbian smart phone alongside the Android XPERIA X10 handset. It was not long before SE also announced a second version of the Vivaz –the Vivaz Pro which will have all of the key features of the original handset but with the addition of a slide out QWERTY keyboard (the X10 Mini Pro which was announced with the Vivaz Pro also showed the same pattern –same specs as the X10 Mini but with the addition of a physical keyboard).
Anyway, the Vivaz Pro sports an impressive mobile form factor along with Sony expected stylish hardware design. The screen has a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels. This 3.2 inch TFT touch screen comes with 16 million color display capacity, an accelerometer, and a scratch resistant surface. With only 75MB of storage, the microSD card support of up to 16GB will prove to be very useful.
As stated, the device runs on the Symbian OS, series 60, 5th edition –no word yet if this will be upgradable to the coming Symbian^4 Os though that is unlikely. The 720MHz PowerVR CPU does a great job at keeping the handset running fast and smooth.
Archive for May, 2010
Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro Finally Launched
Friday, May 28th, 2010Will We See the 4th Gen Apple iPhone at the WWDC?
Friday, May 28th, 2010
It seems that almost everyone is expecting good old Steve Jobs to don his favourite dark colored turtle neck and get up onstage to present the latest smart phone from the Cupertino based company, Apple.
While Apple has not made any definitive announcements specifically concerning the much anticipated iPhone 4G/HD, there are already plenty of people who are willing to bet that the new handset will definitely be making an appearance at the major event this coming June 7.
In many ways, it will be a very good move for Apple to actually launch the new device a little early –as Jobs’ reputation and Apple’s very own image has been losing plenty of ground among followers and the media. After several lawsuits, a police raid in the home of a tech blogger, unhappy developers and the war of words with Adobe, Apple can seriously make use of some good publicity soon.
Oh, and we almost forgot to mention that the Apple iPad worldwide launch is facing some troubles once again. At least it will not be delayed, but if the online announcements are to be believed, it seems that people who have pre-ordered the touch screen tablet might have to wait until June 7 before the products actually get shipped. The only way to get an iPad on May 28 would be by lining up in the expectedly long queues.
Anyway, if the iPhone 4G does come out, we can at least expect the device to come ready with the new 4.0 operating system, video chatting and of course multitasking support. The phone itself is expected to be slightly bigger than the original iPhone. Most of the same old things will apply –like the need to use iTunes when synching to a computer and of course, Apple’s strict registration requirements.
Why the iPad Needs Flash
Friday, May 28th, 2010
As most of you may have already heard, Google showed off the new Android tablet at the Web 2.0 Expo held a couple of weeks ago. While Google has yet to formally announce the device nor even set a date for a possible launch date, the presence of the Android tablet shows that Apple iPad is simply impressive for being the first of its kind –but in terms of actual innovative features, it lags behind its upcoming competition.
The main difference in between the two devices is that Apple’s iPad touch screen tablet lacks Flash. Now, this may not seem like a big deal –even compared to the fact that it also does not have multitasking, but for a device that has been designed specifically for accessing the internet, the lack of Flash is serious drawback.
Steve Jobs has defended Apple’s stance by stating that HTML5 is the new media for the internet and that Flash is old, unstable and obsolete. Since the release of that statement, Adobe and many Flash developers have gone on to show that Flash works well in even on mobile phones and that touch screen controls map well to Flash websites.
It is true that Flash is turning obsolete. In a few more years, more and more websites will be adopting HTML5. But as for purchasing the Apple iPad, a few more years is not exactly a good determining factor.
Simply put, the iPad is a device of today, once it launches this coming Friday, will be using it to access the internet immediately. No one is planning to keep the iPad sealed in the box until the day that Flash content is no longer used and this is the weakness of the iPad.
For now, the issue is not really felt since Apple’s tablet is the only device in the market. But once Google’s device launches –and offers support for both Flash and HTML5, people will easily see what the better choice is.
O2 Confirms Dell Streak for June
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
It may seem a little early, but the Dell Streak is already heading to the UK thanks to O2. The mobile network operator has gotten first dibs on Dell’s upcoming half-phone half-tablet gadget and we are all very excited to actually being able to test the large 5 inch screen on the Android handset.
Of course, the fact that it actually makes phone calls makes the Streak one of the most intriguing devices that are set to come out on June (and of course, there is always the possibility that the next gen iPhone will also be coming out that same month). The Apple iPad primarily lacks phone capabilities as it is a dedicated tablet, whereas the Streak aims to streamline the outdoors experience by eliminating the need to have a separate tablet and mobile phone –a situation that is hardly a problem when inside the office or in the comfort of one’s home.
The Streak is much more like a hybrid tablet than it is a mobile phone for its sheer size alone. At 5 inches, it is already breaking several rules of ergonomics, but it still manages to be easy to hold and handle. Though carrying around the device in the pocket is something that is not recommended. Still, the Streak fits easily into almost any small bag.
Running the Android OS, we can expect Dell’s little new gadget to be updated to the latest version of the Google mobile platform in the next few months. This will give the device native support for Flash and AIR –in addition to the already present Google Goggles, Google Maps (and voice guided sat nav), and integration of other Google based web services. The device has been confirmed to have a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, expandable memory and also comes with a 5 mega pixel snapper.
Urban Myths in the Making: the 888 Phone Number
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Bulgarian mobile network operator Mobitel is placing a mobile phone number on hold, indefinitely. Anyone attempting to call 0888-888-888 will receive a phone is “out of network coverage” answer or something similar.
The reason for keeping the number on hold is more morbid that it is superstition; the previous three owners of the mobile phone number have died or been killed.
The first owner was Mobitel’s very own ex-CEO Vladimir Grashnov. While many reports indicate that Grashnov died of cancer back in 2001, there are many rumors that state that the reason he died was due to radioactive poisoning by one of his many business rivals.
The next individual to own the mobile phone number was none other than the Bulgarian Mafia boss, Konstantin Dimitrov. Strangely enough, he too died shortly –gunned down last 2003 during what is assumed to be an assassination in the Netherlands. Reports state that the man was on a trip to the Netherlands in order to handle his illegal drug trade business.
The third man on the list is Konstantin Dishliev, who is reportedly a drug trafficking merchant who was handling vast stocks of cocaine. He, like Dimitrov, was killed by an assassin. The number was then held by the police for a certain amount of time while the drug case was still being investigated.
Looking at the details, it is somewhat amusing how the coincidences have allowed such a tale to be woven. Many are already familiar with the charm of the number “8”; with its infinite loop, it is often considered to be a good luck charm for business, even the Chinese character for 8 is considered lucky.
Naturally, a phone number with so many eights can only be obtained by people willing to fork out the cash needed –which matched the profile of all three victims. The last element, as to why all three men seem to have been killed is a common factor for anyone who has managed to succeed quite far financially –the factor of having made lots of enemies to climb to the top.
Foursquare Provides a Real World Alternative to Facebook
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
As fun as it may be to poke your friends all day long on a social networking site, there are simply some times when actually being to hang out an pat each other’s back after a long day or toast each other after a huge effort is also important. This is the very core foundation of Foursquare.
The great thing about Foursquare is that it does not attempt to replace any social networking site, it actually links and syncs to your Facebook, Twitter and even phonebook details in order to create your own network online. Using the site requires two simple things: the app and an AGPS enabled smart phone.
Foursquare will track your location (but only under your approval) and will keep track of where you go. The real fun starts when you arrive in one of the many business establishments and public areas listed on the site. Once there, you have the option to check-in, allowing Foursquare to tag your attendance in the location. Check in enough times or at certain hours and you will be rewarded with badges. If your favorite hangout is not yet listed on Facebook, you are also encouraged to list the site up as well.
The badges are only virtual online rewards, but actually being in a location 10, 20 or even 50 times might get you rewards. Many stores now recognize Foursquare and provide real life incentives for attaining badges. Holders of the mayor badge –given to the person with the most check-ins in an area, often receive really nice bonuses from store owners. There is also the fact that you can leave 200 character comments on the place you visited –people often use this to give reviews of the site and the services or products offered.
Businesses have plenty to gain from Foursquare. The site automatically advises its users to visit any location that is nearby –providing advertisement and of course, potentially increasing customers.
BlackBerry 9800 Slider Details Emerge
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Research in Motion has finally released the details on the new BlackBerry 9800 Bold Slider version. This phone has the same form factor that you would expect from RIM’s BlackBerry series, but with a much sleeker slider phone style.
On an odd note, it appears that RIM still wanted people to have a feel of the old BlackBerry handset and has enabled a virtual keyboard for those times when sliding out a keyboard is not necessary –such as for typing short, quick messages. Regardless of the new slider look, the phone still retains that good old BlackBerry charm. The curves are still edgy enough to look professional, but still borders on the more traditional looking style of other smart phones like the HTC Desire.
The Bold 9800 is getting plenty of attention simply because of the device’s form factor. For years, people have been used to BlackBerry handsets that come with the standard 2 to 3 inch touch screens and portrait oriented keyboard. While that may sound a little cramp, any RIM fan will tell you that no other handset beats the BlackBerry’s keyboard in terms of comfort and efficiency.
So how does the new slider look? So far, initial images of the new phone reveal that good old BlackBerry keyboard layout but with a slightly wider spacing –which is always an improvement. The whole device is still in portrait mode which is familiar for BlackBerry users but somewhat awkward to look at –depending on the angle if this is your first BB handset.
The base specs places this slider handset in the mid range category, with 4 GB of internal memory, 512 MB of RAM, a 5 mega pixel snapper, support for micro SD cards and of course the BlackBerry OS (version 6 will come with the 9800 Slider).
What to Expect at the WWDC
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
The Google I/O event has finished and from the looks of it, Apple is rearing to launch their own event to match the successful Android-Adobe-HTML5 mash-up.
Apple has been proud to announce that at least 5,000 developers will be attending the WWDC event to be held at Cupertino, California this coming June 7 until June 11. The five day event is expected to be filled with many major presentations, demos, lectures, discussions, and quite possibly, launches.
As one might expect, Steve Jobs will certainly be there (and most probably, wearing that dark colored turtleneck thing he always has when presenting new products to the public) and he will be delivering plenty of speeches and talks.
Though we can only guess what the man will be talking about –after all, Jobs already said plenty in regards to Flash and Adobe in general. Though it is expected that he will be bringing plenty of focus on HTML5 development (which Adobe will already be supporting, the new update for Dreamweaver brings HTML5 support) as well as focus on the H.264 video codec. The launch of Google and Adobe’s VP8 format is certain to bring a new form of competition.
Two of the most anticipated announcements for the WWDC are of course, the upcoming next generation Apple iPhone (HD/4G) and of course, the worldwide launch of the Apple iPad touch screen tablet.
As you may have already heard, the iPad is once again delayed for its international launch. There are rumors that the device will be out on June 7, coinciding with the WWDC’s opening day.
The Apple iPhone is still a big mystery and despite many people expecting to hear a major announcement or even possibly the unveiling of the device itself at the WWDC, it is also quite possible that the event will pass by without a single official statement regarding the next generation smart phone.
What Can Facebook Do?
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
In the face of many user complaints, and protests, Mark Zuckerberg has finally done a ‘Steve Jobs–style’ open letter. While the man is sugar coating all of his words with faux concern and sympathy, Zuckerberg’s open letter lacks any actual solutions to the problems that Facebook has wrought upon its users.
The problem, as complicated as the whole story may be, is as simple as the situation that happened with Google’s Buzz service: the feature was implemented and users did not have a choice of opting out. This is the real problem with Facebook. It is not the fact that their privacy controls are complicated. If that alone was the case, then there is no real privacy scare to be worried about.
The only real solution that Facebook can give to its users is that the social networking site should reset all settings to default at the maximum security level that is possible.
Resetting the privacy settings to max may seem extreme, but it is far more logical than realizing that Facebook has exposed your account to the entirety of the internet. While there are settings that one can toggle to change this, there is no denying the fact that information has already been spread. This is pretty much akin to having your private details published daily in a magazine and being told afterwards that you can also opt to have your details be withheld from future issues.
According to Zuckerberg, the more people realize that they can control their information, the more they are willing to share. In that case, Facebook should leave the decision to share with the users. The man is pretty confident that Facebook has comprehensive privacy tools (as confusing as they are to use). If we are to follow his logic, then all it takes for people to start sharing info is for Facebook to make people aware of the control they have with their accounts.
Google: Helping the Internet
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
The big Google event has concluded with a very promising note: the announcement of new platforms, formats and standards focused on making the internet a much better place.
It is actually ironic, how their biggest competitor, Apple is all about trashing Flash, fails to actually promote HTML5. Google on the other hand, has been slowly but surely showing the whole world how impressive the new web format is. In fact, the most recent Google Doodle (how they change the art of Google’s logo on the main search page to reflect some important occasions) is a tribute to the first 30 years of Pac-Man; the logo is actually a game that can be played using the cursor keys. And yes, HTML5 is being used for this technology.
With all the focus on HTML5, one might be told to consider that Apple might have been right all along –actually they are not. Adobe has only recently announced that they will now be working on developing apps compilers and developer tools that focuses on the HTML5 web format.
The new features do not stop there, Flash will still be developed and this time, Flash and Google will be pushing for the new VP8 video format –though some do state that H.264 is much better encoded.
In other Google news, the company has stated that they will support HTC in the lawsuit, but no one knows how far this will go. The suit has come from lawsuit to countersuit as HTC recently announced that they too have filed a lawsuit against Apple over 5 patent infringements.
It has also been reported that Google announced that they will be deleting the WiFi data collected by their Google Street cars (not the images taken by the camera). According to various sources, Germany and Spain have already begun investigations in regards to the data collection.