Just a while back, a British woman managed to type out “the razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.” In a span of 25.94 seconds that is about a second for every word.
And anyone who can spell out serralsalmus in a single second using a touch screen keyboard really should be proud of themselves.
The feat was accomplished recently and has earned Melissa Thompson the informal rank of being the fastest texter in the world. Originally, the position was being held by an American who typed out the same content but for a full 9 seconds longer. Sadly, the award has yet to be officially awarded to the woman as Guinness officials will still need to study the record breaking feat.
In any case, this is a bit of an important step for smart phone technology. While not everyone will be able to type as fast as the woman in question, it does lend credence to the statement that the use of Swype technology really does improve texting speed. Melissa believes that everyone should try it out as it truly helps increase the typing speed on a mobile phone.
Samsung also has something to celebrate about with the feat. According to reports, the phone that was used was the Samsung Galaxy S Android smart phone. The device packs a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen display and a 1GHz processor. The high end smart phone has been around for quite some time now and is one of the most recommended Android smart phones available.
Of course, this does not mean that physical keyboard technology is dead. Many people still prefer to have slide out QWERTY keyboards and until haptic technology is perfected to simulate having a physical keyboard, it will be a while before we see a full switch to virtual keyboards.
Archive for August, 2010
Brit Takes Claim to Faster Texter in the World
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010Android Update for Vodafone Users Now Available
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
HTC Desire owners under the Vodafone network have something new to be excited about. According to reports, the official 2.2 Android Froyo update is now ready for downloads and the update will not only bring the latest new features to the open source mobile platform, it will also uninstall those annoying Vodafone 360 features that came with a previous update from the network operator.
For those hoping for an automatic connection, you will have to wait. Right now, the only way to avail of the Froyo update is to manually connect through the HTC Desire. Once up and running the update will require users to have at least 25 megabytes of storage space on the device (so be sure to free up even a little space if you have managed to cram plenty of content into your handset).
The Google Android 2.2 update is considered by many to be an important upgrade to the Android OS. This will bring support for the new Flash player from Adobe which makes the handset fully compatible with almost all of the media found on the web today. There is also a better Exchange sync connection, a revamped used interface for the camera (which allows for easily adding effects to shots) and plenty of other added features.
The big bonus that Froyo brings is the performance boost. While the Android has never been known for having serious issues, it is hard to deny that running the 2.2 version of the OS will set a new benchmark for speed.
The user interface has been confirmed to have been boosted up to three times faster while browsing many web pages will be running about five times faster (connection speeds willing). The OS speed boost is thanks to better kernel management while the browser benefits from having an updated Java handler.
Full Mobile Gear: Samsung Galaxy S Accessories
Monday, August 23rd, 2010It can be said that the Samsung GT i9000 Galaxy S smart phone is one of the best Android devices around, the device is impressive in terms of both hardware and software features, it has an impressive design and also, Samsung has provided the device with a whole array of accessories that make it well equipped in various uses.
There are four main accessories for the Galaxy S, one for the car, another for the desktop, one for media and another for an extra battery. Complete, the full lineup will provide users with full and complete smart phone functionality that is difficult for other devices to match.
First up, the car cradle; just as one would expect, the Galaxy S’ car cradle is a standard dock that keeps the device in an easy to view angle. This is very useful if you rely on one the phone’s Google Maps GPS functionality when driving around.
The desktop dock is a lot like an accessibility holder for your Samsung smart phone. The device tilts up nicely on the dock allowing not only for convenient hands free calls, but also for viewing media content on the device. One of the best things about this dock is that it will get users connected to a mini-USB and it also supports a 3.5mm audio jack.
For those who travel a lot, the external battery charger will hold and charge your spare batteries. This helps save the trouble of having to swap batteries when charging spares and also, it provides users with a container solution when travelling.
Finally, the HDMI WiFi add-on will turn the Galaxy S into the ultimate media storage hub. It basically connects to any HDTV and your phone and will be able to receive data streaming through WiFi. The two part device is an impressive must-have for those who love to use the device’s HD recording capabilities.
Mobile News Lineup: this Week in Phones
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
There have been plenty of updates this week that going through them all will take a fine tooth comb. So instead of getting all plastered up with too much information, here is a quick run off all the important things that we should all be aware off.
First off, there are now even more rumors of upcoming HTC devices. There is still no basis for the announcement, but four new HTC codenames seems to have been leaked out to the public. The currently line up shows the Speedy, Spade, Mecha and Blitz to be the names that have been leaked out. With the slightly odd naming scheme, we are pretty much tempted to throw this off into the unlikely scenario bin. In any case, expect some changes for these codenames if they ever reach production stage.
There are also talks that RIM has been looking into mobile advertising as well. With plenty of potential being shown by both the Google Android and the Apple iOS in the same field, it is a natural step for RIM to look into the possibility of using a similar technology as well. Also, it would be a great way for RIM to expand their BlackBerry OS.
In the meanwhile, Google is announced to still be working on the Android 3.0 Gingerbread but are already looking into the future of the platform. This is given evidence by the fact that they are already looking into the development of the next version of the platform; Android Honeycomb. As one would expect the Google Android naming scheme sticks true to the original form of taking the names of sweets and deserts.
Lastly, Nokia’s N8 smart phone is still delayed while the N9 is already due to be released this coming December. Many expect the Symbian^3 N8 to fail while there is plenty of hope for the upcoming N9.
How Mobile Phones are Making People Drop Defenses
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Mobile phones are personal gadgets, you tend to carry it around with you almost all the time and being within arm’s reach at all times, and it is easy to start feeling that the device is an extension of one’s self.
In many ways, that is what a mobile phone is, but when you consider that the handset is also the perfect portable doorway to the internet, then it is as much as part of the human body as a street post or a mailbox –it is not.
The web, as much as we hate paranoia, is really out to get you. A little bit of carelessness is enough to have an email address killed by the sheer volume of spam that can be received. If you think that all that talk about scam emails from Nigeria or Africa are a bunch of jokes, they are actually true and many people are losing thousands of Pounds worth of money to these scams.
And email is not the only thing that is being plagued on the internet; social networking sites are the perfect place for data mining and information gathering. If the previous fuss about Facebook doing some internal data mining for its own was not enough of an issue, then it should be remembered that your friends and contacts are most likely able to see anything that you post or say –and naturally, everything written in the information page.
Some useful tips when it comes to social networking include changing your name and details with fake information. Another is to filter, sort and even delete friends as needed (seriously, do you need to be connected to that guy in the mailroom just to boost your Farmville stats?).
Of course, it also pays to ensure that the mobile phone you use is also secure. Delete unnecessarily stored private data and be sure to update your passwords on a weekly or daily basis.
Mobile Updates: 10 LG, 2 BlackBerry Phones and the Next Android
Friday, August 20th, 2010
If there is one thing that we can be sure of when it comes to Google, it is the fact that the company never rests. Despite the success of the Android operating system, it can easily be seen that the mobile phone industry is a very content sensitive environment and that there is always a need to stay on top of one’s game.
The Symbian OS is already losing its grasp and eventually, Google will be able to surpass it, and it will be up to Google if they can stay on top.
In any case, the new Google Android OS is going to be the 3.1 Honeycomb –which is an upgrade over the not yet released Android 3.0 Gingerbread.
RIM’s latest BlackBerry handset, the Torch 9800 is now available locally, but only online. Retailer Clove has been confirmed as having the device on stock and is offering the handset for about £523. That may seem pretty high priced for a BlackBerry handset, but one should not forget that this new phone sports the latest BlackBerry 6 operating system, a large touch screen and new media-based features that are designed for the general user. So far, it has not yet been announced on when the Torch will be available on local tariffs.
In other BlackBerry news, a new handset, called the R020 (for now, we expect to see a name change) will be released soon. Initial details show that the device looks like a variant of the Pearl and Curve models with basic mid to low range specs.
Rounding up the news is the announcement from LG that they will be launching ten new devices before the end of the year. So far, LG has been quiet about any further details so we cannot determine what operating systems will be supported. It is speculated that the LG Panther (WP7) is going to be in that list.
How Google is Taking Over the Mobile Phone Industry
Friday, August 20th, 2010For most, the choice has always been about quality or quantity. After all, resources are always limited and being able to focus on a particular aspect (or doing a quick compromise of both) is often the only thing that can be done.
However, Google is not like most, and when it comes to the Android operating system, there is nothing holding them from choosing just one.
Google’s Android has quantity, ridiculous amounts of it. One could say that among smart phones, the Android OS is the most prolific platform being used (though among all mobile phones, the Symbian still holds the top spot). Currently ranked in second place beside the Symbian, the Android OS’ multi-phone compatibility makes it one of the most commonly chosen platforms.
Apple, currently in third, has been able to perform admirably well in distribution despite being limited in the variety of iPhone variants (which means that Apple still has the most units of the same kind out there).
The Android has more than just numbers on its side. The operating system is also famous for the platform’s features itself, as it provides people with features and capabilities that were never originally associated with mobile phones.
Google is among the first to fully utilize augmented reality technology –to a point that the Google Goggles camera app is now able to read foreign languages and translate content on sight. The open source mobile platform has provided many developers and creators to debut their content –which has helped the community grow significantly.
It has recently been let known that the latest version of the Android operating system is already in works. Version 3.0 Gingerbread is already on its way to a December release date, while rumors of a possible 3.1 Honeycomb are already spreading online. Google has yet to confirm this data, but many are already looking forward to the update.
Mobile Phones to Read Sign Language
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Mobile phone technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade. From the original purpose of being able to send and receive calls to its new found capabilities of browsing the internet, recording and uploading HD videos and more, the mobile phone can be truly said to be humanity’s all time favourite gadget.
Even the hearing impaired is successfully able to use mobile phone technology. The use of phones to send instant messages in real time is one of the best ways that mobile phones have changed the way they communicate and have bridged that large gap between those that can understand sign language and those who could barely even grasp the slowest forms of finger spelling.
Of course, communicating among those with hearing impairments have always been through the use of sign language, and while sending instant messages gets the message clearly across; there are those who desire the ability to make use of that front facing camera and the video calling capabilities of the smart phone. Sadly, while it is easy to just prop the device up and be able to stream video in real time, phone camera software is not designed to be able to properly show the gestures and movements used for sign language.
This is why there has been a recent study to develop new phone technology that would be able to detect and focus on sign language. Currently using American Sign Language standards, a team of engineers have been able to successfully develop a mobile phone system for the hearing impaired. The only issue now is to have it tested in real life situations. The technology is said to be successful in a controlled lab environment. However, testing a device in optimum conditions is never enough so it has to be brought out into the field before the technology is made available to consumers.
A Week of Mobile News Highlights
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
This is a very busy week for the mobile phone industry with one new announcement after another. Here is a quick list of all the big headlines for the past couple of days.
First off, Samsung has confirmed that they are going to be releasing a white version of the GT i9000 Galaxy S Android smart phone. No word yet on exactly when this phone will be on stock, but it will be coming. Many believe that Samsung is directly competing with the iPhone 4 (which has a white version that has been terribly delayed).
O2 and the UK police have teamed up to bring down nine individuals that have conspired to steal millions from network providers. The arrest was just made recently and is a major step in helping out the local phone operators from potentially losing millions in a major scam.
Orange Mobile UK has confirmed that the iPhone 4 is now available for free on certain plans and tariffs. The big offer can still be availed off –especially now that the demand for the smart phone has died down considerably. Just be certain to avail of the free iPhone 4 Bumper through the downloadable iTunes app.
It has been confirmed that the Android operating system is now one of the largest mobile platforms available with over 55 million units distributed in this year alone. This volume is almost six times more than the amount of Android shipped out last year. Currently, Google’s Android is second place only to the Symbian OS.
Sony has taken the first step in a marketing campaign that pits the PSP against casual titles on the mobile phone industry. Many, however, believe that this is just a prologue to the upcoming PSP2 smart phone-gaming handheld which is supposedly an Android device. Google is indeed with Talks with Sony and it is possible that there is more to this rumor than meets the eye.
Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7: Over 8000 Already Released
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
According to reports, the number of mobile phones running the Windows Phone 7 operating system already out and in the hands of developers, testers and analysts are around 8000 in number; that is a very big volume when you are talking about a handset that has not yet even been released.
But Microsoft is quite focused on the new OS and for several good reasons too.
Most importantly, Microsoft wants the mobile platform to gain a positive reputation. It is already an established fact that the older Windows Mobile platform was anything but well loved, and hence, it is important for consumers to be able to be able to associate something new with the Microsoft brand. Given that Apple already has the advantage with the popularity of their Apple name and the iPhone and iBrand in general, Microsoft will need to bring their game to a whole new level.
Another thing that Microsoft needs is support from developers. And developers will only be supportive if developing for the system is not going to be difficult in terms of resources. By literally handing out phones to developers, one major logistical concern is easily taken care of, and bringing the user experience to a more personal level is certain to get developers to make apps that are suited to the operating system.
App support is going to be important to the success of Microsoft’s new handset, but with the currently announced game lineup for WP7 lacking any great titles, it will be important for Microsoft to bring something new to the table.
In the meanwhile, Google’s Android OS is also starting to gain more ground in the mobile phone industry. In fact, it has surpassed the iOS in number of users (or market share) and according to the reports, will eventually be able to take the number one spot from the Symbian OS, used on most Nokia phones.